used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Of all things in this most inexplicable world, one of the most inexplicable is why some people, deserving of real happiness, should be predestined by circumstances to a misery they cannot avert.
abyssnounUS /əˈbɪs/
a bottomless gulf or pit; any unfathomable (or apparently unfathomable) cavity or chasm or void extending below (often used figuratively)
From this reading They may be honest, kindly, intelligent, industrious, praiseworthy in many respects, deserving in all; but some malignant fate misguides them, and drags them, as with invisible chains, to that abyss which is the scoundrel's natural goal.
perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
From this reading Every step they take is in the wrong direction, on the downward path; every act they do, however deliberate, leads only to trouble.
(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 Of all things in this most inexplicable world, one of the most inexplicable is why some people, deserving of real happiness, should be predestined by circumstances to a misery they cannot avert.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading MIRIAM KEEPS AN APPOINTMENT.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading They may be honest, kindly, intelligent, industrious, praiseworthy in many respects, deserving in all; but some malignant fate misguides them, and drags them, as with invisible chains, to that abyss which is the scoundrel's natural goal.
APPOINTMENTnounUS /əˈpɔɪntmənt/
the act of putting a person into a non-elective position
From this reading MIRIAM KEEPS AN APPOINTMENT.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading They may be honest, kindly, intelligent, industrious, praiseworthy in many respects, deserving in all; but some malignant fate misguides them, and drags them, as with invisible chains, to that abyss which is the scoundrel's natural goal.
avertverbUS /əˈvɜːrt/
prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening
From this reading Of all things in this most inexplicable world, one of the most inexplicable is why some people, deserving of real happiness, should be predestined by circumstances to a misery they cannot avert.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Of all things in this most inexplicable world, one of the most inexplicable is why some people, deserving of real happiness, should be predestined by circumstances to a misery they cannot avert.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading They may be honest, kindly, intelligent, industrious, praiseworthy in many respects, deserving in all; but some malignant fate misguides them, and drags them, as with invisible chains, to that abyss which is the scoundrel's natural goal.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Of all things in this most inexplicable world, one of the most inexplicable is why some people, deserving of real happiness, should be predestined by circumstances to a misery they cannot avert.
cannot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Of all things in this most inexplicable world, one of the most inexplicable is why some people, deserving of real happiness, should be predestined by circumstances to a misery they cannot avert.
chainsnounUS /tʃeɪnz/
metal shackles; for hands or legs
From this reading They may be honest, kindly, intelligent, industrious, praiseworthy in many respects, deserving in all; but some malignant fate misguides them, and drags them, as with invisible chains, to that abyss which is the scoundrel's natural goal.
your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)
From this reading Of all things in this most inexplicable world, one of the most inexplicable is why some people, deserving of real happiness, should be predestined by circumstances to a misery they cannot avert.
deliberateadjectiveUS /dɪˈlɪbərət/
carefully thought out in advance
From this reading Every step they take is in the wrong direction, on the downward path; every act they do, however deliberate, leads only to trouble.
deservingadjectiveUS /dɪˈzɜːrvɪŋ/
(often used ironically) worthy of being treated in a particular way
From this reading Of all things in this most inexplicable world, one of the most inexplicable is why some people, deserving of real happiness, should be predestined by circumstances to a misery they cannot avert.
a line leading to a place or point
From this reading Every step they take is in the wrong direction, on the downward path; every act they do, however deliberate, leads only to trouble.
without deviation
From this reading With the ingenuity of a fox pursued they may twist and turn and double, only to end in running directly into the foreseen trap.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading Every step they take is in the wrong direction, on the downward path; every act they do, however deliberate, leads only to trouble.
increase twofold
From this reading With the ingenuity of a fox pursued they may twist and turn and double, only to end in running directly into the foreseen trap.
downwardadjectiveUS /ˈdaʊnwərd/
extending or moving from a higher to a lower place
From this reading Every step they take is in the wrong direction, on the downward path; every act they do, however deliberate, leads only to trouble.
dragsnounUS /dræɡz/
plural of “drag” — the phenomenon of resistance to motion through a fluid
From this reading They may be honest, kindly, intelligent, industrious, praiseworthy in many respects, deserving in all; but some malignant fate misguides them, and drags them, as with invisible chains, to that abyss which is the scoundrel's natural goal.
either extremity of something that has length
From this reading With the ingenuity of a fox pursued they may twist and turn and double, only to end in running directly into the foreseen trap.
EverydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading Every step they take is in the wrong direction, on the downward path; every act they do, however deliberate, leads only to trouble.
an event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future
From this reading They may be honest, kindly, intelligent, industrious, praiseworthy in many respects, deserving in all; but some malignant fate misguides them, and drags them, as with invisible chains, to that abyss which is the scoundrel's natural goal.
foreseenverbUS /ˌfɔːrˈsiːn/
inflected form of “foresee” — realize beforehand
From this reading With the ingenuity of a fox pursued they may twist and turn and double, only to end in running directly into the foreseen trap.
alert carnivorous mammal with pointed muzzle and ears and a bushy tail; most are predators that do not hunt in packs
From this reading With the ingenuity of a fox pursued they may twist and turn and double, only to end in running directly into the foreseen trap.
goalnounUS /ɡoʊl/
the state of affairs that a plan is intended to achieve and that (when achieved) terminates behavior intended to achieve it
From this reading They may be honest, kindly, intelligent, industrious, praiseworthy in many respects, deserving in all; but some malignant fate misguides them, and drags them, as with invisible chains, to that abyss which is the scoundrel's natural goal.
state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy
From this reading Of all things in this most inexplicable world, one of the most inexplicable is why some people, deserving of real happiness, should be predestined by circumstances to a misery they cannot avert.
not disposed to cheat or defraud; not deceptive or fraudulent
From this reading They may be honest, kindly, intelligent, industrious, praiseworthy in many respects, deserving in all; but some malignant fate misguides them, and drags them, as with invisible chains, to that abyss which is the scoundrel's natural goal.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading Every step they take is in the wrong direction, on the downward path; every act they do, however deliberate, leads only to trouble.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Of all things in this most inexplicable world, one of the most inexplicable is why some people, deserving of real happiness, should be predestined by circumstances to a misery they cannot avert.
industriousadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈdʌstriəs/
characterized by hard work and perseverance
From this reading They may be honest, kindly, intelligent, industrious, praiseworthy in many respects, deserving in all; but some malignant fate misguides them, and drags them, as with invisible chains, to that abyss which is the scoundrel's natural goal.
inexplicableadjectiveUS /ˌɪnəkˈsplɪsəbəl/
incapable of being explained or accounted for
From this reading Of all things in this most inexplicable world, one of the most inexplicable is why some people, deserving of real happiness, should be predestined by circumstances to a misery they cannot avert.
ingenuitynounUS /ˌɪndʒəˈnuːətiː/
the power of creative imagination
From this reading With the ingenuity of a fox pursued they may twist and turn and double, only to end in running directly into the foreseen trap.
intelligentadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈtelədʒənt/
having the capacity for thought and reason especially to a high degree
From this reading They may be honest, kindly, intelligent, industrious, praiseworthy in many respects, deserving in all; but some malignant fate misguides them, and drags them, as with invisible chains, to that abyss which is the scoundrel's natural goal.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading With the ingenuity of a fox pursued they may twist and turn and double, only to end in running directly into the foreseen trap.
invisibleadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈvɪzəbəl/
impossible or nearly impossible to see; imperceptible by the eye
From this reading They may be honest, kindly, intelligent, industrious, praiseworthy in many respects, deserving in all; but some malignant fate misguides them, and drags them, as with invisible chains, to that abyss which is the scoundrel's natural goal.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Of all things in this most inexplicable world, one of the most inexplicable is why some people, deserving of real happiness, should be predestined by circumstances to a misery they cannot avert.
plural of “keep” — the financial means whereby one lives
From this reading MIRIAM KEEPS AN APPOINTMENT.
showing or motivated by sympathy and understanding and generosity
From this reading They may be honest, kindly, intelligent, industrious, praiseworthy in many respects, deserving in all; but some malignant fate misguides them, and drags them, as with invisible chains, to that abyss which is the scoundrel's natural goal.
leadsnounUS /liːdz/
plural of “lead” — an advantage held by a competitor in a race
From this reading Every step they take is in the wrong direction, on the downward path; every act they do, however deliberate, leads only to trouble.
malignantadjectiveUS /məˈlɪɡnənt/
dangerous to health; characterized by progressive and uncontrolled growth (especially of a tumor)
From this reading They may be honest, kindly, intelligent, industrious, praiseworthy in many respects, deserving in all; but some malignant fate misguides them, and drags them, as with invisible chains, to that abyss which is the scoundrel's natural goal.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading They may be honest, kindly, intelligent, industrious, praiseworthy in many respects, deserving in all; but some malignant fate misguides them, and drags them, as with invisible chains, to that abyss which is the scoundrel's natural goal.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading They may be honest, kindly, intelligent, industrious, praiseworthy in many respects, deserving in all; but some malignant fate misguides them, and drags them, as with invisible chains, to that abyss which is the scoundrel's natural goal.
MIRIAM
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading MIRIAM KEEPS AN APPOINTMENT.
a state of ill-being due to affliction or misfortune
From this reading Of all things in this most inexplicable world, one of the most inexplicable is why some people, deserving of real happiness, should be predestined by circumstances to a misery they cannot avert.
misguidesverbUS /mɪsˈɡaɪdz/
third-person singular of “misguide” — lead someone in the wrong direction or give someone wrong directions
From this reading They may be honest, kindly, intelligent, industrious, praiseworthy in many respects, deserving in all; but some malignant fate misguides them, and drags them, as with invisible chains, to that abyss which is the scoundrel's natural goal.
used to form the superlative
From this reading Of all things in this most inexplicable world, one of the most inexplicable is why some people, deserving of real happiness, should be predestined by circumstances to a misery they cannot avert.
in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature
From this reading They may be honest, kindly, intelligent, industrious, praiseworthy in many respects, deserving in all; but some malignant fate misguides them, and drags them, as with invisible chains, to that abyss which is the scoundrel's natural goal.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Of all things in this most inexplicable world, one of the most inexplicable is why some people, deserving of real happiness, should be predestined by circumstances to a misery they cannot avert.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Every step they take is in the wrong direction, on the downward path; every act they do, however deliberate, leads only to trouble.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Of all things in this most inexplicable world, one of the most inexplicable is why some people, deserving of real happiness, should be predestined by circumstances to a misery they cannot avert.
and nothing more
From this reading Every step they take is in the wrong direction, on the downward path; every act they do, however deliberate, leads only to trouble.
a course of conduct
From this reading Every step they take is in the wrong direction, on the downward path; every act they do, however deliberate, leads only to trouble.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading Of all things in this most inexplicable world, one of the most inexplicable is why some people, deserving of real happiness, should be predestined by circumstances to a misery they cannot avert.
praiseworthyadjectiveUS /ˈpreɪzwɜːrði/
worthy of high praise
From this reading They may be honest, kindly, intelligent, industrious, praiseworthy in many respects, deserving in all; but some malignant fate misguides them, and drags them, as with invisible chains, to that abyss which is the scoundrel's natural goal.
predestinedadjectiveUS /ˌpriːˈdestənd/
established or prearranged unalterably
From this reading Of all things in this most inexplicable world, one of the most inexplicable is why some people, deserving of real happiness, should be predestined by circumstances to a misery they cannot avert.
a person who is being chased
From this reading With the ingenuity of a fox pursued they may twist and turn and double, only to end in running directly into the foreseen trap.
being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory
From this reading Of all things in this most inexplicable world, one of the most inexplicable is why some people, deserving of real happiness, should be predestined by circumstances to a misery they cannot avert.
respectsnounUS /rɪˈspekts/
(often used with “pay”) a formal expression of esteem
From this reading They may be honest, kindly, intelligent, industrious, praiseworthy in many respects, deserving in all; but some malignant fate misguides them, and drags them, as with invisible chains, to that abyss which is the scoundrel's natural goal.
(of fluids) moving or issuing in a stream
From this reading With the ingenuity of a fox pursued they may twist and turn and double, only to end in running directly into the foreseen trap.
scoundrel's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They may be honest, kindly, intelligent, industrious, praiseworthy in many respects, deserving in all; but some malignant fate misguides them, and drags them, as with invisible chains, to that abyss which is the scoundrel's natural goal.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading Of all things in this most inexplicable world, one of the most inexplicable is why some people, deserving of real happiness, should be predestined by circumstances to a misery they cannot avert.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Of all things in this most inexplicable world, one of the most inexplicable is why some people, deserving of real happiness, should be predestined by circumstances to a misery they cannot avert.
any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal
From this reading Every step they take is in the wrong direction, on the downward path; every act they do, however deliberate, leads only to trouble.
carry out
From this reading Every step they take is in the wrong direction, on the downward path; every act they do, however deliberate, leads only to trouble.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading They may be honest, kindly, intelligent, industrious, praiseworthy in many respects, deserving in all; but some malignant fate misguides them, and drags them, as with invisible chains, to that abyss which is the scoundrel's natural goal.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Of all things in this most inexplicable world, one of the most inexplicable is why some people, deserving of real happiness, should be predestined by circumstances to a misery they cannot avert.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading They may be honest, kindly, intelligent, industrious, praiseworthy in many respects, deserving in all; but some malignant fate misguides them, and drags them, as with invisible chains, to that abyss which is the scoundrel's natural goal.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Of all things in this most inexplicable world, one of the most inexplicable is why some people, deserving of real happiness, should be predestined by circumstances to a misery they cannot avert.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading Of all things in this most inexplicable world, one of the most inexplicable is why some people, deserving of real happiness, should be predestined by circumstances to a misery they cannot avert.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Of all things in this most inexplicable world, one of the most inexplicable is why some people, deserving of real happiness, should be predestined by circumstances to a misery they cannot avert.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Of all things in this most inexplicable world, one of the most inexplicable is why some people, deserving of real happiness, should be predestined by circumstances to a misery they cannot avert.
trapnounUS /træp/
a device in which something (usually an animal) can be caught and penned
From this reading With the ingenuity of a fox pursued they may twist and turn and double, only to end in running directly into the foreseen trap.
a source of difficulty
From this reading Every step they take is in the wrong direction, on the downward path; every act they do, however deliberate, leads only to trouble.
change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense
From this reading With the ingenuity of a fox pursued they may twist and turn and double, only to end in running directly into the foreseen trap.
twistverbUS /twɪst/
to move in a twisting or contorted motion, (especially when struggling)
From this reading With the ingenuity of a fox pursued they may twist and turn and double, only to end in running directly into the foreseen trap.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading They may be honest, kindly, intelligent, industrious, praiseworthy in many respects, deserving in all; but some malignant fate misguides them, and drags them, as with invisible chains, to that abyss which is the scoundrel's natural goal.
the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”
From this reading Of all things in this most inexplicable world, one of the most inexplicable is why some people, deserving of real happiness, should be predestined by circumstances to a misery they cannot avert.
in the company of; together with
From this reading They may be honest, kindly, intelligent, industrious, praiseworthy in many respects, deserving in all; but some malignant fate misguides them, and drags them, as with invisible chains, to that abyss which is the scoundrel's natural goal.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading Of all things in this most inexplicable world, one of the most inexplicable is why some people, deserving of real happiness, should be predestined by circumstances to a misery they cannot avert.
not correct; not in conformity with fact or truth
From this reading Every step they take is in the wrong direction, on the downward path; every act they do, however deliberate, leads only to trouble.
