used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A mile from town, where the angry wind could be seen at work tearing the purple rainclouds into rags and tatters, through which the hidden sun shot long rays of pale splendor, Wesley Elliot was walking rapidly, his head bent, his eyes fixed and absent.
not being in a specified place
From this reading A mile from town, where the angry wind could be seen at work tearing the purple rainclouds into rags and tatters, through which the hidden sun shot long rays of pale splendor, Wesley Elliot was walking rapidly, his head bent, his eyes fixed and absent.
how long something has existed
From this reading He had just emerged from one of those crucial experiences of life, which, more than the turning of the earth upon its axis, serve to age a human being.
(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 Just why his late interview with Andrew Bolton should have precipitated this event, he could not possibly have explained to any one—and least of all to himself.
ambitionsnounUS /æmˈbɪʃənz/
plural of “ambition” — a cherished desire
From this reading He had begun, logically enough, with an illuminating review of the motives which led him into the ministry; they were a sorry lot, on the whole; but his subsequent ambitions appeared even worse.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading For perhaps the first time in the brief span of his remembrance, he had scrutinized himself in the pitiless light of an intelligence higher than his own everyday consciousness; and the sight of that meaner self, striving to run to cover, had not been pleasant.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A mile from town, where the angry wind could be seen at work tearing the purple rainclouds into rags and tatters, through which the hidden sun shot long rays of pale splendor, Wesley Elliot was walking rapidly, his head bent, his eyes fixed and absent.
AndrewnounUS /ˈændruː/
(New Testament) disciple of Jesus; brother of Peter; patron saint of Scotland
From this reading Just why his late interview with Andrew Bolton should have precipitated this event, he could not possibly have explained to any one—and least of all to himself.
angryadjectiveUS /ˈæŋɡri/
feeling or showing anger
From this reading A mile from town, where the angry wind could be seen at work tearing the purple rainclouds into rags and tatters, through which the hidden sun shot long rays of pale splendor, Wesley Elliot was walking rapidly, his head bent, his eyes fixed and absent.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Just why his late interview with Andrew Bolton should have precipitated this event, he could not possibly have explained to any one—and least of all to himself.
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading He had begun, logically enough, with an illuminating review of the motives which led him into the ministry; they were a sorry lot, on the whole; but his subsequent ambitions appeared even worse.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading A mile from town, where the angry wind could be seen at work tearing the purple rainclouds into rags and tatters, through which the hidden sun shot long rays of pale splendor, Wesley Elliot was walking rapidly, his head bent, his eyes fixed and absent.
axisnounUS /ˈæksəs/
a straight line through a body or figure that satisfies certain conditions
From this reading He had just emerged from one of those crucial experiences of life, which, more than the turning of the earth upon its axis, serve to age a human being.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading A mile from town, where the angry wind could be seen at work tearing the purple rainclouds into rags and tatters, through which the hidden sun shot long rays of pale splendor, Wesley Elliot was walking rapidly, his head bent, his eyes fixed and absent.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading For perhaps the first time in the brief span of his remembrance, he had scrutinized himself in the pitiless light of an intelligence higher than his own everyday consciousness; and the sight of that meaner self, striving to run to cover, had not been pleasant.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading He had begun, logically enough, with an illuminating review of the motives which led him into the ministry; they were a sorry lot, on the whole; but his subsequent ambitions appeared even worse.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading He had just emerged from one of those crucial experiences of life, which, more than the turning of the earth upon its axis, serve to age a human being.
a relatively permanent inclination to react in a particular way
From this reading A mile from town, where the angry wind could be seen at work tearing the purple rainclouds into rags and tatters, through which the hidden sun shot long rays of pale splendor, Wesley Elliot was walking rapidly, his head bent, his eyes fixed and absent.
Bolton
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Just why his late interview with Andrew Bolton should have precipitated this event, he could not possibly have explained to any one—and least of all to himself.
of short duration or distance
From this reading For perhaps the first time in the brief span of his remembrance, he had scrutinized himself in the pitiless light of an intelligence higher than his own everyday consciousness; and the sight of that meaner self, striving to run to cover, had not been pleasant.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading He had begun, logically enough, with an illuminating review of the motives which led him into the ministry; they were a sorry lot, on the whole; but his subsequent ambitions appeared even worse.
an alert cognitive state in which you are aware of yourself and your situation
From this reading For perhaps the first time in the brief span of his remembrance, he had scrutinized himself in the pitiless light of an intelligence higher than his own everyday consciousness; and the sight of that meaner self, striving to run to cover, had not been pleasant.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading A mile from town, where the angry wind could be seen at work tearing the purple rainclouds into rags and tatters, through which the hidden sun shot long rays of pale splendor, Wesley Elliot was walking rapidly, his head bent, his eyes fixed and absent.
provide with a covering or cause to be covered
From this reading For perhaps the first time in the brief span of his remembrance, he had scrutinized himself in the pitiless light of an intelligence higher than his own everyday consciousness; and the sight of that meaner self, striving to run to cover, had not been pleasant.
crucialadjectiveUS /ˈkruːʃəl/
of extreme importance; vital to the resolution of a crisis
From this reading He had just emerged from one of those crucial experiences of life, which, more than the turning of the earth upon its axis, serve to age a human being.
the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on
From this reading He had just emerged from one of those crucial experiences of life, which, more than the turning of the earth upon its axis, serve to age a human being.
Elliot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A mile from town, where the angry wind could be seen at work tearing the purple rainclouds into rags and tatters, through which the hidden sun shot long rays of pale splendor, Wesley Elliot was walking rapidly, his head bent, his eyes fixed and absent.
emergedverbUS /ɪˈmɜːrdʒd/
past form of “emerge” — come out into view, as from concealment
From this reading He had just emerged from one of those crucial experiences of life, which, more than the turning of the earth upon its axis, serve to age a human being.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading He had begun, logically enough, with an illuminating review of the motives which led him into the ministry; they were a sorry lot, on the whole; but his subsequent ambitions appeared even worse.
divisible by two
From this reading He had begun, logically enough, with an illuminating review of the motives which led him into the ministry; they were a sorry lot, on the whole; but his subsequent ambitions appeared even worse.
something that happens at a given place and time
From this reading Just why his late interview with Andrew Bolton should have precipitated this event, he could not possibly have explained to any one—and least of all to himself.
everydayadjectiveUS /ˈevriˈdeɪ/
found in the ordinary course of events
From this reading For perhaps the first time in the brief span of his remembrance, he had scrutinized himself in the pitiless light of an intelligence higher than his own everyday consciousness; and the sight of that meaner self, striving to run to cover, had not been pleasant.
experiencesnounUS /ɪkˈspɪriənsɪz/
plural of “experience” — the accumulation of knowledge or skill that results from direct participation in events or activities
From this reading He had just emerged from one of those crucial experiences of life, which, more than the turning of the earth upon its axis, serve to age a human being.
past form of “explain” — make plain and comprehensible
From this reading Just why his late interview with Andrew Bolton should have precipitated this event, he could not possibly have explained to any one—and least of all to himself.
opinion or judgment
From this reading A mile from town, where the angry wind could be seen at work tearing the purple rainclouds into rags and tatters, through which the hidden sun shot long rays of pale splendor, Wesley Elliot was walking rapidly, his head bent, his eyes fixed and absent.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading For perhaps the first time in the brief span of his remembrance, he had scrutinized himself in the pitiless light of an intelligence higher than his own everyday consciousness; and the sight of that meaner self, striving to run to cover, had not been pleasant.
(of a number) having a fixed and unchanging value
From this reading A mile from town, where the angry wind could be seen at work tearing the purple rainclouds into rags and tatters, through which the hidden sun shot long rays of pale splendor, Wesley Elliot was walking rapidly, his head bent, his eyes fixed and absent.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading For perhaps the first time in the brief span of his remembrance, he had scrutinized himself in the pitiless light of an intelligence higher than his own everyday consciousness; and the sight of that meaner self, striving to run to cover, had not been pleasant.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading A mile from town, where the angry wind could be seen at work tearing the purple rainclouds into rags and tatters, through which the hidden sun shot long rays of pale splendor, Wesley Elliot was walking rapidly, his head bent, his eyes fixed and absent.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading He had just emerged from one of those crucial experiences of life, which, more than the turning of the earth upon its axis, serve to age a human being.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Just why his late interview with Andrew Bolton should have precipitated this event, he could not possibly have explained to any one—and least of all to himself.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He had just emerged from one of those crucial experiences of life, which, more than the turning of the earth upon its axis, serve to age a human being.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading A mile from town, where the angry wind could be seen at work tearing the purple rainclouds into rags and tatters, through which the hidden sun shot long rays of pale splendor, Wesley Elliot was walking rapidly, his head bent, his eyes fixed and absent.
not accessible to view
From this reading A mile from town, where the angry wind could be seen at work tearing the purple rainclouds into rags and tatters, through which the hidden sun shot long rays of pale splendor, Wesley Elliot was walking rapidly, his head bent, his eyes fixed and absent.
advanced in complexity or elaboration
From this reading For perhaps the first time in the brief span of his remembrance, he had scrutinized himself in the pitiless light of an intelligence higher than his own everyday consciousness; and the sight of that meaner self, striving to run to cover, had not been pleasant.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He had begun, logically enough, with an illuminating review of the motives which led him into the ministry; they were a sorry lot, on the whole; but his subsequent ambitions appeared even worse.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading For perhaps the first time in the brief span of his remembrance, he had scrutinized himself in the pitiless light of an intelligence higher than his own everyday consciousness; and the sight of that meaner self, striving to run to cover, had not been pleasant.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading A mile from town, where the angry wind could be seen at work tearing the purple rainclouds into rags and tatters, through which the hidden sun shot long rays of pale splendor, Wesley Elliot was walking rapidly, his head bent, his eyes fixed and absent.
humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading He had just emerged from one of those crucial experiences of life, which, more than the turning of the earth upon its axis, serve to age a human being.
illuminatingadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈluːməneɪtɪŋ/
tending to increase knowledge or dissipate ignorance
From this reading He had begun, logically enough, with an illuminating review of the motives which led him into the ministry; they were a sorry lot, on the whole; but his subsequent ambitions appeared even worse.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading For perhaps the first time in the brief span of his remembrance, he had scrutinized himself in the pitiless light of an intelligence higher than his own everyday consciousness; and the sight of that meaner self, striving to run to cover, had not been pleasant.
the ability to comprehend; to understand and profit from experience
From this reading For perhaps the first time in the brief span of his remembrance, he had scrutinized himself in the pitiless light of an intelligence higher than his own everyday consciousness; and the sight of that meaner self, striving to run to cover, had not been pleasant.
conduct an interview in television, newspaper, and radio reporting
From this reading Just why his late interview with Andrew Bolton should have precipitated this event, he could not possibly have explained to any one—and least of all to himself.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading A mile from town, where the angry wind could be seen at work tearing the purple rainclouds into rags and tatters, through which the hidden sun shot long rays of pale splendor, Wesley Elliot was walking rapidly, his head bent, his eyes fixed and absent.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading He had just emerged from one of those crucial experiences of life, which, more than the turning of the earth upon its axis, serve to age a human being.
and nothing more
From this reading He had just emerged from one of those crucial experiences of life, which, more than the turning of the earth upon its axis, serve to age a human being.
being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time
From this reading Just why his late interview with Andrew Bolton should have precipitated this event, he could not possibly have explained to any one—and least of all to himself.
the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree
From this reading Just why his late interview with Andrew Bolton should have precipitated this event, he could not possibly have explained to any one—and least of all to himself.
diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used
From this reading He had begun, logically enough, with an illuminating review of the motives which led him into the ministry; they were a sorry lot, on the whole; but his subsequent ambitions appeared even worse.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading He had just emerged from one of those crucial experiences of life, which, more than the turning of the earth upon its axis, serve to age a human being.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading For perhaps the first time in the brief span of his remembrance, he had scrutinized himself in the pitiless light of an intelligence higher than his own everyday consciousness; and the sight of that meaner self, striving to run to cover, had not been pleasant.
logicallyadverbUS /ˈlɑːdʒɪkli/
according to logical reasoning
From this reading He had begun, logically enough, with an illuminating review of the motives which led him into the ministry; they were a sorry lot, on the whole; but his subsequent ambitions appeared even worse.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading A mile from town, where the angry wind could be seen at work tearing the purple rainclouds into rags and tatters, through which the hidden sun shot long rays of pale splendor, Wesley Elliot was walking rapidly, his head bent, his eyes fixed and absent.
(often followed by “of”) a large number or amount or extent
From this reading He had begun, logically enough, with an illuminating review of the motives which led him into the ministry; they were a sorry lot, on the whole; but his subsequent ambitions appeared even worse.
meaneradjectiveUS /ˈmiːnər/
comparative of “mean” — approximating the statistical norm or average or expected value
From this reading For perhaps the first time in the brief span of his remembrance, he had scrutinized himself in the pitiless light of an intelligence higher than his own everyday consciousness; and the sight of that meaner self, striving to run to cover, had not been pleasant.
a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters
From this reading A mile from town, where the angry wind could be seen at work tearing the purple rainclouds into rags and tatters, through which the hidden sun shot long rays of pale splendor, Wesley Elliot was walking rapidly, his head bent, his eyes fixed and absent.
ministrynounUS /ˈmɪnəstri/
religious ministers collectively (especially Presbyterian)
From this reading He had begun, logically enough, with an illuminating review of the motives which led him into the ministry; they were a sorry lot, on the whole; but his subsequent ambitions appeared even worse.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading He had just emerged from one of those crucial experiences of life, which, more than the turning of the earth upon its axis, serve to age a human being.
motivesnounUS /ˈmoʊtɪvz/
plural of “motive” — the psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal; the reason for the action; that which gives purpose and direction to behavior
From this reading He had begun, logically enough, with an illuminating review of the motives which led him into the ministry; they were a sorry lot, on the whole; but his subsequent ambitions appeared even worse.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading For perhaps the first time in the brief span of his remembrance, he had scrutinized himself in the pitiless light of an intelligence higher than his own everyday consciousness; and the sight of that meaner self, striving to run to cover, had not been pleasant.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A mile from town, where the angry wind could be seen at work tearing the purple rainclouds into rags and tatters, through which the hidden sun shot long rays of pale splendor, Wesley Elliot was walking rapidly, his head bent, his eyes fixed and absent.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading He had begun, logically enough, with an illuminating review of the motives which led him into the ministry; they were a sorry lot, on the whole; but his subsequent ambitions appeared even worse.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading He had just emerged from one of those crucial experiences of life, which, more than the turning of the earth upon its axis, serve to age a human being.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading For perhaps the first time in the brief span of his remembrance, he had scrutinized himself in the pitiless light of an intelligence higher than his own everyday consciousness; and the sight of that meaner self, striving to run to cover, had not been pleasant.
very light colored; highly diluted with white
From this reading A mile from town, where the angry wind could be seen at work tearing the purple rainclouds into rags and tatters, through which the hidden sun shot long rays of pale splendor, Wesley Elliot was walking rapidly, his head bent, his eyes fixed and absent.
by chance
From this reading For perhaps the first time in the brief span of his remembrance, he had scrutinized himself in the pitiless light of an intelligence higher than his own everyday consciousness; and the sight of that meaner self, striving to run to cover, had not been pleasant.
pitilessadjectiveUS /ˈpɪtiləs/
without mercy or pity
From this reading For perhaps the first time in the brief span of his remembrance, he had scrutinized himself in the pitiless light of an intelligence higher than his own everyday consciousness; and the sight of that meaner self, striving to run to cover, had not been pleasant.
affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings
From this reading For perhaps the first time in the brief span of his remembrance, he had scrutinized himself in the pitiless light of an intelligence higher than his own everyday consciousness; and the sight of that meaner self, striving to run to cover, had not been pleasant.
by chance
From this reading Just why his late interview with Andrew Bolton should have precipitated this event, he could not possibly have explained to any one—and least of all to himself.
precipitatedverbUS /prɪˈsɪpɪteɪtɪd/
past form of “precipitate” — bring about abruptly
From this reading Just why his late interview with Andrew Bolton should have precipitated this event, he could not possibly have explained to any one—and least of all to himself.
a purple color or pigment
From this reading A mile from town, where the angry wind could be seen at work tearing the purple rainclouds into rags and tatters, through which the hidden sun shot long rays of pale splendor, Wesley Elliot was walking rapidly, his head bent, his eyes fixed and absent.
ragsnounUS /ræɡz/
plural of “rag” — a small piece of cloth or paper
From this reading A mile from town, where the angry wind could be seen at work tearing the purple rainclouds into rags and tatters, through which the hidden sun shot long rays of pale splendor, Wesley Elliot was walking rapidly, his head bent, his eyes fixed and absent.
rainclouds
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A mile from town, where the angry wind could be seen at work tearing the purple rainclouds into rags and tatters, through which the hidden sun shot long rays of pale splendor, Wesley Elliot was walking rapidly, his head bent, his eyes fixed and absent.
with speed
From this reading A mile from town, where the angry wind could be seen at work tearing the purple rainclouds into rags and tatters, through which the hidden sun shot long rays of pale splendor, Wesley Elliot was walking rapidly, his head bent, his eyes fixed and absent.
raysnounUS /reɪz/
plural of “ray” — a column of light (as from a beacon)
From this reading A mile from town, where the angry wind could be seen at work tearing the purple rainclouds into rags and tatters, through which the hidden sun shot long rays of pale splendor, Wesley Elliot was walking rapidly, his head bent, his eyes fixed and absent.
remembrancenounUS /riˈmembrəns/
the ability to recall past occurrences
From this reading For perhaps the first time in the brief span of his remembrance, he had scrutinized himself in the pitiless light of an intelligence higher than his own everyday consciousness; and the sight of that meaner self, striving to run to cover, had not been pleasant.
reviewnounUS /ˌriːˈvjuː/
a new appraisal or evaluation
From this reading He had begun, logically enough, with an illuminating review of the motives which led him into the ministry; they were a sorry lot, on the whole; but his subsequent ambitions appeared even worse.
move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading For perhaps the first time in the brief span of his remembrance, he had scrutinized himself in the pitiless light of an intelligence higher than his own everyday consciousness; and the sight of that meaner self, striving to run to cover, had not been pleasant.
scrutinizedverbUS /ˈskruːtənaɪzd/
past form of “scrutinize” — to look at critically or searchingly, or in minute detail
From this reading For perhaps the first time in the brief span of his remembrance, he had scrutinized himself in the pitiless light of an intelligence higher than his own everyday consciousness; and the sight of that meaner self, striving to run to cover, had not been pleasant.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading A mile from town, where the angry wind could be seen at work tearing the purple rainclouds into rags and tatters, through which the hidden sun shot long rays of pale splendor, Wesley Elliot was walking rapidly, his head bent, his eyes fixed and absent.
your consciousness of your own identity
From this reading For perhaps the first time in the brief span of his remembrance, he had scrutinized himself in the pitiless light of an intelligence higher than his own everyday consciousness; and the sight of that meaner self, striving to run to cover, had not been pleasant.
serve a purpose, role, or function
From this reading He had just emerged from one of those crucial experiences of life, which, more than the turning of the earth upon its axis, serve to age a human being.
the act of firing a projectile
From this reading A mile from town, where the angry wind could be seen at work tearing the purple rainclouds into rags and tatters, through which the hidden sun shot long rays of pale splendor, Wesley Elliot was walking rapidly, his head bent, his eyes fixed and absent.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading Just why his late interview with Andrew Bolton should have precipitated this event, he could not possibly have explained to any one—and least of all to himself.
an instance of visual perception
From this reading For perhaps the first time in the brief span of his remembrance, he had scrutinized himself in the pitiless light of an intelligence higher than his own everyday consciousness; and the sight of that meaner self, striving to run to cover, had not been pleasant.
sorryadjectiveUS /ˈsɑːri/
feeling or expressing regret or sorrow or a sense of loss over something done or undone
From this reading He had begun, logically enough, with an illuminating review of the motives which led him into the ministry; they were a sorry lot, on the whole; but his subsequent ambitions appeared even worse.
spannounUS /spæn/
the complete duration of something
From this reading For perhaps the first time in the brief span of his remembrance, he had scrutinized himself in the pitiless light of an intelligence higher than his own everyday consciousness; and the sight of that meaner self, striving to run to cover, had not been pleasant.
splendornounUS /ˈsplen.dər/
Magnificent and splendid appearance; grandeur and brilliance.
From this reading A mile from town, where the angry wind could be seen at work tearing the purple rainclouds into rags and tatters, through which the hidden sun shot long rays of pale splendor, Wesley Elliot was walking rapidly, his head bent, his eyes fixed and absent.
strivingnounUS /ˈstraɪvɪŋ/
an effortful attempt to attain a goal
From this reading For perhaps the first time in the brief span of his remembrance, he had scrutinized himself in the pitiless light of an intelligence higher than his own everyday consciousness; and the sight of that meaner self, striving to run to cover, had not been pleasant.
subsequentadjectiveUS /ˈsʌbsəkwənt/
following in time or order
From this reading He had begun, logically enough, with an illuminating review of the motives which led him into the ministry; they were a sorry lot, on the whole; but his subsequent ambitions appeared even worse.
the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading A mile from town, where the angry wind could be seen at work tearing the purple rainclouds into rags and tatters, through which the hidden sun shot long rays of pale splendor, Wesley Elliot was walking rapidly, his head bent, his eyes fixed and absent.
tattersnounUS /ˈtætərz/
plural of “tatter” — a small piece of cloth or paper
From this reading A mile from town, where the angry wind could be seen at work tearing the purple rainclouds into rags and tatters, through which the hidden sun shot long rays of pale splendor, Wesley Elliot was walking rapidly, his head bent, his eyes fixed and absent.
tearingnounUS /ˈterɪŋ/
shedding tears
From this reading A mile from town, where the angry wind could be seen at work tearing the purple rainclouds into rags and tatters, through which the hidden sun shot long rays of pale splendor, Wesley Elliot was walking rapidly, his head bent, his eyes fixed and absent.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading He had just emerged from one of those crucial experiences of life, which, more than the turning of the earth upon its axis, serve to age a human being.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading For perhaps the first time in the brief span of his remembrance, he had scrutinized himself in the pitiless light of an intelligence higher than his own everyday consciousness; and the sight of that meaner self, striving to run to cover, had not been pleasant.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A mile from town, where the angry wind could be seen at work tearing the purple rainclouds into rags and tatters, through which the hidden sun shot long rays of pale splendor, Wesley Elliot was walking rapidly, his head bent, his eyes fixed and absent.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He had begun, logically enough, with an illuminating review of the motives which led him into the ministry; they were a sorry lot, on the whole; but his subsequent ambitions appeared even worse.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Just why his late interview with Andrew Bolton should have precipitated this event, he could not possibly have explained to any one—and least of all to himself.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading He had just emerged from one of those crucial experiences of life, which, more than the turning of the earth upon its axis, serve to age a human being.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading A mile from town, where the angry wind could be seen at work tearing the purple rainclouds into rags and tatters, through which the hidden sun shot long rays of pale splendor, Wesley Elliot was walking rapidly, his head bent, his eyes fixed and absent.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading For perhaps the first time in the brief span of his remembrance, he had scrutinized himself in the pitiless light of an intelligence higher than his own everyday consciousness; and the sight of that meaner self, striving to run to cover, had not been pleasant.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading He had just emerged from one of those crucial experiences of life, which, more than the turning of the earth upon its axis, serve to age a human being.
an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city
From this reading A mile from town, where the angry wind could be seen at work tearing the purple rainclouds into rags and tatters, through which the hidden sun shot long rays of pale splendor, Wesley Elliot was walking rapidly, his head bent, his eyes fixed and absent.
the act of changing or reversing the direction of the course
From this reading He had just emerged from one of those crucial experiences of life, which, more than the turning of the earth upon its axis, serve to age a human being.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading He had just emerged from one of those crucial experiences of life, which, more than the turning of the earth upon its axis, serve to age a human being.
close enough to be walked to
From this reading A mile from town, where the angry wind could be seen at work tearing the purple rainclouds into rags and tatters, through which the hidden sun shot long rays of pale splendor, Wesley Elliot was walking rapidly, his head bent, his eyes fixed and absent.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A mile from town, where the angry wind could be seen at work tearing the purple rainclouds into rags and tatters, through which the hidden sun shot long rays of pale splendor, Wesley Elliot was walking rapidly, his head bent, his eyes fixed and absent.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading He had begun, logically enough, with an illuminating review of the motives which led him into the ministry; they were a sorry lot, on the whole; but his subsequent ambitions appeared even worse.
WesleynounUS /ˈwesli/
English clergyman and brother of John Wesley who wrote many hymns (1707-1788)
From this reading A mile from town, where the angry wind could be seen at work tearing the purple rainclouds into rags and tatters, through which the hidden sun shot long rays of pale splendor, Wesley Elliot was walking rapidly, his head bent, his eyes fixed and absent.
in or at the place that
From this reading A mile from town, where the angry wind could be seen at work tearing the purple rainclouds into rags and tatters, through which the hidden sun shot long rays of pale splendor, Wesley Elliot was walking rapidly, his head bent, his eyes fixed and absent.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading A mile from town, where the angry wind could be seen at work tearing the purple rainclouds into rags and tatters, through which the hidden sun shot long rays of pale splendor, Wesley Elliot was walking rapidly, his head bent, his eyes fixed and absent.
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading He had begun, logically enough, with an illuminating review of the motives which led him into the ministry; they were a sorry lot, on the whole; but his subsequent ambitions appeared even worse.
the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”
From this reading Just why his late interview with Andrew Bolton should have precipitated this event, he could not possibly have explained to any one—and least of all to himself.
air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading A mile from town, where the angry wind could be seen at work tearing the purple rainclouds into rags and tatters, through which the hidden sun shot long rays of pale splendor, Wesley Elliot was walking rapidly, his head bent, his eyes fixed and absent.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Just why his late interview with Andrew Bolton should have precipitated this event, he could not possibly have explained to any one—and least of all to himself.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading A mile from town, where the angry wind could be seen at work tearing the purple rainclouds into rags and tatters, through which the hidden sun shot long rays of pale splendor, Wesley Elliot was walking rapidly, his head bent, his eyes fixed and absent.
(comparative of “bad”) inferior to another in quality or condition or desirability
From this reading He had begun, logically enough, with an illuminating review of the motives which led him into the ministry; they were a sorry lot, on the whole; but his subsequent ambitions appeared even worse.
