used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A GIRL'S TEARS At the girl's outburst Stephens was completely taken aback.
abackadverbUS /əˈbæk/
having the wind against the forward side of the sails
From this reading A GIRL'S TEARS At the girl's outburst Stephens was completely taken aback.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading He did not know what to say; half a dozen phrases struggled to be born in his throat; he wanted to explain at once to the pretty creature that it was all right; to tell her that there was nothing to cry about; to say there was no use in getting into a fuss over it; that after all a man had to take his chances; and that anyhow the milk wasn't spilt yet; that it would be time enough to begin to cry when something really happened.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading He did not know what to say; half a dozen phrases struggled to be born in his throat; he wanted to explain at once to the pretty creature that it was all right; to tell her that there was nothing to cry about; to say there was no use in getting into a fuss over it; that after all a man had to take his chances; and that anyhow the milk wasn't spilt yet; that it would be time enough to begin to cry when something really happened.
(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 did not know what to say; half a dozen phrases struggled to be born in his throat; he wanted to explain at once to the pretty creature that it was all right; to tell her that there was nothing to cry about; to say there was no use in getting into a fuss over it; that after all a man had to take his chances; and that anyhow the milk wasn't spilt yet; that it would be time enough to begin to cry when something really happened.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Tears, a woman's tears, were a novelty to him, and he felt the quick leap of his heart in response.
used to indicate that a statement explains or supports a previous statement
From this reading He did not know what to say; half a dozen phrases struggled to be born in his throat; he wanted to explain at once to the pretty creature that it was all right; to tell her that there was nothing to cry about; to say there was no use in getting into a fuss over it; that after all a man had to take his chances; and that anyhow the milk wasn't spilt yet; that it would be time enough to begin to cry when something really happened.
inflected form of “arise” — come into existence; take on form or shape
From this reading But he felt the brutal stupidity of such remarks, and they remained unspoken, while there arose in him at the same instant the urgent desire to do something; to take her by the hand like a frightened child; to smooth her ruffled hair and staunch her tears; to console her, and, by some means or other, stay the sobs that shook the slender body.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading A GIRL'S TEARS At the girl's outburst Stephens was completely taken aback.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading He did not know what to say; half a dozen phrases struggled to be born in his throat; he wanted to explain at once to the pretty creature that it was all right; to tell her that there was nothing to cry about; to say there was no use in getting into a fuss over it; that after all a man had to take his chances; and that anyhow the milk wasn't spilt yet; that it would be time enough to begin to cry when something really happened.
enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading But it was ten years since he had heard a woman sob, and his practical sympathy, or at least the power of expressing it, had become blunted.
take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading He did not know what to say; half a dozen phrases struggled to be born in his throat; he wanted to explain at once to the pretty creature that it was all right; to tell her that there was nothing to cry about; to say there was no use in getting into a fuss over it; that after all a man had to take his chances; and that anyhow the milk wasn't spilt yet; that it would be time enough to begin to cry when something really happened.
bluntedadjectiveUS /ˈblʌntəd/
made dull or blunt
From this reading But it was ten years since he had heard a woman sob, and his practical sympathy, or at least the power of expressing it, had become blunted.
the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)
From this reading But he felt the brutal stupidity of such remarks, and they remained unspoken, while there arose in him at the same instant the urgent desire to do something; to take her by the hand like a frightened child; to smooth her ruffled hair and staunch her tears; to console her, and, by some means or other, stay the sobs that shook the slender body.
brought into existence
From this reading He did not know what to say; half a dozen phrases struggled to be born in his throat; he wanted to explain at once to the pretty creature that it was all right; to tell her that there was nothing to cry about; to say there was no use in getting into a fuss over it; that after all a man had to take his chances; and that anyhow the milk wasn't spilt yet; that it would be time enough to begin to cry when something really happened.
brutaladjectiveUS /ˈbruːtəl/
(of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering
From this reading But he felt the brutal stupidity of such remarks, and they remained unspoken, while there arose in him at the same instant the urgent desire to do something; to take her by the hand like a frightened child; to smooth her ruffled hair and staunch her tears; to console her, and, by some means or other, stay the sobs that shook the slender body.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But it was ten years since he had heard a woman sob, and his practical sympathy, or at least the power of expressing it, had become blunted.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading But he felt the brutal stupidity of such remarks, and they remained unspoken, while there arose in him at the same instant the urgent desire to do something; to take her by the hand like a frightened child; to smooth her ruffled hair and staunch her tears; to console her, and, by some means or other, stay the sobs that shook the slender body.
plural of “chance” — a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading He did not know what to say; half a dozen phrases struggled to be born in his throat; he wanted to explain at once to the pretty creature that it was all right; to tell her that there was nothing to cry about; to say there was no use in getting into a fuss over it; that after all a man had to take his chances; and that anyhow the milk wasn't spilt yet; that it would be time enough to begin to cry when something really happened.
a young person of either sex
From this reading But he felt the brutal stupidity of such remarks, and they remained unspoken, while there arose in him at the same instant the urgent desire to do something; to take her by the hand like a frightened child; to smooth her ruffled hair and staunch her tears; to console her, and, by some means or other, stay the sobs that shook the slender body.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading A GIRL'S TEARS At the girl's outburst Stephens was completely taken aback.
consoleverbUS /ˈkɑːnsoʊl/
give moral or emotional strength to
From this reading But he felt the brutal stupidity of such remarks, and they remained unspoken, while there arose in him at the same instant the urgent desire to do something; to take her by the hand like a frightened child; to smooth her ruffled hair and staunch her tears; to console her, and, by some means or other, stay the sobs that shook the slender body.
a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading He did not know what to say; half a dozen phrases struggled to be born in his throat; he wanted to explain at once to the pretty creature that it was all right; to tell her that there was nothing to cry about; to say there was no use in getting into a fuss over it; that after all a man had to take his chances; and that anyhow the milk wasn't spilt yet; that it would be time enough to begin to cry when something really happened.
utter a sudden loud cry
From this reading He did not know what to say; half a dozen phrases struggled to be born in his throat; he wanted to explain at once to the pretty creature that it was all right; to tell her that there was nothing to cry about; to say there was no use in getting into a fuss over it; that after all a man had to take his chances; and that anyhow the milk wasn't spilt yet; that it would be time enough to begin to cry when something really happened.
the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state
From this reading But he felt the brutal stupidity of such remarks, and they remained unspoken, while there arose in him at the same instant the urgent desire to do something; to take her by the hand like a frightened child; to smooth her ruffled hair and staunch her tears; to console her, and, by some means or other, stay the sobs that shook the slender body.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading He did not know what to say; half a dozen phrases struggled to be born in his throat; he wanted to explain at once to the pretty creature that it was all right; to tell her that there was nothing to cry about; to say there was no use in getting into a fuss over it; that after all a man had to take his chances; and that anyhow the milk wasn't spilt yet; that it would be time enough to begin to cry when something really happened.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading But he felt the brutal stupidity of such remarks, and they remained unspoken, while there arose in him at the same instant the urgent desire to do something; to take her by the hand like a frightened child; to smooth her ruffled hair and staunch her tears; to console her, and, by some means or other, stay the sobs that shook the slender body.
the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one
From this reading He did not know what to say; half a dozen phrases struggled to be born in his throat; he wanted to explain at once to the pretty creature that it was all right; to tell her that there was nothing to cry about; to say there was no use in getting into a fuss over it; that after all a man had to take his chances; and that anyhow the milk wasn't spilt yet; that it would be time enough to begin to cry when something really happened.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading He did not know what to say; half a dozen phrases struggled to be born in his throat; he wanted to explain at once to the pretty creature that it was all right; to tell her that there was nothing to cry about; to say there was no use in getting into a fuss over it; that after all a man had to take his chances; and that anyhow the milk wasn't spilt yet; that it would be time enough to begin to cry when something really happened.
make plain and comprehensible
From this reading He did not know what to say; half a dozen phrases struggled to be born in his throat; he wanted to explain at once to the pretty creature that it was all right; to tell her that there was nothing to cry about; to say there was no use in getting into a fuss over it; that after all a man had to take his chances; and that anyhow the milk wasn't spilt yet; that it would be time enough to begin to cry when something really happened.
expressingverbUS /ɪkˈspresɪŋ/
-ing form of “express” — give expression to
From this reading But it was ten years since he had heard a woman sob, and his practical sympathy, or at least the power of expressing it, had become blunted.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading Tears, a woman's tears, were a novelty to him, and he felt the quick leap of his heart in response.
made afraid
From this reading But he felt the brutal stupidity of such remarks, and they remained unspoken, while there arose in him at the same instant the urgent desire to do something; to take her by the hand like a frightened child; to smooth her ruffled hair and staunch her tears; to console her, and, by some means or other, stay the sobs that shook the slender body.
fussverbUS /fʌs/
worry unnecessarily or excessively
From this reading He did not know what to say; half a dozen phrases struggled to be born in his throat; he wanted to explain at once to the pretty creature that it was all right; to tell her that there was nothing to cry about; to say there was no use in getting into a fuss over it; that after all a man had to take his chances; and that anyhow the milk wasn't spilt yet; that it would be time enough to begin to cry when something really happened.
the act of acquiring something
From this reading He did not know what to say; half a dozen phrases struggled to be born in his throat; he wanted to explain at once to the pretty creature that it was all right; to tell her that there was nothing to cry about; to say there was no use in getting into a fuss over it; that after all a man had to take his chances; and that anyhow the milk wasn't spilt yet; that it would be time enough to begin to cry when something really happened.
GIRL'SnounUS /ɡɜːrlz/
possessive form of “girl” — a young female
From this reading A GIRL'S TEARS At the girl's outburst Stephens was completely taken aback.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading But it was ten years since he had heard a woman sob, and his practical sympathy, or at least the power of expressing it, had become blunted.
a covering for the body (or parts of it) consisting of a dense growth of threadlike structures (as on the human head); helps to prevent heat loss
From this reading But he felt the brutal stupidity of such remarks, and they remained unspoken, while there arose in him at the same instant the urgent desire to do something; to take her by the hand like a frightened child; to smooth her ruffled hair and staunch her tears; to console her, and, by some means or other, stay the sobs that shook the slender body.
consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity
From this reading He did not know what to say; half a dozen phrases struggled to be born in his throat; he wanted to explain at once to the pretty creature that it was all right; to tell her that there was nothing to cry about; to say there was no use in getting into a fuss over it; that after all a man had to take his chances; and that anyhow the milk wasn't spilt yet; that it would be time enough to begin to cry when something really happened.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading But he felt the brutal stupidity of such remarks, and they remained unspoken, while there arose in him at the same instant the urgent desire to do something; to take her by the hand like a frightened child; to smooth her ruffled hair and staunch her tears; to console her, and, by some means or other, stay the sobs that shook the slender body.
past form of “happen” — come to pass
From this reading He did not know what to say; half a dozen phrases struggled to be born in his throat; he wanted to explain at once to the pretty creature that it was all right; to tell her that there was nothing to cry about; to say there was no use in getting into a fuss over it; that after all a man had to take his chances; and that anyhow the milk wasn't spilt yet; that it would be time enough to begin to cry when something really happened.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Tears, a woman's tears, were a novelty to him, and he felt the quick leap of his heart in response.
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading But it was ten years since he had heard a woman sob, and his practical sympathy, or at least the power of expressing it, had become blunted.
the locus of feelings and intuitions
From this reading Tears, a woman's tears, were a novelty to him, and he felt the quick leap of his heart in response.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading He did not know what to say; half a dozen phrases struggled to be born in his throat; he wanted to explain at once to the pretty creature that it was all right; to tell her that there was nothing to cry about; to say there was no use in getting into a fuss over it; that after all a man had to take his chances; and that anyhow the milk wasn't spilt yet; that it would be time enough to begin to cry when something really happened.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Tears, a woman's tears, were a novelty to him, and he felt the quick leap of his heart in response.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Tears, a woman's tears, were a novelty to him, and he felt the quick leap of his heart in response.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Tears, a woman's tears, were a novelty to him, and he felt the quick leap of his heart in response.
a very short time (as the time it takes the eye to blink or the heart to beat)
From this reading But he felt the brutal stupidity of such remarks, and they remained unspoken, while there arose in him at the same instant the urgent desire to do something; to take her by the hand like a frightened child; to smooth her ruffled hair and staunch her tears; to console her, and, by some means or other, stay the sobs that shook the slender body.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading He did not know what to say; half a dozen phrases struggled to be born in his throat; he wanted to explain at once to the pretty creature that it was all right; to tell her that there was nothing to cry about; to say there was no use in getting into a fuss over it; that after all a man had to take his chances; and that anyhow the milk wasn't spilt yet; that it would be time enough to begin to cry when something really happened.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading But it was ten years since he had heard a woman sob, and his practical sympathy, or at least the power of expressing it, had become blunted.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading He did not know what to say; half a dozen phrases struggled to be born in his throat; he wanted to explain at once to the pretty creature that it was all right; to tell her that there was nothing to cry about; to say there was no use in getting into a fuss over it; that after all a man had to take his chances; and that anyhow the milk wasn't spilt yet; that it would be time enough to begin to cry when something really happened.
leapnounUS /liːp/
a light, self-propelled movement upwards or forwards
From this reading Tears, a woman's tears, were a novelty to him, and he felt the quick leap of his heart in response.
the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree
From this reading But it was ten years since he had heard a woman sob, and his practical sympathy, or at least the power of expressing it, had become blunted.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading But he felt the brutal stupidity of such remarks, and they remained unspoken, while there arose in him at the same instant the urgent desire to do something; to take her by the hand like a frightened child; to smooth her ruffled hair and staunch her tears; to console her, and, by some means or other, stay the sobs that shook the slender body.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading He did not know what to say; half a dozen phrases struggled to be born in his throat; he wanted to explain at once to the pretty creature that it was all right; to tell her that there was nothing to cry about; to say there was no use in getting into a fuss over it; that after all a man had to take his chances; and that anyhow the milk wasn't spilt yet; that it would be time enough to begin to cry when something really happened.
thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end
From this reading But he felt the brutal stupidity of such remarks, and they remained unspoken, while there arose in him at the same instant the urgent desire to do something; to take her by the hand like a frightened child; to smooth her ruffled hair and staunch her tears; to console her, and, by some means or other, stay the sobs that shook the slender body.
a white nutritious liquid secreted by mammals and used as food by human beings
From this reading He did not know what to say; half a dozen phrases struggled to be born in his throat; he wanted to explain at once to the pretty creature that it was all right; to tell her that there was nothing to cry about; to say there was no use in getting into a fuss over it; that after all a man had to take his chances; and that anyhow the milk wasn't spilt yet; that it would be time enough to begin to cry when something really happened.
not any; not one
From this reading He did not know what to say; half a dozen phrases struggled to be born in his throat; he wanted to explain at once to the pretty creature that it was all right; to tell her that there was nothing to cry about; to say there was no use in getting into a fuss over it; that after all a man had to take his chances; and that anyhow the milk wasn't spilt yet; that it would be time enough to begin to cry when something really happened.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading He did not know what to say; half a dozen phrases struggled to be born in his throat; he wanted to explain at once to the pretty creature that it was all right; to tell her that there was nothing to cry about; to say there was no use in getting into a fuss over it; that after all a man had to take his chances; and that anyhow the milk wasn't spilt yet; that it would be time enough to begin to cry when something really happened.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading He did not know what to say; half a dozen phrases struggled to be born in his throat; he wanted to explain at once to the pretty creature that it was all right; to tell her that there was nothing to cry about; to say there was no use in getting into a fuss over it; that after all a man had to take his chances; and that anyhow the milk wasn't spilt yet; that it would be time enough to begin to cry when something really happened.
noveltynounUS /ˈnɑːvəlti/
originality by virtue of being refreshingly novel
From this reading Tears, a woman's tears, were a novelty to him, and he felt the quick leap of his heart in response.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Tears, a woman's tears, were a novelty to him, and he felt the quick leap of his heart in response.
on one occasion
From this reading He did not know what to say; half a dozen phrases struggled to be born in his throat; he wanted to explain at once to the pretty creature that it was all right; to tell her that there was nothing to cry about; to say there was no use in getting into a fuss over it; that after all a man had to take his chances; and that anyhow the milk wasn't spilt yet; that it would be time enough to begin to cry when something really happened.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading But it was ten years since he had heard a woman sob, and his practical sympathy, or at least the power of expressing it, had become blunted.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading But he felt the brutal stupidity of such remarks, and they remained unspoken, while there arose in him at the same instant the urgent desire to do something; to take her by the hand like a frightened child; to smooth her ruffled hair and staunch her tears; to console her, and, by some means or other, stay the sobs that shook the slender body.
outburstnounUS /ˈaʊtbɜːrst/
an unrestrained expression of emotion
From this reading A GIRL'S TEARS At the girl's outburst Stephens was completely taken aback.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading He did not know what to say; half a dozen phrases struggled to be born in his throat; he wanted to explain at once to the pretty creature that it was all right; to tell her that there was nothing to cry about; to say there was no use in getting into a fuss over it; that after all a man had to take his chances; and that anyhow the milk wasn't spilt yet; that it would be time enough to begin to cry when something really happened.
phrasesnounUS /ˈfreɪzəz/
plural of “phrase” — an expression consisting of one or more words forming a grammatical constituent of a sentence
From this reading He did not know what to say; half a dozen phrases struggled to be born in his throat; he wanted to explain at once to the pretty creature that it was all right; to tell her that there was nothing to cry about; to say there was no use in getting into a fuss over it; that after all a man had to take his chances; and that anyhow the milk wasn't spilt yet; that it would be time enough to begin to cry when something really happened.
possession of controlling influence
From this reading But it was ten years since he had heard a woman sob, and his practical sympathy, or at least the power of expressing it, had become blunted.
concerned with actual use or practice
From this reading But it was ten years since he had heard a woman sob, and his practical sympathy, or at least the power of expressing it, had become blunted.
pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing
From this reading He did not know what to say; half a dozen phrases struggled to be born in his throat; he wanted to explain at once to the pretty creature that it was all right; to tell her that there was nothing to cry about; to say there was no use in getting into a fuss over it; that after all a man had to take his chances; and that anyhow the milk wasn't spilt yet; that it would be time enough to begin to cry when something really happened.
accomplished rapidly and without delay
From this reading Tears, a woman's tears, were a novelty to him, and he felt the quick leap of his heart in response.
in accordance with truth or fact or reality
From this reading He did not know what to say; half a dozen phrases struggled to be born in his throat; he wanted to explain at once to the pretty creature that it was all right; to tell her that there was nothing to cry about; to say there was no use in getting into a fuss over it; that after all a man had to take his chances; and that anyhow the milk wasn't spilt yet; that it would be time enough to begin to cry when something really happened.
past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading But he felt the brutal stupidity of such remarks, and they remained unspoken, while there arose in him at the same instant the urgent desire to do something; to take her by the hand like a frightened child; to smooth her ruffled hair and staunch her tears; to console her, and, by some means or other, stay the sobs that shook the slender body.
plural of “remark” — a statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief or adds information
From this reading But he felt the brutal stupidity of such remarks, and they remained unspoken, while there arose in him at the same instant the urgent desire to do something; to take her by the hand like a frightened child; to smooth her ruffled hair and staunch her tears; to console her, and, by some means or other, stay the sobs that shook the slender body.
responsenounUS /rɪˈspɑːns/
a result
From this reading Tears, a woman's tears, were a novelty to him, and he felt the quick leap of his heart in response.
precisely, exactly
From this reading He did not know what to say; half a dozen phrases struggled to be born in his throat; he wanted to explain at once to the pretty creature that it was all right; to tell her that there was nothing to cry about; to say there was no use in getting into a fuss over it; that after all a man had to take his chances; and that anyhow the milk wasn't spilt yet; that it would be time enough to begin to cry when something really happened.
ruffledadjectiveUS /ˈrʌfəld/
shaken into waves or undulations as by wind
From this reading But he felt the brutal stupidity of such remarks, and they remained unspoken, while there arose in him at the same instant the urgent desire to do something; to take her by the hand like a frightened child; to smooth her ruffled hair and staunch her tears; to console her, and, by some means or other, stay the sobs that shook the slender body.
Identical; not different.
From this reading But he felt the brutal stupidity of such remarks, and they remained unspoken, while there arose in him at the same instant the urgent desire to do something; to take her by the hand like a frightened child; to smooth her ruffled hair and staunch her tears; to console her, and, by some means or other, stay the sobs that shook the slender body.
express in words
From this reading He did not know what to say; half a dozen phrases struggled to be born in his throat; he wanted to explain at once to the pretty creature that it was all right; to tell her that there was nothing to cry about; to say there was no use in getting into a fuss over it; that after all a man had to take his chances; and that anyhow the milk wasn't spilt yet; that it would be time enough to begin to cry when something really happened.
a disassembled barrel; the parts packed for storage or shipment
From this reading But he felt the brutal stupidity of such remarks, and they remained unspoken, while there arose in him at the same instant the urgent desire to do something; to take her by the hand like a frightened child; to smooth her ruffled hair and staunch her tears; to console her, and, by some means or other, stay the sobs that shook the slender body.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading But it was ten years since he had heard a woman sob, and his practical sympathy, or at least the power of expressing it, had become blunted.
being of delicate or slender build
From this reading But he felt the brutal stupidity of such remarks, and they remained unspoken, while there arose in him at the same instant the urgent desire to do something; to take her by the hand like a frightened child; to smooth her ruffled hair and staunch her tears; to console her, and, by some means or other, stay the sobs that shook the slender body.
having a surface free from roughness or bumps or ridges or irregularities
From this reading But he felt the brutal stupidity of such remarks, and they remained unspoken, while there arose in him at the same instant the urgent desire to do something; to take her by the hand like a frightened child; to smooth her ruffled hair and staunch her tears; to console her, and, by some means or other, stay the sobs that shook the slender body.
sobverbUS /sɑːb/
weep convulsively
From this reading But it was ten years since he had heard a woman sob, and his practical sympathy, or at least the power of expressing it, had become blunted.
sobsnounUS /sɑːbz/
plural of “sob” — a dyspneic condition
From this reading But he felt the brutal stupidity of such remarks, and they remained unspoken, while there arose in him at the same instant the urgent desire to do something; to take her by the hand like a frightened child; to smooth her ruffled hair and staunch her tears; to console her, and, by some means or other, stay the sobs that shook the slender body.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading But he felt the brutal stupidity of such remarks, and they remained unspoken, while there arose in him at the same instant the urgent desire to do something; to take her by the hand like a frightened child; to smooth her ruffled hair and staunch her tears; to console her, and, by some means or other, stay the sobs that shook the slender body.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading He did not know what to say; half a dozen phrases struggled to be born in his throat; he wanted to explain at once to the pretty creature that it was all right; to tell her that there was nothing to cry about; to say there was no use in getting into a fuss over it; that after all a man had to take his chances; and that anyhow the milk wasn't spilt yet; that it would be time enough to begin to cry when something really happened.
spiltverbUS /spɪlt/
inflected form of “spill” — cause or allow (a liquid substance) to run or flow from a container
From this reading He did not know what to say; half a dozen phrases struggled to be born in his throat; he wanted to explain at once to the pretty creature that it was all right; to tell her that there was nothing to cry about; to say there was no use in getting into a fuss over it; that after all a man had to take his chances; and that anyhow the milk wasn't spilt yet; that it would be time enough to begin to cry when something really happened.
staunchadjectiveUS /stɔːntʃ/
firm and dependable especially in loyalty
From this reading But he felt the brutal stupidity of such remarks, and they remained unspoken, while there arose in him at the same instant the urgent desire to do something; to take her by the hand like a frightened child; to smooth her ruffled hair and staunch her tears; to console her, and, by some means or other, stay the sobs that shook the slender body.
stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading But he felt the brutal stupidity of such remarks, and they remained unspoken, while there arose in him at the same instant the urgent desire to do something; to take her by the hand like a frightened child; to smooth her ruffled hair and staunch her tears; to console her, and, by some means or other, stay the sobs that shook the slender body.
StephensnounUS /ˈstiːvənz/
plural of “stephen” — English writer (1832-1904)
From this reading A GIRL'S TEARS At the girl's outburst Stephens was completely taken aback.
struggledverbUS /ˈstrʌɡəld/
past form of “struggle” — make a strenuous or labored effort
From this reading He did not know what to say; half a dozen phrases struggled to be born in his throat; he wanted to explain at once to the pretty creature that it was all right; to tell her that there was nothing to cry about; to say there was no use in getting into a fuss over it; that after all a man had to take his chances; and that anyhow the milk wasn't spilt yet; that it would be time enough to begin to cry when something really happened.
stupiditynounUS /stuːˈpɪdɪtiː/
a poor ability to understand or to profit from experience
From this reading But he felt the brutal stupidity of such remarks, and they remained unspoken, while there arose in him at the same instant the urgent desire to do something; to take her by the hand like a frightened child; to smooth her ruffled hair and staunch her tears; to console her, and, by some means or other, stay the sobs that shook the slender body.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading But he felt the brutal stupidity of such remarks, and they remained unspoken, while there arose in him at the same instant the urgent desire to do something; to take her by the hand like a frightened child; to smooth her ruffled hair and staunch her tears; to console her, and, by some means or other, stay the sobs that shook the slender body.
an inclination to support or be loyal to or to agree with an opinion
From this reading But it was ten years since he had heard a woman sob, and his practical sympathy, or at least the power of expressing it, had become blunted.
carry out
From this reading He did not know what to say; half a dozen phrases struggled to be born in his throat; he wanted to explain at once to the pretty creature that it was all right; to tell her that there was nothing to cry about; to say there was no use in getting into a fuss over it; that after all a man had to take his chances; and that anyhow the milk wasn't spilt yet; that it would be time enough to begin to cry when something really happened.
takenadjectiveUS /ˈteɪkən/
understood in a certain way; made sense of
From this reading A GIRL'S TEARS At the girl's outburst Stephens was completely taken aback.
the process of shedding tears (usually accompanied by sobs or other inarticulate sounds)
From this reading A GIRL'S TEARS At the girl's outburst Stephens was completely taken aback.
express in words
From this reading He did not know what to say; half a dozen phrases struggled to be born in his throat; he wanted to explain at once to the pretty creature that it was all right; to tell her that there was nothing to cry about; to say there was no use in getting into a fuss over it; that after all a man had to take his chances; and that anyhow the milk wasn't spilt yet; that it would be time enough to begin to cry when something really happened.
the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
From this reading But it was ten years since he had heard a woman sob, and his practical sympathy, or at least the power of expressing it, had become blunted.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading He did not know what to say; half a dozen phrases struggled to be born in his throat; he wanted to explain at once to the pretty creature that it was all right; to tell her that there was nothing to cry about; to say there was no use in getting into a fuss over it; that after all a man had to take his chances; and that anyhow the milk wasn't spilt yet; that it would be time enough to begin to cry when something really happened.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A GIRL'S TEARS At the girl's outburst Stephens was completely taken aback.
in or at that place or location
From this reading He did not know what to say; half a dozen phrases struggled to be born in his throat; he wanted to explain at once to the pretty creature that it was all right; to tell her that there was nothing to cry about; to say there was no use in getting into a fuss over it; that after all a man had to take his chances; and that anyhow the milk wasn't spilt yet; that it would be time enough to begin to cry when something really happened.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading But he felt the brutal stupidity of such remarks, and they remained unspoken, while there arose in him at the same instant the urgent desire to do something; to take her by the hand like a frightened child; to smooth her ruffled hair and staunch her tears; to console her, and, by some means or other, stay the sobs that shook the slender body.
The passage at the back of the mouth.
From this reading He did not know what to say; half a dozen phrases struggled to be born in his throat; he wanted to explain at once to the pretty creature that it was all right; to tell her that there was nothing to cry about; to say there was no use in getting into a fuss over it; that after all a man had to take his chances; and that anyhow the milk wasn't spilt yet; that it would be time enough to begin to cry when something really happened.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading He did not know what to say; half a dozen phrases struggled to be born in his throat; he wanted to explain at once to the pretty creature that it was all right; to tell her that there was nothing to cry about; to say there was no use in getting into a fuss over it; that after all a man had to take his chances; and that anyhow the milk wasn't spilt yet; that it would be time enough to begin to cry when something really happened.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Tears, a woman's tears, were a novelty to him, and he felt the quick leap of his heart in response.
unspokenadjectiveUS /ənˈspoʊkən/
expressed without speech
From this reading But he felt the brutal stupidity of such remarks, and they remained unspoken, while there arose in him at the same instant the urgent desire to do something; to take her by the hand like a frightened child; to smooth her ruffled hair and staunch her tears; to console her, and, by some means or other, stay the sobs that shook the slender body.
urgentadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrdʒənt/
compelling immediate action
From this reading But he felt the brutal stupidity of such remarks, and they remained unspoken, while there arose in him at the same instant the urgent desire to do something; to take her by the hand like a frightened child; to smooth her ruffled hair and staunch her tears; to console her, and, by some means or other, stay the sobs that shook the slender body.
the act of using
From this reading He did not know what to say; half a dozen phrases struggled to be born in his throat; he wanted to explain at once to the pretty creature that it was all right; to tell her that there was nothing to cry about; to say there was no use in getting into a fuss over it; that after all a man had to take his chances; and that anyhow the milk wasn't spilt yet; that it would be time enough to begin to cry when something really happened.
desired or wished for or sought
From this reading He did not know what to say; half a dozen phrases struggled to be born in his throat; he wanted to explain at once to the pretty creature that it was all right; to tell her that there was nothing to cry about; to say there was no use in getting into a fuss over it; that after all a man had to take his chances; and that anyhow the milk wasn't spilt yet; that it would be time enough to begin to cry when something really happened.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A GIRL'S TEARS At the girl's outburst Stephens was completely taken aback.
wasn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He did not know what to say; half a dozen phrases struggled to be born in his throat; he wanted to explain at once to the pretty creature that it was all right; to tell her that there was nothing to cry about; to say there was no use in getting into a fuss over it; that after all a man had to take his chances; and that anyhow the milk wasn't spilt yet; that it would be time enough to begin to cry when something really happened.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Tears, a woman's tears, were a novelty to him, and he felt the quick leap of his heart in response.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading He did not know what to say; half a dozen phrases struggled to be born in his throat; he wanted to explain at once to the pretty creature that it was all right; to tell her that there was nothing to cry about; to say there was no use in getting into a fuss over it; that after all a man had to take his chances; and that anyhow the milk wasn't spilt yet; that it would be time enough to begin to cry when something really happened.
at the time that
From this reading He did not know what to say; half a dozen phrases struggled to be born in his throat; he wanted to explain at once to the pretty creature that it was all right; to tell her that there was nothing to cry about; to say there was no use in getting into a fuss over it; that after all a man had to take his chances; and that anyhow the milk wasn't spilt yet; that it would be time enough to begin to cry when something really happened.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading But he felt the brutal stupidity of such remarks, and they remained unspoken, while there arose in him at the same instant the urgent desire to do something; to take her by the hand like a frightened child; to smooth her ruffled hair and staunch her tears; to console her, and, by some means or other, stay the sobs that shook the slender body.
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading But it was ten years since he had heard a woman sob, and his practical sympathy, or at least the power of expressing it, had become blunted.
woman'snounUS /ˈwʊmənz/
possessive form of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading Tears, a woman's tears, were a novelty to him, and he felt the quick leap of his heart in response.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading He did not know what to say; half a dozen phrases struggled to be born in his throat; he wanted to explain at once to the pretty creature that it was all right; to tell her that there was nothing to cry about; to say there was no use in getting into a fuss over it; that after all a man had to take his chances; and that anyhow the milk wasn't spilt yet; that it would be time enough to begin to cry when something really happened.
a late time of life
From this reading But it was ten years since he had heard a woman sob, and his practical sympathy, or at least the power of expressing it, had become blunted.
but in spite of that
From this reading He did not know what to say; half a dozen phrases struggled to be born in his throat; he wanted to explain at once to the pretty creature that it was all right; to tell her that there was nothing to cry about; to say there was no use in getting into a fuss over it; that after all a man had to take his chances; and that anyhow the milk wasn't spilt yet; that it would be time enough to begin to cry when something really happened.
