used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Mr. Sauls returned to town, looking a great deal the worse for his expedition into the wilds of L----shire.
advantagesnounUS /ædˈvæntɪdʒɪz/
plural of “advantage” — the quality of having a superior or more favorable position
From this reading Many people see all the advantages of this proceeding clearly enough, but haven't courage to sacrifice the sprat; he had.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading He was determined on two points, apparently a little difficult of combination: he was determined to punish his assailant, and, at the same time, to keep Margaret's name out of the affair.
(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 Many people see all the advantages of this proceeding clearly enough, but haven't courage to sacrifice the sprat; he had.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading Mr. Sauls' deserved success in life had always been largely owing to the fact that he never hesitated to throw a sprat overboard in order to catch a mackerel.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He was determined on two points, apparently a little difficult of combination: he was determined to punish his assailant, and, at the same time, to keep Margaret's name out of the affair.
from appearances alone
From this reading He was determined on two points, apparently a little difficult of combination: he was determined to punish his assailant, and, at the same time, to keep Margaret's name out of the affair.
arrestverbUS /ərˈest/
take into custody
From this reading Had he followed his natural inclination, he would have held his tongue on the subject of the sensational episode that had led to the preacher's arrest; but, seeing that the tale must become public property, he took the initiative himself, spreading the version he wished to be popular.
assailantnounUS /əˈseɪlənt/
someone who attacks
From this reading He was determined on two points, apparently a little difficult of combination: he was determined to punish his assailant, and, at the same time, to keep Margaret's name out of the affair.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading He was determined on two points, apparently a little difficult of combination: he was determined to punish his assailant, and, at the same time, to keep Margaret's name out of the affair.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Had he followed his natural inclination, he would have held his tongue on the subject of the sensational episode that had led to the preacher's arrest; but, seeing that the tale must become public property, he took the initiative himself, spreading the version he wished to be popular.
enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading Had he followed his natural inclination, he would have held his tongue on the subject of the sensational episode that had led to the preacher's arrest; but, seeing that the tale must become public property, he took the initiative himself, spreading the version he wished to be popular.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Mr. Sauls' deserved success in life had always been largely owing to the fact that he never hesitated to throw a sprat overboard in order to catch a mackerel.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Had he followed his natural inclination, he would have held his tongue on the subject of the sensational episode that had led to the preacher's arrest; but, seeing that the tale must become public property, he took the initiative himself, spreading the version he wished to be popular.
discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state
From this reading Mr. Sauls' deserved success in life had always been largely owing to the fact that he never hesitated to throw a sprat overboard in order to catch a mackerel.
without doubt or question
From this reading Many people see all the advantages of this proceeding clearly enough, but haven't courage to sacrifice the sprat; he had.
combinationnounUS /ˌkɑːmbəˈneɪʃən/
a collection of things that have been combined; an assemblage of separate parts or qualities
From this reading He was determined on two points, apparently a little difficult of combination: he was determined to punish his assailant, and, at the same time, to keep Margaret's name out of the affair.
a quality of spirit that enables you to face danger or pain without showing fear
From this reading Many people see all the advantages of this proceeding clearly enough, but haven't courage to sacrifice the sprat; he had.
act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression
From this reading Mr. Sauls returned to town, looking a great deal the worse for his expedition into the wilds of L----shire.
deservedadjectiveUS /dɪˈzɜːrvd/
properly deserved
From this reading Mr. Sauls' deserved success in life had always been largely owing to the fact that he never hesitated to throw a sprat overboard in order to catch a mackerel.
characterized by great determination
From this reading He was determined on two points, apparently a little difficult of combination: he was determined to punish his assailant, and, at the same time, to keep Margaret's name out of the affair.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading He was determined on two points, apparently a little difficult of combination: he was determined to punish his assailant, and, at the same time, to keep Margaret's name out of the affair.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading Many people see all the advantages of this proceeding clearly enough, but haven't courage to sacrifice the sprat; he had.
episodenounUS /ˈepəsoʊd/
a happening that is distinctive in a series of related events
From this reading Had he followed his natural inclination, he would have held his tongue on the subject of the sensational episode that had led to the preacher's arrest; but, seeing that the tale must become public property, he took the initiative himself, spreading the version he wished to be popular.
a military campaign designed to achieve a specific objective in a foreign country
From this reading Mr. Sauls returned to town, looking a great deal the worse for his expedition into the wilds of L----shire.
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading Mr. Sauls' deserved success in life had always been largely owing to the fact that he never hesitated to throw a sprat overboard in order to catch a mackerel.
past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading Had he followed his natural inclination, he would have held his tongue on the subject of the sensational episode that had led to the preacher's arrest; but, seeing that the tale must become public property, he took the initiative himself, spreading the version he wished to be popular.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Mr. Sauls returned to town, looking a great deal the worse for his expedition into the wilds of L----shire.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading Mr. Sauls returned to town, looking a great deal the worse for his expedition into the wilds of L----shire.
Hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Had he followed his natural inclination, he would have held his tongue on the subject of the sensational episode that had led to the preacher's arrest; but, seeing that the tale must become public property, he took the initiative himself, spreading the version he wished to be popular.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Had he followed his natural inclination, he would have held his tongue on the subject of the sensational episode that had led to the preacher's arrest; but, seeing that the tale must become public property, he took the initiative himself, spreading the version he wished to be popular.
haven't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Many people see all the advantages of this proceeding clearly enough, but haven't courage to sacrifice the sprat; he had.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Had he followed his natural inclination, he would have held his tongue on the subject of the sensational episode that had led to the preacher's arrest; but, seeing that the tale must become public property, he took the initiative himself, spreading the version he wished to be popular.
occupied or in the control of; often used in combination
From this reading Had he followed his natural inclination, he would have held his tongue on the subject of the sensational episode that had led to the preacher's arrest; but, seeing that the tale must become public property, he took the initiative himself, spreading the version he wished to be popular.
past form of “hesitate” — pause or hold back in uncertainty or unwillingness
From this reading Mr. Sauls' deserved success in life had always been largely owing to the fact that he never hesitated to throw a sprat overboard in order to catch a mackerel.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Had he followed his natural inclination, he would have held his tongue on the subject of the sensational episode that had led to the preacher's arrest; but, seeing that the tale must become public property, he took the initiative himself, spreading the version he wished to be popular.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Mr. Sauls returned to town, looking a great deal the worse for his expedition into the wilds of L----shire.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Mr. Sauls' deserved success in life had always been largely owing to the fact that he never hesitated to throw a sprat overboard in order to catch a mackerel.
inclinationnounUS /ˌɪnkləˈneɪʃən/
an attitude of mind especially one that favors one alternative over others
From this reading Had he followed his natural inclination, he would have held his tongue on the subject of the sensational episode that had led to the preacher's arrest; but, seeing that the tale must become public property, he took the initiative himself, spreading the version he wished to be popular.
initiativenounUS /ˌɪˈnɪʃətɪv/
readiness to embark on bold new ventures
From this reading Had he followed his natural inclination, he would have held his tongue on the subject of the sensational episode that had led to the preacher's arrest; but, seeing that the tale must become public property, he took the initiative himself, spreading the version he wished to be popular.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Mr. Sauls returned to town, looking a great deal the worse for his expedition into the wilds of L----shire.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading He was determined on two points, apparently a little difficult of combination: he was determined to punish his assailant, and, at the same time, to keep Margaret's name out of the affair.
a metric unit of capacity, formerly defined as the volume of one kilogram of pure water under standard conditions; now equal to 1,000 cubic centimeters (or approximately 1.75 pints)
From this reading Mr. Sauls returned to town, looking a great deal the worse for his expedition into the wilds of L----shire.
largelyadverbUS /ˈlɑːrdʒli/
in large part; mainly or chiefly
From this reading Mr. Sauls' deserved success in life had always been largely owing to the fact that he never hesitated to throw a sprat overboard in order to catch a mackerel.
diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used
From this reading Had he followed his natural inclination, he would have held his tongue on the subject of the sensational episode that had led to the preacher's arrest; but, seeing that the tale must become public property, he took the initiative himself, spreading the version he wished to be popular.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Mr. Sauls' deserved success in life had always been largely owing to the fact that he never hesitated to throw a sprat overboard in order to catch a mackerel.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading He was determined on two points, apparently a little difficult of combination: he was determined to punish his assailant, and, at the same time, to keep Margaret's name out of the affair.
the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually
From this reading Mr. Sauls returned to town, looking a great deal the worse for his expedition into the wilds of L----shire.
mackerelnounUS /ˈmækərəl/
flesh of very important usually small (to 18 in) fatty Atlantic fish
From this reading Mr. Sauls' deserved success in life had always been largely owing to the fact that he never hesitated to throw a sprat overboard in order to catch a mackerel.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading Many people see all the advantages of this proceeding clearly enough, but haven't courage to sacrifice the sprat; he had.
Margaret's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was determined on two points, apparently a little difficult of combination: he was determined to punish his assailant, and, at the same time, to keep Margaret's name out of the affair.
a form of address for a man
From this reading Mr. Sauls returned to town, looking a great deal the worse for his expedition into the wilds of L----shire.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading Had he followed his natural inclination, he would have held his tongue on the subject of the sensational episode that had led to the preacher's arrest; but, seeing that the tale must become public property, he took the initiative himself, spreading the version he wished to be popular.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading He was determined on two points, apparently a little difficult of combination: he was determined to punish his assailant, and, at the same time, to keep Margaret's name out of the affair.
in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature
From this reading Had he followed his natural inclination, he would have held his tongue on the subject of the sensational episode that had led to the preacher's arrest; but, seeing that the tale must become public property, he took the initiative himself, spreading the version he wished to be popular.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading Mr. Sauls' deserved success in life had always been largely owing to the fact that he never hesitated to throw a sprat overboard in order to catch a mackerel.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Mr. Sauls returned to town, looking a great deal the worse for his expedition into the wilds of L----shire.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Had he followed his natural inclination, he would have held his tongue on the subject of the sensational episode that had led to the preacher's arrest; but, seeing that the tale must become public property, he took the initiative himself, spreading the version he wished to be popular.
(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading Mr. Sauls' deserved success in life had always been largely owing to the fact that he never hesitated to throw a sprat overboard in order to catch a mackerel.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading He was determined on two points, apparently a little difficult of combination: he was determined to punish his assailant, and, at the same time, to keep Margaret's name out of the affair.
overboardadverbUS /ˈoʊvərbɔːrd/
to extremes
From this reading Mr. Sauls' deserved success in life had always been largely owing to the fact that he never hesitated to throw a sprat overboard in order to catch a mackerel.
owingadjectiveUS /ˈoʊɪŋ/
owed as a debt
From this reading Mr. Sauls' deserved success in life had always been largely owing to the fact that he never hesitated to throw a sprat overboard in order to catch a mackerel.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading Many people see all the advantages of this proceeding clearly enough, but haven't courage to sacrifice the sprat; he had.
plural of “point” — a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading He was determined on two points, apparently a little difficult of combination: he was determined to punish his assailant, and, at the same time, to keep Margaret's name out of the affair.
regarded with great favor, approval, or affection especially by the general public
From this reading Had he followed his natural inclination, he would have held his tongue on the subject of the sensational episode that had led to the preacher's arrest; but, seeing that the tale must become public property, he took the initiative himself, spreading the version he wished to be popular.
preacher'snounUS /ˈpriːtʃərz/
possessive form of “preacher” — someone whose occupation is preaching the gospel
From this reading Had he followed his natural inclination, he would have held his tongue on the subject of the sensational episode that had led to the preacher's arrest; but, seeing that the tale must become public property, he took the initiative himself, spreading the version he wished to be popular.
proceedingnounUS /prəˈsiːdɪŋ/
(law) the institution of a sequence of steps by which legal judgments are invoked
From this reading Many people see all the advantages of this proceeding clearly enough, but haven't courage to sacrifice the sprat; he had.
something owned; any tangible or intangible possession that is owned by someone
From this reading Had he followed his natural inclination, he would have held his tongue on the subject of the sensational episode that had led to the preacher's arrest; but, seeing that the tale must become public property, he took the initiative himself, spreading the version he wished to be popular.
people in general considered as a whole
From this reading Had he followed his natural inclination, he would have held his tongue on the subject of the sensational episode that had led to the preacher's arrest; but, seeing that the tale must become public property, he took the initiative himself, spreading the version he wished to be popular.
punishverbUS /ˈpʌnɪʃ/
impose a penalty on; inflict punishment on
From this reading He was determined on two points, apparently a little difficult of combination: he was determined to punish his assailant, and, at the same time, to keep Margaret's name out of the affair.
past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading Mr. Sauls returned to town, looking a great deal the worse for his expedition into the wilds of L----shire.
the act of losing or surrendering something as a penalty for a mistake or fault or failure to perform etc.
From this reading Many people see all the advantages of this proceeding clearly enough, but haven't courage to sacrifice the sprat; he had.
Identical; not different.
From this reading He was determined on two points, apparently a little difficult of combination: he was determined to punish his assailant, and, at the same time, to keep Margaret's name out of the affair.
SaulsnounUS /sɔːlz/
plural of “saul” — (Old Testament) the first king of the Israelites who defended Israel against many enemies (especially the Philistines)
From this reading Mr. Sauls returned to town, looking a great deal the worse for his expedition into the wilds of L----shire.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading Many people see all the advantages of this proceeding clearly enough, but haven't courage to sacrifice the sprat; he had.
perception by means of the eyes
From this reading Had he followed his natural inclination, he would have held his tongue on the subject of the sensational episode that had led to the preacher's arrest; but, seeing that the tale must become public property, he took the initiative himself, spreading the version he wished to be popular.
sensationaladjectiveUS /senˈseɪʃənəl/
causing intense interest, curiosity, or emotion
From this reading Had he followed his natural inclination, he would have held his tongue on the subject of the sensational episode that had led to the preacher's arrest; but, seeing that the tale must become public property, he took the initiative himself, spreading the version he wished to be popular.
shirenounUS /ʃaɪr/
a former administrative district of England; equivalent to a county
From this reading Mr. Sauls returned to town, looking a great deal the worse for his expedition into the wilds of L----shire.
spratnoun
small fatty European fish; usually smoked or canned like sardines
From this reading Mr. Sauls' deserved success in life had always been largely owing to the fact that he never hesitated to throw a sprat overboard in order to catch a mackerel.
spreadingnounUS /ˈspredɪŋ/
process or result of distributing or extending over a wide expanse of space
From this reading Had he followed his natural inclination, he would have held his tongue on the subject of the sensational episode that had led to the preacher's arrest; but, seeing that the tale must become public property, he took the initiative himself, spreading the version he wished to be popular.
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading Had he followed his natural inclination, he would have held his tongue on the subject of the sensational episode that had led to the preacher's arrest; but, seeing that the tale must become public property, he took the initiative himself, spreading the version he wished to be popular.
an event that accomplishes its intended purpose
From this reading Mr. Sauls' deserved success in life had always been largely owing to the fact that he never hesitated to throw a sprat overboard in order to catch a mackerel.
a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading Had he followed his natural inclination, he would have held his tongue on the subject of the sensational episode that had led to the preacher's arrest; but, seeing that the tale must become public property, he took the initiative himself, spreading the version he wished to be popular.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Had he followed his natural inclination, he would have held his tongue on the subject of the sensational episode that had led to the preacher's arrest; but, seeing that the tale must become public property, he took the initiative himself, spreading the version he wished to be popular.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Mr. Sauls returned to town, looking a great deal the worse for his expedition into the wilds of L----shire.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Many people see all the advantages of this proceeding clearly enough, but haven't courage to sacrifice the sprat; he had.
propel through the air
From this reading Mr. Sauls' deserved success in life had always been largely owing to the fact that he never hesitated to throw a sprat overboard in order to catch a mackerel.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading He was determined on two points, apparently a little difficult of combination: he was determined to punish his assailant, and, at the same time, to keep Margaret's name out of the affair.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Mr. Sauls returned to town, looking a great deal the worse for his expedition into the wilds of L----shire.
a mobile mass of muscular tissue covered with mucous membrane and located in the oral cavity
From this reading Had he followed his natural inclination, he would have held his tongue on the subject of the sensational episode that had led to the preacher's arrest; but, seeing that the tale must become public property, he took the initiative himself, spreading the version he wished to be popular.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading Had he followed his natural inclination, he would have held his tongue on the subject of the sensational episode that had led to the preacher's arrest; but, seeing that the tale must become public property, he took the initiative himself, spreading the version he wished to be popular.
an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city
From this reading Mr. Sauls returned to town, looking a great deal the worse for his expedition into the wilds of L----shire.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading He was determined on two points, apparently a little difficult of combination: he was determined to punish his assailant, and, at the same time, to keep Margaret's name out of the affair.
versionnounUS /ˈvɜːrʒən/
an interpretation of a matter from a particular viewpoint
From this reading Had he followed his natural inclination, he would have held his tongue on the subject of the sensational episode that had led to the preacher's arrest; but, seeing that the tale must become public property, he took the initiative himself, spreading the version he wished to be popular.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He was determined on two points, apparently a little difficult of combination: he was determined to punish his assailant, and, at the same time, to keep Margaret's name out of the affair.
wildsnounUS /waɪldz/
plural of “wild” — a wild primitive state untouched by civilization
From this reading Mr. Sauls returned to town, looking a great deal the worse for his expedition into the wilds of L----shire.
past form of “wish” — hope for; have a wish
From this reading Had he followed his natural inclination, he would have held his tongue on the subject of the sensational episode that had led to the preacher's arrest; but, seeing that the tale must become public property, he took the initiative himself, spreading the version he wished to be popular.
(comparative of “bad”) inferior to another in quality or condition or desirability
From this reading Mr. Sauls returned to town, looking a great deal the worse for his expedition into the wilds of L----shire.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Had he followed his natural inclination, he would have held his tongue on the subject of the sensational episode that had led to the preacher's arrest; but, seeing that the tale must become public property, he took the initiative himself, spreading the version he wished to be popular.
