used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading It was a feeling of exhilaration and romantic expectancy, blent with an absurd sense of our being entirely on our own resources, vagrants shifting for ourselves, independent of civilization; which, of course, the actual circumstances in no way warranted.
inconsistent with reason or logic or common sense
From this reading It was a feeling of exhilaration and romantic expectancy, blent with an absurd sense of our being entirely on our own resources, vagrants shifting for ourselves, independent of civilization; which, of course, the actual circumstances in no way warranted.
presently existing in fact and not merely potential or possible
From this reading It was a feeling of exhilaration and romantic expectancy, blent with an absurd sense of our being entirely on our own resources, vagrants shifting for ourselves, independent of civilization; which, of course, the actual circumstances in no way warranted.
take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome
From this reading THE AMERICAN BLUEBIRD AND ITS SONG I wish I could convey the singular feeling of freedom and adventure that possessed us as Colin and I grasped our sticks and struck up the green hill--for New York.
a native or inhabitant of the United States
From this reading THE AMERICAN BLUEBIRD AND ITS SONG I wish I could convey the singular feeling of freedom and adventure that possessed us as Colin and I grasped our sticks and struck up the green hill--for New York.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading It was a feeling of exhilaration and romantic expectancy, blent with an absurd sense of our being entirely on our own resources, vagrants shifting for ourselves, independent of civilization; which, of course, the actual circumstances in no way warranted.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE AMERICAN BLUEBIRD AND ITS SONG I wish I could convey the singular feeling of freedom and adventure that possessed us as Colin and I grasped our sticks and struck up the green hill--for New York.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading THE AMERICAN BLUEBIRD AND ITS SONG I wish I could convey the singular feeling of freedom and adventure that possessed us as Colin and I grasped our sticks and struck up the green hill--for New York.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading "Well, we're off!" we said simultaneously, smiling interrogatively at each other.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading It was a feeling of exhilaration and romantic expectancy, blent with an absurd sense of our being entirely on our own resources, vagrants shifting for ourselves, independent of civilization; which, of course, the actual circumstances in no way warranted.
blent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a feeling of exhilaration and romantic expectancy, blent with an absurd sense of our being entirely on our own resources, vagrants shifting for ourselves, independent of civilization; which, of course, the actual circumstances in no way warranted.
BLUEBIRDnounUS /ˈbluːbɜːrd/
fruit-eating mostly brilliant blue songbird of the East Indies
From this reading THE AMERICAN BLUEBIRD AND ITS SONG I wish I could convey the singular feeling of freedom and adventure that possessed us as Colin and I grasped our sticks and struck up the green hill--for New York.
boyishadjectiveUS /ˈbɔɪɪʃ/
befitting or characteristic of a young boy
From this reading A delightful boyish illusion of entering on untrodden paths and facing unknown dangers thrilled through us.
your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)
From this reading It was a feeling of exhilaration and romantic expectancy, blent with an absurd sense of our being entirely on our own resources, vagrants shifting for ourselves, independent of civilization; which, of course, the actual circumstances in no way warranted.
civilizationnounUS /ˌsɪvəlɪˈzeɪʃən/
a society in an advanced state of social development (e.g., with complex legal and political and religious organizations)
From this reading It was a feeling of exhilaration and romantic expectancy, blent with an absurd sense of our being entirely on our own resources, vagrants shifting for ourselves, independent of civilization; which, of course, the actual circumstances in no way warranted.
Colin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE AMERICAN BLUEBIRD AND ITS SONG I wish I could convey the singular feeling of freedom and adventure that possessed us as Colin and I grasped our sticks and struck up the green hill--for New York.
conveyverbUS /kənˈveɪ/
(of information) make known; pass on
From this reading THE AMERICAN BLUEBIRD AND ITS SONG I wish I could convey the singular feeling of freedom and adventure that possessed us as Colin and I grasped our sticks and struck up the green hill--for New York.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading THE AMERICAN BLUEBIRD AND ITS SONG I wish I could convey the singular feeling of freedom and adventure that possessed us as Colin and I grasped our sticks and struck up the green hill--for New York.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading It was a feeling of exhilaration and romantic expectancy, blent with an absurd sense of our being entirely on our own resources, vagrants shifting for ourselves, independent of civilization; which, of course, the actual circumstances in no way warranted.
dangersnounUS /ˈdeɪndʒərz/
plural of “danger” — the condition of being susceptible to harm or injury
From this reading A delightful boyish illusion of entering on untrodden paths and facing unknown dangers thrilled through us.
greatly pleasing or entertaining
From this reading A delightful boyish illusion of entering on untrodden paths and facing unknown dangers thrilled through us.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading "Well, we're off!" we said simultaneously, smiling interrogatively at each other.
a movement into or inward
From this reading A delightful boyish illusion of entering on untrodden paths and facing unknown dangers thrilled through us.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading It was a feeling of exhilaration and romantic expectancy, blent with an absurd sense of our being entirely on our own resources, vagrants shifting for ourselves, independent of civilization; which, of course, the actual circumstances in no way warranted.
exhilarationnounUS /ɪɡˌzɪlərˈeɪʃən/
the feeling of lively and cheerful joy
From this reading It was a feeling of exhilaration and romantic expectancy, blent with an absurd sense of our being entirely on our own resources, vagrants shifting for ourselves, independent of civilization; which, of course, the actual circumstances in no way warranted.
expectancynounUS /ɪkˈspektənsi/
an expectation
From this reading It was a feeling of exhilaration and romantic expectancy, blent with an absurd sense of our being entirely on our own resources, vagrants shifting for ourselves, independent of civilization; which, of course, the actual circumstances in no way warranted.
facingnounUS /ˈfeɪsɪŋ/
a lining applied to the edge of a garment for ornamentation or strengthening
From this reading A delightful boyish illusion of entering on untrodden paths and facing unknown dangers thrilled through us.
the experiencing of affective and emotional states
From this reading THE AMERICAN BLUEBIRD AND ITS SONG I wish I could convey the singular feeling of freedom and adventure that possessed us as Colin and I grasped our sticks and struck up the green hill--for New York.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading THE AMERICAN BLUEBIRD AND ITS SONG I wish I could convey the singular feeling of freedom and adventure that possessed us as Colin and I grasped our sticks and struck up the green hill--for New York.
the condition of being free; the power to act or speak or think without externally imposed restraints
From this reading THE AMERICAN BLUEBIRD AND ITS SONG I wish I could convey the singular feeling of freedom and adventure that possessed us as Colin and I grasped our sticks and struck up the green hill--for New York.
graspedverbUS /ɡræspt/
past form of “grasp” — hold firmly
From this reading THE AMERICAN BLUEBIRD AND ITS SONG I wish I could convey the singular feeling of freedom and adventure that possessed us as Colin and I grasped our sticks and struck up the green hill--for New York.
green color or pigment; resembling the color of growing grass
From this reading THE AMERICAN BLUEBIRD AND ITS SONG I wish I could convey the singular feeling of freedom and adventure that possessed us as Colin and I grasped our sticks and struck up the green hill--for New York.
a local and well-defined elevation of the land
From this reading THE AMERICAN BLUEBIRD AND ITS SONG I wish I could convey the singular feeling of freedom and adventure that possessed us as Colin and I grasped our sticks and struck up the green hill--for New York.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading THE AMERICAN BLUEBIRD AND ITS SONG I wish I could convey the singular feeling of freedom and adventure that possessed us as Colin and I grasped our sticks and struck up the green hill--for New York.
illusionnounUS /ˌɪˈluːʒən/
an erroneous mental representation
From this reading A delightful boyish illusion of entering on untrodden paths and facing unknown dangers thrilled through us.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It was a feeling of exhilaration and romantic expectancy, blent with an absurd sense of our being entirely on our own resources, vagrants shifting for ourselves, independent of civilization; which, of course, the actual circumstances in no way warranted.
independentadjectiveUS /ˌɪndɪˈpendənt/
free from external control and constraint
From this reading It was a feeling of exhilaration and romantic expectancy, blent with an absurd sense of our being entirely on our own resources, vagrants shifting for ourselves, independent of civilization; which, of course, the actual circumstances in no way warranted.
interrogativelyadverb
in a questioning format
From this reading "Well, we're off!" we said simultaneously, smiling interrogatively at each other.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was a feeling of exhilaration and romantic expectancy, blent with an absurd sense of our being entirely on our own resources, vagrants shifting for ourselves, independent of civilization; which, of course, the actual circumstances in no way warranted.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading THE AMERICAN BLUEBIRD AND ITS SONG I wish I could convey the singular feeling of freedom and adventure that possessed us as Colin and I grasped our sticks and struck up the green hill--for New York.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading THE AMERICAN BLUEBIRD AND ITS SONG I wish I could convey the singular feeling of freedom and adventure that possessed us as Colin and I grasped our sticks and struck up the green hill--for New York.
not any; not one
From this reading It was a feeling of exhilaration and romantic expectancy, blent with an absurd sense of our being entirely on our own resources, vagrants shifting for ourselves, independent of civilization; which, of course, the actual circumstances in no way warranted.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE AMERICAN BLUEBIRD AND ITS SONG I wish I could convey the singular feeling of freedom and adventure that possessed us as Colin and I grasped our sticks and struck up the green hill--for New York.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading "Well, we're off!" we said simultaneously, smiling interrogatively at each other.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading It was a feeling of exhilaration and romantic expectancy, blent with an absurd sense of our being entirely on our own resources, vagrants shifting for ourselves, independent of civilization; which, of course, the actual circumstances in no way warranted.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading "Well, we're off!" we said simultaneously, smiling interrogatively at each other.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading THE AMERICAN BLUEBIRD AND ITS SONG I wish I could convey the singular feeling of freedom and adventure that possessed us as Colin and I grasped our sticks and struck up the green hill--for New York.
used when we are both doing the action and receiving it
From this reading It was a feeling of exhilaration and romantic expectancy, blent with an absurd sense of our being entirely on our own resources, vagrants shifting for ourselves, independent of civilization; which, of course, the actual circumstances in no way warranted.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading It was a feeling of exhilaration and romantic expectancy, blent with an absurd sense of our being entirely on our own resources, vagrants shifting for ourselves, independent of civilization; which, of course, the actual circumstances in no way warranted.
pathsnounUS /pæðz/
plural of “path” — a course of conduct
From this reading A delightful boyish illusion of entering on untrodden paths and facing unknown dangers thrilled through us.
influenced or controlled by a powerful force such as a strong emotion
From this reading THE AMERICAN BLUEBIRD AND ITS SONG I wish I could convey the singular feeling of freedom and adventure that possessed us as Colin and I grasped our sticks and struck up the green hill--for New York.
resourcesnounUS /ˈriːsɔːrsɪz/
plural of “resource” — available source of wealth; a new or reserve supply that can be drawn upon when needed
From this reading It was a feeling of exhilaration and romantic expectancy, blent with an absurd sense of our being entirely on our own resources, vagrants shifting for ourselves, independent of civilization; which, of course, the actual circumstances in no way warranted.
romanticadjectiveUS /roʊˈmæntɪk/
belonging to or characteristic of Romanticism or the Romantic Movement in the arts
From this reading It was a feeling of exhilaration and romantic expectancy, blent with an absurd sense of our being entirely on our own resources, vagrants shifting for ourselves, independent of civilization; which, of course, the actual circumstances in no way warranted.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading "Well, we're off!" we said simultaneously, smiling interrogatively at each other.
a general conscious awareness
From this reading It was a feeling of exhilaration and romantic expectancy, blent with an absurd sense of our being entirely on our own resources, vagrants shifting for ourselves, independent of civilization; which, of course, the actual circumstances in no way warranted.
shiftingadjectiveUS /ˈʃɪftɪŋ/
continuously varying
From this reading It was a feeling of exhilaration and romantic expectancy, blent with an absurd sense of our being entirely on our own resources, vagrants shifting for ourselves, independent of civilization; which, of course, the actual circumstances in no way warranted.
simultaneouslyadverbUS /ˌsaɪməlˈteɪniəsli/
at the same instant
From this reading "Well, we're off!" we said simultaneously, smiling interrogatively at each other.
unusual or striking
From this reading THE AMERICAN BLUEBIRD AND ITS SONG I wish I could convey the singular feeling of freedom and adventure that possessed us as Colin and I grasped our sticks and struck up the green hill--for New York.
a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement
From this reading "Well, we're off!" we said simultaneously, smiling interrogatively at each other.
a short musical composition with words
From this reading THE AMERICAN BLUEBIRD AND ITS SONG I wish I could convey the singular feeling of freedom and adventure that possessed us as Colin and I grasped our sticks and struck up the green hill--for New York.
sticksnounUS /stɪks/
plural of “stick” — an implement consisting of a length of wood
From this reading THE AMERICAN BLUEBIRD AND ITS SONG I wish I could convey the singular feeling of freedom and adventure that possessed us as Colin and I grasped our sticks and struck up the green hill--for New York.
(used in combination) affected by something overwhelming
From this reading THE AMERICAN BLUEBIRD AND ITS SONG I wish I could convey the singular feeling of freedom and adventure that possessed us as Colin and I grasped our sticks and struck up the green hill--for New York.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading THE AMERICAN BLUEBIRD AND ITS SONG I wish I could convey the singular feeling of freedom and adventure that possessed us as Colin and I grasped our sticks and struck up the green hill--for New York.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE AMERICAN BLUEBIRD AND ITS SONG I wish I could convey the singular feeling of freedom and adventure that possessed us as Colin and I grasped our sticks and struck up the green hill--for New York.
thrilledadjectiveUS /θrɪld/
feeling intense pleasurable excitement
From this reading A delightful boyish illusion of entering on untrodden paths and facing unknown dangers thrilled through us.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading A delightful boyish illusion of entering on untrodden paths and facing unknown dangers thrilled through us.
not known
From this reading A delightful boyish illusion of entering on untrodden paths and facing unknown dangers thrilled through us.
untroddenadjective
lacking pathways
From this reading A delightful boyish illusion of entering on untrodden paths and facing unknown dangers thrilled through us.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading THE AMERICAN BLUEBIRD AND ITS SONG I wish I could convey the singular feeling of freedom and adventure that possessed us as Colin and I grasped our sticks and struck up the green hill--for New York.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading THE AMERICAN BLUEBIRD AND ITS SONG I wish I could convey the singular feeling of freedom and adventure that possessed us as Colin and I grasped our sticks and struck up the green hill--for New York.
vagrantsnounUS /ˈveɪɡrənts/
plural of “vagrant” — a wanderer who has no established residence or visible means of support
From this reading It was a feeling of exhilaration and romantic expectancy, blent with an absurd sense of our being entirely on our own resources, vagrants shifting for ourselves, independent of civilization; which, of course, the actual circumstances in no way warranted.
warrantedverbUS /ˈwɔːrəntɪd/
past form of “warrant” — provide adequate grounds to justify (a certain course of action)
From this reading It was a feeling of exhilaration and romantic expectancy, blent with an absurd sense of our being entirely on our own resources, vagrants shifting for ourselves, independent of civilization; which, of course, the actual circumstances in no way warranted.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was a feeling of exhilaration and romantic expectancy, blent with an absurd sense of our being entirely on our own resources, vagrants shifting for ourselves, independent of civilization; which, of course, the actual circumstances in no way warranted.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading It was a feeling of exhilaration and romantic expectancy, blent with an absurd sense of our being entirely on our own resources, vagrants shifting for ourselves, independent of civilization; which, of course, the actual circumstances in no way warranted.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading "Well, we're off!" we said simultaneously, smiling interrogatively at each other.
we're
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Well, we're off!" we said simultaneously, smiling interrogatively at each other.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading "Well, we're off!" we said simultaneously, smiling interrogatively at each other.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading It was a feeling of exhilaration and romantic expectancy, blent with an absurd sense of our being entirely on our own resources, vagrants shifting for ourselves, independent of civilization; which, of course, the actual circumstances in no way warranted.
hope for; have a wish
From this reading THE AMERICAN BLUEBIRD AND ITS SONG I wish I could convey the singular feeling of freedom and adventure that possessed us as Colin and I grasped our sticks and struck up the green hill--for New York.
in the company of; together with
From this reading It was a feeling of exhilaration and romantic expectancy, blent with an absurd sense of our being entirely on our own resources, vagrants shifting for ourselves, independent of civilization; which, of course, the actual circumstances in no way warranted.
an affirmative
From this reading "Yes! we're in for it."
the English royal house (a branch of the Plantagenet line) that reigned from 1461 to 1485; its emblem was a white rose
From this reading THE AMERICAN BLUEBIRD AND ITS SONG I wish I could convey the singular feeling of freedom and adventure that possessed us as Colin and I grasped our sticks and struck up the green hill--for New York.
