used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading When he had agreed, back in the camp on Alder Creek, to take charge of a cabin for a fortnight, he had looked upon it as rather a novel and pleasant undertaking, in spite of his father's warning.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Now, as he watched his friends ride away, and whistled back the dog, who showed a desire to follow them, it must be confessed that he felt quite differently about it.
united by being of the same opinion
From this reading When he had agreed, back in the camp on Alder Creek, to take charge of a cabin for a fortnight, he had looked upon it as rather a novel and pleasant undertaking, in spite of his father's warning.
AldernounUS /ˈɔːldər/
wood of any of various alder trees; resistant to underwater rot; used for bridges etc
From this reading When he had agreed, back in the camp on Alder Creek, to take charge of a cabin for a fortnight, he had looked upon it as rather a novel and pleasant undertaking, in spite of his father's warning.
ALONEadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/
Having no one else present.
From this reading ALONE IN THE WILDERNESS David had not realized what it meant to be alone in the wilderness.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading When he had agreed, back in the camp on Alder Creek, to take charge of a cabin for a fortnight, he had looked upon it as rather a novel and pleasant undertaking, in spite of his father's warning.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading When he had agreed, back in the camp on Alder Creek, to take charge of a cabin for a fortnight, he had looked upon it as rather a novel and pleasant undertaking, in spite of his father's warning.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Now, as he watched his friends ride away, and whistled back the dog, who showed a desire to follow them, it must be confessed that he felt quite differently about it.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading When he had agreed, back in the camp on Alder Creek, to take charge of a cabin for a fortnight, he had looked upon it as rather a novel and pleasant undertaking, in spite of his father's warning.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading ALONE IN THE WILDERNESS David had not realized what it meant to be alone in the wilderness.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading But he was a stout-hearted lad, and sensibly decided that the best way to forget his loneliness was to keep busy.
actively or fully engaged or occupied
From this reading But he was a stout-hearted lad, and sensibly decided that the best way to forget his loneliness was to keep busy.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But he was a stout-hearted lad, and sensibly decided that the best way to forget his loneliness was to keep busy.
small room on a ship or boat where people sleep
From this reading When he had agreed, back in the camp on Alder Creek, to take charge of a cabin for a fortnight, he had looked upon it as rather a novel and pleasant undertaking, in spite of his father's warning.
temporary living quarters specially built by the army for soldiers
From this reading When he had agreed, back in the camp on Alder Creek, to take charge of a cabin for a fortnight, he had looked upon it as rather a novel and pleasant undertaking, in spite of his father's warning.
to make a rush at or sudden attack upon, as in battle
From this reading When he had agreed, back in the camp on Alder Creek, to take charge of a cabin for a fortnight, he had looked upon it as rather a novel and pleasant undertaking, in spite of his father's warning.
confessedverbUS /kənˈfest/
past form of “confess” — confess to a punishable or reprehensible deed, usually under pressure
From this reading Now, as he watched his friends ride away, and whistled back the dog, who showed a desire to follow them, it must be confessed that he felt quite differently about it.
a natural stream of water smaller than a river (and often a tributary of a river)
From this reading When he had agreed, back in the camp on Alder Creek, to take charge of a cabin for a fortnight, he had looked upon it as rather a novel and pleasant undertaking, in spite of his father's warning.
patron saint of Wales (circa 520-600)
From this reading ALONE IN THE WILDERNESS David had not realized what it meant to be alone in the wilderness.
recognizable; marked
From this reading But he was a stout-hearted lad, and sensibly decided that the best way to forget his loneliness was to keep busy.
the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state
From this reading Now, as he watched his friends ride away, and whistled back the dog, who showed a desire to follow them, it must be confessed that he felt quite differently about it.
differentlyadverbUS /ˈdɪfrəntli/
in another and different manner
From this reading Now, as he watched his friends ride away, and whistled back the dog, who showed a desire to follow them, it must be confessed that he felt quite differently about it.
a member of the genus Canis (probably descended from the common wolf) that has been domesticated by man since prehistoric times; occurs in many breeds
From this reading Now, as he watched his friends ride away, and whistled back the dog, who showed a desire to follow them, it must be confessed that he felt quite differently about it.
father'snounUS /ˈfɑːðərz/
possessive form of “father” — a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading When he had agreed, back in the camp on Alder Creek, to take charge of a cabin for a fortnight, he had looked upon it as rather a novel and pleasant undertaking, in spite of his father's warning.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading Now, as he watched his friends ride away, and whistled back the dog, who showed a desire to follow them, it must be confessed that he felt quite differently about it.
to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading Now, as he watched his friends ride away, and whistled back the dog, who showed a desire to follow them, it must be confessed that he felt quite differently about it.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading When he had agreed, back in the camp on Alder Creek, to take charge of a cabin for a fortnight, he had looked upon it as rather a novel and pleasant undertaking, in spite of his father's warning.
dismiss from the mind; stop remembering
From this reading But he was a stout-hearted lad, and sensibly decided that the best way to forget his loneliness was to keep busy.
fortnightnounUS /ˈfɔːrtnaɪt/
a period of fourteen consecutive days
From this reading When he had agreed, back in the camp on Alder Creek, to take charge of a cabin for a fortnight, he had looked upon it as rather a novel and pleasant undertaking, in spite of his father's warning.
FortunatelyadverbUS /ˈfɔːrtʃənətli/
by good fortune
From this reading Fortunately work lay ready to his hand.
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading Now, as he watched his friends ride away, and whistled back the dog, who showed a desire to follow them, it must be confessed that he felt quite differently about it.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading ALONE IN THE WILDERNESS David had not realized what it meant to be alone in the wilderness.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading Fortunately work lay ready to his hand.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading When he had agreed, back in the camp on Alder Creek, to take charge of a cabin for a fortnight, he had looked upon it as rather a novel and pleasant undertaking, in spite of his father's warning.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading When he had agreed, back in the camp on Alder Creek, to take charge of a cabin for a fortnight, he had looked upon it as rather a novel and pleasant undertaking, in spite of his father's warning.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading ALONE IN THE WILDERNESS David had not realized what it meant to be alone in the wilderness.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading ALONE IN THE WILDERNESS David had not realized what it meant to be alone in the wilderness.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading But he was a stout-hearted lad, and sensibly decided that the best way to forget his loneliness was to keep busy.
a boy or man
From this reading But he was a stout-hearted lad, and sensibly decided that the best way to forget his loneliness was to keep busy.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading Fortunately work lay ready to his hand.
lonelinessnounUS /ˈloʊnlinəs/
the state of being alone in solitary isolation
From this reading But he was a stout-hearted lad, and sensibly decided that the best way to forget his loneliness was to keep busy.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading When he had agreed, back in the camp on Alder Creek, to take charge of a cabin for a fortnight, he had looked upon it as rather a novel and pleasant undertaking, in spite of his father's warning.
inflected form of “mean” — mean or intend to express or convey
From this reading ALONE IN THE WILDERNESS David had not realized what it meant to be alone in the wilderness.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading Now, as he watched his friends ride away, and whistled back the dog, who showed a desire to follow them, it must be confessed that he felt quite differently about it.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading ALONE IN THE WILDERNESS David had not realized what it meant to be alone in the wilderness.
an extended fictional work in prose; usually in the form of a story
From this reading When he had agreed, back in the camp on Alder Creek, to take charge of a cabin for a fortnight, he had looked upon it as rather a novel and pleasant undertaking, in spite of his father's warning.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Now, as he watched his friends ride away, and whistled back the dog, who showed a desire to follow them, it must be confessed that he felt quite differently about it.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading When he had agreed, back in the camp on Alder Creek, to take charge of a cabin for a fortnight, he had looked upon it as rather a novel and pleasant undertaking, in spite of his father's warning.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading When he had agreed, back in the camp on Alder Creek, to take charge of a cabin for a fortnight, he had looked upon it as rather a novel and pleasant undertaking, in spite of his father's warning.
affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings
From this reading When he had agreed, back in the camp on Alder Creek, to take charge of a cabin for a fortnight, he had looked upon it as rather a novel and pleasant undertaking, in spite of his father's warning.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading Now, as he watched his friends ride away, and whistled back the dog, who showed a desire to follow them, it must be confessed that he felt quite differently about it.
on the contrary
From this reading When he had agreed, back in the camp on Alder Creek, to take charge of a cabin for a fortnight, he had looked upon it as rather a novel and pleasant undertaking, in spite of his father's warning.
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading Fortunately work lay ready to his hand.
successfully completed or brought to an end
From this reading ALONE IN THE WILDERNESS David had not realized what it meant to be alone in the wilderness.
sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions
From this reading Now, as he watched his friends ride away, and whistled back the dog, who showed a desire to follow them, it must be confessed that he felt quite differently about it.
sensiblyadverbUS /ˈsensəbli/
with good sense or in a reasonable or intelligent manner
From this reading But he was a stout-hearted lad, and sensibly decided that the best way to forget his loneliness was to keep busy.
past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading Now, as he watched his friends ride away, and whistled back the dog, who showed a desire to follow them, it must be confessed that he felt quite differently about it.
feeling a need to see others suffer
From this reading When he had agreed, back in the camp on Alder Creek, to take charge of a cabin for a fortnight, he had looked upon it as rather a novel and pleasant undertaking, in spite of his father's warning.
stout-hearted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But he was a stout-hearted lad, and sensibly decided that the best way to forget his loneliness was to keep busy.
carry out
From this reading When he had agreed, back in the camp on Alder Creek, to take charge of a cabin for a fortnight, he had looked upon it as rather a novel and pleasant undertaking, in spite of his father's warning.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Now, as he watched his friends ride away, and whistled back the dog, who showed a desire to follow them, it must be confessed that he felt quite differently about it.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading ALONE IN THE WILDERNESS David had not realized what it meant to be alone in the wilderness.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Now, as he watched his friends ride away, and whistled back the dog, who showed a desire to follow them, it must be confessed that he felt quite differently about it.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading ALONE IN THE WILDERNESS David had not realized what it meant to be alone in the wilderness.
undertakingnounUS /ˈʌndərteɪkɪŋ/
any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted
From this reading When he had agreed, back in the camp on Alder Creek, to take charge of a cabin for a fortnight, he had looked upon it as rather a novel and pleasant undertaking, in spite of his father's warning.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading When he had agreed, back in the camp on Alder Creek, to take charge of a cabin for a fortnight, he had looked upon it as rather a novel and pleasant undertaking, in spite of his father's warning.
a message informing of danger
From this reading When he had agreed, back in the camp on Alder Creek, to take charge of a cabin for a fortnight, he had looked upon it as rather a novel and pleasant undertaking, in spite of his father's warning.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading But he was a stout-hearted lad, and sensibly decided that the best way to forget his loneliness was to keep busy.
past form of “watch” — look attentively
From this reading Now, as he watched his friends ride away, and whistled back the dog, who showed a desire to follow them, it must be confessed that he felt quite differently about it.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading But he was a stout-hearted lad, and sensibly decided that the best way to forget his loneliness was to keep busy.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading ALONE IN THE WILDERNESS David had not realized what it meant to be alone in the wilderness.
at the time that
From this reading When he had agreed, back in the camp on Alder Creek, to take charge of a cabin for a fortnight, he had looked upon it as rather a novel and pleasant undertaking, in spite of his father's warning.
whistledverbUS /ˈwɪsəld/
past form of “whistle” — make whistling sounds
From this reading Now, as he watched his friends ride away, and whistled back the dog, who showed a desire to follow them, it must be confessed that he felt quite differently about it.
which person or people
From this reading Now, as he watched his friends ride away, and whistled back the dog, who showed a desire to follow them, it must be confessed that he felt quite differently about it.
WILDERNESSnounUS /ˈwɪldərnəs/
(politics) a state of disfavor
From this reading ALONE IN THE WILDERNESS David had not realized what it meant to be alone in the wilderness.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading Fortunately work lay ready to his hand.
