used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A MYSTERY.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading THE two boys kept well apart from the crew, and watched closely for any signs of threatened trouble, but, although the men looked sullen and ugly enough for any kind of act, they seemed much subdued and went about their tasks quietly saying little, even to each other.
perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
From this reading THE two boys kept well apart from the crew, and watched closely for any signs of threatened trouble, but, although the men looked sullen and ugly enough for any kind of act, they seemed much subdued and went about their tasks quietly saying little, even to each other.
(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 It was the liquor that made them act as they did last night, but they have drank it all up now and I do not believe we will have any more trouble with them."
in spite of the fact that
From this reading THE two boys kept well apart from the crew, and watched closely for any signs of threatened trouble, but, although the men looked sullen and ugly enough for any kind of act, they seemed much subdued and went about their tasks quietly saying little, even to each other.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE two boys kept well apart from the crew, and watched closely for any signs of threatened trouble, but, although the men looked sullen and ugly enough for any kind of act, they seemed much subdued and went about their tasks quietly saying little, even to each other.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading THE two boys kept well apart from the crew, and watched closely for any signs of threatened trouble, but, although the men looked sullen and ugly enough for any kind of act, they seemed much subdued and went about their tasks quietly saying little, even to each other.
separated or at a distance in place or position or time
From this reading THE two boys kept well apart from the crew, and watched closely for any signs of threatened trouble, but, although the men looked sullen and ugly enough for any kind of act, they seemed much subdued and went about their tasks quietly saying little, even to each other.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading "I guess we are giving ourselves a lot of worry without cause," Walter remarked, softly.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading It was the liquor that made them act as they did last night, but they have drank it all up now and I do not believe we will have any more trouble with them."
accept as true; take to be true
From this reading It was the liquor that made them act as they did last night, but they have drank it all up now and I do not believe we will have any more trouble with them."
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading THE two boys kept well apart from the crew, and watched closely for any signs of threatened trouble, but, although the men looked sullen and ugly enough for any kind of act, they seemed much subdued and went about their tasks quietly saying little, even to each other.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading THE two boys kept well apart from the crew, and watched closely for any signs of threatened trouble, but, although the men looked sullen and ugly enough for any kind of act, they seemed much subdued and went about their tasks quietly saying little, even to each other.
events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something
From this reading "I guess we are giving ourselves a lot of worry without cause," Walter remarked, softly.
in a close relation or position in time or space
From this reading THE two boys kept well apart from the crew, and watched closely for any signs of threatened trouble, but, although the men looked sullen and ugly enough for any kind of act, they seemed much subdued and went about their tasks quietly saying little, even to each other.
the men and women who man a vehicle (ship, aircraft, etc.)
From this reading THE two boys kept well apart from the crew, and watched closely for any signs of threatened trouble, but, although the men looked sullen and ugly enough for any kind of act, they seemed much subdued and went about their tasks quietly saying little, even to each other.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading It was the liquor that made them act as they did last night, but they have drank it all up now and I do not believe we will have any more trouble with them."
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading It was the liquor that made them act as they did last night, but they have drank it all up now and I do not believe we will have any more trouble with them."
inflected form of “drink” — take in liquids
From this reading It was the liquor that made them act as they did last night, but they have drank it all up now and I do not believe we will have any more trouble with them."
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading THE two boys kept well apart from the crew, and watched closely for any signs of threatened trouble, but, although the men looked sullen and ugly enough for any kind of act, they seemed much subdued and went about their tasks quietly saying little, even to each other.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading THE two boys kept well apart from the crew, and watched closely for any signs of threatened trouble, but, although the men looked sullen and ugly enough for any kind of act, they seemed much subdued and went about their tasks quietly saying little, even to each other.
divisible by two
From this reading THE two boys kept well apart from the crew, and watched closely for any signs of threatened trouble, but, although the men looked sullen and ugly enough for any kind of act, they seemed much subdued and went about their tasks quietly saying little, even to each other.
plural of “fellow” — a boy or man
From this reading "Those fellows seem quiet enough now.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading THE two boys kept well apart from the crew, and watched closely for any signs of threatened trouble, but, although the men looked sullen and ugly enough for any kind of act, they seemed much subdued and went about their tasks quietly saying little, even to each other.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading THE two boys kept well apart from the crew, and watched closely for any signs of threatened trouble, but, although the men looked sullen and ugly enough for any kind of act, they seemed much subdued and went about their tasks quietly saying little, even to each other.
the act of giving
From this reading "I guess we are giving ourselves a lot of worry without cause," Walter remarked, softly.
expect, believe, or suppose
From this reading "I guess we are giving ourselves a lot of worry without cause," Walter remarked, softly.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading It was the liquor that made them act as they did last night, but they have drank it all up now and I do not believe we will have any more trouble with them."
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "I guess we are giving ourselves a lot of worry without cause," Walter remarked, softly.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was the liquor that made them act as they did last night, but they have drank it all up now and I do not believe we will have any more trouble with them."
(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
From this reading THE two boys kept well apart from the crew, and watched closely for any signs of threatened trouble, but, although the men looked sullen and ugly enough for any kind of act, they seemed much subdued and went about their tasks quietly saying little, even to each other.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading THE two boys kept well apart from the crew, and watched closely for any signs of threatened trouble, but, although the men looked sullen and ugly enough for any kind of act, they seemed much subdued and went about their tasks quietly saying little, even to each other.
immediately past
From this reading It was the liquor that made them act as they did last night, but they have drank it all up now and I do not believe we will have any more trouble with them."
liquornounUS /ˈlɪkər/
an alcoholic beverage that is distilled rather than fermented
From this reading It was the liquor that made them act as they did last night, but they have drank it all up now and I do not believe we will have any more trouble with them."
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading THE two boys kept well apart from the crew, and watched closely for any signs of threatened trouble, but, although the men looked sullen and ugly enough for any kind of act, they seemed much subdued and went about their tasks quietly saying little, even to each other.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading THE two boys kept well apart from the crew, and watched closely for any signs of threatened trouble, but, although the men looked sullen and ugly enough for any kind of act, they seemed much subdued and went about their tasks quietly saying little, even to each other.
(often followed by “of”) a large number or amount or extent
From this reading "I guess we are giving ourselves a lot of worry without cause," Walter remarked, softly.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading It was the liquor that made them act as they did last night, but they have drank it all up now and I do not believe we will have any more trouble with them."
the force of workers available
From this reading THE two boys kept well apart from the crew, and watched closely for any signs of threatened trouble, but, although the men looked sullen and ugly enough for any kind of act, they seemed much subdued and went about their tasks quietly saying little, even to each other.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading It was the liquor that made them act as they did last night, but they have drank it all up now and I do not believe we will have any more trouble with them."
to a great degree or extent
From this reading THE two boys kept well apart from the crew, and watched closely for any signs of threatened trouble, but, although the men looked sullen and ugly enough for any kind of act, they seemed much subdued and went about their tasks quietly saying little, even to each other.
something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained
From this reading A MYSTERY.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading It was the liquor that made them act as they did last night, but they have drank it all up now and I do not believe we will have any more trouble with them."
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading It was the liquor that made them act as they did last night, but they have drank it all up now and I do not believe we will have any more trouble with them."
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading "Those fellows seem quiet enough now.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE two boys kept well apart from the crew, and watched closely for any signs of threatened trouble, but, although the men looked sullen and ugly enough for any kind of act, they seemed much subdued and went about their tasks quietly saying little, even to each other.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading THE two boys kept well apart from the crew, and watched closely for any signs of threatened trouble, but, although the men looked sullen and ugly enough for any kind of act, they seemed much subdued and went about their tasks quietly saying little, even to each other.
used when we are both doing the action and receiving it
From this reading "I guess we are giving ourselves a lot of worry without cause," Walter remarked, softly.
quietadjectiveUS /ˈkwaɪət/
characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity
From this reading "Those fellows seem quiet enough now.
with low volume
From this reading THE two boys kept well apart from the crew, and watched closely for any signs of threatened trouble, but, although the men looked sullen and ugly enough for any kind of act, they seemed much subdued and went about their tasks quietly saying little, even to each other.
past form of “remark” — make mention of
From this reading "I guess we are giving ourselves a lot of worry without cause," Walter remarked, softly.
a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations
From this reading THE two boys kept well apart from the crew, and watched closely for any signs of threatened trouble, but, although the men looked sullen and ugly enough for any kind of act, they seemed much subdued and went about their tasks quietly saying little, even to each other.
give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading "Those fellows seem quiet enough now.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading THE two boys kept well apart from the crew, and watched closely for any signs of threatened trouble, but, although the men looked sullen and ugly enough for any kind of act, they seemed much subdued and went about their tasks quietly saying little, even to each other.
plural of “sign” — a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)
From this reading THE two boys kept well apart from the crew, and watched closely for any signs of threatened trouble, but, although the men looked sullen and ugly enough for any kind of act, they seemed much subdued and went about their tasks quietly saying little, even to each other.
with low volume
From this reading "I guess we are giving ourselves a lot of worry without cause," Walter remarked, softly.
subduedadjectiveUS /səbˈduːd/
in a softened tone
From this reading THE two boys kept well apart from the crew, and watched closely for any signs of threatened trouble, but, although the men looked sullen and ugly enough for any kind of act, they seemed much subdued and went about their tasks quietly saying little, even to each other.
sullenadjectiveUS /ˈsʌlən/
showing a brooding ill humor
From this reading THE two boys kept well apart from the crew, and watched closely for any signs of threatened trouble, but, although the men looked sullen and ugly enough for any kind of act, they seemed much subdued and went about their tasks quietly saying little, even to each other.
tasksnounUS /tæsks/
plural of “task” — any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted
From this reading THE two boys kept well apart from the crew, and watched closely for any signs of threatened trouble, but, although the men looked sullen and ugly enough for any kind of act, they seemed much subdued and went about their tasks quietly saying little, even to each other.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It was the liquor that made them act as they did last night, but they have drank it all up now and I do not believe we will have any more trouble with them."
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE two boys kept well apart from the crew, and watched closely for any signs of threatened trouble, but, although the men looked sullen and ugly enough for any kind of act, they seemed much subdued and went about their tasks quietly saying little, even to each other.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading THE two boys kept well apart from the crew, and watched closely for any signs of threatened trouble, but, although the men looked sullen and ugly enough for any kind of act, they seemed much subdued and went about their tasks quietly saying little, even to each other.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading It was the liquor that made them act as they did last night, but they have drank it all up now and I do not believe we will have any more trouble with them."
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading THE two boys kept well apart from the crew, and watched closely for any signs of threatened trouble, but, although the men looked sullen and ugly enough for any kind of act, they seemed much subdued and went about their tasks quietly saying little, even to each other.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading "Those fellows seem quiet enough now.
(of flora or fauna) likely in the near future to become endangered
From this reading THE two boys kept well apart from the crew, and watched closely for any signs of threatened trouble, but, although the men looked sullen and ugly enough for any kind of act, they seemed much subdued and went about their tasks quietly saying little, even to each other.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE two boys kept well apart from the crew, and watched closely for any signs of threatened trouble, but, although the men looked sullen and ugly enough for any kind of act, they seemed much subdued and went about their tasks quietly saying little, even to each other.
a source of difficulty
From this reading THE two boys kept well apart from the crew, and watched closely for any signs of threatened trouble, but, although the men looked sullen and ugly enough for any kind of act, they seemed much subdued and went about their tasks quietly saying little, even to each other.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading THE two boys kept well apart from the crew, and watched closely for any signs of threatened trouble, but, although the men looked sullen and ugly enough for any kind of act, they seemed much subdued and went about their tasks quietly saying little, even to each other.
displeasing to the senses
From this reading THE two boys kept well apart from the crew, and watched closely for any signs of threatened trouble, but, although the men looked sullen and ugly enough for any kind of act, they seemed much subdued and went about their tasks quietly saying little, even to each other.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading It was the liquor that made them act as they did last night, but they have drank it all up now and I do not believe we will have any more trouble with them."
German conductor (1876-1962)
From this reading "I guess we are giving ourselves a lot of worry without cause," Walter remarked, softly.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was the liquor that made them act as they did last night, but they have drank it all up now and I do not believe we will have any more trouble with them."
past form of “watch” — look attentively
From this reading THE two boys kept well apart from the crew, and watched closely for any signs of threatened trouble, but, although the men looked sullen and ugly enough for any kind of act, they seemed much subdued and went about their tasks quietly saying little, even to each other.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading "I guess we are giving ourselves a lot of worry without cause," Walter remarked, softly.
(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 two boys kept well apart from the crew, and watched closely for any signs of threatened trouble, but, although the men looked sullen and ugly enough for any kind of act, they seemed much subdued and went about their tasks quietly saying little, even to each other.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading THE two boys kept well apart from the crew, and watched closely for any signs of threatened trouble, but, although the men looked sullen and ugly enough for any kind of act, they seemed much subdued and went about their tasks quietly saying little, even to each other.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading It was the liquor that made them act as they did last night, but they have drank it all up now and I do not believe we will have any more trouble with them."
in the company of; together with
From this reading It was the liquor that made them act as they did last night, but they have drank it all up now and I do not believe we will have any more trouble with them."
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading "I guess we are giving ourselves a lot of worry without cause," Walter remarked, softly.
be worried, concerned, anxious, troubled, or uneasy
From this reading "I guess we are giving ourselves a lot of worry without cause," Walter remarked, softly.
