used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Glen knew well enough that the boy on the road, trusting to chance for friends, is much more apt to fall a prey to people of the J. Jervice variety.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading He remembered the pitiful plight of a boy who had been returned to the school after falling into the hands of tramps, and he thanked an unknown Providence that he had tumbled into the kind arms of Jolly Bill.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading He remembered the pitiful plight of a boy who had been returned to the school after falling into the hands of tramps, and he thanked an unknown Providence that he had tumbled into the kind arms of Jolly Bill.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He remembered the pitiful plight of a boy who had been returned to the school after falling into the hands of tramps, and he thanked an unknown Providence that he had tumbled into the kind arms of Jolly Bill.
appreciatedadjectiveUS /əˈpriːʃieɪtɪd/
fully understood or grasped
From this reading Mother Spencer was just as kind and cheerful as her son, though she neither made jokes nor appreciated those offered by Will.
aptadjectiveUS /æpt/
(usually followed by “to”) naturally disposed toward
From this reading Glen knew well enough that the boy on the road, trusting to chance for friends, is much more apt to fall a prey to people of the J. Jervice variety.
weapons considered collectively
From this reading He remembered the pitiful plight of a boy who had been returned to the school after falling into the hands of tramps, and he thanked an unknown Providence that he had tumbled into the kind arms of Jolly Bill.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading HOW MOTHER CARES Running away would be very popular with boys if they could be sure of finding such good friends as Glen had met.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading HOW MOTHER CARES Running away would be very popular with boys if they could be sure of finding such good friends as Glen had met.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading HOW MOTHER CARES Running away would be very popular with boys if they could be sure of finding such good friends as Glen had met.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading He remembered the pitiful plight of a boy who had been returned to the school after falling into the hands of tramps, and he thanked an unknown Providence that he had tumbled into the kind arms of Jolly Bill.
a statute in draft before it becomes law
From this reading He remembered the pitiful plight of a boy who had been returned to the school after falling into the hands of tramps, and he thanked an unknown Providence that he had tumbled into the kind arms of Jolly Bill.
a youthful male person
From this reading Glen knew well enough that the boy on the road, trusting to chance for friends, is much more apt to fall a prey to people of the J. Jervice variety.
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading HOW MOTHER CARES Running away would be very popular with boys if they could be sure of finding such good friends as Glen had met.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Mother Spencer was just as kind and cheerful as her son, though she neither made jokes nor appreciated those offered by Will.
CARESnounUS /kerz/
plural of “care” — the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something
From this reading HOW MOTHER CARES Running away would be very popular with boys if they could be sure of finding such good friends as Glen had met.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading Glen knew well enough that the boy on the road, trusting to chance for friends, is much more apt to fall a prey to people of the J. Jervice variety.
being full of or promoting cheer; having or showing good spirits
From this reading Mother Spencer was just as kind and cheerful as her son, though she neither made jokes nor appreciated those offered by Will.
commonlyadverbUS /ˈkɑːmənli/
under normal conditions
From this reading The reverse is more commonly true.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading HOW MOTHER CARES Running away would be very popular with boys if they could be sure of finding such good friends as Glen had met.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading Glen knew well enough that the boy on the road, trusting to chance for friends, is much more apt to fall a prey to people of the J. Jervice variety.
descend in free fall under the influence of gravity
From this reading Glen knew well enough that the boy on the road, trusting to chance for friends, is much more apt to fall a prey to people of the J. Jervice variety.
decreasing in amount or degree
From this reading He remembered the pitiful plight of a boy who had been returned to the school after falling into the hands of tramps, and he thanked an unknown Providence that he had tumbled into the kind arms of Jolly Bill.
the act of determining the properties of something, usually by research or calculation
From this reading HOW MOTHER CARES Running away would be very popular with boys if they could be sure of finding such good friends as Glen had met.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Glen knew well enough that the boy on the road, trusting to chance for friends, is much more apt to fall a prey to people of the J. Jervice variety.
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading HOW MOTHER CARES Running away would be very popular with boys if they could be sure of finding such good friends as Glen had met.
GlennounUS /ɡlen/
a narrow secluded valley (in the mountains)
From this reading HOW MOTHER CARES Running away would be very popular with boys if they could be sure of finding such good friends as Glen had met.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading HOW MOTHER CARES Running away would be very popular with boys if they could be sure of finding such good friends as Glen had met.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading HOW MOTHER CARES Running away would be very popular with boys if they could be sure of finding such good friends as Glen had met.
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading He remembered the pitiful plight of a boy who had been returned to the school after falling into the hands of tramps, and he thanked an unknown Providence that he had tumbled into the kind arms of Jolly Bill.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He remembered the pitiful plight of a boy who had been returned to the school after falling into the hands of tramps, and he thanked an unknown Providence that he had tumbled into the kind arms of Jolly Bill.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Mother Spencer was just as kind and cheerful as her son, though she neither made jokes nor appreciated those offered by Will.
HOW
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading HOW MOTHER CARES Running away would be very popular with boys if they could be sure of finding such good friends as Glen had met.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading HOW MOTHER CARES Running away would be very popular with boys if they could be sure of finding such good friends as Glen had met.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading He remembered the pitiful plight of a boy who had been returned to the school after falling into the hands of tramps, and he thanked an unknown Providence that he had tumbled into the kind arms of Jolly Bill.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The reverse is more commonly true.
JnounUS /dʒeɪ/
a unit of electrical energy equal to the work done when a current of one ampere passes through a resistance of one ohm for one second
From this reading Glen knew well enough that the boy on the road, trusting to chance for friends, is much more apt to fall a prey to people of the J. Jervice variety.
Jervice
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Glen knew well enough that the boy on the road, trusting to chance for friends, is much more apt to fall a prey to people of the J. Jervice variety.
jokesnounUS /dʒoʊks/
plural of “joke” — a humorous anecdote or remark intended to provoke laughter
From this reading Mother Spencer was just as kind and cheerful as her son, though she neither made jokes nor appreciated those offered by Will.
JollyadjectiveUS /ˈdʒɑːli/
full of or showing high-spirited merriment
From this reading He remembered the pitiful plight of a boy who had been returned to the school after falling into the hands of tramps, and he thanked an unknown Providence that he had tumbled into the kind arms of Jolly Bill.
and nothing more
From this reading Mother Spencer was just as kind and cheerful as her son, though she neither made jokes nor appreciated those offered by Will.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading He remembered the pitiful plight of a boy who had been returned to the school after falling into the hands of tramps, and he thanked an unknown Providence that he had tumbled into the kind arms of Jolly Bill.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading Glen knew well enough that the boy on the road, trusting to chance for friends, is much more apt to fall a prey to people of the J. Jervice variety.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading Mother Spencer was just as kind and cheerful as her son, though she neither made jokes nor appreciated those offered by Will.
inflected form of “meet” — come together
From this reading HOW MOTHER CARES Running away would be very popular with boys if they could be sure of finding such good friends as Glen had met.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading The reverse is more commonly true.
a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading HOW MOTHER CARES Running away would be very popular with boys if they could be sure of finding such good friends as Glen had met.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading Glen knew well enough that the boy on the road, trusting to chance for friends, is much more apt to fall a prey to people of the J. Jervice variety.
not one and not the other of two
From this reading Mother Spencer was just as kind and cheerful as her son, though she neither made jokes nor appreciated those offered by Will.
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading Mother Spencer was just as kind and cheerful as her son, though she neither made jokes nor appreciated those offered by Will.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading HOW MOTHER CARES Running away would be very popular with boys if they could be sure of finding such good friends as Glen had met.
past form of “offer” — make available or accessible, provide or furnish
From this reading Mother Spencer was just as kind and cheerful as her son, though she neither made jokes nor appreciated those offered by Will.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Glen knew well enough that the boy on the road, trusting to chance for friends, is much more apt to fall a prey to people of the J. Jervice variety.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading Glen knew well enough that the boy on the road, trusting to chance for friends, is much more apt to fall a prey to people of the J. Jervice variety.
pitifuladjectiveUS /ˈpɪtəfəl/
inspiring mixed contempt and pity
From this reading He remembered the pitiful plight of a boy who had been returned to the school after falling into the hands of tramps, and he thanked an unknown Providence that he had tumbled into the kind arms of Jolly Bill.
plightnounUS /plaɪt/
a situation from which extrication is difficult especially an unpleasant or trying one
From this reading He remembered the pitiful plight of a boy who had been returned to the school after falling into the hands of tramps, and he thanked an unknown Providence that he had tumbled into the kind arms of Jolly Bill.
regarded with great favor, approval, or affection especially by the general public
From this reading HOW MOTHER CARES Running away would be very popular with boys if they could be sure of finding such good friends as Glen had met.
preynounUS /preɪ/
a person who is the aim of an attack (especially a victim of ridicule or exploitation) by some hostile person or influence
From this reading Glen knew well enough that the boy on the road, trusting to chance for friends, is much more apt to fall a prey to people of the J. Jervice variety.
The protective care of God or nature as a spiritual power. (Sự quan phòng, thiên ý phù hộ.)
From this reading He remembered the pitiful plight of a boy who had been returned to the school after falling into the hands of tramps, and he thanked an unknown Providence that he had tumbled into the kind arms of Jolly Bill.
past form of “remember” — recall knowledge from memory; have a recollection
From this reading He remembered the pitiful plight of a boy who had been returned to the school after falling into the hands of tramps, and he thanked an unknown Providence that he had tumbled into the kind arms of Jolly Bill.
past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading He remembered the pitiful plight of a boy who had been returned to the school after falling into the hands of tramps, and he thanked an unknown Providence that he had tumbled into the kind arms of Jolly Bill.
reverseverbUS /rɪˈvɜːrs/
change to the contrary
From this reading The reverse is more commonly true.
an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation
From this reading Glen knew well enough that the boy on the road, trusting to chance for friends, is much more apt to fall a prey to people of the J. Jervice variety.
(of fluids) moving or issuing in a stream
From this reading HOW MOTHER CARES Running away would be very popular with boys if they could be sure of finding such good friends as Glen had met.
an educational institution
From this reading He remembered the pitiful plight of a boy who had been returned to the school after falling into the hands of tramps, and he thanked an unknown Providence that he had tumbled into the kind arms of Jolly Bill.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Mother Spencer was just as kind and cheerful as her son, though she neither made jokes nor appreciated those offered by Will.
a male human offspring
From this reading Mother Spencer was just as kind and cheerful as her son, though she neither made jokes nor appreciated those offered by Will.
SpencernounUS /ˈspensər/
English philosopher and sociologist who applied the theory of natural selection to human societies (1820-1903)
From this reading Mother Spencer was just as kind and cheerful as her son, though she neither made jokes nor appreciated those offered by Will.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading HOW MOTHER CARES Running away would be very popular with boys if they could be sure of finding such good friends as Glen had met.
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading HOW MOTHER CARES Running away would be very popular with boys if they could be sure of finding such good friends as Glen had met.
past form of “thank” — express gratitude or show appreciation to
From this reading He remembered the pitiful plight of a boy who had been returned to the school after falling into the hands of tramps, and he thanked an unknown Providence that he had tumbled into the kind arms of Jolly Bill.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Glen knew well enough that the boy on the road, trusting to chance for friends, is much more apt to fall a prey to people of the J. Jervice variety.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The reverse is more commonly true.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading HOW MOTHER CARES Running away would be very popular with boys if they could be sure of finding such good friends as Glen had met.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading Mother Spencer was just as kind and cheerful as her son, though she neither made jokes nor appreciated those offered by Will.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Mother Spencer was just as kind and cheerful as her son, though she neither made jokes nor appreciated those offered by Will.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Glen knew well enough that the boy on the road, trusting to chance for friends, is much more apt to fall a prey to people of the J. Jervice variety.
trampsnounUS /træmpz/
plural of “tramp” — a vagrant
From this reading He remembered the pitiful plight of a boy who had been returned to the school after falling into the hands of tramps, and he thanked an unknown Providence that he had tumbled into the kind arms of Jolly Bill.
consistent with fact or reality; not false
From this reading The reverse is more commonly true.
trustingadjectiveUS /ˈtrʌstɪŋ/
inclined to believe or confide readily; full of trust
From this reading Glen knew well enough that the boy on the road, trusting to chance for friends, is much more apt to fall a prey to people of the J. Jervice variety.
tumbledverbUS /ˈtʌmbəld/
past form of “tumble” — fall down, as if collapsing
From this reading He remembered the pitiful plight of a boy who had been returned to the school after falling into the hands of tramps, and he thanked an unknown Providence that he had tumbled into the kind arms of Jolly Bill.
not known
From this reading He remembered the pitiful plight of a boy who had been returned to the school after falling into the hands of tramps, and he thanked an unknown Providence that he had tumbled into the kind arms of Jolly Bill.
varietynounUS /vərˈaɪəti/
a collection containing a variety of sorts of things
From this reading Glen knew well enough that the boy on the road, trusting to chance for friends, is much more apt to fall a prey to people of the J. Jervice variety.
precisely as stated
From this reading HOW MOTHER CARES Running away would be very popular with boys if they could be sure of finding such good friends as Glen had met.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Mother Spencer was just as kind and cheerful as her son, though she neither made jokes nor appreciated those offered by Will.
(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 Glen knew well enough that the boy on the road, trusting to chance for friends, is much more apt to fall a prey to people of the J. Jervice variety.
which person or people
From this reading He remembered the pitiful plight of a boy who had been returned to the school after falling into the hands of tramps, and he thanked an unknown Providence that he had tumbled into the kind arms of Jolly Bill.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading Mother Spencer was just as kind and cheerful as her son, though she neither made jokes nor appreciated those offered by Will.
in the company of; together with
From this reading HOW MOTHER CARES Running away would be very popular with boys if they could be sure of finding such good friends as Glen had met.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading HOW MOTHER CARES Running away would be very popular with boys if they could be sure of finding such good friends as Glen had met.
