used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading “Wait a little, wait till I think the matter over,” he said, in reply to the question, “are you ready?” and turning his face to the wall, so that those about him should not see the fearful conflict going on, he thought long and earnestly.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading “Wait a little, wait till I think the matter over,” he said, in reply to the question, “are you ready?” and turning his face to the wall, so that those about him should not see the fearful conflict going on, he thought long and earnestly.
accustomverbUS /əˈkʌstəm/
make psychologically or physically used (to something)
From this reading “None but speedy death,”—George repeated the words slowly to himself, dwelling longest upon the last, as if to accustom himself to thoughts of it.
commonly used or practiced; usual
From this reading “None but speedy death!” was the response of the attending surgeon, who was too much accustomed to just such scenes as this, to appreciate the feelings of that poor soldier, shrinking so painfully from what they told him must be if he would live.
alternativeadjectiveUS /ɔːlˈtɜːrnətɪv/
serving or used in place of another
From this reading How those polished, cruel-looking instruments sparkled, and glittered, and flashed; and how the sick man shuddered as he glanced toward the table where they lay, asking, with quivering lip, if there were no other alternative save the one their presence suggested.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading How those polished, cruel-looking instruments sparkled, and glittered, and flashed; and how the sick man shuddered as he glanced toward the table where they lay, asking, with quivering lip, if there were no other alternative save the one their presence suggested.
Annie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Wasn’t it better to die than go back to Annie maimed and disfigured for life?
appreciateverbUS /əˈpriːʃieɪt/
recognize with gratitude; be grateful for
From this reading “None but speedy death!” was the response of the attending surgeon, who was too much accustomed to just such scenes as this, to appreciate the feelings of that poor soldier, shrinking so painfully from what they told him must be if he would live.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading “Wait a little, wait till I think the matter over,” he said, in reply to the question, “are you ready?” and turning his face to the wall, so that those about him should not see the fearful conflict going on, he thought long and earnestly.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading How those polished, cruel-looking instruments sparkled, and glittered, and flashed; and how the sick man shuddered as he glanced toward the table where they lay, asking, with quivering lip, if there were no other alternative save the one their presence suggested.
the verbal act of requesting
From this reading How those polished, cruel-looking instruments sparkled, and glittered, and flashed; and how the sick man shuddered as he glanced toward the table where they lay, asking, with quivering lip, if there were no other alternative save the one their presence suggested.
attendingnounUS /əˈtendɪŋ/
the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others
From this reading “None but speedy death!” was the response of the attending surgeon, who was too much accustomed to just such scenes as this, to appreciate the feelings of that poor soldier, shrinking so painfully from what they told him must be if he would live.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading Wasn’t it better to die than go back to Annie maimed and disfigured for life?
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading “None but speedy death!” was the response of the attending surgeon, who was too much accustomed to just such scenes as this, to appreciate the feelings of that poor soldier, shrinking so painfully from what they told him must be if he would live.
(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 Wasn’t it better to die than go back to Annie maimed and disfigured for life?
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading “None but speedy death!” was the response of the attending surgeon, who was too much accustomed to just such scenes as this, to appreciate the feelings of that poor soldier, shrinking so painfully from what they told him must be if he would live.
conflictnounUS /ˈkɑːnflɪkt/
an open clash between two opposing groups (or individuals)
From this reading “Wait a little, wait till I think the matter over,” he said, in reply to the question, “are you ready?” and turning his face to the wall, so that those about him should not see the fearful conflict going on, he thought long and earnestly.
cruel-looking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How those polished, cruel-looking instruments sparkled, and glittered, and flashed; and how the sick man shuddered as he glanced toward the table where they lay, asking, with quivering lip, if there were no other alternative save the one their presence suggested.
the event of dying or departure from life
From this reading “None but speedy death!” was the response of the attending surgeon, who was too much accustomed to just such scenes as this, to appreciate the feelings of that poor soldier, shrinking so painfully from what they told him must be if he would live.
pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life
From this reading Wasn’t it better to die than go back to Annie maimed and disfigured for life?
disfiguredadjectiveUS /dɪˈsfɪɡjərd/
having the appearance spoiled
From this reading Wasn’t it better to die than go back to Annie maimed and disfigured for life?
dwellingnounUS /ˈdwelɪŋ/
housing that someone is living in
From this reading “None but speedy death,”—George repeated the words slowly to himself, dwelling longest upon the last, as if to accustom himself to thoughts of it.
in a serious manner
From this reading “Wait a little, wait till I think the matter over,” he said, in reply to the question, “are you ready?” and turning his face to the wall, so that those about him should not see the fearful conflict going on, he thought long and earnestly.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading “Wait a little, wait till I think the matter over,” he said, in reply to the question, “are you ready?” and turning his face to the wall, so that those about him should not see the fearful conflict going on, he thought long and earnestly.
experiencing or showing fear
From this reading “Wait a little, wait till I think the matter over,” he said, in reply to the question, “are you ready?” and turning his face to the wall, so that those about him should not see the fearful conflict going on, he thought long and earnestly.
emotional or moral sensitivity (especially in relation to personal principles or dignity)
From this reading “None but speedy death!” was the response of the attending surgeon, who was too much accustomed to just such scenes as this, to appreciate the feelings of that poor soldier, shrinking so painfully from what they told him must be if he would live.
past form of “flash” — gleam or glow intermittently
From this reading How those polished, cruel-looking instruments sparkled, and glittered, and flashed; and how the sick man shuddered as he glanced toward the table where they lay, asking, with quivering lip, if there were no other alternative save the one their presence suggested.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Wasn’t it better to die than go back to Annie maimed and disfigured for life?
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading “None but speedy death!” was the response of the attending surgeon, who was too much accustomed to just such scenes as this, to appreciate the feelings of that poor soldier, shrinking so painfully from what they told him must be if he would live.
Christian martyr; patron saint of England; hero of the legend of Saint George and the Dragon in which he slew a dragon and saved a princess (?-303)
From this reading “None but speedy death,”—George repeated the words slowly to himself, dwelling longest upon the last, as if to accustom himself to thoughts of it.
past form of “glance” — throw a glance at; take a brief look at
From this reading How those polished, cruel-looking instruments sparkled, and glittered, and flashed; and how the sick man shuddered as he glanced toward the table where they lay, asking, with quivering lip, if there were no other alternative save the one their presence suggested.
glitteredverbUS /ˈɡlɪtərd/
past form of “glitter” — be shiny, as if wet
From this reading How those polished, cruel-looking instruments sparkled, and glittered, and flashed; and how the sick man shuddered as he glanced toward the table where they lay, asking, with quivering lip, if there were no other alternative save the one their presence suggested.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Wasn’t it better to die than go back to Annie maimed and disfigured for life?
the act of departing
From this reading “Wait a little, wait till I think the matter over,” he said, in reply to the question, “are you ready?” and turning his face to the wall, so that those about him should not see the fearful conflict going on, he thought long and earnestly.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading How those polished, cruel-looking instruments sparkled, and glittered, and flashed; and how the sick man shuddered as he glanced toward the table where they lay, asking, with quivering lip, if there were no other alternative save the one their presence suggested.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading “None but speedy death!” was the response of the attending surgeon, who was too much accustomed to just such scenes as this, to appreciate the feelings of that poor soldier, shrinking so painfully from what they told him must be if he would live.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading “None but speedy death,”—George repeated the words slowly to himself, dwelling longest upon the last, as if to accustom himself to thoughts of it.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading “Wait a little, wait till I think the matter over,” he said, in reply to the question, “are you ready?” and turning his face to the wall, so that those about him should not see the fearful conflict going on, he thought long and earnestly.
How
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How those polished, cruel-looking instruments sparkled, and glittered, and flashed; and how the sick man shuddered as he glanced toward the table where they lay, asking, with quivering lip, if there were no other alternative save the one their presence suggested.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading “Wait a little, wait till I think the matter over,” he said, in reply to the question, “are you ready?” and turning his face to the wall, so that those about him should not see the fearful conflict going on, he thought long and earnestly.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading How those polished, cruel-looking instruments sparkled, and glittered, and flashed; and how the sick man shuddered as he glanced toward the table where they lay, asking, with quivering lip, if there were no other alternative save the one their presence suggested.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading “Wait a little, wait till I think the matter over,” he said, in reply to the question, “are you ready?” and turning his face to the wall, so that those about him should not see the fearful conflict going on, he thought long and earnestly.
instrumentsnounUS /ˈɪnstrəmənts/
plural of “instrument” — a device that requires skill for proper use
From this reading How those polished, cruel-looking instruments sparkled, and glittered, and flashed; and how the sick man shuddered as he glanced toward the table where they lay, asking, with quivering lip, if there were no other alternative save the one their presence suggested.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading “None but speedy death,”—George repeated the words slowly to himself, dwelling longest upon the last, as if to accustom himself to thoughts of it.
and nothing more
From this reading “None but speedy death!” was the response of the attending surgeon, who was too much accustomed to just such scenes as this, to appreciate the feelings of that poor soldier, shrinking so painfully from what they told him must be if he would live.
immediately past
From this reading “None but speedy death,”—George repeated the words slowly to himself, dwelling longest upon the last, as if to accustom himself to thoughts of it.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading How those polished, cruel-looking instruments sparkled, and glittered, and flashed; and how the sick man shuddered as he glanced toward the table where they lay, asking, with quivering lip, if there were no other alternative save the one their presence suggested.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Wasn’t it better to die than go back to Annie maimed and disfigured for life?
either of two fleshy folds of tissue that surround the mouth and play a role in speaking
From this reading How those polished, cruel-looking instruments sparkled, and glittered, and flashed; and how the sick man shuddered as he glanced toward the table where they lay, asking, with quivering lip, if there were no other alternative save the one their presence suggested.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading “Wait a little, wait till I think the matter over,” he said, in reply to the question, “are you ready?” and turning his face to the wall, so that those about him should not see the fearful conflict going on, he thought long and earnestly.
be an inhabitant of or reside in
From this reading “None but speedy death!” was the response of the attending surgeon, who was too much accustomed to just such scenes as this, to appreciate the feelings of that poor soldier, shrinking so painfully from what they told him must be if he would live.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading “Wait a little, wait till I think the matter over,” he said, in reply to the question, “are you ready?” and turning his face to the wall, so that those about him should not see the fearful conflict going on, he thought long and earnestly.
longestadverbUS /ˈlɔːŋɡəst/
for the most time
From this reading “None but speedy death,”—George repeated the words slowly to himself, dwelling longest upon the last, as if to accustom himself to thoughts of it.
maimednounUS /meɪmd/
people who are wounded
From this reading Wasn’t it better to die than go back to Annie maimed and disfigured for life?
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading How those polished, cruel-looking instruments sparkled, and glittered, and flashed; and how the sick man shuddered as he glanced toward the table where they lay, asking, with quivering lip, if there were no other alternative save the one their presence suggested.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading “Wait a little, wait till I think the matter over,” he said, in reply to the question, “are you ready?” and turning his face to the wall, so that those about him should not see the fearful conflict going on, he thought long and earnestly.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading “None but speedy death!” was the response of the attending surgeon, who was too much accustomed to just such scenes as this, to appreciate the feelings of that poor soldier, shrinking so painfully from what they told him must be if he would live.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading “None but speedy death!” was the response of the attending surgeon, who was too much accustomed to just such scenes as this, to appreciate the feelings of that poor soldier, shrinking so painfully from what they told him must be if he would live.
not any; not one
From this reading How those polished, cruel-looking instruments sparkled, and glittered, and flashed; and how the sick man shuddered as he glanced toward the table where they lay, asking, with quivering lip, if there were no other alternative save the one their presence suggested.
not one, and not any
From this reading “None but speedy death!” was the response of the attending surgeon, who was too much accustomed to just such scenes as this, to appreciate the feelings of that poor soldier, shrinking so painfully from what they told him must be if he would live.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading “Wait a little, wait till I think the matter over,” he said, in reply to the question, “are you ready?” and turning his face to the wall, so that those about him should not see the fearful conflict going on, he thought long and earnestly.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading “None but speedy death!” was the response of the attending surgeon, who was too much accustomed to just such scenes as this, to appreciate the feelings of that poor soldier, shrinking so painfully from what they told him must be if he would live.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading “Wait a little, wait till I think the matter over,” he said, in reply to the question, “are you ready?” and turning his face to the wall, so that those about him should not see the fearful conflict going on, he thought long and earnestly.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading How those polished, cruel-looking instruments sparkled, and glittered, and flashed; and how the sick man shuddered as he glanced toward the table where they lay, asking, with quivering lip, if there were no other alternative save the one their presence suggested.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading How those polished, cruel-looking instruments sparkled, and glittered, and flashed; and how the sick man shuddered as he glanced toward the table where they lay, asking, with quivering lip, if there were no other alternative save the one their presence suggested.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading “Wait a little, wait till I think the matter over,” he said, in reply to the question, “are you ready?” and turning his face to the wall, so that those about him should not see the fearful conflict going on, he thought long and earnestly.
painfullyadverbUS /ˈpeɪnfəli/
unpleasantly
From this reading “None but speedy death!” was the response of the attending surgeon, who was too much accustomed to just such scenes as this, to appreciate the feelings of that poor soldier, shrinking so painfully from what they told him must be if he would live.
polishedadjectiveUS /ˈpɑːlɪʃt/
perfected or made shiny and smooth
From this reading How those polished, cruel-looking instruments sparkled, and glittered, and flashed; and how the sick man shuddered as he glanced toward the table where they lay, asking, with quivering lip, if there were no other alternative save the one their presence suggested.
deserving or inciting pity
From this reading “None but speedy death!” was the response of the attending surgeon, who was too much accustomed to just such scenes as this, to appreciate the feelings of that poor soldier, shrinking so painfully from what they told him must be if he would live.
the state of being present; current existence
From this reading How those polished, cruel-looking instruments sparkled, and glittered, and flashed; and how the sick man shuddered as he glanced toward the table where they lay, asking, with quivering lip, if there were no other alternative save the one their presence suggested.
challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of
From this reading “Wait a little, wait till I think the matter over,” he said, in reply to the question, “are you ready?” and turning his face to the wall, so that those about him should not see the fearful conflict going on, he thought long and earnestly.
quiveringnounUS /ˈkwɪvərɪŋ/
a shaky motion
From this reading How those polished, cruel-looking instruments sparkled, and glittered, and flashed; and how the sick man shuddered as he glanced toward the table where they lay, asking, with quivering lip, if there were no other alternative save the one their presence suggested.
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading “Wait a little, wait till I think the matter over,” he said, in reply to the question, “are you ready?” and turning his face to the wall, so that those about him should not see the fearful conflict going on, he thought long and earnestly.
recurring again and again
From this reading “None but speedy death,”—George repeated the words slowly to himself, dwelling longest upon the last, as if to accustom himself to thoughts of it.
a statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation
From this reading “Wait a little, wait till I think the matter over,” he said, in reply to the question, “are you ready?” and turning his face to the wall, so that those about him should not see the fearful conflict going on, he thought long and earnestly.
responsenounUS /rɪˈspɑːns/
a result
From this reading “None but speedy death!” was the response of the attending surgeon, who was too much accustomed to just such scenes as this, to appreciate the feelings of that poor soldier, shrinking so painfully from what they told him must be if he would live.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading “Wait a little, wait till I think the matter over,” he said, in reply to the question, “are you ready?” and turning his face to the wall, so that those about him should not see the fearful conflict going on, he thought long and earnestly.
except for; apart from
From this reading How those polished, cruel-looking instruments sparkled, and glittered, and flashed; and how the sick man shuddered as he glanced toward the table where they lay, asking, with quivering lip, if there were no other alternative save the one their presence suggested.
plural of “scene” — the place where some action occurs
From this reading “None but speedy death!” was the response of the attending surgeon, who was too much accustomed to just such scenes as this, to appreciate the feelings of that poor soldier, shrinking so painfully from what they told him must be if he would live.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading “Wait a little, wait till I think the matter over,” he said, in reply to the question, “are you ready?” and turning his face to the wall, so that those about him should not see the fearful conflict going on, he thought long and earnestly.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading “Wait a little, wait till I think the matter over,” he said, in reply to the question, “are you ready?” and turning his face to the wall, so that those about him should not see the fearful conflict going on, he thought long and earnestly.
shrinkingnounUS /ˈʃrɪŋkɪŋ/
process or result of becoming less or smaller
From this reading “None but speedy death!” was the response of the attending surgeon, who was too much accustomed to just such scenes as this, to appreciate the feelings of that poor soldier, shrinking so painfully from what they told him must be if he would live.
shudderedverbUS /ˈʃʌdərd/
past form of “shudder” — shake, as from cold
From this reading How those polished, cruel-looking instruments sparkled, and glittered, and flashed; and how the sick man shuddered as he glanced toward the table where they lay, asking, with quivering lip, if there were no other alternative save the one their presence suggested.
affected by an impairment of normal physical or mental function
From this reading How those polished, cruel-looking instruments sparkled, and glittered, and flashed; and how the sick man shuddered as he glanced toward the table where they lay, asking, with quivering lip, if there were no other alternative save the one their presence suggested.
without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)
From this reading “None but speedy death,”—George repeated the words slowly to himself, dwelling longest upon the last, as if to accustom himself to thoughts of it.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading “None but speedy death!” was the response of the attending surgeon, who was too much accustomed to just such scenes as this, to appreciate the feelings of that poor soldier, shrinking so painfully from what they told him must be if he would live.
an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army
From this reading “None but speedy death!” was the response of the attending surgeon, who was too much accustomed to just such scenes as this, to appreciate the feelings of that poor soldier, shrinking so painfully from what they told him must be if he would live.
sparkledverbUS /ˈspɑːrkəld/
past form of “sparkle” — reflect brightly
From this reading How those polished, cruel-looking instruments sparkled, and glittered, and flashed; and how the sick man shuddered as he glanced toward the table where they lay, asking, with quivering lip, if there were no other alternative save the one their presence suggested.
speedyadjectiveUS /ˈspiːdiː/
characterized by speed; moving with or capable of moving with high speed
From this reading “None but speedy death!” was the response of the attending surgeon, who was too much accustomed to just such scenes as this, to appreciate the feelings of that poor soldier, shrinking so painfully from what they told him must be if he would live.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading “None but speedy death!” was the response of the attending surgeon, who was too much accustomed to just such scenes as this, to appreciate the feelings of that poor soldier, shrinking so painfully from what they told him must be if he would live.
past form of “suggest” — make a proposal, declare a plan for something
From this reading How those polished, cruel-looking instruments sparkled, and glittered, and flashed; and how the sick man shuddered as he glanced toward the table where they lay, asking, with quivering lip, if there were no other alternative save the one their presence suggested.
surgeonnounUS /ˈsɜːrdʒən/
a physician who specializes in surgery
From this reading “None but speedy death!” was the response of the attending surgeon, who was too much accustomed to just such scenes as this, to appreciate the feelings of that poor soldier, shrinking so painfully from what they told him must be if he would live.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading How those polished, cruel-looking instruments sparkled, and glittered, and flashed; and how the sick man shuddered as he glanced toward the table where they lay, asking, with quivering lip, if there were no other alternative save the one their presence suggested.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Wasn’t it better to die than go back to Annie maimed and disfigured for life?
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading “None but speedy death!” was the response of the attending surgeon, who was too much accustomed to just such scenes as this, to appreciate the feelings of that poor soldier, shrinking so painfully from what they told him must be if he would live.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading How those polished, cruel-looking instruments sparkled, and glittered, and flashed; and how the sick man shuddered as he glanced toward the table where they lay, asking, with quivering lip, if there were no other alternative save the one their presence suggested.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading How those polished, cruel-looking instruments sparkled, and glittered, and flashed; and how the sick man shuddered as he glanced toward the table where they lay, asking, with quivering lip, if there were no other alternative save the one their presence suggested.
in or at that place or location
From this reading How those polished, cruel-looking instruments sparkled, and glittered, and flashed; and how the sick man shuddered as he glanced toward the table where they lay, asking, with quivering lip, if there were no other alternative save the one their presence suggested.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading How those polished, cruel-looking instruments sparkled, and glittered, and flashed; and how the sick man shuddered as he glanced toward the table where they lay, asking, with quivering lip, if there were no other alternative save the one their presence suggested.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading “Wait a little, wait till I think the matter over,” he said, in reply to the question, “are you ready?” and turning his face to the wall, so that those about him should not see the fearful conflict going on, he thought long and earnestly.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading “None but speedy death!” was the response of the attending surgeon, who was too much accustomed to just such scenes as this, to appreciate the feelings of that poor soldier, shrinking so painfully from what they told him must be if he would live.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading How those polished, cruel-looking instruments sparkled, and glittered, and flashed; and how the sick man shuddered as he glanced toward the table where they lay, asking, with quivering lip, if there were no other alternative save the one their presence suggested.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading “Wait a little, wait till I think the matter over,” he said, in reply to the question, “are you ready?” and turning his face to the wall, so that those about him should not see the fearful conflict going on, he thought long and earnestly.
plural of “thought” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading “None but speedy death,”—George repeated the words slowly to himself, dwelling longest upon the last, as if to accustom himself to thoughts of it.
up to a particular time
From this reading “Wait a little, wait till I think the matter over,” he said, in reply to the question, “are you ready?” and turning his face to the wall, so that those about him should not see the fearful conflict going on, he thought long and earnestly.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading “None but speedy death!” was the response of the attending surgeon, who was too much accustomed to just such scenes as this, to appreciate the feelings of that poor soldier, shrinking so painfully from what they told him must be if he would live.
inflected form of “tell” — express in words
From this reading “None but speedy death!” was the response of the attending surgeon, who was too much accustomed to just such scenes as this, to appreciate the feelings of that poor soldier, shrinking so painfully from what they told him must be if he would live.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading “None but speedy death!” was the response of the attending surgeon, who was too much accustomed to just such scenes as this, to appreciate the feelings of that poor soldier, shrinking so painfully from what they told him must be if he would live.
towardprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrd/
in the direction of
From this reading How those polished, cruel-looking instruments sparkled, and glittered, and flashed; and how the sick man shuddered as he glanced toward the table where they lay, asking, with quivering lip, if there were no other alternative save the one their presence suggested.
the act of changing or reversing the direction of the course
From this reading “Wait a little, wait till I think the matter over,” he said, in reply to the question, “are you ready?” and turning his face to the wall, so that those about him should not see the fearful conflict going on, he thought long and earnestly.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading “None but speedy death,”—George repeated the words slowly to himself, dwelling longest upon the last, as if to accustom himself to thoughts of it.
stay in one place and anticipate or expect something
From this reading “Wait a little, wait till I think the matter over,” he said, in reply to the question, “are you ready?” and turning his face to the wall, so that those about him should not see the fearful conflict going on, he thought long and earnestly.
an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure
From this reading “Wait a little, wait till I think the matter over,” he said, in reply to the question, “are you ready?” and turning his face to the wall, so that those about him should not see the fearful conflict going on, he thought long and earnestly.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “None but speedy death!” was the response of the attending surgeon, who was too much accustomed to just such scenes as this, to appreciate the feelings of that poor soldier, shrinking so painfully from what they told him must be if he would live.
Wasn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Wasn’t it better to die than go back to Annie maimed and disfigured for life?
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading How those polished, cruel-looking instruments sparkled, and glittered, and flashed; and how the sick man shuddered as he glanced toward the table where they lay, asking, with quivering lip, if there were no other alternative save the one their presence suggested.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading “None but speedy death!” was the response of the attending surgeon, who was too much accustomed to just such scenes as this, to appreciate the feelings of that poor soldier, shrinking so painfully from what they told him must be if he would live.
in or at the place that
From this reading How those polished, cruel-looking instruments sparkled, and glittered, and flashed; and how the sick man shuddered as he glanced toward the table where they lay, asking, with quivering lip, if there were no other alternative save the one their presence suggested.
which person or people
From this reading “None but speedy death!” was the response of the attending surgeon, who was too much accustomed to just such scenes as this, to appreciate the feelings of that poor soldier, shrinking so painfully from what they told him must be if he would live.
in the company of; together with
From this reading How those polished, cruel-looking instruments sparkled, and glittered, and flashed; and how the sick man shuddered as he glanced toward the table where they lay, asking, with quivering lip, if there were no other alternative save the one their presence suggested.
the words that are spoken
From this reading “None but speedy death,”—George repeated the words slowly to himself, dwelling longest upon the last, as if to accustom himself to thoughts of it.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading “None but speedy death!” was the response of the attending surgeon, who was too much accustomed to just such scenes as this, to appreciate the feelings of that poor soldier, shrinking so painfully from what they told him must be if he would live.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “Wait a little, wait till I think the matter over,” he said, in reply to the question, “are you ready?” and turning his face to the wall, so that those about him should not see the fearful conflict going on, he thought long and earnestly.
