used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading New York's majestic greatness and ceaseless, tireless activity speedily engrossed the Boy and opened his eager eyes to a wider horizon than he had yet known.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading It was not until his first letter from the homeland had come across the waters that he paused to wonder what the new factor in his life meant for his future.
activitynounUS /ækˈtɪvəti/
any specific behavior
From this reading New York's majestic greatness and ceaseless, tireless activity speedily engrossed the Boy and opened his eager eyes to a wider horizon than he had yet known.
past form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen
From this reading He had not allowed his reason to assert itself until the force of circumstances demanded that he look his soul in the face, and learn whither he was drifting.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading New York's majestic greatness and ceaseless, tireless activity speedily engrossed the Boy and opened his eager eyes to a wider horizon than he had yet known.
assertverbUS /əˈsɜːrt/
state categorically
From this reading He had not allowed his reason to assert itself until the force of circumstances demanded that he look his soul in the face, and learn whither he was drifting.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Paul was no coward, but he quailed before the ominous clouds that threatened the happiness of himself and the girl he loved.
a youthful male person
From this reading New York's majestic greatness and ceaseless, tireless activity speedily engrossed the Boy and opened his eager eyes to a wider horizon than he had yet known.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Paul was no coward, but he quailed before the ominous clouds that threatened the happiness of himself and the girl he loved.
ceaselessadjectiveUS /ˈsiːslɪs/
uninterrupted in time and indefinitely long continuing
From this reading New York's majestic greatness and ceaseless, tireless activity speedily engrossed the Boy and opened his eager eyes to a wider horizon than he had yet known.
your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)
From this reading He had not allowed his reason to assert itself until the force of circumstances demanded that he look his soul in the face, and learn whither he was drifting.
plural of “cloud” — any collection of particles (e.g., smoke or dust) or gases that is visible
From this reading Paul was no coward, but he quailed before the ominous clouds that threatened the happiness of himself and the girl he loved.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading It was not until his first letter from the homeland had come across the waters that he paused to wonder what the new factor in his life meant for his future.
cowardnounUS /ˈkaʊərd/
a person who shows fear or timidity
From this reading Paul was no coward, but he quailed before the ominous clouds that threatened the happiness of himself and the girl he loved.
past form of “demand” — request urgently and forcefully
From this reading He had not allowed his reason to assert itself until the force of circumstances demanded that he look his soul in the face, and learn whither he was drifting.
driftingnounUS /ˈdrɪftɪŋ/
aimless wandering from place to place
From this reading He had not allowed his reason to assert itself until the force of circumstances demanded that he look his soul in the face, and learn whither he was drifting.
eageradjectiveUS /ˈiːɡər/
having or showing keen interest or intense desire or impatient expectancy
From this reading New York's majestic greatness and ceaseless, tireless activity speedily engrossed the Boy and opened his eager eyes to a wider horizon than he had yet known.
engrossedadjectiveUS /ɪnˈɡroʊst/
giving or marked by complete attention to
From this reading New York's majestic greatness and ceaseless, tireless activity speedily engrossed the Boy and opened his eager eyes to a wider horizon than he had yet known.
opinion or judgment
From this reading New York's majestic greatness and ceaseless, tireless activity speedily engrossed the Boy and opened his eager eyes to a wider horizon than he had yet known.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading He had not allowed his reason to assert itself until the force of circumstances demanded that he look his soul in the face, and learn whither he was drifting.
factornounUS /ˈfæktər/
anything that contributes causally to a result
From this reading It was not until his first letter from the homeland had come across the waters that he paused to wonder what the new factor in his life meant for his future.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading It was not until his first letter from the homeland had come across the waters that he paused to wonder what the new factor in his life meant for his future.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It was not until his first letter from the homeland had come across the waters that he paused to wonder what the new factor in his life meant for his future.
a powerful effect or influence
From this reading He had not allowed his reason to assert itself until the force of circumstances demanded that he look his soul in the face, and learn whither he was drifting.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading It was not until his first letter from the homeland had come across the waters that he paused to wonder what the new factor in his life meant for his future.
yet to be or coming
From this reading It was not until his first letter from the homeland had come across the waters that he paused to wonder what the new factor in his life meant for his future.
a young female
From this reading Paul was no coward, but he quailed before the ominous clouds that threatened the happiness of himself and the girl he loved.
greatnessnounUS /ˈɡreɪtnəs/
the property possessed by something or someone of outstanding importance or eminence
From this reading New York's majestic greatness and ceaseless, tireless activity speedily engrossed the Boy and opened his eager eyes to a wider horizon than he had yet known.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading New York's majestic greatness and ceaseless, tireless activity speedily engrossed the Boy and opened his eager eyes to a wider horizon than he had yet known.
state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy
From this reading Paul was no coward, but he quailed before the ominous clouds that threatened the happiness of himself and the girl he loved.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading New York's majestic greatness and ceaseless, tireless activity speedily engrossed the Boy and opened his eager eyes to a wider horizon than he had yet known.
superlative of “high” — greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading There was a new influence in the whir and hum of this metropolis of the Western world that set the wheels of thought to a more rapid motion, and keyed his soul to its highest tension.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Paul was no coward, but he quailed before the ominous clouds that threatened the happiness of himself and the girl he loved.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading New York's majestic greatness and ceaseless, tireless activity speedily engrossed the Boy and opened his eager eyes to a wider horizon than he had yet known.
homelandnounUS /ˈhoʊmlænd/
the country where you were born
From this reading It was not until his first letter from the homeland had come across the waters that he paused to wonder what the new factor in his life meant for his future.
the line at which the sky and Earth appear to meet
From this reading New York's majestic greatness and ceaseless, tireless activity speedily engrossed the Boy and opened his eager eyes to a wider horizon than he had yet known.
humverbUS /hʌm/
sing with closed lips
From this reading There was a new influence in the whir and hum of this metropolis of the Western world that set the wheels of thought to a more rapid motion, and keyed his soul to its highest tension.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading There was a new influence in the whir and hum of this metropolis of the Western world that set the wheels of thought to a more rapid motion, and keyed his soul to its highest tension.
a power to affect persons or events especially power based on prestige etc
From this reading There was a new influence in the whir and hum of this metropolis of the Western world that set the wheels of thought to a more rapid motion, and keyed his soul to its highest tension.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was not until his first letter from the homeland had come across the waters that he paused to wonder what the new factor in his life meant for his future.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading There was a new influence in the whir and hum of this metropolis of the Western world that set the wheels of thought to a more rapid motion, and keyed his soul to its highest tension.
used when the thing doing the action is also its object
From this reading He had not allowed his reason to assert itself until the force of circumstances demanded that he look his soul in the face, and learn whither he was drifting.
keyedadjectiveUS /kiːd/
fitted with or secured by a key
From this reading There was a new influence in the whir and hum of this metropolis of the Western world that set the wheels of thought to a more rapid motion, and keyed his soul to its highest tension.
apprehended with certainty
From this reading New York's majestic greatness and ceaseless, tireless activity speedily engrossed the Boy and opened his eager eyes to a wider horizon than he had yet known.
gain knowledge or skills
From this reading He had not allowed his reason to assert itself until the force of circumstances demanded that he look his soul in the face, and learn whither he was drifting.
a written message addressed to a person or organization
From this reading It was not until his first letter from the homeland had come across the waters that he paused to wonder what the new factor in his life meant for his future.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading It was not until his first letter from the homeland had come across the waters that he paused to wonder what the new factor in his life meant for his future.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading He had not allowed his reason to assert itself until the force of circumstances demanded that he look his soul in the face, and learn whither he was drifting.
held dear
From this reading Paul was no coward, but he quailed before the ominous clouds that threatened the happiness of himself and the girl he loved.
majesticadjectiveUS /məˈdʒestɪk/
majestic in manner or bearing; superior to mundane matters
From this reading New York's majestic greatness and ceaseless, tireless activity speedily engrossed the Boy and opened his eager eyes to a wider horizon than he had yet known.
inflected form of “mean” — mean or intend to express or convey
From this reading It was not until his first letter from the homeland had come across the waters that he paused to wonder what the new factor in his life meant for his future.
metropolisnounUS /məˈtrɑːpələs/
a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts
From this reading There was a new influence in the whir and hum of this metropolis of the Western world that set the wheels of thought to a more rapid motion, and keyed his soul to its highest tension.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading There was a new influence in the whir and hum of this metropolis of the Western world that set the wheels of thought to a more rapid motion, and keyed his soul to its highest tension.
the use of movements (especially of the hands) to communicate familiar or prearranged signals
From this reading There was a new influence in the whir and hum of this metropolis of the Western world that set the wheels of thought to a more rapid motion, and keyed his soul to its highest tension.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading New York's majestic greatness and ceaseless, tireless activity speedily engrossed the Boy and opened his eager eyes to a wider horizon than he had yet known.
not any; not one
From this reading Paul was no coward, but he quailed before the ominous clouds that threatened the happiness of himself and the girl he loved.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading It was not until his first letter from the homeland had come across the waters that he paused to wonder what the new factor in his life meant for his future.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading There was a new influence in the whir and hum of this metropolis of the Western world that set the wheels of thought to a more rapid motion, and keyed his soul to its highest tension.
ominousadjectiveUS /ˈɑːmənəs/
threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments
From this reading Paul was no coward, but he quailed before the ominous clouds that threatened the happiness of himself and the girl he loved.
used of mouth or eyes
From this reading New York's majestic greatness and ceaseless, tireless activity speedily engrossed the Boy and opened his eager eyes to a wider horizon than he had yet known.
United States feminist (1885-1977)
From this reading Paul was no coward, but he quailed before the ominous clouds that threatened the happiness of himself and the girl he loved.
past form of “pause” — interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing
From this reading It was not until his first letter from the homeland had come across the waters that he paused to wonder what the new factor in his life meant for his future.
quailed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Paul was no coward, but he quailed before the ominous clouds that threatened the happiness of himself and the girl he loved.
rapidadjectiveUS /ˈræpəd/
done or occurring in a brief period of time
From this reading There was a new influence in the whir and hum of this metropolis of the Western world that set the wheels of thought to a more rapid motion, and keyed his soul to its highest tension.
a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading He had not allowed his reason to assert itself until the force of circumstances demanded that he look his soul in the face, and learn whither he was drifting.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading There was a new influence in the whir and hum of this metropolis of the Western world that set the wheels of thought to a more rapid motion, and keyed his soul to its highest tension.
the immaterial part of a person; the actuating cause of an individual life
From this reading There was a new influence in the whir and hum of this metropolis of the Western world that set the wheels of thought to a more rapid motion, and keyed his soul to its highest tension.
speedilyadverbUS /ˈspiːdəli/
with speed
From this reading New York's majestic greatness and ceaseless, tireless activity speedily engrossed the Boy and opened his eager eyes to a wider horizon than he had yet known.
tensionnounUS /ˈtenʃən/
(psychology) a state of mental or emotional strain or suspense
From this reading There was a new influence in the whir and hum of this metropolis of the Western world that set the wheels of thought to a more rapid motion, and keyed his soul to its highest tension.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading New York's majestic greatness and ceaseless, tireless activity speedily engrossed the Boy and opened his eager eyes to a wider horizon than he had yet known.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading There was a new influence in the whir and hum of this metropolis of the Western world that set the wheels of thought to a more rapid motion, and keyed his soul to its highest tension.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading New York's majestic greatness and ceaseless, tireless activity speedily engrossed the Boy and opened his eager eyes to a wider horizon than he had yet known.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There was a new influence in the whir and hum of this metropolis of the Western world that set the wheels of thought to a more rapid motion, and keyed his soul to its highest tension.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading There was a new influence in the whir and hum of this metropolis of the Western world that set the wheels of thought to a more rapid motion, and keyed his soul to its highest tension.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading There was a new influence in the whir and hum of this metropolis of the Western world that set the wheels of thought to a more rapid motion, and keyed his soul to its highest tension.
(of flora or fauna) likely in the near future to become endangered
From this reading Paul was no coward, but he quailed before the ominous clouds that threatened the happiness of himself and the girl he loved.
tirelessadjectiveUS /ˈtaɪərləs/
showing sustained enthusiastic action with unflagging vitality
From this reading New York's majestic greatness and ceaseless, tireless activity speedily engrossed the Boy and opened his eager eyes to a wider horizon than he had yet known.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading New York's majestic greatness and ceaseless, tireless activity speedily engrossed the Boy and opened his eager eyes to a wider horizon than he had yet known.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading It was not until his first letter from the homeland had come across the waters that he paused to wonder what the new factor in his life meant for his future.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading There was a new influence in the whir and hum of this metropolis of the Western world that set the wheels of thought to a more rapid motion, and keyed his soul to its highest tension.
United States actress and singer (1896-1977)
From this reading It was not until his first letter from the homeland had come across the waters that he paused to wonder what the new factor in his life meant for his future.
relating to or characteristic of the western parts of the world or the West as opposed to the eastern or oriental parts
From this reading There was a new influence in the whir and hum of this metropolis of the Western world that set the wheels of thought to a more rapid motion, and keyed his soul to its highest tension.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading It was not until his first letter from the homeland had come across the waters that he paused to wonder what the new factor in his life meant for his future.
wheelsnounUS /wiːlz/
plural of “wheel” — a simple machine consisting of a circular frame with spokes (or a solid disc) that can rotate on a shaft or axle (as in vehicles or other machines)
From this reading There was a new influence in the whir and hum of this metropolis of the Western world that set the wheels of thought to a more rapid motion, and keyed his soul to its highest tension.
whirnoun
sound of something in rapid motion
From this reading There was a new influence in the whir and hum of this metropolis of the Western world that set the wheels of thought to a more rapid motion, and keyed his soul to its highest tension.
an old word meaning “to where”
From this reading He had not allowed his reason to assert itself until the force of circumstances demanded that he look his soul in the face, and learn whither he was drifting.
wideradjectiveUS /ˈwaɪdər/
comparative of “wide” — having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other
From this reading New York's majestic greatness and ceaseless, tireless activity speedily engrossed the Boy and opened his eager eyes to a wider horizon than he had yet known.
the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising
From this reading It was not until his first letter from the homeland had come across the waters that he paused to wonder what the new factor in his life meant for his future.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading There was a new influence in the whir and hum of this metropolis of the Western world that set the wheels of thought to a more rapid motion, and keyed his soul to its highest tension.
but in spite of that
From this reading New York's majestic greatness and ceaseless, tireless activity speedily engrossed the Boy and opened his eager eyes to a wider horizon than he had yet known.
York'snounUS /jɔːrks/
possessive form of “york” — 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 New York's majestic greatness and ceaseless, tireless activity speedily engrossed the Boy and opened his eager eyes to a wider horizon than he had yet known.
