used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Bob and Billy carried them out-doors for a broader view of life; but could not persuade them that sunshine and verdure were more to be desired than two snug little beds underground.
(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 Better death, with no good Puppy-land to go to; better an end of all things, than life with its ups and downs, its roses and thorns, the uncertain joys and certain ills that puppy flesh is heir to--such seemed their reflections as they gazed upon the world with languid, melancholy eyes.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Better death, with no good Puppy-land to go to; better an end of all things, than life with its ups and downs, its roses and thorns, the uncertain joys and certain ills that puppy flesh is heir to--such seemed their reflections as they gazed upon the world with languid, melancholy eyes.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading But it was his last hurrah; for puppies, like people, view the world through their own eyes, and where their brother had seen, approved, and desired, they gazed quite indifferently.
apple-tree
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They shunned their brother’s gay society; they refused food and wailed with hunger; they partook of a little and wailed with pain; one died in the evening, yawning and stretching; the other in the morning, kicking and squealing; two new graves were dug under the apple-tree: and one puppy fell heir to the love of six.
approvedadjectiveUS /əˈpruːvd/
established by authority; given authoritative approval
From this reading But it was his last hurrah; for puppies, like people, view the world through their own eyes, and where their brother had seen, approved, and desired, they gazed quite indifferently.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Better death, with no good Puppy-land to go to; better an end of all things, than life with its ups and downs, its roses and thorns, the uncertain joys and certain ills that puppy flesh is heir to--such seemed their reflections as they gazed upon the world with languid, melancholy eyes.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Bob and Billy carried them out-doors for a broader view of life; but could not persuade them that sunshine and verdure were more to be desired than two snug little beds underground.
bedsnounUS /bedz/
plural of “bed” — a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
From this reading Bob and Billy carried them out-doors for a broader view of life; but could not persuade them that sunshine and verdure were more to be desired than two snug little beds underground.
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading Better death, with no good Puppy-land to go to; better an end of all things, than life with its ups and downs, its roses and thorns, the uncertain joys and certain ills that puppy flesh is heir to--such seemed their reflections as they gazed upon the world with languid, melancholy eyes.
a short stout club used primarily by policemen
From this reading Bob and Billy carried them out-doors for a broader view of life; but could not persuade them that sunshine and verdure were more to be desired than two snug little beds underground.
move up and down repeatedly
From this reading Bob and Billy carried them out-doors for a broader view of life; but could not persuade them that sunshine and verdure were more to be desired than two snug little beds underground.
broaderadjectiveUS /ˈbrɔːdər/
comparative of “broad” — having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other
From this reading Bob and Billy carried them out-doors for a broader view of life; but could not persuade them that sunshine and verdure were more to be desired than two snug little beds underground.
a male with the same parents as someone else
From this reading But it was his last hurrah; for puppies, like people, view the world through their own eyes, and where their brother had seen, approved, and desired, they gazed quite indifferently.
brother'snounUS /ˈbrʌðərz/
possessive form of “brother” — a male with the same parents as someone else
From this reading They shunned their brother’s gay society; they refused food and wailed with hunger; they partook of a little and wailed with pain; one died in the evening, yawning and stretching; the other in the morning, kicking and squealing; two new graves were dug under the apple-tree: and one puppy fell heir to the love of six.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But it was his last hurrah; for puppies, like people, view the world through their own eyes, and where their brother had seen, approved, and desired, they gazed quite indifferently.
the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something
From this reading “I wouldn’t care so much if they hadn’t opened their eyes,” said Billy; “but I thought they were sure to live then.
inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body
From this reading Bob and Billy carried them out-doors for a broader view of life; but could not persuade them that sunshine and verdure were more to be desired than two snug little beds underground.
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading Better death, with no good Puppy-land to go to; better an end of all things, than life with its ups and downs, its roses and thorns, the uncertain joys and certain ills that puppy flesh is heir to--such seemed their reflections as they gazed upon the world with languid, melancholy eyes.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Bob and Billy carried them out-doors for a broader view of life; but could not persuade them that sunshine and verdure were more to be desired than two snug little beds underground.
the event of dying or departure from life
From this reading Better death, with no good Puppy-land to go to; better an end of all things, than life with its ups and downs, its roses and thorns, the uncertain joys and certain ills that puppy flesh is heir to--such seemed their reflections as they gazed upon the world with languid, melancholy eyes.
wanted intensely
From this reading But it was his last hurrah; for puppies, like people, view the world through their own eyes, and where their brother had seen, approved, and desired, they gazed quite indifferently.
past form of “die” — pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life
From this reading They shunned their brother’s gay society; they refused food and wailed with hunger; they partook of a little and wailed with pain; one died in the evening, yawning and stretching; the other in the morning, kicking and squealing; two new graves were dug under the apple-tree: and one puppy fell heir to the love of six.
downsnounUS /daʊnz/
plural of “down” — soft fine feathers
From this reading Better death, with no good Puppy-land to go to; better an end of all things, than life with its ups and downs, its roses and thorns, the uncertain joys and certain ills that puppy flesh is heir to--such seemed their reflections as they gazed upon the world with languid, melancholy eyes.
dugnounUS /dʌɡ/
an udder or breast or teat
From this reading They shunned their brother’s gay society; they refused food and wailed with hunger; they partook of a little and wailed with pain; one died in the evening, yawning and stretching; the other in the morning, kicking and squealing; two new graves were dug under the apple-tree: and one puppy fell heir to the love of six.
either extremity of something that has length
From this reading Better death, with no good Puppy-land to go to; better an end of all things, than life with its ups and downs, its roses and thorns, the uncertain joys and certain ills that puppy flesh is heir to--such seemed their reflections as they gazed upon the world with languid, melancholy eyes.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading They shunned their brother’s gay society; they refused food and wailed with hunger; they partook of a little and wailed with pain; one died in the evening, yawning and stretching; the other in the morning, kicking and squealing; two new graves were dug under the apple-tree: and one puppy fell heir to the love of six.
opinion or judgment
From this reading But it was his last hurrah; for puppies, like people, view the world through their own eyes, and where their brother had seen, approved, and desired, they gazed quite indifferently.
cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow
From this reading They shunned their brother’s gay society; they refused food and wailed with hunger; they partook of a little and wailed with pain; one died in the evening, yawning and stretching; the other in the morning, kicking and squealing; two new graves were dug under the apple-tree: and one puppy fell heir to the love of six.
the soft tissue of the body of a vertebrate: mainly muscle tissue and fat
From this reading Better death, with no good Puppy-land to go to; better an end of all things, than life with its ups and downs, its roses and thorns, the uncertain joys and certain ills that puppy flesh is heir to--such seemed their reflections as they gazed upon the world with languid, melancholy eyes.
any substance that can be metabolized by an animal to give energy and build tissue
From this reading They shunned their brother’s gay society; they refused food and wailed with hunger; they partook of a little and wailed with pain; one died in the evening, yawning and stretching; the other in the morning, kicking and squealing; two new graves were dug under the apple-tree: and one puppy fell heir to the love of six.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading But it was his last hurrah; for puppies, like people, view the world through their own eyes, and where their brother had seen, approved, and desired, they gazed quite indifferently.
bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer
From this reading They shunned their brother’s gay society; they refused food and wailed with hunger; they partook of a little and wailed with pain; one died in the evening, yawning and stretching; the other in the morning, kicking and squealing; two new graves were dug under the apple-tree: and one puppy fell heir to the love of six.
past form of “gaze” — look at with fixed eyes
From this reading But it was his last hurrah; for puppies, like people, view the world through their own eyes, and where their brother had seen, approved, and desired, they gazed quite indifferently.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Better death, with no good Puppy-land to go to; better an end of all things, than life with its ups and downs, its roses and thorns, the uncertain joys and certain ills that puppy flesh is heir to--such seemed their reflections as they gazed upon the world with languid, melancholy eyes.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading Better death, with no good Puppy-land to go to; better an end of all things, than life with its ups and downs, its roses and thorns, the uncertain joys and certain ills that puppy flesh is heir to--such seemed their reflections as they gazed upon the world with languid, melancholy eyes.
gravesnounUS /ɡreɪvz/
English writer known for his interest in mythology and in the classics (1895-1985)
From this reading They shunned their brother’s gay society; they refused food and wailed with hunger; they partook of a little and wailed with pain; one died in the evening, yawning and stretching; the other in the morning, kicking and squealing; two new graves were dug under the apple-tree: and one puppy fell heir to the love of six.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading But it was his last hurrah; for puppies, like people, view the world through their own eyes, and where their brother had seen, approved, and desired, they gazed quite indifferently.
hadn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I wouldn’t care so much if they hadn’t opened their eyes,” said Billy; “but I thought they were sure to live then.
heirnounUS /er/
A person legally or magically entitled to the property or rank of another on that person's death.
From this reading Better death, with no good Puppy-land to go to; better an end of all things, than life with its ups and downs, its roses and thorns, the uncertain joys and certain ills that puppy flesh is heir to--such seemed their reflections as they gazed upon the world with languid, melancholy eyes.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading But it was his last hurrah; for puppies, like people, view the world through their own eyes, and where their brother had seen, approved, and desired, they gazed quite indifferently.
hungernounUS /ˈhʌŋɡər/
a physiological need for food; the consequence of food deprivation
From this reading They shunned their brother’s gay society; they refused food and wailed with hunger; they partook of a little and wailed with pain; one died in the evening, yawning and stretching; the other in the morning, kicking and squealing; two new graves were dug under the apple-tree: and one puppy fell heir to the love of six.
hurrahnounUS /hʊˈrɑː/
a victory cheer
From this reading But it was his last hurrah; for puppies, like people, view the world through their own eyes, and where their brother had seen, approved, and desired, they gazed quite indifferently.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading “I wouldn’t care so much if they hadn’t opened their eyes,” said Billy; “but I thought they were sure to live then.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading “I wouldn’t care so much if they hadn’t opened their eyes,” said Billy; “but I thought they were sure to live then.
illsnounUS /ɪlz/
plural of “ill” — an often persistent bodily disorder or disease; a cause for complaining
From this reading Better death, with no good Puppy-land to go to; better an end of all things, than life with its ups and downs, its roses and thorns, the uncertain joys and certain ills that puppy flesh is heir to--such seemed their reflections as they gazed upon the world with languid, melancholy eyes.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading They shunned their brother’s gay society; they refused food and wailed with hunger; they partook of a little and wailed with pain; one died in the evening, yawning and stretching; the other in the morning, kicking and squealing; two new graves were dug under the apple-tree: and one puppy fell heir to the love of six.
indifferentlyadverbUS /ˌɪnˈdɪfrəntli/
with indifference; in an indifferent manner
From this reading But it was his last hurrah; for puppies, like people, view the world through their own eyes, and where their brother had seen, approved, and desired, they gazed quite indifferently.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Better death, with no good Puppy-land to go to; better an end of all things, than life with its ups and downs, its roses and thorns, the uncertain joys and certain ills that puppy flesh is heir to--such seemed their reflections as they gazed upon the world with languid, melancholy eyes.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading But it was his last hurrah; for puppies, like people, view the world through their own eyes, and where their brother had seen, approved, and desired, they gazed quite indifferently.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Better death, with no good Puppy-land to go to; better an end of all things, than life with its ups and downs, its roses and thorns, the uncertain joys and certain ills that puppy flesh is heir to--such seemed their reflections as they gazed upon the world with languid, melancholy eyes.
joysnounUS /dʒɔɪz/
plural of “joy” — the emotion of great happiness
From this reading Better death, with no good Puppy-land to go to; better an end of all things, than life with its ups and downs, its roses and thorns, the uncertain joys and certain ills that puppy flesh is heir to--such seemed their reflections as they gazed upon the world with languid, melancholy eyes.
kickingnounUS /ˈkɪkɪŋ/
a rhythmic thrusting movement of the legs as in swimming or calisthenics
From this reading They shunned their brother’s gay society; they refused food and wailed with hunger; they partook of a little and wailed with pain; one died in the evening, yawning and stretching; the other in the morning, kicking and squealing; two new graves were dug under the apple-tree: and one puppy fell heir to the love of six.
languidadjectiveUS /ˈlæŋɡwəd/
lacking spirit or liveliness
From this reading Better death, with no good Puppy-land to go to; better an end of all things, than life with its ups and downs, its roses and thorns, the uncertain joys and certain ills that puppy flesh is heir to--such seemed their reflections as they gazed upon the world with languid, melancholy eyes.
immediately past
From this reading But it was his last hurrah; for puppies, like people, view the world through their own eyes, and where their brother had seen, approved, and desired, they gazed quite indifferently.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Bob and Billy carried them out-doors for a broader view of life; but could not persuade them that sunshine and verdure were more to be desired than two snug little beds underground.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading But it was his last hurrah; for puppies, like people, view the world through their own eyes, and where their brother had seen, approved, and desired, they gazed quite indifferently.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Bob and Billy carried them out-doors for a broader view of life; but could not persuade them that sunshine and verdure were more to be desired than two snug little beds underground.
be an inhabitant of or reside in
From this reading “I wouldn’t care so much if they hadn’t opened their eyes,” said Billy; “but I thought they were sure to live then.
a strong positive emotion of regard and affection
From this reading They shunned their brother’s gay society; they refused food and wailed with hunger; they partook of a little and wailed with pain; one died in the evening, yawning and stretching; the other in the morning, kicking and squealing; two new graves were dug under the apple-tree: and one puppy fell heir to the love of six.
a feeling of thoughtful sadness
From this reading Better death, with no good Puppy-land to go to; better an end of all things, than life with its ups and downs, its roses and thorns, the uncertain joys and certain ills that puppy flesh is heir to--such seemed their reflections as they gazed upon the world with languid, melancholy eyes.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Bob and Billy carried them out-doors for a broader view of life; but could not persuade them that sunshine and verdure were more to be desired than two snug little beds underground.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading They shunned their brother’s gay society; they refused food and wailed with hunger; they partook of a little and wailed with pain; one died in the evening, yawning and stretching; the other in the morning, kicking and squealing; two new graves were dug under the apple-tree: and one puppy fell heir to the love of six.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading “I wouldn’t care so much if they hadn’t opened their eyes,” said Billy; “but I thought they were sure to live then.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading They shunned their brother’s gay society; they refused food and wailed with hunger; they partook of a little and wailed with pain; one died in the evening, yawning and stretching; the other in the morning, kicking and squealing; two new graves were dug under the apple-tree: and one puppy fell heir to the love of six.
not any; not one
From this reading Better death, with no good Puppy-land to go to; better an end of all things, than life with its ups and downs, its roses and thorns, the uncertain joys and certain ills that puppy flesh is heir to--such seemed their reflections as they gazed upon the world with languid, melancholy eyes.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Bob and Billy carried them out-doors for a broader view of life; but could not persuade them that sunshine and verdure were more to be desired than two snug little beds underground.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Bob and Billy carried them out-doors for a broader view of life; but could not persuade them that sunshine and verdure were more to be desired than two snug little beds underground.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading They shunned their brother’s gay society; they refused food and wailed with hunger; they partook of a little and wailed with pain; one died in the evening, yawning and stretching; the other in the morning, kicking and squealing; two new graves were dug under the apple-tree: and one puppy fell heir to the love of six.
used of mouth or eyes
From this reading “I wouldn’t care so much if they hadn’t opened their eyes,” said Billy; “but I thought they were sure to live then.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading They shunned their brother’s gay society; they refused food and wailed with hunger; they partook of a little and wailed with pain; one died in the evening, yawning and stretching; the other in the morning, kicking and squealing; two new graves were dug under the apple-tree: and one puppy fell heir to the love of six.
out-doors
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bob and Billy carried them out-doors for a broader view of life; but could not persuade them that sunshine and verdure were more to be desired than two snug little beds underground.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading But it was his last hurrah; for puppies, like people, view the world through their own eyes, and where their brother had seen, approved, and desired, they gazed quite indifferently.
a symptom of some physical hurt or disorder
From this reading They shunned their brother’s gay society; they refused food and wailed with hunger; they partook of a little and wailed with pain; one died in the evening, yawning and stretching; the other in the morning, kicking and squealing; two new graves were dug under the apple-tree: and one puppy fell heir to the love of six.
partook
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They shunned their brother’s gay society; they refused food and wailed with hunger; they partook of a little and wailed with pain; one died in the evening, yawning and stretching; the other in the morning, kicking and squealing; two new graves were dug under the apple-tree: and one puppy fell heir to the love of six.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading But it was his last hurrah; for puppies, like people, view the world through their own eyes, and where their brother had seen, approved, and desired, they gazed quite indifferently.
persuadeverbUS /pərˈsweɪd/
win approval or support for
From this reading Bob and Billy carried them out-doors for a broader view of life; but could not persuade them that sunshine and verdure were more to be desired than two snug little beds underground.
puppiesnounUS /ˈpʌpiz/
plural of “puppy” — a young dog
From this reading But it was his last hurrah; for puppies, like people, view the world through their own eyes, and where their brother had seen, approved, and desired, they gazed quite indifferently.
puppynounUS /ˈpʌpi/
a young dog
From this reading Better death, with no good Puppy-land to go to; better an end of all things, than life with its ups and downs, its roses and thorns, the uncertain joys and certain ills that puppy flesh is heir to--such seemed their reflections as they gazed upon the world with languid, melancholy eyes.
Puppy-land
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Better death, with no good Puppy-land to go to; better an end of all things, than life with its ups and downs, its roses and thorns, the uncertain joys and certain ills that puppy flesh is heir to--such seemed their reflections as they gazed upon the world with languid, melancholy eyes.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading But it was his last hurrah; for puppies, like people, view the world through their own eyes, and where their brother had seen, approved, and desired, they gazed quite indifferently.
reflectionsnounUS /rɪˈflekʃənz/
plural of “reflection” — a calm, lengthy, intent consideration
From this reading Better death, with no good Puppy-land to go to; better an end of all things, than life with its ups and downs, its roses and thorns, the uncertain joys and certain ills that puppy flesh is heir to--such seemed their reflections as they gazed upon the world with languid, melancholy eyes.
past form of “refuse” — show unwillingness towards
From this reading They shunned their brother’s gay society; they refused food and wailed with hunger; they partook of a little and wailed with pain; one died in the evening, yawning and stretching; the other in the morning, kicking and squealing; two new graves were dug under the apple-tree: and one puppy fell heir to the love of six.
plural of “rose” — any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses
From this reading Better death, with no good Puppy-land to go to; better an end of all things, than life with its ups and downs, its roses and thorns, the uncertain joys and certain ills that puppy flesh is heir to--such seemed their reflections as they gazed upon the world with languid, melancholy eyes.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading “I wouldn’t care so much if they hadn’t opened their eyes,” said Billy; “but I thought they were sure to live then.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Better death, with no good Puppy-land to go to; better an end of all things, than life with its ups and downs, its roses and thorns, the uncertain joys and certain ills that puppy flesh is heir to--such seemed their reflections as they gazed upon the world with languid, melancholy eyes.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading But it was his last hurrah; for puppies, like people, view the world through their own eyes, and where their brother had seen, approved, and desired, they gazed quite indifferently.
shunnedverbUS /ʃʌnd/
inflected form of “shun” — avoid and stay away from deliberately; stay clear of
From this reading They shunned their brother’s gay society; they refused food and wailed with hunger; they partook of a little and wailed with pain; one died in the evening, yawning and stretching; the other in the morning, kicking and squealing; two new graves were dug under the apple-tree: and one puppy fell heir to the love of six.
the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one
From this reading They shunned their brother’s gay society; they refused food and wailed with hunger; they partook of a little and wailed with pain; one died in the evening, yawning and stretching; the other in the morning, kicking and squealing; two new graves were dug under the apple-tree: and one puppy fell heir to the love of six.
snugadjectiveUS /snʌɡ/
offering safety; well protected or concealed
From this reading Bob and Billy carried them out-doors for a broader view of life; but could not persuade them that sunshine and verdure were more to be desired than two snug little beds underground.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading “I wouldn’t care so much if they hadn’t opened their eyes,” said Billy; “but I thought they were sure to live then.
an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization
From this reading They shunned their brother’s gay society; they refused food and wailed with hunger; they partook of a little and wailed with pain; one died in the evening, yawning and stretching; the other in the morning, kicking and squealing; two new graves were dug under the apple-tree: and one puppy fell heir to the love of six.
squealingadjectiveUS /ˈskwiːlɪŋ/
having or making a high-pitched sound such as that made by a mouse or a rusty hinge
From this reading They shunned their brother’s gay society; they refused food and wailed with hunger; they partook of a little and wailed with pain; one died in the evening, yawning and stretching; the other in the morning, kicking and squealing; two new graves were dug under the apple-tree: and one puppy fell heir to the love of six.
stretchingnounUS /ˈstretʃɪŋ/
act of expanding by lengthening or widening
From this reading They shunned their brother’s gay society; they refused food and wailed with hunger; they partook of a little and wailed with pain; one died in the evening, yawning and stretching; the other in the morning, kicking and squealing; two new graves were dug under the apple-tree: and one puppy fell heir to the love of six.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Better death, with no good Puppy-land to go to; better an end of all things, than life with its ups and downs, its roses and thorns, the uncertain joys and certain ills that puppy flesh is heir to--such seemed their reflections as they gazed upon the world with languid, melancholy eyes.
the rays of the sun
From this reading Bob and Billy carried them out-doors for a broader view of life; but could not persuade them that sunshine and verdure were more to be desired than two snug little beds underground.
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading “I wouldn’t care so much if they hadn’t opened their eyes,” said Billy; “but I thought they were sure to live then.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Bob and Billy carried them out-doors for a broader view of life; but could not persuade them that sunshine and verdure were more to be desired than two snug little beds underground.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Bob and Billy carried them out-doors for a broader view of life; but could not persuade them that sunshine and verdure were more to be desired than two snug little beds underground.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading But it was his last hurrah; for puppies, like people, view the world through their own eyes, and where their brother had seen, approved, and desired, they gazed quite indifferently.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading But it was his last hurrah; for puppies, like people, view the world through their own eyes, and where their brother had seen, approved, and desired, they gazed quite indifferently.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Bob and Billy carried them out-doors for a broader view of life; but could not persuade them that sunshine and verdure were more to be desired than two snug little beds underground.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading “I wouldn’t care so much if they hadn’t opened their eyes,” said Billy; “but I thought they were sure to live then.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading But it was his last hurrah; for puppies, like people, view the world through their own eyes, and where their brother had seen, approved, and desired, they gazed quite indifferently.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading Better death, with no good Puppy-land to go to; better an end of all things, than life with its ups and downs, its roses and thorns, the uncertain joys and certain ills that puppy flesh is heir to--such seemed their reflections as they gazed upon the world with languid, melancholy eyes.
thornsnounUS /θɔːrnz/
plural of “thorn” — something that causes irritation and annoyance
From this reading Better death, with no good Puppy-land to go to; better an end of all things, than life with its ups and downs, its roses and thorns, the uncertain joys and certain ills that puppy flesh is heir to--such seemed their reflections as they gazed upon the world with languid, melancholy eyes.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading “I wouldn’t care so much if they hadn’t opened their eyes,” said Billy; “but I thought they were sure to live then.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading But it was his last hurrah; for puppies, like people, view the world through their own eyes, and where their brother had seen, approved, and desired, they gazed quite indifferently.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Bob and Billy carried them out-doors for a broader view of life; but could not persuade them that sunshine and verdure were more to be desired than two snug little beds underground.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Bob and Billy carried them out-doors for a broader view of life; but could not persuade them that sunshine and verdure were more to be desired than two snug little beds underground.
uncertainadjectiveUS /ənˈsɜːrtən/
lacking or indicating lack of confidence or assurance
From this reading Better death, with no good Puppy-land to go to; better an end of all things, than life with its ups and downs, its roses and thorns, the uncertain joys and certain ills that puppy flesh is heir to--such seemed their reflections as they gazed upon the world with languid, melancholy eyes.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading They shunned their brother’s gay society; they refused food and wailed with hunger; they partook of a little and wailed with pain; one died in the evening, yawning and stretching; the other in the morning, kicking and squealing; two new graves were dug under the apple-tree: and one puppy fell heir to the love of six.
undergroundadjectiveUS /ˈʌndərɡraʊnd/
under the level of the ground
From this reading Bob and Billy carried them out-doors for a broader view of life; but could not persuade them that sunshine and verdure were more to be desired than two snug little beds underground.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Better death, with no good Puppy-land to go to; better an end of all things, than life with its ups and downs, its roses and thorns, the uncertain joys and certain ills that puppy flesh is heir to--such seemed their reflections as they gazed upon the world with languid, melancholy eyes.
upsverbUS /ʌps/
third-person singular of “up” — raise
From this reading Better death, with no good Puppy-land to go to; better an end of all things, than life with its ups and downs, its roses and thorns, the uncertain joys and certain ills that puppy flesh is heir to--such seemed their reflections as they gazed upon the world with languid, melancholy eyes.
verdurenoun
green foliage
From this reading Bob and Billy carried them out-doors for a broader view of life; but could not persuade them that sunshine and verdure were more to be desired than two snug little beds underground.
a way of regarding situations or topics etc.
From this reading But it was his last hurrah; for puppies, like people, view the world through their own eyes, and where their brother had seen, approved, and desired, they gazed quite indifferently.
wailedverbUS /weɪld/
past form of “wail” — emit long loud cries
From this reading They shunned their brother’s gay society; they refused food and wailed with hunger; they partook of a little and wailed with pain; one died in the evening, yawning and stretching; the other in the morning, kicking and squealing; two new graves were dug under the apple-tree: and one puppy fell heir to the love of six.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading But it was his last hurrah; for puppies, like people, view the world through their own eyes, and where their brother had seen, approved, and desired, they gazed quite indifferently.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Bob and Billy carried them out-doors for a broader view of life; but could not persuade them that sunshine and verdure were more to be desired than two snug little beds underground.
in or at the place that
From this reading But it was his last hurrah; for puppies, like people, view the world through their own eyes, and where their brother had seen, approved, and desired, they gazed quite indifferently.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Better death, with no good Puppy-land to go to; better an end of all things, than life with its ups and downs, its roses and thorns, the uncertain joys and certain ills that puppy flesh is heir to--such seemed their reflections as they gazed upon the world with languid, melancholy eyes.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading But it was his last hurrah; for puppies, like people, view the world through their own eyes, and where their brother had seen, approved, and desired, they gazed quite indifferently.
wouldn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I wouldn’t care so much if they hadn’t opened their eyes,” said Billy; “but I thought they were sure to live then.
yawningadjectiveUS /ˈjɔːnɪŋ/
gaping open as if threatening to engulf someone or something
From this reading They shunned their brother’s gay society; they refused food and wailed with hunger; they partook of a little and wailed with pain; one died in the evening, yawning and stretching; the other in the morning, kicking and squealing; two new graves were dug under the apple-tree: and one puppy fell heir to the love of six.
