used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Actually, he told himself, he was being asked to play two opponents, the Machine and Simon Great, a sort of consultation team.
in actual fact
From this reading Actually, he told himself, he was being asked to play two opponents, the Machine and Simon Great, a sort of consultation team.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading But there had to be the physical presence of the opponent with his (possibly deliberate) unnerving mannerisms--Lasker and his cigar, Capablanca and his red neck-tie, Nimzowitsch and his nervous contortions (very like Bela Grabo's, though the latter did not see it that way).
past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading Actually, he told himself, he was being asked to play two opponents, the Machine and Simon Great, a sort of consultation team.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Oh, if chess could only be played in intergalactic space, in the black privacy of one's thoughts.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading Actually, he told himself, he was being asked to play two opponents, the Machine and Simon Great, a sort of consultation team.
Bela
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But there had to be the physical presence of the opponent with his (possibly deliberate) unnerving mannerisms--Lasker and his cigar, Capablanca and his red neck-tie, Nimzowitsch and his nervous contortions (very like Bela Grabo's, though the latter did not see it that way).
being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light
From this reading Oh, if chess could only be played in intergalactic space, in the black privacy of one's thoughts.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But there had to be the physical presence of the opponent with his (possibly deliberate) unnerving mannerisms--Lasker and his cigar, Capablanca and his red neck-tie, Nimzowitsch and his nervous contortions (very like Bela Grabo's, though the latter did not see it that way).
button-banging
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And now this ghastly flashing, humming, stinking, button-banging metal monster!
Capablanca
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But there had to be the physical presence of the opponent with his (possibly deliberate) unnerving mannerisms--Lasker and his cigar, Capablanca and his red neck-tie, Nimzowitsch and his nervous contortions (very like Bela Grabo's, though the latter did not see it that way).
chessnounUS /tʃes/
weedy annual native to Europe but widely distributed as a weed especially in wheat
From this reading Oh, if chess could only be played in intergalactic space, in the black privacy of one's thoughts.
cigarnounUS /sɪˈɡɑːr/
a roll of tobacco for smoking
From this reading But there had to be the physical presence of the opponent with his (possibly deliberate) unnerving mannerisms--Lasker and his cigar, Capablanca and his red neck-tie, Nimzowitsch and his nervous contortions (very like Bela Grabo's, though the latter did not see it that way).
consultationnounUS /ˌkɑːnsəlˈteɪʃən/
a conference (usually with someone important)
From this reading Actually, he told himself, he was being asked to play two opponents, the Machine and Simon Great, a sort of consultation team.
contortionsnounUS /kənˈtɔːrʃənz/
plural of “contortion” — the act of twisting or deforming the shape of something (e.g., yourself)
From this reading But there had to be the physical presence of the opponent with his (possibly deliberate) unnerving mannerisms--Lasker and his cigar, Capablanca and his red neck-tie, Nimzowitsch and his nervous contortions (very like Bela Grabo's, though the latter did not see it that way).
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Oh, if chess could only be played in intergalactic space, in the black privacy of one's thoughts.
deliberateadjectiveUS /dɪˈlɪbərət/
carefully thought out in advance
From this reading But there had to be the physical presence of the opponent with his (possibly deliberate) unnerving mannerisms--Lasker and his cigar, Capablanca and his red neck-tie, Nimzowitsch and his nervous contortions (very like Bela Grabo's, though the latter did not see it that way).
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading But there had to be the physical presence of the opponent with his (possibly deliberate) unnerving mannerisms--Lasker and his cigar, Capablanca and his red neck-tie, Nimzowitsch and his nervous contortions (very like Bela Grabo's, though the latter did not see it that way).
free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; conforming with established standards or rules
From this reading It wasn't fair!
flashingnounUS /ˈflæʃɪŋ/
a short vivid experience
From this reading And now this ghastly flashing, humming, stinking, button-banging metal monster!
ghastlyadjectiveUS /ˈɡæstli/
shockingly repellent; inspiring horror
From this reading And now this ghastly flashing, humming, stinking, button-banging metal monster!
Grabo's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But there had to be the physical presence of the opponent with his (possibly deliberate) unnerving mannerisms--Lasker and his cigar, Capablanca and his red neck-tie, Nimzowitsch and his nervous contortions (very like Bela Grabo's, though the latter did not see it that way).
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading Actually, he told himself, he was being asked to play two opponents, the Machine and Simon Great, a sort of consultation team.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading But there had to be the physical presence of the opponent with his (possibly deliberate) unnerving mannerisms--Lasker and his cigar, Capablanca and his red neck-tie, Nimzowitsch and his nervous contortions (very like Bela Grabo's, though the latter did not see it that way).
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Actually, he told himself, he was being asked to play two opponents, the Machine and Simon Great, a sort of consultation team.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Actually, he told himself, he was being asked to play two opponents, the Machine and Simon Great, a sort of consultation team.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading But there had to be the physical presence of the opponent with his (possibly deliberate) unnerving mannerisms--Lasker and his cigar, Capablanca and his red neck-tie, Nimzowitsch and his nervous contortions (very like Bela Grabo's, though the latter did not see it that way).
hummingnounUS /ˈhʌmɪŋ/
a humming noise
From this reading And now this ghastly flashing, humming, stinking, button-banging metal monster!
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Oh, if chess could only be played in intergalactic space, in the black privacy of one's thoughts.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Oh, if chess could only be played in intergalactic space, in the black privacy of one's thoughts.
intergalacticadjective
between or among galaxies
From this reading Oh, if chess could only be played in intergalactic space, in the black privacy of one's thoughts.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading But there had to be the physical presence of the opponent with his (possibly deliberate) unnerving mannerisms--Lasker and his cigar, Capablanca and his red neck-tie, Nimzowitsch and his nervous contortions (very like Bela Grabo's, though the latter did not see it that way).
Lasker
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But there had to be the physical presence of the opponent with his (possibly deliberate) unnerving mannerisms--Lasker and his cigar, Capablanca and his red neck-tie, Nimzowitsch and his nervous contortions (very like Bela Grabo's, though the latter did not see it that way).
referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)
From this reading But there had to be the physical presence of the opponent with his (possibly deliberate) unnerving mannerisms--Lasker and his cigar, Capablanca and his red neck-tie, Nimzowitsch and his nervous contortions (very like Bela Grabo's, though the latter did not see it that way).
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading But there had to be the physical presence of the opponent with his (possibly deliberate) unnerving mannerisms--Lasker and his cigar, Capablanca and his red neck-tie, Nimzowitsch and his nervous contortions (very like Bela Grabo's, though the latter did not see it that way).
any mechanical or electrical device that transmits or modifies energy to perform or assist in the performance of human tasks
From this reading Actually, he told himself, he was being asked to play two opponents, the Machine and Simon Great, a sort of consultation team.
mannerismsnounUS /ˈmænərɪzəmz/
plural of “mannerism” — a behavioral attribute that is distinctive and peculiar to an individual
From this reading But there had to be the physical presence of the opponent with his (possibly deliberate) unnerving mannerisms--Lasker and his cigar, Capablanca and his red neck-tie, Nimzowitsch and his nervous contortions (very like Bela Grabo's, though the latter did not see it that way).
metalnounUS /ˈmetəl/
any of several chemical elements that are usually shiny solids that conduct heat or electricity and can be formed into sheets etc.
From this reading And now this ghastly flashing, humming, stinking, button-banging metal monster!
monsternounUS /ˈmɑːnstər/
an imaginary creature usually having various human and animal parts
From this reading And now this ghastly flashing, humming, stinking, button-banging metal monster!
neck-tie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But there had to be the physical presence of the opponent with his (possibly deliberate) unnerving mannerisms--Lasker and his cigar, Capablanca and his red neck-tie, Nimzowitsch and his nervous contortions (very like Bela Grabo's, though the latter did not see it that way).
easily agitated
From this reading But there had to be the physical presence of the opponent with his (possibly deliberate) unnerving mannerisms--Lasker and his cigar, Capablanca and his red neck-tie, Nimzowitsch and his nervous contortions (very like Bela Grabo's, though the latter did not see it that way).
Nimzowitsch
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But there had to be the physical presence of the opponent with his (possibly deliberate) unnerving mannerisms--Lasker and his cigar, Capablanca and his red neck-tie, Nimzowitsch and his nervous contortions (very like Bela Grabo's, though the latter did not see it that way).
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading But there had to be the physical presence of the opponent with his (possibly deliberate) unnerving mannerisms--Lasker and his cigar, Capablanca and his red neck-tie, Nimzowitsch and his nervous contortions (very like Bela Grabo's, though the latter did not see it that way).
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading And now this ghastly flashing, humming, stinking, button-banging metal monster!
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Oh, if chess could only be played in intergalactic space, in the black privacy of one's thoughts.
a midwestern state in north central United States in the Great Lakes region
From this reading Oh, if chess could only be played in intergalactic space, in the black privacy of one's thoughts.
one's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Oh, if chess could only be played in intergalactic space, in the black privacy of one's thoughts.
and nothing more
From this reading Oh, if chess could only be played in intergalactic space, in the black privacy of one's thoughts.
opponentnounUS /əˈpoʊnənt/
a contestant that you are matched against
From this reading But there had to be the physical presence of the opponent with his (possibly deliberate) unnerving mannerisms--Lasker and his cigar, Capablanca and his red neck-tie, Nimzowitsch and his nervous contortions (very like Bela Grabo's, though the latter did not see it that way).
opponentsnounUS /əˈpoʊnənts/
plural of “opponent” — a contestant that you are matched against
From this reading Actually, he told himself, he was being asked to play two opponents, the Machine and Simon Great, a sort of consultation team.
involving the body as distinguished from the mind or spirit
From this reading But there had to be the physical presence of the opponent with his (possibly deliberate) unnerving mannerisms--Lasker and his cigar, Capablanca and his red neck-tie, Nimzowitsch and his nervous contortions (very like Bela Grabo's, though the latter did not see it that way).
participate in games or sport
From this reading Actually, he told himself, he was being asked to play two opponents, the Machine and Simon Great, a sort of consultation team.
(of games) engaged in
From this reading Oh, if chess could only be played in intergalactic space, in the black privacy of one's thoughts.
by chance
From this reading But there had to be the physical presence of the opponent with his (possibly deliberate) unnerving mannerisms--Lasker and his cigar, Capablanca and his red neck-tie, Nimzowitsch and his nervous contortions (very like Bela Grabo's, though the latter did not see it that way).
the state of being present; current existence
From this reading But there had to be the physical presence of the opponent with his (possibly deliberate) unnerving mannerisms--Lasker and his cigar, Capablanca and his red neck-tie, Nimzowitsch and his nervous contortions (very like Bela Grabo's, though the latter did not see it that way).
privacynounUS /ˈpraɪvəsi/
the quality of being secluded from the presence or view of others
From this reading Oh, if chess could only be played in intergalactic space, in the black privacy of one's thoughts.
red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood
From this reading But there had to be the physical presence of the opponent with his (possibly deliberate) unnerving mannerisms--Lasker and his cigar, Capablanca and his red neck-tie, Nimzowitsch and his nervous contortions (very like Bela Grabo's, though the latter did not see it that way).
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading But there had to be the physical presence of the opponent with his (possibly deliberate) unnerving mannerisms--Lasker and his cigar, Capablanca and his red neck-tie, Nimzowitsch and his nervous contortions (very like Bela Grabo's, though the latter did not see it that way).
SimonnounUS /ˈsaɪmən/
one of the twelve Apostles (first century)
From this reading Actually, he told himself, he was being asked to play two opponents, the Machine and Simon Great, a sort of consultation team.
a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading Actually, he told himself, he was being asked to play two opponents, the Machine and Simon Great, a sort of consultation team.
the unlimited expanse in which everything is located
From this reading Oh, if chess could only be played in intergalactic space, in the black privacy of one's thoughts.
stinkingadjectiveUS /ˈstɪŋkɪŋ/
very bad
From this reading And now this ghastly flashing, humming, stinking, button-banging metal monster!
teamnounUS /tiːm/
a cooperative unit (especially in sports)
From this reading Actually, he told himself, he was being asked to play two opponents, the Machine and Simon Great, a sort of consultation team.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading But there had to be the physical presence of the opponent with his (possibly deliberate) unnerving mannerisms--Lasker and his cigar, Capablanca and his red neck-tie, Nimzowitsch and his nervous contortions (very like Bela Grabo's, though the latter did not see it that way).
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Oh, if chess could only be played in intergalactic space, in the black privacy of one's thoughts.
in or at that place or location
From this reading But there had to be the physical presence of the opponent with his (possibly deliberate) unnerving mannerisms--Lasker and his cigar, Capablanca and his red neck-tie, Nimzowitsch and his nervous contortions (very like Bela Grabo's, though the latter did not see it that way).
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading And now this ghastly flashing, humming, stinking, button-banging metal monster!
in spite of the fact that
From this reading But there had to be the physical presence of the opponent with his (possibly deliberate) unnerving mannerisms--Lasker and his cigar, Capablanca and his red neck-tie, Nimzowitsch and his nervous contortions (very like Bela Grabo's, though the latter did not see it that way).
plural of “thought” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading Oh, if chess could only be played in intergalactic space, in the black privacy of one's thoughts.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading But there had to be the physical presence of the opponent with his (possibly deliberate) unnerving mannerisms--Lasker and his cigar, Capablanca and his red neck-tie, Nimzowitsch and his nervous contortions (very like Bela Grabo's, though the latter did not see it that way).
inflected form of “tell” — express in words
From this reading Actually, he told himself, he was being asked to play two opponents, the Machine and Simon Great, a sort of consultation team.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Actually, he told himself, he was being asked to play two opponents, the Machine and Simon Great, a sort of consultation team.
unnervingadjectiveUS /əˈnɜːrvɪŋ/
inspiring fear
From this reading But there had to be the physical presence of the opponent with his (possibly deliberate) unnerving mannerisms--Lasker and his cigar, Capablanca and his red neck-tie, Nimzowitsch and his nervous contortions (very like Bela Grabo's, though the latter did not see it that way).
precisely as stated
From this reading But there had to be the physical presence of the opponent with his (possibly deliberate) unnerving mannerisms--Lasker and his cigar, Capablanca and his red neck-tie, Nimzowitsch and his nervous contortions (very like Bela Grabo's, though the latter did not see it that way).
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Actually, he told himself, he was being asked to play two opponents, the Machine and Simon Great, a sort of consultation team.
wasn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It wasn't fair!
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading But there had to be the physical presence of the opponent with his (possibly deliberate) unnerving mannerisms--Lasker and his cigar, Capablanca and his red neck-tie, Nimzowitsch and his nervous contortions (very like Bela Grabo's, though the latter did not see it that way).
in the company of; together with
From this reading But there had to be the physical presence of the opponent with his (possibly deliberate) unnerving mannerisms--Lasker and his cigar, Capablanca and his red neck-tie, Nimzowitsch and his nervous contortions (very like Bela Grabo's, though the latter did not see it that way).
