used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading “A very strange thing has just happened to me,”--began our hero with a forced smile:--“just imagine some young man or other, a stranger to me, has challenged me to a duel; it is utterly impossible for me to refuse; I am in indispensable need of a second: will not you act?”
perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
From this reading “A very strange thing has just happened to me,”--began our hero with a forced smile:--“just imagine some young man or other, a stranger to me, has challenged me to a duel; it is utterly impossible for me to refuse; I am in indispensable need of a second: will not you act?”
past form of “add” — make an addition (to); join or combine or unite with others; increase the quality, quantity, size or scope of
From this reading “Wouldn’t he do?”--he thought, and shrugging his shoulders, he added almost aloud:--“I shall have to take him.”
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading “Wouldn’t he do?”--he thought, and shrugging his shoulders, he added almost aloud:--“I shall have to take him.”
using the voice; not silently
From this reading “Wouldn’t he do?”--he thought, and shrugging his shoulders, he added almost aloud:--“I shall have to take him.”
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Although Iván Ílitch was characterised, as we know, by imperturbable indifference, yet such an unexpected proposition startled even him.
the form of “be” used with “I”
From this reading “A very strange thing has just happened to me,”--began our hero with a forced smile:--“just imagine some young man or other, a stranger to me, has challenged me to a duel; it is utterly impossible for me to refuse; I am in indispensable need of a second: will not you act?”
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Although Iván Ílitch was characterised, as we know, by imperturbable indifference, yet such an unexpected proposition startled even him.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading “Wouldn’t he do?”--he thought, and shrugging his shoulders, he added almost aloud:--“I shall have to take him.”
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Although Iván Ílitch was characterised, as we know, by imperturbable indifference, yet such an unexpected proposition startled even him.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading “A very strange thing has just happened to me,”--began our hero with a forced smile:--“just imagine some young man or other, a stranger to me, has challenged me to a duel; it is utterly impossible for me to refuse; I am in indispensable need of a second: will not you act?”
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Although Iván Ílitch was characterised, as we know, by imperturbable indifference, yet such an unexpected proposition startled even him.
challengedverbUS /ˈtʃæləndʒd/
past form of “challenge” — take exception to
From this reading “A very strange thing has just happened to me,”--began our hero with a forced smile:--“just imagine some young man or other, a stranger to me, has challenged me to a duel; it is utterly impossible for me to refuse; I am in indispensable need of a second: will not you act?”
characterised
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Although Iván Ílitch was characterised, as we know, by imperturbable indifference, yet such an unexpected proposition startled even him.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading “Wouldn’t he do?”--he thought, and shrugging his shoulders, he added almost aloud:--“I shall have to take him.”
duelnounUS /ˈduːəl/
a prearranged fight with deadly weapons by two people (accompanied by seconds) in order to settle a quarrel over a point of honor
From this reading “A very strange thing has just happened to me,”--began our hero with a forced smile:--“just imagine some young man or other, a stranger to me, has challenged me to a duel; it is utterly impossible for me to refuse; I am in indispensable need of a second: will not you act?”
divisible by two
From this reading Although Iván Ílitch was characterised, as we know, by imperturbable indifference, yet such an unexpected proposition startled even him.
opinion or judgment
From this reading Thoroughly perplexed, he riveted his eyes on Vladímir Sergyéitch.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading “A very strange thing has just happened to me,”--began our hero with a forced smile:--“just imagine some young man or other, a stranger to me, has challenged me to a duel; it is utterly impossible for me to refuse; I am in indispensable need of a second: will not you act?”
produced by or subjected to forcing
From this reading “A very strange thing has just happened to me,”--began our hero with a forced smile:--“just imagine some young man or other, a stranger to me, has challenged me to a duel; it is utterly impossible for me to refuse; I am in indispensable need of a second: will not you act?”
past form of “happen” — come to pass
From this reading “A very strange thing has just happened to me,”--began our hero with a forced smile:--“just imagine some young man or other, a stranger to me, has challenged me to a duel; it is utterly impossible for me to refuse; I am in indispensable need of a second: will not you act?”
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “A very strange thing has just happened to me,”--began our hero with a forced smile:--“just imagine some young man or other, a stranger to me, has challenged me to a duel; it is utterly impossible for me to refuse; I am in indispensable need of a second: will not you act?”
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading “Wouldn’t he do?”--he thought, and shrugging his shoulders, he added almost aloud:--“I shall have to take him.”
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading “Wouldn’t he do?”--he thought, and shrugging his shoulders, he added almost aloud:--“I shall have to take him.”
a man distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength
From this reading “A very strange thing has just happened to me,”--began our hero with a forced smile:--“just imagine some young man or other, a stranger to me, has challenged me to a duel; it is utterly impossible for me to refuse; I am in indispensable need of a second: will not you act?”
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading “Wouldn’t he do?”--he thought, and shrugging his shoulders, he added almost aloud:--“I shall have to take him.”
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading “Wouldn’t he do?”--he thought, and shrugging his shoulders, he added almost aloud:--“I shall have to take him.”
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading “Wouldn’t he do?”--he thought, and shrugging his shoulders, he added almost aloud:--“I shall have to take him.”
form a mental image of something that is not present or that is not the case
From this reading “A very strange thing has just happened to me,”--began our hero with a forced smile:--“just imagine some young man or other, a stranger to me, has challenged me to a duel; it is utterly impossible for me to refuse; I am in indispensable need of a second: will not you act?”
imperturbableadjective
not easily perturbed or excited or upset; marked by extreme calm and composure
From this reading Although Iván Ílitch was characterised, as we know, by imperturbable indifference, yet such an unexpected proposition startled even him.
not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with
From this reading “A very strange thing has just happened to me,”--began our hero with a forced smile:--“just imagine some young man or other, a stranger to me, has challenged me to a duel; it is utterly impossible for me to refuse; I am in indispensable need of a second: will not you act?”
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading “A very strange thing has just happened to me,”--began our hero with a forced smile:--“just imagine some young man or other, a stranger to me, has challenged me to a duel; it is utterly impossible for me to refuse; I am in indispensable need of a second: will not you act?”
indifferencenounUS /ˌɪnˈdɪfərəns/
unbiased impartial unconcern
From this reading Although Iván Ílitch was characterised, as we know, by imperturbable indifference, yet such an unexpected proposition startled even him.
indispensableadjectiveUS /ˌɪndɪˈspensəbəl/
not to be dispensed with; essential
From this reading “A very strange thing has just happened to me,”--began our hero with a forced smile:--“just imagine some young man or other, a stranger to me, has challenged me to a duel; it is utterly impossible for me to refuse; I am in indispensable need of a second: will not you act?”
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “A very strange thing has just happened to me,”--began our hero with a forced smile:--“just imagine some young man or other, a stranger to me, has challenged me to a duel; it is utterly impossible for me to refuse; I am in indispensable need of a second: will not you act?”
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading “A very strange thing has just happened to me,”--began our hero with a forced smile:--“just imagine some young man or other, a stranger to me, has challenged me to a duel; it is utterly impossible for me to refuse; I am in indispensable need of a second: will not you act?”
Iván
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Although Iván Ílitch was characterised, as we know, by imperturbable indifference, yet such an unexpected proposition startled even him.
and nothing more
From this reading “A very strange thing has just happened to me,”--began our hero with a forced smile:--“just imagine some young man or other, a stranger to me, has challenged me to a duel; it is utterly impossible for me to refuse; I am in indispensable need of a second: will not you act?”
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading Although Iván Ílitch was characterised, as we know, by imperturbable indifference, yet such an unexpected proposition startled even him.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading “A very strange thing has just happened to me,”--began our hero with a forced smile:--“just imagine some young man or other, a stranger to me, has challenged me to a duel; it is utterly impossible for me to refuse; I am in indispensable need of a second: will not you act?”
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading “A very strange thing has just happened to me,”--began our hero with a forced smile:--“just imagine some young man or other, a stranger to me, has challenged me to a duel; it is utterly impossible for me to refuse; I am in indispensable need of a second: will not you act?”
a condition requiring relief
From this reading “A very strange thing has just happened to me,”--began our hero with a forced smile:--“just imagine some young man or other, a stranger to me, has challenged me to a duel; it is utterly impossible for me to refuse; I am in indispensable need of a second: will not you act?”
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading “A very strange thing has just happened to me,”--began our hero with a forced smile:--“just imagine some young man or other, a stranger to me, has challenged me to a duel; it is utterly impossible for me to refuse; I am in indispensable need of a second: will not you act?”
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading “A very strange thing has just happened to me,”--began our hero with a forced smile:--“just imagine some young man or other, a stranger to me, has challenged me to a duel; it is utterly impossible for me to refuse; I am in indispensable need of a second: will not you act?”
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Thoroughly perplexed, he riveted his eyes on Vladímir Sergyéitch.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading “A very strange thing has just happened to me,”--began our hero with a forced smile:--“just imagine some young man or other, a stranger to me, has challenged me to a duel; it is utterly impossible for me to refuse; I am in indispensable need of a second: will not you act?”
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading “A very strange thing has just happened to me,”--began our hero with a forced smile:--“just imagine some young man or other, a stranger to me, has challenged me to a duel; it is utterly impossible for me to refuse; I am in indispensable need of a second: will not you act?”
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading “A very strange thing has just happened to me,”--began our hero with a forced smile:--“just imagine some young man or other, a stranger to me, has challenged me to a duel; it is utterly impossible for me to refuse; I am in indispensable need of a second: will not you act?”
perplexedadjectiveUS /pərˈplekst/
full of difficulty or confusion or bewilderment
From this reading Thoroughly perplexed, he riveted his eyes on Vladímir Sergyéitch.
propositionnounUS /ˌprɑːpəˈzɪʃən/
(logic) a statement that affirms or denies something and is either true or false
From this reading Although Iván Ílitch was characterised, as we know, by imperturbable indifference, yet such an unexpected proposition startled even him.
show unwillingness towards
From this reading “A very strange thing has just happened to me,”--began our hero with a forced smile:--“just imagine some young man or other, a stranger to me, has challenged me to a duel; it is utterly impossible for me to refuse; I am in indispensable need of a second: will not you act?”
rivetedverbUS /ˈrɪvətɪd/
past form of “rivet” — direct one's attention on something
From this reading Thoroughly perplexed, he riveted his eyes on Vladímir Sergyéitch.
1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
From this reading “A very strange thing has just happened to me,”--began our hero with a forced smile:--“just imagine some young man or other, a stranger to me, has challenged me to a duel; it is utterly impossible for me to refuse; I am in indispensable need of a second: will not you act?”
Sergyéitch
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Vladímir Sergyéitch stepped up to him.
used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest
From this reading “Wouldn’t he do?”--he thought, and shrugging his shoulders, he added almost aloud:--“I shall have to take him.”
plural of “shoulder” — the part of the body between the neck and the upper arm
From this reading “Wouldn’t he do?”--he thought, and shrugging his shoulders, he added almost aloud:--“I shall have to take him.”
shruggingverbUS /ˈʃrʌɡɪŋ/
inflected form of “shrug” — raise one's shoulders to indicate indifference or resignation
From this reading “Wouldn’t he do?”--he thought, and shrugging his shoulders, he added almost aloud:--“I shall have to take him.”
change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure
From this reading “A very strange thing has just happened to me,”--began our hero with a forced smile:--“just imagine some young man or other, a stranger to me, has challenged me to a duel; it is utterly impossible for me to refuse; I am in indispensable need of a second: will not you act?”
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading “A very strange thing has just happened to me,”--began our hero with a forced smile:--“just imagine some young man or other, a stranger to me, has challenged me to a duel; it is utterly impossible for me to refuse; I am in indispensable need of a second: will not you act?”
excited by sudden surprise or alarm and making a quick involuntary movement
From this reading Although Iván Ílitch was characterised, as we know, by imperturbable indifference, yet such an unexpected proposition startled even him.
inflected form of “step” — shift or move by taking a step
From this reading Vladímir Sergyéitch stepped up to him.
being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
From this reading “A very strange thing has just happened to me,”--began our hero with a forced smile:--“just imagine some young man or other, a stranger to me, has challenged me to a duel; it is utterly impossible for me to refuse; I am in indispensable need of a second: will not you act?”
anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found
From this reading “A very strange thing has just happened to me,”--began our hero with a forced smile:--“just imagine some young man or other, a stranger to me, has challenged me to a duel; it is utterly impossible for me to refuse; I am in indispensable need of a second: will not you act?”
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Although Iván Ílitch was characterised, as we know, by imperturbable indifference, yet such an unexpected proposition startled even him.
carry out
From this reading “Wouldn’t he do?”--he thought, and shrugging his shoulders, he added almost aloud:--“I shall have to take him.”
a special situation
From this reading “A very strange thing has just happened to me,”--began our hero with a forced smile:--“just imagine some young man or other, a stranger to me, has challenged me to a duel; it is utterly impossible for me to refuse; I am in indispensable need of a second: will not you act?”
in an exhaustive manner
From this reading Thoroughly perplexed, he riveted his eyes on Vladímir Sergyéitch.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading “Wouldn’t he do?”--he thought, and shrugging his shoulders, he added almost aloud:--“I shall have to take him.”
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading “Wouldn’t he do?”--he thought, and shrugging his shoulders, he added almost aloud:--“I shall have to take him.”
not expected or anticipated
From this reading Although Iván Ílitch was characterised, as we know, by imperturbable indifference, yet such an unexpected proposition startled even him.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Vladímir Sergyéitch stepped up to him.
completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers
From this reading “A very strange thing has just happened to me,”--began our hero with a forced smile:--“just imagine some young man or other, a stranger to me, has challenged me to a duel; it is utterly impossible for me to refuse; I am in indispensable need of a second: will not you act?”
precisely as stated
From this reading “A very strange thing has just happened to me,”--began our hero with a forced smile:--“just imagine some young man or other, a stranger to me, has challenged me to a duel; it is utterly impossible for me to refuse; I am in indispensable need of a second: will not you act?”
Vladímir
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Vladímir Sergyéitch stepped up to him.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Although Iván Ílitch was characterised, as we know, by imperturbable indifference, yet such an unexpected proposition startled even him.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading Although Iván Ílitch was characterised, as we know, by imperturbable indifference, yet such an unexpected proposition startled even him.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading “A very strange thing has just happened to me,”--began our hero with a forced smile:--“just imagine some young man or other, a stranger to me, has challenged me to a duel; it is utterly impossible for me to refuse; I am in indispensable need of a second: will not you act?”
in the company of; together with
From this reading “A very strange thing has just happened to me,”--began our hero with a forced smile:--“just imagine some young man or other, a stranger to me, has challenged me to a duel; it is utterly impossible for me to refuse; I am in indispensable need of a second: will not you act?”
Wouldn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Wouldn’t he do?”--he thought, and shrugging his shoulders, he added almost aloud:--“I shall have to take him.”
but in spite of that
From this reading Although Iván Ílitch was characterised, as we know, by imperturbable indifference, yet such an unexpected proposition startled even him.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “A very strange thing has just happened to me,”--began our hero with a forced smile:--“just imagine some young man or other, a stranger to me, has challenged me to a duel; it is utterly impossible for me to refuse; I am in indispensable need of a second: will not you act?”
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading “A very strange thing has just happened to me,”--began our hero with a forced smile:--“just imagine some young man or other, a stranger to me, has challenged me to a duel; it is utterly impossible for me to refuse; I am in indispensable need of a second: will not you act?”
Ílitch
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Although Iván Ílitch was characterised, as we know, by imperturbable indifference, yet such an unexpected proposition startled even him.
