used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading When a youth is thrown from the realm of fancy and solitude into a world of realities, one of two things takes place: either a process of reaction sets in, and he fortifies his soul in some faith or tradition; or he clutches greedily at life, becomes intoxicated by it, and loses his foothold.
(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 With all that he had looked forward to most keenly he was frankly disappointed.
in addition
From this reading He felt, also, as if he were born anew, entering upon an existence based on new principles.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading He felt, also, as if he were born anew, entering upon an existence based on new principles.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading When a youth is thrown from the realm of fancy and solitude into a world of realities, one of two things takes place: either a process of reaction sets in, and he fortifies his soul in some faith or tradition; or he clutches greedily at life, becomes intoxicated by it, and loses his foothold.
anewadverbUS /əˈnuː/
again but in a new or different way
From this reading He felt, also, as if he were born anew, entering upon an existence based on new principles.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading He felt, also, as if he were born anew, entering upon an existence based on new principles.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading When a youth is thrown from the realm of fancy and solitude into a world of realities, one of two things takes place: either a process of reaction sets in, and he fortifies his soul in some faith or tradition; or he clutches greedily at life, becomes intoxicated by it, and loses his foothold.
basedadjectiveUS /beɪst/
having a base
From this reading He felt, also, as if he were born anew, entering upon an existence based on new principles.
third-person singular of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading When a youth is thrown from the realm of fancy and solitude into a world of realities, one of two things takes place: either a process of reaction sets in, and he fortifies his soul in some faith or tradition; or he clutches greedily at life, becomes intoxicated by it, and loses his foothold.
brought into existence
From this reading He felt, also, as if he were born anew, entering upon an existence based on new principles.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading When a youth is thrown from the realm of fancy and solitude into a world of realities, one of two things takes place: either a process of reaction sets in, and he fortifies his soul in some faith or tradition; or he clutches greedily at life, becomes intoxicated by it, and loses his foothold.
an occurrence of something
From this reading In Ormarr’s case, reality fell short of his expectation in some respects, and in others exceeded it.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading Whatever happens to him depends less upon strength of character than upon chance.
an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)
From this reading Whatever happens to him depends less upon strength of character than upon chance.
clutchesnounUS /ˈklʌtʃəz/
the act of grasping
From this reading When a youth is thrown from the realm of fancy and solitude into a world of realities, one of two things takes place: either a process of reaction sets in, and he fortifies his soul in some faith or tradition; or he clutches greedily at life, becomes intoxicated by it, and loses his foothold.
dependsverbUS /dɪˈpendz/
third-person singular of “depend” — be contingent upon (something that is elided)
From this reading Whatever happens to him depends less upon strength of character than upon chance.
disappointingly unsuccessful
From this reading With all that he had looked forward to most keenly he was frankly disappointed.
one or the other of two
From this reading When a youth is thrown from the realm of fancy and solitude into a world of realities, one of two things takes place: either a process of reaction sets in, and he fortifies his soul in some faith or tradition; or he clutches greedily at life, becomes intoxicated by it, and loses his foothold.
a movement into or inward
From this reading He felt, also, as if he were born anew, entering upon an existence based on new principles.
exceededverbUS /ɪkˈsiːdəd/
past form of “exceed” — be greater in scope or size than some standard
From this reading In Ormarr’s case, reality fell short of his expectation in some respects, and in others exceeded it.
the state or fact of existing
From this reading He felt, also, as if he were born anew, entering upon an existence based on new principles.
expectationnounUS /ˌekspekˈteɪʃən/
belief about (or mental picture of) the future
From this reading In Ormarr’s case, reality fell short of his expectation in some respects, and in others exceeded it.
a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny
From this reading When a youth is thrown from the realm of fancy and solitude into a world of realities, one of two things takes place: either a process of reaction sets in, and he fortifies his soul in some faith or tradition; or he clutches greedily at life, becomes intoxicated by it, and loses his foothold.
something many people believe that is false
From this reading When a youth is thrown from the realm of fancy and solitude into a world of realities, one of two things takes place: either a process of reaction sets in, and he fortifies his soul in some faith or tradition; or he clutches greedily at life, becomes intoxicated by it, and loses his foothold.
cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow
From this reading In Ormarr’s case, reality fell short of his expectation in some respects, and in others exceeded it.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading He felt, also, as if he were born anew, entering upon an existence based on new principles.
footholdnounUS /ˈfʊthoʊld/
an area in hostile territory that has been captured and is held awaiting further troops and supplies
From this reading When a youth is thrown from the realm of fancy and solitude into a world of realities, one of two things takes place: either a process of reaction sets in, and he fortifies his soul in some faith or tradition; or he clutches greedily at life, becomes intoxicated by it, and loses his foothold.
fortifies
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When a youth is thrown from the realm of fancy and solitude into a world of realities, one of two things takes place: either a process of reaction sets in, and he fortifies his soul in some faith or tradition; or he clutches greedily at life, becomes intoxicated by it, and loses his foothold.
at or to or toward the front
From this reading With all that he had looked forward to most keenly he was frankly disappointed.
franklyadverbUS /ˈfræŋkli/
(used as intensives reflecting the speaker's attitude) it is sincerely the case that
From this reading With all that he had looked forward to most keenly he was frankly disappointed.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading When a youth is thrown from the realm of fancy and solitude into a world of realities, one of two things takes place: either a process of reaction sets in, and he fortifies his soul in some faith or tradition; or he clutches greedily at life, becomes intoxicated by it, and loses his foothold.
greedilyadverbUS /ˈɡriːdəli/
in a greedy manner
From this reading When a youth is thrown from the realm of fancy and solitude into a world of realities, one of two things takes place: either a process of reaction sets in, and he fortifies his soul in some faith or tradition; or he clutches greedily at life, becomes intoxicated by it, and loses his foothold.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading With all that he had looked forward to most keenly he was frankly disappointed.
third-person singular of “happen” — come to pass
From this reading Whatever happens to him depends less upon strength of character than upon chance.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading When a youth is thrown from the realm of fancy and solitude into a world of realities, one of two things takes place: either a process of reaction sets in, and he fortifies his soul in some faith or tradition; or he clutches greedily at life, becomes intoxicated by it, and loses his foothold.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Whatever happens to him depends less upon strength of character than upon chance.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading When a youth is thrown from the realm of fancy and solitude into a world of realities, one of two things takes place: either a process of reaction sets in, and he fortifies his soul in some faith or tradition; or he clutches greedily at life, becomes intoxicated by it, and loses his foothold.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading He felt, also, as if he were born anew, entering upon an existence based on new principles.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading When a youth is thrown from the realm of fancy and solitude into a world of realities, one of two things takes place: either a process of reaction sets in, and he fortifies his soul in some faith or tradition; or he clutches greedily at life, becomes intoxicated by it, and loses his foothold.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading When a youth is thrown from the realm of fancy and solitude into a world of realities, one of two things takes place: either a process of reaction sets in, and he fortifies his soul in some faith or tradition; or he clutches greedily at life, becomes intoxicated by it, and loses his foothold.
intoxicatedadjectiveUS /ɪnˈtɑːksəkeɪtɪd/
stupefied or excited by a chemical substance (especially alcohol)
From this reading When a youth is thrown from the realm of fancy and solitude into a world of realities, one of two things takes place: either a process of reaction sets in, and he fortifies his soul in some faith or tradition; or he clutches greedily at life, becomes intoxicated by it, and loses his foothold.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading When a youth is thrown from the realm of fancy and solitude into a world of realities, one of two things takes place: either a process of reaction sets in, and he fortifies his soul in some faith or tradition; or he clutches greedily at life, becomes intoxicated by it, and loses his foothold.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading When a youth is thrown from the realm of fancy and solitude into a world of realities, one of two things takes place: either a process of reaction sets in, and he fortifies his soul in some faith or tradition; or he clutches greedily at life, becomes intoxicated by it, and loses his foothold.
keenlyadverbUS /ˈkiːnli/
in a keen or penetrating way
From this reading With all that he had looked forward to most keenly he was frankly disappointed.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading Whatever happens to him depends less upon strength of character than upon chance.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading When a youth is thrown from the realm of fancy and solitude into a world of realities, one of two things takes place: either a process of reaction sets in, and he fortifies his soul in some faith or tradition; or he clutches greedily at life, becomes intoxicated by it, and loses his foothold.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading With all that he had looked forward to most keenly he was frankly disappointed.
losesverbUS /ˈluːzəz/
third-person singular of “lose” — fail to keep or to maintain; cease to have, either physically or in an abstract sense
From this reading When a youth is thrown from the realm of fancy and solitude into a world of realities, one of two things takes place: either a process of reaction sets in, and he fortifies his soul in some faith or tradition; or he clutches greedily at life, becomes intoxicated by it, and loses his foothold.
used to form the superlative
From this reading With all that he had looked forward to most keenly he was frankly disappointed.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading He felt, also, as if he were born anew, entering upon an existence based on new principles.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading When a youth is thrown from the realm of fancy and solitude into a world of realities, one of two things takes place: either a process of reaction sets in, and he fortifies his soul in some faith or tradition; or he clutches greedily at life, becomes intoxicated by it, and loses his foothold.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading He felt, also, as if he were born anew, entering upon an existence based on new principles.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading When a youth is thrown from the realm of fancy and solitude into a world of realities, one of two things takes place: either a process of reaction sets in, and he fortifies his soul in some faith or tradition; or he clutches greedily at life, becomes intoxicated by it, and loses his foothold.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading When a youth is thrown from the realm of fancy and solitude into a world of realities, one of two things takes place: either a process of reaction sets in, and he fortifies his soul in some faith or tradition; or he clutches greedily at life, becomes intoxicated by it, and loses his foothold.
Ormarr's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In Ormarr’s case, reality fell short of his expectation in some respects, and in others exceeded it.
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In Ormarr’s case, reality fell short of his expectation in some respects, and in others exceeded it.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading When a youth is thrown from the realm of fancy and solitude into a world of realities, one of two things takes place: either a process of reaction sets in, and he fortifies his soul in some faith or tradition; or he clutches greedily at life, becomes intoxicated by it, and loses his foothold.
principlesnounUS /ˈprɪnsəpəlz/
plural of “principle” — a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct
From this reading He felt, also, as if he were born anew, entering upon an existence based on new principles.
processverbUS /ˈprɑːses/
subject to a process or treatment, with the aim of readying for some purpose, improving, or remedying a condition
From this reading When a youth is thrown from the realm of fancy and solitude into a world of realities, one of two things takes place: either a process of reaction sets in, and he fortifies his soul in some faith or tradition; or he clutches greedily at life, becomes intoxicated by it, and loses his foothold.
reactionnounUS /riˈækʃən/
(chemistry) a process in which one or more substances are changed into others
From this reading When a youth is thrown from the realm of fancy and solitude into a world of realities, one of two things takes place: either a process of reaction sets in, and he fortifies his soul in some faith or tradition; or he clutches greedily at life, becomes intoxicated by it, and loses his foothold.
realitiesnounUS /ˌriːˈælətiːz/
plural of “reality” — all of your experiences that determine how things appear to you
From this reading When a youth is thrown from the realm of fancy and solitude into a world of realities, one of two things takes place: either a process of reaction sets in, and he fortifies his soul in some faith or tradition; or he clutches greedily at life, becomes intoxicated by it, and loses his foothold.
all of your experiences that determine how things appear to you
From this reading In Ormarr’s case, reality fell short of his expectation in some respects, and in others exceeded it.
realmnounUS /relm/
a domain in which something is dominant
From this reading When a youth is thrown from the realm of fancy and solitude into a world of realities, one of two things takes place: either a process of reaction sets in, and he fortifies his soul in some faith or tradition; or he clutches greedily at life, becomes intoxicated by it, and loses his foothold.
respectsnounUS /rɪˈspekts/
(often used with “pay”) a formal expression of esteem
From this reading In Ormarr’s case, reality fell short of his expectation in some respects, and in others exceeded it.
setsnounUS /sets/
plural of “set” — a group of things of the same kind that belong together and are so used
From this reading When a youth is thrown from the realm of fancy and solitude into a world of realities, one of two things takes place: either a process of reaction sets in, and he fortifies his soul in some faith or tradition; or he clutches greedily at life, becomes intoxicated by it, and loses his foothold.
primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration
From this reading In Ormarr’s case, reality fell short of his expectation in some respects, and in others exceeded it.
solitudenounUS /ˈsɑːlətuːd/
a state of social isolation
From this reading When a youth is thrown from the realm of fancy and solitude into a world of realities, one of two things takes place: either a process of reaction sets in, and he fortifies his soul in some faith or tradition; or he clutches greedily at life, becomes intoxicated by it, and loses his foothold.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading When a youth is thrown from the realm of fancy and solitude into a world of realities, one of two things takes place: either a process of reaction sets in, and he fortifies his soul in some faith or tradition; or he clutches greedily at life, becomes intoxicated by it, and loses his foothold.
the immaterial part of a person; the actuating cause of an individual life
From this reading When a youth is thrown from the realm of fancy and solitude into a world of realities, one of two things takes place: either a process of reaction sets in, and he fortifies his soul in some faith or tradition; or he clutches greedily at life, becomes intoxicated by it, and loses his foothold.
the property of being physically or mentally strong
From this reading Whatever happens to him depends less upon strength of character than upon chance.
plural of “take” — the income or profit arising from such transactions as the sale of land or other property
From this reading When a youth is thrown from the realm of fancy and solitude into a world of realities, one of two things takes place: either a process of reaction sets in, and he fortifies his soul in some faith or tradition; or he clutches greedily at life, becomes intoxicated by it, and loses his foothold.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Whatever happens to him depends less upon strength of character than upon chance.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading With all that he had looked forward to most keenly he was frankly disappointed.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading When a youth is thrown from the realm of fancy and solitude into a world of realities, one of two things takes place: either a process of reaction sets in, and he fortifies his soul in some faith or tradition; or he clutches greedily at life, becomes intoxicated by it, and loses his foothold.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading When a youth is thrown from the realm of fancy and solitude into a world of realities, one of two things takes place: either a process of reaction sets in, and he fortifies his soul in some faith or tradition; or he clutches greedily at life, becomes intoxicated by it, and loses his foothold.
caused to fall to the ground
From this reading When a youth is thrown from the realm of fancy and solitude into a world of realities, one of two things takes place: either a process of reaction sets in, and he fortifies his soul in some faith or tradition; or he clutches greedily at life, becomes intoxicated by it, and loses his foothold.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Whatever happens to him depends less upon strength of character than upon chance.
traditionnounUS /trəˈdɪʃən/
an inherited pattern of thought or action
From this reading When a youth is thrown from the realm of fancy and solitude into a world of realities, one of two things takes place: either a process of reaction sets in, and he fortifies his soul in some faith or tradition; or he clutches greedily at life, becomes intoxicated by it, and loses his foothold.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading When a youth is thrown from the realm of fancy and solitude into a world of realities, one of two things takes place: either a process of reaction sets in, and he fortifies his soul in some faith or tradition; or he clutches greedily at life, becomes intoxicated by it, and loses his foothold.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Whatever happens to him depends less upon strength of character than upon chance.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading With all that he had looked forward to most keenly he was frankly disappointed.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading He felt, also, as if he were born anew, entering upon an existence based on new principles.
any or all of a kind, it does not matter which
From this reading Whatever happens to him depends less upon strength of character than upon chance.
at the time that
From this reading When a youth is thrown from the realm of fancy and solitude into a world of realities, one of two things takes place: either a process of reaction sets in, and he fortifies his soul in some faith or tradition; or he clutches greedily at life, becomes intoxicated by it, and loses his foothold.
in the company of; together with
From this reading With all that he had looked forward to most keenly he was frankly disappointed.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading When a youth is thrown from the realm of fancy and solitude into a world of realities, one of two things takes place: either a process of reaction sets in, and he fortifies his soul in some faith or tradition; or he clutches greedily at life, becomes intoxicated by it, and loses his foothold.
a young person (especially a young man or boy)
From this reading When a youth is thrown from the realm of fancy and solitude into a world of realities, one of two things takes place: either a process of reaction sets in, and he fortifies his soul in some faith or tradition; or he clutches greedily at life, becomes intoxicated by it, and loses his foothold.
