used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A STRUGGLE FOR LIFE Count Preskoff's old steward received his orders with scarce a look of surprise, singular though they must have seemed to him.
commonly used or practiced; usual
From this reading A Russian is accustomed to unquestioning obedience to the orders of his superior, and although never before had Count Preskoff issued such strange and unaccountable commands to the steward, the thought never occurred to the latter of questioning them for a moment.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading A Russian is accustomed to unquestioning obedience to the orders of his superior, and although never before had Count Preskoff issued such strange and unaccountable commands to the steward, the thought never occurred to the latter of questioning them for a moment.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A Russian is accustomed to unquestioning obedience to the orders of his superior, and although never before had Count Preskoff issued such strange and unaccountable commands to the steward, the thought never occurred to the latter of questioning them for a moment.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Little did we think that any little kindness we might show to you, strangers and prisoners here, would be returned by a service of a hundredfold greater value.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Little did we think that any little kindness we might show to you, strangers and prisoners here, would be returned by a service of a hundredfold greater value.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading A Russian is accustomed to unquestioning obedience to the orders of his superior, and although never before had Count Preskoff issued such strange and unaccountable commands to the steward, the thought never occurred to the latter of questioning them for a moment.
the part of the face above the eyes
From this reading When he had left the room, the Count turned to the midshipmen, and his brow relaxed.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Little did we think that any little kindness we might show to you, strangers and prisoners here, would be returned by a service of a hundredfold greater value.
cannot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I cannot tell you," he said, "under what obligation you have placed me and my family.
commandsnounUS /kəˈmændz/
plural of “command” — an authoritative direction or instruction to do something
From this reading A Russian is accustomed to unquestioning obedience to the orders of his superior, and although never before had Count Preskoff issued such strange and unaccountable commands to the steward, the thought never occurred to the latter of questioning them for a moment.
determine the number or amount of
From this reading A STRUGGLE FOR LIFE Count Preskoff's old steward received his orders with scarce a look of surprise, singular though they must have seemed to him.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Little did we think that any little kindness we might show to you, strangers and prisoners here, would be returned by a service of a hundredfold greater value.
a social unit living together
From this reading "I cannot tell you," he said, "under what obligation you have placed me and my family.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading A STRUGGLE FOR LIFE Count Preskoff's old steward received his orders with scarce a look of surprise, singular though they must have seemed to him.
greater in size or importance or degree
From this reading Little did we think that any little kindness we might show to you, strangers and prisoners here, would be returned by a service of a hundredfold greater value.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading A Russian is accustomed to unquestioning obedience to the orders of his superior, and although never before had Count Preskoff issued such strange and unaccountable commands to the steward, the thought never occurred to the latter of questioning them for a moment.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading A STRUGGLE FOR LIFE Count Preskoff's old steward received his orders with scarce a look of surprise, singular though they must have seemed to him.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading When he had left the room, the Count turned to the midshipmen, and his brow relaxed.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading Little did we think that any little kindness we might show to you, strangers and prisoners here, would be returned by a service of a hundredfold greater value.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading A STRUGGLE FOR LIFE Count Preskoff's old steward received his orders with scarce a look of surprise, singular though they must have seemed to him.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading A STRUGGLE FOR LIFE Count Preskoff's old steward received his orders with scarce a look of surprise, singular though they must have seemed to him.
hundredfoldadverb
by a factor of one hundred
From this reading Little did we think that any little kindness we might show to you, strangers and prisoners here, would be returned by a service of a hundredfold greater value.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "I cannot tell you," he said, "under what obligation you have placed me and my family.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A Russian is accustomed to unquestioning obedience to the orders of his superior, and although never before had Count Preskoff issued such strange and unaccountable commands to the steward, the thought never occurred to the latter of questioning them for a moment.
issuedverbUS /ˈɪʃuːd/
past form of “issue” — prepare and issue for public distribution or sale
From this reading A Russian is accustomed to unquestioning obedience to the orders of his superior, and although never before had Count Preskoff issued such strange and unaccountable commands to the steward, the thought never occurred to the latter of questioning them for a moment.
the quality of being warmhearted and considerate and humane and sympathetic
From this reading Little did we think that any little kindness we might show to you, strangers and prisoners here, would be returned by a service of a hundredfold greater value.
referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)
From this reading A Russian is accustomed to unquestioning obedience to the orders of his superior, and although never before had Count Preskoff issued such strange and unaccountable commands to the steward, the thought never occurred to the latter of questioning them for a moment.
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading When he had left the room, the Count turned to the midshipmen, and his brow relaxed.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading A STRUGGLE FOR LIFE Count Preskoff's old steward received his orders with scarce a look of surprise, singular though they must have seemed to him.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Little did we think that any little kindness we might show to you, strangers and prisoners here, would be returned by a service of a hundredfold greater value.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading A STRUGGLE FOR LIFE Count Preskoff's old steward received his orders with scarce a look of surprise, singular though they must have seemed to him.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading "I cannot tell you," he said, "under what obligation you have placed me and my family.
midshipmennounUS /ˈmɪdˈʃɪpmen/
plural of “midshipman” — a temporary rank held by young naval officers in training
From this reading When he had left the room, the Count turned to the midshipmen, and his brow relaxed.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Little did we think that any little kindness we might show to you, strangers and prisoners here, would be returned by a service of a hundredfold greater value.
a particular point in time
From this reading A Russian is accustomed to unquestioning obedience to the orders of his superior, and although never before had Count Preskoff issued such strange and unaccountable commands to the steward, the thought never occurred to the latter of questioning them for a moment.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading A STRUGGLE FOR LIFE Count Preskoff's old steward received his orders with scarce a look of surprise, singular though they must have seemed to him.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading "I cannot tell you," he said, "under what obligation you have placed me and my family.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading A Russian is accustomed to unquestioning obedience to the orders of his superior, and although never before had Count Preskoff issued such strange and unaccountable commands to the steward, the thought never occurred to the latter of questioning them for a moment.
obediencenounUS /oʊˈbiːdiəns/
the act of obeying; dutiful or submissive behavior with respect to another person
From this reading A Russian is accustomed to unquestioning obedience to the orders of his superior, and although never before had Count Preskoff issued such strange and unaccountable commands to the steward, the thought never occurred to the latter of questioning them for a moment.
obligationnounUS /ˌɑːbləˈɡeɪʃən/
the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force
From this reading "I cannot tell you," he said, "under what obligation you have placed me and my family.
inflected form of “occur” — come to pass
From this reading A Russian is accustomed to unquestioning obedience to the orders of his superior, and although never before had Count Preskoff issued such strange and unaccountable commands to the steward, the thought never occurred to the latter of questioning them for a moment.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A STRUGGLE FOR LIFE Count Preskoff's old steward received his orders with scarce a look of surprise, singular though they must have seemed to him.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading A STRUGGLE FOR LIFE Count Preskoff's old steward received his orders with scarce a look of surprise, singular though they must have seemed to him.
plural of “order” — (often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading A STRUGGLE FOR LIFE Count Preskoff's old steward received his orders with scarce a look of surprise, singular though they must have seemed to him.
situated in a particular spot or position
From this reading "I cannot tell you," he said, "under what obligation you have placed me and my family.
Preskoff
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A Russian is accustomed to unquestioning obedience to the orders of his superior, and although never before had Count Preskoff issued such strange and unaccountable commands to the steward, the thought never occurred to the latter of questioning them for a moment.
Preskoff's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A STRUGGLE FOR LIFE Count Preskoff's old steward received his orders with scarce a look of surprise, singular though they must have seemed to him.
plural of “prisoner” — a person who is confined; especially a prisoner of war
From this reading Little did we think that any little kindness we might show to you, strangers and prisoners here, would be returned by a service of a hundredfold greater value.
questioningadjectiveUS /ˈkwestʃənɪŋ/
perplexed (as if being expected to know something that you do not know)
From this reading A Russian is accustomed to unquestioning obedience to the orders of his superior, and although never before had Count Preskoff issued such strange and unaccountable commands to the steward, the thought never occurred to the latter of questioning them for a moment.
conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers
From this reading A STRUGGLE FOR LIFE Count Preskoff's old steward received his orders with scarce a look of surprise, singular though they must have seemed to him.
relaxedadjectiveUS /rɪˈlækst/
without strain or anxiety
From this reading When he had left the room, the Count turned to the midshipmen, and his brow relaxed.
past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading Little did we think that any little kindness we might show to you, strangers and prisoners here, would be returned by a service of a hundredfold greater value.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading When he had left the room, the Count turned to the midshipmen, and his brow relaxed.
a native or inhabitant of Russia
From this reading A Russian is accustomed to unquestioning obedience to the orders of his superior, and although never before had Count Preskoff issued such strange and unaccountable commands to the steward, the thought never occurred to the latter of questioning them for a moment.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading "I cannot tell you," he said, "under what obligation you have placed me and my family.
only a very short time before
From this reading A STRUGGLE FOR LIFE Count Preskoff's old steward received his orders with scarce a look of surprise, singular though they must have seemed to him.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading A STRUGGLE FOR LIFE Count Preskoff's old steward received his orders with scarce a look of surprise, singular though they must have seemed to him.
work done by one person or group that benefits another
From this reading Little did we think that any little kindness we might show to you, strangers and prisoners here, would be returned by a service of a hundredfold greater value.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading Little did we think that any little kindness we might show to you, strangers and prisoners here, would be returned by a service of a hundredfold greater value.
unusual or striking
From this reading A STRUGGLE FOR LIFE Count Preskoff's old steward received his orders with scarce a look of surprise, singular though they must have seemed to him.
stewardnounUS /ˈstuːərd/
someone who manages property or other affairs for someone else
From this reading A STRUGGLE FOR LIFE Count Preskoff's old steward received his orders with scarce a look of surprise, singular though they must have seemed to him.
being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
From this reading A Russian is accustomed to unquestioning obedience to the orders of his superior, and although never before had Count Preskoff issued such strange and unaccountable commands to the steward, the thought never occurred to the latter of questioning them for a moment.
plural of “stranger” — anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found
From this reading Little did we think that any little kindness we might show to you, strangers and prisoners here, would be returned by a service of a hundredfold greater value.
make a strenuous or labored effort
From this reading A STRUGGLE FOR LIFE Count Preskoff's old steward received his orders with scarce a look of surprise, singular though they must have seemed to him.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading A Russian is accustomed to unquestioning obedience to the orders of his superior, and although never before had Count Preskoff issued such strange and unaccountable commands to the steward, the thought never occurred to the latter of questioning them for a moment.
of high or superior quality or performance
From this reading A Russian is accustomed to unquestioning obedience to the orders of his superior, and although never before had Count Preskoff issued such strange and unaccountable commands to the steward, the thought never occurred to the latter of questioning them for a moment.
the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you
From this reading A STRUGGLE FOR LIFE Count Preskoff's old steward received his orders with scarce a look of surprise, singular though they must have seemed to him.
express in words
From this reading "I cannot tell you," he said, "under what obligation you have placed me and my family.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Little did we think that any little kindness we might show to you, strangers and prisoners here, would be returned by a service of a hundredfold greater value.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A Russian is accustomed to unquestioning obedience to the orders of his superior, and although never before had Count Preskoff issued such strange and unaccountable commands to the steward, the thought never occurred to the latter of questioning them for a moment.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading A Russian is accustomed to unquestioning obedience to the orders of his superior, and although never before had Count Preskoff issued such strange and unaccountable commands to the steward, the thought never occurred to the latter of questioning them for a moment.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading A STRUGGLE FOR LIFE Count Preskoff's old steward received his orders with scarce a look of surprise, singular though they must have seemed to him.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading Little did we think that any little kindness we might show to you, strangers and prisoners here, would be returned by a service of a hundredfold greater value.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading A STRUGGLE FOR LIFE Count Preskoff's old steward received his orders with scarce a look of surprise, singular though they must have seemed to him.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading A Russian is accustomed to unquestioning obedience to the orders of his superior, and although never before had Count Preskoff issued such strange and unaccountable commands to the steward, the thought never occurred to the latter of questioning them for a moment.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A STRUGGLE FOR LIFE Count Preskoff's old steward received his orders with scarce a look of surprise, singular though they must have seemed to him.
moved around an axis or center
From this reading When he had left the room, the Count turned to the midshipmen, and his brow relaxed.
unaccountableadjectiveUS /ˌʌnəˈkaʊntəbəl/
not to be accounted for or explained
From this reading A Russian is accustomed to unquestioning obedience to the orders of his superior, and although never before had Count Preskoff issued such strange and unaccountable commands to the steward, the thought never occurred to the latter of questioning them for a moment.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading "I cannot tell you," he said, "under what obligation you have placed me and my family.
unquestioningadjectiveUS /ənˈkwestʃənɪŋ/
not inclined to ask questions
From this reading A Russian is accustomed to unquestioning obedience to the orders of his superior, and although never before had Count Preskoff issued such strange and unaccountable commands to the steward, the thought never occurred to the latter of questioning them for a moment.
a numerical quantity measured or assigned or computed
From this reading Little did we think that any little kindness we might show to you, strangers and prisoners here, would be returned by a service of a hundredfold greater value.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading Little did we think that any little kindness we might show to you, strangers and prisoners here, would be returned by a service of a hundredfold greater value.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading "I cannot tell you," he said, "under what obligation you have placed me and my family.
at the time that
From this reading When he had left the room, the Count turned to the midshipmen, and his brow relaxed.
in the company of; together with
From this reading A STRUGGLE FOR LIFE Count Preskoff's old steward received his orders with scarce a look of surprise, singular though they must have seemed to him.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Little did we think that any little kindness we might show to you, strangers and prisoners here, would be returned by a service of a hundredfold greater value.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "I cannot tell you," he said, "under what obligation you have placed me and my family.
