adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The Erewhonians say that we are drawn through life backwards; or again, that we go onwards into the future as into a dark corridor.
advanceverbUS /ədˈvæns/
move forward, also in the metaphorical sense
From this reading Time walks beside us and flings back shutters as we advance; but the light thus given often dazzles us, and deepens the darkness which is in front.
againadverbUS /əˈɡen/
anew
From this reading The Erewhonians say that we are drawn through life backwards; or again, that we go onwards into the future as into a dark corridor.
alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/
(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 They say at other times that the future and the past are as a panorama upon two rollers; that which is on the roller of the future unwraps itself on to the roller of the past; we cannot hasten it, and we may not stay it; we must see all that is unfolded to us whether it be good or ill; and what we have seen once we may see again no more.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Time walks beside us and flings back shutters as we advance; but the light thus given often dazzles us, and deepens the darkness which is in front.
apprehensionnounUS /ˌæprɪˈhenʃən/
fearful expectation or anticipation
From this reading We can see but little at a time, and heed that little far less than our apprehension of what we shall see next; ever peering curiously through the glare of the present into the gloom of the future, we presage the leading lines of that which is before us, by faintly reflected lights from dull mirrors that are behind, and stumble on as we may till the trap-door opens beneath us and we are gone.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The Erewhonians say that we are drawn through life backwards; or again, that we go onwards into the future as into a dark corridor.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The Erewhonians say that we are drawn through life backwards; or again, that we go onwards into the future as into a dark corridor.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading We can see but little at a time, and heed that little far less than our apprehension of what we shall see next; ever peering curiously through the glare of the present into the gloom of the future, we presage the leading lines of that which is before us, by faintly reflected lights from dull mirrors that are behind, and stumble on as we may till the trap-door opens beneath us and we are gone.
backadverbUS /bæk/
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading Time walks beside us and flings back shutters as we advance; but the light thus given often dazzles us, and deepens the darkness which is in front.
backwardsadverbUS /ˈbækwərdz/
at or to or toward the back or rear
From this reading The Erewhonians say that we are drawn through life backwards; or again, that we go onwards into the future as into a dark corridor.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading They say at other times that the future and the past are as a panorama upon two rollers; that which is on the roller of the future unwraps itself on to the roller of the past; we cannot hasten it, and we may not stay it; we must see all that is unfolded to us whether it be good or ill; and what we have seen once we may see again no more.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading We can see but little at a time, and heed that little far less than our apprehension of what we shall see next; ever peering curiously through the glare of the present into the gloom of the future, we presage the leading lines of that which is before us, by faintly reflected lights from dull mirrors that are behind, and stumble on as we may till the trap-door opens beneath us and we are gone.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading We can see but little at a time, and heed that little far less than our apprehension of what we shall see next; ever peering curiously through the glare of the present into the gloom of the future, we presage the leading lines of that which is before us, by faintly reflected lights from dull mirrors that are behind, and stumble on as we may till the trap-door opens beneath us and we are gone.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading It is ever unwinding and being wound; we catch it in transition for a moment, and call it present; our flustered senses gather what impression they can, and we guess at what is coming by the tenor of that which we have seen.
beneathprepositionUS /bɪˈniːθ/
Directly under; in or to a lower position than.
From this reading We can see but little at a time, and heed that little far less than our apprehension of what we shall see next; ever peering curiously through the glare of the present into the gloom of the future, we presage the leading lines of that which is before us, by faintly reflected lights from dull mirrors that are behind, and stumble on as we may till the trap-door opens beneath us and we are gone.
besideprepositionUS /bɪˈsaɪd/
next to; at the side of
From this reading Time walks beside us and flings back shutters as we advance; but the light thus given often dazzles us, and deepens the darkness which is in front.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Time walks beside us and flings back shutters as we advance; but the light thus given often dazzles us, and deepens the darkness which is in front.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading We can see but little at a time, and heed that little far less than our apprehension of what we shall see next; ever peering curiously through the glare of the present into the gloom of the future, we presage the leading lines of that which is before us, by faintly reflected lights from dull mirrors that are behind, and stumble on as we may till the trap-door opens beneath us and we are gone.
callverbUS /kɔːl/
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading It is ever unwinding and being wound; we catch it in transition for a moment, and call it present; our flustered senses gather what impression they can, and we guess at what is coming by the tenor of that which we have seen.
canmodal verbUS /kæn/
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading We can see but little at a time, and heed that little far less than our apprehension of what we shall see next; ever peering curiously through the glare of the present into the gloom of the future, we presage the leading lines of that which is before us, by faintly reflected lights from dull mirrors that are behind, and stumble on as we may till the trap-door opens beneath us and we are gone.
cannot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They say at other times that the future and the past are as a panorama upon two rollers; that which is on the roller of the future unwraps itself on to the roller of the past; we cannot hasten it, and we may not stay it; we must see all that is unfolded to us whether it be good or ill; and what we have seen once we may see again no more.
catchverbUS /kætʃ/
discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state
From this reading It is ever unwinding and being wound; we catch it in transition for a moment, and call it present; our flustered senses gather what impression they can, and we guess at what is coming by the tenor of that which we have seen.
comingnounUS /ˈkʌmɪŋ/
the act of drawing spatially closer to something
From this reading It is ever unwinding and being wound; we catch it in transition for a moment, and call it present; our flustered senses gather what impression they can, and we guess at what is coming by the tenor of that which we have seen.
corridornounUS /ˈkɔːrədər/
an enclosed passageway; rooms usually open onto it
From this reading The Erewhonians say that we are drawn through life backwards; or again, that we go onwards into the future as into a dark corridor.
curiouslyadverbUS /ˈkjʊriəsli/
in a manner differing from the usual or expected
From this reading We can see but little at a time, and heed that little far less than our apprehension of what we shall see next; ever peering curiously through the glare of the present into the gloom of the future, we presage the leading lines of that which is before us, by faintly reflected lights from dull mirrors that are behind, and stumble on as we may till the trap-door opens beneath us and we are gone.
darknounUS /dɑːrk/
absence of light or illumination
From this reading The Erewhonians say that we are drawn through life backwards; or again, that we go onwards into the future as into a dark corridor.
darknessnounUS /ˈdɑːrknəs/
absence of light or illumination
From this reading Time walks beside us and flings back shutters as we advance; but the light thus given often dazzles us, and deepens the darkness which is in front.
dazzles
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Time walks beside us and flings back shutters as we advance; but the light thus given often dazzles us, and deepens the darkness which is in front.
deepensverbUS /ˈdiːpənz/
third-person singular of “deepen” — make more intense, stronger, or more marked
From this reading Time walks beside us and flings back shutters as we advance; but the light thus given often dazzles us, and deepens the darkness which is in front.
drawnadjectiveUS /drɔːn/
showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering
From this reading The Erewhonians say that we are drawn through life backwards; or again, that we go onwards into the future as into a dark corridor.
dulladjectiveUS /dʌl/
lacking in liveliness or animation
From this reading We can see but little at a time, and heed that little far less than our apprehension of what we shall see next; ever peering curiously through the glare of the present into the gloom of the future, we presage the leading lines of that which is before us, by faintly reflected lights from dull mirrors that are behind, and stumble on as we may till the trap-door opens beneath us and we are gone.
Erewhonians
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Erewhonians say that we are drawn through life backwards; or again, that we go onwards into the future as into a dark corridor.
everadverbUS /ˈevər/
at any time
From this reading We can see but little at a time, and heed that little far less than our apprehension of what we shall see next; ever peering curiously through the glare of the present into the gloom of the future, we presage the leading lines of that which is before us, by faintly reflected lights from dull mirrors that are behind, and stumble on as we may till the trap-door opens beneath us and we are gone.
faintlyadverbUS /ˈfeɪntli/
to a faint degree or weakly perceived
From this reading We can see but little at a time, and heed that little far less than our apprehension of what we shall see next; ever peering curiously through the glare of the present into the gloom of the future, we presage the leading lines of that which is before us, by faintly reflected lights from dull mirrors that are behind, and stumble on as we may till the trap-door opens beneath us and we are gone.
faradverbUS /fɑːr/
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading We can see but little at a time, and heed that little far less than our apprehension of what we shall see next; ever peering curiously through the glare of the present into the gloom of the future, we presage the leading lines of that which is before us, by faintly reflected lights from dull mirrors that are behind, and stumble on as we may till the trap-door opens beneath us and we are gone.
flingsnounUS /flɪŋz/
plural of “fling” — a usually brief attempt
From this reading Time walks beside us and flings back shutters as we advance; but the light thus given often dazzles us, and deepens the darkness which is in front.
flusteredadjectiveUS /ˈflʌstərd/
thrown into a state of agitated confusion; (“rattled” is an informal term)
From this reading It is ever unwinding and being wound; we catch it in transition for a moment, and call it present; our flustered senses gather what impression they can, and we guess at what is coming by the tenor of that which we have seen.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It is ever unwinding and being wound; we catch it in transition for a moment, and call it present; our flustered senses gather what impression they can, and we guess at what is coming by the tenor of that which we have seen.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading We can see but little at a time, and heed that little far less than our apprehension of what we shall see next; ever peering curiously through the glare of the present into the gloom of the future, we presage the leading lines of that which is before us, by faintly reflected lights from dull mirrors that are behind, and stumble on as we may till the trap-door opens beneath us and we are gone.
frontnounUS /frʌnt/
the side that is forward or prominent
From this reading Time walks beside us and flings back shutters as we advance; but the light thus given often dazzles us, and deepens the darkness which is in front.
futureadjectiveUS /ˈfjuːtʃər/
yet to be or coming
From this reading The Erewhonians say that we are drawn through life backwards; or again, that we go onwards into the future as into a dark corridor.
gatherverbUS /ˈɡæðər/
assemble or get together
From this reading It is ever unwinding and being wound; we catch it in transition for a moment, and call it present; our flustered senses gather what impression they can, and we guess at what is coming by the tenor of that which we have seen.
givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/
acknowledged as a supposition
From this reading Time walks beside us and flings back shutters as we advance; but the light thus given often dazzles us, and deepens the darkness which is in front.
glarenounUS /ɡler/
a light within the field of vision that is brighter than the brightness to which the eyes are adapted
From this reading We can see but little at a time, and heed that little far less than our apprehension of what we shall see next; ever peering curiously through the glare of the present into the gloom of the future, we presage the leading lines of that which is before us, by faintly reflected lights from dull mirrors that are behind, and stumble on as we may till the trap-door opens beneath us and we are gone.
gloomnounUS /ɡluːm/
a state of partial or total darkness
From this reading We can see but little at a time, and heed that little far less than our apprehension of what we shall see next; ever peering curiously through the glare of the present into the gloom of the future, we presage the leading lines of that which is before us, by faintly reflected lights from dull mirrors that are behind, and stumble on as we may till the trap-door opens beneath us and we are gone.
goverbUS /ɡoʊ/
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading The Erewhonians say that we are drawn through life backwards; or again, that we go onwards into the future as into a dark corridor.
goneadjectiveUS /ɡɔːn/
destroyed or killed
From this reading We can see but little at a time, and heed that little far less than our apprehension of what we shall see next; ever peering curiously through the glare of the present into the gloom of the future, we presage the leading lines of that which is before us, by faintly reflected lights from dull mirrors that are behind, and stumble on as we may till the trap-door opens beneath us and we are gone.
goodadjectiveUS /ɡʊd/
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading They say at other times that the future and the past are as a panorama upon two rollers; that which is on the roller of the future unwraps itself on to the roller of the past; we cannot hasten it, and we may not stay it; we must see all that is unfolded to us whether it be good or ill; and what we have seen once we may see again no more.
guessverbUS /ɡes/
expect, believe, or suppose
From this reading It is ever unwinding and being wound; we catch it in transition for a moment, and call it present; our flustered senses gather what impression they can, and we guess at what is coming by the tenor of that which we have seen.
hastenverbUS /ˈheɪsən/
act or move at high speed
From this reading They say at other times that the future and the past are as a panorama upon two rollers; that which is on the roller of the future unwraps itself on to the roller of the past; we cannot hasten it, and we may not stay it; we must see all that is unfolded to us whether it be good or ill; and what we have seen once we may see again no more.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading They say at other times that the future and the past are as a panorama upon two rollers; that which is on the roller of the future unwraps itself on to the roller of the past; we cannot hasten it, and we may not stay it; we must see all that is unfolded to us whether it be good or ill; and what we have seen once we may see again no more.
heednounUS /hiːd/
paying particular notice (as to children or helpless people)
From this reading We can see but little at a time, and heed that little far less than our apprehension of what we shall see next; ever peering curiously through the glare of the present into the gloom of the future, we presage the leading lines of that which is before us, by faintly reflected lights from dull mirrors that are behind, and stumble on as we may till the trap-door opens beneath us and we are gone.
illadjectiveUS /ɪl/
affected by an impairment of normal physical or mental function
From this reading They say at other times that the future and the past are as a panorama upon two rollers; that which is on the roller of the future unwraps itself on to the roller of the past; we cannot hasten it, and we may not stay it; we must see all that is unfolded to us whether it be good or ill; and what we have seen once we may see again no more.
impressionnounUS /ˌɪmˈpreʃən/
a vague idea in which some confidence is placed
From this reading It is ever unwinding and being wound; we catch it in transition for a moment, and call it present; our flustered senses gather what impression they can, and we guess at what is coming by the tenor of that which we have seen.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Time walks beside us and flings back shutters as we advance; but the light thus given often dazzles us, and deepens the darkness which is in front.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading The Erewhonians say that we are drawn through life backwards; or again, that we go onwards into the future as into a dark corridor.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Time walks beside us and flings back shutters as we advance; but the light thus given often dazzles us, and deepens the darkness which is in front.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading They say at other times that the future and the past are as a panorama upon two rollers; that which is on the roller of the future unwraps itself on to the roller of the past; we cannot hasten it, and we may not stay it; we must see all that is unfolded to us whether it be good or ill; and what we have seen once we may see again no more.
itselfpronounUS /ˌɪtˈself/
used when the thing doing the action is also its object
From this reading They say at other times that the future and the past are as a panorama upon two rollers; that which is on the roller of the future unwraps itself on to the roller of the past; we cannot hasten it, and we may not stay it; we must see all that is unfolded to us whether it be good or ill; and what we have seen once we may see again no more.
leadingadjectiveUS /ˈliːdɪŋ/
indicating the most important performer or role
From this reading We can see but little at a time, and heed that little far less than our apprehension of what we shall see next; ever peering curiously through the glare of the present into the gloom of the future, we presage the leading lines of that which is before us, by faintly reflected lights from dull mirrors that are behind, and stumble on as we may till the trap-door opens beneath us and we are gone.
lessadverbUS /les/
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading We can see but little at a time, and heed that little far less than our apprehension of what we shall see next; ever peering curiously through the glare of the present into the gloom of the future, we presage the leading lines of that which is before us, by faintly reflected lights from dull mirrors that are behind, and stumble on as we may till the trap-door opens beneath us and we are gone.
lifenounUS /laɪf/
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading The Erewhonians say that we are drawn through life backwards; or again, that we go onwards into the future as into a dark corridor.
lightadjectiveUS /laɪt/
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading Time walks beside us and flings back shutters as we advance; but the light thus given often dazzles us, and deepens the darkness which is in front.
lightsnounUS /laɪts/
plural of “light” — (physics) electromagnetic radiation that can produce a visual sensation
From this reading We can see but little at a time, and heed that little far less than our apprehension of what we shall see next; ever peering curiously through the glare of the present into the gloom of the future, we presage the leading lines of that which is before us, by faintly reflected lights from dull mirrors that are behind, and stumble on as we may till the trap-door opens beneath us and we are gone.
linesnounUS /laɪnz/
plural of “line” — a formation of people or things one beside another
From this reading We can see but little at a time, and heed that little far less than our apprehension of what we shall see next; ever peering curiously through the glare of the present into the gloom of the future, we presage the leading lines of that which is before us, by faintly reflected lights from dull mirrors that are behind, and stumble on as we may till the trap-door opens beneath us and we are gone.
littleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading We can see but little at a time, and heed that little far less than our apprehension of what we shall see next; ever peering curiously through the glare of the present into the gloom of the future, we presage the leading lines of that which is before us, by faintly reflected lights from dull mirrors that are behind, and stumble on as we may till the trap-door opens beneath us and we are gone.
maymodal verbUS /meɪ/
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading We can see but little at a time, and heed that little far less than our apprehension of what we shall see next; ever peering curiously through the glare of the present into the gloom of the future, we presage the leading lines of that which is before us, by faintly reflected lights from dull mirrors that are behind, and stumble on as we may till the trap-door opens beneath us and we are gone.
mirrorsnounUS /ˈmɪrərz/
plural of “mirror” — polished surface that forms images by reflecting light
From this reading We can see but little at a time, and heed that little far less than our apprehension of what we shall see next; ever peering curiously through the glare of the present into the gloom of the future, we presage the leading lines of that which is before us, by faintly reflected lights from dull mirrors that are behind, and stumble on as we may till the trap-door opens beneath us and we are gone.
momentnounUS /ˈmoʊmənt/
a particular point in time
From this reading It is ever unwinding and being wound; we catch it in transition for a moment, and call it present; our flustered senses gather what impression they can, and we guess at what is coming by the tenor of that which we have seen.
moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading They say at other times that the future and the past are as a panorama upon two rollers; that which is on the roller of the future unwraps itself on to the roller of the past; we cannot hasten it, and we may not stay it; we must see all that is unfolded to us whether it be good or ill; and what we have seen once we may see again no more.
mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading They say at other times that the future and the past are as a panorama upon two rollers; that which is on the roller of the future unwraps itself on to the roller of the past; we cannot hasten it, and we may not stay it; we must see all that is unfolded to us whether it be good or ill; and what we have seen once we may see again no more.
nextadjectiveUS /nekst/
immediately following in time or order
From this reading We can see but little at a time, and heed that little far less than our apprehension of what we shall see next; ever peering curiously through the glare of the present into the gloom of the future, we presage the leading lines of that which is before us, by faintly reflected lights from dull mirrors that are behind, and stumble on as we may till the trap-door opens beneath us and we are gone.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading They say at other times that the future and the past are as a panorama upon two rollers; that which is on the roller of the future unwraps itself on to the roller of the past; we cannot hasten it, and we may not stay it; we must see all that is unfolded to us whether it be good or ill; and what we have seen once we may see again no more.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading They say at other times that the future and the past are as a panorama upon two rollers; that which is on the roller of the future unwraps itself on to the roller of the past; we cannot hasten it, and we may not stay it; we must see all that is unfolded to us whether it be good or ill; and what we have seen once we may see again no more.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading We can see but little at a time, and heed that little far less than our apprehension of what we shall see next; ever peering curiously through the glare of the present into the gloom of the future, we presage the leading lines of that which is before us, by faintly reflected lights from dull mirrors that are behind, and stumble on as we may till the trap-door opens beneath us and we are gone.
oftenadverbUS /ˈɔːfən/
many times at short intervals
From this reading Time walks beside us and flings back shutters as we advance; but the light thus given often dazzles us, and deepens the darkness which is in front.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading We can see but little at a time, and heed that little far less than our apprehension of what we shall see next; ever peering curiously through the glare of the present into the gloom of the future, we presage the leading lines of that which is before us, by faintly reflected lights from dull mirrors that are behind, and stumble on as we may till the trap-door opens beneath us and we are gone.
onceadverbUS /wʌns/
on one occasion
From this reading They say at other times that the future and the past are as a panorama upon two rollers; that which is on the roller of the future unwraps itself on to the roller of the past; we cannot hasten it, and we may not stay it; we must see all that is unfolded to us whether it be good or ill; and what we have seen once we may see again no more.
onwardsadverbUS /ˈɑːnwərdz/
in a forward direction
From this reading The Erewhonians say that we are drawn through life backwards; or again, that we go onwards into the future as into a dark corridor.
opensnounUS /ˈoʊpənz/
plural of “open” — a clear or unobstructed space or expanse of land or water
From this reading We can see but little at a time, and heed that little far less than our apprehension of what we shall see next; ever peering curiously through the glare of the present into the gloom of the future, we presage the leading lines of that which is before us, by faintly reflected lights from dull mirrors that are behind, and stumble on as we may till the trap-door opens beneath us and we are gone.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading The Erewhonians say that we are drawn through life backwards; or again, that we go onwards into the future as into a dark corridor.
otheradjectiveUS /ˈʌðər/
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading They say at other times that the future and the past are as a panorama upon two rollers; that which is on the roller of the future unwraps itself on to the roller of the past; we cannot hasten it, and we may not stay it; we must see all that is unfolded to us whether it be good or ill; and what we have seen once we may see again no more.
ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading We can see but little at a time, and heed that little far less than our apprehension of what we shall see next; ever peering curiously through the glare of the present into the gloom of the future, we presage the leading lines of that which is before us, by faintly reflected lights from dull mirrors that are behind, and stumble on as we may till the trap-door opens beneath us and we are gone.
panoramanounUS /ˌpænərˈæmə/
the visual percept of a region
From this reading They say at other times that the future and the past are as a panorama upon two rollers; that which is on the roller of the future unwraps itself on to the roller of the past; we cannot hasten it, and we may not stay it; we must see all that is unfolded to us whether it be good or ill; and what we have seen once we may see again no more.
pastnounUS /pæst/
the time that has elapsed
From this reading They say at other times that the future and the past are as a panorama upon two rollers; that which is on the roller of the future unwraps itself on to the roller of the past; we cannot hasten it, and we may not stay it; we must see all that is unfolded to us whether it be good or ill; and what we have seen once we may see again no more.
peeringverbUS /ˈpiːrɪŋ/
-ing form of “peer” — look searchingly
From this reading We can see but little at a time, and heed that little far less than our apprehension of what we shall see next; ever peering curiously through the glare of the present into the gloom of the future, we presage the leading lines of that which is before us, by faintly reflected lights from dull mirrors that are behind, and stumble on as we may till the trap-door opens beneath us and we are gone.
presageverbUS /ˈpresɪdʒ/
indicate, as with a sign or an omen
From this reading We can see but little at a time, and heed that little far less than our apprehension of what we shall see next; ever peering curiously through the glare of the present into the gloom of the future, we presage the leading lines of that which is before us, by faintly reflected lights from dull mirrors that are behind, and stumble on as we may till the trap-door opens beneath us and we are gone.
presentverbUS /ˈprezənt/
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading We can see but little at a time, and heed that little far less than our apprehension of what we shall see next; ever peering curiously through the glare of the present into the gloom of the future, we presage the leading lines of that which is before us, by faintly reflected lights from dull mirrors that are behind, and stumble on as we may till the trap-door opens beneath us and we are gone.
reflectedadjectiveUS /rɪˈflektɪd/
(especially of incident sound or light) bent or sent back
From this reading We can see but little at a time, and heed that little far less than our apprehension of what we shall see next; ever peering curiously through the glare of the present into the gloom of the future, we presage the leading lines of that which is before us, by faintly reflected lights from dull mirrors that are behind, and stumble on as we may till the trap-door opens beneath us and we are gone.
rollernounUS /ˈroʊlər/
a grounder that rolls along the infield
From this reading They say at other times that the future and the past are as a panorama upon two rollers; that which is on the roller of the future unwraps itself on to the roller of the past; we cannot hasten it, and we may not stay it; we must see all that is unfolded to us whether it be good or ill; and what we have seen once we may see again no more.
rollersnounUS /ˈroʊlərz/
plural of “roller” — a grounder that rolls along the infield
From this reading They say at other times that the future and the past are as a panorama upon two rollers; that which is on the roller of the future unwraps itself on to the roller of the past; we cannot hasten it, and we may not stay it; we must see all that is unfolded to us whether it be good or ill; and what we have seen once we may see again no more.
sayverbUS /seɪ/
express in words
From this reading The Erewhonians say that we are drawn through life backwards; or again, that we go onwards into the future as into a dark corridor.
seeverbUS /siː/
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading We can see but little at a time, and heed that little far less than our apprehension of what we shall see next; ever peering curiously through the glare of the present into the gloom of the future, we presage the leading lines of that which is before us, by faintly reflected lights from dull mirrors that are behind, and stumble on as we may till the trap-door opens beneath us and we are gone.
seenverbUS /siːn/
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading They say at other times that the future and the past are as a panorama upon two rollers; that which is on the roller of the future unwraps itself on to the roller of the past; we cannot hasten it, and we may not stay it; we must see all that is unfolded to us whether it be good or ill; and what we have seen once we may see again no more.
sensesnounUS /ˈsensɪz/
plural of “sens” — street names for marijuana
From this reading It is ever unwinding and being wound; we catch it in transition for a moment, and call it present; our flustered senses gather what impression they can, and we guess at what is coming by the tenor of that which we have seen.
shallmodal verbUS /ʃæl/
used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest
From this reading We can see but little at a time, and heed that little far less than our apprehension of what we shall see next; ever peering curiously through the glare of the present into the gloom of the future, we presage the leading lines of that which is before us, by faintly reflected lights from dull mirrors that are behind, and stumble on as we may till the trap-door opens beneath us and we are gone.
shuttersnounUS /ˈʃʌtərz/
plural of “shutter” — a mechanical device on a camera that opens and closes to control the time of a photographic exposure
From this reading Time walks beside us and flings back shutters as we advance; but the light thus given often dazzles us, and deepens the darkness which is in front.
stayverbUS /steɪ/
stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading They say at other times that the future and the past are as a panorama upon two rollers; that which is on the roller of the future unwraps itself on to the roller of the past; we cannot hasten it, and we may not stay it; we must see all that is unfolded to us whether it be good or ill; and what we have seen once we may see again no more.
stumbleverbUS /ˈstʌmbəl/
walk unsteadily
From this reading We can see but little at a time, and heed that little far less than our apprehension of what we shall see next; ever peering curiously through the glare of the present into the gloom of the future, we presage the leading lines of that which is before us, by faintly reflected lights from dull mirrors that are behind, and stumble on as we may till the trap-door opens beneath us and we are gone.
tenornounUS /ˈtenər/
the adult male singing voice above baritone
From this reading It is ever unwinding and being wound; we catch it in transition for a moment, and call it present; our flustered senses gather what impression they can, and we guess at what is coming by the tenor of that which we have seen.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading We can see but little at a time, and heed that little far less than our apprehension of what we shall see next; ever peering curiously through the glare of the present into the gloom of the future, we presage the leading lines of that which is before us, by faintly reflected lights from dull mirrors that are behind, and stumble on as we may till the trap-door opens beneath us and we are gone.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The Erewhonians say that we are drawn through life backwards; or again, that we go onwards into the future as into a dark corridor.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The Erewhonians say that we are drawn through life backwards; or again, that we go onwards into the future as into a dark corridor.
TheypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They say at other times that the future and the past are as a panorama upon two rollers; that which is on the roller of the future unwraps itself on to the roller of the past; we cannot hasten it, and we may not stay it; we must see all that is unfolded to us whether it be good or ill; and what we have seen once we may see again no more.
throughprepositionUS /θruː/
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading The Erewhonians say that we are drawn through life backwards; or again, that we go onwards into the future as into a dark corridor.
thusadverbUS /ðʌs/
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
From this reading Time walks beside us and flings back shutters as we advance; but the light thus given often dazzles us, and deepens the darkness which is in front.
tillprepositionUS /tɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading We can see but little at a time, and heed that little far less than our apprehension of what we shall see next; ever peering curiously through the glare of the present into the gloom of the future, we presage the leading lines of that which is before us, by faintly reflected lights from dull mirrors that are behind, and stumble on as we may till the trap-door opens beneath us and we are gone.
TimenounUS /taɪm/
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading Time walks beside us and flings back shutters as we advance; but the light thus given often dazzles us, and deepens the darkness which is in front.
timesnounUS /taɪmz/
a more or less definite period of time now or previously present
From this reading They say at other times that the future and the past are as a panorama upon two rollers; that which is on the roller of the future unwraps itself on to the roller of the past; we cannot hasten it, and we may not stay it; we must see all that is unfolded to us whether it be good or ill; and what we have seen once we may see again no more.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading They say at other times that the future and the past are as a panorama upon two rollers; that which is on the roller of the future unwraps itself on to the roller of the past; we cannot hasten it, and we may not stay it; we must see all that is unfolded to us whether it be good or ill; and what we have seen once we may see again no more.
transitionnounUS /trænˈzɪʃən/
the act of passing from one state or place to the next
From this reading It is ever unwinding and being wound; we catch it in transition for a moment, and call it present; our flustered senses gather what impression they can, and we guess at what is coming by the tenor of that which we have seen.
trap-door
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We can see but little at a time, and heed that little far less than our apprehension of what we shall see next; ever peering curiously through the glare of the present into the gloom of the future, we presage the leading lines of that which is before us, by faintly reflected lights from dull mirrors that are behind, and stumble on as we may till the trap-door opens beneath us and we are gone.
twonounUS /tuː/
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading They say at other times that the future and the past are as a panorama upon two rollers; that which is on the roller of the future unwraps itself on to the roller of the past; we cannot hasten it, and we may not stay it; we must see all that is unfolded to us whether it be good or ill; and what we have seen once we may see again no more.
unfoldedverbUS /ənˈfoʊldɪd/
past form of “unfold” — develop or come to a promising stage
From this reading They say at other times that the future and the past are as a panorama upon two rollers; that which is on the roller of the future unwraps itself on to the roller of the past; we cannot hasten it, and we may not stay it; we must see all that is unfolded to us whether it be good or ill; and what we have seen once we may see again no more.
unwindingverbUS /ənˈwaɪndɪŋ/
-ing form of “unwind” — reverse the winding or twisting of
From this reading It is ever unwinding and being wound; we catch it in transition for a moment, and call it present; our flustered senses gather what impression they can, and we guess at what is coming by the tenor of that which we have seen.
unwraps
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They say at other times that the future and the past are as a panorama upon two rollers; that which is on the roller of the future unwraps itself on to the roller of the past; we cannot hasten it, and we may not stay it; we must see all that is unfolded to us whether it be good or ill; and what we have seen once we may see again no more.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading They say at other times that the future and the past are as a panorama upon two rollers; that which is on the roller of the future unwraps itself on to the roller of the past; we cannot hasten it, and we may not stay it; we must see all that is unfolded to us whether it be good or ill; and what we have seen once we may see again no more.
uspronounUS /ʌs/
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Time walks beside us and flings back shutters as we advance; but the light thus given often dazzles us, and deepens the darkness which is in front.
walksnounUS /wɔːks/
plural of “walk” — the act of traveling by foot
From this reading Time walks beside us and flings back shutters as we advance; but the light thus given often dazzles us, and deepens the darkness which is in front.
wepronounUS /wiː/
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading The Erewhonians say that we are drawn through life backwards; or again, that we go onwards into the future as into a dark corridor.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading We can see but little at a time, and heed that little far less than our apprehension of what we shall see next; ever peering curiously through the glare of the present into the gloom of the future, we presage the leading lines of that which is before us, by faintly reflected lights from dull mirrors that are behind, and stumble on as we may till the trap-door opens beneath us and we are gone.
whetherconjunctionUS /ˈweðər/
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading They say at other times that the future and the past are as a panorama upon two rollers; that which is on the roller of the future unwraps itself on to the roller of the past; we cannot hasten it, and we may not stay it; we must see all that is unfolded to us whether it be good or ill; and what we have seen once we may see again no more.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Time walks beside us and flings back shutters as we advance; but the light thus given often dazzles us, and deepens the darkness which is in front.
woundnounUS /waʊnd/
an injury to living tissue (especially an injury involving a cut or break in the skin)
From this reading It is ever unwinding and being wound; we catch it in transition for a moment, and call it present; our flustered senses gather what impression they can, and we guess at what is coming by the tenor of that which we have seen.
