used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading What the theater has rejected as too theatrical, the artificial as too artificial, the real has accepted as so much a commonplace that it is hardly remarked.
generally approved or compelling recognition
From this reading What the theater has rejected as too theatrical, the artificial as too artificial, the real has accepted as so much a commonplace that it is hardly remarked.
in actual fact
From this reading Actually the battle line is one long series of critical situations on one side or the other, the timely arrival, or failure to arrive, of assistance at the critical moment.
anew
From this reading It is so old and threadbare now that probably no theater would dare stage it; but in the war the same situation has been played again and again in the swaying and straining lines of battle in every variety of large and small scale.
AmongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading FORWARD OBSERVING Among the stock situations of the melodrama, one of the most worked to death is that of the beleaguered garrison at the last gasp, and the thrilling arrival of the rescuing force at the critical moment.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading FORWARD OBSERVING Among the stock situations of the melodrama, one of the most worked to death is that of the beleaguered garrison at the last gasp, and the thrilling arrival of the rescuing force at the critical moment.
accomplishment of an objective
From this reading FORWARD OBSERVING Among the stock situations of the melodrama, one of the most worked to death is that of the beleaguered garrison at the last gasp, and the thrilling arrival of the rescuing force at the critical moment.
reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress
From this reading Actually the battle line is one long series of critical situations on one side or the other, the timely arrival, or failure to arrive, of assistance at the critical moment.
artificialadjectiveUS /ˌɑːrtəˈfɪʃəl/
contrived by art rather than nature
From this reading What the theater has rejected as too theatrical, the artificial as too artificial, the real has accepted as so much a commonplace that it is hardly remarked.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading What the theater has rejected as too theatrical, the artificial as too artificial, the real has accepted as so much a commonplace that it is hardly remarked.
the activity of contributing to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose
From this reading Actually the battle line is one long series of critical situations on one side or the other, the timely arrival, or failure to arrive, of assistance at the critical moment.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading FORWARD OBSERVING Among the stock situations of the melodrama, one of the most worked to death is that of the beleaguered garrison at the last gasp, and the thrilling arrival of the rescuing force at the critical moment.
a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war
From this reading It is so old and threadbare now that probably no theater would dare stage it; but in the war the same situation has been played again and again in the swaying and straining lines of battle in every variety of large and small scale.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading It is so old and threadbare now that probably no theater would dare stage it; but in the war the same situation has been played again and again in the swaying and straining lines of battle in every variety of large and small scale.
beleagueredverbUS /bɪˈliːɡərd/
past form of “beleaguer” — annoy persistently
From this reading FORWARD OBSERVING Among the stock situations of the melodrama, one of the most worked to death is that of the beleaguered garrison at the last gasp, and the thrilling arrival of the rescuing force at the critical moment.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading It is so old and threadbare now that probably no theater would dare stage it; but in the war the same situation has been played again and again in the swaying and straining lines of battle in every variety of large and small scale.
commonplaceadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːmənpleɪs/
completely ordinary and unremarkable
From this reading What the theater has rejected as too theatrical, the artificial as too artificial, the real has accepted as so much a commonplace that it is hardly remarked.
criticaladjectiveUS /ˈkrɪtɪkəl/
marked by a tendency to find and call attention to errors and flaws
From this reading FORWARD OBSERVING Among the stock situations of the melodrama, one of the most worked to death is that of the beleaguered garrison at the last gasp, and the thrilling arrival of the rescuing force at the critical moment.
take upon oneself; act presumptuously, without permission
From this reading It is so old and threadbare now that probably no theater would dare stage it; but in the war the same situation has been played again and again in the swaying and straining lines of battle in every variety of large and small scale.
the event of dying or departure from life
From this reading FORWARD OBSERVING Among the stock situations of the melodrama, one of the most worked to death is that of the beleaguered garrison at the last gasp, and the thrilling arrival of the rescuing force at the critical moment.
the quality of being unlike or dissimilar
From this reading The great difference is that in the theater the rescue never fails to arrive, in war it often does.
doesauxiliary verbUS /dʌz/
the form of “do” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The great difference is that in the theater the rescue never fails to arrive, in war it often does.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading It is so old and threadbare now that probably no theater would dare stage it; but in the war the same situation has been played again and again in the swaying and straining lines of battle in every variety of large and small scale.
failsverbUS /feɪlz/
third-person singular of “fail” — fail to do something; leave something undone
From this reading The great difference is that in the theater the rescue never fails to arrive, in war it often does.
an act that fails
From this reading Actually the battle line is one long series of critical situations on one side or the other, the timely arrival, or failure to arrive, of assistance at the critical moment.
a powerful effect or influence
From this reading FORWARD OBSERVING Among the stock situations of the melodrama, one of the most worked to death is that of the beleaguered garrison at the last gasp, and the thrilling arrival of the rescuing force at the critical moment.
at or to or toward the front
From this reading FORWARD OBSERVING Among the stock situations of the melodrama, one of the most worked to death is that of the beleaguered garrison at the last gasp, and the thrilling arrival of the rescuing force at the critical moment.
garrisonnounUS /ˈɡærɪsən/
a fortified military post where troops are stationed
From this reading FORWARD OBSERVING Among the stock situations of the melodrama, one of the most worked to death is that of the beleaguered garrison at the last gasp, and the thrilling arrival of the rescuing force at the critical moment.
gaspnounUS /ɡæsp/
a short labored intake of breath with the mouth open
From this reading FORWARD OBSERVING Among the stock situations of the melodrama, one of the most worked to death is that of the beleaguered garrison at the last gasp, and the thrilling arrival of the rescuing force at the critical moment.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading The great difference is that in the theater the rescue never fails to arrive, in war it often does.
only a very short time before
From this reading What the theater has rejected as too theatrical, the artificial as too artificial, the real has accepted as so much a commonplace that it is hardly remarked.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It is so old and threadbare now that probably no theater would dare stage it; but in the war the same situation has been played again and again in the swaying and straining lines of battle in every variety of large and small scale.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It is so old and threadbare now that probably no theater would dare stage it; but in the war the same situation has been played again and again in the swaying and straining lines of battle in every variety of large and small scale.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading FORWARD OBSERVING Among the stock situations of the melodrama, one of the most worked to death is that of the beleaguered garrison at the last gasp, and the thrilling arrival of the rescuing force at the critical moment.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It is so old and threadbare now that probably no theater would dare stage it; but in the war the same situation has been played again and again in the swaying and straining lines of battle in every variety of large and small scale.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading It is so old and threadbare now that probably no theater would dare stage it; but in the war the same situation has been played again and again in the swaying and straining lines of battle in every variety of large and small scale.
immediately past
From this reading FORWARD OBSERVING Among the stock situations of the melodrama, one of the most worked to death is that of the beleaguered garrison at the last gasp, and the thrilling arrival of the rescuing force at the critical moment.
a formation of people or things one beside another
From this reading Actually the battle line is one long series of critical situations on one side or the other, the timely arrival, or failure to arrive, of assistance at the critical moment.
plural of “line” — a formation of people or things one beside another
From this reading It is so old and threadbare now that probably no theater would dare stage it; but in the war the same situation has been played again and again in the swaying and straining lines of battle in every variety of large and small scale.
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 Actually the battle line is one long series of critical situations on one side or the other, the timely arrival, or failure to arrive, of assistance at the critical moment.
melodramanounUS /ˈmelədrɑːmə/
an extravagant comedy in which action is more salient than characterization
From this reading FORWARD OBSERVING Among the stock situations of the melodrama, one of the most worked to death is that of the beleaguered garrison at the last gasp, and the thrilling arrival of the rescuing force at the critical moment.
a particular point in time
From this reading FORWARD OBSERVING Among the stock situations of the melodrama, one of the most worked to death is that of the beleaguered garrison at the last gasp, and the thrilling arrival of the rescuing force at the critical moment.
used to form the superlative
From this reading FORWARD OBSERVING Among the stock situations of the melodrama, one of the most worked to death is that of the beleaguered garrison at the last gasp, and the thrilling arrival of the rescuing force at the critical moment.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading What the theater has rejected as too theatrical, the artificial as too artificial, the real has accepted as so much a commonplace that it is hardly remarked.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading The great difference is that in the theater the rescue never fails to arrive, in war it often does.
not any; not one
From this reading It is so old and threadbare now that probably no theater would dare stage it; but in the war the same situation has been played again and again in the swaying and straining lines of battle in every variety of large and small scale.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading It is so old and threadbare now that probably no theater would dare stage it; but in the war the same situation has been played again and again in the swaying and straining lines of battle in every variety of large and small scale.
OBSERVINGadjectiveUS /əbˈzɜːrvɪŋ/
quick to notice; showing quick and keen perception
From this reading FORWARD OBSERVING Among the stock situations of the melodrama, one of the most worked to death is that of the beleaguered garrison at the last gasp, and the thrilling arrival of the rescuing force at the critical moment.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading FORWARD OBSERVING Among the stock situations of the melodrama, one of the most worked to death is that of the beleaguered garrison at the last gasp, and the thrilling arrival of the rescuing force at the critical moment.
many times at short intervals
From this reading The great difference is that in the theater the rescue never fails to arrive, in war it often does.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading It is so old and threadbare now that probably no theater would dare stage it; but in the war the same situation has been played again and again in the swaying and straining lines of battle in every variety of large and small scale.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Actually the battle line is one long series of critical situations on one side or the other, the timely arrival, or failure to arrive, of assistance at the critical moment.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading FORWARD OBSERVING Among the stock situations of the melodrama, one of the most worked to death is that of the beleaguered garrison at the last gasp, and the thrilling arrival of the rescuing force at the critical moment.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Actually the battle line is one long series of critical situations on one side or the other, the timely arrival, or failure to arrive, of assistance at the critical moment.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading Actually the battle line is one long series of critical situations on one side or the other, the timely arrival, or failure to arrive, of assistance at the critical moment.
(of games) engaged in
From this reading It is so old and threadbare now that probably no theater would dare stage it; but in the war the same situation has been played again and again in the swaying and straining lines of battle in every variety of large and small scale.
with considerable certainty; without much doubt
From this reading It is so old and threadbare now that probably no theater would dare stage it; but in the war the same situation has been played again and again in the swaying and straining lines of battle in every variety of large and small scale.
being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory
From this reading What the theater has rejected as too theatrical, the artificial as too artificial, the real has accepted as so much a commonplace that it is hardly remarked.
rejectedadjectiveUS /rɪˈdʒektɪd/
rebuffed (by a lover) without warning
From this reading What the theater has rejected as too theatrical, the artificial as too artificial, the real has accepted as so much a commonplace that it is hardly remarked.
past form of “remark” — make mention of
From this reading What the theater has rejected as too theatrical, the artificial as too artificial, the real has accepted as so much a commonplace that it is hardly remarked.
free from harm or evil
From this reading The great difference is that in the theater the rescue never fails to arrive, in war it often does.
rescuingverbUS /ˈreskjuːɪŋ/
-ing form of “rescue” — free from harm or evil
From this reading FORWARD OBSERVING Among the stock situations of the melodrama, one of the most worked to death is that of the beleaguered garrison at the last gasp, and the thrilling arrival of the rescuing force at the critical moment.
Identical; not different.
From this reading It is so old and threadbare now that probably no theater would dare stage it; but in the war the same situation has been played again and again in the swaying and straining lines of battle in every variety of large and small scale.
scalenounUS /skeɪl/
an ordered reference standard
From this reading It is so old and threadbare now that probably no theater would dare stage it; but in the war the same situation has been played again and again in the swaying and straining lines of battle in every variety of large and small scale.
similar things placed in order or happening one after another
From this reading Actually the battle line is one long series of critical situations on one side or the other, the timely arrival, or failure to arrive, of assistance at the critical moment.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading Actually the battle line is one long series of critical situations on one side or the other, the timely arrival, or failure to arrive, of assistance at the critical moment.
the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time
From this reading It is so old and threadbare now that probably no theater would dare stage it; but in the war the same situation has been played again and again in the swaying and straining lines of battle in every variety of large and small scale.
situationsnounUS /ˌsɪtʃuːˈeɪʃənz/
plural of “situation” — the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time
From this reading FORWARD OBSERVING Among the stock situations of the melodrama, one of the most worked to death is that of the beleaguered garrison at the last gasp, and the thrilling arrival of the rescuing force at the critical moment.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading It is so old and threadbare now that probably no theater would dare stage it; but in the war the same situation has been played again and again in the swaying and straining lines of battle in every variety of large and small scale.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading It is so old and threadbare now that probably no theater would dare stage it; but in the war the same situation has been played again and again in the swaying and straining lines of battle in every variety of large and small scale.
any distinct time period in a sequence of events
From this reading It is so old and threadbare now that probably no theater would dare stage it; but in the war the same situation has been played again and again in the swaying and straining lines of battle in every variety of large and small scale.
the capital raised by a corporation through the issue of shares entitling holders to an ownership interest
From this reading FORWARD OBSERVING Among the stock situations of the melodrama, one of the most worked to death is that of the beleaguered garrison at the last gasp, and the thrilling arrival of the rescuing force at the critical moment.
strainingnounUS /ˈstreɪnɪŋ/
an intense or violent exertion
From this reading It is so old and threadbare now that probably no theater would dare stage it; but in the war the same situation has been played again and again in the swaying and straining lines of battle in every variety of large and small scale.
swayingverbUS /ˈsweɪɪŋ/
-ing form of “sway” — move back and forth or sideways
From this reading It is so old and threadbare now that probably no theater would dare stage it; but in the war the same situation has been played again and again in the swaying and straining lines of battle in every variety of large and small scale.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading FORWARD OBSERVING Among the stock situations of the melodrama, one of the most worked to death is that of the beleaguered garrison at the last gasp, and the thrilling arrival of the rescuing force at the critical moment.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading FORWARD OBSERVING Among the stock situations of the melodrama, one of the most worked to death is that of the beleaguered garrison at the last gasp, and the thrilling arrival of the rescuing force at the critical moment.
theaternounUS /ˈθiːətər/
a building where theatrical performances or motion-picture shows can be presented
From this reading It is so old and threadbare now that probably no theater would dare stage it; but in the war the same situation has been played again and again in the swaying and straining lines of battle in every variety of large and small scale.
theatricaladjectiveUS /θiˈætrɪkəl/
of or relating to the theater
From this reading What the theater has rejected as too theatrical, the artificial as too artificial, the real has accepted as so much a commonplace that it is hardly remarked.
threadbareadjectiveUS /ˈθredber/
repeated too often; overfamiliar through overuse
From this reading It is so old and threadbare now that probably no theater would dare stage it; but in the war the same situation has been played again and again in the swaying and straining lines of battle in every variety of large and small scale.
thrillingadjectiveUS /ˈθrɪlɪŋ/
causing a surge of emotion or excitement
From this reading FORWARD OBSERVING Among the stock situations of the melodrama, one of the most worked to death is that of the beleaguered garrison at the last gasp, and the thrilling arrival of the rescuing force at the critical moment.
timelyadjectiveUS /ˈtaɪmli/
before a time limit expires
From this reading Actually the battle line is one long series of critical situations on one side or the other, the timely arrival, or failure to arrive, of assistance at the critical moment.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading FORWARD OBSERVING Among the stock situations of the melodrama, one of the most worked to death is that of the beleaguered garrison at the last gasp, and the thrilling arrival of the rescuing force at the critical moment.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading What the theater has rejected as too theatrical, the artificial as too artificial, the real has accepted as so much a commonplace that it is hardly remarked.
varietynounUS /vərˈaɪəti/
a collection containing a variety of sorts of things
From this reading It is so old and threadbare now that probably no theater would dare stage it; but in the war the same situation has been played again and again in the swaying and straining lines of battle in every variety of large and small scale.
the waging of armed conflict against an enemy
From this reading It is so old and threadbare now that probably no theater would dare stage it; but in the war the same situation has been played again and again in the swaying and straining lines of battle in every variety of large and small scale.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading What the theater has rejected as too theatrical, the artificial as too artificial, the real has accepted as so much a commonplace that it is hardly remarked.
past form of “work” — exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading FORWARD OBSERVING Among the stock situations of the melodrama, one of the most worked to death is that of the beleaguered garrison at the last gasp, and the thrilling arrival of the rescuing force at the critical moment.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading It is so old and threadbare now that probably no theater would dare stage it; but in the war the same situation has been played again and again in the swaying and straining lines of battle in every variety of large and small scale.
