used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading But triviality was now what Hector was fighting for with all his power, conversation on purely ordinary matters; for in that way only, he knew, could he keep off the numbing sense of unreality that was creeping over him—a nightmare feeling rapidly sapping the strength of purpose that till then had burnt so strong and steadily.
(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 But triviality was now what Hector was fighting for with all his power, conversation on purely ordinary matters; for in that way only, he knew, could he keep off the numbing sense of unreality that was creeping over him—a nightmare feeling rapidly sapping the strength of purpose that till then had burnt so strong and steadily.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading But triviality was now what Hector was fighting for with all his power, conversation on purely ordinary matters; for in that way only, he knew, could he keep off the numbing sense of unreality that was creeping over him—a nightmare feeling rapidly sapping the strength of purpose that till then had burnt so strong and steadily.
answeringadjectiveUS /ˈænsərɪŋ/
replying
From this reading Apparently miles away, he heard Lucy’s voice answering some question he had put, and which now he could not for his life remember.
from appearances alone
From this reading Apparently miles away, he heard Lucy’s voice answering some question he had put, and which now he could not for his life remember.
past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading "What’s his name, Lucy?" he asked, the triviality of the question being in odd contrast to the voice that asked it.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading "I have come to do this thing, and I will; I’ll be firm, firm, firm," he repeated to himself, and the word mingled with the rattle of the flying wheels and were flung back at him in meaningless echo.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Apparently miles away, he heard Lucy’s voice answering some question he had put, and which now he could not for his life remember.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading "I have come to do this thing, and I will; I’ll be firm, firm, firm," he repeated to himself, and the word mingled with the rattle of the flying wheels and were flung back at him in meaningless echo.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading "I have come to do this thing, and I will; I’ll be firm, firm, firm," he repeated to himself, and the word mingled with the rattle of the flying wheels and were flung back at him in meaningless echo.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading "What’s his name, Lucy?" he asked, the triviality of the question being in odd contrast to the voice that asked it.
burntadjectiveUS /bɜːrnt/
ruined by overcooking
From this reading But triviality was now what Hector was fighting for with all his power, conversation on purely ordinary matters; for in that way only, he knew, could he keep off the numbing sense of unreality that was creeping over him—a nightmare feeling rapidly sapping the strength of purpose that till then had burnt so strong and steadily.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But triviality was now what Hector was fighting for with all his power, conversation on purely ordinary matters; for in that way only, he knew, could he keep off the numbing sense of unreality that was creeping over him—a nightmare feeling rapidly sapping the strength of purpose that till then had burnt so strong and steadily.
cheerfullyadverbUS /ˈtʃɪrfəli/
in a cheerful manner
From this reading "His name, dear?" she said cheerfully.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading "I have come to do this thing, and I will; I’ll be firm, firm, firm," he repeated to himself, and the word mingled with the rattle of the flying wheels and were flung back at him in meaningless echo.
contrastnounUS /ˈkɑːntræst/
the opposition or dissimilarity of things that are compared
From this reading "What’s his name, Lucy?" he asked, the triviality of the question being in odd contrast to the voice that asked it.
the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.
From this reading But triviality was now what Hector was fighting for with all his power, conversation on purely ordinary matters; for in that way only, he knew, could he keep off the numbing sense of unreality that was creeping over him—a nightmare feeling rapidly sapping the strength of purpose that till then had burnt so strong and steadily.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading But triviality was now what Hector was fighting for with all his power, conversation on purely ordinary matters; for in that way only, he knew, could he keep off the numbing sense of unreality that was creeping over him—a nightmare feeling rapidly sapping the strength of purpose that till then had burnt so strong and steadily.
creepingnounUS /ˈkriːpɪŋ/
a slow mode of locomotion on hands and knees or dragging the body
From this reading But triviality was now what Hector was fighting for with all his power, conversation on purely ordinary matters; for in that way only, he knew, could he keep off the numbing sense of unreality that was creeping over him—a nightmare feeling rapidly sapping the strength of purpose that till then had burnt so strong and steadily.
dearly loved
From this reading "His name, dear?" she said cheerfully.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading "I have come to do this thing, and I will; I’ll be firm, firm, firm," he repeated to himself, and the word mingled with the rattle of the flying wheels and were flung back at him in meaningless echo.
echoverbUS /ˈekoʊ/
to say again or imitate
From this reading "I have come to do this thing, and I will; I’ll be firm, firm, firm," he repeated to himself, and the word mingled with the rattle of the flying wheels and were flung back at him in meaningless echo.
the experiencing of affective and emotional states
From this reading But triviality was now what Hector was fighting for with all his power, conversation on purely ordinary matters; for in that way only, he knew, could he keep off the numbing sense of unreality that was creeping over him—a nightmare feeling rapidly sapping the strength of purpose that till then had burnt so strong and steadily.
the act of fighting; any contest or struggle
From this reading But triviality was now what Hector was fighting for with all his power, conversation on purely ordinary matters; for in that way only, he knew, could he keep off the numbing sense of unreality that was creeping over him—a nightmare feeling rapidly sapping the strength of purpose that till then had burnt so strong and steadily.
marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable
From this reading "I have come to do this thing, and I will; I’ll be firm, firm, firm," he repeated to himself, and the word mingled with the rattle of the flying wheels and were flung back at him in meaningless echo.
inflected form of “fling” — throw with force or recklessness
From this reading "I have come to do this thing, and I will; I’ll be firm, firm, firm," he repeated to himself, and the word mingled with the rattle of the flying wheels and were flung back at him in meaningless echo.
moving swiftly
From this reading "I have come to do this thing, and I will; I’ll be firm, firm, firm," he repeated to himself, and the word mingled with the rattle of the flying wheels and were flung back at him in meaningless echo.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading But triviality was now what Hector was fighting for with all his power, conversation on purely ordinary matters; for in that way only, he knew, could he keep off the numbing sense of unreality that was creeping over him—a nightmare feeling rapidly sapping the strength of purpose that till then had burnt so strong and steadily.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading But triviality was now what Hector was fighting for with all his power, conversation on purely ordinary matters; for in that way only, he knew, could he keep off the numbing sense of unreality that was creeping over him—a nightmare feeling rapidly sapping the strength of purpose that till then had burnt so strong and steadily.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading "I have come to do this thing, and I will; I’ll be firm, firm, firm," he repeated to himself, and the word mingled with the rattle of the flying wheels and were flung back at him in meaningless echo.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "What’s his name, Lucy?" he asked, the triviality of the question being in odd contrast to the voice that asked it.
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading Apparently miles away, he heard Lucy’s voice answering some question he had put, and which now he could not for his life remember.
HectornounUS /ˈhektər/
(Greek mythology) a mythical Trojan who was killed by Achilles during the Trojan War
From this reading But triviality was now what Hector was fighting for with all his power, conversation on purely ordinary matters; for in that way only, he knew, could he keep off the numbing sense of unreality that was creeping over him—a nightmare feeling rapidly sapping the strength of purpose that till then had burnt so strong and steadily.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading But triviality was now what Hector was fighting for with all his power, conversation on purely ordinary matters; for in that way only, he knew, could he keep off the numbing sense of unreality that was creeping over him—a nightmare feeling rapidly sapping the strength of purpose that till then had burnt so strong and steadily.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading "I have come to do this thing, and I will; I’ll be firm, firm, firm," he repeated to himself, and the word mingled with the rattle of the flying wheels and were flung back at him in meaningless echo.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading "What’s his name, Lucy?" he asked, the triviality of the question being in odd contrast to the voice that asked it.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "I have come to do this thing, and I will; I’ll be firm, firm, firm," he repeated to himself, and the word mingled with the rattle of the flying wheels and were flung back at him in meaningless echo.
I'll
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I have come to do this thing, and I will; I’ll be firm, firm, firm," he repeated to himself, and the word mingled with the rattle of the flying wheels and were flung back at him in meaningless echo.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading "What’s his name, Lucy?" he asked, the triviality of the question being in odd contrast to the voice that asked it.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading "What’s his name, Lucy?" he asked, the triviality of the question being in odd contrast to the voice that asked it.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading But triviality was now what Hector was fighting for with all his power, conversation on purely ordinary matters; for in that way only, he knew, could he keep off the numbing sense of unreality that was creeping over him—a nightmare feeling rapidly sapping the strength of purpose that till then had burnt so strong and steadily.
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 But triviality was now what Hector was fighting for with all his power, conversation on purely ordinary matters; for in that way only, he knew, could he keep off the numbing sense of unreality that was creeping over him—a nightmare feeling rapidly sapping the strength of purpose that till then had burnt so strong and steadily.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Apparently miles away, he heard Lucy’s voice answering some question he had put, and which now he could not for his life remember.
incomplete skeleton of female found in eastern Ethiopia in 1974
From this reading "What’s his name, Lucy?" he asked, the triviality of the question being in odd contrast to the voice that asked it.
Lucy'snounUS /ˈluːsiz/
possessive form of “lucy” — incomplete skeleton of female found in eastern Ethiopia in 1974
From this reading Apparently miles away, he heard Lucy’s voice answering some question he had put, and which now he could not for his life remember.
plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern
From this reading But triviality was now what Hector was fighting for with all his power, conversation on purely ordinary matters; for in that way only, he knew, could he keep off the numbing sense of unreality that was creeping over him—a nightmare feeling rapidly sapping the strength of purpose that till then had burnt so strong and steadily.
meaninglessadjectiveUS /ˈmiːnɪŋləs/
having no meaning or direction or purpose
From this reading "I have come to do this thing, and I will; I’ll be firm, firm, firm," he repeated to himself, and the word mingled with the rattle of the flying wheels and were flung back at him in meaningless echo.
plural of “mile” — a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters
From this reading Apparently miles away, he heard Lucy’s voice answering some question he had put, and which now he could not for his life remember.
past form of “mingle” — to bring or combine together or with something else
From this reading "I have come to do this thing, and I will; I’ll be firm, firm, firm," he repeated to himself, and the word mingled with the rattle of the flying wheels and were flung back at him in meaningless echo.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading "What’s his name, Lucy?" he asked, the triviality of the question being in odd contrast to the voice that asked it.
nightmarenounUS /ˈnaɪt.mɛr/
A terrifying or distressing dream.
From this reading But triviality was now what Hector was fighting for with all his power, conversation on purely ordinary matters; for in that way only, he knew, could he keep off the numbing sense of unreality that was creeping over him—a nightmare feeling rapidly sapping the strength of purpose that till then had burnt so strong and steadily.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Apparently miles away, he heard Lucy’s voice answering some question he had put, and which now he could not for his life remember.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading But triviality was now what Hector was fighting for with all his power, conversation on purely ordinary matters; for in that way only, he knew, could he keep off the numbing sense of unreality that was creeping over him—a nightmare feeling rapidly sapping the strength of purpose that till then had burnt so strong and steadily.
numbingadjectiveUS /ˈnʌmɪŋ/
causing numbness or insensitivity
From this reading But triviality was now what Hector was fighting for with all his power, conversation on purely ordinary matters; for in that way only, he knew, could he keep off the numbing sense of unreality that was creeping over him—a nightmare feeling rapidly sapping the strength of purpose that till then had burnt so strong and steadily.
not divisible by two
From this reading "What’s his name, Lucy?" he asked, the triviality of the question being in odd contrast to the voice that asked it.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading "What’s his name, Lucy?" he asked, the triviality of the question being in odd contrast to the voice that asked it.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading But triviality was now what Hector was fighting for with all his power, conversation on purely ordinary matters; for in that way only, he knew, could he keep off the numbing sense of unreality that was creeping over him—a nightmare feeling rapidly sapping the strength of purpose that till then had burnt so strong and steadily.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading But triviality was now what Hector was fighting for with all his power, conversation on purely ordinary matters; for in that way only, he knew, could he keep off the numbing sense of unreality that was creeping over him—a nightmare feeling rapidly sapping the strength of purpose that till then had burnt so strong and steadily.
and nothing more
From this reading But triviality was now what Hector was fighting for with all his power, conversation on purely ordinary matters; for in that way only, he knew, could he keep off the numbing sense of unreality that was creeping over him—a nightmare feeling rapidly sapping the strength of purpose that till then had burnt so strong and steadily.
a judge of a probate court
From this reading But triviality was now what Hector was fighting for with all his power, conversation on purely ordinary matters; for in that way only, he knew, could he keep off the numbing sense of unreality that was creeping over him—a nightmare feeling rapidly sapping the strength of purpose that till then had burnt so strong and steadily.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading But triviality was now what Hector was fighting for with all his power, conversation on purely ordinary matters; for in that way only, he knew, could he keep off the numbing sense of unreality that was creeping over him—a nightmare feeling rapidly sapping the strength of purpose that till then had burnt so strong and steadily.
possession of controlling influence
From this reading But triviality was now what Hector was fighting for with all his power, conversation on purely ordinary matters; for in that way only, he knew, could he keep off the numbing sense of unreality that was creeping over him—a nightmare feeling rapidly sapping the strength of purpose that till then had burnt so strong and steadily.
purelyadverbUS /ˈpjʊrli/
restricted to something
From this reading But triviality was now what Hector was fighting for with all his power, conversation on purely ordinary matters; for in that way only, he knew, could he keep off the numbing sense of unreality that was creeping over him—a nightmare feeling rapidly sapping the strength of purpose that till then had burnt so strong and steadily.
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading But triviality was now what Hector was fighting for with all his power, conversation on purely ordinary matters; for in that way only, he knew, could he keep off the numbing sense of unreality that was creeping over him—a nightmare feeling rapidly sapping the strength of purpose that till then had burnt so strong and steadily.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading Apparently miles away, he heard Lucy’s voice answering some question he had put, and which now he could not for his life remember.
challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of
From this reading "What’s his name, Lucy?" he asked, the triviality of the question being in odd contrast to the voice that asked it.
with speed
From this reading But triviality was now what Hector was fighting for with all his power, conversation on purely ordinary matters; for in that way only, he knew, could he keep off the numbing sense of unreality that was creeping over him—a nightmare feeling rapidly sapping the strength of purpose that till then had burnt so strong and steadily.
rattleverbUS /ˈrætəl/
make short successive sounds
From this reading "I have come to do this thing, and I will; I’ll be firm, firm, firm," he repeated to himself, and the word mingled with the rattle of the flying wheels and were flung back at him in meaningless echo.
To recall to mind.
From this reading Apparently miles away, he heard Lucy’s voice answering some question he had put, and which now he could not for his life remember.
recurring again and again
From this reading "I have come to do this thing, and I will; I’ll be firm, firm, firm," he repeated to himself, and the word mingled with the rattle of the flying wheels and were flung back at him in meaningless echo.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading "His name, dear?" she said cheerfully.
sappingverbUS /ˈsæpɪŋ/
inflected form of “sap” — deplete
From this reading But triviality was now what Hector was fighting for with all his power, conversation on purely ordinary matters; for in that way only, he knew, could he keep off the numbing sense of unreality that was creeping over him—a nightmare feeling rapidly sapping the strength of purpose that till then had burnt so strong and steadily.
a general conscious awareness
From this reading But triviality was now what Hector was fighting for with all his power, conversation on purely ordinary matters; for in that way only, he knew, could he keep off the numbing sense of unreality that was creeping over him—a nightmare feeling rapidly sapping the strength of purpose that till then had burnt so strong and steadily.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "His name, dear?" she said cheerfully.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading But triviality was now what Hector was fighting for with all his power, conversation on purely ordinary matters; for in that way only, he knew, could he keep off the numbing sense of unreality that was creeping over him—a nightmare feeling rapidly sapping the strength of purpose that till then had burnt so strong and steadily.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Apparently miles away, he heard Lucy’s voice answering some question he had put, and which now he could not for his life remember.
at a steady rate or pace
From this reading But triviality was now what Hector was fighting for with all his power, conversation on purely ordinary matters; for in that way only, he knew, could he keep off the numbing sense of unreality that was creeping over him—a nightmare feeling rapidly sapping the strength of purpose that till then had burnt so strong and steadily.
the property of being physically or mentally strong
From this reading But triviality was now what Hector was fighting for with all his power, conversation on purely ordinary matters; for in that way only, he knew, could he keep off the numbing sense of unreality that was creeping over him—a nightmare feeling rapidly sapping the strength of purpose that till then had burnt so strong and steadily.
having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading But triviality was now what Hector was fighting for with all his power, conversation on purely ordinary matters; for in that way only, he knew, could he keep off the numbing sense of unreality that was creeping over him—a nightmare feeling rapidly sapping the strength of purpose that till then had burnt so strong and steadily.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading "What’s his name, Lucy?" he asked, the triviality of the question being in odd contrast to the voice that asked it.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading "What’s his name, Lucy?" he asked, the triviality of the question being in odd contrast to the voice that asked it.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading But triviality was now what Hector was fighting for with all his power, conversation on purely ordinary matters; for in that way only, he knew, could he keep off the numbing sense of unreality that was creeping over him—a nightmare feeling rapidly sapping the strength of purpose that till then had burnt so strong and steadily.
a special situation
From this reading "I have come to do this thing, and I will; I’ll be firm, firm, firm," he repeated to himself, and the word mingled with the rattle of the flying wheels and were flung back at him in meaningless echo.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading "I have come to do this thing, and I will; I’ll be firm, firm, firm," he repeated to himself, and the word mingled with the rattle of the flying wheels and were flung back at him in meaningless echo.
up to a particular time
From this reading But triviality was now what Hector was fighting for with all his power, conversation on purely ordinary matters; for in that way only, he knew, could he keep off the numbing sense of unreality that was creeping over him—a nightmare feeling rapidly sapping the strength of purpose that till then had burnt so strong and steadily.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading "What’s his name, Lucy?" he asked, the triviality of the question being in odd contrast to the voice that asked it.
trivialitynounUS /ˌtrɪviˈælətiː/
the quality of being unimportant and petty or frivolous
From this reading "What’s his name, Lucy?" he asked, the triviality of the question being in odd contrast to the voice that asked it.
unrealitynounUS /ˌʌnriˈæləti/
the quality possessed by something that is unreal
From this reading But triviality was now what Hector was fighting for with all his power, conversation on purely ordinary matters; for in that way only, he knew, could he keep off the numbing sense of unreality that was creeping over him—a nightmare feeling rapidly sapping the strength of purpose that till then had burnt so strong and steadily.
the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading "What’s his name, Lucy?" he asked, the triviality of the question being in odd contrast to the voice that asked it.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading But triviality was now what Hector was fighting for with all his power, conversation on purely ordinary matters; for in that way only, he knew, could he keep off the numbing sense of unreality that was creeping over him—a nightmare feeling rapidly sapping the strength of purpose that till then had burnt so strong and steadily.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading But triviality was now what Hector was fighting for with all his power, conversation on purely ordinary matters; for in that way only, he knew, could he keep off the numbing sense of unreality that was creeping over him—a nightmare feeling rapidly sapping the strength of purpose that till then had burnt so strong and steadily.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading "I have come to do this thing, and I will; I’ll be firm, firm, firm," he repeated to himself, and the word mingled with the rattle of the flying wheels and were flung back at him in meaningless echo.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading But triviality was now what Hector was fighting for with all his power, conversation on purely ordinary matters; for in that way only, he knew, could he keep off the numbing sense of unreality that was creeping over him—a nightmare feeling rapidly sapping the strength of purpose that till then had burnt so strong and steadily.
What's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "What’s his name, Lucy?" he asked, the triviality of the question being in odd contrast to the voice that asked it.
wheelsnounUS /wiːlz/
plural of “wheel” — a simple machine consisting of a circular frame with spokes (or a solid disc) that can rotate on a shaft or axle (as in vehicles or other machines)
From this reading "I have come to do this thing, and I will; I’ll be firm, firm, firm," he repeated to himself, and the word mingled with the rattle of the flying wheels and were flung back at him in meaningless echo.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Apparently miles away, he heard Lucy’s voice answering some question he had put, and which now he could not for his life remember.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading "I have come to do this thing, and I will; I’ll be firm, firm, firm," he repeated to himself, and the word mingled with the rattle of the flying wheels and were flung back at him in meaningless echo.
in the company of; together with
From this reading But triviality was now what Hector was fighting for with all his power, conversation on purely ordinary matters; for in that way only, he knew, could he keep off the numbing sense of unreality that was creeping over him—a nightmare feeling rapidly sapping the strength of purpose that till then had burnt so strong and steadily.
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
From this reading "I have come to do this thing, and I will; I’ll be firm, firm, firm," he repeated to himself, and the word mingled with the rattle of the flying wheels and were flung back at him in meaningless echo.
