used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Summing up the matter, as she did in a night made busy with the comings and goings of doctors, and vocal with the low-voiced agony of Mr. Superbus, Diana was glad that the man had escaped.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading She was sorry, extremely sorry about the Julian toe--a small toe by all accounts, and not especially valuable or wholly necessary to his complete enjoyment of life--still, it was his, and had been (as he explained between paroxysms) a close companion throughout his chequered life.
accountsnounUS /əˈkaʊnts/
plural of “account” — a record or narrative description of past events
From this reading She was sorry, extremely sorry about the Julian toe--a small toe by all accounts, and not especially valuable or wholly necessary to his complete enjoyment of life--still, it was his, and had been (as he explained between paroxysms) a close companion throughout his chequered life.
Extreme physical or mental suffering; intense anguish.
From this reading Summing up the matter, as she did in a night made busy with the comings and goings of doctors, and vocal with the low-voiced agony of Mr. Superbus, Diana was glad that the man had escaped.
(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 She was sorry, extremely sorry about the Julian toe--a small toe by all accounts, and not especially valuable or wholly necessary to his complete enjoyment of life--still, it was his, and had been (as he explained between paroxysms) a close companion throughout his chequered life.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Summing up the matter, as she did in a night made busy with the comings and goings of doctors, and vocal with the low-voiced agony of Mr. Superbus, Diana was glad that the man had escaped.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Summing up the matter, as she did in a night made busy with the comings and goings of doctors, and vocal with the low-voiced agony of Mr. Superbus, Diana was glad that the man had escaped.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading She was sorry, extremely sorry about the Julian toe--a small toe by all accounts, and not especially valuable or wholly necessary to his complete enjoyment of life--still, it was his, and had been (as he explained between paroxysms) a close companion throughout his chequered life.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading Once he had dropped a hammer on it and had cursed it for being in the way.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading She was sorry, extremely sorry about the Julian toe--a small toe by all accounts, and not especially valuable or wholly necessary to his complete enjoyment of life--still, it was his, and had been (as he explained between paroxysms) a close companion throughout his chequered life.
actively or fully engaged or occupied
From this reading Summing up the matter, as she did in a night made busy with the comings and goings of doctors, and vocal with the low-voiced agony of Mr. Superbus, Diana was glad that the man had escaped.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading She was sorry, extremely sorry about the Julian toe--a small toe by all accounts, and not especially valuable or wholly necessary to his complete enjoyment of life--still, it was his, and had been (as he explained between paroxysms) a close companion throughout his chequered life.
chequeredadjective
patterned with alternating squares of color
From this reading She was sorry, extremely sorry about the Julian toe--a small toe by all accounts, and not especially valuable or wholly necessary to his complete enjoyment of life--still, it was his, and had been (as he explained between paroxysms) a close companion throughout his chequered life.
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading She was sorry, extremely sorry about the Julian toe--a small toe by all accounts, and not especially valuable or wholly necessary to his complete enjoyment of life--still, it was his, and had been (as he explained between paroxysms) a close companion throughout his chequered life.
comingsnounUS /ˈkʌmɪŋz/
plural of “coming” — the act of drawing spatially closer to something
From this reading Summing up the matter, as she did in a night made busy with the comings and goings of doctors, and vocal with the low-voiced agony of Mr. Superbus, Diana was glad that the man had escaped.
a friend who is frequently in the company of another
From this reading She was sorry, extremely sorry about the Julian toe--a small toe by all accounts, and not especially valuable or wholly necessary to his complete enjoyment of life--still, it was his, and had been (as he explained between paroxysms) a close companion throughout his chequered life.
come or bring to a finish or an end
From this reading She was sorry, extremely sorry about the Julian toe--a small toe by all accounts, and not especially valuable or wholly necessary to his complete enjoyment of life--still, it was his, and had been (as he explained between paroxysms) a close companion throughout his chequered life.
cursedadjectiveUS /kɜːrst/
deserving a curse; sometimes used as an intensifier
From this reading Once he had dropped a hammer on it and had cursed it for being in the way.
DiananounUS /daɪˈænə/
English aristocrat who was the first wife of Prince Charles; her death in an automobile accident in Paris produced intense national mourning (1961-1997)
From this reading Summing up the matter, as she did in a night made busy with the comings and goings of doctors, and vocal with the low-voiced agony of Mr. Superbus, Diana was glad that the man had escaped.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Summing up the matter, as she did in a night made busy with the comings and goings of doctors, and vocal with the low-voiced agony of Mr. Superbus, Diana was glad that the man had escaped.
doctorsnounUS /ˈdɑːktərz/
plural of “doctor” — a licensed medical practitioner
From this reading Summing up the matter, as she did in a night made busy with the comings and goings of doctors, and vocal with the low-voiced agony of Mr. Superbus, Diana was glad that the man had escaped.
inflected form of “drop” — let fall to the ground
From this reading Once he had dropped a hammer on it and had cursed it for being in the way.
enjoymentnounUS /ˌenˈdʒɔɪmənt/
the pleasure felt when having a good time
From this reading She was sorry, extremely sorry about the Julian toe--a small toe by all accounts, and not especially valuable or wholly necessary to his complete enjoyment of life--still, it was his, and had been (as he explained between paroxysms) a close companion throughout his chequered life.
having escaped, especially from confinement
From this reading Summing up the matter, as she did in a night made busy with the comings and goings of doctors, and vocal with the low-voiced agony of Mr. Superbus, Diana was glad that the man had escaped.
to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common
From this reading She was sorry, extremely sorry about the Julian toe--a small toe by all accounts, and not especially valuable or wholly necessary to his complete enjoyment of life--still, it was his, and had been (as he explained between paroxysms) a close companion throughout his chequered life.
past form of “explain” — make plain and comprehensible
From this reading She was sorry, extremely sorry about the Julian toe--a small toe by all accounts, and not especially valuable or wholly necessary to his complete enjoyment of life--still, it was his, and had been (as he explained between paroxysms) a close companion throughout his chequered life.
to a high degree or extent; favorably or with much respect
From this reading She was sorry, extremely sorry about the Julian toe--a small toe by all accounts, and not especially valuable or wholly necessary to his complete enjoyment of life--still, it was his, and had been (as he explained between paroxysms) a close companion throughout his chequered life.
having or displaying warmth or affection
From this reading He recounted stories about it, half fond, half wistful.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Once he had dropped a hammer on it and had cursed it for being in the way.
showing or causing joy and pleasure; especially made happy
From this reading Summing up the matter, as she did in a night made busy with the comings and goings of doctors, and vocal with the low-voiced agony of Mr. Superbus, Diana was glad that the man had escaped.
goingsnounUS /ˈɡoʊɪŋz/
plural of “going” — the act of departing
From this reading Summing up the matter, as she did in a night made busy with the comings and goings of doctors, and vocal with the low-voiced agony of Mr. Superbus, Diana was glad that the man had escaped.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Summing up the matter, as she did in a night made busy with the comings and goings of doctors, and vocal with the low-voiced agony of Mr. Superbus, Diana was glad that the man had escaped.
consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity
From this reading He recounted stories about it, half fond, half wistful.
hammernounUS /ˈhæmər/
the part of a gunlock that strikes the percussion cap when the trigger is pulled
From this reading Once he had dropped a hammer on it and had cursed it for being in the way.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She was sorry, extremely sorry about the Julian toe--a small toe by all accounts, and not especially valuable or wholly necessary to his complete enjoyment of life--still, it was his, and had been (as he explained between paroxysms) a close companion throughout his chequered life.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading She was sorry, extremely sorry about the Julian toe--a small toe by all accounts, and not especially valuable or wholly necessary to his complete enjoyment of life--still, it was his, and had been (as he explained between paroxysms) a close companion throughout his chequered life.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Summing up the matter, as she did in a night made busy with the comings and goings of doctors, and vocal with the low-voiced agony of Mr. Superbus, Diana was glad that the man had escaped.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading She was sorry, extremely sorry about the Julian toe--a small toe by all accounts, and not especially valuable or wholly necessary to his complete enjoyment of life--still, it was his, and had been (as he explained between paroxysms) a close companion throughout his chequered life.
JuliannounUS /ˈdʒuːliən/
Roman Emperor and nephew of Constantine; he restored paganism as the official religion of the Roman Empire and destroyed Christian temples but his decision was reversed after his death (331?-363)
From this reading She was sorry, extremely sorry about the Julian toe--a small toe by all accounts, and not especially valuable or wholly necessary to his complete enjoyment of life--still, it was his, and had been (as he explained between paroxysms) a close companion throughout his chequered life.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading She was sorry, extremely sorry about the Julian toe--a small toe by all accounts, and not especially valuable or wholly necessary to his complete enjoyment of life--still, it was his, and had been (as he explained between paroxysms) a close companion throughout his chequered life.
low-voiced
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Summing up the matter, as she did in a night made busy with the comings and goings of doctors, and vocal with the low-voiced agony of Mr. Superbus, Diana was glad that the man had escaped.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading Summing up the matter, as she did in a night made busy with the comings and goings of doctors, and vocal with the low-voiced agony of Mr. Superbus, Diana was glad that the man had escaped.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Summing up the matter, as she did in a night made busy with the comings and goings of doctors, and vocal with the low-voiced agony of Mr. Superbus, Diana was glad that the man had escaped.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading Summing up the matter, as she did in a night made busy with the comings and goings of doctors, and vocal with the low-voiced agony of Mr. Superbus, Diana was glad that the man had escaped.
a form of address for a man
From this reading Summing up the matter, as she did in a night made busy with the comings and goings of doctors, and vocal with the low-voiced agony of Mr. Superbus, Diana was glad that the man had escaped.
absolutely essential
From this reading She was sorry, extremely sorry about the Julian toe--a small toe by all accounts, and not especially valuable or wholly necessary to his complete enjoyment of life--still, it was his, and had been (as he explained between paroxysms) a close companion throughout his chequered life.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading Summing up the matter, as she did in a night made busy with the comings and goings of doctors, and vocal with the low-voiced agony of Mr. Superbus, Diana was glad that the man had escaped.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading She was sorry, extremely sorry about the Julian toe--a small toe by all accounts, and not especially valuable or wholly necessary to his complete enjoyment of life--still, it was his, and had been (as he explained between paroxysms) a close companion throughout his chequered life.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading He regretted that now.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Summing up the matter, as she did in a night made busy with the comings and goings of doctors, and vocal with the low-voiced agony of Mr. Superbus, Diana was glad that the man had escaped.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Once he had dropped a hammer on it and had cursed it for being in the way.
on one occasion
From this reading Once he had dropped a hammer on it and had cursed it for being in the way.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading She was sorry, extremely sorry about the Julian toe--a small toe by all accounts, and not especially valuable or wholly necessary to his complete enjoyment of life--still, it was his, and had been (as he explained between paroxysms) a close companion throughout his chequered life.
paroxysms
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was sorry, extremely sorry about the Julian toe--a small toe by all accounts, and not especially valuable or wholly necessary to his complete enjoyment of life--still, it was his, and had been (as he explained between paroxysms) a close companion throughout his chequered life.
recountedverbUS /rɪˈkaʊntɪd/
past form of “recount” — narrate or give a detailed account of
From this reading He recounted stories about it, half fond, half wistful.
regrettedverbUS /rɪˈɡretɪd/
inflected form of “regret” — feel remorse for; feel sorry for; be contrite about
From this reading He regretted that now.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Summing up the matter, as she did in a night made busy with the comings and goings of doctors, and vocal with the low-voiced agony of Mr. Superbus, Diana was glad that the man had escaped.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading She was sorry, extremely sorry about the Julian toe--a small toe by all accounts, and not especially valuable or wholly necessary to his complete enjoyment of life--still, it was his, and had been (as he explained between paroxysms) a close companion throughout his chequered life.
sorryadjectiveUS /ˈsɑːri/
feeling or expressing regret or sorrow or a sense of loss over something done or undone
From this reading She was sorry, extremely sorry about the Julian toe--a small toe by all accounts, and not especially valuable or wholly necessary to his complete enjoyment of life--still, it was his, and had been (as he explained between paroxysms) a close companion throughout his chequered life.
not in physical motion
From this reading She was sorry, extremely sorry about the Julian toe--a small toe by all accounts, and not especially valuable or wholly necessary to his complete enjoyment of life--still, it was his, and had been (as he explained between paroxysms) a close companion throughout his chequered life.
plural of “story” — a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading He recounted stories about it, half fond, half wistful.
SummingverbUS /ˈsʌmɪŋ/
inflected form of “sum” — be a summary of
From this reading Summing up the matter, as she did in a night made busy with the comings and goings of doctors, and vocal with the low-voiced agony of Mr. Superbus, Diana was glad that the man had escaped.
Superbus
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Summing up the matter, as she did in a night made busy with the comings and goings of doctors, and vocal with the low-voiced agony of Mr. Superbus, Diana was glad that the man had escaped.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Summing up the matter, as she did in a night made busy with the comings and goings of doctors, and vocal with the low-voiced agony of Mr. Superbus, Diana was glad that the man had escaped.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Summing up the matter, as she did in a night made busy with the comings and goings of doctors, and vocal with the low-voiced agony of Mr. Superbus, Diana was glad that the man had escaped.
in every part of a place, or for the whole of a period
From this reading She was sorry, extremely sorry about the Julian toe--a small toe by all accounts, and not especially valuable or wholly necessary to his complete enjoyment of life--still, it was his, and had been (as he explained between paroxysms) a close companion throughout his chequered life.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading She was sorry, extremely sorry about the Julian toe--a small toe by all accounts, and not especially valuable or wholly necessary to his complete enjoyment of life--still, it was his, and had been (as he explained between paroxysms) a close companion throughout his chequered life.
toenounUS /toʊ/
one of the digits of the foot
From this reading She was sorry, extremely sorry about the Julian toe--a small toe by all accounts, and not especially valuable or wholly necessary to his complete enjoyment of life--still, it was his, and had been (as he explained between paroxysms) a close companion throughout his chequered life.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Summing up the matter, as she did in a night made busy with the comings and goings of doctors, and vocal with the low-voiced agony of Mr. Superbus, Diana was glad that the man had escaped.
having great material or monetary value especially for use or exchange
From this reading She was sorry, extremely sorry about the Julian toe--a small toe by all accounts, and not especially valuable or wholly necessary to his complete enjoyment of life--still, it was his, and had been (as he explained between paroxysms) a close companion throughout his chequered life.
vocaladjectiveUS /ˈvoʊkəl/
relating to or designed for or using the singing voice
From this reading Summing up the matter, as she did in a night made busy with the comings and goings of doctors, and vocal with the low-voiced agony of Mr. Superbus, Diana was glad that the man had escaped.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Summing up the matter, as she did in a night made busy with the comings and goings of doctors, and vocal with the low-voiced agony of Mr. Superbus, Diana was glad that the man had escaped.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Once he had dropped a hammer on it and had cursed it for being in the way.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading She was sorry, extremely sorry about the Julian toe--a small toe by all accounts, and not especially valuable or wholly necessary to his complete enjoyment of life--still, it was his, and had been (as he explained between paroxysms) a close companion throughout his chequered life.
wistfuladjectiveUS /ˈwɪstfəl/
showing pensive sadness
From this reading He recounted stories about it, half fond, half wistful.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Summing up the matter, as she did in a night made busy with the comings and goings of doctors, and vocal with the low-voiced agony of Mr. Superbus, Diana was glad that the man had escaped.
