used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The worst (or perhaps the best) of a temper so choleric as Mr. Wesley's is that by constant daily expenditure on trifles it fatigues itself, and is apt to betray its possessor by an unexpected lassitude when a really serious occasion calls.
an unfortunate mishap; especially one causing damage or injury
From this reading A temper thoroughly cruel (which his was not) steadily increases its appetite: but a temper less than cruel, or cruel only by accident, will run itself to a standstill and either cry for a strong whip or yield to the temptation to defer the crisis.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The worst (or perhaps the best) of a temper so choleric as Mr. Wesley's is that by constant daily expenditure on trifles it fatigues itself, and is apt to betray its possessor by an unexpected lassitude when a really serious occasion calls.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The worst (or perhaps the best) of a temper so choleric as Mr. Wesley's is that by constant daily expenditure on trifles it fatigues itself, and is apt to betray its possessor by an unexpected lassitude when a really serious occasion calls.
appetitenounUS /ˈæpətaɪt/
a feeling of craving something
From this reading A temper thoroughly cruel (which his was not) steadily increases its appetite: but a temper less than cruel, or cruel only by accident, will run itself to a standstill and either cry for a strong whip or yield to the temptation to defer the crisis.
aptadjectiveUS /æpt/
(usually followed by “to”) naturally disposed toward
From this reading The worst (or perhaps the best) of a temper so choleric as Mr. Wesley's is that by constant daily expenditure on trifles it fatigues itself, and is apt to betray its possessor by an unexpected lassitude when a really serious occasion calls.
weapons considered collectively
From this reading He lifted himself in his chair, clutching its arms.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The worst (or perhaps the best) of a temper so choleric as Mr. Wesley's is that by constant daily expenditure on trifles it fatigues itself, and is apt to betray its possessor by an unexpected lassitude when a really serious occasion calls.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading The worst (or perhaps the best) of a temper so choleric as Mr. Wesley's is that by constant daily expenditure on trifles it fatigues itself, and is apt to betray its possessor by an unexpected lassitude when a really serious occasion calls.
betrayverbUS /bɪˈtreɪ/
reveal unintentionally
From this reading The worst (or perhaps the best) of a temper so choleric as Mr. Wesley's is that by constant daily expenditure on trifles it fatigues itself, and is apt to betray its possessor by an unexpected lassitude when a really serious occasion calls.
lacking funds
From this reading On this Mrs. Wesley was building when she broke to her husband the news of Hetty's return.
a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place
From this reading On this Mrs. Wesley was building when she broke to her husband the news of Hetty's return.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading A temper thoroughly cruel (which his was not) steadily increases its appetite: but a temper less than cruel, or cruel only by accident, will run itself to a standstill and either cry for a strong whip or yield to the temptation to defer the crisis.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The worst (or perhaps the best) of a temper so choleric as Mr. Wesley's is that by constant daily expenditure on trifles it fatigues itself, and is apt to betray its possessor by an unexpected lassitude when a really serious occasion calls.
plural of “call” — a telephone connection
From this reading The worst (or perhaps the best) of a temper so choleric as Mr. Wesley's is that by constant daily expenditure on trifles it fatigues itself, and is apt to betray its possessor by an unexpected lassitude when a really serious occasion calls.
a seat for one person, with a support for the back
From this reading He lifted himself in his chair, clutching its arms.
cholericadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːlərɪk/
easily moved to anger
From this reading The worst (or perhaps the best) of a temper so choleric as Mr. Wesley's is that by constant daily expenditure on trifles it fatigues itself, and is apt to betray its possessor by an unexpected lassitude when a really serious occasion calls.
clutchingverbUS /ˈklʌtʃɪŋ/
-ing form of “clutch” — take hold of; grab
From this reading He lifted himself in his chair, clutching its arms.
unvarying in nature
From this reading The worst (or perhaps the best) of a temper so choleric as Mr. Wesley's is that by constant daily expenditure on trifles it fatigues itself, and is apt to betray its possessor by an unexpected lassitude when a really serious occasion calls.
crisisnounUS /ˈkraɪsəs/
an unstable situation of extreme danger or difficulty
From this reading A temper thoroughly cruel (which his was not) steadily increases its appetite: but a temper less than cruel, or cruel only by accident, will run itself to a standstill and either cry for a strong whip or yield to the temptation to defer the crisis.
crueladjectiveUS /ˈkruːəl/
(of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering
From this reading A temper thoroughly cruel (which his was not) steadily increases its appetite: but a temper less than cruel, or cruel only by accident, will run itself to a standstill and either cry for a strong whip or yield to the temptation to defer the crisis.
utter a sudden loud cry
From this reading A temper thoroughly cruel (which his was not) steadily increases its appetite: but a temper less than cruel, or cruel only by accident, will run itself to a standstill and either cry for a strong whip or yield to the temptation to defer the crisis.
every day; without missing a day
From this reading The worst (or perhaps the best) of a temper so choleric as Mr. Wesley's is that by constant daily expenditure on trifles it fatigues itself, and is apt to betray its possessor by an unexpected lassitude when a really serious occasion calls.
deferverbUS /dɪˈfɜːr/
hold back to a later time
From this reading A temper thoroughly cruel (which his was not) steadily increases its appetite: but a temper less than cruel, or cruel only by accident, will run itself to a standstill and either cry for a strong whip or yield to the temptation to defer the crisis.
one or the other of two
From this reading A temper thoroughly cruel (which his was not) steadily increases its appetite: but a temper less than cruel, or cruel only by accident, will run itself to a standstill and either cry for a strong whip or yield to the temptation to defer the crisis.
expenditurenounUS /ɪkˈspendətʃər/
money paid out; an amount spent
From this reading The worst (or perhaps the best) of a temper so choleric as Mr. Wesley's is that by constant daily expenditure on trifles it fatigues itself, and is apt to betray its possessor by an unexpected lassitude when a really serious occasion calls.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading His face was gray with spent passion.
fatiguesnounUS /fəˈtiːɡz/
military uniform worn by military personnel when doing menial labor
From this reading The worst (or perhaps the best) of a temper so choleric as Mr. Wesley's is that by constant daily expenditure on trifles it fatigues itself, and is apt to betray its possessor by an unexpected lassitude when a really serious occasion calls.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading A temper thoroughly cruel (which his was not) steadily increases its appetite: but a temper less than cruel, or cruel only by accident, will run itself to a standstill and either cry for a strong whip or yield to the temptation to defer the crisis.
a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black
From this reading His face was gray with spent passion.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He lifted himself in his chair, clutching its arms.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading On this Mrs. Wesley was building when she broke to her husband the news of Hetty's return.
Hetty's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On this Mrs. Wesley was building when she broke to her husband the news of Hetty's return.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading He lifted himself in his chair, clutching its arms.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading A temper thoroughly cruel (which his was not) steadily increases its appetite: but a temper less than cruel, or cruel only by accident, will run itself to a standstill and either cry for a strong whip or yield to the temptation to defer the crisis.
a married man; a woman's partner in marriage
From this reading On this Mrs. Wesley was building when she broke to her husband the news of Hetty's return.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading He lifted himself in his chair, clutching its arms.
increasesnounUS /ɪnˈkriːsəz/
plural of “increase” — a quantity that is added
From this reading A temper thoroughly cruel (which his was not) steadily increases its appetite: but a temper less than cruel, or cruel only by accident, will run itself to a standstill and either cry for a strong whip or yield to the temptation to defer the crisis.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The worst (or perhaps the best) of a temper so choleric as Mr. Wesley's is that by constant daily expenditure on trifles it fatigues itself, and is apt to betray its possessor by an unexpected lassitude when a really serious occasion calls.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The worst (or perhaps the best) of a temper so choleric as Mr. Wesley's is that by constant daily expenditure on trifles it fatigues itself, and is apt to betray its possessor by an unexpected lassitude when a really serious occasion calls.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading The worst (or perhaps the best) of a temper so choleric as Mr. Wesley's is that by constant daily expenditure on trifles it fatigues itself, and is apt to betray its possessor by an unexpected lassitude when a really serious occasion calls.
used when the thing doing the action is also its object
From this reading The worst (or perhaps the best) of a temper so choleric as Mr. Wesley's is that by constant daily expenditure on trifles it fatigues itself, and is apt to betray its possessor by an unexpected lassitude when a really serious occasion calls.
lassitudenoun
a state of comatose torpor (as found in sleeping sickness)
From this reading The worst (or perhaps the best) of a temper so choleric as Mr. Wesley's is that by constant daily expenditure on trifles it fatigues itself, and is apt to betray its possessor by an unexpected lassitude when a really serious occasion calls.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading A temper thoroughly cruel (which his was not) steadily increases its appetite: but a temper less than cruel, or cruel only by accident, will run itself to a standstill and either cry for a strong whip or yield to the temptation to defer the crisis.
held up in the air
From this reading He lifted himself in his chair, clutching its arms.
a form of address for a man
From this reading The worst (or perhaps the best) of a temper so choleric as Mr. Wesley's is that by constant daily expenditure on trifles it fatigues itself, and is apt to betray its possessor by an unexpected lassitude when a really serious occasion calls.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading On this Mrs. Wesley was building when she broke to her husband the news of Hetty's return.
information about recent and important events
From this reading On this Mrs. Wesley was building when she broke to her husband the news of Hetty's return.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading A temper thoroughly cruel (which his was not) steadily increases its appetite: but a temper less than cruel, or cruel only by accident, will run itself to a standstill and either cry for a strong whip or yield to the temptation to defer the crisis.
an event that occurs at a critical time
From this reading The worst (or perhaps the best) of a temper so choleric as Mr. Wesley's is that by constant daily expenditure on trifles it fatigues itself, and is apt to betray its possessor by an unexpected lassitude when a really serious occasion calls.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The worst (or perhaps the best) of a temper so choleric as Mr. Wesley's is that by constant daily expenditure on trifles it fatigues itself, and is apt to betray its possessor by an unexpected lassitude when a really serious occasion calls.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The worst (or perhaps the best) of a temper so choleric as Mr. Wesley's is that by constant daily expenditure on trifles it fatigues itself, and is apt to betray its possessor by an unexpected lassitude when a really serious occasion calls.
and nothing more
From this reading A temper thoroughly cruel (which his was not) steadily increases its appetite: but a temper less than cruel, or cruel only by accident, will run itself to a standstill and either cry for a strong whip or yield to the temptation to defer the crisis.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading The worst (or perhaps the best) of a temper so choleric as Mr. Wesley's is that by constant daily expenditure on trifles it fatigues itself, and is apt to betray its possessor by an unexpected lassitude when a really serious occasion calls.
a strong feeling or emotion
From this reading His face was gray with spent passion.
by chance
From this reading The worst (or perhaps the best) of a temper so choleric as Mr. Wesley's is that by constant daily expenditure on trifles it fatigues itself, and is apt to betray its possessor by an unexpected lassitude when a really serious occasion calls.
possessornounUS /pəˈzesər/
a person who owns something
From this reading The worst (or perhaps the best) of a temper so choleric as Mr. Wesley's is that by constant daily expenditure on trifles it fatigues itself, and is apt to betray its possessor by an unexpected lassitude when a really serious occasion calls.
in accordance with truth or fact or reality
From this reading The worst (or perhaps the best) of a temper so choleric as Mr. Wesley's is that by constant daily expenditure on trifles it fatigues itself, and is apt to betray its possessor by an unexpected lassitude when a really serious occasion calls.
go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading On this Mrs. Wesley was building when she broke to her husband the news of Hetty's return.
move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading A temper thoroughly cruel (which his was not) steadily increases its appetite: but a temper less than cruel, or cruel only by accident, will run itself to a standstill and either cry for a strong whip or yield to the temptation to defer the crisis.
concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities
From this reading The worst (or perhaps the best) of a temper so choleric as Mr. Wesley's is that by constant daily expenditure on trifles it fatigues itself, and is apt to betray its possessor by an unexpected lassitude when a really serious occasion calls.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading On this Mrs. Wesley was building when she broke to her husband the news of Hetty's return.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading The worst (or perhaps the best) of a temper so choleric as Mr. Wesley's is that by constant daily expenditure on trifles it fatigues itself, and is apt to betray its possessor by an unexpected lassitude when a really serious occasion calls.
depleted of energy, force, or strength
From this reading His face was gray with spent passion.
standstillnounUS /ˈstændstɪl/
a situation in which no progress can be made or no advancement is possible
From this reading A temper thoroughly cruel (which his was not) steadily increases its appetite: but a temper less than cruel, or cruel only by accident, will run itself to a standstill and either cry for a strong whip or yield to the temptation to defer the crisis.
at a steady rate or pace
From this reading A temper thoroughly cruel (which his was not) steadily increases its appetite: but a temper less than cruel, or cruel only by accident, will run itself to a standstill and either cry for a strong whip or yield to the temptation to defer the crisis.
having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading A temper thoroughly cruel (which his was not) steadily increases its appetite: but a temper less than cruel, or cruel only by accident, will run itself to a standstill and either cry for a strong whip or yield to the temptation to defer the crisis.
a sudden outburst of anger
From this reading The worst (or perhaps the best) of a temper so choleric as Mr. Wesley's is that by constant daily expenditure on trifles it fatigues itself, and is apt to betray its possessor by an unexpected lassitude when a really serious occasion calls.
temptationnounUS /temˈteɪʃən/
something that seduces or has the quality to seduce
From this reading A temper thoroughly cruel (which his was not) steadily increases its appetite: but a temper less than cruel, or cruel only by accident, will run itself to a standstill and either cry for a strong whip or yield to the temptation to defer the crisis.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading A temper thoroughly cruel (which his was not) steadily increases its appetite: but a temper less than cruel, or cruel only by accident, will run itself to a standstill and either cry for a strong whip or yield to the temptation to defer the crisis.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The worst (or perhaps the best) of a temper so choleric as Mr. Wesley's is that by constant daily expenditure on trifles it fatigues itself, and is apt to betray its possessor by an unexpected lassitude when a really serious occasion calls.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The worst (or perhaps the best) of a temper so choleric as Mr. Wesley's is that by constant daily expenditure on trifles it fatigues itself, and is apt to betray its possessor by an unexpected lassitude when a really serious occasion calls.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading On this Mrs. Wesley was building when she broke to her husband the news of Hetty's return.
in an exhaustive manner
From this reading A temper thoroughly cruel (which his was not) steadily increases its appetite: but a temper less than cruel, or cruel only by accident, will run itself to a standstill and either cry for a strong whip or yield to the temptation to defer the crisis.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The worst (or perhaps the best) of a temper so choleric as Mr. Wesley's is that by constant daily expenditure on trifles it fatigues itself, and is apt to betray its possessor by an unexpected lassitude when a really serious occasion calls.
triflesnounUS /ˈtraɪfəlz/
plural of “trifle” — a cold pudding made of layers of sponge cake spread with fruit or jelly; may be decorated with nuts, cream, or chocolate
From this reading The worst (or perhaps the best) of a temper so choleric as Mr. Wesley's is that by constant daily expenditure on trifles it fatigues itself, and is apt to betray its possessor by an unexpected lassitude when a really serious occasion calls.
not expected or anticipated
From this reading The worst (or perhaps the best) of a temper so choleric as Mr. Wesley's is that by constant daily expenditure on trifles it fatigues itself, and is apt to betray its possessor by an unexpected lassitude when a really serious occasion calls.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A temper thoroughly cruel (which his was not) steadily increases its appetite: but a temper less than cruel, or cruel only by accident, will run itself to a standstill and either cry for a strong whip or yield to the temptation to defer the crisis.
WesleynounUS /ˈwesli/
English clergyman and brother of John Wesley who wrote many hymns (1707-1788)
From this reading On this Mrs. Wesley was building when she broke to her husband the news of Hetty's return.
Wesley's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The worst (or perhaps the best) of a temper so choleric as Mr. Wesley's is that by constant daily expenditure on trifles it fatigues itself, and is apt to betray its possessor by an unexpected lassitude when a really serious occasion calls.
at the time that
From this reading The worst (or perhaps the best) of a temper so choleric as Mr. Wesley's is that by constant daily expenditure on trifles it fatigues itself, and is apt to betray its possessor by an unexpected lassitude when a really serious occasion calls.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading A temper thoroughly cruel (which his was not) steadily increases its appetite: but a temper less than cruel, or cruel only by accident, will run itself to a standstill and either cry for a strong whip or yield to the temptation to defer the crisis.
whipverbUS /wɪp/
beat severely with a whip or rod
From this reading A temper thoroughly cruel (which his was not) steadily increases its appetite: but a temper less than cruel, or cruel only by accident, will run itself to a standstill and either cry for a strong whip or yield to the temptation to defer the crisis.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading A temper thoroughly cruel (which his was not) steadily increases its appetite: but a temper less than cruel, or cruel only by accident, will run itself to a standstill and either cry for a strong whip or yield to the temptation to defer the crisis.
in the company of; together with
From this reading His face was gray with spent passion.
the least favorable outcome
From this reading The worst (or perhaps the best) of a temper so choleric as Mr. Wesley's is that by constant daily expenditure on trifles it fatigues itself, and is apt to betray its possessor by an unexpected lassitude when a really serious occasion calls.
be the cause or source of
From this reading A temper thoroughly cruel (which his was not) steadily increases its appetite: but a temper less than cruel, or cruel only by accident, will run itself to a standstill and either cry for a strong whip or yield to the temptation to defer the crisis.
