used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading What chiefly worried me was not his wish that I should marry Theresa--for really that was a matter altogether in my power, and a circumstance over which nobody but myself could have any control--but the very decided manner in which he had expressed himself against my love for Conny.
abusingverbUS /əˈbjuːzɪŋ/
-ing form of “abuse” — treat badly
From this reading I lay thinking over my uncle’s scheme and abusing it, and wishing he had been born an idiot rather than that his mind should have stumbled upon an idea so peculiarly disagreeable.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading What chiefly worried me was not his wish that I should marry Theresa--for really that was a matter altogether in my power, and a circumstance over which nobody but myself could have any control--but the very decided manner in which he had expressed himself against my love for Conny.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading What chiefly worried me was not his wish that I should marry Theresa--for really that was a matter altogether in my power, and a circumstance over which nobody but myself could have any control--but the very decided manner in which he had expressed himself against my love for Conny.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading I lay thinking over my uncle’s scheme and abusing it, and wishing he had been born an idiot rather than that his mind should have stumbled upon an idea so peculiarly disagreeable.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading I lay thinking over my uncle’s scheme and abusing it, and wishing he had been born an idiot rather than that his mind should have stumbled upon an idea so peculiarly disagreeable.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading What chiefly worried me was not his wish that I should marry Theresa--for really that was a matter altogether in my power, and a circumstance over which nobody but myself could have any control--but the very decided manner in which he had expressed himself against my love for Conny.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading _Goldsmith._ On reaching my lodgings I went to bed; but I might as well have sat up, for the dawn brightened into clear daylight before I closed my eyes.
a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
From this reading _Goldsmith._ On reaching my lodgings I went to bed; but I might as well have sat up, for the dawn brightened into clear daylight before I closed my eyes.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading I lay thinking over my uncle’s scheme and abusing it, and wishing he had been born an idiot rather than that his mind should have stumbled upon an idea so peculiarly disagreeable.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading _Goldsmith._ On reaching my lodgings I went to bed; but I might as well have sat up, for the dawn brightened into clear daylight before I closed my eyes.
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading “From better habitations spurn’d, Reluctant dost thou rove?
brought into existence
From this reading I lay thinking over my uncle’s scheme and abusing it, and wishing he had been born an idiot rather than that his mind should have stumbled upon an idea so peculiarly disagreeable.
brightenedverbUS /ˈbraɪtənd/
past form of “brighten” — make more cheerful through the use of color
From this reading _Goldsmith._ On reaching my lodgings I went to bed; but I might as well have sat up, for the dawn brightened into clear daylight before I closed my eyes.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading _Goldsmith._ On reaching my lodgings I went to bed; but I might as well have sat up, for the dawn brightened into clear daylight before I closed my eyes.
chieflyadverbUS /ˈtʃiːfli/
for the most part
From this reading What chiefly worried me was not his wish that I should marry Theresa--for really that was a matter altogether in my power, and a circumstance over which nobody but myself could have any control--but the very decided manner in which he had expressed himself against my love for Conny.
a condition that accompanies or influences some event or activity
From this reading What chiefly worried me was not his wish that I should marry Theresa--for really that was a matter altogether in my power, and a circumstance over which nobody but myself could have any control--but the very decided manner in which he had expressed himself against my love for Conny.
rid of obstructions
From this reading _Goldsmith._ On reaching my lodgings I went to bed; but I might as well have sat up, for the dawn brightened into clear daylight before I closed my eyes.
not open or affording passage or access
From this reading _Goldsmith._ On reaching my lodgings I went to bed; but I might as well have sat up, for the dawn brightened into clear daylight before I closed my eyes.
Conny
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading What chiefly worried me was not his wish that I should marry Theresa--for really that was a matter altogether in my power, and a circumstance over which nobody but myself could have any control--but the very decided manner in which he had expressed himself against my love for Conny.
power to direct or determine
From this reading What chiefly worried me was not his wish that I should marry Theresa--for really that was a matter altogether in my power, and a circumstance over which nobody but myself could have any control--but the very decided manner in which he had expressed himself against my love for Conny.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading What chiefly worried me was not his wish that I should marry Theresa--for really that was a matter altogether in my power, and a circumstance over which nobody but myself could have any control--but the very decided manner in which he had expressed himself against my love for Conny.
the first light of day
From this reading _Goldsmith._ On reaching my lodgings I went to bed; but I might as well have sat up, for the dawn brightened into clear daylight before I closed my eyes.
the time after sunrise and before sunset while it is light outside
From this reading _Goldsmith._ On reaching my lodgings I went to bed; but I might as well have sat up, for the dawn brightened into clear daylight before I closed my eyes.
recognizable; marked
From this reading What chiefly worried me was not his wish that I should marry Theresa--for really that was a matter altogether in my power, and a circumstance over which nobody but myself could have any control--but the very decided manner in which he had expressed himself against my love for Conny.
disagreeableadjectiveUS /ˌdɪsəˈɡriːəbəl/
not to your liking
From this reading I lay thinking over my uncle’s scheme and abusing it, and wishing he had been born an idiot rather than that his mind should have stumbled upon an idea so peculiarly disagreeable.
dostauxiliary verbUS /dɑːst/
an old form of “do”, used with “thou”
From this reading “From better habitations spurn’d, Reluctant dost thou rove?
communicated in words
From this reading What chiefly worried me was not his wish that I should marry Theresa--for really that was a matter altogether in my power, and a circumstance over which nobody but myself could have any control--but the very decided manner in which he had expressed himself against my love for Conny.
opinion or judgment
From this reading _Goldsmith._ On reaching my lodgings I went to bed; but I might as well have sat up, for the dawn brightened into clear daylight before I closed my eyes.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Or grieve for friendship unreturn’d, Or unregarded love?”
the state of being friends (or friendly)
From this reading Or grieve for friendship unreturn’d, Or unregarded love?”
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading “From better habitations spurn’d, Reluctant dost thou rove?
GoldsmithnounUS /ˈɡoʊldsmɪθ/
an artisan who makes jewelry and other objects out of gold
From this reading _Goldsmith._ On reaching my lodgings I went to bed; but I might as well have sat up, for the dawn brightened into clear daylight before I closed my eyes.
grieveverbUS /ɡriːv/
feel grief
From this reading Or grieve for friendship unreturn’d, Or unregarded love?”
habitations
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “From better habitations spurn’d, Reluctant dost thou rove?
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading I lay thinking over my uncle’s scheme and abusing it, and wishing he had been born an idiot rather than that his mind should have stumbled upon an idea so peculiarly disagreeable.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading _Goldsmith._ On reaching my lodgings I went to bed; but I might as well have sat up, for the dawn brightened into clear daylight before I closed my eyes.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading I lay thinking over my uncle’s scheme and abusing it, and wishing he had been born an idiot rather than that his mind should have stumbled upon an idea so peculiarly disagreeable.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading What chiefly worried me was not his wish that I should marry Theresa--for really that was a matter altogether in my power, and a circumstance over which nobody but myself could have any control--but the very decided manner in which he had expressed himself against my love for Conny.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading I lay thinking over my uncle’s scheme and abusing it, and wishing he had been born an idiot rather than that his mind should have stumbled upon an idea so peculiarly disagreeable.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading _Goldsmith._ On reaching my lodgings I went to bed; but I might as well have sat up, for the dawn brightened into clear daylight before I closed my eyes.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading I lay thinking over my uncle’s scheme and abusing it, and wishing he had been born an idiot rather than that his mind should have stumbled upon an idea so peculiarly disagreeable.
idiotnounUS /ˈɪdiːət/
a person of subnormal intelligence
From this reading I lay thinking over my uncle’s scheme and abusing it, and wishing he had been born an idiot rather than that his mind should have stumbled upon an idea so peculiarly disagreeable.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading What chiefly worried me was not his wish that I should marry Theresa--for really that was a matter altogether in my power, and a circumstance over which nobody but myself could have any control--but the very decided manner in which he had expressed himself against my love for Conny.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading _Goldsmith._ On reaching my lodgings I went to bed; but I might as well have sat up, for the dawn brightened into clear daylight before I closed my eyes.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading I lay thinking over my uncle’s scheme and abusing it, and wishing he had been born an idiot rather than that his mind should have stumbled upon an idea so peculiarly disagreeable.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading I lay thinking over my uncle’s scheme and abusing it, and wishing he had been born an idiot rather than that his mind should have stumbled upon an idea so peculiarly disagreeable.
lodgingsnounUS /ˈlɑːdʒɪŋz/
temporary living quarters
From this reading _Goldsmith._ On reaching my lodgings I went to bed; but I might as well have sat up, for the dawn brightened into clear daylight before I closed my eyes.
a strong positive emotion of regard and affection
From this reading Or grieve for friendship unreturn’d, Or unregarded love?”
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading What chiefly worried me was not his wish that I should marry Theresa--for really that was a matter altogether in my power, and a circumstance over which nobody but myself could have any control--but the very decided manner in which he had expressed himself against my love for Conny.
take in marriage
From this reading What chiefly worried me was not his wish that I should marry Theresa--for really that was a matter altogether in my power, and a circumstance over which nobody but myself could have any control--but the very decided manner in which he had expressed himself against my love for Conny.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading What chiefly worried me was not his wish that I should marry Theresa--for really that was a matter altogether in my power, and a circumstance over which nobody but myself could have any control--but the very decided manner in which he had expressed himself against my love for Conny.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading What chiefly worried me was not his wish that I should marry Theresa--for really that was a matter altogether in my power, and a circumstance over which nobody but myself could have any control--but the very decided manner in which he had expressed himself against my love for Conny.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading _Goldsmith._ On reaching my lodgings I went to bed; but I might as well have sat up, for the dawn brightened into clear daylight before I closed my eyes.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading I lay thinking over my uncle’s scheme and abusing it, and wishing he had been born an idiot rather than that his mind should have stumbled upon an idea so peculiarly disagreeable.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading _Goldsmith._ On reaching my lodgings I went to bed; but I might as well have sat up, for the dawn brightened into clear daylight before I closed my eyes.
used when the speaker is also the object of the action
From this reading What chiefly worried me was not his wish that I should marry Theresa--for really that was a matter altogether in my power, and a circumstance over which nobody but myself could have any control--but the very decided manner in which he had expressed himself against my love for Conny.
no person; not anyone
From this reading What chiefly worried me was not his wish that I should marry Theresa--for really that was a matter altogether in my power, and a circumstance over which nobody but myself could have any control--but the very decided manner in which he had expressed himself against my love for Conny.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading What chiefly worried me was not his wish that I should marry Theresa--for really that was a matter altogether in my power, and a circumstance over which nobody but myself could have any control--but the very decided manner in which he had expressed himself against my love for Conny.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading _Goldsmith._ On reaching my lodgings I went to bed; but I might as well have sat up, for the dawn brightened into clear daylight before I closed my eyes.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Or grieve for friendship unreturn’d, Or unregarded love?”
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading I lay thinking over my uncle’s scheme and abusing it, and wishing he had been born an idiot rather than that his mind should have stumbled upon an idea so peculiarly disagreeable.
peculiarlyadverbUS /pɪˈkjuːljərli/
uniquely or characteristically
From this reading I lay thinking over my uncle’s scheme and abusing it, and wishing he had been born an idiot rather than that his mind should have stumbled upon an idea so peculiarly disagreeable.
possession of controlling influence
From this reading What chiefly worried me was not his wish that I should marry Theresa--for really that was a matter altogether in my power, and a circumstance over which nobody but myself could have any control--but the very decided manner in which he had expressed himself against my love for Conny.
on the contrary
From this reading I lay thinking over my uncle’s scheme and abusing it, and wishing he had been born an idiot rather than that his mind should have stumbled upon an idea so peculiarly disagreeable.
the act of physically reaching or thrusting out
From this reading _Goldsmith._ On reaching my lodgings I went to bed; but I might as well have sat up, for the dawn brightened into clear daylight before I closed my eyes.
in accordance with truth or fact or reality
From this reading What chiefly worried me was not his wish that I should marry Theresa--for really that was a matter altogether in my power, and a circumstance over which nobody but myself could have any control--but the very decided manner in which he had expressed himself against my love for Conny.
ReluctantadjectiveUS /rɪˈlʌktənt/
unwillingness to do something contrary to your custom
From this reading “From better habitations spurn’d, Reluctant dost thou rove?
roveverbUS /roʊv/
move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment
From this reading “From better habitations spurn’d, Reluctant dost thou rove?
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading _Goldsmith._ On reaching my lodgings I went to bed; but I might as well have sat up, for the dawn brightened into clear daylight before I closed my eyes.
an elaborate and systematic plan of action
From this reading I lay thinking over my uncle’s scheme and abusing it, and wishing he had been born an idiot rather than that his mind should have stumbled upon an idea so peculiarly disagreeable.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading I lay thinking over my uncle’s scheme and abusing it, and wishing he had been born an idiot rather than that his mind should have stumbled upon an idea so peculiarly disagreeable.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading I lay thinking over my uncle’s scheme and abusing it, and wishing he had been born an idiot rather than that his mind should have stumbled upon an idea so peculiarly disagreeable.
spurn'd
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “From better habitations spurn’d, Reluctant dost thou rove?
stumbledverbUS /ˈstʌmbəld/
past form of “stumble” — walk unsteadily
From this reading I lay thinking over my uncle’s scheme and abusing it, and wishing he had been born an idiot rather than that his mind should have stumbled upon an idea so peculiarly disagreeable.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading I lay thinking over my uncle’s scheme and abusing it, and wishing he had been born an idiot rather than that his mind should have stumbled upon an idea so peculiarly disagreeable.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading I lay thinking over my uncle’s scheme and abusing it, and wishing he had been born an idiot rather than that his mind should have stumbled upon an idea so peculiarly disagreeable.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading _Goldsmith._ On reaching my lodgings I went to bed; but I might as well have sat up, for the dawn brightened into clear daylight before I closed my eyes.
TheresanounUS /tərˈiːsə/
Indian nun and missionary in the Roman Catholic Church (born of Albanian parents in what is now Macedonia); dedicated to helping the poor in India (1910-1997)
From this reading What chiefly worried me was not his wish that I should marry Theresa--for really that was a matter altogether in my power, and a circumstance over which nobody but myself could have any control--but the very decided manner in which he had expressed himself against my love for Conny.
the process of using your mind to consider something carefully
From this reading I lay thinking over my uncle’s scheme and abusing it, and wishing he had been born an idiot rather than that his mind should have stumbled upon an idea so peculiarly disagreeable.
an old word for “you”, as the subject, speaking to one person
From this reading “From better habitations spurn’d, Reluctant dost thou rove?
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading _Goldsmith._ On reaching my lodgings I went to bed; but I might as well have sat up, for the dawn brightened into clear daylight before I closed my eyes.
uncle'snounUS /ˈʌŋkəlz/
possessive form of “uncle” — the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt
From this reading I lay thinking over my uncle’s scheme and abusing it, and wishing he had been born an idiot rather than that his mind should have stumbled upon an idea so peculiarly disagreeable.
unregarded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Or grieve for friendship unreturn’d, Or unregarded love?”
unreturn'd
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Or grieve for friendship unreturn’d, Or unregarded love?”
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading _Goldsmith._ On reaching my lodgings I went to bed; but I might as well have sat up, for the dawn brightened into clear daylight before I closed my eyes.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading I lay thinking over my uncle’s scheme and abusing it, and wishing he had been born an idiot rather than that his mind should have stumbled upon an idea so peculiarly disagreeable.
precisely as stated
From this reading What chiefly worried me was not his wish that I should marry Theresa--for really that was a matter altogether in my power, and a circumstance over which nobody but myself could have any control--but the very decided manner in which he had expressed himself against my love for Conny.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading What chiefly worried me was not his wish that I should marry Theresa--for really that was a matter altogether in my power, and a circumstance over which nobody but myself could have any control--but the very decided manner in which he had expressed himself against my love for Conny.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading _Goldsmith._ On reaching my lodgings I went to bed; but I might as well have sat up, for the dawn brightened into clear daylight before I closed my eyes.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading _Goldsmith._ On reaching my lodgings I went to bed; but I might as well have sat up, for the dawn brightened into clear daylight before I closed my eyes.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading What chiefly worried me was not his wish that I should marry Theresa--for really that was a matter altogether in my power, and a circumstance over which nobody but myself could have any control--but the very decided manner in which he had expressed himself against my love for Conny.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading What chiefly worried me was not his wish that I should marry Theresa--for really that was a matter altogether in my power, and a circumstance over which nobody but myself could have any control--but the very decided manner in which he had expressed himself against my love for Conny.
hope for; have a wish
From this reading What chiefly worried me was not his wish that I should marry Theresa--for really that was a matter altogether in my power, and a circumstance over which nobody but myself could have any control--but the very decided manner in which he had expressed himself against my love for Conny.
wishingnounUS /ˈwɪʃɪŋ/
a specific feeling of desire
From this reading I lay thinking over my uncle’s scheme and abusing it, and wishing he had been born an idiot rather than that his mind should have stumbled upon an idea so peculiarly disagreeable.
worriedadjectiveUS /ˈwɜːrid/
afflicted with or marked by anxious uneasiness or trouble or grief
From this reading What chiefly worried me was not his wish that I should marry Theresa--for really that was a matter altogether in my power, and a circumstance over which nobody but myself could have any control--but the very decided manner in which he had expressed himself against my love for Conny.
