used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading “Walter, I am going to leave you,” observed Lewis in a quiet, gentle voice.
abilitynounUS /əˈbɪlətiː/
the quality of being able to perform; a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment
From this reading He had determined that it would be better for Walter not to be told at once that he was leaving never to return, but to allow the truth gradually to dawn upon him, after he had practically tested his ability to do without him; still he was anxious in some degree to prepare the poor boy’s mind to support the severe grief which he feared his absence would occasion him.
the state of being absent
From this reading He had determined that it would be better for Walter not to be told at once that he was leaving never to return, but to allow the truth gradually to dawn upon him, after he had practically tested his ability to do without him; still he was anxious in some degree to prepare the poor boy’s mind to support the severe grief which he feared his absence would occasion him.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading He had determined that it would be better for Walter not to be told at once that he was leaving never to return, but to allow the truth gradually to dawn upon him, after he had practically tested his ability to do without him; still he was anxious in some degree to prepare the poor boy’s mind to support the severe grief which he feared his absence would occasion 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 Lewis knew from the nature of the answer that the sound but not the sense of his communication had reached his poor pupil’s understanding, and yet the apparent indifference of the remark pained him; it seemed as if all he loved were falling away from him.
make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen
From this reading He had determined that it would be better for Walter not to be told at once that he was leaving never to return, but to allow the truth gradually to dawn upon him, after he had practically tested his ability to do without him; still he was anxious in some degree to prepare the poor boy’s mind to support the severe grief which he feared his absence would occasion him.
the form of “be” used with “I”
From this reading “Walter, I am going to leave you,” observed Lewis in a quiet, gentle voice.
a feeling of delight at being entertained
From this reading Walter, who was seated on a low stool playing with Faust, continued his amusement, merely replying carelessly, “Are you?”
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Lewis knew from the nature of the answer that the sound but not the sense of his communication had reached his poor pupil’s understanding, and yet the apparent indifference of the remark pained him; it seemed as if all he loved were falling away from him.
react verbally
From this reading Lewis knew from the nature of the answer that the sound but not the sense of his communication had reached his poor pupil’s understanding, and yet the apparent indifference of the remark pained him; it seemed as if all he loved were falling away from him.
eagerly desirous
From this reading He had determined that it would be better for Walter not to be told at once that he was leaving never to return, but to allow the truth gradually to dawn upon him, after he had practically tested his ability to do without him; still he was anxious in some degree to prepare the poor boy’s mind to support the severe grief which he feared his absence would occasion him.
clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
From this reading Lewis knew from the nature of the answer that the sound but not the sense of his communication had reached his poor pupil’s understanding, and yet the apparent indifference of the remark pained him; it seemed as if all he loved were falling away from him.
Areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Walter, who was seated on a low stool playing with Faust, continued his amusement, merely replying carelessly, “Are you?”
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Lewis knew from the nature of the answer that the sound but not the sense of his communication had reached his poor pupil’s understanding, and yet the apparent indifference of the remark pained him; it seemed as if all he loved were falling away from him.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading He had determined that it would be better for Walter not to be told at once that he was leaving never to return, but to allow the truth gradually to dawn upon him, after he had practically tested his ability to do without him; still he was anxious in some degree to prepare the poor boy’s mind to support the severe grief which he feared his absence would occasion him.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Lewis knew from the nature of the answer that the sound but not the sense of his communication had reached his poor pupil’s understanding, and yet the apparent indifference of the remark pained him; it seemed as if all he loved were falling away from him.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading He had determined that it would be better for Walter not to be told at once that he was leaving never to return, but to allow the truth gradually to dawn upon him, after he had practically tested his ability to do without him; still he was anxious in some degree to prepare the poor boy’s mind to support the severe grief which he feared his absence would occasion him.
(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 He had determined that it would be better for Walter not to be told at once that he was leaving never to return, but to allow the truth gradually to dawn upon him, after he had practically tested his ability to do without him; still he was anxious in some degree to prepare the poor boy’s mind to support the severe grief which he feared his absence would occasion him.
boy'snounUS /bɔɪz/
possessive form of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading He had determined that it would be better for Walter not to be told at once that he was leaving never to return, but to allow the truth gradually to dawn upon him, after he had practically tested his ability to do without him; still he was anxious in some degree to prepare the poor boy’s mind to support the severe grief which he feared his absence would occasion him.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Lewis knew from the nature of the answer that the sound but not the sense of his communication had reached his poor pupil’s understanding, and yet the apparent indifference of the remark pained him; it seemed as if all he loved were falling away from him.
carelesslyadverbUS /ˈkerləsli/
without care or concern
From this reading Walter, who was seated on a low stool playing with Faust, continued his amusement, merely replying carelessly, “Are you?”
communicationnounUS /kəˌmjuːnəˈkeɪʃən/
the activity of communicating; the activity of conveying information
From this reading Lewis knew from the nature of the answer that the sound but not the sense of his communication had reached his poor pupil’s understanding, and yet the apparent indifference of the remark pained him; it seemed as if all he loved were falling away from him.
without stop or interruption
From this reading Walter, who was seated on a low stool playing with Faust, continued his amusement, merely replying carelessly, “Are you?”
the first light of day
From this reading He had determined that it would be better for Walter not to be told at once that he was leaving never to return, but to allow the truth gradually to dawn upon him, after he had practically tested his ability to do without him; still he was anxious in some degree to prepare the poor boy’s mind to support the severe grief which he feared his absence would occasion him.
a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality
From this reading He had determined that it would be better for Walter not to be told at once that he was leaving never to return, but to allow the truth gradually to dawn upon him, after he had practically tested his ability to do without him; still he was anxious in some degree to prepare the poor boy’s mind to support the severe grief which he feared his absence would occasion him.
characterized by great determination
From this reading He had determined that it would be better for Walter not to be told at once that he was leaving never to return, but to allow the truth gradually to dawn upon him, after he had practically tested his ability to do without him; still he was anxious in some degree to prepare the poor boy’s mind to support the severe grief which he feared his absence would occasion him.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading He had determined that it would be better for Walter not to be told at once that he was leaving never to return, but to allow the truth gradually to dawn upon him, after he had practically tested his ability to do without him; still he was anxious in some degree to prepare the poor boy’s mind to support the severe grief which he feared his absence would occasion him.
decreasing in amount or degree
From this reading Lewis knew from the nature of the answer that the sound but not the sense of his communication had reached his poor pupil’s understanding, and yet the apparent indifference of the remark pained him; it seemed as if all he loved were falling away from him.
an event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future
From this reading MADE THE SHUTTLECOCK OF FATE.
FaustnounUS /faʊst/
an alchemist of German legend who sold his soul to Mephistopheles in exchange for knowledge
From this reading Walter, who was seated on a low stool playing with Faust, continued his amusement, merely replying carelessly, “Are you?”
past form of “fear” — be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
From this reading He had determined that it would be better for Walter not to be told at once that he was leaving never to return, but to allow the truth gradually to dawn upon him, after he had practically tested his ability to do without him; still he was anxious in some degree to prepare the poor boy’s mind to support the severe grief which he feared his absence would occasion him.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading He had determined that it would be better for Walter not to be told at once that he was leaving never to return, but to allow the truth gradually to dawn upon him, after he had practically tested his ability to do without him; still he was anxious in some degree to prepare the poor boy’s mind to support the severe grief which he feared his absence would occasion him.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Lewis knew from the nature of the answer that the sound but not the sense of his communication had reached his poor pupil’s understanding, and yet the apparent indifference of the remark pained him; it seemed as if all he loved were falling away from him.
soft and mild; not harsh or stern or severe
From this reading “Walter, I am going to leave you,” observed Lewis in a quiet, gentle voice.
the act of departing
From this reading “Walter, I am going to leave you,” observed Lewis in a quiet, gentle voice.
in a gradual manner
From this reading He had determined that it would be better for Walter not to be told at once that he was leaving never to return, but to allow the truth gradually to dawn upon him, after he had practically tested his ability to do without him; still he was anxious in some degree to prepare the poor boy’s mind to support the severe grief which he feared his absence would occasion him.
intense sorrow caused by loss of a loved one (especially by death)
From this reading He had determined that it would be better for Walter not to be told at once that he was leaving never to return, but to allow the truth gradually to dawn upon him, after he had practically tested his ability to do without him; still he was anxious in some degree to prepare the poor boy’s mind to support the severe grief which he feared his absence would occasion him.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Lewis knew from the nature of the answer that the sound but not the sense of his communication had reached his poor pupil’s understanding, and yet the apparent indifference of the remark pained him; it seemed as if all he loved were falling away from him.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Lewis knew from the nature of the answer that the sound but not the sense of his communication had reached his poor pupil’s understanding, and yet the apparent indifference of the remark pained him; it seemed as if all he loved were falling away from him.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Lewis knew from the nature of the answer that the sound but not the sense of his communication had reached his poor pupil’s understanding, and yet the apparent indifference of the remark pained him; it seemed as if all he loved were falling away from him.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Walter, who was seated on a low stool playing with Faust, continued his amusement, merely replying carelessly, “Are you?”
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading “Walter, I am going to leave you,” observed Lewis in a quiet, gentle voice.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Lewis knew from the nature of the answer that the sound but not the sense of his communication had reached his poor pupil’s understanding, and yet the apparent indifference of the remark pained him; it seemed as if all he loved were falling away from him.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading “Walter, I am going to leave you,” observed Lewis in a quiet, gentle voice.
indifferencenounUS /ˌɪnˈdɪfərəns/
unbiased impartial unconcern
From this reading Lewis knew from the nature of the answer that the sound but not the sense of his communication had reached his poor pupil’s understanding, and yet the apparent indifference of the remark pained him; it seemed as if all he loved were falling away from him.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Lewis knew from the nature of the answer that the sound but not the sense of his communication had reached his poor pupil’s understanding, and yet the apparent indifference of the remark pained him; it seemed as if all he loved were falling away from him.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading Lewis knew from the nature of the answer that the sound but not the sense of his communication had reached his poor pupil’s understanding, and yet the apparent indifference of the remark pained him; it seemed as if all he loved were falling away from him.
go away from a place
From this reading “Walter, I am going to leave you,” observed Lewis in a quiet, gentle voice.
the act of departing
From this reading He had determined that it would be better for Walter not to be told at once that he was leaving never to return, but to allow the truth gradually to dawn upon him, after he had practically tested his ability to do without him; still he was anxious in some degree to prepare the poor boy’s mind to support the severe grief which he feared his absence would occasion him.
LewisnounUS /ˈluːɪs/
United States rock star singer and pianist (born in 1935)
From this reading “Walter, I am going to leave you,” observed Lewis in a quiet, gentle voice.
held dear
From this reading Lewis knew from the nature of the answer that the sound but not the sense of his communication had reached his poor pupil’s understanding, and yet the apparent indifference of the remark pained him; it seemed as if all he loved were falling away from him.
less than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading Walter, who was seated on a low stool playing with Faust, continued his amusement, merely replying carelessly, “Are you?”
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading MADE THE SHUTTLECOCK OF FATE.
and nothing more
From this reading Walter, who was seated on a low stool playing with Faust, continued his amusement, merely replying carelessly, “Are you?”
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading He had determined that it would be better for Walter not to be told at once that he was leaving never to return, but to allow the truth gradually to dawn upon him, after he had practically tested his ability to do without him; still he was anxious in some degree to prepare the poor boy’s mind to support the severe grief which he feared his absence would occasion him.
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading Lewis knew from the nature of the answer that the sound but not the sense of his communication had reached his poor pupil’s understanding, and yet the apparent indifference of the remark pained him; it seemed as if all he loved were falling away from him.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading He had determined that it would be better for Walter not to be told at once that he was leaving never to return, but to allow the truth gradually to dawn upon him, after he had practically tested his ability to do without him; still he was anxious in some degree to prepare the poor boy’s mind to support the severe grief which he feared his absence would occasion him.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Lewis knew from the nature of the answer that the sound but not the sense of his communication had reached his poor pupil’s understanding, and yet the apparent indifference of the remark pained him; it seemed as if all he loved were falling away from him.
discovered or determined by scientific observation
From this reading “Walter, I am going to leave you,” observed Lewis in a quiet, gentle voice.
an event that occurs at a critical time
From this reading He had determined that it would be better for Walter not to be told at once that he was leaving never to return, but to allow the truth gradually to dawn upon him, after he had practically tested his ability to do without him; still he was anxious in some degree to prepare the poor boy’s mind to support the severe grief which he feared his absence would occasion him.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading MADE THE SHUTTLECOCK OF FATE.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Walter, who was seated on a low stool playing with Faust, continued his amusement, merely replying carelessly, “Are you?”
on one occasion
From this reading He had determined that it would be better for Walter not to be told at once that he was leaving never to return, but to allow the truth gradually to dawn upon him, after he had practically tested his ability to do without him; still he was anxious in some degree to prepare the poor boy’s mind to support the severe grief which he feared his absence would occasion him.
painedadjectiveUS /peɪnd/
emotionally hurt or upset or annoyed
From this reading Lewis knew from the nature of the answer that the sound but not the sense of his communication had reached his poor pupil’s understanding, and yet the apparent indifference of the remark pained him; it seemed as if all he loved were falling away from him.
the act of playing a musical instrument
From this reading Walter, who was seated on a low stool playing with Faust, continued his amusement, merely replying carelessly, “Are you?”
deserving or inciting pity
From this reading Lewis knew from the nature of the answer that the sound but not the sense of his communication had reached his poor pupil’s understanding, and yet the apparent indifference of the remark pained him; it seemed as if all he loved were falling away from him.
practicallyadverbUS /ˈpræktɪkli/
almost; nearly
From this reading He had determined that it would be better for Walter not to be told at once that he was leaving never to return, but to allow the truth gradually to dawn upon him, after he had practically tested his ability to do without him; still he was anxious in some degree to prepare the poor boy’s mind to support the severe grief which he feared his absence would occasion him.
prepareverbUS /priˈper/
make ready or suitable or equip in advance for a particular purpose or for some use, event, etc
From this reading He had determined that it would be better for Walter not to be told at once that he was leaving never to return, but to allow the truth gradually to dawn upon him, after he had practically tested his ability to do without him; still he was anxious in some degree to prepare the poor boy’s mind to support the severe grief which he feared his absence would occasion him.
pupil's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lewis knew from the nature of the answer that the sound but not the sense of his communication had reached his poor pupil’s understanding, and yet the apparent indifference of the remark pained him; it seemed as if all he loved were falling away from him.
quietadjectiveUS /ˈkwaɪət/
characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity
From this reading “Walter, I am going to leave you,” observed Lewis in a quiet, gentle voice.
past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading Lewis knew from the nature of the answer that the sound but not the sense of his communication had reached his poor pupil’s understanding, and yet the apparent indifference of the remark pained him; it seemed as if all he loved were falling away from him.
a statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief or adds information
From this reading Lewis knew from the nature of the answer that the sound but not the sense of his communication had reached his poor pupil’s understanding, and yet the apparent indifference of the remark pained him; it seemed as if all he loved were falling away from him.
replyingverbUS /rɪˈplaɪɪŋ/
-ing form of “reply” — react verbally
From this reading Walter, who was seated on a low stool playing with Faust, continued his amusement, merely replying carelessly, “Are you?”
go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading He had determined that it would be better for Walter not to be told at once that he was leaving never to return, but to allow the truth gradually to dawn upon him, after he had practically tested his ability to do without him; still he was anxious in some degree to prepare the poor boy’s mind to support the severe grief which he feared his absence would occasion him.
(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks
From this reading Walter, who was seated on a low stool playing with Faust, continued his amusement, merely replying carelessly, “Are you?”
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Lewis knew from the nature of the answer that the sound but not the sense of his communication had reached his poor pupil’s understanding, and yet the apparent indifference of the remark pained him; it seemed as if all he loved were falling away from him.
a general conscious awareness
From this reading Lewis knew from the nature of the answer that the sound but not the sense of his communication had reached his poor pupil’s understanding, and yet the apparent indifference of the remark pained him; it seemed as if all he loved were falling away from him.
intensely or extremely bad or unpleasant in degree or quality
From this reading He had determined that it would be better for Walter not to be told at once that he was leaving never to return, but to allow the truth gradually to dawn upon him, after he had practically tested his ability to do without him; still he was anxious in some degree to prepare the poor boy’s mind to support the severe grief which he feared his absence would occasion him.
SHUTTLECOCKnoun
badminton equipment consisting of a ball of cork or rubber with a crown of feathers
From this reading MADE THE SHUTTLECOCK OF FATE.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading He had determined that it would be better for Walter not to be told at once that he was leaving never to return, but to allow the truth gradually to dawn upon him, after he had practically tested his ability to do without him; still he was anxious in some degree to prepare the poor boy’s mind to support the severe grief which he feared his absence would occasion him.
the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading Lewis knew from the nature of the answer that the sound but not the sense of his communication had reached his poor pupil’s understanding, and yet the apparent indifference of the remark pained him; it seemed as if all he loved were falling away from him.
not in physical motion
From this reading He had determined that it would be better for Walter not to be told at once that he was leaving never to return, but to allow the truth gradually to dawn upon him, after he had practically tested his ability to do without him; still he was anxious in some degree to prepare the poor boy’s mind to support the severe grief which he feared his absence would occasion him.
stoolnounUS /stuːl/
a simple seat without a back or arms
From this reading Walter, who was seated on a low stool playing with Faust, continued his amusement, merely replying carelessly, “Are you?”
the activity of providing for or maintaining by supplying with money or necessities
From this reading He had determined that it would be better for Walter not to be told at once that he was leaving never to return, but to allow the truth gradually to dawn upon him, after he had practically tested his ability to do without him; still he was anxious in some degree to prepare the poor boy’s mind to support the severe grief which he feared his absence would occasion him.
testedadjectiveUS /ˈtestɪd/
tested and proved useful or correct
From this reading He had determined that it would be better for Walter not to be told at once that he was leaving never to return, but to allow the truth gradually to dawn upon him, after he had practically tested his ability to do without him; still he was anxious in some degree to prepare the poor boy’s mind to support the severe grief which he feared his absence would occasion him.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Lewis knew from the nature of the answer that the sound but not the sense of his communication had reached his poor pupil’s understanding, and yet the apparent indifference of the remark pained him; it seemed as if all he loved were falling away from him.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading MADE THE SHUTTLECOCK OF FATE.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading “Walter, I am going to leave you,” observed Lewis in a quiet, gentle voice.
inflected form of “tell” — express in words
From this reading He had determined that it would be better for Walter not to be told at once that he was leaving never to return, but to allow the truth gradually to dawn upon him, after he had practically tested his ability to do without him; still he was anxious in some degree to prepare the poor boy’s mind to support the severe grief which he feared his absence would occasion him.
a fact that has been verified
From this reading He had determined that it would be better for Walter not to be told at once that he was leaving never to return, but to allow the truth gradually to dawn upon him, after he had practically tested his ability to do without him; still he was anxious in some degree to prepare the poor boy’s mind to support the severe grief which he feared his absence would occasion him.
the cognitive condition of someone who understands
From this reading Lewis knew from the nature of the answer that the sound but not the sense of his communication had reached his poor pupil’s understanding, and yet the apparent indifference of the remark pained him; it seemed as if all he loved were falling away from him.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading He had determined that it would be better for Walter not to be told at once that he was leaving never to return, but to allow the truth gradually to dawn upon him, after he had practically tested his ability to do without him; still he was anxious in some degree to prepare the poor boy’s mind to support the severe grief which he feared his absence would occasion him.
the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading “Walter, I am going to leave you,” observed Lewis in a quiet, gentle voice.
German conductor (1876-1962)
From this reading “Walter, I am going to leave you,” observed Lewis in a quiet, gentle voice.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Walter, who was seated on a low stool playing with Faust, continued his amusement, merely replying carelessly, “Are you?”
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Lewis knew from the nature of the answer that the sound but not the sense of his communication had reached his poor pupil’s understanding, and yet the apparent indifference of the remark pained him; it seemed as if all he loved were falling away from him.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading He had determined that it would be better for Walter not to be told at once that he was leaving never to return, but to allow the truth gradually to dawn upon him, after he had practically tested his ability to do without him; still he was anxious in some degree to prepare the poor boy’s mind to support the severe grief which he feared his absence would occasion him.
which person or people
From this reading Walter, who was seated on a low stool playing with Faust, continued his amusement, merely replying carelessly, “Are you?”
in the company of; together with
From this reading Walter, who was seated on a low stool playing with Faust, continued his amusement, merely replying carelessly, “Are you?”
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading He had determined that it would be better for Walter not to be told at once that he was leaving never to return, but to allow the truth gradually to dawn upon him, after he had practically tested his ability to do without him; still he was anxious in some degree to prepare the poor boy’s mind to support the severe grief which he feared his absence would occasion him.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading He had determined that it would be better for Walter not to be told at once that he was leaving never to return, but to allow the truth gradually to dawn upon him, after he had practically tested his ability to do without him; still he was anxious in some degree to prepare the poor boy’s mind to support the severe grief which he feared his absence would occasion him.
but in spite of that
From this reading Lewis knew from the nature of the answer that the sound but not the sense of his communication had reached his poor pupil’s understanding, and yet the apparent indifference of the remark pained him; it seemed as if all he loved were falling away from him.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “Walter, I am going to leave you,” observed Lewis in a quiet, gentle voice.
