used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Mr. Waldron would return in a few days, and on his arrival, the overburdened young officer intended to confide the momentous secret to him, receiving the benefit of his advice and support in the great business he had undertaken.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading After the kind treatment he had received at the hands of Lieutenant Pillgrim, he was rather disposed to make him a confidant; but he knew so little about his travelling companion, that though he had no question about his fidelity and honor, he was not quite willing to stake everything on his judgment and discretion, as he must do, if he opened the subject to him.
a proposal for an appropriate course of action
From this reading Mr. Waldron would return in a few days, and on his arrival, the overburdened young officer intended to confide the momentous secret to him, receiving the benefit of his advice and support in the great business he had undertaken.
AfterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading After the kind treatment he had received at the hands of Lieutenant Pillgrim, he was rather disposed to make him a confidant; but he knew so little about his travelling companion, that though he had no question about his fidelity and honor, he was not quite willing to stake everything on his judgment and discretion, as he must do, if he opened the subject to him.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Mr. Waldron would return in a few days, and on his arrival, the overburdened young officer intended to confide the momentous secret to him, receiving the benefit of his advice and support in the great business he had undertaken.
accomplishment of an objective
From this reading Mr. Waldron would return in a few days, and on his arrival, the overburdened young officer intended to confide the momentous secret to him, receiving the benefit of his advice and support in the great business he had undertaken.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading After the kind treatment he had received at the hands of Lieutenant Pillgrim, he was rather disposed to make him a confidant; but he knew so little about his travelling companion, that though he had no question about his fidelity and honor, he was not quite willing to stake everything on his judgment and discretion, as he must do, if he opened the subject to him.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading After the kind treatment he had received at the hands of Lieutenant Pillgrim, he was rather disposed to make him a confidant; but he knew so little about his travelling companion, that though he had no question about his fidelity and honor, he was not quite willing to stake everything on his judgment and discretion, as he must do, if he opened the subject to him.
have
From this reading It had been no part of Somers's purpose to bear the whole responsibility of the transactions in which he had so promptly engaged.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading It had been no part of Somers's purpose to bear the whole responsibility of the transactions in which he had so promptly engaged.
financial assistance in time of need
From this reading Mr. Waldron would return in a few days, and on his arrival, the overburdened young officer intended to confide the momentous secret to him, receiving the benefit of his advice and support in the great business he had undertaken.
a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it
From this reading Mr. Waldron would return in a few days, and on his arrival, the overburdened young officer intended to confide the momentous secret to him, receiving the benefit of his advice and support in the great business he had undertaken.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading After the kind treatment he had received at the hands of Lieutenant Pillgrim, he was rather disposed to make him a confidant; but he knew so little about his travelling companion, that though he had no question about his fidelity and honor, he was not quite willing to stake everything on his judgment and discretion, as he must do, if he opened the subject to him.
a friend who is frequently in the company of another
From this reading After the kind treatment he had received at the hands of Lieutenant Pillgrim, he was rather disposed to make him a confidant; but he knew so little about his travelling companion, that though he had no question about his fidelity and honor, he was not quite willing to stake everything on his judgment and discretion, as he must do, if he opened the subject to him.
confidantnounUS /ˈkɑːnfədɑːnt/
someone to whom private matters are confided
From this reading After the kind treatment he had received at the hands of Lieutenant Pillgrim, he was rather disposed to make him a confidant; but he knew so little about his travelling companion, that though he had no question about his fidelity and honor, he was not quite willing to stake everything on his judgment and discretion, as he must do, if he opened the subject to him.
confideverbUS /kənˈfaɪd/
reveal in private; tell confidentially
From this reading Mr. Waldron would return in a few days, and on his arrival, the overburdened young officer intended to confide the momentous secret to him, receiving the benefit of his advice and support in the great business he had undertaken.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading Mr. Waldron would return in a few days, and on his arrival, the overburdened young officer intended to confide the momentous secret to him, receiving the benefit of his advice and support in the great business he had undertaken.
discretionnounUS /dɪˈskreʃən/
freedom to act or judge on one's own
From this reading After the kind treatment he had received at the hands of Lieutenant Pillgrim, he was rather disposed to make him a confidant; but he knew so little about his travelling companion, that though he had no question about his fidelity and honor, he was not quite willing to stake everything on his judgment and discretion, as he must do, if he opened the subject to him.
having made preparations
From this reading After the kind treatment he had received at the hands of Lieutenant Pillgrim, he was rather disposed to make him a confidant; but he knew so little about his travelling companion, that though he had no question about his fidelity and honor, he was not quite willing to stake everything on his judgment and discretion, as he must do, if he opened the subject to him.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading After the kind treatment he had received at the hands of Lieutenant Pillgrim, he was rather disposed to make him a confidant; but he knew so little about his travelling companion, that though he had no question about his fidelity and honor, he was not quite willing to stake everything on his judgment and discretion, as he must do, if he opened the subject to him.
having ones attention or mind or energy engaged
From this reading It had been no part of Somers's purpose to bear the whole responsibility of the transactions in which he had so promptly engaged.
to come or go into
From this reading Somers was not a little surprised to see Mr. Pillgrim enter the parlor in that unceremonious way.
all things; all of a situation
From this reading After the kind treatment he had received at the hands of Lieutenant Pillgrim, he was rather disposed to make him a confidant; but he knew so little about his travelling companion, that though he had no question about his fidelity and honor, he was not quite willing to stake everything on his judgment and discretion, as he must do, if he opened the subject to him.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading Mr. Waldron would return in a few days, and on his arrival, the overburdened young officer intended to confide the momentous secret to him, receiving the benefit of his advice and support in the great business he had undertaken.
fidelitynounUS /fəˈdeləti/
accuracy with which an electronic system reproduces the sound or image of its input signal
From this reading After the kind treatment he had received at the hands of Lieutenant Pillgrim, he was rather disposed to make him a confidant; but he knew so little about his travelling companion, that though he had no question about his fidelity and honor, he was not quite willing to stake everything on his judgment and discretion, as he must do, if he opened the subject to him.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading Mr. Waldron would return in a few days, and on his arrival, the overburdened young officer intended to confide the momentous secret to him, receiving the benefit of his advice and support in the great business he had undertaken.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It had been no part of Somers's purpose to bear the whole responsibility of the transactions in which he had so promptly engaged.
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading After the kind treatment he had received at the hands of Lieutenant Pillgrim, he was rather disposed to make him a confidant; but he knew so little about his travelling companion, that though he had no question about his fidelity and honor, he was not quite willing to stake everything on his judgment and discretion, as he must do, if he opened the subject to him.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading It had been no part of Somers's purpose to bear the whole responsibility of the transactions in which he had so promptly engaged.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Mr. Waldron would return in a few days, and on his arrival, the overburdened young officer intended to confide the momentous secret to him, receiving the benefit of his advice and support in the great business he had undertaken.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Mr. Waldron would return in a few days, and on his arrival, the overburdened young officer intended to confide the momentous secret to him, receiving the benefit of his advice and support in the great business he had undertaken.
a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction
From this reading After the kind treatment he had received at the hands of Lieutenant Pillgrim, he was rather disposed to make him a confidant; but he knew so little about his travelling companion, that though he had no question about his fidelity and honor, he was not quite willing to stake everything on his judgment and discretion, as he must do, if he opened the subject to him.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading After the kind treatment he had received at the hands of Lieutenant Pillgrim, he was rather disposed to make him a confidant; but he knew so little about his travelling companion, that though he had no question about his fidelity and honor, he was not quite willing to stake everything on his judgment and discretion, as he must do, if he opened the subject to him.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It had been no part of Somers's purpose to bear the whole responsibility of the transactions in which he had so promptly engaged.
resulting from one's intentions
From this reading Mr. Waldron would return in a few days, and on his arrival, the overburdened young officer intended to confide the momentous secret to him, receiving the benefit of his advice and support in the great business he had undertaken.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It had been no part of Somers's purpose to bear the whole responsibility of the transactions in which he had so promptly engaged.
an opinion formed by judging something
From this reading After the kind treatment he had received at the hands of Lieutenant Pillgrim, he was rather disposed to make him a confidant; but he knew so little about his travelling companion, that though he had no question about his fidelity and honor, he was not quite willing to stake everything on his judgment and discretion, as he must do, if he opened the subject to him.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading After the kind treatment he had received at the hands of Lieutenant Pillgrim, he was rather disposed to make him a confidant; but he knew so little about his travelling companion, that though he had no question about his fidelity and honor, he was not quite willing to stake everything on his judgment and discretion, as he must do, if he opened the subject to him.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading After the kind treatment he had received at the hands of Lieutenant Pillgrim, he was rather disposed to make him a confidant; but he knew so little about his travelling companion, that though he had no question about his fidelity and honor, he was not quite willing to stake everything on his judgment and discretion, as he must do, if he opened the subject to him.
LANGDON'S
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading LANGDON'S LETTERS.
the literary culture
From this reading LANGDON'S LETTERS.
a commissioned military officer
From this reading After the kind treatment he had received at the hands of Lieutenant Pillgrim, he was rather disposed to make him a confidant; but he knew so little about his travelling companion, that though he had no question about his fidelity and honor, he was not quite willing to stake everything on his judgment and discretion, as he must do, if he opened the subject to him.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading After the kind treatment he had received at the hands of Lieutenant Pillgrim, he was rather disposed to make him a confidant; but he knew so little about his travelling companion, that though he had no question about his fidelity and honor, he was not quite willing to stake everything on his judgment and discretion, as he must do, if he opened the subject to him.
engage in
From this reading After the kind treatment he had received at the hands of Lieutenant Pillgrim, he was rather disposed to make him a confidant; but he knew so little about his travelling companion, that though he had no question about his fidelity and honor, he was not quite willing to stake everything on his judgment and discretion, as he must do, if he opened the subject to him.
momentousadjectiveUS /moʊˈmentəs/
of very great significance
From this reading Mr. Waldron would return in a few days, and on his arrival, the overburdened young officer intended to confide the momentous secret to him, receiving the benefit of his advice and support in the great business he had undertaken.
a form of address for a man
From this reading Mr. Waldron would return in a few days, and on his arrival, the overburdened young officer intended to confide the momentous secret to him, receiving the benefit of his advice and support in the great business he had undertaken.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading After the kind treatment he had received at the hands of Lieutenant Pillgrim, he was rather disposed to make him a confidant; but he knew so little about his travelling companion, that though he had no question about his fidelity and honor, he was not quite willing to stake everything on his judgment and discretion, as he must do, if he opened the subject to him.
not any; not one
From this reading It had been no part of Somers's purpose to bear the whole responsibility of the transactions in which he had so promptly engaged.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading After the kind treatment he had received at the hands of Lieutenant Pillgrim, he was rather disposed to make him a confidant; but he knew so little about his travelling companion, that though he had no question about his fidelity and honor, he was not quite willing to stake everything on his judgment and discretion, as he must do, if he opened the subject to him.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It had been no part of Somers's purpose to bear the whole responsibility of the transactions in which he had so promptly engaged.
any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command
From this reading Mr. Waldron would return in a few days, and on his arrival, the overburdened young officer intended to confide the momentous secret to him, receiving the benefit of his advice and support in the great business he had undertaken.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Mr. Waldron would return in a few days, and on his arrival, the overburdened young officer intended to confide the momentous secret to him, receiving the benefit of his advice and support in the great business he had undertaken.
used of mouth or eyes
From this reading After the kind treatment he had received at the hands of Lieutenant Pillgrim, he was rather disposed to make him a confidant; but he knew so little about his travelling companion, that though he had no question about his fidelity and honor, he was not quite willing to stake everything on his judgment and discretion, as he must do, if he opened the subject to him.
overburdenedadjectiveUS /ˈoʊvərˈbɜːrdənd/
heavily burdened with work or cares
From this reading Mr. Waldron would return in a few days, and on his arrival, the overburdened young officer intended to confide the momentous secret to him, receiving the benefit of his advice and support in the great business he had undertaken.
parlornounUS /ˈpɑːrlər/
reception room in an inn or club where visitors can be received
From this reading Somers was not a little surprised to see Mr. Pillgrim enter the parlor in that unceremonious way.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading It had been no part of Somers's purpose to bear the whole responsibility of the transactions in which he had so promptly engaged.
Pillgrim
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After the kind treatment he had received at the hands of Lieutenant Pillgrim, he was rather disposed to make him a confidant; but he knew so little about his travelling companion, that though he had no question about his fidelity and honor, he was not quite willing to stake everything on his judgment and discretion, as he must do, if he opened the subject to him.
with little or no delay
From this reading It had been no part of Somers's purpose to bear the whole responsibility of the transactions in which he had so promptly engaged.
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading It had been no part of Somers's purpose to bear the whole responsibility of the transactions in which he had so promptly engaged.
challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of
From this reading After the kind treatment he had received at the hands of Lieutenant Pillgrim, he was rather disposed to make him a confidant; but he knew so little about his travelling companion, that though he had no question about his fidelity and honor, he was not quite willing to stake everything on his judgment and discretion, as he must do, if he opened the subject to him.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading After the kind treatment he had received at the hands of Lieutenant Pillgrim, he was rather disposed to make him a confidant; but he knew so little about his travelling companion, that though he had no question about his fidelity and honor, he was not quite willing to stake everything on his judgment and discretion, as he must do, if he opened the subject to him.
on the contrary
From this reading After the kind treatment he had received at the hands of Lieutenant Pillgrim, he was rather disposed to make him a confidant; but he knew so little about his travelling companion, that though he had no question about his fidelity and honor, he was not quite willing to stake everything on his judgment and discretion, as he must do, if he opened the subject to him.
conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers
From this reading After the kind treatment he had received at the hands of Lieutenant Pillgrim, he was rather disposed to make him a confidant; but he knew so little about his travelling companion, that though he had no question about his fidelity and honor, he was not quite willing to stake everything on his judgment and discretion, as he must do, if he opened the subject to him.
receivingverbUS /rəˈsiːvɪŋ/
-ing form of “receive” — get something; come into possession of
From this reading Mr. Waldron would return in a few days, and on his arrival, the overburdened young officer intended to confide the momentous secret to him, receiving the benefit of his advice and support in the great business he had undertaken.
responsibilitynounUS /riˌspɑːnsəˈbɪləti/
the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force
From this reading It had been no part of Somers's purpose to bear the whole responsibility of the transactions in which he had so promptly engaged.
go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading Mr. Waldron would return in a few days, and on his arrival, the overburdened young officer intended to confide the momentous secret to him, receiving the benefit of his advice and support in the great business he had undertaken.
Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.
From this reading Mr. Waldron would return in a few days, and on his arrival, the overburdened young officer intended to confide the momentous secret to him, receiving the benefit of his advice and support in the great business he had undertaken.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading Somers was not a little surprised to see Mr. Pillgrim enter the parlor in that unceremonious way.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading It had been no part of Somers's purpose to bear the whole responsibility of the transactions in which he had so promptly engaged.
Somers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Somers was not a little surprised to see Mr. Pillgrim enter the parlor in that unceremonious way.
Somers's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It had been no part of Somers's purpose to bear the whole responsibility of the transactions in which he had so promptly engaged.
stakenounUS /steɪk/
(law) a right or legal share of something; a financial involvement with something
From this reading After the kind treatment he had received at the hands of Lieutenant Pillgrim, he was rather disposed to make him a confidant; but he knew so little about his travelling companion, that though he had no question about his fidelity and honor, he was not quite willing to stake everything on his judgment and discretion, as he must do, if he opened the subject to him.
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading After the kind treatment he had received at the hands of Lieutenant Pillgrim, he was rather disposed to make him a confidant; but he knew so little about his travelling companion, that though he had no question about his fidelity and honor, he was not quite willing to stake everything on his judgment and discretion, as he must do, if he opened the subject to him.
the activity of providing for or maintaining by supplying with money or necessities
From this reading Mr. Waldron would return in a few days, and on his arrival, the overburdened young officer intended to confide the momentous secret to him, receiving the benefit of his advice and support in the great business he had undertaken.
taken unawares or suddenly and feeling wonder or astonishment
From this reading Somers was not a little surprised to see Mr. Pillgrim enter the parlor in that unceremonious way.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading After the kind treatment he had received at the hands of Lieutenant Pillgrim, he was rather disposed to make him a confidant; but he knew so little about his travelling companion, that though he had no question about his fidelity and honor, he was not quite willing to stake everything on his judgment and discretion, as he must do, if he opened the subject to him.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It had been no part of Somers's purpose to bear the whole responsibility of the transactions in which he had so promptly engaged.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading After the kind treatment he had received at the hands of Lieutenant Pillgrim, he was rather disposed to make him a confidant; but he knew so little about his travelling companion, that though he had no question about his fidelity and honor, he was not quite willing to stake everything on his judgment and discretion, as he must do, if he opened the subject to him.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It had been no part of Somers's purpose to bear the whole responsibility of the transactions in which he had so promptly engaged.
transactionsnounUS /trænˈzækʃənz/
a written account of what transpired at a meeting
From this reading It had been no part of Somers's purpose to bear the whole responsibility of the transactions in which he had so promptly engaged.
the act of going from one place to another
From this reading After the kind treatment he had received at the hands of Lieutenant Pillgrim, he was rather disposed to make him a confidant; but he knew so little about his travelling companion, that though he had no question about his fidelity and honor, he was not quite willing to stake everything on his judgment and discretion, as he must do, if he opened the subject to him.
treatmentnounUS /ˈtriːtmənt/
care provided to improve a situation (especially medical procedures or applications that are intended to relieve illness or injury)
From this reading After the kind treatment he had received at the hands of Lieutenant Pillgrim, he was rather disposed to make him a confidant; but he knew so little about his travelling companion, that though he had no question about his fidelity and honor, he was not quite willing to stake everything on his judgment and discretion, as he must do, if he opened the subject to him.
unceremoniousadjectiveUS /ˌʌnserəˈmoʊniəs/
without ceremony or formality
From this reading Somers was not a little surprised to see Mr. Pillgrim enter the parlor in that unceremonious way.
undertakenverbUS /ˈʌndərteɪkən/
inflected form of “undertake” — enter upon an activity or enterprise
From this reading Mr. Waldron would return in a few days, and on his arrival, the overburdened young officer intended to confide the momentous secret to him, receiving the benefit of his advice and support in the great business he had undertaken.
Waldron
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Waldron would return in a few days, and on his arrival, the overburdened young officer intended to confide the momentous secret to him, receiving the benefit of his advice and support in the great business he had undertaken.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading After the kind treatment he had received at the hands of Lieutenant Pillgrim, he was rather disposed to make him a confidant; but he knew so little about his travelling companion, that though he had no question about his fidelity and honor, he was not quite willing to stake everything on his judgment and discretion, as he must do, if he opened the subject to him.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Somers was not a little surprised to see Mr. Pillgrim enter the parlor in that unceremonious way.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading It had been no part of Somers's purpose to bear the whole responsibility of the transactions in which he had so promptly engaged.
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading It had been no part of Somers's purpose to bear the whole responsibility of the transactions in which he had so promptly engaged.
disposed or inclined toward
From this reading After the kind treatment he had received at the hands of Lieutenant Pillgrim, he was rather disposed to make him a confidant; but he knew so little about his travelling companion, that though he had no question about his fidelity and honor, he was not quite willing to stake everything on his judgment and discretion, as he must do, if he opened the subject to him.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Mr. Waldron would return in a few days, and on his arrival, the overburdened young officer intended to confide the momentous secret to him, receiving the benefit of his advice and support in the great business he had undertaken.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading Mr. Waldron would return in a few days, and on his arrival, the overburdened young officer intended to confide the momentous secret to him, receiving the benefit of his advice and support in the great business he had undertaken.
