used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The dream of gold had been so bright a one, and the chances of their dream coming true had seemed so probable, that they almost felt they had a right to its fulfilment--older people often feel the same about the achievement of their desires, and with as little reason.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading They had thought about the gold so much, hoped for it so ardently, and undergone such dangers to reach the spot where they expected to discover it, that to find all their sanguine anticipations blighted was very bitter to them.
a record or narrative description of past events
From this reading It is true they had built their hopes upon very slight foundations, but their disappointment was none the less keen on that account.
achievementnounUS /əˈtʃiːvmənt/
the action of accomplishing something
From this reading The dream of gold had been so bright a one, and the chances of their dream coming true had seemed so probable, that they almost felt they had a right to its fulfilment--older people often feel the same about the achievement of their desires, and with as little reason.
(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 They had thought about the gold so much, hoped for it so ardently, and undergone such dangers to reach the spot where they expected to discover it, that to find all their sanguine anticipations blighted was very bitter to them.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading It would be difficult to imagine anything more painful than the boys' feelings at that moment; the disappointment was almost more than they could bear.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading WAYS AND MEANS.
anticipationsnounUS /ænˌtɪsəˈpeɪʃənz/
plural of “anticipation” — an expectation
From this reading They had thought about the gold so much, hoped for it so ardently, and undergone such dangers to reach the spot where they expected to discover it, that to find all their sanguine anticipations blighted was very bitter to them.
any thing at all
From this reading It would be difficult to imagine anything more painful than the boys' feelings at that moment; the disappointment was almost more than they could bear.
ardentlyadverbUS /ˈɑːrdəntli/
in an ardent manner
From this reading They had thought about the gold so much, hoped for it so ardently, and undergone such dangers to reach the spot where they expected to discover it, that to find all their sanguine anticipations blighted was very bitter to them.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The dream of gold had been so bright a one, and the chances of their dream coming true had seemed so probable, that they almost felt they had a right to its fulfilment--older people often feel the same about the achievement of their desires, and with as little reason.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading It would be difficult to imagine anything more painful than the boys' feelings at that moment; the disappointment was almost more than they could bear.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading It would be difficult to imagine anything more painful than the boys' feelings at that moment; the disappointment was almost more than they could bear.
have
From this reading It would be difficult to imagine anything more painful than the boys' feelings at that moment; the disappointment was almost more than they could bear.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The dream of gold had been so bright a one, and the chances of their dream coming true had seemed so probable, that they almost felt they had a right to its fulfilment--older people often feel the same about the achievement of their desires, and with as little reason.
marked by strong resentment or cynicism
From this reading They had thought about the gold so much, hoped for it so ardently, and undergone such dangers to reach the spot where they expected to discover it, that to find all their sanguine anticipations blighted was very bitter to them.
blightedadjectiveUS /ˈblaɪtɪd/
affected by blight; anything that mars or prevents growth or prosperity
From this reading They had thought about the gold so much, hoped for it so ardently, and undergone such dangers to reach the spot where they expected to discover it, that to find all their sanguine anticipations blighted was very bitter to them.
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading It would be difficult to imagine anything more painful than the boys' feelings at that moment; the disappointment was almost more than they could bear.
emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts
From this reading The dream of gold had been so bright a one, and the chances of their dream coming true had seemed so probable, that they almost felt they had a right to its fulfilment--older people often feel the same about the achievement of their desires, and with as little reason.
(used of soaps or cleaning agents) having a substance (an abrasive or filler) added to increase effectiveness
From this reading It is true they had built their hopes upon very slight foundations, but their disappointment was none the less keen on that account.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading It is true they had built their hopes upon very slight foundations, but their disappointment was none the less keen on that account.
plural of “chance” — a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading The dream of gold had been so bright a one, and the chances of their dream coming true had seemed so probable, that they almost felt they had a right to its fulfilment--older people often feel the same about the achievement of their desires, and with as little reason.
the act of drawing spatially closer to something
From this reading The dream of gold had been so bright a one, and the chances of their dream coming true had seemed so probable, that they almost felt they had a right to its fulfilment--older people often feel the same about the achievement of their desires, and with as little reason.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading It would be difficult to imagine anything more painful than the boys' feelings at that moment; the disappointment was almost more than they could bear.
dangersnounUS /ˈdeɪndʒərz/
plural of “danger” — the condition of being susceptible to harm or injury
From this reading They had thought about the gold so much, hoped for it so ardently, and undergone such dangers to reach the spot where they expected to discover it, that to find all their sanguine anticipations blighted was very bitter to them.
desiresnounUS /dɪˈzaɪərz/
plural of “desire” — the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state
From this reading The dream of gold had been so bright a one, and the chances of their dream coming true had seemed so probable, that they almost felt they had a right to its fulfilment--older people often feel the same about the achievement of their desires, and with as little reason.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading It would be difficult to imagine anything more painful than the boys' feelings at that moment; the disappointment was almost more than they could bear.
a feeling of dissatisfaction that results when your expectations are not realized
From this reading It would be difficult to imagine anything more painful than the boys' feelings at that moment; the disappointment was almost more than they could bear.
discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of
From this reading They had thought about the gold so much, hoped for it so ardently, and undergone such dangers to reach the spot where they expected to discover it, that to find all their sanguine anticipations blighted was very bitter to them.
A series of thoughts, images, or emotions during sleep.
From this reading The dream of gold had been so bright a one, and the chances of their dream coming true had seemed so probable, that they almost felt they had a right to its fulfilment--older people often feel the same about the achievement of their desires, and with as little reason.
considered likely or probable to happen or arrive
From this reading They had thought about the gold so much, hoped for it so ardently, and undergone such dangers to reach the spot where they expected to discover it, that to find all their sanguine anticipations blighted was very bitter to them.
undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind
From this reading The dream of gold had been so bright a one, and the chances of their dream coming true had seemed so probable, that they almost felt they had a right to its fulfilment--older people often feel the same about the achievement of their desires, and with as little reason.
emotional or moral sensitivity (especially in relation to personal principles or dignity)
From this reading It would be difficult to imagine anything more painful than the boys' feelings at that moment; the disappointment was almost more than they could bear.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading The dream of gold had been so bright a one, and the chances of their dream coming true had seemed so probable, that they almost felt they had a right to its fulfilment--older people often feel the same about the achievement of their desires, and with as little reason.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading They had thought about the gold so much, hoped for it so ardently, and undergone such dangers to reach the spot where they expected to discover it, that to find all their sanguine anticipations blighted was very bitter to them.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading They had thought about the gold so much, hoped for it so ardently, and undergone such dangers to reach the spot where they expected to discover it, that to find all their sanguine anticipations blighted was very bitter to them.
foundationsnounUS /faʊnˈdeɪʃənz/
plural of “foundation” — the basis on which something is grounded
From this reading It is true they had built their hopes upon very slight foundations, but their disappointment was none the less keen on that account.
fulfilmentnoun
a feeling of satisfaction at having achieved your desires
From this reading The dream of gold had been so bright a one, and the chances of their dream coming true had seemed so probable, that they almost felt they had a right to its fulfilment--older people often feel the same about the achievement of their desires, and with as little reason.
coins made of gold
From this reading They had thought about the gold so much, hoped for it so ardently, and undergone such dangers to reach the spot where they expected to discover it, that to find all their sanguine anticipations blighted was very bitter to them.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It is true they had built their hopes upon very slight foundations, but their disappointment was none the less keen on that account.
past form of “hope” — expect and wish
From this reading They had thought about the gold so much, hoped for it so ardently, and undergone such dangers to reach the spot where they expected to discover it, that to find all their sanguine anticipations blighted was very bitter to them.
plural of “hope” — a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading It is true they had built their hopes upon very slight foundations, but their disappointment was none the less keen on that account.
form a mental image of something that is not present or that is not the case
From this reading It would be difficult to imagine anything more painful than the boys' feelings at that moment; the disappointment was almost more than they could bear.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It is true they had built their hopes upon very slight foundations, but their disappointment was none the less keen on that account.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It would be difficult to imagine anything more painful than the boys' feelings at that moment; the disappointment was almost more than they could bear.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading The dream of gold had been so bright a one, and the chances of their dream coming true had seemed so probable, that they almost felt they had a right to its fulfilment--older people often feel the same about the achievement of their desires, and with as little reason.
having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions
From this reading It is true they had built their hopes upon very slight foundations, but their disappointment was none the less keen on that account.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading It is true they had built their hopes upon very slight foundations, but their disappointment was none the less keen on that account.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The dream of gold had been so bright a one, and the chances of their dream coming true had seemed so probable, that they almost felt they had a right to its fulfilment--older people often feel the same about the achievement of their desires, and with as little reason.
thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end
From this reading WAYS AND MEANS.
a particular point in time
From this reading It would be difficult to imagine anything more painful than the boys' feelings at that moment; the disappointment was almost more than they could bear.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading It would be difficult to imagine anything more painful than the boys' feelings at that moment; the disappointment was almost more than they could bear.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading They had thought about the gold so much, hoped for it so ardently, and undergone such dangers to reach the spot where they expected to discover it, that to find all their sanguine anticipations blighted was very bitter to them.
not one, and not any
From this reading It is true they had built their hopes upon very slight foundations, but their disappointment was none the less keen on that account.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The dream of gold had been so bright a one, and the chances of their dream coming true had seemed so probable, that they almost felt they had a right to its fulfilment--older people often feel the same about the achievement of their desires, and with as little reason.
many times at short intervals
From this reading The dream of gold had been so bright a one, and the chances of their dream coming true had seemed so probable, that they almost felt they had a right to its fulfilment--older people often feel the same about the achievement of their desires, and with as little reason.
olderadjectiveUS /ˈoʊldər/
advanced in years; (“aged” is pronounced as two syllables)
From this reading The dream of gold had been so bright a one, and the chances of their dream coming true had seemed so probable, that they almost felt they had a right to its fulfilment--older people often feel the same about the achievement of their desires, and with as little reason.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading It is true they had built their hopes upon very slight foundations, but their disappointment was none the less keen on that account.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading The dream of gold had been so bright a one, and the chances of their dream coming true had seemed so probable, that they almost felt they had a right to its fulfilment--older people often feel the same about the achievement of their desires, and with as little reason.
causing physical or psychological pain
From this reading It would be difficult to imagine anything more painful than the boys' feelings at that moment; the disappointment was almost more than they could bear.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading The dream of gold had been so bright a one, and the chances of their dream coming true had seemed so probable, that they almost felt they had a right to its fulfilment--older people often feel the same about the achievement of their desires, and with as little reason.
probableadjectiveUS /ˈprɑːbəbəl/
likely but not certain to be or become true or real
From this reading The dream of gold had been so bright a one, and the chances of their dream coming true had seemed so probable, that they almost felt they had a right to its fulfilment--older people often feel the same about the achievement of their desires, and with as little reason.
reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading They had thought about the gold so much, hoped for it so ardently, and undergone such dangers to reach the spot where they expected to discover it, that to find all their sanguine anticipations blighted was very bitter to them.
a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading The dream of gold had been so bright a one, and the chances of their dream coming true had seemed so probable, that they almost felt they had a right to its fulfilment--older people often feel the same about the achievement of their desires, and with as little reason.
precisely, exactly
From this reading The dream of gold had been so bright a one, and the chances of their dream coming true had seemed so probable, that they almost felt they had a right to its fulfilment--older people often feel the same about the achievement of their desires, and with as little reason.
Identical; not different.
From this reading The dream of gold had been so bright a one, and the chances of their dream coming true had seemed so probable, that they almost felt they had a right to its fulfilment--older people often feel the same about the achievement of their desires, and with as little reason.
sanguineadjectiveUS /ˈsæŋɡwɪn/
confidently optimistic and cheerful
From this reading They had thought about the gold so much, hoped for it so ardently, and undergone such dangers to reach the spot where they expected to discover it, that to find all their sanguine anticipations blighted was very bitter to them.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading The dream of gold had been so bright a one, and the chances of their dream coming true had seemed so probable, that they almost felt they had a right to its fulfilment--older people often feel the same about the achievement of their desires, and with as little reason.
a deliberate discourteous act (usually as an expression of anger or disapproval)
From this reading It is true they had built their hopes upon very slight foundations, but their disappointment was none the less keen on that account.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading They had thought about the gold so much, hoped for it so ardently, and undergone such dangers to reach the spot where they expected to discover it, that to find all their sanguine anticipations blighted was very bitter to them.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading They had thought about the gold so much, hoped for it so ardently, and undergone such dangers to reach the spot where they expected to discover it, that to find all their sanguine anticipations blighted was very bitter to them.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading They had thought about the gold so much, hoped for it so ardently, and undergone such dangers to reach the spot where they expected to discover it, that to find all their sanguine anticipations blighted was very bitter to them.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading It would be difficult to imagine anything more painful than the boys' feelings at that moment; the disappointment was almost more than they could bear.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It would be difficult to imagine anything more painful than the boys' feelings at that moment; the disappointment was almost more than they could bear.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It would be difficult to imagine anything more painful than the boys' feelings at that moment; the disappointment was almost more than they could bear.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading It is true they had built their hopes upon very slight foundations, but their disappointment was none the less keen on that account.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading They had thought about the gold so much, hoped for it so ardently, and undergone such dangers to reach the spot where they expected to discover it, that to find all their sanguine anticipations blighted was very bitter to them.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading It would be difficult to imagine anything more painful than the boys' feelings at that moment; the disappointment was almost more than they could bear.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading They had thought about the gold so much, hoped for it so ardently, and undergone such dangers to reach the spot where they expected to discover it, that to find all their sanguine anticipations blighted was very bitter to them.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It would be difficult to imagine anything more painful than the boys' feelings at that moment; the disappointment was almost more than they could bear.
consistent with fact or reality; not false
From this reading It is true they had built their hopes upon very slight foundations, but their disappointment was none the less keen on that account.
undergoneverbUS /ˌʌndərˈɡɔːn/
inflected form of “undergo” — pass through
From this reading They had thought about the gold so much, hoped for it so ardently, and undergone such dangers to reach the spot where they expected to discover it, that to find all their sanguine anticipations blighted was very bitter to them.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading It is true they had built their hopes upon very slight foundations, but their disappointment was none the less keen on that account.
precisely as stated
From this reading It is true they had built their hopes upon very slight foundations, but their disappointment was none the less keen on that account.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It would be difficult to imagine anything more painful than the boys' feelings at that moment; the disappointment was almost more than they could bear.
structure consisting of a sloping way down to the water from the place where ships are built or repaired
From this reading WAYS AND MEANS.
in or at the place that
From this reading They had thought about the gold so much, hoped for it so ardently, and undergone such dangers to reach the spot where they expected to discover it, that to find all their sanguine anticipations blighted was very bitter to them.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The dream of gold had been so bright a one, and the chances of their dream coming true had seemed so probable, that they almost felt they had a right to its fulfilment--older people often feel the same about the achievement of their desires, and with as little reason.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading It would be difficult to imagine anything more painful than the boys' feelings at that moment; the disappointment was almost more than they could bear.
