adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading After making a few hurried preparations, they stole forth with bright, expectant faces, bearing a broken spade and a rusty implement that had done many a day’s service when Raff was a hale worker on the dikes.
AfterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading After making a few hurried preparations, they stole forth with bright, expectant faces, bearing a broken spade and a rusty implement that had done many a day’s service when Raff was a hale worker on the dikes.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading After making a few hurried preparations, they stole forth with bright, expectant faces, bearing a broken spade and a rusty implement that had done many a day’s service when Raff was a hale worker on the dikes.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The frozen ground was hard as stone, but Hans and his mother were resolute.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading “This ysbreeker is just the thing, Mother,” said Hans, striking many a vigorous blow, “but the ground has set so firm it’ll be a fair match for it.”
bearingnounUS /ˈberɪŋ/
relevant relation or interconnection
From this reading After making a few hurried preparations, they stole forth with bright, expectant faces, bearing a broken spade and a rusty implement that had done many a day’s service when Raff was a hale worker on the dikes.
blowverbUS /bloʊ/
exhale hard
From this reading “This ysbreeker is just the thing, Mother,” said Hans, striking many a vigorous blow, “but the ground has set so firm it’ll be a fair match for it.”
brightadjectiveUS /braɪt/
emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts
From this reading After making a few hurried preparations, they stole forth with bright, expectant faces, bearing a broken spade and a rusty implement that had done many a day’s service when Raff was a hale worker on the dikes.
brokenadjectiveUS /ˈbroʊkən/
physically and forcibly separated into pieces or cracked or split
From this reading After making a few hurried preparations, they stole forth with bright, expectant faces, bearing a broken spade and a rusty implement that had done many a day’s service when Raff was a hale worker on the dikes.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The frozen ground was hard as stone, but Hans and his mother were resolute.
cottagenounUS /ˈkɑːtədʒ/
a small house with a single story
From this reading Their only dread was that they might disturb the sleepers in the cottage.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading It was so light out of doors that they could see the willow tree distinctly.
day'snounUS /deɪz/
possessive form of “day” — time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading After making a few hurried preparations, they stole forth with bright, expectant faces, bearing a broken spade and a rusty implement that had done many a day’s service when Raff was a hale worker on the dikes.
dikesnounUS /daɪks/
plural of “dike” — (slang) offensive term for a lesbian who is noticeably masculine
From this reading After making a few hurried preparations, they stole forth with bright, expectant faces, bearing a broken spade and a rusty implement that had done many a day’s service when Raff was a hale worker on the dikes.
distinctlyadverbUS /dɪˈstɪŋktli/
clear to the mind; with distinct mental discernment
From this reading It was so light out of doors that they could see the willow tree distinctly.
disturbverbUS /dɪˈstɜːrb/
move deeply
From this reading Their only dread was that they might disturb the sleepers in the cottage.
doneadjectiveUS /dʌn/
having finished or arrived at completion
From this reading After making a few hurried preparations, they stole forth with bright, expectant faces, bearing a broken spade and a rusty implement that had done many a day’s service when Raff was a hale worker on the dikes.
doorsnounUS /dɔːrz/
plural of “door” — a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading It was so light out of doors that they could see the willow tree distinctly.
dreadnounUS /dred/
fearful expectation or anticipation
From this reading Their only dread was that they might disturb the sleepers in the cottage.
expectantadjectiveUS /ɪkˈspektənt/
marked by eager anticipation
From this reading After making a few hurried preparations, they stole forth with bright, expectant faces, bearing a broken spade and a rusty implement that had done many a day’s service when Raff was a hale worker on the dikes.
facesnounUS /ˈfeɪsəz/
plural of “face” — the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading After making a few hurried preparations, they stole forth with bright, expectant faces, bearing a broken spade and a rusty implement that had done many a day’s service when Raff was a hale worker on the dikes.
fairadjectiveUS /fer/
free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; conforming with established standards or rules
From this reading “This ysbreeker is just the thing, Mother,” said Hans, striking many a vigorous blow, “but the ground has set so firm it’ll be a fair match for it.”
fewadjectiveUS /fjuː/
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading After making a few hurried preparations, they stole forth with bright, expectant faces, bearing a broken spade and a rusty implement that had done many a day’s service when Raff was a hale worker on the dikes.
firmadjectiveUS /fɜːrm/
marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable
From this reading “This ysbreeker is just the thing, Mother,” said Hans, striking many a vigorous blow, “but the ground has set so firm it’ll be a fair match for it.”
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading “This ysbreeker is just the thing, Mother,” said Hans, striking many a vigorous blow, “but the ground has set so firm it’ll be a fair match for it.”
forthadverbUS /fɔːrθ/
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading After making a few hurried preparations, they stole forth with bright, expectant faces, bearing a broken spade and a rusty implement that had done many a day’s service when Raff was a hale worker on the dikes.
frozenadjectiveUS /ˈfroʊzən/
turned into ice; affected by freezing or by long and severe cold
From this reading The frozen ground was hard as stone, but Hans and his mother were resolute.
groundnounUS /ɡraʊnd/
the solid part of the earth's surface
From this reading The frozen ground was hard as stone, but Hans and his mother were resolute.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading After making a few hurried preparations, they stole forth with bright, expectant faces, bearing a broken spade and a rusty implement that had done many a day’s service when Raff was a hale worker on the dikes.
halenounUS /heɪl/
a soldier of the American Revolution who was hanged as a spy by the British; his last words were supposed to have been `I only regret that I have but one life to give for my country' (1755-1776)
From this reading After making a few hurried preparations, they stole forth with bright, expectant faces, bearing a broken spade and a rusty implement that had done many a day’s service when Raff was a hale worker on the dikes.
HansnounUS /hɑːns/
plural of “han” — imperial dynasty that ruled China (most of the time from 206 BC to AD 220) and expanded its boundaries and developed its bureaucracy; remembered as one of the great eras of Chinese civilization
From this reading The frozen ground was hard as stone, but Hans and his mother were resolute.
hardadjectiveUS /hɑːrd/
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading The frozen ground was hard as stone, but Hans and his mother were resolute.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “This ysbreeker is just the thing, Mother,” said Hans, striking many a vigorous blow, “but the ground has set so firm it’ll be a fair match for it.”
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The frozen ground was hard as stone, but Hans and his mother were resolute.
hurriedadjectiveUS /ˈhɜːrid/
moving rapidly or performed quickly or in great haste
From this reading After making a few hurried preparations, they stole forth with bright, expectant faces, bearing a broken spade and a rusty implement that had done many a day’s service when Raff was a hale worker on the dikes.
implementverbUS /ˈɪmpləmənt/
apply in a manner consistent with its purpose or design
From this reading After making a few hurried preparations, they stole forth with bright, expectant faces, bearing a broken spade and a rusty implement that had done many a day’s service when Raff was a hale worker on the dikes.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Their only dread was that they might disturb the sleepers in the cottage.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “This ysbreeker is just the thing, Mother,” said Hans, striking many a vigorous blow, “but the ground has set so firm it’ll be a fair match for it.”
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was so light out of doors that they could see the willow tree distinctly.
it'll
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “This ysbreeker is just the thing, Mother,” said Hans, striking many a vigorous blow, “but the ground has set so firm it’ll be a fair match for it.”
justadverbUS /dʒʌst/
and nothing more
From this reading “This ysbreeker is just the thing, Mother,” said Hans, striking many a vigorous blow, “but the ground has set so firm it’ll be a fair match for it.”
lightadjectiveUS /laɪt/
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading It was so light out of doors that they could see the willow tree distinctly.
makingnounUS /ˈmeɪkɪŋ/
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading After making a few hurried preparations, they stole forth with bright, expectant faces, bearing a broken spade and a rusty implement that had done many a day’s service when Raff was a hale worker on the dikes.
manyadjectiveUS /ˈmeni/
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading After making a few hurried preparations, they stole forth with bright, expectant faces, bearing a broken spade and a rusty implement that had done many a day’s service when Raff was a hale worker on the dikes.
matchverbUS /mætʃ/
be compatible, similar or consistent; coincide in their characteristics
From this reading “This ysbreeker is just the thing, Mother,” said Hans, striking many a vigorous blow, “but the ground has set so firm it’ll be a fair match for it.”
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Their only dread was that they might disturb the sleepers in the cottage.
mothernounUS /ˈmʌðər/
a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading The frozen ground was hard as stone, but Hans and his mother were resolute.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It was so light out of doors that they could see the willow tree distinctly.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading After making a few hurried preparations, they stole forth with bright, expectant faces, bearing a broken spade and a rusty implement that had done many a day’s service when Raff was a hale worker on the dikes.
onlyadverbUS /ˈoʊnli/
and nothing more
From this reading Their only dread was that they might disturb the sleepers in the cottage.
outadjectiveUS /aʊt/
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading It was so light out of doors that they could see the willow tree distinctly.
preparationsnounUS /ˌprepərˈeɪʃənz/
plural of “preparation” — the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose
From this reading After making a few hurried preparations, they stole forth with bright, expectant faces, bearing a broken spade and a rusty implement that had done many a day’s service when Raff was a hale worker on the dikes.
Raff
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After making a few hurried preparations, they stole forth with bright, expectant faces, bearing a broken spade and a rusty implement that had done many a day’s service when Raff was a hale worker on the dikes.
resoluteadjectiveUS /ˈrezəluːt/
firm in purpose or belief; characterized by firmness and determination
From this reading The frozen ground was hard as stone, but Hans and his mother were resolute.
rustyadjectiveUS /ˈrʌsti/
covered with or consisting of rust
From this reading After making a few hurried preparations, they stole forth with bright, expectant faces, bearing a broken spade and a rusty implement that had done many a day’s service when Raff was a hale worker on the dikes.
saidadjectiveUS /sed/
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading “This ysbreeker is just the thing, Mother,” said Hans, striking many a vigorous blow, “but the ground has set so firm it’ll be a fair match for it.”
seeverbUS /siː/
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading It was so light out of doors that they could see the willow tree distinctly.
servicenounUS /ˈsɜːrvəs/
work done by one person or group that benefits another
From this reading After making a few hurried preparations, they stole forth with bright, expectant faces, bearing a broken spade and a rusty implement that had done many a day’s service when Raff was a hale worker on the dikes.
setverbUS /set/
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading “This ysbreeker is just the thing, Mother,” said Hans, striking many a vigorous blow, “but the ground has set so firm it’ll be a fair match for it.”
sleepersnounUS /ˈsliːpərz/
plural of “sleeper” — a rester who is sleeping
From this reading Their only dread was that they might disturb the sleepers in the cottage.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading It was so light out of doors that they could see the willow tree distinctly.
spadenounUS /speɪd/
a playing card in the major suit that has one or more black figures on it
From this reading After making a few hurried preparations, they stole forth with bright, expectant faces, bearing a broken spade and a rusty implement that had done many a day’s service when Raff was a hale worker on the dikes.
stolenounUS /stoʊl/
a wide scarf worn about their shoulders by women
From this reading After making a few hurried preparations, they stole forth with bright, expectant faces, bearing a broken spade and a rusty implement that had done many a day’s service when Raff was a hale worker on the dikes.
stonenounUS /stoʊn/
a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter
From this reading The frozen ground was hard as stone, but Hans and his mother were resolute.
strikingadjectiveUS /ˈstraɪkɪŋ/
sensational in appearance or thrilling in effect
From this reading “This ysbreeker is just the thing, Mother,” said Hans, striking many a vigorous blow, “but the ground has set so firm it’ll be a fair match for it.”
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading After making a few hurried preparations, they stole forth with bright, expectant faces, bearing a broken spade and a rusty implement that had done many a day’s service when Raff was a hale worker on the dikes.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading After making a few hurried preparations, they stole forth with bright, expectant faces, bearing a broken spade and a rusty implement that had done many a day’s service when Raff was a hale worker on the dikes.
TheirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Their only dread was that they might disturb the sleepers in the cottage.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading After making a few hurried preparations, they stole forth with bright, expectant faces, bearing a broken spade and a rusty implement that had done many a day’s service when Raff was a hale worker on the dikes.
thingnounUS /θɪŋ/
a special situation
From this reading “This ysbreeker is just the thing, Mother,” said Hans, striking many a vigorous blow, “but the ground has set so firm it’ll be a fair match for it.”
ThisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading “This ysbreeker is just the thing, Mother,” said Hans, striking many a vigorous blow, “but the ground has set so firm it’ll be a fair match for it.”
treenounUS /triː/
a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms
From this reading It was so light out of doors that they could see the willow tree distinctly.
vigorousadjectiveUS /ˈvɪɡərəs/
characterized by forceful and energetic action or activity
From this reading “This ysbreeker is just the thing, Mother,” said Hans, striking many a vigorous blow, “but the ground has set so firm it’ll be a fair match for it.”
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading After making a few hurried preparations, they stole forth with bright, expectant faces, bearing a broken spade and a rusty implement that had done many a day’s service when Raff was a hale worker on the dikes.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The frozen ground was hard as stone, but Hans and his mother were resolute.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading After making a few hurried preparations, they stole forth with bright, expectant faces, bearing a broken spade and a rusty implement that had done many a day’s service when Raff was a hale worker on the dikes.
willownounUS /ˈwɪloʊ/
any of numerous deciduous trees and shrubs of the genus Salix
From this reading It was so light out of doors that they could see the willow tree distinctly.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading After making a few hurried preparations, they stole forth with bright, expectant faces, bearing a broken spade and a rusty implement that had done many a day’s service when Raff was a hale worker on the dikes.
workernounUS /ˈwɜːrkər/
a person who works at a specific occupation
From this reading After making a few hurried preparations, they stole forth with bright, expectant faces, bearing a broken spade and a rusty implement that had done many a day’s service when Raff was a hale worker on the dikes.
ysbreeker
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “This ysbreeker is just the thing, Mother,” said Hans, striking many a vigorous blow, “but the ground has set so firm it’ll be a fair match for it.”
