used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading His mother was thinner, her eyes were dimmer, her nose appeared sharper, and she was altogether a smaller person than he had left her.
the state of being absent
From this reading He could look round and meet the beaming, tearful, tender glance of his doting mother, the gay but kindly smile of his father, the affectionate countenances of his sisters; and he felt that the joy of reunion almost compensates for the pain of separation, when the return is not embittered by the absence of any familiar face.
affectionateadjectiveUS /əˈfekʃənət/
having or displaying warmth or affection
From this reading He could look round and meet the beaming, tearful, tender glance of his doting mother, the gay but kindly smile of his father, the affectionate countenances of his sisters; and he felt that the joy of reunion almost compensates for the pain of separation, when the return is not embittered by the absence of any familiar face.
(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 Love mocks all sorrows but his own, And damps each joy he does not yield.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading He could look round and meet the beaming, tearful, tender glance of his doting mother, the gay but kindly smile of his father, the affectionate countenances of his sisters; and he felt that the joy of reunion almost compensates for the pain of separation, when the return is not embittered by the absence of any familiar face.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading His mother was thinner, her eyes were dimmer, her nose appeared sharper, and she was altogether a smaller person than he had left her.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Love mocks all sorrows but his own, And damps each joy he does not yield.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading He could look round and meet the beaming, tearful, tender glance of his doting mother, the gay but kindly smile of his father, the affectionate countenances of his sisters; and he felt that the joy of reunion almost compensates for the pain of separation, when the return is not embittered by the absence of any familiar face.
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading His mother was thinner, her eyes were dimmer, her nose appeared sharper, and she was altogether a smaller person than he had left her.
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading Three years, however, had worked some changes in those around him.
beamingadjectiveUS /ˈbiːmɪŋ/
cheerful and bright
From this reading He could look round and meet the beaming, tearful, tender glance of his doting mother, the gay but kindly smile of his father, the affectionate countenances of his sisters; and he felt that the joy of reunion almost compensates for the pain of separation, when the return is not embittered by the absence of any familiar face.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Love mocks all sorrows but his own, And damps each joy he does not yield.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading He could look round and meet the beaming, tearful, tender glance of his doting mother, the gay but kindly smile of his father, the affectionate countenances of his sisters; and he felt that the joy of reunion almost compensates for the pain of separation, when the return is not embittered by the absence of any familiar face.
changesnounUS /ˈtʃeɪndʒəz/
plural of “change” — an event that occurs when something passes from one state or phase to another
From this reading Three years, however, had worked some changes in those around him.
chasmnounUS /ˈkæzəm/
a deep opening in the earth's surface
From this reading _Unpublished Poems._ De Molton had the happiness of finding no chasm in the dear and well-known family circle.
ellipse in which the two axes are of equal length; a plane curve generated by one point moving at a constant distance from a fixed point
From this reading _Unpublished Poems._ De Molton had the happiness of finding no chasm in the dear and well-known family circle.
compensatesverbUS /ˈkɑːmpənseɪts/
third-person singular of “compensate” — adjust for
From this reading He could look round and meet the beaming, tearful, tender glance of his doting mother, the gay but kindly smile of his father, the affectionate countenances of his sisters; and he felt that the joy of reunion almost compensates for the pain of separation, when the return is not embittered by the absence of any familiar face.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading He could look round and meet the beaming, tearful, tender glance of his doting mother, the gay but kindly smile of his father, the affectionate countenances of his sisters; and he felt that the joy of reunion almost compensates for the pain of separation, when the return is not embittered by the absence of any familiar face.
countenancesnounUS /ˈkaʊntənənsɪz/
plural of “countenance” — the appearance conveyed by a person's face
From this reading He could look round and meet the beaming, tearful, tender glance of his doting mother, the gay but kindly smile of his father, the affectionate countenances of his sisters; and he felt that the joy of reunion almost compensates for the pain of separation, when the return is not embittered by the absence of any familiar face.
dampsnounUS /dæmps/
plural of “damp” — a slight wetness
From this reading Love mocks all sorrows but his own, And damps each joy he does not yield.
a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies
From this reading _Unpublished Poems._ De Molton had the happiness of finding no chasm in the dear and well-known family circle.
dearly loved
From this reading _Unpublished Poems._ De Molton had the happiness of finding no chasm in the dear and well-known family circle.
dimmernounUS /ˈdɪmər/
a rheostat that varies the current through an electric light in order to control the level of illumination
From this reading His mother was thinner, her eyes were dimmer, her nose appeared sharper, and she was altogether a smaller person than he had left her.
doesauxiliary verbUS /dʌz/
the form of “do” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Love mocks all sorrows but his own, And damps each joy he does not yield.
dotingadjectiveUS /ˈdoʊtɪŋ/
extravagantly or foolishly loving and indulgent
From this reading He could look round and meet the beaming, tearful, tender glance of his doting mother, the gay but kindly smile of his father, the affectionate countenances of his sisters; and he felt that the joy of reunion almost compensates for the pain of separation, when the return is not embittered by the absence of any familiar face.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading Love mocks all sorrows but his own, And damps each joy he does not yield.
embitteredverbUS /emˈbɪtərd/
past form of “embitter” — cause to be bitter or resentful
From this reading He could look round and meet the beaming, tearful, tender glance of his doting mother, the gay but kindly smile of his father, the affectionate countenances of his sisters; and he felt that the joy of reunion almost compensates for the pain of separation, when the return is not embittered by the absence of any familiar face.
opinion or judgment
From this reading His mother was thinner, her eyes were dimmer, her nose appeared sharper, and she was altogether a smaller person than he had left her.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading He could look round and meet the beaming, tearful, tender glance of his doting mother, the gay but kindly smile of his father, the affectionate countenances of his sisters; and he felt that the joy of reunion almost compensates for the pain of separation, when the return is not embittered by the absence of any familiar face.
well known or easily recognized
From this reading He could look round and meet the beaming, tearful, tender glance of his doting mother, the gay but kindly smile of his father, the affectionate countenances of his sisters; and he felt that the joy of reunion almost compensates for the pain of separation, when the return is not embittered by the absence of any familiar face.
a social unit living together
From this reading _Unpublished Poems._ De Molton had the happiness of finding no chasm in the dear and well-known family circle.
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading He could look round and meet the beaming, tearful, tender glance of his doting mother, the gay but kindly smile of his father, the affectionate countenances of his sisters; and he felt that the joy of reunion almost compensates for the pain of separation, when the return is not embittered by the absence of any familiar face.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading He could look round and meet the beaming, tearful, tender glance of his doting mother, the gay but kindly smile of his father, the affectionate countenances of his sisters; and he felt that the joy of reunion almost compensates for the pain of separation, when the return is not embittered by the absence of any familiar face.
the act of determining the properties of something, usually by research or calculation
From this reading _Unpublished Poems._ De Molton had the happiness of finding no chasm in the dear and well-known family circle.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading He could look round and meet the beaming, tearful, tender glance of his doting mother, the gay but kindly smile of his father, the affectionate countenances of his sisters; and he felt that the joy of reunion almost compensates for the pain of separation, when the return is not embittered by the absence of any familiar face.
bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer
From this reading He could look round and meet the beaming, tearful, tender glance of his doting mother, the gay but kindly smile of his father, the affectionate countenances of his sisters; and he felt that the joy of reunion almost compensates for the pain of separation, when the return is not embittered by the absence of any familiar face.
throw a glance at; take a brief look at
From this reading He could look round and meet the beaming, tearful, tender glance of his doting mother, the gay but kindly smile of his father, the affectionate countenances of his sisters; and he felt that the joy of reunion almost compensates for the pain of separation, when the return is not embittered by the absence of any familiar face.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading _Unpublished Poems._ De Molton had the happiness of finding no chasm in the dear and well-known family circle.
state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy
From this reading _Unpublished Poems._ De Molton had the happiness of finding no chasm in the dear and well-known family circle.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Love mocks all sorrows but his own, And damps each joy he does not yield.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading His mother was thinner, her eyes were dimmer, her nose appeared sharper, and she was altogether a smaller person than he had left her.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Three years, however, had worked some changes in those around him.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Love mocks all sorrows but his own, And damps each joy he does not yield.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading Three years, however, had worked some changes in those around him.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading _Unpublished Poems._ De Molton had the happiness of finding no chasm in the dear and well-known family circle.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He could look round and meet the beaming, tearful, tender glance of his doting mother, the gay but kindly smile of his father, the affectionate countenances of his sisters; and he felt that the joy of reunion almost compensates for the pain of separation, when the return is not embittered by the absence of any familiar face.
the emotion of great happiness
From this reading Love mocks all sorrows but his own, And damps each joy he does not yield.
showing or motivated by sympathy and understanding and generosity
From this reading He could look round and meet the beaming, tearful, tender glance of his doting mother, the gay but kindly smile of his father, the affectionate countenances of his sisters; and he felt that the joy of reunion almost compensates for the pain of separation, when the return is not embittered by the absence of any familiar face.
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading His mother was thinner, her eyes were dimmer, her nose appeared sharper, and she was altogether a smaller person than he had left her.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading He could look round and meet the beaming, tearful, tender glance of his doting mother, the gay but kindly smile of his father, the affectionate countenances of his sisters; and he felt that the joy of reunion almost compensates for the pain of separation, when the return is not embittered by the absence of any familiar face.
a strong positive emotion of regard and affection
From this reading Love mocks all sorrows but his own, And damps each joy he does not yield.
come together
From this reading He could look round and meet the beaming, tearful, tender glance of his doting mother, the gay but kindly smile of his father, the affectionate countenances of his sisters; and he felt that the joy of reunion almost compensates for the pain of separation, when the return is not embittered by the absence of any familiar face.
mocksnounUS /mɑːks/
plural of “mock” — the act of mocking or ridiculing
From this reading Love mocks all sorrows but his own, And damps each joy he does not yield.
Molton
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Unpublished Poems._ De Molton had the happiness of finding no chasm in the dear and well-known family circle.
a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading He could look round and meet the beaming, tearful, tender glance of his doting mother, the gay but kindly smile of his father, the affectionate countenances of his sisters; and he felt that the joy of reunion almost compensates for the pain of separation, when the return is not embittered by the absence of any familiar face.
not any; not one
From this reading _Unpublished Poems._ De Molton had the happiness of finding no chasm in the dear and well-known family circle.
the organ of smell and entrance to the respiratory tract; the prominent part of the face of man or other mammals
From this reading His mother was thinner, her eyes were dimmer, her nose appeared sharper, and she was altogether a smaller person than he had left her.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Love mocks all sorrows but his own, And damps each joy he does not yield.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading _Unpublished Poems._ De Molton had the happiness of finding no chasm in the dear and well-known family circle.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading Love mocks all sorrows but his own, And damps each joy he does not yield.
a symptom of some physical hurt or disorder
From this reading He could look round and meet the beaming, tearful, tender glance of his doting mother, the gay but kindly smile of his father, the affectionate countenances of his sisters; and he felt that the joy of reunion almost compensates for the pain of separation, when the return is not embittered by the absence of any familiar face.
a human being
From this reading His mother was thinner, her eyes were dimmer, her nose appeared sharper, and she was altogether a smaller person than he had left her.
plural of “poem” — a composition written in metrical feet forming rhythmical lines
From this reading _Unpublished Poems._ De Molton had the happiness of finding no chasm in the dear and well-known family circle.
go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading He could look round and meet the beaming, tearful, tender glance of his doting mother, the gay but kindly smile of his father, the affectionate countenances of his sisters; and he felt that the joy of reunion almost compensates for the pain of separation, when the return is not embittered by the absence of any familiar face.
reunionnounUS /riˈuːnjən/
a party of former associates who have come together again
From this reading He could look round and meet the beaming, tearful, tender glance of his doting mother, the gay but kindly smile of his father, the affectionate countenances of his sisters; and he felt that the joy of reunion almost compensates for the pain of separation, when the return is not embittered by the absence of any familiar face.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading He could look round and meet the beaming, tearful, tender glance of his doting mother, the gay but kindly smile of his father, the affectionate countenances of his sisters; and he felt that the joy of reunion almost compensates for the pain of separation, when the return is not embittered by the absence of any familiar face.
separationnounUS /ˌsepərˈeɪʃən/
the state of lacking unity
From this reading He could look round and meet the beaming, tearful, tender glance of his doting mother, the gay but kindly smile of his father, the affectionate countenances of his sisters; and he felt that the joy of reunion almost compensates for the pain of separation, when the return is not embittered by the absence of any familiar face.
sharpernounUS /ˈʃɑːrpər/
a professional card player who makes a living by cheating at card games
From this reading His mother was thinner, her eyes were dimmer, her nose appeared sharper, and she was altogether a smaller person than he had left her.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading His mother was thinner, her eyes were dimmer, her nose appeared sharper, and she was altogether a smaller person than he had left her.
plural of “sister” — a female person who has the same parents as another person
From this reading He could look round and meet the beaming, tearful, tender glance of his doting mother, the gay but kindly smile of his father, the affectionate countenances of his sisters; and he felt that the joy of reunion almost compensates for the pain of separation, when the return is not embittered by the absence of any familiar face.
small or little relative to something else
From this reading His mother was thinner, her eyes were dimmer, her nose appeared sharper, and she was altogether a smaller person than he had left her.
change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure
From this reading He could look round and meet the beaming, tearful, tender glance of his doting mother, the gay but kindly smile of his father, the affectionate countenances of his sisters; and he felt that the joy of reunion almost compensates for the pain of separation, when the return is not embittered by the absence of any familiar face.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Three years, however, had worked some changes in those around him.
sorrowsnounUS /ˈsɑːroʊz/
plural of “sorrow” — an emotion of great sadness associated with loss or bereavement
From this reading Love mocks all sorrows but his own, And damps each joy he does not yield.
tearfuladjectiveUS /ˈtɪrfəl/
filled with or marked by tears
From this reading He could look round and meet the beaming, tearful, tender glance of his doting mother, the gay but kindly smile of his father, the affectionate countenances of his sisters; and he felt that the joy of reunion almost compensates for the pain of separation, when the return is not embittered by the absence of any familiar face.
given to sympathy or gentleness or sentimentality
From this reading He could look round and meet the beaming, tearful, tender glance of his doting mother, the gay but kindly smile of his father, the affectionate countenances of his sisters; and he felt that the joy of reunion almost compensates for the pain of separation, when the return is not embittered by the absence of any familiar face.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading His mother was thinner, her eyes were dimmer, her nose appeared sharper, and she was altogether a smaller person than he had left her.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading He could look round and meet the beaming, tearful, tender glance of his doting mother, the gay but kindly smile of his father, the affectionate countenances of his sisters; and he felt that the joy of reunion almost compensates for the pain of separation, when the return is not embittered by the absence of any familiar face.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading _Unpublished Poems._ De Molton had the happiness of finding no chasm in the dear and well-known family circle.
thinnernounUS /ˈθɪnər/
a diluting agent
From this reading His mother was thinner, her eyes were dimmer, her nose appeared sharper, and she was altogether a smaller person than he had left her.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading Three years, however, had worked some changes in those around him.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading Three years, however, had worked some changes in those around him.
UnpublishedadjectiveUS /ənˈpʌblɪʃt/
not published
From this reading _Unpublished Poems._ De Molton had the happiness of finding no chasm in the dear and well-known family circle.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading His mother was thinner, her eyes were dimmer, her nose appeared sharper, and she was altogether a smaller person than he had left her.
well-knownadjectiveUS /ˈwelˈnoʊn/
widely or fully known
From this reading _Unpublished Poems._ De Molton had the happiness of finding no chasm in the dear and well-known family circle.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading His mother was thinner, her eyes were dimmer, her nose appeared sharper, and she was altogether a smaller person than he had left her.
at the time that
From this reading He could look round and meet the beaming, tearful, tender glance of his doting mother, the gay but kindly smile of his father, the affectionate countenances of his sisters; and he felt that the joy of reunion almost compensates for the pain of separation, when the return is not embittered by the absence of any familiar face.
past form of “work” — exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading Three years, however, had worked some changes in those around him.
a late time of life
From this reading Three years, however, had worked some changes in those around him.
yieldverbUS /jiːld/
be the cause or source of
From this reading Love mocks all sorrows but his own, And damps each joy he does not yield.
