used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE VICTIM Some poet has described love as a little glow and a little shiver; to Sandy it was more like a ravaging fire in his heart, which lighted up a world of such unutterable bliss that he cheerfully added fresh fuel to the flames that were consuming him.
abilitynounUS /əˈbɪlətiː/
the quality of being able to perform; a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment
From this reading The one absorbing necessity of his existence was to see Ruth daily, and the amount of strategy, forethought, and subtilty with which he accomplished it argued well for his future ability at the bar.
absorbingadjectiveUS /əbˈzɔːrbɪŋ/
capable of arousing and holding the attention
From this reading The one absorbing necessity of his existence was to see Ruth daily, and the amount of strategy, forethought, and subtilty with which he accomplished it argued well for his future ability at the bar.
highly skilled
From this reading The one absorbing necessity of his existence was to see Ruth daily, and the amount of strategy, forethought, and subtilty with which he accomplished it argued well for his future ability at the bar.
past form of “add” — make an addition (to); join or combine or unite with others; increase the quality, quantity, size or scope of
From this reading THE VICTIM Some poet has described love as a little glow and a little shiver; to Sandy it was more like a ravaging fire in his heart, which lighted up a world of such unutterable bliss that he cheerfully added fresh fuel to the flames that were consuming him.
(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 In the long hours of the night Wisdom urged prudence; she presented all the facts in the case, and convinced him of his folly.
a quantity of money
From this reading The one absorbing necessity of his existence was to see Ruth daily, and the amount of strategy, forethought, and subtilty with which he accomplished it argued well for his future ability at the bar.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE VICTIM Some poet has described love as a little glow and a little shiver; to Sandy it was more like a ravaging fire in his heart, which lighted up a world of such unutterable bliss that he cheerfully added fresh fuel to the flames that were consuming him.
arguedverbUS /ˈɑːrɡjuːd/
past form of “argue” — present reasons and arguments
From this reading The one absorbing necessity of his existence was to see Ruth daily, and the amount of strategy, forethought, and subtilty with which he accomplished it argued well for his future ability at the bar.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading THE VICTIM Some poet has described love as a little glow and a little shiver; to Sandy it was more like a ravaging fire in his heart, which lighted up a world of such unutterable bliss that he cheerfully added fresh fuel to the flames that were consuming him.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The one absorbing necessity of his existence was to see Ruth daily, and the amount of strategy, forethought, and subtilty with which he accomplished it argued well for his future ability at the bar.
a room or establishment where alcoholic drinks are served over a counter
From this reading The one absorbing necessity of his existence was to see Ruth daily, and the amount of strategy, forethought, and subtilty with which he accomplished it argued well for his future ability at the bar.
blissnounUS /blɪs/
a state of extreme happiness
From this reading THE VICTIM Some poet has described love as a little glow and a little shiver; to Sandy it was more like a ravaging fire in his heart, which lighted up a world of such unutterable bliss that he cheerfully added fresh fuel to the flames that were consuming him.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But with the dawn he threw discretion to the winds, and rushed valiantly forward, leading a forlorn hope under cover of a little Platonic flag of truce.
an occurrence of something
From this reading In the long hours of the night Wisdom urged prudence; she presented all the facts in the case, and convinced him of his folly.
cheerfullyadverbUS /ˈtʃɪrfəli/
in a cheerful manner
From this reading THE VICTIM Some poet has described love as a little glow and a little shiver; to Sandy it was more like a ravaging fire in his heart, which lighted up a world of such unutterable bliss that he cheerfully added fresh fuel to the flames that were consuming him.
consumingadjectiveUS /kənˈsuːmɪŋ/
very strong; urgently felt
From this reading THE VICTIM Some poet has described love as a little glow and a little shiver; to Sandy it was more like a ravaging fire in his heart, which lighted up a world of such unutterable bliss that he cheerfully added fresh fuel to the flames that were consuming him.
persuaded of; very sure
From this reading In the long hours of the night Wisdom urged prudence; she presented all the facts in the case, and convinced him of his folly.
provide with a covering or cause to be covered
From this reading But with the dawn he threw discretion to the winds, and rushed valiantly forward, leading a forlorn hope under cover of a little Platonic flag of truce.
every day; without missing a day
From this reading The one absorbing necessity of his existence was to see Ruth daily, and the amount of strategy, forethought, and subtilty with which he accomplished it argued well for his future ability at the bar.
the first light of day
From this reading But with the dawn he threw discretion to the winds, and rushed valiantly forward, leading a forlorn hope under cover of a little Platonic flag of truce.
represented in words especially with sharpness and detail
From this reading THE VICTIM Some poet has described love as a little glow and a little shiver; to Sandy it was more like a ravaging fire in his heart, which lighted up a world of such unutterable bliss that he cheerfully added fresh fuel to the flames that were consuming him.
discretionnounUS /dɪˈskreʃən/
freedom to act or judge on one's own
From this reading But with the dawn he threw discretion to the winds, and rushed valiantly forward, leading a forlorn hope under cover of a little Platonic flag of truce.
the state or fact of existing
From this reading The one absorbing necessity of his existence was to see Ruth daily, and the amount of strategy, forethought, and subtilty with which he accomplished it argued well for his future ability at the bar.
plural of “fact” — a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading In the long hours of the night Wisdom urged prudence; she presented all the facts in the case, and convinced him of his folly.
fervornounUS /ˈfɜːrvər/
feelings of great warmth and intensity
From this reading With all the fervor and intensity of his nature he tried to fit himself to Ruth's standards.
start firing a weapon
From this reading THE VICTIM Some poet has described love as a little glow and a little shiver; to Sandy it was more like a ravaging fire in his heart, which lighted up a world of such unutterable bliss that he cheerfully added fresh fuel to the flames that were consuming him.
be agreeable or acceptable to
From this reading With all the fervor and intensity of his nature he tried to fit himself to Ruth's standards.
flagnounUS /flæɡ/
emblem usually consisting of a rectangular piece of cloth of distinctive design
From this reading But with the dawn he threw discretion to the winds, and rushed valiantly forward, leading a forlorn hope under cover of a little Platonic flag of truce.
flamesnounUS /fleɪmz/
plural of “flame” — the process of combustion of inflammable materials producing heat and light and (often) smoke
From this reading THE VICTIM Some poet has described love as a little glow and a little shiver; to Sandy it was more like a ravaging fire in his heart, which lighted up a world of such unutterable bliss that he cheerfully added fresh fuel to the flames that were consuming him.
the trait of acting stupidly or rashly
From this reading In the long hours of the night Wisdom urged prudence; she presented all the facts in the case, and convinced him of his folly.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The one absorbing necessity of his existence was to see Ruth daily, and the amount of strategy, forethought, and subtilty with which he accomplished it argued well for his future ability at the bar.
forethoughtnounUS /ˈfɔːrθɔːt/
planning or plotting in advance of acting
From this reading The one absorbing necessity of his existence was to see Ruth daily, and the amount of strategy, forethought, and subtilty with which he accomplished it argued well for his future ability at the bar.
forlornadjectiveUS /fərˈlɔːrn/
marked by or showing hopelessness
From this reading But with the dawn he threw discretion to the winds, and rushed valiantly forward, leading a forlorn hope under cover of a little Platonic flag of truce.
at or to or toward the front
From this reading But with the dawn he threw discretion to the winds, and rushed valiantly forward, leading a forlorn hope under cover of a little Platonic flag of truce.
recently made, produced, or harvested
From this reading THE VICTIM Some poet has described love as a little glow and a little shiver; to Sandy it was more like a ravaging fire in his heart, which lighted up a world of such unutterable bliss that he cheerfully added fresh fuel to the flames that were consuming him.
fuelverbUS /ˈfjuːəl/
provide with a combustible substance that provides energy
From this reading THE VICTIM Some poet has described love as a little glow and a little shiver; to Sandy it was more like a ravaging fire in his heart, which lighted up a world of such unutterable bliss that he cheerfully added fresh fuel to the flames that were consuming him.
yet to be or coming
From this reading The one absorbing necessity of his existence was to see Ruth daily, and the amount of strategy, forethought, and subtilty with which he accomplished it argued well for his future ability at the bar.
an alert and refreshed state
From this reading THE VICTIM Some poet has described love as a little glow and a little shiver; to Sandy it was more like a ravaging fire in his heart, which lighted up a world of such unutterable bliss that he cheerfully added fresh fuel to the flames that were consuming him.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE VICTIM Some poet has described love as a little glow and a little shiver; to Sandy it was more like a ravaging fire in his heart, which lighted up a world of such unutterable bliss that he cheerfully added fresh fuel to the flames that were consuming him.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading THE VICTIM Some poet has described love as a little glow and a little shiver; to Sandy it was more like a ravaging fire in his heart, which lighted up a world of such unutterable bliss that he cheerfully added fresh fuel to the flames that were consuming him.
the locus of feelings and intuitions
From this reading THE VICTIM Some poet has described love as a little glow and a little shiver; to Sandy it was more like a ravaging fire in his heart, which lighted up a world of such unutterable bliss that he cheerfully added fresh fuel to the flames that were consuming him.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading THE VICTIM Some poet has described love as a little glow and a little shiver; to Sandy it was more like a ravaging fire in his heart, which lighted up a world of such unutterable bliss that he cheerfully added fresh fuel to the flames that were consuming him.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading With all the fervor and intensity of his nature he tried to fit himself to Ruth's standards.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading THE VICTIM Some poet has described love as a little glow and a little shiver; to Sandy it was more like a ravaging fire in his heart, which lighted up a world of such unutterable bliss that he cheerfully added fresh fuel to the flames that were consuming him.
a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading But with the dawn he threw discretion to the winds, and rushed valiantly forward, leading a forlorn hope under cover of a little Platonic flag of truce.
a period of time assigned for work
From this reading In the long hours of the night Wisdom urged prudence; she presented all the facts in the case, and convinced him of his folly.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE VICTIM Some poet has described love as a little glow and a little shiver; to Sandy it was more like a ravaging fire in his heart, which lighted up a world of such unutterable bliss that he cheerfully added fresh fuel to the flames that were consuming him.
intensitynounUS /ɪnˈtensəti/
the amount of energy transmitted (as by acoustic or electromagnetic radiation)
From this reading With all the fervor and intensity of his nature he tried to fit himself to Ruth's standards.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading THE VICTIM Some poet has described love as a little glow and a little shiver; to Sandy it was more like a ravaging fire in his heart, which lighted up a world of such unutterable bliss that he cheerfully added fresh fuel to the flames that were consuming him.
indicating the most important performer or role
From this reading But with the dawn he threw discretion to the winds, and rushed valiantly forward, leading a forlorn hope under cover of a little Platonic flag of truce.
set afire or burning
From this reading THE VICTIM Some poet has described love as a little glow and a little shiver; to Sandy it was more like a ravaging fire in his heart, which lighted up a world of such unutterable bliss that he cheerfully added fresh fuel to the flames that were consuming him.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading THE VICTIM Some poet has described love as a little glow and a little shiver; to Sandy it was more like a ravaging fire in his heart, which lighted up a world of such unutterable bliss that he cheerfully added fresh fuel to the flames that were consuming him.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading THE VICTIM Some poet has described love as a little glow and a little shiver; to Sandy it was more like a ravaging fire in his heart, which lighted up a world of such unutterable bliss that he cheerfully added fresh fuel to the flames that were consuming him.
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 In the long hours of the night Wisdom urged prudence; she presented all the facts in the case, and convinced him of his folly.
a strong positive emotion of regard and affection
From this reading THE VICTIM Some poet has described love as a little glow and a little shiver; to Sandy it was more like a ravaging fire in his heart, which lighted up a world of such unutterable bliss that he cheerfully added fresh fuel to the flames that were consuming him.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading THE VICTIM Some poet has described love as a little glow and a little shiver; to Sandy it was more like a ravaging fire in his heart, which lighted up a world of such unutterable bliss that he cheerfully added fresh fuel to the flames that were consuming him.
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading With all the fervor and intensity of his nature he tried to fit himself to Ruth's standards.
the condition of being essential or indispensable
From this reading The one absorbing necessity of his existence was to see Ruth daily, and the amount of strategy, forethought, and subtilty with which he accomplished it argued well for his future ability at the bar.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading In the long hours of the night Wisdom urged prudence; she presented all the facts in the case, and convinced him of his folly.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE VICTIM Some poet has described love as a little glow and a little shiver; to Sandy it was more like a ravaging fire in his heart, which lighted up a world of such unutterable bliss that he cheerfully added fresh fuel to the flames that were consuming him.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading The one absorbing necessity of his existence was to see Ruth daily, and the amount of strategy, forethought, and subtilty with which he accomplished it argued well for his future ability at the bar.
PlatonicadjectiveUS /pləˈtɑːnɪk/
of or relating to or characteristic of Plato or his philosophy
From this reading But with the dawn he threw discretion to the winds, and rushed valiantly forward, leading a forlorn hope under cover of a little Platonic flag of truce.
a writer of poems (the term is usually reserved for writers of good poetry)
From this reading THE VICTIM Some poet has described love as a little glow and a little shiver; to Sandy it was more like a ravaging fire in his heart, which lighted up a world of such unutterable bliss that he cheerfully added fresh fuel to the flames that were consuming him.
past form of “present” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading In the long hours of the night Wisdom urged prudence; she presented all the facts in the case, and convinced him of his folly.
prudencenounUS /ˈpruːdəns/
discretion in practical affairs
From this reading In the long hours of the night Wisdom urged prudence; she presented all the facts in the case, and convinced him of his folly.
ravagingnounUS /ˈrævɪdʒɪŋ/
plundering with excessive damage and destruction
From this reading THE VICTIM Some poet has described love as a little glow and a little shiver; to Sandy it was more like a ravaging fire in his heart, which lighted up a world of such unutterable bliss that he cheerfully added fresh fuel to the flames that were consuming him.
done under pressure
From this reading But with the dawn he threw discretion to the winds, and rushed valiantly forward, leading a forlorn hope under cover of a little Platonic flag of truce.
United States professional baseball player famous for hitting home runs (1895-1948)
From this reading The one absorbing necessity of his existence was to see Ruth daily, and the amount of strategy, forethought, and subtilty with which he accomplished it argued well for his future ability at the bar.
Ruth'snounUS /ruːθs/
possessive form of “ruth” — United States professional baseball player famous for hitting home runs (1895-1948)
From this reading With all the fervor and intensity of his nature he tried to fit himself to Ruth's standards.
SandyadjectiveUS /ˈsændi/
of hair color; pale yellowish to yellowish brown
From this reading THE VICTIM Some poet has described love as a little glow and a little shiver; to Sandy it was more like a ravaging fire in his heart, which lighted up a world of such unutterable bliss that he cheerfully added fresh fuel to the flames that were consuming him.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading The one absorbing necessity of his existence was to see Ruth daily, and the amount of strategy, forethought, and subtilty with which he accomplished it argued well for his future ability at the bar.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading In the long hours of the night Wisdom urged prudence; she presented all the facts in the case, and convinced him of his folly.
shiververbUS /ˈʃɪvər/
tremble convulsively, as from fear or excitement
From this reading THE VICTIM Some poet has described love as a little glow and a little shiver; to Sandy it was more like a ravaging fire in his heart, which lighted up a world of such unutterable bliss that he cheerfully added fresh fuel to the flames that were consuming him.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading THE VICTIM Some poet has described love as a little glow and a little shiver; to Sandy it was more like a ravaging fire in his heart, which lighted up a world of such unutterable bliss that he cheerfully added fresh fuel to the flames that were consuming him.
standardsnounUS /ˈstændərdz/
plural of “standard” — a basis for comparison; a reference point against which other things can be evaluated
From this reading With all the fervor and intensity of his nature he tried to fit himself to Ruth's standards.
strategynounUS /ˈstrætədʒi/
an elaborate and systematic plan of action
From this reading The one absorbing necessity of his existence was to see Ruth daily, and the amount of strategy, forethought, and subtilty with which he accomplished it argued well for his future ability at the bar.
subtilty
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The one absorbing necessity of his existence was to see Ruth daily, and the amount of strategy, forethought, and subtilty with which he accomplished it argued well for his future ability at the bar.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading THE VICTIM Some poet has described love as a little glow and a little shiver; to Sandy it was more like a ravaging fire in his heart, which lighted up a world of such unutterable bliss that he cheerfully added fresh fuel to the flames that were consuming him.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading THE VICTIM Some poet has described love as a little glow and a little shiver; to Sandy it was more like a ravaging fire in his heart, which lighted up a world of such unutterable bliss that he cheerfully added fresh fuel to the flames that were consuming him.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE VICTIM Some poet has described love as a little glow and a little shiver; to Sandy it was more like a ravaging fire in his heart, which lighted up a world of such unutterable bliss that he cheerfully added fresh fuel to the flames that were consuming him.
inflected form of “throw” — propel through the air
From this reading But with the dawn he threw discretion to the winds, and rushed valiantly forward, leading a forlorn hope under cover of a little Platonic flag of truce.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE VICTIM Some poet has described love as a little glow and a little shiver; to Sandy it was more like a ravaging fire in his heart, which lighted up a world of such unutterable bliss that he cheerfully added fresh fuel to the flames that were consuming him.
tested and proved useful or correct
From this reading With all the fervor and intensity of his nature he tried to fit himself to Ruth's standards.
trucenounUS /truːs/
a state of peace agreed to between opponents so they can discuss peace terms
From this reading But with the dawn he threw discretion to the winds, and rushed valiantly forward, leading a forlorn hope under cover of a little Platonic flag of truce.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading But with the dawn he threw discretion to the winds, and rushed valiantly forward, leading a forlorn hope under cover of a little Platonic flag of truce.
unutterableadjective
too sacred to be uttered
From this reading THE VICTIM Some poet has described love as a little glow and a little shiver; to Sandy it was more like a ravaging fire in his heart, which lighted up a world of such unutterable bliss that he cheerfully added fresh fuel to the flames that were consuming him.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading THE VICTIM Some poet has described love as a little glow and a little shiver; to Sandy it was more like a ravaging fire in his heart, which lighted up a world of such unutterable bliss that he cheerfully added fresh fuel to the flames that were consuming him.
past form of “urge” — force or impel in an indicated direction
From this reading In the long hours of the night Wisdom urged prudence; she presented all the facts in the case, and convinced him of his folly.
valiantlyadverbUS /ˈvæljəntli/
with valor; in a valiant manner
From this reading But with the dawn he threw discretion to the winds, and rushed valiantly forward, leading a forlorn hope under cover of a little Platonic flag of truce.
an unfortunate person who suffers from some adverse circumstance
From this reading THE VICTIM Some poet has described love as a little glow and a little shiver; to Sandy it was more like a ravaging fire in his heart, which lighted up a world of such unutterable bliss that he cheerfully added fresh fuel to the flames that were consuming him.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE VICTIM Some poet has described love as a little glow and a little shiver; to Sandy it was more like a ravaging fire in his heart, which lighted up a world of such unutterable bliss that he cheerfully added fresh fuel to the flames that were consuming him.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading The one absorbing necessity of his existence was to see Ruth daily, and the amount of strategy, forethought, and subtilty with which he accomplished it argued well for his future ability at the bar.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading THE VICTIM Some poet has described love as a little glow and a little shiver; to Sandy it was more like a ravaging fire in his heart, which lighted up a world of such unutterable bliss that he cheerfully added fresh fuel to the flames that were consuming him.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading THE VICTIM Some poet has described love as a little glow and a little shiver; to Sandy it was more like a ravaging fire in his heart, which lighted up a world of such unutterable bliss that he cheerfully added fresh fuel to the flames that were consuming him.
plural of “wind” — air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading But with the dawn he threw discretion to the winds, and rushed valiantly forward, leading a forlorn hope under cover of a little Platonic flag of truce.
accumulated knowledge or erudition or enlightenment
From this reading In the long hours of the night Wisdom urged prudence; she presented all the facts in the case, and convinced him of his folly.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The one absorbing necessity of his existence was to see Ruth daily, and the amount of strategy, forethought, and subtilty with which he accomplished it argued well for his future ability at the bar.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading THE VICTIM Some poet has described love as a little glow and a little shiver; to Sandy it was more like a ravaging fire in his heart, which lighted up a world of such unutterable bliss that he cheerfully added fresh fuel to the flames that were consuming him.
