used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Explosions of violent passion, such as Oswald had witnessed when he first came, but which had then almost entirely disappeared for a time, had now again become more frequent and violent than ever.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading He had noticed of late Bruno's excited state of mind, and felt deeply concerned about it.
adversariesnounUS /ˈædvərseriz/
plural of “adversary” — someone who offers opposition
From this reading In vain had Oswald begged and besought him to control his temper, which exposed him to the attacks of his adversaries and prevented his friends from defending him--"I cannot help it," was his invariable answer; "it is a power I cannot resist.
anew
From this reading Explosions of violent passion, such as Oswald had witnessed when he first came, but which had then almost entirely disappeared for a time, had now again become more frequent and violent than ever.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading Explosions of violent passion, such as Oswald had witnessed when he first came, but which had then almost entirely disappeared for a time, had now again become more frequent and violent than ever.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He had noticed of late Bruno's excited state of mind, and felt deeply concerned about it.
react verbally
From this reading In vain had Oswald begged and besought him to control his temper, which exposed him to the attacks of his adversaries and prevented his friends from defending him--"I cannot help it," was his invariable answer; "it is a power I cannot resist.
eagerly desirous
From this reading In the mean time Oswald had spent some sad, anxious hours at Bruno's bedside.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Explosions of violent passion, such as Oswald had witnessed when he first came, but which had then almost entirely disappeared for a time, had now again become more frequent and violent than ever.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading In the mean time Oswald had spent some sad, anxious hours at Bruno's bedside.
attacksnounUS /əˈtæks/
plural of “attack” — (military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons)
From this reading In vain had Oswald begged and besought him to control his temper, which exposed him to the attacks of his adversaries and prevented his friends from defending him--"I cannot help it," was his invariable answer; "it is a power I cannot resist.
baronessnounUS /ˈberənɪs/
a noblewoman who holds the rank of baron or who is the wife or widow of a baron
From this reading A contradiction, a failure, a slighting remark at table from the baroness, were sufficient to unchain the demon.
enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading Explosions of violent passion, such as Oswald had witnessed when he first came, but which had then almost entirely disappeared for a time, had now again become more frequent and violent than ever.
bedsidenounUS /ˈbedsaɪd/
space by the side of a bed (especially the bed of a sick or dying person)
From this reading In the mean time Oswald had spent some sad, anxious hours at Bruno's bedside.
inflected form of “beg” — call upon in supplication; entreat
From this reading In vain had Oswald begged and besought him to control his temper, which exposed him to the attacks of his adversaries and prevented his friends from defending him--"I cannot help it," was his invariable answer; "it is a power I cannot resist.
besought
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In vain had Oswald begged and besought him to control his temper, which exposed him to the attacks of his adversaries and prevented his friends from defending him--"I cannot help it," was his invariable answer; "it is a power I cannot resist.
Bruno'snounUS /ˈbruːnoʊz/
possessive form of “bruno” — German pope from 1049 to 1054 whose papacy was the beginning of papal reforms in the 11th century (1002-1054)
From this reading In the mean time Oswald had spent some sad, anxious hours at Bruno's bedside.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Explosions of violent passion, such as Oswald had witnessed when he first came, but which had then almost entirely disappeared for a time, had now again become more frequent and violent than ever.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Explosions of violent passion, such as Oswald had witnessed when he first came, but which had then almost entirely disappeared for a time, had now again become more frequent and violent than ever.
cannot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In vain had Oswald begged and besought him to control his temper, which exposed him to the attacks of his adversaries and prevented his friends from defending him--"I cannot help it," was his invariable answer; "it is a power I cannot resist.
feeling or showing worry or solicitude
From this reading He had noticed of late Bruno's excited state of mind, and felt deeply concerned about it.
contradictionnounUS /ˌkɑːntrəˈdɪkʃən/
opposition between two conflicting forces or ideas
From this reading A contradiction, a failure, a slighting remark at table from the baroness, were sufficient to unchain the demon.
power to direct or determine
From this reading In vain had Oswald begged and besought him to control his temper, which exposed him to the attacks of his adversaries and prevented his friends from defending him--"I cannot help it," was his invariable answer; "it is a power I cannot resist.
to a great depth psychologically or emotionally
From this reading He had noticed of late Bruno's excited state of mind, and felt deeply concerned about it.
defendingadjectiveUS /dɪˈfendɪŋ/
attempting to or designed to prevent an opponent from winning or scoring
From this reading In vain had Oswald begged and besought him to control his temper, which exposed him to the attacks of his adversaries and prevented his friends from defending him--"I cannot help it," was his invariable answer; "it is a power I cannot resist.
demonnounUS /ˈdiːmən/
an evil supernatural being
From this reading A contradiction, a failure, a slighting remark at table from the baroness, were sufficient to unchain the demon.
past form of “disappear” — get lost, as without warning or explanation
From this reading Explosions of violent passion, such as Oswald had witnessed when he first came, but which had then almost entirely disappeared for a time, had now again become more frequent and violent than ever.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading Explosions of violent passion, such as Oswald had witnessed when he first came, but which had then almost entirely disappeared for a time, had now again become more frequent and violent than ever.
at any time
From this reading Explosions of violent passion, such as Oswald had witnessed when he first came, but which had then almost entirely disappeared for a time, had now again become more frequent and violent than ever.
(of persons) excessively affected by emotion
From this reading He had noticed of late Bruno's excited state of mind, and felt deeply concerned about it.
ExplosionsnounUS /ɪkˈsploʊʒənz/
plural of “explosion” — a violent release of energy caused by a chemical or nuclear reaction
From this reading Explosions of violent passion, such as Oswald had witnessed when he first came, but which had then almost entirely disappeared for a time, had now again become more frequent and violent than ever.
exposedadjectiveUS /ɪkˈspoʊzd/
with no protection or shield
From this reading In vain had Oswald begged and besought him to control his temper, which exposed him to the attacks of his adversaries and prevented his friends from defending him--"I cannot help it," was his invariable answer; "it is a power I cannot resist.
an act that fails
From this reading A contradiction, a failure, a slighting remark at table from the baroness, were sufficient to unchain the demon.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading He had noticed of late Bruno's excited state of mind, and felt deeply concerned about it.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading Explosions of violent passion, such as Oswald had witnessed when he first came, but which had then almost entirely disappeared for a time, had now again become more frequent and violent than ever.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Explosions of violent passion, such as Oswald had witnessed when he first came, but which had then almost entirely disappeared for a time, had now again become more frequent and violent than ever.
frequentverbUS /ˈfriːkwənt/
do one's shopping at; do business with; be a customer or client of
From this reading Explosions of violent passion, such as Oswald had witnessed when he first came, but which had then almost entirely disappeared for a time, had now again become more frequent and violent than ever.
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading In vain had Oswald begged and besought him to control his temper, which exposed him to the attacks of his adversaries and prevented his friends from defending him--"I cannot help it," was his invariable answer; "it is a power I cannot resist.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading A contradiction, a failure, a slighting remark at table from the baroness, were sufficient to unchain the demon.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading In the mean time Oswald had spent some sad, anxious hours at Bruno's bedside.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He had noticed of late Bruno's excited state of mind, and felt deeply concerned about it.
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading In vain had Oswald begged and besought him to control his temper, which exposed him to the attacks of his adversaries and prevented his friends from defending him--"I cannot help it," was his invariable answer; "it is a power I cannot resist.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading In vain had Oswald begged and besought him to control his temper, which exposed him to the attacks of his adversaries and prevented his friends from defending him--"I cannot help it," was his invariable answer; "it is a power I cannot resist.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading In vain had Oswald begged and besought him to control his temper, which exposed him to the attacks of his adversaries and prevented his friends from defending him--"I cannot help it," was his invariable answer; "it is a power I cannot resist.
a period of time assigned for work
From this reading In the mean time Oswald had spent some sad, anxious hours at Bruno's bedside.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading In vain had Oswald begged and besought him to control his temper, which exposed him to the attacks of his adversaries and prevented his friends from defending him--"I cannot help it," was his invariable answer; "it is a power I cannot resist.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In the mean time Oswald had spent some sad, anxious hours at Bruno's bedside.
invariableadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈveriəbəl/
not liable to or capable of change
From this reading In vain had Oswald begged and besought him to control his temper, which exposed him to the attacks of his adversaries and prevented his friends from defending him--"I cannot help it," was his invariable answer; "it is a power I cannot resist.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading In vain had Oswald begged and besought him to control his temper, which exposed him to the attacks of his adversaries and prevented his friends from defending him--"I cannot help it," was his invariable answer; "it is a power I cannot resist.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading He had noticed of late Bruno's excited state of mind, and felt deeply concerned about it.
being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time
From this reading He had noticed of late Bruno's excited state of mind, and felt deeply concerned about it.
mean or intend to express or convey
From this reading In the mean time Oswald had spent some sad, anxious hours at Bruno's bedside.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading He had noticed of late Bruno's excited state of mind, and felt deeply concerned about it.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Explosions of violent passion, such as Oswald had witnessed when he first came, but which had then almost entirely disappeared for a time, had now again become more frequent and violent than ever.
being perceived or observed
From this reading He had noticed of late Bruno's excited state of mind, and felt deeply concerned about it.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Explosions of violent passion, such as Oswald had witnessed when he first came, but which had then almost entirely disappeared for a time, had now again become more frequent and violent than ever.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading He had noticed of late Bruno's excited state of mind, and felt deeply concerned about it.
OswaldnounUS /ˈɔːzwɔːld/
United States assassin of President John F. Kennedy (1939-1963)
From this reading In the mean time Oswald had spent some sad, anxious hours at Bruno's bedside.
a strong feeling or emotion
From this reading Explosions of violent passion, such as Oswald had witnessed when he first came, but which had then almost entirely disappeared for a time, had now again become more frequent and violent than ever.
possession of controlling influence
From this reading In vain had Oswald begged and besought him to control his temper, which exposed him to the attacks of his adversaries and prevented his friends from defending him--"I cannot help it," was his invariable answer; "it is a power I cannot resist.
preventedverbUS /prɪˈventɪd/
past form of “prevent” — keep from happening or arising; make impossible
From this reading In vain had Oswald begged and besought him to control his temper, which exposed him to the attacks of his adversaries and prevented his friends from defending him--"I cannot help it," was his invariable answer; "it is a power I cannot resist.
a statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief or adds information
From this reading A contradiction, a failure, a slighting remark at table from the baroness, were sufficient to unchain the demon.
resistverbUS /rɪˈzɪst/
elude, especially in a baffling way
From this reading In vain had Oswald begged and besought him to control his temper, which exposed him to the attacks of his adversaries and prevented his friends from defending him--"I cannot help it," was his invariable answer; "it is a power I cannot resist.
experiencing or showing sorrow or unhappiness
From this reading In the mean time Oswald had spent some sad, anxious hours at Bruno's bedside.
slightingadjectiveUS /ˈslaɪtɪŋ/
tending to diminish or disparage
From this reading A contradiction, a failure, a slighting remark at table from the baroness, were sufficient to unchain the demon.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading In the mean time Oswald had spent some sad, anxious hours at Bruno's bedside.
depleted of energy, force, or strength
From this reading In the mean time Oswald had spent some sad, anxious hours at Bruno's bedside.
the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation
From this reading He had noticed of late Bruno's excited state of mind, and felt deeply concerned about it.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Explosions of violent passion, such as Oswald had witnessed when he first came, but which had then almost entirely disappeared for a time, had now again become more frequent and violent than ever.
of a quantity that can fulfill a need or requirement but without being abundant
From this reading A contradiction, a failure, a slighting remark at table from the baroness, were sufficient to unchain the demon.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading A contradiction, a failure, a slighting remark at table from the baroness, were sufficient to unchain the demon.
a sudden outburst of anger
From this reading In vain had Oswald begged and besought him to control his temper, which exposed him to the attacks of his adversaries and prevented his friends from defending him--"I cannot help it," was his invariable answer; "it is a power I cannot resist.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Explosions of violent passion, such as Oswald had witnessed when he first came, but which had then almost entirely disappeared for a time, had now again become more frequent and violent than ever.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading In the mean time Oswald had spent some sad, anxious hours at Bruno's bedside.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Explosions of violent passion, such as Oswald had witnessed when he first came, but which had then almost entirely disappeared for a time, had now again become more frequent and violent than ever.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading In the mean time Oswald had spent some sad, anxious hours at Bruno's bedside.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A contradiction, a failure, a slighting remark at table from the baroness, were sufficient to unchain the demon.
unchainverb
remove the chains from
From this reading A contradiction, a failure, a slighting remark at table from the baroness, were sufficient to unchain the demon.
characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance
From this reading In vain had Oswald begged and besought him to control his temper, which exposed him to the attacks of his adversaries and prevented his friends from defending him--"I cannot help it," was his invariable answer; "it is a power I cannot resist.
acting with or marked by or resulting from great force or energy or emotional intensity
From this reading Explosions of violent passion, such as Oswald had witnessed when he first came, but which had then almost entirely disappeared for a time, had now again become more frequent and violent than ever.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading In vain had Oswald begged and besought him to control his temper, which exposed him to the attacks of his adversaries and prevented his friends from defending him--"I cannot help it," was his invariable answer; "it is a power I cannot resist.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading A contradiction, a failure, a slighting remark at table from the baroness, were sufficient to unchain the demon.
at the time that
From this reading Explosions of violent passion, such as Oswald had witnessed when he first came, but which had then almost entirely disappeared for a time, had now again become more frequent and violent than ever.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Explosions of violent passion, such as Oswald had witnessed when he first came, but which had then almost entirely disappeared for a time, had now again become more frequent and violent than ever.
witnessedverbUS /ˈwɪtnəst/
past form of “witness” — be a witness to
From this reading Explosions of violent passion, such as Oswald had witnessed when he first came, but which had then almost entirely disappeared for a time, had now again become more frequent and violent than ever.
