used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Had I known how to read and write, I might have been something better than a poor Greenwich pensioner; but nevertheless I'm thankful that I'm no worse.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Nay, I wouldn't care about the writing; but, if I could only read print, Jack, I'd give it; for then I could read the Bible, as Peter Anderson does.
(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 Ever since I've been a man grown I've only regretted it once--and that's been all my life.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading "I've no larning myself, Jack," said he; "and I know the loss of it.
AndersonnounUS /ˈændərsən/
United States author whose works were frequently autobiographical (1876-1941)
From this reading Nay, I wouldn't care about the writing; but, if I could only read print, Jack, I'd give it; for then I could read the Bible, as Peter Anderson does.
a human limb; technically the part of the superior limb between the shoulder and the elbow but commonly used to refer to the whole superior limb
From this reading Why, Jack, I'd give this right arm of mine--to be sure, it's no great things now, but once it could send a harpoon in, up to the hilt--but still a right arm is a right arm to the end of your days!--and I'd give it with pleasure, if I only knew how to read and write.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Nay, I wouldn't care about the writing; but, if I could only read print, Jack, I'd give it; for then I could read the Bible, as Peter Anderson does.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Why, Jack, I'd give this right arm of mine--to be sure, it's no great things now, but once it could send a harpoon in, up to the hilt--but still a right arm is a right arm to the end of your days!--and I'd give it with pleasure, if I only knew how to read and write.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Had I known how to read and write, I might have been something better than a poor Greenwich pensioner; but nevertheless I'm thankful that I'm no worse.
(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 Had I known how to read and write, I might have been something better than a poor Greenwich pensioner; but nevertheless I'm thankful that I'm no worse.
the sacred writings of the Christian religions
From this reading Nay, I wouldn't care about the writing; but, if I could only read print, Jack, I'd give it; for then I could read the Bible, as Peter Anderson does.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Had I known how to read and write, I might have been something better than a poor Greenwich pensioner; but nevertheless I'm thankful that I'm no worse.
the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something
From this reading Nay, I wouldn't care about the writing; but, if I could only read print, Jack, I'd give it; for then I could read the Bible, as Peter Anderson does.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Why, Jack, I'd give this right arm of mine--to be sure, it's no great things now, but once it could send a harpoon in, up to the hilt--but still a right arm is a right arm to the end of your days!--and I'd give it with pleasure, if I only knew how to read and write.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading Why, Jack, I'd give this right arm of mine--to be sure, it's no great things now, but once it could send a harpoon in, up to the hilt--but still a right arm is a right arm to the end of your days!--and I'd give it with pleasure, if I only knew how to read and write.
doesauxiliary verbUS /dʌz/
the form of “do” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Nay, I wouldn't care about the writing; but, if I could only read print, Jack, I'd give it; for then I could read the Bible, as Peter Anderson does.
either extremity of something that has length
From this reading Why, Jack, I'd give this right arm of mine--to be sure, it's no great things now, but once it could send a harpoon in, up to the hilt--but still a right arm is a right arm to the end of your days!--and I'd give it with pleasure, if I only knew how to read and write.
at any time
From this reading Ever since I've been a man grown I've only regretted it once--and that's been all my life.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Nay, I wouldn't care about the writing; but, if I could only read print, Jack, I'd give it; for then I could read the Bible, as Peter Anderson does.
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading Why, Jack, I'd give this right arm of mine--to be sure, it's no great things now, but once it could send a harpoon in, up to the hilt--but still a right arm is a right arm to the end of your days!--and I'd give it with pleasure, if I only knew how to read and write.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading Why, Jack, I'd give this right arm of mine--to be sure, it's no great things now, but once it could send a harpoon in, up to the hilt--but still a right arm is a right arm to the end of your days!--and I'd give it with pleasure, if I only knew how to read and write.
GreenwichnounUS /ˈɡrenɪtʃ/
a borough of Greater London on the Thames; zero degrees of longitude runs through Greenwich; time is measured relative to Greenwich Mean Time
From this reading Had I known how to read and write, I might have been something better than a poor Greenwich pensioner; but nevertheless I'm thankful that I'm no worse.
(of animals) fully developed
From this reading Ever since I've been a man grown I've only regretted it once--and that's been all my life.
Hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Had I known how to read and write, I might have been something better than a poor Greenwich pensioner; but nevertheless I'm thankful that I'm no worse.
harpoonnounUS /hɑːrˈpuːn/
a spear with a shaft and barbed point for throwing; used for catching large fish or whales; a strong line is attached to it
From this reading Why, Jack, I'd give this right arm of mine--to be sure, it's no great things now, but once it could send a harpoon in, up to the hilt--but still a right arm is a right arm to the end of your days!--and I'd give it with pleasure, if I only knew how to read and write.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Had I known how to read and write, I might have been something better than a poor Greenwich pensioner; but nevertheless I'm thankful that I'm no worse.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "I've no larning myself, Jack," said he; "and I know the loss of it.
hiltnounUS /hɪlt/
the handle of a sword or dagger
From this reading Why, Jack, I'd give this right arm of mine--to be sure, it's no great things now, but once it could send a harpoon in, up to the hilt--but still a right arm is a right arm to the end of your days!--and I'd give it with pleasure, if I only knew how to read and write.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Had I known how to read and write, I might have been something better than a poor Greenwich pensioner; but nevertheless I'm thankful that I'm no worse.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "I've no larning myself, Jack," said he; "and I know the loss of it.
I'd
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Why, Jack, I'd give this right arm of mine--to be sure, it's no great things now, but once it could send a harpoon in, up to the hilt--but still a right arm is a right arm to the end of your days!--and I'd give it with pleasure, if I only knew how to read and write.
I'm
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Had I known how to read and write, I might have been something better than a poor Greenwich pensioner; but nevertheless I'm thankful that I'm no worse.
I've
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I've no larning myself, Jack," said he; "and I know the loss of it.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Why, Jack, I'd give this right arm of mine--to be sure, it's no great things now, but once it could send a harpoon in, up to the hilt--but still a right arm is a right arm to the end of your days!--and I'd give it with pleasure, if I only knew how to read and write.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Why, Jack, I'd give this right arm of mine--to be sure, it's no great things now, but once it could send a harpoon in, up to the hilt--but still a right arm is a right arm to the end of your days!--and I'd give it with pleasure, if I only knew how to read and write.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Why, Jack, I'd give this right arm of mine--to be sure, it's no great things now, but once it could send a harpoon in, up to the hilt--but still a right arm is a right arm to the end of your days!--and I'd give it with pleasure, if I only knew how to read and write.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading "I've no larning myself, Jack," said he; "and I know the loss of it.
it's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Why, Jack, I'd give this right arm of mine--to be sure, it's no great things now, but once it could send a harpoon in, up to the hilt--but still a right arm is a right arm to the end of your days!--and I'd give it with pleasure, if I only knew how to read and write.
a small worthless amount
From this reading "I've no larning myself, Jack," said he; "and I know the loss of it.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading Why, Jack, I'd give this right arm of mine--to be sure, it's no great things now, but once it could send a harpoon in, up to the hilt--but still a right arm is a right arm to the end of your days!--and I'd give it with pleasure, if I only knew how to read and write.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading "I've no larning myself, Jack," said he; "and I know the loss of it.
apprehended with certainty
From this reading Had I known how to read and write, I might have been something better than a poor Greenwich pensioner; but nevertheless I'm thankful that I'm no worse.
larning
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I've no larning myself, Jack," said he; "and I know the loss of it.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Ever since I've been a man grown I've only regretted it once--and that's been all my life.
something that is lost
From this reading "I've no larning myself, Jack," said he; "and I know the loss of it.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Ever since I've been a man grown I've only regretted it once--and that's been all my life.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Had I known how to read and write, I might have been something better than a poor Greenwich pensioner; but nevertheless I'm thankful that I'm no worse.
the one or ones belonging to the person speaking
From this reading Why, Jack, I'd give this right arm of mine--to be sure, it's no great things now, but once it could send a harpoon in, up to the hilt--but still a right arm is a right arm to the end of your days!--and I'd give it with pleasure, if I only knew how to read and write.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading Ever since I've been a man grown I've only regretted it once--and that's been all my life.
used when the speaker is also the object of the action
From this reading "I've no larning myself, Jack," said he; "and I know the loss of it.
an old word for “no”
From this reading Nay, I wouldn't care about the writing; but, if I could only read print, Jack, I'd give it; for then I could read the Bible, as Peter Anderson does.
in spite of what has just been said
From this reading Had I known how to read and write, I might have been something better than a poor Greenwich pensioner; but nevertheless I'm thankful that I'm no worse.
not any; not one
From this reading "I've no larning myself, Jack," said he; "and I know the loss of it.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Why, Jack, I'd give this right arm of mine--to be sure, it's no great things now, but once it could send a harpoon in, up to the hilt--but still a right arm is a right arm to the end of your days!--and I'd give it with pleasure, if I only knew how to read and write.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading "I've no larning myself, Jack," said he; "and I know the loss of it.
on one occasion
From this reading Ever since I've been a man grown I've only regretted it once--and that's been all my life.
and nothing more
From this reading Ever since I've been a man grown I've only regretted it once--and that's been all my life.
pensionernounUS /ˈpenʃənər/
the beneficiary of a pension fund
From this reading Had I known how to read and write, I might have been something better than a poor Greenwich pensioner; but nevertheless I'm thankful that I'm no worse.
disciple of Jesus and leader of the Apostles; regarded by Catholics as the vicar of Christ on earth and first Pope
From this reading Nay, I wouldn't care about the writing; but, if I could only read print, Jack, I'd give it; for then I could read the Bible, as Peter Anderson does.
a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience
From this reading Why, Jack, I'd give this right arm of mine--to be sure, it's no great things now, but once it could send a harpoon in, up to the hilt--but still a right arm is a right arm to the end of your days!--and I'd give it with pleasure, if I only knew how to read and write.
deserving or inciting pity
From this reading Had I known how to read and write, I might have been something better than a poor Greenwich pensioner; but nevertheless I'm thankful that I'm no worse.
printnounUS /prɪnt/
the text appearing in a book, newspaper, or other printed publication
From this reading Nay, I wouldn't care about the writing; but, if I could only read print, Jack, I'd give it; for then I could read the Bible, as Peter Anderson does.
interpret something that is written or printed
From this reading Had I known how to read and write, I might have been something better than a poor Greenwich pensioner; but nevertheless I'm thankful that I'm no worse.
regrettedverbUS /rɪˈɡretɪd/
inflected form of “regret” — feel remorse for; feel sorry for; be contrite about
From this reading Ever since I've been a man grown I've only regretted it once--and that's been all my life.
precisely, exactly
From this reading Why, Jack, I'd give this right arm of mine--to be sure, it's no great things now, but once it could send a harpoon in, up to the hilt--but still a right arm is a right arm to the end of your days!--and I'd give it with pleasure, if I only knew how to read and write.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading "I've no larning myself, Jack," said he; "and I know the loss of it.
cause to go somewhere
From this reading Why, Jack, I'd give this right arm of mine--to be sure, it's no great things now, but once it could send a harpoon in, up to the hilt--but still a right arm is a right arm to the end of your days!--and I'd give it with pleasure, if I only knew how to read and write.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading Ever since I've been a man grown I've only regretted it once--and that's been all my life.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading Had I known how to read and write, I might have been something better than a poor Greenwich pensioner; but nevertheless I'm thankful that I'm no worse.
not in physical motion
From this reading Why, Jack, I'd give this right arm of mine--to be sure, it's no great things now, but once it could send a harpoon in, up to the hilt--but still a right arm is a right arm to the end of your days!--and I'd give it with pleasure, if I only knew how to read and write.
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading Why, Jack, I'd give this right arm of mine--to be sure, it's no great things now, but once it could send a harpoon in, up to the hilt--but still a right arm is a right arm to the end of your days!--and I'd give it with pleasure, if I only knew how to read and write.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Had I known how to read and write, I might have been something better than a poor Greenwich pensioner; but nevertheless I'm thankful that I'm no worse.
thankfuladjectiveUS /ˈθæŋkfəl/
feeling or showing gratitude
From this reading Had I known how to read and write, I might have been something better than a poor Greenwich pensioner; but nevertheless I'm thankful that I'm no worse.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Had I known how to read and write, I might have been something better than a poor Greenwich pensioner; but nevertheless I'm thankful that I'm no worse.
that's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ever since I've been a man grown I've only regretted it once--and that's been all my life.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading "I've no larning myself, Jack," said he; "and I know the loss of it.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Nay, I wouldn't care about the writing; but, if I could only read print, Jack, I'd give it; for then I could read the Bible, as Peter Anderson does.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading Why, Jack, I'd give this right arm of mine--to be sure, it's no great things now, but once it could send a harpoon in, up to the hilt--but still a right arm is a right arm to the end of your days!--and I'd give it with pleasure, if I only knew how to read and write.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Why, Jack, I'd give this right arm of mine--to be sure, it's no great things now, but once it could send a harpoon in, up to the hilt--but still a right arm is a right arm to the end of your days!--and I'd give it with pleasure, if I only knew how to read and write.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Had I known how to read and write, I might have been something better than a poor Greenwich pensioner; but nevertheless I'm thankful that I'm no worse.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Why, Jack, I'd give this right arm of mine--to be sure, it's no great things now, but once it could send a harpoon in, up to the hilt--but still a right arm is a right arm to the end of your days!--and I'd give it with pleasure, if I only knew how to read and write.
the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”
From this reading Why, Jack, I'd give this right arm of mine--to be sure, it's no great things now, but once it could send a harpoon in, up to the hilt--but still a right arm is a right arm to the end of your days!--and I'd give it with pleasure, if I only knew how to read and write.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Why, Jack, I'd give this right arm of mine--to be sure, it's no great things now, but once it could send a harpoon in, up to the hilt--but still a right arm is a right arm to the end of your days!--and I'd give it with pleasure, if I only knew how to read and write.
(comparative of “bad”) inferior to another in quality or condition or desirability
From this reading Had I known how to read and write, I might have been something better than a poor Greenwich pensioner; but nevertheless I'm thankful that I'm no worse.
wouldn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Nay, I wouldn't care about the writing; but, if I could only read print, Jack, I'd give it; for then I could read the Bible, as Peter Anderson does.
produce a literary work
From this reading Had I known how to read and write, I might have been something better than a poor Greenwich pensioner; but nevertheless I'm thankful that I'm no worse.
the act of creating written works
From this reading Nay, I wouldn't care about the writing; but, if I could only read print, Jack, I'd give it; for then I could read the Bible, as Peter Anderson does.
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading Why, Jack, I'd give this right arm of mine--to be sure, it's no great things now, but once it could send a harpoon in, up to the hilt--but still a right arm is a right arm to the end of your days!--and I'd give it with pleasure, if I only knew how to read and write.
