used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading "The unhappy part of it was that there seemed no possibility of confessing to such a passion in such surroundings: and the boy had not his great-uncle's cracked brains.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading Instead of following his bent, he struggled on, against his inclination, in the work they had marked out for him.
(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 was crushed by his family, and did as so many French people of the middle-class have to do when, out of weakness or kindness, they dare not oppose the will of their relations: they submit to all appearance, and live their true life in perpetual secrecy.
ambitionsnounUS /æmˈbɪʃənz/
plural of “ambition” — a cherished desire
From this reading Vain and fearful of his father and of public opinion, he would say nothing of his ambitions until he had succeeded.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading "The unhappy part of it was that there seemed no possibility of confessing to such a passion in such surroundings: and the boy had not his great-uncle's cracked brains.
outward or visible aspect of a person or thing
From this reading He was crushed by his family, and did as so many French people of the middle-class have to do when, out of weakness or kindness, they dare not oppose the will of their relations: they submit to all appearance, and live their true life in perpetual secrecy.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading He was crushed by his family, and did as so many French people of the middle-class have to do when, out of weakness or kindness, they dare not oppose the will of their relations: they submit to all appearance, and live their true life in perpetual secrecy.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading He hid away to read the old lunatic's lucubrations which formed the basis of his queer musical education.
basisnounUS /ˈbeɪsəs/
a relation that provides the foundation for something
From this reading He hid away to read the old lunatic's lucubrations which formed the basis of his queer musical education.
a relatively permanent inclination to react in a particular way
From this reading Instead of following his bent, he struggled on, against his inclination, in the work they had marked out for him.
a youthful male person
From this reading "The unhappy part of it was that there seemed no possibility of confessing to such a passion in such surroundings: and the boy had not his great-uncle's cracked brains.
brainsnounUS /breɪnz/
plural of “brain” — that part of the central nervous system that includes all the higher nervous centers; enclosed within the skull; continuous with the spinal cord
From this reading "The unhappy part of it was that there seemed no possibility of confessing to such a passion in such surroundings: and the boy had not his great-uncle's cracked brains.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading He was crushed by his family, and did as so many French people of the middle-class have to do when, out of weakness or kindness, they dare not oppose the will of their relations: they submit to all appearance, and live their true life in perpetual secrecy.
confessingverbUS /kənˈfesɪŋ/
-ing form of “confess” — confess to a punishable or reprehensible deed, usually under pressure
From this reading "The unhappy part of it was that there seemed no possibility of confessing to such a passion in such surroundings: and the boy had not his great-uncle's cracked brains.
crackedadjectiveUS /krækt/
used of skin roughened as a result of cold or exposure
From this reading "The unhappy part of it was that there seemed no possibility of confessing to such a passion in such surroundings: and the boy had not his great-uncle's cracked brains.
crushedadjectiveUS /krʌʃt/
treated so as to have a permanently wrinkled appearance
From this reading He was crushed by his family, and did as so many French people of the middle-class have to do when, out of weakness or kindness, they dare not oppose the will of their relations: they submit to all appearance, and live their true life in perpetual secrecy.
take upon oneself; act presumptuously, without permission
From this reading He was crushed by his family, and did as so many French people of the middle-class have to do when, out of weakness or kindness, they dare not oppose the will of their relations: they submit to all appearance, and live their true life in perpetual secrecy.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading He was crushed by his family, and did as so many French people of the middle-class have to do when, out of weakness or kindness, they dare not oppose the will of their relations: they submit to all appearance, and live their true life in perpetual secrecy.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading He was crushed by his family, and did as so many French people of the middle-class have to do when, out of weakness or kindness, they dare not oppose the will of their relations: they submit to all appearance, and live their true life in perpetual secrecy.
the activities of educating or instructing; activities that impart knowledge or skill
From this reading He hid away to read the old lunatic's lucubrations which formed the basis of his queer musical education.
a social unit living together
From this reading He was crushed by his family, and did as so many French people of the middle-class have to do when, out of weakness or kindness, they dare not oppose the will of their relations: they submit to all appearance, and live their true life in perpetual secrecy.
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading Vain and fearful of his father and of public opinion, he would say nothing of his ambitions until he had succeeded.
experiencing or showing fear
From this reading Vain and fearful of his father and of public opinion, he would say nothing of his ambitions until he had succeeded.
about to be mentioned or specified
From this reading Instead of following his bent, he struggled on, against his inclination, in the work they had marked out for him.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Instead of following his bent, he struggled on, against his inclination, in the work they had marked out for him.
having or given a form or shape
From this reading He hid away to read the old lunatic's lucubrations which formed the basis of his queer musical education.
the Romance language spoken in France and in countries colonized by France
From this reading He was crushed by his family, and did as so many French people of the middle-class have to do when, out of weakness or kindness, they dare not oppose the will of their relations: they submit to all appearance, and live their true life in perpetual secrecy.
great-uncle's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "The unhappy part of it was that there seemed no possibility of confessing to such a passion in such surroundings: and the boy had not his great-uncle's cracked brains.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading "The unhappy part of it was that there seemed no possibility of confessing to such a passion in such surroundings: and the boy had not his great-uncle's cracked brains.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading He was crushed by his family, and did as so many French people of the middle-class have to do when, out of weakness or kindness, they dare not oppose the will of their relations: they submit to all appearance, and live their true life in perpetual secrecy.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He hid away to read the old lunatic's lucubrations which formed the basis of his queer musical education.
inflected form of “hide” — prevent from being seen or discovered
From this reading He hid away to read the old lunatic's lucubrations which formed the basis of his queer musical education.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Instead of following his bent, he struggled on, against his inclination, in the work they had marked out for him.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading "The unhappy part of it was that there seemed no possibility of confessing to such a passion in such surroundings: and the boy had not his great-uncle's cracked brains.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading "The unhappy part of it was that there seemed no possibility of confessing to such a passion in such surroundings: and the boy had not his great-uncle's cracked brains.
inclinationnounUS /ˌɪnkləˈneɪʃən/
an attitude of mind especially one that favors one alternative over others
From this reading Instead of following his bent, he struggled on, against his inclination, in the work they had marked out for him.
in place of, or as an alternative to
From this reading Instead of following his bent, he struggled on, against his inclination, in the work they had marked out for him.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading "The unhappy part of it was that there seemed no possibility of confessing to such a passion in such surroundings: and the boy had not his great-uncle's cracked brains.
the quality of being warmhearted and considerate and humane and sympathetic
From this reading He was crushed by his family, and did as so many French people of the middle-class have to do when, out of weakness or kindness, they dare not oppose the will of their relations: they submit to all appearance, and live their true life in perpetual secrecy.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading He was crushed by his family, and did as so many French people of the middle-class have to do when, out of weakness or kindness, they dare not oppose the will of their relations: they submit to all appearance, and live their true life in perpetual secrecy.
be an inhabitant of or reside in
From this reading He was crushed by his family, and did as so many French people of the middle-class have to do when, out of weakness or kindness, they dare not oppose the will of their relations: they submit to all appearance, and live their true life in perpetual secrecy.
lucubrations
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He hid away to read the old lunatic's lucubrations which formed the basis of his queer musical education.
lunatic's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He hid away to read the old lunatic's lucubrations which formed the basis of his queer musical education.
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 He was crushed by his family, and did as so many French people of the middle-class have to do when, out of weakness or kindness, they dare not oppose the will of their relations: they submit to all appearance, and live their true life in perpetual secrecy.
strongly marked; easily noticeable
From this reading Instead of following his bent, he struggled on, against his inclination, in the work they had marked out for him.
middle-classadjectiveUS /ˈmɪdəlˈklæs/
occupying a socioeconomic position intermediate between those of the lower classes and the wealthy
From this reading He was crushed by his family, and did as so many French people of the middle-class have to do when, out of weakness or kindness, they dare not oppose the will of their relations: they submit to all appearance, and live their true life in perpetual secrecy.
musicaladjectiveUS /ˈmjuːzɪkəl/
characterized by or capable of producing music
From this reading He hid away to read the old lunatic's lucubrations which formed the basis of his queer musical education.
not any; not one
From this reading "The unhappy part of it was that there seemed no possibility of confessing to such a passion in such surroundings: and the boy had not his great-uncle's cracked brains.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading "The unhappy part of it was that there seemed no possibility of confessing to such a passion in such surroundings: and the boy had not his great-uncle's cracked brains.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading Vain and fearful of his father and of public opinion, he would say nothing of his ambitions until he had succeeded.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading "The unhappy part of it was that there seemed no possibility of confessing to such a passion in such surroundings: and the boy had not his great-uncle's cracked brains.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading He hid away to read the old lunatic's lucubrations which formed the basis of his queer musical education.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Instead of following his bent, he struggled on, against his inclination, in the work they had marked out for him.
a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty
From this reading Vain and fearful of his father and of public opinion, he would say nothing of his ambitions until he had succeeded.
opposeverbUS /əˈpoʊz/
be against; express opposition to
From this reading He was crushed by his family, and did as so many French people of the middle-class have to do when, out of weakness or kindness, they dare not oppose the will of their relations: they submit to all appearance, and live their true life in perpetual secrecy.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading He was crushed by his family, and did as so many French people of the middle-class have to do when, out of weakness or kindness, they dare not oppose the will of their relations: they submit to all appearance, and live their true life in perpetual secrecy.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading He was crushed by his family, and did as so many French people of the middle-class have to do when, out of weakness or kindness, they dare not oppose the will of their relations: they submit to all appearance, and live their true life in perpetual secrecy.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading "The unhappy part of it was that there seemed no possibility of confessing to such a passion in such surroundings: and the boy had not his great-uncle's cracked brains.
a strong feeling or emotion
From this reading "The unhappy part of it was that there seemed no possibility of confessing to such a passion in such surroundings: and the boy had not his great-uncle's cracked brains.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading He was crushed by his family, and did as so many French people of the middle-class have to do when, out of weakness or kindness, they dare not oppose the will of their relations: they submit to all appearance, and live their true life in perpetual secrecy.
perpetualadjectiveUS /pərˈpetʃuːəl/
continuing forever or indefinitely
From this reading He was crushed by his family, and did as so many French people of the middle-class have to do when, out of weakness or kindness, they dare not oppose the will of their relations: they submit to all appearance, and live their true life in perpetual secrecy.
a future prospect or potential
From this reading "The unhappy part of it was that there seemed no possibility of confessing to such a passion in such surroundings: and the boy had not his great-uncle's cracked brains.
people in general considered as a whole
From this reading Vain and fearful of his father and of public opinion, he would say nothing of his ambitions until he had succeeded.
beyond or deviating from the usual or expected
From this reading He hid away to read the old lunatic's lucubrations which formed the basis of his queer musical education.
interpret something that is written or printed
From this reading He hid away to read the old lunatic's lucubrations which formed the basis of his queer musical education.
mutual dealings or connections or communications among persons or groups
From this reading He was crushed by his family, and did as so many French people of the middle-class have to do when, out of weakness or kindness, they dare not oppose the will of their relations: they submit to all appearance, and live their true life in perpetual secrecy.
express in words
From this reading Vain and fearful of his father and of public opinion, he would say nothing of his ambitions until he had succeeded.
secrecynounUS /ˈsiːkrəsi/
the trait of keeping things secret
From this reading He was crushed by his family, and did as so many French people of the middle-class have to do when, out of weakness or kindness, they dare not oppose the will of their relations: they submit to all appearance, and live their true life in perpetual secrecy.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading "The unhappy part of it was that there seemed no possibility of confessing to such a passion in such surroundings: and the boy had not his great-uncle's cracked brains.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading He was crushed by his family, and did as so many French people of the middle-class have to do when, out of weakness or kindness, they dare not oppose the will of their relations: they submit to all appearance, and live their true life in perpetual secrecy.
struggledverbUS /ˈstrʌɡəld/
past form of “struggle” — make a strenuous or labored effort
From this reading Instead of following his bent, he struggled on, against his inclination, in the work they had marked out for him.
submitverbUS /səbˈmɪt/
refer for judgment or consideration
From this reading He was crushed by his family, and did as so many French people of the middle-class have to do when, out of weakness or kindness, they dare not oppose the will of their relations: they submit to all appearance, and live their true life in perpetual secrecy.
past form of “succeed” — attain success or reach a desired goal
From this reading Vain and fearful of his father and of public opinion, he would say nothing of his ambitions until he had succeeded.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading "The unhappy part of it was that there seemed no possibility of confessing to such a passion in such surroundings: and the boy had not his great-uncle's cracked brains.
surroundingsnounUS /sərˈaʊndɪŋz/
the environmental condition
From this reading "The unhappy part of it was that there seemed no possibility of confessing to such a passion in such surroundings: and the boy had not his great-uncle's cracked brains.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading "The unhappy part of it was that there seemed no possibility of confessing to such a passion in such surroundings: and the boy had not his great-uncle's cracked brains.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading "The unhappy part of it was that there seemed no possibility of confessing to such a passion in such surroundings: and the boy had not his great-uncle's cracked brains.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading He was crushed by his family, and did as so many French people of the middle-class have to do when, out of weakness or kindness, they dare not oppose the will of their relations: they submit to all appearance, and live their true life in perpetual secrecy.
in or at that place or location
From this reading "The unhappy part of it was that there seemed no possibility of confessing to such a passion in such surroundings: and the boy had not his great-uncle's cracked brains.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He was crushed by his family, and did as so many French people of the middle-class have to do when, out of weakness or kindness, they dare not oppose the will of their relations: they submit to all appearance, and live their true life in perpetual secrecy.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading "The unhappy part of it was that there seemed no possibility of confessing to such a passion in such surroundings: and the boy had not his great-uncle's cracked brains.
consistent with fact or reality; not false
From this reading He was crushed by his family, and did as so many French people of the middle-class have to do when, out of weakness or kindness, they dare not oppose the will of their relations: they submit to all appearance, and live their true life in perpetual secrecy.
experiencing or marked by or causing sadness or sorrow or discontent
From this reading "The unhappy part of it was that there seemed no possibility of confessing to such a passion in such surroundings: and the boy had not his great-uncle's cracked brains.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading Vain and fearful of his father and of public opinion, he would say nothing of his ambitions until he had succeeded.
characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance
From this reading Vain and fearful of his father and of public opinion, he would say nothing of his ambitions until he had succeeded.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "The unhappy part of it was that there seemed no possibility of confessing to such a passion in such surroundings: and the boy had not his great-uncle's cracked brains.
a flaw or weak point
From this reading He was crushed by his family, and did as so many French people of the middle-class have to do when, out of weakness or kindness, they dare not oppose the will of their relations: they submit to all appearance, and live their true life in perpetual secrecy.
at the time that
From this reading He was crushed by his family, and did as so many French people of the middle-class have to do when, out of weakness or kindness, they dare not oppose the will of their relations: they submit to all appearance, and live their true life in perpetual secrecy.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading He hid away to read the old lunatic's lucubrations which formed the basis of his queer musical education.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading He was crushed by his family, and did as so many French people of the middle-class have to do when, out of weakness or kindness, they dare not oppose the will of their relations: they submit to all appearance, and live their true life in perpetual secrecy.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading Instead of following his bent, he struggled on, against his inclination, in the work they had marked out for him.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Vain and fearful of his father and of public opinion, he would say nothing of his ambitions until he had succeeded.
