used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading If they found victims in the traps, they promptly fell upon and put them out of their misery, thereby doing themselves a pleasant service and presumably winning the posthumous gratitude of the victims; but if the victims chanced to be lynxes, in that case they exercised discretion and refrained from interfering.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading If they came across empty traps, they did their best to spring them, or to make them in some way so conspicuous that none of the wild creatures would be likely to blunder into them.
filled with fear or apprehension
From this reading They did not understand those almost invisible instruments of death, and were afraid to go near enough to investigate.
AfterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading After this experience with the traps, both Red Fox and his mate grew deeply interested in the work of the trappers wherever they found it.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading They did not understand those almost invisible instruments of death, and were afraid to go near enough to investigate.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading After this experience with the traps, both Red Fox and his mate grew deeply interested in the work of the trappers wherever they found it.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading When they found snares, however, they were at a loss and felt terrified.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading If they came across empty traps, they did their best to spring them, or to make them in some way so conspicuous that none of the wild creatures would be likely to blunder into them.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading If they came across empty traps, they did their best to spring them, or to make them in some way so conspicuous that none of the wild creatures would be likely to blunder into them.
blunderverbUS /ˈblʌndər/
commit a faux pas or a fault or make a serious mistake
From this reading If they came across empty traps, they did their best to spring them, or to make them in some way so conspicuous that none of the wild creatures would be likely to blunder into them.
the two together, not just one
From this reading After this experience with the traps, both Red Fox and his mate grew deeply interested in the work of the trappers wherever they found it.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading If they found victims in the traps, they promptly fell upon and put them out of their misery, thereby doing themselves a pleasant service and presumably winning the posthumous gratitude of the victims; but if the victims chanced to be lynxes, in that case they exercised discretion and refrained from interfering.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading If they came across empty traps, they did their best to spring them, or to make them in some way so conspicuous that none of the wild creatures would be likely to blunder into them.
an occurrence of something
From this reading If they found victims in the traps, they promptly fell upon and put them out of their misery, thereby doing themselves a pleasant service and presumably winning the posthumous gratitude of the victims; but if the victims chanced to be lynxes, in that case they exercised discretion and refrained from interfering.
chancedverbUS /tʃænst/
past form of “chance” — be the case by chance
From this reading If they found victims in the traps, they promptly fell upon and put them out of their misery, thereby doing themselves a pleasant service and presumably winning the posthumous gratitude of the victims; but if the victims chanced to be lynxes, in that case they exercised discretion and refrained from interfering.
conspicuousadjectiveUS /kənˈspɪkjuːəs/
obvious to the eye or mind
From this reading If they came across empty traps, they did their best to spring them, or to make them in some way so conspicuous that none of the wild creatures would be likely to blunder into them.
plural of “creature” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading If they came across empty traps, they did their best to spring them, or to make them in some way so conspicuous that none of the wild creatures would be likely to blunder into them.
the event of dying or departure from life
From this reading They did not understand those almost invisible instruments of death, and were afraid to go near enough to investigate.
to a great depth psychologically or emotionally
From this reading After this experience with the traps, both Red Fox and his mate grew deeply interested in the work of the trappers wherever they found it.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading If they came across empty traps, they did their best to spring them, or to make them in some way so conspicuous that none of the wild creatures would be likely to blunder into them.
discretionnounUS /dɪˈskreʃən/
freedom to act or judge on one's own
From this reading If they found victims in the traps, they promptly fell upon and put them out of their misery, thereby doing themselves a pleasant service and presumably winning the posthumous gratitude of the victims; but if the victims chanced to be lynxes, in that case they exercised discretion and refrained from interfering.
-ing form of “do” — engage in
From this reading If they found victims in the traps, they promptly fell upon and put them out of their misery, thereby doing themselves a pleasant service and presumably winning the posthumous gratitude of the victims; but if the victims chanced to be lynxes, in that case they exercised discretion and refrained from interfering.
make void or empty of contents
From this reading If they came across empty traps, they did their best to spring them, or to make them in some way so conspicuous that none of the wild creatures would be likely to blunder into them.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading They did not understand those almost invisible instruments of death, and were afraid to go near enough to investigate.
exercisedverbUS /ˈeksərsaɪzd/
past form of “exercise” — put to use
From this reading If they found victims in the traps, they promptly fell upon and put them out of their misery, thereby doing themselves a pleasant service and presumably winning the posthumous gratitude of the victims; but if the victims chanced to be lynxes, in that case they exercised discretion and refrained from interfering.
undergo or live through a difficult experience
From this reading After this experience with the traps, both Red Fox and his mate grew deeply interested in the work of the trappers wherever they found it.
cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow
From this reading If they found victims in the traps, they promptly fell upon and put them out of their misery, thereby doing themselves a pleasant service and presumably winning the posthumous gratitude of the victims; but if the victims chanced to be lynxes, in that case they exercised discretion and refrained from interfering.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading When they found snares, however, they were at a loss and felt terrified.
set up or found
From this reading After this experience with the traps, both Red Fox and his mate grew deeply interested in the work of the trappers wherever they found it.
alert carnivorous mammal with pointed muzzle and ears and a bushy tail; most are predators that do not hunt in packs
From this reading After this experience with the traps, both Red Fox and his mate grew deeply interested in the work of the trappers wherever they found it.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading If they found victims in the traps, they promptly fell upon and put them out of their misery, thereby doing themselves a pleasant service and presumably winning the posthumous gratitude of the victims; but if the victims chanced to be lynxes, in that case they exercised discretion and refrained from interfering.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading They did not understand those almost invisible instruments of death, and were afraid to go near enough to investigate.
a feeling of thankfulness and appreciation
From this reading If they found victims in the traps, they promptly fell upon and put them out of their misery, thereby doing themselves a pleasant service and presumably winning the posthumous gratitude of the victims; but if the victims chanced to be lynxes, in that case they exercised discretion and refrained from interfering.
inflected form of “grow” — pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become
From this reading After this experience with the traps, both Red Fox and his mate grew deeply interested in the work of the trappers wherever they found it.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading After this experience with the traps, both Red Fox and his mate grew deeply interested in the work of the trappers wherever they found it.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading When they found snares, however, they were at a loss and felt terrified.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading If they came across empty traps, they did their best to spring them, or to make them in some way so conspicuous that none of the wild creatures would be likely to blunder into them.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading After this experience with the traps, both Red Fox and his mate grew deeply interested in the work of the trappers wherever they found it.
instrumentsnounUS /ˈɪnstrəmənts/
plural of “instrument” — a device that requires skill for proper use
From this reading They did not understand those almost invisible instruments of death, and were afraid to go near enough to investigate.
having or showing interest; especially curiosity or fascination or concern
From this reading After this experience with the traps, both Red Fox and his mate grew deeply interested in the work of the trappers wherever they found it.
interferingadjectiveUS /ˌɪntərˈfɪrɪŋ/
intrusive in a meddling or offensive manner
From this reading If they found victims in the traps, they promptly fell upon and put them out of their misery, thereby doing themselves a pleasant service and presumably winning the posthumous gratitude of the victims; but if the victims chanced to be lynxes, in that case they exercised discretion and refrained from interfering.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading If they came across empty traps, they did their best to spring them, or to make them in some way so conspicuous that none of the wild creatures would be likely to blunder into them.
investigateverbUS /ˌɪnˈvestəɡeɪt/
investigate scientifically
From this reading They did not understand those almost invisible instruments of death, and were afraid to go near enough to investigate.
invisibleadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈvɪzəbəl/
impossible or nearly impossible to see; imperceptible by the eye
From this reading They did not understand those almost invisible instruments of death, and were afraid to go near enough to investigate.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading After this experience with the traps, both Red Fox and his mate grew deeply interested in the work of the trappers wherever they found it.
has a good chance of being the case or of coming about
From this reading If they came across empty traps, they did their best to spring them, or to make them in some way so conspicuous that none of the wild creatures would be likely to blunder into them.
something that is lost
From this reading When they found snares, however, they were at a loss and felt terrified.
lynxesnounUS /ˈlɪŋksɪz/
plural of “lynx” — a text browser
From this reading If they found victims in the traps, they promptly fell upon and put them out of their misery, thereby doing themselves a pleasant service and presumably winning the posthumous gratitude of the victims; but if the victims chanced to be lynxes, in that case they exercised discretion and refrained from interfering.
engage in
From this reading If they came across empty traps, they did their best to spring them, or to make them in some way so conspicuous that none of the wild creatures would be likely to blunder into them.
the officer below the master on a commercial ship
From this reading After this experience with the traps, both Red Fox and his mate grew deeply interested in the work of the trappers wherever they found it.
a state of ill-being due to affliction or misfortune
From this reading If they found victims in the traps, they promptly fell upon and put them out of their misery, thereby doing themselves a pleasant service and presumably winning the posthumous gratitude of the victims; but if the victims chanced to be lynxes, in that case they exercised discretion and refrained from interfering.
near in time or place or relationship
From this reading They did not understand those almost invisible instruments of death, and were afraid to go near enough to investigate.
not one, and not any
From this reading If they came across empty traps, they did their best to spring them, or to make them in some way so conspicuous that none of the wild creatures would be likely to blunder into them.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading They did not understand those almost invisible instruments of death, and were afraid to go near enough to investigate.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading After this experience with the traps, both Red Fox and his mate grew deeply interested in the work of the trappers wherever they found it.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading If they came across empty traps, they did their best to spring them, or to make them in some way so conspicuous that none of the wild creatures would be likely to blunder into them.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading If they found victims in the traps, they promptly fell upon and put them out of their misery, thereby doing themselves a pleasant service and presumably winning the posthumous gratitude of the victims; but if the victims chanced to be lynxes, in that case they exercised discretion and refrained from interfering.
affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings
From this reading If they found victims in the traps, they promptly fell upon and put them out of their misery, thereby doing themselves a pleasant service and presumably winning the posthumous gratitude of the victims; but if the victims chanced to be lynxes, in that case they exercised discretion and refrained from interfering.
posthumousadjectiveUS /ˈpɑːstʃʊməs/
occurring or coming into existence after a person's death
From this reading If they found victims in the traps, they promptly fell upon and put them out of their misery, thereby doing themselves a pleasant service and presumably winning the posthumous gratitude of the victims; but if the victims chanced to be lynxes, in that case they exercised discretion and refrained from interfering.
presumablyadverbUS /prəˈzuːməbli/
by reasonable assumption
From this reading If they found victims in the traps, they promptly fell upon and put them out of their misery, thereby doing themselves a pleasant service and presumably winning the posthumous gratitude of the victims; but if the victims chanced to be lynxes, in that case they exercised discretion and refrained from interfering.
with little or no delay
From this reading If they found victims in the traps, they promptly fell upon and put them out of their misery, thereby doing themselves a pleasant service and presumably winning the posthumous gratitude of the victims; but if the victims chanced to be lynxes, in that case they exercised discretion and refrained from interfering.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading If they found victims in the traps, they promptly fell upon and put them out of their misery, thereby doing themselves a pleasant service and presumably winning the posthumous gratitude of the victims; but if the victims chanced to be lynxes, in that case they exercised discretion and refrained from interfering.
red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood
From this reading After this experience with the traps, both Red Fox and his mate grew deeply interested in the work of the trappers wherever they found it.
refrainedverbUS /rɪˈfreɪnd/
past form of “refrain” — resist doing something
From this reading If they found victims in the traps, they promptly fell upon and put them out of their misery, thereby doing themselves a pleasant service and presumably winning the posthumous gratitude of the victims; but if the victims chanced to be lynxes, in that case they exercised discretion and refrained from interfering.
work done by one person or group that benefits another
From this reading If they found victims in the traps, they promptly fell upon and put them out of their misery, thereby doing themselves a pleasant service and presumably winning the posthumous gratitude of the victims; but if the victims chanced to be lynxes, in that case they exercised discretion and refrained from interfering.
snaresnounUS /snerz/
plural of “snare” — something (often something deceptively attractive) that catches you unawares
From this reading When they found snares, however, they were at a loss and felt terrified.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading If they came across empty traps, they did their best to spring them, or to make them in some way so conspicuous that none of the wild creatures would be likely to blunder into them.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading If they came across empty traps, they did their best to spring them, or to make them in some way so conspicuous that none of the wild creatures would be likely to blunder into them.
the season of growth
From this reading If they came across empty traps, they did their best to spring them, or to make them in some way so conspicuous that none of the wild creatures would be likely to blunder into them.
terrifiedadjectiveUS /ˈterəfaɪd/
thrown into a state of intense fear or desperation
From this reading When they found snares, however, they were at a loss and felt terrified.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading If they came across empty traps, they did their best to spring them, or to make them in some way so conspicuous that none of the wild creatures would be likely to blunder into them.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading After this experience with the traps, both Red Fox and his mate grew deeply interested in the work of the trappers wherever they found it.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading If they came across empty traps, they did their best to spring them, or to make them in some way so conspicuous that none of the wild creatures would be likely to blunder into them.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading If they came across empty traps, they did their best to spring them, or to make them in some way so conspicuous that none of the wild creatures would be likely to blunder into them.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading If they found victims in the traps, they promptly fell upon and put them out of their misery, thereby doing themselves a pleasant service and presumably winning the posthumous gratitude of the victims; but if the victims chanced to be lynxes, in that case they exercised discretion and refrained from interfering.
therebyadverbUS /ˈðerˈbaɪ/
by that means or because of that
From this reading If they found victims in the traps, they promptly fell upon and put them out of their misery, thereby doing themselves a pleasant service and presumably winning the posthumous gratitude of the victims; but if the victims chanced to be lynxes, in that case they exercised discretion and refrained from interfering.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading After this experience with the traps, both Red Fox and his mate grew deeply interested in the work of the trappers wherever they found it.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading After this experience with the traps, both Red Fox and his mate grew deeply interested in the work of the trappers wherever they found it.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading They did not understand those almost invisible instruments of death, and were afraid to go near enough to investigate.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading If they came across empty traps, they did their best to spring them, or to make them in some way so conspicuous that none of the wild creatures would be likely to blunder into them.
trappersnounUS /ˈtræpərz/
plural of “trapper” — someone who sets traps for animals (usually to obtain their furs)
From this reading After this experience with the traps, both Red Fox and his mate grew deeply interested in the work of the trappers wherever they found it.
trapsnounUS /træps/
plural of “trap” — a device in which something (usually an animal) can be caught and penned
From this reading After this experience with the traps, both Red Fox and his mate grew deeply interested in the work of the trappers wherever they found it.
know and comprehend the nature or meaning of
From this reading They did not understand those almost invisible instruments of death, and were afraid to go near enough to investigate.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading If they found victims in the traps, they promptly fell upon and put them out of their misery, thereby doing themselves a pleasant service and presumably winning the posthumous gratitude of the victims; but if the victims chanced to be lynxes, in that case they exercised discretion and refrained from interfering.
victimsnounUS /ˈvɪktəmz/
plural of “victim” — an unfortunate person who suffers from some adverse circumstance
From this reading If they found victims in the traps, they promptly fell upon and put them out of their misery, thereby doing themselves a pleasant service and presumably winning the posthumous gratitude of the victims; but if the victims chanced to be lynxes, in that case they exercised discretion and refrained from interfering.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading If they came across empty traps, they did their best to spring them, or to make them in some way so conspicuous that none of the wild creatures would be likely to blunder into them.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading When they found snares, however, they were at a loss and felt terrified.
at the time that
From this reading When they found snares, however, they were at a loss and felt terrified.
in or to any place at all
From this reading After this experience with the traps, both Red Fox and his mate grew deeply interested in the work of the trappers wherever they found it.
marked by extreme lack of restraint or control
From this reading If they came across empty traps, they did their best to spring them, or to make them in some way so conspicuous that none of the wild creatures would be likely to blunder into them.
winningadjectiveUS /ˈwɪnɪŋ/
having won
From this reading If they found victims in the traps, they promptly fell upon and put them out of their misery, thereby doing themselves a pleasant service and presumably winning the posthumous gratitude of the victims; but if the victims chanced to be lynxes, in that case they exercised discretion and refrained from interfering.
in the company of; together with
From this reading After this experience with the traps, both Red Fox and his mate grew deeply interested in the work of the trappers wherever they found it.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading After this experience with the traps, both Red Fox and his mate grew deeply interested in the work of the trappers wherever they found it.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading If they came across empty traps, they did their best to spring them, or to make them in some way so conspicuous that none of the wild creatures would be likely to blunder into them.
