used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading His part has been performed, and, whisper it gently to the sighing zephyrs, his future function is merely to stand at attention, like patience on a pedestal, grinning at grief.
abilitynounUS /əˈbɪlətiː/
the quality of being able to perform; a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment
From this reading The adjutant confronts the colonel and salutes him to the best of his feeble ability.
adjutantnounUS /ˈædʒətənt/
an officer who acts as military assistant to a more senior officer
From this reading The adjutant confronts the colonel and salutes him to the best of his feeble ability.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Poor human utterance is inadequate at such an hour, but he manages to stammer in propitiatory tone: "Sir! the parade is formed!"
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The adjutant confronts the colonel and salutes him to the best of his feeble ability.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Poor human utterance is inadequate at such an hour, but he manages to stammer in propitiatory tone: "Sir! the parade is formed!"
the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others
From this reading His part has been performed, and, whisper it gently to the sighing zephyrs, his future function is merely to stand at attention, like patience on a pedestal, grinning at grief.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading His part has been performed, and, whisper it gently to the sighing zephyrs, his future function is merely to stand at attention, like patience on a pedestal, grinning at grief.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading The adjutant confronts the colonel and salutes him to the best of his feeble ability.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Poor human utterance is inadequate at such an hour, but he manages to stammer in propitiatory tone: "Sir! the parade is formed!"
circlingverbUS /ˈsɜːrkəlɪŋ/
-ing form of “circle” — travel around something
From this reading Then, circling softly to right and rear of the rising splendor, he subsides, succumbs, and is henceforth lack-lustrous in this spangled pageantry.
a commissioned military officer in the United States Army or Air Force or Marines who ranks above a lieutenant colonel and below a brigadier general
From this reading The adjutant confronts the colonel and salutes him to the best of his feeble ability.
confrontsverbUS /kənˈfrʌnts/
third-person singular of “confront” — oppose, as in hostility or a competition
From this reading The adjutant confronts the colonel and salutes him to the best of his feeble ability.
feebleadjectiveUS /ˈfiːbəl/
pathetically lacking in force or effectiveness
From this reading The adjutant confronts the colonel and salutes him to the best of his feeble ability.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading For a moment or more the silence is painfully intense.
having or given a form or shape
From this reading Poor human utterance is inadequate at such an hour, but he manages to stammer in propitiatory tone: "Sir! the parade is formed!"
functionnounUS /ˈfʌŋkʃən/
(mathematics) a mathematical relation such that each element of a given set (the domain of the function) is associated with an element of another set (the range of the function)
From this reading His part has been performed, and, whisper it gently to the sighing zephyrs, his future function is merely to stand at attention, like patience on a pedestal, grinning at grief.
yet to be or coming
From this reading His part has been performed, and, whisper it gently to the sighing zephyrs, his future function is merely to stand at attention, like patience on a pedestal, grinning at grief.
in a gradual manner
From this reading His part has been performed, and, whisper it gently to the sighing zephyrs, his future function is merely to stand at attention, like patience on a pedestal, grinning at grief.
intense sorrow caused by loss of a loved one (especially by death)
From this reading His part has been performed, and, whisper it gently to the sighing zephyrs, his future function is merely to stand at attention, like patience on a pedestal, grinning at grief.
grinningnounUS /ˈɡrɪnɪŋ/
a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement
From this reading His part has been performed, and, whisper it gently to the sighing zephyrs, his future function is merely to stand at attention, like patience on a pedestal, grinning at grief.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading His part has been performed, and, whisper it gently to the sighing zephyrs, his future function is merely to stand at attention, like patience on a pedestal, grinning at grief.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Poor human utterance is inadequate at such an hour, but he manages to stammer in propitiatory tone: "Sir! the parade is formed!"
henceforthadverbUS /ˈhenˈsfɔːrθ/
from this time forth; from now on
From this reading Then, circling softly to right and rear of the rising splendor, he subsides, succumbs, and is henceforth lack-lustrous in this spangled pageantry.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The adjutant confronts the colonel and salutes him to the best of his feeble ability.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The adjutant confronts the colonel and salutes him to the best of his feeble ability.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading Poor human utterance is inadequate at such an hour, but he manages to stammer in propitiatory tone: "Sir! the parade is formed!"
humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading Poor human utterance is inadequate at such an hour, but he manages to stammer in propitiatory tone: "Sir! the parade is formed!"
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Poor human utterance is inadequate at such an hour, but he manages to stammer in propitiatory tone: "Sir! the parade is formed!"
inadequateadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈnædəkwət/
lacking the requisite qualities or resources to meet a task
From this reading Poor human utterance is inadequate at such an hour, but he manages to stammer in propitiatory tone: "Sir! the parade is formed!"
possessing or displaying a distinctive feature to a heightened degree
From this reading For a moment or more the silence is painfully intense.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Poor human utterance is inadequate at such an hour, but he manages to stammer in propitiatory tone: "Sir! the parade is formed!"
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading His part has been performed, and, whisper it gently to the sighing zephyrs, his future function is merely to stand at attention, like patience on a pedestal, grinning at grief.
lack-lustrous
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Then, circling softly to right and rear of the rising splendor, he subsides, succumbs, and is henceforth lack-lustrous in this spangled pageantry.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading His part has been performed, and, whisper it gently to the sighing zephyrs, his future function is merely to stand at attention, like patience on a pedestal, grinning at grief.
managesverbUS /ˈmænɪdʒɪz/
third-person singular of “manage” — be successful; achieve a goal
From this reading Poor human utterance is inadequate at such an hour, but he manages to stammer in propitiatory tone: "Sir! the parade is formed!"
and nothing more
From this reading His part has been performed, and, whisper it gently to the sighing zephyrs, his future function is merely to stand at attention, like patience on a pedestal, grinning at grief.
a particular point in time
From this reading For a moment or more the silence is painfully intense.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading For a moment or more the silence is painfully intense.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The adjutant confronts the colonel and salutes him to the best of his feeble ability.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading His part has been performed, and, whisper it gently to the sighing zephyrs, his future function is merely to stand at attention, like patience on a pedestal, grinning at grief.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading For a moment or more the silence is painfully intense.
pageantrynounUS /ˈpædʒəntri/
a rich and spectacular ceremony
From this reading Then, circling softly to right and rear of the rising splendor, he subsides, succumbs, and is henceforth lack-lustrous in this spangled pageantry.
painfullyadverbUS /ˈpeɪnfəli/
unpleasantly
From this reading For a moment or more the silence is painfully intense.
paradenounUS /pərˈeɪd/
a ceremonial procession including people marching
From this reading Poor human utterance is inadequate at such an hour, but he manages to stammer in propitiatory tone: "Sir! the parade is formed!"
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading His part has been performed, and, whisper it gently to the sighing zephyrs, his future function is merely to stand at attention, like patience on a pedestal, grinning at grief.
good-natured tolerance of delay or incompetence
From this reading His part has been performed, and, whisper it gently to the sighing zephyrs, his future function is merely to stand at attention, like patience on a pedestal, grinning at grief.
pedestalnounUS /ˈpedəstəl/
a support or foundation
From this reading His part has been performed, and, whisper it gently to the sighing zephyrs, his future function is merely to stand at attention, like patience on a pedestal, grinning at grief.
performedverbUS /pərˈfɔːrmd/
past form of “perform” — carry out or perform an action
From this reading His part has been performed, and, whisper it gently to the sighing zephyrs, his future function is merely to stand at attention, like patience on a pedestal, grinning at grief.
deserving or inciting pity
From this reading Poor human utterance is inadequate at such an hour, but he manages to stammer in propitiatory tone: "Sir! the parade is formed!"
propitiatoryadjective
having power to atone for or offered by way of expiation or propitiation
From this reading Poor human utterance is inadequate at such an hour, but he manages to stammer in propitiatory tone: "Sir! the parade is formed!"
the back of a military formation or procession
From this reading Then, circling softly to right and rear of the rising splendor, he subsides, succumbs, and is henceforth lack-lustrous in this spangled pageantry.
precisely, exactly
From this reading Then, circling softly to right and rear of the rising splendor, he subsides, succumbs, and is henceforth lack-lustrous in this spangled pageantry.
advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status
From this reading Then, circling softly to right and rear of the rising splendor, he subsides, succumbs, and is henceforth lack-lustrous in this spangled pageantry.
salutesnounUS /səˈluːts/
plural of “salute” — an act of honor or courteous recognition
From this reading The adjutant confronts the colonel and salutes him to the best of his feeble ability.
sighingverbUS /ˈsaɪɪŋ/
-ing form of “sigh” — heave or utter a sigh; breathe deeply and heavily
From this reading His part has been performed, and, whisper it gently to the sighing zephyrs, his future function is merely to stand at attention, like patience on a pedestal, grinning at grief.
Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.
From this reading For a moment or more the silence is painfully intense.
term of address for a man
From this reading Poor human utterance is inadequate at such an hour, but he manages to stammer in propitiatory tone: "Sir! the parade is formed!"
with low volume
From this reading Then, circling softly to right and rear of the rising splendor, he subsides, succumbs, and is henceforth lack-lustrous in this spangled pageantry.
spangledadjectiveUS /ˈspæŋɡəld/
covered with beads or jewels or sequins
From this reading Then, circling softly to right and rear of the rising splendor, he subsides, succumbs, and is henceforth lack-lustrous in this spangled pageantry.
splendornounUS /ˈsplen.dər/
Magnificent and splendid appearance; grandeur and brilliance.
From this reading Then, circling softly to right and rear of the rising splendor, he subsides, succumbs, and is henceforth lack-lustrous in this spangled pageantry.
stammerverbUS /ˈstæmər/
speak haltingly
From this reading Poor human utterance is inadequate at such an hour, but he manages to stammer in propitiatory tone: "Sir! the parade is formed!"
be standing; be upright
From this reading His part has been performed, and, whisper it gently to the sighing zephyrs, his future function is merely to stand at attention, like patience on a pedestal, grinning at grief.
subsidesverbUS /səbˈsaɪdz/
third-person singular of “subside” — wear off or die down
From this reading Then, circling softly to right and rear of the rising splendor, he subsides, succumbs, and is henceforth lack-lustrous in this spangled pageantry.
succumbsverbUS /səˈkʌmz/
third-person singular of “succumb” — consent reluctantly
From this reading Then, circling softly to right and rear of the rising splendor, he subsides, succumbs, and is henceforth lack-lustrous in this spangled pageantry.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Poor human utterance is inadequate at such an hour, but he manages to stammer in propitiatory tone: "Sir! the parade is formed!"
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The adjutant confronts the colonel and salutes him to the best of his feeble ability.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Then, circling softly to right and rear of the rising splendor, he subsides, succumbs, and is henceforth lack-lustrous in this spangled pageantry.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Then, circling softly to right and rear of the rising splendor, he subsides, succumbs, and is henceforth lack-lustrous in this spangled pageantry.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The adjutant confronts the colonel and salutes him to the best of his feeble ability.
the quality of a person's voice
From this reading Poor human utterance is inadequate at such an hour, but he manages to stammer in propitiatory tone: "Sir! the parade is formed!"
utterancenounUS /ˈʌtərəns/
the use of uttered sounds for auditory communication
From this reading Poor human utterance is inadequate at such an hour, but he manages to stammer in propitiatory tone: "Sir! the parade is formed!"
speaking softly without vibration of the vocal cords
From this reading His part has been performed, and, whisper it gently to the sighing zephyrs, his future function is merely to stand at attention, like patience on a pedestal, grinning at grief.
zephyrsnounUS /ˈzefərz/
plural of “zephyr” — a slight wind (usually refreshing)
From this reading His part has been performed, and, whisper it gently to the sighing zephyrs, his future function is merely to stand at attention, like patience on a pedestal, grinning at grief.
