used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The fawn had to be brought up on a bottle, and the children loved it first for its very helplessness.
abilitynounUS /əˈbɪlətiː/
the quality of being able to perform; a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment
From this reading As Dapple grew stronger, her long, slim legs developed the most amazing ability to jump.
filled with fear or apprehension
From this reading WILD PLAYMATES HAD the bear cub and the fawn been older, they would never have been friends; but these were both such babies that the little bear much preferred his milk to venison, and the fawn did not know to be afraid.
amazingadjectiveUS /əˈmeɪzɪŋ/
surprising greatly
From this reading As Dapple grew stronger, her long, slim legs developed the most amazing ability to jump.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading WILD PLAYMATES HAD the bear cub and the fawn been older, they would never have been friends; but these were both such babies that the little bear much preferred his milk to venison, and the fawn did not know to be afraid.
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading She followed the children around like a pup, for they were the only parents she knew.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Their strange friendship might not last, as they grew older, but for the time there was peace between them.
babiesnounUS /ˈbeɪbiz/
plural of “baby” — a very young child (birth to 1 year) who has not yet begun to walk or talk
From this reading WILD PLAYMATES HAD the bear cub and the fawn been older, they would never have been friends; but these were both such babies that the little bear much preferred his milk to venison, and the fawn did not know to be afraid.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading WILD PLAYMATES HAD the bear cub and the fawn been older, they would never have been friends; but these were both such babies that the little bear much preferred his milk to venison, and the fawn did not know to be afraid.
have
From this reading WILD PLAYMATES HAD the bear cub and the fawn been older, they would never have been friends; but these were both such babies that the little bear much preferred his milk to venison, and the fawn did not know to be afraid.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading WILD PLAYMATES HAD the bear cub and the fawn been older, they would never have been friends; but these were both such babies that the little bear much preferred his milk to venison, and the fawn did not know to be afraid.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading Their strange friendship might not last, as they grew older, but for the time there was peace between them.
the two together, not just one
From this reading WILD PLAYMATES HAD the bear cub and the fawn been older, they would never have been friends; but these were both such babies that the little bear much preferred his milk to venison, and the fawn did not know to be afraid.
a glass or plastic vessel used for storing drinks or other liquids; typically cylindrical without handles and with a narrow neck that can be plugged or capped
From this reading The fawn had to be brought up on a bottle, and the children loved it first for its very helplessness.
inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading The fawn had to be brought up on a bottle, and the children loved it first for its very helplessness.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading WILD PLAYMATES HAD the bear cub and the fawn been older, they would never have been friends; but these were both such babies that the little bear much preferred his milk to venison, and the fawn did not know to be afraid.
plural of “child” — a young person of either sex
From this reading The fawn had to be brought up on a bottle, and the children loved it first for its very helplessness.
cubnounUS /kʌb/
an awkward and inexperienced youth
From this reading WILD PLAYMATES HAD the bear cub and the fawn been older, they would never have been friends; but these were both such babies that the little bear much preferred his milk to venison, and the fawn did not know to be afraid.
Dapplenoun
a small contrasting part of something
From this reading As Dapple grew stronger, her long, slim legs developed the most amazing ability to jump.
developedadjectiveUS /dɪˈveləpt/
being changed over time so as to be e.g. stronger or more complete or more useful
From this reading As Dapple grew stronger, her long, slim legs developed the most amazing ability to jump.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading WILD PLAYMATES HAD the bear cub and the fawn been older, they would never have been friends; but these were both such babies that the little bear much preferred his milk to venison, and the fawn did not know to be afraid.
fawnnounUS /fɔːn/
a color or pigment varying around a light grey-brown color
From this reading WILD PLAYMATES HAD the bear cub and the fawn been older, they would never have been friends; but these were both such babies that the little bear much preferred his milk to venison, and the fawn did not know to be afraid.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading The fawn had to be brought up on a bottle, and the children loved it first for its very helplessness.
past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading She followed the children around like a pup, for they were the only parents she knew.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Their strange friendship might not last, as they grew older, but for the time there was peace between them.
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading WILD PLAYMATES HAD the bear cub and the fawn been older, they would never have been friends; but these were both such babies that the little bear much preferred his milk to venison, and the fawn did not know to be afraid.
the state of being friends (or friendly)
From this reading Their strange friendship might not last, as they grew older, but for the time there was peace between them.
inflected form of “grow” — pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become
From this reading Their strange friendship might not last, as they grew older, but for the time there was peace between them.
HADauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading WILD PLAYMATES HAD the bear cub and the fawn been older, they would never have been friends; but these were both such babies that the little bear much preferred his milk to venison, and the fawn did not know to be afraid.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading WILD PLAYMATES HAD the bear cub and the fawn been older, they would never have been friends; but these were both such babies that the little bear much preferred his milk to venison, and the fawn did not know to be afraid.
helplessnessnounUS /ˈhelpləsnəs/
powerlessness revealed by an inability to act
From this reading The fawn had to be brought up on a bottle, and the children loved it first for its very helplessness.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading As Dapple grew stronger, her long, slim legs developed the most amazing ability to jump.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading WILD PLAYMATES HAD the bear cub and the fawn been older, they would never have been friends; but these were both such babies that the little bear much preferred his milk to venison, and the fawn did not know to be afraid.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The fawn had to be brought up on a bottle, and the children loved it first for its very helplessness.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading The fawn had to be brought up on a bottle, and the children loved it first for its very helplessness.
move forward by leaps and bounds
From this reading As Dapple grew stronger, her long, slim legs developed the most amazing ability to jump.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading She followed the children around like a pup, for they were the only parents she knew.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading WILD PLAYMATES HAD the bear cub and the fawn been older, they would never have been friends; but these were both such babies that the little bear much preferred his milk to venison, and the fawn did not know to be afraid.
immediately past
From this reading Their strange friendship might not last, as they grew older, but for the time there was peace between them.
staying power
From this reading As Dapple grew stronger, her long, slim legs developed the most amazing ability to jump.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading She followed the children around like a pup, for they were the only parents she knew.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading WILD PLAYMATES HAD the bear cub and the fawn been older, they would never have been friends; but these were both such babies that the little bear much preferred his milk to venison, and the fawn did not know to be afraid.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading As Dapple grew stronger, her long, slim legs developed the most amazing ability to jump.
held dear
From this reading The fawn had to be brought up on a bottle, and the children loved it first for its very helplessness.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Their strange friendship might not last, as they grew older, but for the time there was peace between them.
a white nutritious liquid secreted by mammals and used as food by human beings
From this reading WILD PLAYMATES HAD the bear cub and the fawn been older, they would never have been friends; but these were both such babies that the little bear much preferred his milk to venison, and the fawn did not know to be afraid.
used to form the superlative
From this reading As Dapple grew stronger, her long, slim legs developed the most amazing ability to jump.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading WILD PLAYMATES HAD the bear cub and the fawn been older, they would never have been friends; but these were both such babies that the little bear much preferred his milk to venison, and the fawn did not know to be afraid.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading WILD PLAYMATES HAD the bear cub and the fawn been older, they would never have been friends; but these were both such babies that the little bear much preferred his milk to venison, and the fawn did not know to be afraid.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading WILD PLAYMATES HAD the bear cub and the fawn been older, they would never have been friends; but these were both such babies that the little bear much preferred his milk to venison, and the fawn did not know to be afraid.
olderadjectiveUS /ˈoʊldər/
advanced in years; (“aged” is pronounced as two syllables)
From this reading WILD PLAYMATES HAD the bear cub and the fawn been older, they would never have been friends; but these were both such babies that the little bear much preferred his milk to venison, and the fawn did not know to be afraid.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The fawn had to be brought up on a bottle, and the children loved it first for its very helplessness.
and nothing more
From this reading She followed the children around like a pup, for they were the only parents she knew.
plural of “parent” — a father or mother; one who begets or one who gives birth to or nurtures and raises a child; a relative who plays the role of guardian
From this reading She followed the children around like a pup, for they were the only parents she knew.
the state prevailing during the absence of war
From this reading Their strange friendship might not last, as they grew older, but for the time there was peace between them.
PLAYMATESnounUS /ˈpleɪmeɪts/
plural of “playmate” — a companion at play
From this reading WILD PLAYMATES HAD the bear cub and the fawn been older, they would never have been friends; but these were both such babies that the little bear much preferred his milk to venison, and the fawn did not know to be afraid.
preferredadjectiveUS /prəˈfɜːrd/
more desirable than another
From this reading WILD PLAYMATES HAD the bear cub and the fawn been older, they would never have been friends; but these were both such babies that the little bear much preferred his milk to venison, and the fawn did not know to be afraid.
pupnounUS /pʌp/
young of any of various canines such as a dog or wolf
From this reading She followed the children around like a pup, for they were the only parents she knew.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She followed the children around like a pup, for they were the only parents she knew.
slimadjectiveUS /slɪm/
being of delicate or slender build
From this reading As Dapple grew stronger, her long, slim legs developed the most amazing ability to jump.
being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
From this reading Their strange friendship might not last, as they grew older, but for the time there was peace between them.
comparative of “strong” — having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading As Dapple grew stronger, her long, slim legs developed the most amazing ability to jump.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading WILD PLAYMATES HAD the bear cub and the fawn been older, they would never have been friends; but these were both such babies that the little bear much preferred his milk to venison, and the fawn did not know to be afraid.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading WILD PLAYMATES HAD the bear cub and the fawn been older, they would never have been friends; but these were both such babies that the little bear much preferred his milk to venison, and the fawn did not know to be afraid.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading WILD PLAYMATES HAD the bear cub and the fawn been older, they would never have been friends; but these were both such babies that the little bear much preferred his milk to venison, and the fawn did not know to be afraid.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Their strange friendship might not last, as they grew older, but for the time there was peace between them.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Their strange friendship might not last, as they grew older, but for the time there was peace between them.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Their strange friendship might not last, as they grew older, but for the time there was peace between them.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading WILD PLAYMATES HAD the bear cub and the fawn been older, they would never have been friends; but these were both such babies that the little bear much preferred his milk to venison, and the fawn did not know to be afraid.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading WILD PLAYMATES HAD the bear cub and the fawn been older, they would never have been friends; but these were both such babies that the little bear much preferred his milk to venison, and the fawn did not know to be afraid.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading Their strange friendship might not last, as they grew older, but for the time there was peace between them.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading WILD PLAYMATES HAD the bear cub and the fawn been older, they would never have been friends; but these were both such babies that the little bear much preferred his milk to venison, and the fawn did not know to be afraid.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading The fawn had to be brought up on a bottle, and the children loved it first for its very helplessness.
venisonnounUS /ˈvenəsən/
meat from a deer used as food
From this reading WILD PLAYMATES HAD the bear cub and the fawn been older, they would never have been friends; but these were both such babies that the little bear much preferred his milk to venison, and the fawn did not know to be afraid.
precisely as stated
From this reading The fawn had to be brought up on a bottle, and the children loved it first for its very helplessness.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Their strange friendship might not last, as they grew older, but for the time there was peace between them.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading WILD PLAYMATES HAD the bear cub and the fawn been older, they would never have been friends; but these were both such babies that the little bear much preferred his milk to venison, and the fawn did not know to be afraid.
marked by extreme lack of restraint or control
From this reading WILD PLAYMATES HAD the bear cub and the fawn been older, they would never have been friends; but these were both such babies that the little bear much preferred his milk to venison, and the fawn did not know to be afraid.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading WILD PLAYMATES HAD the bear cub and the fawn been older, they would never have been friends; but these were both such babies that the little bear much preferred his milk to venison, and the fawn did not know to be afraid.
