(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 His colour was good, his step elastic as of old, and his head was thrown back as if he were buckled up for the fray and wanted all to know it.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He had not changed, and yet he had changed greatly.
from appearances alone
From this reading Rest had apparently done much for him.
weapons considered collectively
From this reading Yet there was something in the eye, in the setness of the jaw, in the hair-trigger calm, yet fiercely savage grip in which he closed his strong hands on the arms of his chair, that told me more plainly than words that this was not the optimistic, soft-hearted Bob Brownley I had known and loved.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading His colour was good, his step elastic as of old, and his head was thrown back as if he were buckled up for the fray and wanted all to know it.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading His colour was good, his step elastic as of old, and his head was thrown back as if he were buckled up for the fray and wanted all to know it.
move up and down repeatedly
From this reading The following week Bob returned to the office.
Brownley
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Yet there was something in the eye, in the setness of the jaw, in the hair-trigger calm, yet fiercely savage grip in which he closed his strong hands on the arms of his chair, that told me more plainly than words that this was not the optimistic, soft-hearted Bob Brownley I had known and loved.
buckledverbUS /ˈbʌkəld/
past form of “buckle” — fasten with a buckle or buckles
From this reading His colour was good, his step elastic as of old, and his head was thrown back as if he were buckled up for the fray and wanted all to know it.
make calm or still
From this reading Yet there was something in the eye, in the setness of the jaw, in the hair-trigger calm, yet fiercely savage grip in which he closed his strong hands on the arms of his chair, that told me more plainly than words that this was not the optimistic, soft-hearted Bob Brownley I had known and loved.
a seat for one person, with a support for the back
From this reading Yet there was something in the eye, in the setness of the jaw, in the hair-trigger calm, yet fiercely savage grip in which he closed his strong hands on the arms of his chair, that told me more plainly than words that this was not the optimistic, soft-hearted Bob Brownley I had known and loved.
made or become different in nature or form
From this reading He had not changed, and yet he had changed greatly.
not open or affording passage or access
From this reading Yet there was something in the eye, in the setness of the jaw, in the hair-trigger calm, yet fiercely savage grip in which he closed his strong hands on the arms of his chair, that told me more plainly than words that this was not the optimistic, soft-hearted Bob Brownley I had known and loved.
having or capable of producing colors
From this reading His colour was good, his step elastic as of old, and his head was thrown back as if he were buckled up for the fray and wanted all to know it.
having finished or arrived at completion
From this reading Rest had apparently done much for him.
elasticadjectiveUS /ɪˈlæstɪk/
capable of resuming original shape after stretching or compression; springy
From this reading His colour was good, his step elastic as of old, and his head was thrown back as if he were buckled up for the fray and wanted all to know it.
the organ of sight
From this reading Yet there was something in the eye, in the setness of the jaw, in the hair-trigger calm, yet fiercely savage grip in which he closed his strong hands on the arms of his chair, that told me more plainly than words that this was not the optimistic, soft-hearted Bob Brownley I had known and loved.
fiercelyadverbUS /ˈfɪrsli/
in a physically fierce manner
From this reading Yet there was something in the eye, in the setness of the jaw, in the hair-trigger calm, yet fiercely savage grip in which he closed his strong hands on the arms of his chair, that told me more plainly than words that this was not the optimistic, soft-hearted Bob Brownley I had known and loved.
about to be mentioned or specified
From this reading The following week Bob returned to the office.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Rest had apparently done much for him.
frayverbUS /freɪ/
wear away by rubbing
From this reading His colour was good, his step elastic as of old, and his head was thrown back as if he were buckled up for the fray and wanted all to know it.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading His colour was good, his step elastic as of old, and his head was thrown back as if he were buckled up for the fray and wanted all to know it.
to an extraordinary extent or degree
From this reading He had not changed, and yet he had changed greatly.
gripnounUS /ɡrɪp/
the act of grasping
From this reading Yet there was something in the eye, in the setness of the jaw, in the hair-trigger calm, yet fiercely savage grip in which he closed his strong hands on the arms of his chair, that told me more plainly than words that this was not the optimistic, soft-hearted Bob Brownley I had known and loved.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading He had not changed, and yet he had changed greatly.
hair-trigger
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Yet there was something in the eye, in the setness of the jaw, in the hair-trigger calm, yet fiercely savage grip in which he closed his strong hands on the arms of his chair, that told me more plainly than words that this was not the optimistic, soft-hearted Bob Brownley I had known and loved.
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading Yet there was something in the eye, in the setness of the jaw, in the hair-trigger calm, yet fiercely savage grip in which he closed his strong hands on the arms of his chair, that told me more plainly than words that this was not the optimistic, soft-hearted Bob Brownley I had known and loved.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He had not changed, and yet he had changed greatly.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading His colour was good, his step elastic as of old, and his head was thrown back as if he were buckled up for the fray and wanted all to know it.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Rest had apparently done much for him.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading His colour was good, his step elastic as of old, and his head was thrown back as if he were buckled up for the fray and wanted all to know it.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading Yet there was something in the eye, in the setness of the jaw, in the hair-trigger calm, yet fiercely savage grip in which he closed his strong hands on the arms of his chair, that told me more plainly than words that this was not the optimistic, soft-hearted Bob Brownley I had known and loved.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading His colour was good, his step elastic as of old, and his head was thrown back as if he were buckled up for the fray and wanted all to know it.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Yet there was something in the eye, in the setness of the jaw, in the hair-trigger calm, yet fiercely savage grip in which he closed his strong hands on the arms of his chair, that told me more plainly than words that this was not the optimistic, soft-hearted Bob Brownley I had known and loved.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading His colour was good, his step elastic as of old, and his head was thrown back as if he were buckled up for the fray and wanted all to know it.
jawverbUS /dʒɔː/
talk socially without exchanging too much information
From this reading Yet there was something in the eye, in the setness of the jaw, in the hair-trigger calm, yet fiercely savage grip in which he closed his strong hands on the arms of his chair, that told me more plainly than words that this was not the optimistic, soft-hearted Bob Brownley I had known and loved.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading His colour was good, his step elastic as of old, and his head was thrown back as if he were buckled up for the fray and wanted all to know it.
apprehended with certainty
From this reading Yet there was something in the eye, in the setness of the jaw, in the hair-trigger calm, yet fiercely savage grip in which he closed his strong hands on the arms of his chair, that told me more plainly than words that this was not the optimistic, soft-hearted Bob Brownley I had known and loved.
held dear
From this reading Yet there was something in the eye, in the setness of the jaw, in the hair-trigger calm, yet fiercely savage grip in which he closed his strong hands on the arms of his chair, that told me more plainly than words that this was not the optimistic, soft-hearted Bob Brownley I had known and loved.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Yet there was something in the eye, in the setness of the jaw, in the hair-trigger calm, yet fiercely savage grip in which he closed his strong hands on the arms of his chair, that told me more plainly than words that this was not the optimistic, soft-hearted Bob Brownley I had known and loved.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Yet there was something in the eye, in the setness of the jaw, in the hair-trigger calm, yet fiercely savage grip in which he closed his strong hands on the arms of his chair, that told me more plainly than words that this was not the optimistic, soft-hearted Bob Brownley I had known and loved.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading Rest had apparently done much for him.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading He had not changed, and yet he had changed greatly.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading His colour was good, his step elastic as of old, and his head was thrown back as if he were buckled up for the fray and wanted all to know it.
place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed
From this reading The following week Bob returned to the office.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading His colour was good, his step elastic as of old, and his head was thrown back as if he were buckled up for the fray and wanted all to know it.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Yet there was something in the eye, in the setness of the jaw, in the hair-trigger calm, yet fiercely savage grip in which he closed his strong hands on the arms of his chair, that told me more plainly than words that this was not the optimistic, soft-hearted Bob Brownley I had known and loved.
optimisticadjectiveUS /ˌɑːptəˈmɪstɪk/
expecting the best in this best of all possible worlds
From this reading Yet there was something in the eye, in the setness of the jaw, in the hair-trigger calm, yet fiercely savage grip in which he closed his strong hands on the arms of his chair, that told me more plainly than words that this was not the optimistic, soft-hearted Bob Brownley I had known and loved.
unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)
From this reading Yet there was something in the eye, in the setness of the jaw, in the hair-trigger calm, yet fiercely savage grip in which he closed his strong hands on the arms of his chair, that told me more plainly than words that this was not the optimistic, soft-hearted Bob Brownley I had known and loved.
not move; be in a resting position
From this reading Rest had apparently done much for him.
past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading The following week Bob returned to the office.
(of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering
From this reading Yet there was something in the eye, in the setness of the jaw, in the hair-trigger calm, yet fiercely savage grip in which he closed his strong hands on the arms of his chair, that told me more plainly than words that this was not the optimistic, soft-hearted Bob Brownley I had known and loved.
setness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Yet there was something in the eye, in the setness of the jaw, in the hair-trigger calm, yet fiercely savage grip in which he closed his strong hands on the arms of his chair, that told me more plainly than words that this was not the optimistic, soft-hearted Bob Brownley I had known and loved.
soft-hearted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Yet there was something in the eye, in the setness of the jaw, in the hair-trigger calm, yet fiercely savage grip in which he closed his strong hands on the arms of his chair, that told me more plainly than words that this was not the optimistic, soft-hearted Bob Brownley I had known and loved.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading Yet there was something in the eye, in the setness of the jaw, in the hair-trigger calm, yet fiercely savage grip in which he closed his strong hands on the arms of his chair, that told me more plainly than words that this was not the optimistic, soft-hearted Bob Brownley I had known and loved.
any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal
From this reading His colour was good, his step elastic as of old, and his head was thrown back as if he were buckled up for the fray and wanted all to know it.
having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading Yet there was something in the eye, in the setness of the jaw, in the hair-trigger calm, yet fiercely savage grip in which he closed his strong hands on the arms of his chair, that told me more plainly than words that this was not the optimistic, soft-hearted Bob Brownley I had known and loved.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Yet there was something in the eye, in the setness of the jaw, in the hair-trigger calm, yet fiercely savage grip in which he closed his strong hands on the arms of his chair, that told me more plainly than words that this was not the optimistic, soft-hearted Bob Brownley I had known and loved.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Yet there was something in the eye, in the setness of the jaw, in the hair-trigger calm, yet fiercely savage grip in which he closed his strong hands on the arms of his chair, that told me more plainly than words that this was not the optimistic, soft-hearted Bob Brownley I had known and loved.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The following week Bob returned to the office.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Yet there was something in the eye, in the setness of the jaw, in the hair-trigger calm, yet fiercely savage grip in which he closed his strong hands on the arms of his chair, that told me more plainly than words that this was not the optimistic, soft-hearted Bob Brownley I had known and loved.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Yet there was something in the eye, in the setness of the jaw, in the hair-trigger calm, yet fiercely savage grip in which he closed his strong hands on the arms of his chair, that told me more plainly than words that this was not the optimistic, soft-hearted Bob Brownley I had known and loved.
caused to fall to the ground
From this reading His colour was good, his step elastic as of old, and his head was thrown back as if he were buckled up for the fray and wanted all to know it.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The following week Bob returned to the office.
inflected form of “tell” — express in words
From this reading Yet there was something in the eye, in the setness of the jaw, in the hair-trigger calm, yet fiercely savage grip in which he closed his strong hands on the arms of his chair, that told me more plainly than words that this was not the optimistic, soft-hearted Bob Brownley I had known and loved.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading His colour was good, his step elastic as of old, and his head was thrown back as if he were buckled up for the fray and wanted all to know it.
desired or wished for or sought
From this reading His colour was good, his step elastic as of old, and his head was thrown back as if he were buckled up for the fray and wanted all to know it.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading His colour was good, his step elastic as of old, and his head was thrown back as if he were buckled up for the fray and wanted all to know it.
any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading The following week Bob returned to the office.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading His colour was good, his step elastic as of old, and his head was thrown back as if he were buckled up for the fray and wanted all to know it.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Yet there was something in the eye, in the setness of the jaw, in the hair-trigger calm, yet fiercely savage grip in which he closed his strong hands on the arms of his chair, that told me more plainly than words that this was not the optimistic, soft-hearted Bob Brownley I had known and loved.
the words that are spoken
From this reading Yet there was something in the eye, in the setness of the jaw, in the hair-trigger calm, yet fiercely savage grip in which he closed his strong hands on the arms of his chair, that told me more plainly than words that this was not the optimistic, soft-hearted Bob Brownley I had known and loved.
but in spite of that
From this reading He had not changed, and yet he had changed greatly.
