used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading This had been once before attempted by his own uncle, King Hakon the Good, the foster son of Athelstane of England; but Hakon the Good was a weak man, who, instead of winning his people to the true faith, had allowed himself to drift back into paganism.
abolishverbUS /əˈbɑːlɪʃ/
do away with
From this reading To abolish the custom of blood sacrifice, to destroy all heathen temples, and to supplant the worship of the pagan gods by preaching the gospel of Christ--this was to be his life work.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading He resolved to stand firm against all opposition, and if gentle persuasion should not avail he would have no scruple in employing physical force.
(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 resolved to stand firm against all opposition, and if gentle persuasion should not avail he would have no scruple in employing physical force.
past form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen
From this reading This had been once before attempted by his own uncle, King Hakon the Good, the foster son of Athelstane of England; but Hakon the Good was a weak man, who, instead of winning his people to the true faith, had allowed himself to drift back into paganism.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Olaf was by nature better fitted for the task, being zealous in the faith and strong in the conviction of the sanctity of his cause.
ascendingadjectiveUS /əˈsendɪŋ/
moving or going or growing upward
From this reading King Olaf's first thought on ascending the throne of Norway was that he would make it his mission to convert the country to Christianity.
Athelstane
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This had been once before attempted by his own uncle, King Hakon the Good, the foster son of Athelstane of England; but Hakon the Good was a weak man, who, instead of winning his people to the true faith, had allowed himself to drift back into paganism.
tried unsuccessfully
From this reading This had been once before attempted by his own uncle, King Hakon the Good, the foster son of Athelstane of England; but Hakon the Good was a weak man, who, instead of winning his people to the true faith, had allowed himself to drift back into paganism.
availverbUS /əˈveɪl/
use to one's advantage
From this reading He resolved to stand firm against all opposition, and if gentle persuasion should not avail he would have no scruple in employing physical force.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading This had been once before attempted by his own uncle, King Hakon the Good, the foster son of Athelstane of England; but Hakon the Good was a weak man, who, instead of winning his people to the true faith, had allowed himself to drift back into paganism.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading To abolish the custom of blood sacrifice, to destroy all heathen temples, and to supplant the worship of the pagan gods by preaching the gospel of Christ--this was to be his life work.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading This had been once before attempted by his own uncle, King Hakon the Good, the foster son of Athelstane of England; but Hakon the Good was a weak man, who, instead of winning his people to the true faith, had allowed himself to drift back into paganism.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading This had been once before attempted by his own uncle, King Hakon the Good, the foster son of Athelstane of England; but Hakon the Good was a weak man, who, instead of winning his people to the true faith, had allowed himself to drift back into paganism.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading Olaf was by nature better fitted for the task, being zealous in the faith and strong in the conviction of the sanctity of his cause.
(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 Olaf was by nature better fitted for the task, being zealous in the faith and strong in the conviction of the sanctity of his cause.
The red fluid that circulates in the heart and blood vessels.
From this reading To abolish the custom of blood sacrifice, to destroy all heathen temples, and to supplant the worship of the pagan gods by preaching the gospel of Christ--this was to be his life work.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading This had been once before attempted by his own uncle, King Hakon the Good, the foster son of Athelstane of England; but Hakon the Good was a weak man, who, instead of winning his people to the true faith, had allowed himself to drift back into paganism.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading This had been once before attempted by his own uncle, King Hakon the Good, the foster son of Athelstane of England; but Hakon the Good was a weak man, who, instead of winning his people to the true faith, had allowed himself to drift back into paganism.
events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something
From this reading Olaf was by nature better fitted for the task, being zealous in the faith and strong in the conviction of the sanctity of his cause.
a teacher and prophet born in Bethlehem and active in Nazareth; his life and sermons form the basis for Christianity (circa 4 BC - AD 29)
From this reading To abolish the custom of blood sacrifice, to destroy all heathen temples, and to supplant the worship of the pagan gods by preaching the gospel of Christ--this was to be his life work.
ChristianitynounUS /ˌkrɪstʃiˈænɪti/
a monotheistic system of beliefs and practices based on the Old Testament and the teachings of Jesus as embodied in the New Testament and emphasizing the role of Jesus as savior
From this reading King Olaf's first thought on ascending the throne of Norway was that he would make it his mission to convert the country to Christianity.
convertverbUS /ˈkɑːnvərt/
change from one system to another or to a new plan or policy
From this reading King Olaf's first thought on ascending the throne of Norway was that he would make it his mission to convert the country to Christianity.
an unshakable belief in something without need for proof or evidence
From this reading Olaf was by nature better fitted for the task, being zealous in the faith and strong in the conviction of the sanctity of his cause.
a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading King Olaf's first thought on ascending the throne of Norway was that he would make it his mission to convert the country to Christianity.
accepted or habitual practice
From this reading To abolish the custom of blood sacrifice, to destroy all heathen temples, and to supplant the worship of the pagan gods by preaching the gospel of Christ--this was to be his life work.
do away with, cause the destruction or undoing of
From this reading To abolish the custom of blood sacrifice, to destroy all heathen temples, and to supplant the worship of the pagan gods by preaching the gospel of Christ--this was to be his life work.
driftverbUS /drɪft/
be in motion due to some air or water current
From this reading This had been once before attempted by his own uncle, King Hakon the Good, the foster son of Athelstane of England; but Hakon the Good was a weak man, who, instead of winning his people to the true faith, had allowed himself to drift back into paganism.
employingverbUS /emˈplɔɪɪŋ/
-ing form of “employ” — put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose
From this reading He resolved to stand firm against all opposition, and if gentle persuasion should not avail he would have no scruple in employing physical force.
a division of the United Kingdom
From this reading This had been once before attempted by his own uncle, King Hakon the Good, the foster son of Athelstane of England; but Hakon the Good was a weak man, who, instead of winning his people to the true faith, had allowed himself to drift back into paganism.
a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny
From this reading This had been once before attempted by his own uncle, King Hakon the Good, the foster son of Athelstane of England; but Hakon the Good was a weak man, who, instead of winning his people to the true faith, had allowed himself to drift back into paganism.
marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable
From this reading He resolved to stand firm against all opposition, and if gentle persuasion should not avail he would have no scruple in employing physical force.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading King Olaf's first thought on ascending the throne of Norway was that he would make it his mission to convert the country to Christianity.
fittedadjectiveUS /ˈfɪtəd/
being the right size and shape to fit as desired
From this reading Olaf was by nature better fitted for the task, being zealous in the faith and strong in the conviction of the sanctity of his cause.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Olaf was by nature better fitted for the task, being zealous in the faith and strong in the conviction of the sanctity of his cause.
a powerful effect or influence
From this reading He resolved to stand firm against all opposition, and if gentle persuasion should not avail he would have no scruple in employing physical force.
fosterverbUS /ˈfɑːstər/
promote the growth of
From this reading This had been once before attempted by his own uncle, King Hakon the Good, the foster son of Athelstane of England; but Hakon the Good was a weak man, who, instead of winning his people to the true faith, had allowed himself to drift back into paganism.
soft and mild; not harsh or stern or severe
From this reading He resolved to stand firm against all opposition, and if gentle persuasion should not avail he would have no scruple in employing physical force.
plural of “god” — the supernatural being conceived as the perfect and omnipotent and omniscient originator and ruler of the universe; the object of worship in monotheistic religions
From this reading To abolish the custom of blood sacrifice, to destroy all heathen temples, and to supplant the worship of the pagan gods by preaching the gospel of Christ--this was to be his life work.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading This had been once before attempted by his own uncle, King Hakon the Good, the foster son of Athelstane of England; but Hakon the Good was a weak man, who, instead of winning his people to the true faith, had allowed himself to drift back into paganism.
gospelnounUS /ˈɡɑːspəl/
the four books in the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) that tell the story of Christ's life and teachings
From this reading To abolish the custom of blood sacrifice, to destroy all heathen temples, and to supplant the worship of the pagan gods by preaching the gospel of Christ--this was to be his life work.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading This had been once before attempted by his own uncle, King Hakon the Good, the foster son of Athelstane of England; but Hakon the Good was a weak man, who, instead of winning his people to the true faith, had allowed himself to drift back into paganism.
Hakon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This had been once before attempted by his own uncle, King Hakon the Good, the foster son of Athelstane of England; but Hakon the Good was a weak man, who, instead of winning his people to the true faith, had allowed himself to drift back into paganism.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading He resolved to stand firm against all opposition, and if gentle persuasion should not avail he would have no scruple in employing physical force.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading King Olaf's first thought on ascending the throne of Norway was that he would make it his mission to convert the country to Christianity.
heathennounUS /ˈhiːðən/
a person who does not acknowledge your god
From this reading To abolish the custom of blood sacrifice, to destroy all heathen temples, and to supplant the worship of the pagan gods by preaching the gospel of Christ--this was to be his life work.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading This had been once before attempted by his own uncle, King Hakon the Good, the foster son of Athelstane of England; but Hakon the Good was a weak man, who, instead of winning his people to the true faith, had allowed himself to drift back into paganism.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading King Olaf's first thought on ascending the throne of Norway was that he would make it his mission to convert the country to Christianity.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading He resolved to stand firm against all opposition, and if gentle persuasion should not avail he would have no scruple in employing physical force.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Olaf was by nature better fitted for the task, being zealous in the faith and strong in the conviction of the sanctity of his cause.
in place of, or as an alternative to
From this reading This had been once before attempted by his own uncle, King Hakon the Good, the foster son of Athelstane of England; but Hakon the Good was a weak man, who, instead of winning his people to the true faith, had allowed himself to drift back into paganism.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading This had been once before attempted by his own uncle, King Hakon the Good, the foster son of Athelstane of England; but Hakon the Good was a weak man, who, instead of winning his people to the true faith, had allowed himself to drift back into paganism.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading King Olaf's first thought on ascending the throne of Norway was that he would make it his mission to convert the country to Christianity.
a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom
From this reading King Olaf's first thought on ascending the throne of Norway was that he would make it his mission to convert the country to Christianity.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading To abolish the custom of blood sacrifice, to destroy all heathen temples, and to supplant the worship of the pagan gods by preaching the gospel of Christ--this was to be his life work.
engage in
From this reading King Olaf's first thought on ascending the throne of Norway was that he would make it his mission to convert the country to Christianity.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading This had been once before attempted by his own uncle, King Hakon the Good, the foster son of Athelstane of England; but Hakon the Good was a weak man, who, instead of winning his people to the true faith, had allowed himself to drift back into paganism.
an organization of missionaries in a foreign land sent to carry on religious work
From this reading King Olaf's first thought on ascending the throne of Norway was that he would make it his mission to convert the country to Christianity.
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading Olaf was by nature better fitted for the task, being zealous in the faith and strong in the conviction of the sanctity of his cause.
not any; not one
From this reading He resolved to stand firm against all opposition, and if gentle persuasion should not avail he would have no scruple in employing physical force.
NorwaynounUS /ˈnɔːrweɪ/
a constitutional monarchy in northern Europe on the western side of the Scandinavian Peninsula; achieved independence from Sweden in 1905
From this reading King Olaf's first thought on ascending the throne of Norway was that he would make it his mission to convert the country to Christianity.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading He resolved to stand firm against all opposition, and if gentle persuasion should not avail he would have no scruple in employing physical force.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading King Olaf's first thought on ascending the throne of Norway was that he would make it his mission to convert the country to Christianity.
Olaf
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Olaf was by nature better fitted for the task, being zealous in the faith and strong in the conviction of the sanctity of his cause.
Olaf's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading King Olaf's first thought on ascending the throne of Norway was that he would make it his mission to convert the country to Christianity.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading King Olaf's first thought on ascending the throne of Norway was that he would make it his mission to convert the country to Christianity.
on one occasion
From this reading This had been once before attempted by his own uncle, King Hakon the Good, the foster son of Athelstane of England; but Hakon the Good was a weak man, who, instead of winning his people to the true faith, had allowed himself to drift back into paganism.
oppositionnounUS /ˌɑːpəˈzɪʃən/
the action of opposing something that you disapprove or disagree with
From this reading He resolved to stand firm against all opposition, and if gentle persuasion should not avail he would have no scruple in employing physical force.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading This had been once before attempted by his own uncle, King Hakon the Good, the foster son of Athelstane of England; but Hakon the Good was a weak man, who, instead of winning his people to the true faith, had allowed himself to drift back into paganism.
pagannounUS /ˈpeɪɡən/
a person who does not acknowledge your god
From this reading To abolish the custom of blood sacrifice, to destroy all heathen temples, and to supplant the worship of the pagan gods by preaching the gospel of Christ--this was to be his life work.
paganismnounUS /ˈpeɪɡənɪzəm/
any of various religions other than Christianity or Judaism or Islamism
From this reading This had been once before attempted by his own uncle, King Hakon the Good, the foster son of Athelstane of England; but Hakon the Good was a weak man, who, instead of winning his people to the true faith, had allowed himself to drift back into paganism.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading This had been once before attempted by his own uncle, King Hakon the Good, the foster son of Athelstane of England; but Hakon the Good was a weak man, who, instead of winning his people to the true faith, had allowed himself to drift back into paganism.
persuasionnounUS /pərˈsweɪʒən/
the act of persuading (or attempting to persuade); communication intended to induce belief or action
From this reading He resolved to stand firm against all opposition, and if gentle persuasion should not avail he would have no scruple in employing physical force.
involving the body as distinguished from the mind or spirit
From this reading He resolved to stand firm against all opposition, and if gentle persuasion should not avail he would have no scruple in employing physical force.
preachingnounUS /ˈpriːtʃɪŋ/
an address of a religious nature (usually delivered during a church service)
From this reading To abolish the custom of blood sacrifice, to destroy all heathen temples, and to supplant the worship of the pagan gods by preaching the gospel of Christ--this was to be his life work.
determined
From this reading He resolved to stand firm against all opposition, and if gentle persuasion should not avail he would have no scruple in employing physical force.
the act of losing or surrendering something as a penalty for a mistake or fault or failure to perform etc.
From this reading To abolish the custom of blood sacrifice, to destroy all heathen temples, and to supplant the worship of the pagan gods by preaching the gospel of Christ--this was to be his life work.
sanctitynounUS /ˈsæŋktɪti/
the quality of being holy
From this reading Olaf was by nature better fitted for the task, being zealous in the faith and strong in the conviction of the sanctity of his cause.
scruplenounUS /ˈskruːpəl/
a unit of apothecary weight equal to 20 grains
From this reading He resolved to stand firm against all opposition, and if gentle persuasion should not avail he would have no scruple in employing physical force.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading He resolved to stand firm against all opposition, and if gentle persuasion should not avail he would have no scruple in employing physical force.
a male human offspring
From this reading This had been once before attempted by his own uncle, King Hakon the Good, the foster son of Athelstane of England; but Hakon the Good was a weak man, who, instead of winning his people to the true faith, had allowed himself to drift back into paganism.
be standing; be upright
From this reading He resolved to stand firm against all opposition, and if gentle persuasion should not avail he would have no scruple in employing physical force.
having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading Olaf was by nature better fitted for the task, being zealous in the faith and strong in the conviction of the sanctity of his cause.
supplantverbUS /səˈplænt/
take the place or move into the position of
From this reading To abolish the custom of blood sacrifice, to destroy all heathen temples, and to supplant the worship of the pagan gods by preaching the gospel of Christ--this was to be his life work.
any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted
From this reading Olaf was by nature better fitted for the task, being zealous in the faith and strong in the conviction of the sanctity of his cause.
templesnounUS /ˈtempəlz/
plural of “temple” — place of worship consisting of an edifice for the worship of a deity
From this reading To abolish the custom of blood sacrifice, to destroy all heathen temples, and to supplant the worship of the pagan gods by preaching the gospel of Christ--this was to be his life work.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading King Olaf's first thought on ascending the throne of Norway was that he would make it his mission to convert the country to Christianity.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading King Olaf's first thought on ascending the throne of Norway was that he would make it his mission to convert the country to Christianity.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This had been once before attempted by his own uncle, King Hakon the Good, the foster son of Athelstane of England; but Hakon the Good was a weak man, who, instead of winning his people to the true faith, had allowed himself to drift back into paganism.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading King Olaf's first thought on ascending the throne of Norway was that he would make it his mission to convert the country to Christianity.
the chair of state for a monarch, bishop, etc.
From this reading King Olaf's first thought on ascending the throne of Norway was that he would make it his mission to convert the country to Christianity.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading King Olaf's first thought on ascending the throne of Norway was that he would make it his mission to convert the country to Christianity.
consistent with fact or reality; not false
From this reading This had been once before attempted by his own uncle, King Hakon the Good, the foster son of Athelstane of England; but Hakon the Good was a weak man, who, instead of winning his people to the true faith, had allowed himself to drift back into paganism.
the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt
From this reading This had been once before attempted by his own uncle, King Hakon the Good, the foster son of Athelstane of England; but Hakon the Good was a weak man, who, instead of winning his people to the true faith, had allowed himself to drift back into paganism.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading King Olaf's first thought on ascending the throne of Norway was that he would make it his mission to convert the country to Christianity.
wanting in physical strength
From this reading This had been once before attempted by his own uncle, King Hakon the Good, the foster son of Athelstane of England; but Hakon the Good was a weak man, who, instead of winning his people to the true faith, had allowed himself to drift back into paganism.
which person or people
From this reading This had been once before attempted by his own uncle, King Hakon the Good, the foster son of Athelstane of England; but Hakon the Good was a weak man, who, instead of winning his people to the true faith, had allowed himself to drift back into paganism.
winningadjectiveUS /ˈwɪnɪŋ/
having won
From this reading This had been once before attempted by his own uncle, King Hakon the Good, the foster son of Athelstane of England; but Hakon the Good was a weak man, who, instead of winning his people to the true faith, had allowed himself to drift back into paganism.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading To abolish the custom of blood sacrifice, to destroy all heathen temples, and to supplant the worship of the pagan gods by preaching the gospel of Christ--this was to be his life work.
love unquestioningly and uncritically or to excess; venerate as an idol
From this reading To abolish the custom of blood sacrifice, to destroy all heathen temples, and to supplant the worship of the pagan gods by preaching the gospel of Christ--this was to be his life work.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading King Olaf's first thought on ascending the throne of Norway was that he would make it his mission to convert the country to Christianity.
zealousadjectiveUS /ˈzeləs/
marked by active interest and enthusiasm
From this reading Olaf was by nature better fitted for the task, being zealous in the faith and strong in the conviction of the sanctity of his cause.
