used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A WELCOME VISITOR.
abilitynounUS /əˈbɪlətiː/
the quality of being able to perform; a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment
From this reading To be cast into jail and locked up in a cell is not a pleasant experience even for one who deserves such a fate; while to an honest lad like Rodman Blake who had only tried to perform what he considered his duty to the best of his ability, it was terrible.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading To be cast into jail and locked up in a cell is not a pleasant experience even for one who deserves such a fate; while to an honest lad like Rodman Blake who had only tried to perform what he considered his duty to the best of his ability, it was terrible.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading To be cast into jail and locked up in a cell is not a pleasant experience even for one who deserves such a fate; while to an honest lad like Rodman Blake who had only tried to perform what he considered his duty to the best of his ability, it was terrible.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading He was too sensible to feel any sense of disgrace in being thus wrongfully imprisoned; but the horror of the situation remained, and it seemed as though he should suffocate behind those bars if not speedily released.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading He was too sensible to feel any sense of disgrace in being thus wrongfully imprisoned; but the horror of the situation remained, and it seemed as though he should suffocate behind those bars if not speedily released.
make certain of
From this reading In vain did he assure himself that his friends would soon discover his predicament and release him from it.
barsnounUS /bɑːrz/
gymnastic apparatus consisting of two parallel wooden rods supported on uprights
From this reading He was too sensible to feel any sense of disgrace in being thus wrongfully imprisoned; but the horror of the situation remained, and it seemed as though he should suffocate behind those bars if not speedily released.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading To be cast into jail and locked up in a cell is not a pleasant experience even for one who deserves such a fate; while to an honest lad like Rodman Blake who had only tried to perform what he considered his duty to the best of his ability, it was terrible.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading He was too sensible to feel any sense of disgrace in being thus wrongfully imprisoned; but the horror of the situation remained, and it seemed as though he should suffocate behind those bars if not speedily released.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading He was too sensible to feel any sense of disgrace in being thus wrongfully imprisoned; but the horror of the situation remained, and it seemed as though he should suffocate behind those bars if not speedily released.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading To be cast into jail and locked up in a cell is not a pleasant experience even for one who deserves such a fate; while to an honest lad like Rodman Blake who had only tried to perform what he considered his duty to the best of his ability, it was terrible.
BlakenounUS /bleɪk/
visionary British poet and painter (1757-1827)
From this reading To be cast into jail and locked up in a cell is not a pleasant experience even for one who deserves such a fate; while to an honest lad like Rodman Blake who had only tried to perform what he considered his duty to the best of his ability, it was terrible.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading He was too sensible to feel any sense of disgrace in being thus wrongfully imprisoned; but the horror of the situation remained, and it seemed as though he should suffocate behind those bars if not speedily released.
put or send forth
From this reading To be cast into jail and locked up in a cell is not a pleasant experience even for one who deserves such a fate; while to an honest lad like Rodman Blake who had only tried to perform what he considered his duty to the best of his ability, it was terrible.
cellnounUS /sel/
A small stone room in a prison where an inmate is locked behind iron bars.
From this reading To be cast into jail and locked up in a cell is not a pleasant experience even for one who deserves such a fate; while to an honest lad like Rodman Blake who had only tried to perform what he considered his duty to the best of his ability, it was terrible.
carefully weighed
From this reading To be cast into jail and locked up in a cell is not a pleasant experience even for one who deserves such a fate; while to an honest lad like Rodman Blake who had only tried to perform what he considered his duty to the best of his ability, it was terrible.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading He could not shake off the depressing influence of that narrow room, of the forbidding white walls, and the grim grating of the massive door.
depressingadjectiveUS /dɪˈpresɪŋ/
causing sad feelings of gloom and inadequacy
From this reading He could not shake off the depressing influence of that narrow room, of the forbidding white walls, and the grim grating of the massive door.
deservesverbUS /dɪˈzɜːrvz/
third-person singular of “deserve” — be worthy or deserving
From this reading To be cast into jail and locked up in a cell is not a pleasant experience even for one who deserves such a fate; while to an honest lad like Rodman Blake who had only tried to perform what he considered his duty to the best of his ability, it was terrible.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading In vain did he assure himself that his friends would soon discover his predicament and release him from it.
discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of
From this reading In vain did he assure himself that his friends would soon discover his predicament and release him from it.
bring shame or dishonor upon
From this reading He was too sensible to feel any sense of disgrace in being thus wrongfully imprisoned; but the horror of the situation remained, and it seemed as though he should suffocate behind those bars if not speedily released.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading He could not shake off the depressing influence of that narrow room, of the forbidding white walls, and the grim grating of the massive door.
the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force
From this reading To be cast into jail and locked up in a cell is not a pleasant experience even for one who deserves such a fate; while to an honest lad like Rodman Blake who had only tried to perform what he considered his duty to the best of his ability, it was terrible.
divisible by two
From this reading To be cast into jail and locked up in a cell is not a pleasant experience even for one who deserves such a fate; while to an honest lad like Rodman Blake who had only tried to perform what he considered his duty to the best of his ability, it was terrible.
undergo or live through a difficult experience
From this reading To be cast into jail and locked up in a cell is not a pleasant experience even for one who deserves such a fate; while to an honest lad like Rodman Blake who had only tried to perform what he considered his duty to the best of his ability, it was terrible.
an event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future
From this reading To be cast into jail and locked up in a cell is not a pleasant experience even for one who deserves such a fate; while to an honest lad like Rodman Blake who had only tried to perform what he considered his duty to the best of his ability, it was terrible.
undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind
From this reading He was too sensible to feel any sense of disgrace in being thus wrongfully imprisoned; but the horror of the situation remained, and it seemed as though he should suffocate behind those bars if not speedily released.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading To be cast into jail and locked up in a cell is not a pleasant experience even for one who deserves such a fate; while to an honest lad like Rodman Blake who had only tried to perform what he considered his duty to the best of his ability, it was terrible.
forbiddingadjectiveUS /fərˈbɪdɪŋ/
harshly uninviting or formidable in manner or appearance
From this reading He could not shake off the depressing influence of that narrow room, of the forbidding white walls, and the grim grating of the massive door.
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading In vain did he assure himself that his friends would soon discover his predicament and release him from it.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading In vain did he assure himself that his friends would soon discover his predicament and release him from it.
gratingnounUS /ˈɡreɪtɪŋ/
a barrier that has parallel or crossed bars blocking a passage but admitting air
From this reading He could not shake off the depressing influence of that narrow room, of the forbidding white walls, and the grim grating of the massive door.
not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty
From this reading He could not shake off the depressing influence of that narrow room, of the forbidding white walls, and the grim grating of the massive door.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading To be cast into jail and locked up in a cell is not a pleasant experience even for one who deserves such a fate; while to an honest lad like Rodman Blake who had only tried to perform what he considered his duty to the best of his ability, it was terrible.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading To be cast into jail and locked up in a cell is not a pleasant experience even for one who deserves such a fate; while to an honest lad like Rodman Blake who had only tried to perform what he considered his duty to the best of his ability, it was terrible.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading In vain did he assure himself that his friends would soon discover his predicament and release him from it.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading In vain did he assure himself that his friends would soon discover his predicament and release him from it.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading To be cast into jail and locked up in a cell is not a pleasant experience even for one who deserves such a fate; while to an honest lad like Rodman Blake who had only tried to perform what he considered his duty to the best of his ability, it was terrible.
not disposed to cheat or defraud; not deceptive or fraudulent
From this reading To be cast into jail and locked up in a cell is not a pleasant experience even for one who deserves such a fate; while to an honest lad like Rodman Blake who had only tried to perform what he considered his duty to the best of his ability, it was terrible.
intense and profound fear
From this reading He was too sensible to feel any sense of disgrace in being thus wrongfully imprisoned; but the horror of the situation remained, and it seemed as though he should suffocate behind those bars if not speedily released.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading He was too sensible to feel any sense of disgrace in being thus wrongfully imprisoned; but the horror of the situation remained, and it seemed as though he should suffocate behind those bars if not speedily released.
imprisonedadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈprɪzənd/
being in captivity
From this reading He was too sensible to feel any sense of disgrace in being thus wrongfully imprisoned; but the horror of the situation remained, and it seemed as though he should suffocate behind those bars if not speedily released.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading To be cast into jail and locked up in a cell is not a pleasant experience even for one who deserves such a fate; while to an honest lad like Rodman Blake who had only tried to perform what he considered his duty to the best of his ability, it was terrible.
a power to affect persons or events especially power based on prestige etc
From this reading He could not shake off the depressing influence of that narrow room, of the forbidding white walls, and the grim grating of the massive door.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading To be cast into jail and locked up in a cell is not a pleasant experience even for one who deserves such a fate; while to an honest lad like Rodman Blake who had only tried to perform what he considered his duty to the best of his ability, it was terrible.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading To be cast into jail and locked up in a cell is not a pleasant experience even for one who deserves such a fate; while to an honest lad like Rodman Blake who had only tried to perform what he considered his duty to the best of his ability, it was terrible.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading To be cast into jail and locked up in a cell is not a pleasant experience even for one who deserves such a fate; while to an honest lad like Rodman Blake who had only tried to perform what he considered his duty to the best of his ability, it was terrible.
jailnounUS /dʒeɪl/
a correctional institution used to detain persons who are in the lawful custody of the government (either accused persons awaiting trial or convicted persons serving a sentence)
From this reading To be cast into jail and locked up in a cell is not a pleasant experience even for one who deserves such a fate; while to an honest lad like Rodman Blake who had only tried to perform what he considered his duty to the best of his ability, it was terrible.
a boy or man
From this reading To be cast into jail and locked up in a cell is not a pleasant experience even for one who deserves such a fate; while to an honest lad like Rodman Blake who had only tried to perform what he considered his duty to the best of his ability, it was terrible.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading To be cast into jail and locked up in a cell is not a pleasant experience even for one who deserves such a fate; while to an honest lad like Rodman Blake who had only tried to perform what he considered his duty to the best of his ability, it was terrible.
past form of “lock” — fasten with a lock
From this reading To be cast into jail and locked up in a cell is not a pleasant experience even for one who deserves such a fate; while to an honest lad like Rodman Blake who had only tried to perform what he considered his duty to the best of his ability, it was terrible.
massiveadjectiveUS /ˈmæsɪv/
imposing in size or bulk or solidity
From this reading He could not shake off the depressing influence of that narrow room, of the forbidding white walls, and the grim grating of the massive door.
make or become more narrow or restricted
From this reading He could not shake off the depressing influence of that narrow room, of the forbidding white walls, and the grim grating of the massive door.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading To be cast into jail and locked up in a cell is not a pleasant experience even for one who deserves such a fate; while to an honest lad like Rodman Blake who had only tried to perform what he considered his duty to the best of his ability, it was terrible.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading To be cast into jail and locked up in a cell is not a pleasant experience even for one who deserves such a fate; while to an honest lad like Rodman Blake who had only tried to perform what he considered his duty to the best of his ability, it was terrible.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading He could not shake off the depressing influence of that narrow room, of the forbidding white walls, and the grim grating of the massive door.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading To be cast into jail and locked up in a cell is not a pleasant experience even for one who deserves such a fate; while to an honest lad like Rodman Blake who had only tried to perform what he considered his duty to the best of his ability, it was terrible.
and nothing more
From this reading To be cast into jail and locked up in a cell is not a pleasant experience even for one who deserves such a fate; while to an honest lad like Rodman Blake who had only tried to perform what he considered his duty to the best of his ability, it was terrible.
performverbUS /pərˈfɔːrm/
carry out or perform an action
From this reading To be cast into jail and locked up in a cell is not a pleasant experience even for one who deserves such a fate; while to an honest lad like Rodman Blake who had only tried to perform what he considered his duty to the best of his ability, it was terrible.
affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings
From this reading To be cast into jail and locked up in a cell is not a pleasant experience even for one who deserves such a fate; while to an honest lad like Rodman Blake who had only tried to perform what he considered his duty to the best of his ability, it was terrible.
predicamentnounUS /prɪˈdɪkəmənt/
a situation from which extrication is difficult especially an unpleasant or trying one
From this reading In vain did he assure himself that his friends would soon discover his predicament and release him from it.
releaseverbUS /riˈliːs/
release, as from one's grip
From this reading In vain did he assure himself that his friends would soon discover his predicament and release him from it.
releasedverbUS /riˈliːst/
past form of “release” — release, as from one's grip
From this reading He was too sensible to feel any sense of disgrace in being thus wrongfully imprisoned; but the horror of the situation remained, and it seemed as though he should suffocate behind those bars if not speedily released.
past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading He was too sensible to feel any sense of disgrace in being thus wrongfully imprisoned; but the horror of the situation remained, and it seemed as though he should suffocate behind those bars if not speedily released.
Rodman
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To be cast into jail and locked up in a cell is not a pleasant experience even for one who deserves such a fate; while to an honest lad like Rodman Blake who had only tried to perform what he considered his duty to the best of his ability, it was terrible.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading He could not shake off the depressing influence of that narrow room, of the forbidding white walls, and the grim grating of the massive door.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading He was too sensible to feel any sense of disgrace in being thus wrongfully imprisoned; but the horror of the situation remained, and it seemed as though he should suffocate behind those bars if not speedily released.
a general conscious awareness
From this reading He was too sensible to feel any sense of disgrace in being thus wrongfully imprisoned; but the horror of the situation remained, and it seemed as though he should suffocate behind those bars if not speedily released.
showing reason or sound judgment
From this reading He was too sensible to feel any sense of disgrace in being thus wrongfully imprisoned; but the horror of the situation remained, and it seemed as though he should suffocate behind those bars if not speedily released.
move or cause to move back and forth
From this reading He could not shake off the depressing influence of that narrow room, of the forbidding white walls, and the grim grating of the massive door.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading He was too sensible to feel any sense of disgrace in being thus wrongfully imprisoned; but the horror of the situation remained, and it seemed as though he should suffocate behind those bars if not speedily released.
the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time
From this reading He was too sensible to feel any sense of disgrace in being thus wrongfully imprisoned; but the horror of the situation remained, and it seemed as though he should suffocate behind those bars if not speedily released.
in the near future
From this reading In vain did he assure himself that his friends would soon discover his predicament and release him from it.
speedilyadverbUS /ˈspiːdəli/
with speed
From this reading He was too sensible to feel any sense of disgrace in being thus wrongfully imprisoned; but the horror of the situation remained, and it seemed as though he should suffocate behind those bars if not speedily released.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading To be cast into jail and locked up in a cell is not a pleasant experience even for one who deserves such a fate; while to an honest lad like Rodman Blake who had only tried to perform what he considered his duty to the best of his ability, it was terrible.
suffocateverbUS /ˈsʌfəkeɪt/
deprive of oxygen and prevent from breathing
From this reading He was too sensible to feel any sense of disgrace in being thus wrongfully imprisoned; but the horror of the situation remained, and it seemed as though he should suffocate behind those bars if not speedily released.
causing fear or dread or terror
From this reading To be cast into jail and locked up in a cell is not a pleasant experience even for one who deserves such a fate; while to an honest lad like Rodman Blake who had only tried to perform what he considered his duty to the best of his ability, it was terrible.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading In vain did he assure himself that his friends would soon discover his predicament and release him from it.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading To be cast into jail and locked up in a cell is not a pleasant experience even for one who deserves such a fate; while to an honest lad like Rodman Blake who had only tried to perform what he considered his duty to the best of his ability, it was terrible.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading He was too sensible to feel any sense of disgrace in being thus wrongfully imprisoned; but the horror of the situation remained, and it seemed as though he should suffocate behind those bars if not speedily released.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading He was too sensible to feel any sense of disgrace in being thus wrongfully imprisoned; but the horror of the situation remained, and it seemed as though he should suffocate behind those bars if not speedily released.
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
From this reading He was too sensible to feel any sense of disgrace in being thus wrongfully imprisoned; but the horror of the situation remained, and it seemed as though he should suffocate behind those bars if not speedily released.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading To be cast into jail and locked up in a cell is not a pleasant experience even for one who deserves such a fate; while to an honest lad like Rodman Blake who had only tried to perform what he considered his duty to the best of his ability, it was terrible.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading He was too sensible to feel any sense of disgrace in being thus wrongfully imprisoned; but the horror of the situation remained, and it seemed as though he should suffocate behind those bars if not speedily released.
tested and proved useful or correct
From this reading To be cast into jail and locked up in a cell is not a pleasant experience even for one who deserves such a fate; while to an honest lad like Rodman Blake who had only tried to perform what he considered his duty to the best of his ability, it was terrible.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading To be cast into jail and locked up in a cell is not a pleasant experience even for one who deserves such a fate; while to an honest lad like Rodman Blake who had only tried to perform what he considered his duty to the best of his ability, it was terrible.
characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance
From this reading In vain did he assure himself that his friends would soon discover his predicament and release him from it.
someone who visits
From this reading A WELCOME VISITOR.
plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure
From this reading He could not shake off the depressing influence of that narrow room, of the forbidding white walls, and the grim grating of the massive door.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading To be cast into jail and locked up in a cell is not a pleasant experience even for one who deserves such a fate; while to an honest lad like Rodman Blake who had only tried to perform what he considered his duty to the best of his ability, it was terrible.
accept gladly
From this reading A WELCOME VISITOR.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading To be cast into jail and locked up in a cell is not a pleasant experience even for one who deserves such a fate; while to an honest lad like Rodman Blake who had only tried to perform what he considered his duty to the best of his ability, it was terrible.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading To be cast into jail and locked up in a cell is not a pleasant experience even for one who deserves such a fate; while to an honest lad like Rodman Blake who had only tried to perform what he considered his duty to the best of his ability, it was terrible.
a Caucasian
From this reading He could not shake off the depressing influence of that narrow room, of the forbidding white walls, and the grim grating of the massive door.
which person or people
From this reading To be cast into jail and locked up in a cell is not a pleasant experience even for one who deserves such a fate; while to an honest lad like Rodman Blake who had only tried to perform what he considered his duty to the best of his ability, it was terrible.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading In vain did he assure himself that his friends would soon discover his predicament and release him from it.
wrongfullyadverbUS /ˈrɔːŋfəli/
in an unjust or unfair manner
From this reading He was too sensible to feel any sense of disgrace in being thus wrongfully imprisoned; but the horror of the situation remained, and it seemed as though he should suffocate behind those bars if not speedily released.
