used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading “Don’t you want to sleep a little?” he said.
a positive feeling of liking
From this reading It was not necessary that he should impose any restraint upon himself in order to treat Esclavita with respect here, almost at his mother’s bedside, or to refrain from these manifestations of affection, that were fraternal rather than lover-like; of whose real meaning and significance he himself was ignorant.
anew
From this reading Rogelio did not again attempt to caress her.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading It was not necessary that he should impose any restraint upon himself in order to treat Esclavita with respect here, almost at his mother’s bedside, or to refrain from these manifestations of affection, that were fraternal rather than lover-like; of whose real meaning and significance he himself was ignorant.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It was not necessary that he should impose any restraint upon himself in order to treat Esclavita with respect here, almost at his mother’s bedside, or to refrain from these manifestations of affection, that were fraternal rather than lover-like; of whose real meaning and significance he himself was ignorant.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading It was not necessary that he should impose any restraint upon himself in order to treat Esclavita with respect here, almost at his mother’s bedside, or to refrain from these manifestations of affection, that were fraternal rather than lover-like; of whose real meaning and significance he himself was ignorant.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading It was not necessary that he should impose any restraint upon himself in order to treat Esclavita with respect here, almost at his mother’s bedside, or to refrain from these manifestations of affection, that were fraternal rather than lover-like; of whose real meaning and significance he himself was ignorant.
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading Rogelio did not again attempt to caress her.
auburnadjectiveUS /ˈɑːbərn/
(of hair) colored a moderate reddish-brown
From this reading He only permitted himself to pass his hand now and again over her loosely-flowing and luxuriant auburn hair.
bedsidenounUS /ˈbedsaɪd/
space by the side of a bed (especially the bed of a sick or dying person)
From this reading It was not necessary that he should impose any restraint upon himself in order to treat Esclavita with respect here, almost at his mother’s bedside, or to refrain from these manifestations of affection, that were fraternal rather than lover-like; of whose real meaning and significance he himself was ignorant.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Esclavita’s hair looked softer than it really was, but it was certainly pleasant to pass his hand over the warm, wavy tresses.
caressnounUS /kərˈes/
a gentle affectionate stroking (or something resembling it)
From this reading Rogelio did not again attempt to caress her.
definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)
From this reading Esclavita’s hair looked softer than it really was, but it was certainly pleasant to pass his hand over the warm, wavy tresses.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Rogelio did not again attempt to caress her.
Don't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Don’t you want to sleep a little?” he said.
Esclavita
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was not necessary that he should impose any restraint upon himself in order to treat Esclavita with respect here, almost at his mother’s bedside, or to refrain from these manifestations of affection, that were fraternal rather than lover-like; of whose real meaning and significance he himself was ignorant.
Esclavita's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Esclavita’s hair looked softer than it really was, but it was certainly pleasant to pass his hand over the warm, wavy tresses.
fraternaladjectiveUS /frəˈtɜːrnəl/
of or relating to a fraternity or society of usually men
From this reading It was not necessary that he should impose any restraint upon himself in order to treat Esclavita with respect here, almost at his mother’s bedside, or to refrain from these manifestations of affection, that were fraternal rather than lover-like; of whose real meaning and significance he himself was ignorant.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading It was not necessary that he should impose any restraint upon himself in order to treat Esclavita with respect here, almost at his mother’s bedside, or to refrain from these manifestations of affection, that were fraternal rather than lover-like; of whose real meaning and significance he himself was ignorant.
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 He only permitted himself to pass his hand now and again over her loosely-flowing and luxuriant auburn hair.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading He only permitted himself to pass his hand now and again over her loosely-flowing and luxuriant auburn hair.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading It was not necessary that he should impose any restraint upon himself in order to treat Esclavita with respect here, almost at his mother’s bedside, or to refrain from these manifestations of affection, that were fraternal rather than lover-like; of whose real meaning and significance he himself was ignorant.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Rogelio did not again attempt to caress her.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading It was not necessary that he should impose any restraint upon himself in order to treat Esclavita with respect here, almost at his mother’s bedside, or to refrain from these manifestations of affection, that were fraternal rather than lover-like; of whose real meaning and significance he himself was ignorant.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading It was not necessary that he should impose any restraint upon himself in order to treat Esclavita with respect here, almost at his mother’s bedside, or to refrain from these manifestations of affection, that were fraternal rather than lover-like; of whose real meaning and significance he himself was ignorant.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading It was not necessary that he should impose any restraint upon himself in order to treat Esclavita with respect here, almost at his mother’s bedside, or to refrain from these manifestations of affection, that were fraternal rather than lover-like; of whose real meaning and significance he himself was ignorant.
uneducated in general; lacking knowledge or sophistication
From this reading It was not necessary that he should impose any restraint upon himself in order to treat Esclavita with respect here, almost at his mother’s bedside, or to refrain from these manifestations of affection, that were fraternal rather than lover-like; of whose real meaning and significance he himself was ignorant.
imposeverbUS /ˌɪmˈpoʊz/
compel to behave in a certain way
From this reading It was not necessary that he should impose any restraint upon himself in order to treat Esclavita with respect here, almost at his mother’s bedside, or to refrain from these manifestations of affection, that were fraternal rather than lover-like; of whose real meaning and significance he himself was ignorant.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It was not necessary that he should impose any restraint upon himself in order to treat Esclavita with respect here, almost at his mother’s bedside, or to refrain from these manifestations of affection, that were fraternal rather than lover-like; of whose real meaning and significance he himself was ignorant.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was not necessary that he should impose any restraint upon himself in order to treat Esclavita with respect here, almost at his mother’s bedside, or to refrain from these manifestations of affection, that were fraternal rather than lover-like; of whose real meaning and significance he himself was ignorant.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading “Don’t you want to sleep a little?” he said.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading Esclavita’s hair looked softer than it really was, but it was certainly pleasant to pass his hand over the warm, wavy tresses.
loosely-flowing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He only permitted himself to pass his hand now and again over her loosely-flowing and luxuriant auburn hair.
lover-like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was not necessary that he should impose any restraint upon himself in order to treat Esclavita with respect here, almost at his mother’s bedside, or to refrain from these manifestations of affection, that were fraternal rather than lover-like; of whose real meaning and significance he himself was ignorant.
luxuriantadjectiveUS /ləɡˈʒɜːriənt/
marked by complexity and richness of detail
From this reading He only permitted himself to pass his hand now and again over her loosely-flowing and luxuriant auburn hair.
manifestationsnounUS /ˌmænəfeˈsteɪʃənz/
plural of “manifestation” — a clear appearance
From this reading It was not necessary that he should impose any restraint upon himself in order to treat Esclavita with respect here, almost at his mother’s bedside, or to refrain from these manifestations of affection, that were fraternal rather than lover-like; of whose real meaning and significance he himself was ignorant.
the message that is intended or expressed or signified
From this reading It was not necessary that he should impose any restraint upon himself in order to treat Esclavita with respect here, almost at his mother’s bedside, or to refrain from these manifestations of affection, that were fraternal rather than lover-like; of whose real meaning and significance he himself was ignorant.
mother'snounUS /ˈmʌðərz/
possessive form of “mother” — a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading It was not necessary that he should impose any restraint upon himself in order to treat Esclavita with respect here, almost at his mother’s bedside, or to refrain from these manifestations of affection, that were fraternal rather than lover-like; of whose real meaning and significance he himself was ignorant.
absolutely essential
From this reading It was not necessary that he should impose any restraint upon himself in order to treat Esclavita with respect here, almost at his mother’s bedside, or to refrain from these manifestations of affection, that were fraternal rather than lover-like; of whose real meaning and significance he himself was ignorant.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Rogelio did not again attempt to caress her.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading He only permitted himself to pass his hand now and again over her loosely-flowing and luxuriant auburn hair.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It was not necessary that he should impose any restraint upon himself in order to treat Esclavita with respect here, almost at his mother’s bedside, or to refrain from these manifestations of affection, that were fraternal rather than lover-like; of whose real meaning and significance he himself was ignorant.
and nothing more
From this reading He only permitted himself to pass his hand now and again over her loosely-flowing and luxuriant auburn hair.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading It was not necessary that he should impose any restraint upon himself in order to treat Esclavita with respect here, almost at his mother’s bedside, or to refrain from these manifestations of affection, that were fraternal rather than lover-like; of whose real meaning and significance he himself was ignorant.
(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading It was not necessary that he should impose any restraint upon himself in order to treat Esclavita with respect here, almost at his mother’s bedside, or to refrain from these manifestations of affection, that were fraternal rather than lover-like; of whose real meaning and significance he himself was ignorant.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading He only permitted himself to pass his hand now and again over her loosely-flowing and luxuriant auburn hair.
go across or through
From this reading He only permitted himself to pass his hand now and again over her loosely-flowing and luxuriant auburn hair.
inflected form of “permit” — consent to, give permission
From this reading He only permitted himself to pass his hand now and again over her loosely-flowing and luxuriant auburn hair.
affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings
From this reading Esclavita’s hair looked softer than it really was, but it was certainly pleasant to pass his hand over the warm, wavy tresses.
on the contrary
From this reading It was not necessary that he should impose any restraint upon himself in order to treat Esclavita with respect here, almost at his mother’s bedside, or to refrain from these manifestations of affection, that were fraternal rather than lover-like; of whose real meaning and significance he himself was ignorant.
being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory
From this reading It was not necessary that he should impose any restraint upon himself in order to treat Esclavita with respect here, almost at his mother’s bedside, or to refrain from these manifestations of affection, that were fraternal rather than lover-like; of whose real meaning and significance he himself was ignorant.
in accordance with truth or fact or reality
From this reading Esclavita’s hair looked softer than it really was, but it was certainly pleasant to pass his hand over the warm, wavy tresses.
refrainverbUS /rɪˈfreɪn/
resist doing something
From this reading It was not necessary that he should impose any restraint upon himself in order to treat Esclavita with respect here, almost at his mother’s bedside, or to refrain from these manifestations of affection, that were fraternal rather than lover-like; of whose real meaning and significance he himself was ignorant.
(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point
From this reading It was not necessary that he should impose any restraint upon himself in order to treat Esclavita with respect here, almost at his mother’s bedside, or to refrain from these manifestations of affection, that were fraternal rather than lover-like; of whose real meaning and significance he himself was ignorant.
restraintnounUS /rɪˈstreɪnt/
the act of controlling by restraining someone or something
From this reading It was not necessary that he should impose any restraint upon himself in order to treat Esclavita with respect here, almost at his mother’s bedside, or to refrain from these manifestations of affection, that were fraternal rather than lover-like; of whose real meaning and significance he himself was ignorant.
Rogelio
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Rogelio did not again attempt to caress her.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading “Don’t you want to sleep a little?” he said.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading It was not necessary that he should impose any restraint upon himself in order to treat Esclavita with respect here, almost at his mother’s bedside, or to refrain from these manifestations of affection, that were fraternal rather than lover-like; of whose real meaning and significance he himself was ignorant.
significancenounUS /səɡˈnɪfɪkəns/
the quality of being significant
From this reading It was not necessary that he should impose any restraint upon himself in order to treat Esclavita with respect here, almost at his mother’s bedside, or to refrain from these manifestations of affection, that were fraternal rather than lover-like; of whose real meaning and significance he himself was ignorant.
a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended
From this reading “Don’t you want to sleep a little?” he said.
softeradjectiveUS /ˈsɑːftər/
comparative of “soft” — yielding readily to pressure or weight
From this reading Esclavita’s hair looked softer than it really was, but it was certainly pleasant to pass his hand over the warm, wavy tresses.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading It was not necessary that he should impose any restraint upon himself in order to treat Esclavita with respect here, almost at his mother’s bedside, or to refrain from these manifestations of affection, that were fraternal rather than lover-like; of whose real meaning and significance he himself was ignorant.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It was not necessary that he should impose any restraint upon himself in order to treat Esclavita with respect here, almost at his mother’s bedside, or to refrain from these manifestations of affection, that were fraternal rather than lover-like; of whose real meaning and significance he himself was ignorant.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Esclavita’s hair looked softer than it really was, but it was certainly pleasant to pass his hand over the warm, wavy tresses.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading It was not necessary that he should impose any restraint upon himself in order to treat Esclavita with respect here, almost at his mother’s bedside, or to refrain from these manifestations of affection, that were fraternal rather than lover-like; of whose real meaning and significance he himself was ignorant.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Rogelio did not again attempt to caress her.
interact in a certain way
From this reading It was not necessary that he should impose any restraint upon himself in order to treat Esclavita with respect here, almost at his mother’s bedside, or to refrain from these manifestations of affection, that were fraternal rather than lover-like; of whose real meaning and significance he himself was ignorant.
tressesnounUS /ˈtresɪz/
plural of “tress” — a hairdo formed by braiding or twisting the hair
From this reading Esclavita’s hair looked softer than it really was, but it was certainly pleasant to pass his hand over the warm, wavy tresses.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading It was not necessary that he should impose any restraint upon himself in order to treat Esclavita with respect here, almost at his mother’s bedside, or to refrain from these manifestations of affection, that were fraternal rather than lover-like; of whose real meaning and significance he himself was ignorant.
feel or have a desire for; want strongly
From this reading “Don’t you want to sleep a little?” he said.
having or producing a comfortable and agreeable degree of heat or imparting or maintaining heat
From this reading Esclavita’s hair looked softer than it really was, but it was certainly pleasant to pass his hand over the warm, wavy tresses.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was not necessary that he should impose any restraint upon himself in order to treat Esclavita with respect here, almost at his mother’s bedside, or to refrain from these manifestations of affection, that were fraternal rather than lover-like; of whose real meaning and significance he himself was ignorant.
wavyadjectiveUS /ˈweɪvi/
(of hair) having waves
From this reading Esclavita’s hair looked softer than it really was, but it was certainly pleasant to pass his hand over the warm, wavy tresses.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading It was not necessary that he should impose any restraint upon himself in order to treat Esclavita with respect here, almost at his mother’s bedside, or to refrain from these manifestations of affection, that were fraternal rather than lover-like; of whose real meaning and significance he himself was ignorant.
belonging to which person
From this reading It was not necessary that he should impose any restraint upon himself in order to treat Esclavita with respect here, almost at his mother’s bedside, or to refrain from these manifestations of affection, that were fraternal rather than lover-like; of whose real meaning and significance he himself was ignorant.
in the company of; together with
From this reading It was not necessary that he should impose any restraint upon himself in order to treat Esclavita with respect here, almost at his mother’s bedside, or to refrain from these manifestations of affection, that were fraternal rather than lover-like; of whose real meaning and significance he himself was ignorant.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “Don’t you want to sleep a little?” he said.
