used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading For the good rector had no knowledge of the conversation between the boys and Arthur when they accompanied him "a bit of the way" on his road.
having companions or an escort
From this reading For the good rector had no knowledge of the conversation between the boys and Arthur when they accompanied him "a bit of the way" on his road.
achingadjectiveUS /ˈeɪkɪŋ/
causing a dull and steady pain
From this reading And Arthur himself, for whom so many hearts were aching and anxious, how did he spend this strange Christmas far from all he cared for, in such an entirely different atmosphere from any he had ever known?
(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 And Arthur himself, for whom so many hearts were aching and anxious, how did he spend this strange Christmas far from all he cared for, in such an entirely different atmosphere from any he had ever known?
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading Nothing could have been kinder, considering the circumstances in which he had come among them, than the way he was received and treated by the old farmer's family.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading And Arthur himself, for whom so many hearts were aching and anxious, how did he spend this strange Christmas far from all he cared for, in such an entirely different atmosphere from any he had ever known?
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading For the good rector had no knowledge of the conversation between the boys and Arthur when they accompanied him "a bit of the way" on his road.
eagerly desirous
From this reading And Arthur himself, for whom so many hearts were aching and anxious, how did he spend this strange Christmas far from all he cared for, in such an entirely different atmosphere from any he had ever known?
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading And Arthur himself, for whom so many hearts were aching and anxious, how did he spend this strange Christmas far from all he cared for, in such an entirely different atmosphere from any he had ever known?
elected vice president and became 21st President of the United States when Garfield was assassinated (1830-1886)
From this reading For the good rector had no knowledge of the conversation between the boys and Arthur when they accompanied him "a bit of the way" on his road.
a particular environment or surrounding influence
From this reading And Arthur himself, for whom so many hearts were aching and anxious, how did he spend this strange Christmas far from all he cared for, in such an entirely different atmosphere from any he had ever known?
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Till Christmas was over he was to be a guest and nothing more.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Nothing could have been kinder, considering the circumstances in which he had come among them, than the way he was received and treated by the old farmer's family.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading For the good rector had no knowledge of the conversation between the boys and Arthur when they accompanied him "a bit of the way" on his road.
a small piece or quantity of something
From this reading For the good rector had no knowledge of the conversation between the boys and Arthur when they accompanied him "a bit of the way" on his road.
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading For the good rector had no knowledge of the conversation between the boys and Arthur when they accompanied him "a bit of the way" on his road.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Nothing could have been kinder, considering the circumstances in which he had come among them, than the way he was received and treated by the old farmer's family.
past form of “care” — feel concern or interest
From this reading And Arthur himself, for whom so many hearts were aching and anxious, how did he spend this strange Christmas far from all he cared for, in such an entirely different atmosphere from any he had ever known?
marked by lack of attention or consideration or forethought or thoroughness; not careful
From this reading And Tom and Ralph were far too careless and unobservant to have noticed the start with which the young man had heard them speak of their "Uncle Ingram," or the questions he had put to them.
period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6
From this reading And Arthur himself, for whom so many hearts were aching and anxious, how did he spend this strange Christmas far from all he cared for, in such an entirely different atmosphere from any he had ever known?
your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)
From this reading Nothing could have been kinder, considering the circumstances in which he had come among them, than the way he was received and treated by the old farmer's family.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Nothing could have been kinder, considering the circumstances in which he had come among them, than the way he was received and treated by the old farmer's family.
-ing form of “consider” — deem to be
From this reading Nothing could have been kinder, considering the circumstances in which he had come among them, than the way he was received and treated by the old farmer's family.
the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.
From this reading For the good rector had no knowledge of the conversation between the boys and Arthur when they accompanied him "a bit of the way" on his road.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Nothing could have been kinder, considering the circumstances in which he had come among them, than the way he was received and treated by the old farmer's family.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading And Arthur himself, for whom so many hearts were aching and anxious, how did he spend this strange Christmas far from all he cared for, in such an entirely different atmosphere from any he had ever known?
unlike in nature or quality or form or degree
From this reading And Arthur himself, for whom so many hearts were aching and anxious, how did he spend this strange Christmas far from all he cared for, in such an entirely different atmosphere from any he had ever known?
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading And Arthur himself, for whom so many hearts were aching and anxious, how did he spend this strange Christmas far from all he cared for, in such an entirely different atmosphere from any he had ever known?
at any time
From this reading And Arthur himself, for whom so many hearts were aching and anxious, how did he spend this strange Christmas far from all he cared for, in such an entirely different atmosphere from any he had ever known?
a social unit living together
From this reading Nothing could have been kinder, considering the circumstances in which he had come among them, than the way he was received and treated by the old farmer's family.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading And Tom and Ralph were far too careless and unobservant to have noticed the start with which the young man had heard them speak of their "Uncle Ingram," or the questions he had put to them.
farmer'snounUS /ˈfɑːrmərz/
possessive form of “farmer” — a person who operates a farm
From this reading Nothing could have been kinder, considering the circumstances in which he had come among them, than the way he was received and treated by the old farmer's family.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading For the good rector had no knowledge of the conversation between the boys and Arthur when they accompanied him "a bit of the way" on his road.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading And Arthur himself, for whom so many hearts were aching and anxious, how did he spend this strange Christmas far from all he cared for, in such an entirely different atmosphere from any he had ever known?
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading For the good rector had no knowledge of the conversation between the boys and Arthur when they accompanied him "a bit of the way" on his road.
a visitor to whom hospitality is extended
From this reading Till Christmas was over he was to be a guest and nothing more.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading For the good rector had no knowledge of the conversation between the boys and Arthur when they accompanied him "a bit of the way" on his road.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading And Tom and Ralph were far too careless and unobservant to have noticed the start with which the young man had heard them speak of their "Uncle Ingram," or the questions he had put to them.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading And Tom and Ralph were far too careless and unobservant to have noticed the start with which the young man had heard them speak of their "Uncle Ingram," or the questions he had put to them.
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading And Tom and Ralph were far too careless and unobservant to have noticed the start with which the young man had heard them speak of their "Uncle Ingram," or the questions he had put to them.
a form of whist in which players avoid winning tricks containing hearts or the queen of spades
From this reading And Arthur himself, for whom so many hearts were aching and anxious, how did he spend this strange Christmas far from all he cared for, in such an entirely different atmosphere from any he had ever known?
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading For the good rector had no knowledge of the conversation between the boys and Arthur when they accompanied him "a bit of the way" on his road.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading And Arthur himself, for whom so many hearts were aching and anxious, how did he spend this strange Christmas far from all he cared for, in such an entirely different atmosphere from any he had ever known?
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading For the good rector had no knowledge of the conversation between the boys and Arthur when they accompanied him "a bit of the way" on his road.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And Arthur himself, for whom so many hearts were aching and anxious, how did he spend this strange Christmas far from all he cared for, in such an entirely different atmosphere from any he had ever known?
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading And Arthur himself, for whom so many hearts were aching and anxious, how did he spend this strange Christmas far from all he cared for, in such an entirely different atmosphere from any he had ever known?
Ingram
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And Tom and Ralph were far too careless and unobservant to have noticed the start with which the young man had heard them speak of their "Uncle Ingram," or the questions he had put to them.
kinderadjectiveUS /ˈkaɪndər/
comparative of “kind” — having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading Nothing could have been kinder, considering the circumstances in which he had come among them, than the way he was received and treated by the old farmer's family.
the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning
From this reading For the good rector had no knowledge of the conversation between the boys and Arthur when they accompanied him "a bit of the way" on his road.
apprehended with certainty
From this reading And Arthur himself, for whom so many hearts were aching and anxious, how did he spend this strange Christmas far from all he cared for, in such an entirely different atmosphere from any he had ever known?
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading And Tom and Ralph were far too careless and unobservant to have noticed the start with which the young man had heard them speak of their "Uncle Ingram," or the questions he had put to them.
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 And Arthur himself, for whom so many hearts were aching and anxious, how did he spend this strange Christmas far from all he cared for, in such an entirely different atmosphere from any he had ever known?
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Till Christmas was over he was to be a guest and nothing more.
not any; not one
From this reading For the good rector had no knowledge of the conversation between the boys and Arthur when they accompanied him "a bit of the way" on his road.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading Nothing could have been kinder, considering the circumstances in which he had come among them, than the way he was received and treated by the old farmer's family.
being perceived or observed
From this reading And Tom and Ralph were far too careless and unobservant to have noticed the start with which the young man had heard them speak of their "Uncle Ingram," or the questions he had put to them.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading For the good rector had no knowledge of the conversation between the boys and Arthur when they accompanied him "a bit of the way" on his road.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading Nothing could have been kinder, considering the circumstances in which he had come among them, than the way he was received and treated by the old farmer's family.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading For the good rector had no knowledge of the conversation between the boys and Arthur when they accompanied him "a bit of the way" on his road.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading And Tom and Ralph were far too careless and unobservant to have noticed the start with which the young man had heard them speak of their "Uncle Ingram," or the questions he had put to them.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Till Christmas was over he was to be a guest and nothing more.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading And Tom and Ralph were far too careless and unobservant to have noticed the start with which the young man had heard them speak of their "Uncle Ingram," or the questions he had put to them.
plural of “question” — an instance of questioning
From this reading And Tom and Ralph were far too careless and unobservant to have noticed the start with which the young man had heard them speak of their "Uncle Ingram," or the questions he had put to them.
Ralph
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And Tom and Ralph were far too careless and unobservant to have noticed the start with which the young man had heard them speak of their "Uncle Ingram," or the questions he had put to them.
conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers
From this reading Nothing could have been kinder, considering the circumstances in which he had come among them, than the way he was received and treated by the old farmer's family.
rectornounUS /ˈrektər/
a person authorized to conduct religious worship
From this reading For the good rector had no knowledge of the conversation between the boys and Arthur when they accompanied him "a bit of the way" on his road.
an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation
From this reading For the good rector had no knowledge of the conversation between the boys and Arthur when they accompanied him "a bit of the way" on his road.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading And Arthur himself, for whom so many hearts were aching and anxious, how did he spend this strange Christmas far from all he cared for, in such an entirely different atmosphere from any he had ever known?
express in speech
From this reading And Tom and Ralph were far too careless and unobservant to have noticed the start with which the young man had heard them speak of their "Uncle Ingram," or the questions he had put to them.
use up a period of time in a specific way
From this reading And Arthur himself, for whom so many hearts were aching and anxious, how did he spend this strange Christmas far from all he cared for, in such an entirely different atmosphere from any he had ever known?
take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading And Tom and Ralph were far too careless and unobservant to have noticed the start with which the young man had heard them speak of their "Uncle Ingram," or the questions he had put to them.
being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
From this reading And Arthur himself, for whom so many hearts were aching and anxious, how did he spend this strange Christmas far from all he cared for, in such an entirely different atmosphere from any he had ever known?
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading And Arthur himself, for whom so many hearts were aching and anxious, how did he spend this strange Christmas far from all he cared for, in such an entirely different atmosphere from any he had ever known?
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Nothing could have been kinder, considering the circumstances in which he had come among them, than the way he was received and treated by the old farmer's family.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading For the good rector had no knowledge of the conversation between the boys and Arthur when they accompanied him "a bit of the way" on his road.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading And Tom and Ralph were far too careless and unobservant to have noticed the start with which the young man had heard them speak of their "Uncle Ingram," or the questions he had put to them.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading And Tom and Ralph were far too careless and unobservant to have noticed the start with which the young man had heard them speak of their "Uncle Ingram," or the questions he had put to them.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading For the good rector had no knowledge of the conversation between the boys and Arthur when they accompanied him "a bit of the way" on his road.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading And Arthur himself, for whom so many hearts were aching and anxious, how did he spend this strange Christmas far from all he cared for, in such an entirely different atmosphere from any he had ever known?
up to a particular time
From this reading Till Christmas was over he was to be a guest and nothing more.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading And Tom and Ralph were far too careless and unobservant to have noticed the start with which the young man had heard them speak of their "Uncle Ingram," or the questions he had put to them.
male cat
From this reading And Tom and Ralph were far too careless and unobservant to have noticed the start with which the young man had heard them speak of their "Uncle Ingram," or the questions he had put to them.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading And Tom and Ralph were far too careless and unobservant to have noticed the start with which the young man had heard them speak of their "Uncle Ingram," or the questions he had put to them.
subjected to a physical (or chemical) treatment or action or agent
From this reading Nothing could have been kinder, considering the circumstances in which he had come among them, than the way he was received and treated by the old farmer's family.
the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt
From this reading And Tom and Ralph were far too careless and unobservant to have noticed the start with which the young man had heard them speak of their "Uncle Ingram," or the questions he had put to them.
unobservantadjective
not consciously observing
From this reading And Tom and Ralph were far too careless and unobservant to have noticed the start with which the young man had heard them speak of their "Uncle Ingram," or the questions he had put to them.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Nothing could have been kinder, considering the circumstances in which he had come among them, than the way he was received and treated by the old farmer's family.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading For the good rector had no knowledge of the conversation between the boys and Arthur when they accompanied him "a bit of the way" on his road.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading And Tom and Ralph were far too careless and unobservant to have noticed the start with which the young man had heard them speak of their "Uncle Ingram," or the questions he had put to them.
at the time that
From this reading For the good rector had no knowledge of the conversation between the boys and Arthur when they accompanied him "a bit of the way" on his road.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading And Tom and Ralph were far too careless and unobservant to have noticed the start with which the young man had heard them speak of their "Uncle Ingram," or the questions he had put to them.
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading And Arthur himself, for whom so many hearts were aching and anxious, how did he spend this strange Christmas far from all he cared for, in such an entirely different atmosphere from any he had ever known?
in the company of; together with
From this reading And Tom and Ralph were far too careless and unobservant to have noticed the start with which the young man had heard them speak of their "Uncle Ingram," or the questions he had put to them.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading And Tom and Ralph were far too careless and unobservant to have noticed the start with which the young man had heard them speak of their "Uncle Ingram," or the questions he had put to them.
