used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading For such an unexpected acquisition of stock was in his opinion a most valuable gift, and he had really every difficulty in mastering his joy; but then it was also one of the most advantageous speculations--though certainly of an unheard-of nature--that he had ever made in his life.
acknowledgedadjectiveUS /ækˈnɑːlɪdʒd/
recognized or made known or admitted
From this reading As a matter of course, it must be acknowledged that whilst driving up to Pluschkin's mansion, he had a secret presentiment that something unusual would happen to him; but certainly he was far from guessing that such a brilliant success would actually crown his anticipations.
acquisitionnounUS /ˌækwəˈzɪʃən/
the act of contracting or assuming or acquiring possession of something
From this reading For such an unexpected acquisition of stock was in his opinion a most valuable gift, and he had really every difficulty in mastering his joy; but then it was also one of the most advantageous speculations--though certainly of an unheard-of nature--that he had ever made in his life.
in actual fact
From this reading As a matter of course, it must be acknowledged that whilst driving up to Pluschkin's mansion, he had a secret presentiment that something unusual would happen to him; but certainly he was far from guessing that such a brilliant success would actually crown his anticipations.
advantageousadjectiveUS /ˌædvənˈteɪdʒəs/
giving an advantage
From this reading For such an unexpected acquisition of stock was in his opinion a most valuable gift, and he had really every difficulty in mastering his joy; but then it was also one of the most advantageous speculations--though certainly of an unheard-of nature--that he had ever made in his life.
aliveadjectiveUS /əˈlaɪv/
possessing life
From this reading He got for a mere nothing, not only dead, but even run-away serfs, in all more than two hundred regular census slaves, and to him, whether dead or alive, most valuable beings.
(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 He got for a mere nothing, not only dead, but even run-away serfs, in all more than two hundred regular census slaves, and to him, whether dead or alive, most valuable beings.
in addition
From this reading For such an unexpected acquisition of stock was in his opinion a most valuable gift, and he had really every difficulty in mastering his joy; but then it was also one of the most advantageous speculations--though certainly of an unheard-of nature--that he had ever made in his life.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading For such an unexpected acquisition of stock was in his opinion a most valuable gift, and he had really every difficulty in mastering his joy; but then it was also one of the most advantageous speculations--though certainly of an unheard-of nature--that he had ever made in his life.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Our hero, however, felt happy and in the best disposition of mind without the old man's watch.
anticipationsnounUS /ænˌtɪsəˈpeɪʃənz/
plural of “anticipation” — an expectation
From this reading As a matter of course, it must be acknowledged that whilst driving up to Pluschkin's mansion, he had a secret presentiment that something unusual would happen to him; but certainly he was far from guessing that such a brilliant success would actually crown his anticipations.
past form of “approach” — move towards
From this reading Twilight began to merge into darkness of the evening, when the britchka approached the town.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As a matter of course, it must be acknowledged that whilst driving up to Pluschkin's mansion, he had a secret presentiment that something unusual would happen to him; but certainly he was far from guessing that such a brilliant success would actually crown his anticipations.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading As a matter of course, it must be acknowledged that whilst driving up to Pluschkin's mansion, he had a secret presentiment that something unusual would happen to him; but certainly he was far from guessing that such a brilliant success would actually crown his anticipations.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading Twilight began to merge into darkness of the evening, when the britchka approached the town.
beingsnounUS /ˈbiːɪŋz/
plural of “being” — the state or fact of existing
From this reading He got for a mere nothing, not only dead, but even run-away serfs, in all more than two hundred regular census slaves, and to him, whether dead or alive, most valuable beings.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading Our hero, however, felt happy and in the best disposition of mind without the old man's watch.
of surpassing excellence
From this reading As a matter of course, it must be acknowledged that whilst driving up to Pluschkin's mansion, he had a secret presentiment that something unusual would happen to him; but certainly he was far from guessing that such a brilliant success would actually crown his anticipations.
britchka
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Twilight began to merge into darkness of the evening, when the britchka approached the town.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading For such an unexpected acquisition of stock was in his opinion a most valuable gift, and he had really every difficulty in mastering his joy; but then it was also one of the most advantageous speculations--though certainly of an unheard-of nature--that he had ever made in his life.
censusnounUS /ˈsensəs/
a periodic count of the population
From this reading He got for a mere nothing, not only dead, but even run-away serfs, in all more than two hundred regular census slaves, and to him, whether dead or alive, most valuable beings.
definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)
From this reading For such an unexpected acquisition of stock was in his opinion a most valuable gift, and he had really every difficulty in mastering his joy; but then it was also one of the most advantageous speculations--though certainly of an unheard-of nature--that he had ever made in his life.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading As a matter of course, it must be acknowledged that whilst driving up to Pluschkin's mansion, he had a secret presentiment that something unusual would happen to him; but certainly he was far from guessing that such a brilliant success would actually crown his anticipations.
the Crown (or the reigning monarch) as the symbol of the power and authority of a monarchy
From this reading As a matter of course, it must be acknowledged that whilst driving up to Pluschkin's mansion, he had a secret presentiment that something unusual would happen to him; but certainly he was far from guessing that such a brilliant success would actually crown his anticipations.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading Twilight began to merge into darkness of the evening, when the britchka approached the town.
no longer having or seeming to have or expecting to have life
From this reading He got for a mere nothing, not only dead, but even run-away serfs, in all more than two hundred regular census slaves, and to him, whether dead or alive, most valuable beings.
an effort that is inconvenient
From this reading For such an unexpected acquisition of stock was in his opinion a most valuable gift, and he had really every difficulty in mastering his joy; but then it was also one of the most advantageous speculations--though certainly of an unheard-of nature--that he had ever made in his life.
dispositionnounUS /ˌdɪspəˈzɪʃən/
your usual mood
From this reading Our hero, however, felt happy and in the best disposition of mind without the old man's watch.
having the power of driving or impelling
From this reading As a matter of course, it must be acknowledged that whilst driving up to Pluschkin's mansion, he had a secret presentiment that something unusual would happen to him; but certainly he was far from guessing that such a brilliant success would actually crown his anticipations.
divisible by two
From this reading He got for a mere nothing, not only dead, but even run-away serfs, in all more than two hundred regular census slaves, and to him, whether dead or alive, most valuable beings.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading Twilight began to merge into darkness of the evening, when the britchka approached the town.
at any time
From this reading For such an unexpected acquisition of stock was in his opinion a most valuable gift, and he had really every difficulty in mastering his joy; but then it was also one of the most advantageous speculations--though certainly of an unheard-of nature--that he had ever made in his life.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading For such an unexpected acquisition of stock was in his opinion a most valuable gift, and he had really every difficulty in mastering his joy; but then it was also one of the most advantageous speculations--though certainly of an unheard-of nature--that he had ever made in his life.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading As a matter of course, it must be acknowledged that whilst driving up to Pluschkin's mansion, he had a secret presentiment that something unusual would happen to him; but certainly he was far from guessing that such a brilliant success would actually crown his anticipations.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading Our hero, however, felt happy and in the best disposition of mind without the old man's watch.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading For such an unexpected acquisition of stock was in his opinion a most valuable gift, and he had really every difficulty in mastering his joy; but then it was also one of the most advantageous speculations--though certainly of an unheard-of nature--that he had ever made in his life.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading As a matter of course, it must be acknowledged that whilst driving up to Pluschkin's mansion, he had a secret presentiment that something unusual would happen to him; but certainly he was far from guessing that such a brilliant success would actually crown his anticipations.
something acquired without compensation
From this reading For such an unexpected acquisition of stock was in his opinion a most valuable gift, and he had really every difficulty in mastering his joy; but then it was also one of the most advantageous speculations--though certainly of an unheard-of nature--that he had ever made in his life.
inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading He got for a mere nothing, not only dead, but even run-away serfs, in all more than two hundred regular census slaves, and to him, whether dead or alive, most valuable beings.
guessingnounUS /ˈɡesɪŋ/
an estimate based on little or no information
From this reading As a matter of course, it must be acknowledged that whilst driving up to Pluschkin's mansion, he had a secret presentiment that something unusual would happen to him; but certainly he was far from guessing that such a brilliant success would actually crown his anticipations.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading For such an unexpected acquisition of stock was in his opinion a most valuable gift, and he had really every difficulty in mastering his joy; but then it was also one of the most advantageous speculations--though certainly of an unheard-of nature--that he had ever made in his life.
come to pass
From this reading As a matter of course, it must be acknowledged that whilst driving up to Pluschkin's mansion, he had a secret presentiment that something unusual would happen to him; but certainly he was far from guessing that such a brilliant success would actually crown his anticipations.
enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure
From this reading Our hero, however, felt happy and in the best disposition of mind without the old man's watch.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading For such an unexpected acquisition of stock was in his opinion a most valuable gift, and he had really every difficulty in mastering his joy; but then it was also one of the most advantageous speculations--though certainly of an unheard-of nature--that he had ever made in his life.
a man distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength
From this reading Our hero, however, felt happy and in the best disposition of mind without the old man's watch.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He got for a mere nothing, not only dead, but even run-away serfs, in all more than two hundred regular census slaves, and to him, whether dead or alive, most valuable beings.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading For such an unexpected acquisition of stock was in his opinion a most valuable gift, and he had really every difficulty in mastering his joy; but then it was also one of the most advantageous speculations--though certainly of an unheard-of nature--that he had ever made in his life.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading Our hero, however, felt happy and in the best disposition of mind without the old man's watch.
ten 10s
From this reading He got for a mere nothing, not only dead, but even run-away serfs, in all more than two hundred regular census slaves, and to him, whether dead or alive, most valuable beings.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Our hero, however, felt happy and in the best disposition of mind without the old man's watch.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Twilight began to merge into darkness of the evening, when the britchka approached the town.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading For such an unexpected acquisition of stock was in his opinion a most valuable gift, and he had really every difficulty in mastering his joy; but then it was also one of the most advantageous speculations--though certainly of an unheard-of nature--that he had ever made in his life.
the emotion of great happiness
From this reading For such an unexpected acquisition of stock was in his opinion a most valuable gift, and he had really every difficulty in mastering his joy; but then it was also one of the most advantageous speculations--though certainly of an unheard-of nature--that he had ever made in his life.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading For such an unexpected acquisition of stock was in his opinion a most valuable gift, and he had really every difficulty in mastering his joy; but then it was also one of the most advantageous speculations--though certainly of an unheard-of nature--that he had ever made in his life.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading For such an unexpected acquisition of stock was in his opinion a most valuable gift, and he had really every difficulty in mastering his joy; but then it was also one of the most advantageous speculations--though certainly of an unheard-of nature--that he had ever made in his life.
man'snounUS /mænz/
possessive form of “man” — an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Our hero, however, felt happy and in the best disposition of mind without the old man's watch.
mansionnounUS /ˈmænʃən/
(astrology) one of 12 equal areas into which the zodiac is divided
From this reading As a matter of course, it must be acknowledged that whilst driving up to Pluschkin's mansion, he had a secret presentiment that something unusual would happen to him; but certainly he was far from guessing that such a brilliant success would actually crown his anticipations.
masteringnounUS /ˈmæstərɪŋ/
becoming proficient in the use of something; having mastery of
From this reading For such an unexpected acquisition of stock was in his opinion a most valuable gift, and he had really every difficulty in mastering his joy; but then it was also one of the most advantageous speculations--though certainly of an unheard-of nature--that he had ever made in his life.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading As a matter of course, it must be acknowledged that whilst driving up to Pluschkin's mansion, he had a secret presentiment that something unusual would happen to him; but certainly he was far from guessing that such a brilliant success would actually crown his anticipations.
being nothing more than specified
From this reading He got for a mere nothing, not only dead, but even run-away serfs, in all more than two hundred regular census slaves, and to him, whether dead or alive, most valuable beings.
mergeverbUS /mɜːrdʒ/
become one
From this reading Twilight began to merge into darkness of the evening, when the britchka approached the town.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading Our hero, however, felt happy and in the best disposition of mind without the old man's watch.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading He got for a mere nothing, not only dead, but even run-away serfs, in all more than two hundred regular census slaves, and to him, whether dead or alive, most valuable beings.
used to form the superlative
From this reading For such an unexpected acquisition of stock was in his opinion a most valuable gift, and he had really every difficulty in mastering his joy; but then it was also one of the most advantageous speculations--though certainly of an unheard-of nature--that he had ever made in his life.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading As a matter of course, it must be acknowledged that whilst driving up to Pluschkin's mansion, he had a secret presentiment that something unusual would happen to him; but certainly he was far from guessing that such a brilliant success would actually crown his anticipations.
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading For such an unexpected acquisition of stock was in his opinion a most valuable gift, and he had really every difficulty in mastering his joy; but then it was also one of the most advantageous speculations--though certainly of an unheard-of nature--that he had ever made in his life.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading He got for a mere nothing, not only dead, but even run-away serfs, in all more than two hundred regular census slaves, and to him, whether dead or alive, most valuable beings.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading He got for a mere nothing, not only dead, but even run-away serfs, in all more than two hundred regular census slaves, and to him, whether dead or alive, most valuable beings.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Our hero, however, felt happy and in the best disposition of mind without the old man's watch.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading Our hero, however, felt happy and in the best disposition of mind without the old man's watch.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading For such an unexpected acquisition of stock was in his opinion a most valuable gift, and he had really every difficulty in mastering his joy; but then it was also one of the most advantageous speculations--though certainly of an unheard-of nature--that he had ever made in his life.
and nothing more
From this reading He got for a mere nothing, not only dead, but even run-away serfs, in all more than two hundred regular census slaves, and to him, whether dead or alive, most valuable beings.
a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty
From this reading For such an unexpected acquisition of stock was in his opinion a most valuable gift, and he had really every difficulty in mastering his joy; but then it was also one of the most advantageous speculations--though certainly of an unheard-of nature--that he had ever made in his life.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading He got for a mere nothing, not only dead, but even run-away serfs, in all more than two hundred regular census slaves, and to him, whether dead or alive, most valuable beings.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading Our hero, however, felt happy and in the best disposition of mind without the old man's watch.
Pluschkin's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As a matter of course, it must be acknowledged that whilst driving up to Pluschkin's mansion, he had a secret presentiment that something unusual would happen to him; but certainly he was far from guessing that such a brilliant success would actually crown his anticipations.
presentimentnoun
a feeling of evil to come
From this reading As a matter of course, it must be acknowledged that whilst driving up to Pluschkin's mansion, he had a secret presentiment that something unusual would happen to him; but certainly he was far from guessing that such a brilliant success would actually crown his anticipations.
in accordance with truth or fact or reality
From this reading For such an unexpected acquisition of stock was in his opinion a most valuable gift, and he had really every difficulty in mastering his joy; but then it was also one of the most advantageous speculations--though certainly of an unheard-of nature--that he had ever made in his life.
in accordance with fixed order or procedure or principle
From this reading He got for a mere nothing, not only dead, but even run-away serfs, in all more than two hundred regular census slaves, and to him, whether dead or alive, most valuable beings.
run-away
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He got for a mere nothing, not only dead, but even run-away serfs, in all more than two hundred regular census slaves, and to him, whether dead or alive, most valuable beings.
Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.
From this reading As a matter of course, it must be acknowledged that whilst driving up to Pluschkin's mansion, he had a secret presentiment that something unusual would happen to him; but certainly he was far from guessing that such a brilliant success would actually crown his anticipations.
serfsnounUS /sɜːrfs/
plural of “serf” — (Middle Ages) a person who is bound to the land and owned by the feudal lord
From this reading He got for a mere nothing, not only dead, but even run-away serfs, in all more than two hundred regular census slaves, and to him, whether dead or alive, most valuable beings.
plural of “slave” — a person who is owned by someone
From this reading He got for a mere nothing, not only dead, but even run-away serfs, in all more than two hundred regular census slaves, and to him, whether dead or alive, most valuable beings.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading As a matter of course, it must be acknowledged that whilst driving up to Pluschkin's mansion, he had a secret presentiment that something unusual would happen to him; but certainly he was far from guessing that such a brilliant success would actually crown his anticipations.
speculationsnounUS /ˌspekjəˈleɪʃənz/
plural of “speculation” — a message expressing an opinion based on incomplete evidence
From this reading For such an unexpected acquisition of stock was in his opinion a most valuable gift, and he had really every difficulty in mastering his joy; but then it was also one of the most advantageous speculations--though certainly of an unheard-of nature--that he had ever made in his life.
the capital raised by a corporation through the issue of shares entitling holders to an ownership interest
From this reading For such an unexpected acquisition of stock was in his opinion a most valuable gift, and he had really every difficulty in mastering his joy; but then it was also one of the most advantageous speculations--though certainly of an unheard-of nature--that he had ever made in his life.
an event that accomplishes its intended purpose
From this reading As a matter of course, it must be acknowledged that whilst driving up to Pluschkin's mansion, he had a secret presentiment that something unusual would happen to him; but certainly he was far from guessing that such a brilliant success would actually crown his anticipations.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading For such an unexpected acquisition of stock was in his opinion a most valuable gift, and he had really every difficulty in mastering his joy; but then it was also one of the most advantageous speculations--though certainly of an unheard-of nature--that he had ever made in his life.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading He got for a mere nothing, not only dead, but even run-away serfs, in all more than two hundred regular census slaves, and to him, whether dead or alive, most valuable beings.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading For such an unexpected acquisition of stock was in his opinion a most valuable gift, and he had really every difficulty in mastering his joy; but then it was also one of the most advantageous speculations--though certainly of an unheard-of nature--that he had ever made in his life.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Our hero, however, felt happy and in the best disposition of mind without the old man's watch.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading For such an unexpected acquisition of stock was in his opinion a most valuable gift, and he had really every difficulty in mastering his joy; but then it was also one of the most advantageous speculations--though certainly of an unheard-of nature--that he had ever made in his life.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading For such an unexpected acquisition of stock was in his opinion a most valuable gift, and he had really every difficulty in mastering his joy; but then it was also one of the most advantageous speculations--though certainly of an unheard-of nature--that he had ever made in his life.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading He got for a mere nothing, not only dead, but even run-away serfs, in all more than two hundred regular census slaves, and to him, whether dead or alive, most valuable beings.
an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city
From this reading Twilight began to merge into darkness of the evening, when the britchka approached the town.
TwilightnounUS /ˈtwaɪlaɪt/
the time of day immediately following sunset
From this reading Twilight began to merge into darkness of the evening, when the britchka approached the town.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading He got for a mere nothing, not only dead, but even run-away serfs, in all more than two hundred regular census slaves, and to him, whether dead or alive, most valuable beings.
not expected or anticipated
From this reading For such an unexpected acquisition of stock was in his opinion a most valuable gift, and he had really every difficulty in mastering his joy; but then it was also one of the most advantageous speculations--though certainly of an unheard-of nature--that he had ever made in his life.
unheard-ofadjective
previously unknown
From this reading For such an unexpected acquisition of stock was in his opinion a most valuable gift, and he had really every difficulty in mastering his joy; but then it was also one of the most advantageous speculations--though certainly of an unheard-of nature--that he had ever made in his life.
not usual or common or ordinary
From this reading As a matter of course, it must be acknowledged that whilst driving up to Pluschkin's mansion, he had a secret presentiment that something unusual would happen to him; but certainly he was far from guessing that such a brilliant success would actually crown his anticipations.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading As a matter of course, it must be acknowledged that whilst driving up to Pluschkin's mansion, he had a secret presentiment that something unusual would happen to him; but certainly he was far from guessing that such a brilliant success would actually crown his anticipations.
having great material or monetary value especially for use or exchange
From this reading For such an unexpected acquisition of stock was in his opinion a most valuable gift, and he had really every difficulty in mastering his joy; but then it was also one of the most advantageous speculations--though certainly of an unheard-of nature--that he had ever made in his life.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading For such an unexpected acquisition of stock was in his opinion a most valuable gift, and he had really every difficulty in mastering his joy; but then it was also one of the most advantageous speculations--though certainly of an unheard-of nature--that he had ever made in his life.
look attentively
From this reading Our hero, however, felt happy and in the best disposition of mind without the old man's watch.
at the time that
From this reading Twilight began to merge into darkness of the evening, when the britchka approached the town.
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading He got for a mere nothing, not only dead, but even run-away serfs, in all more than two hundred regular census slaves, and to him, whether dead or alive, most valuable beings.
an old and formal word for “while”
From this reading As a matter of course, it must be acknowledged that whilst driving up to Pluschkin's mansion, he had a secret presentiment that something unusual would happen to him; but certainly he was far from guessing that such a brilliant success would actually crown his anticipations.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading Our hero, however, felt happy and in the best disposition of mind without the old man's watch.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading As a matter of course, it must be acknowledged that whilst driving up to Pluschkin's mansion, he had a secret presentiment that something unusual would happen to him; but certainly he was far from guessing that such a brilliant success would actually crown his anticipations.
