used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Elmer had found the best medicine in all the world for his chum’s uplifting; Amos no longer looked as discouraged as before, and even laughed a little at something humorous the loyal companion related for this very purpose.
abilitynounUS /əˈbɪlətiː/
the quality of being able to perform; a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment
From this reading The hope that Elmer dangled before his wondering eyes grew in proportion to his ability to grasp its possibilities.
in the past
From this reading If it turned out that his wandering father were really in the vicinity, surely some way could be found to get in touch with him, so that he might learn how the cloud on his name had been wiped out years ago, and that he might have come back to his dear ones, if only they had had any clue concerning his whereabouts.
(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 Elmer had found the best medicine in all the world for his chum’s uplifting; Amos no longer looked as discouraged as before, and even laughed a little at something humorous the loyal companion related for this very purpose.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading The two boys sat there on the log for almost an hour, talking, and trying to form some plan whereby this could be effected.
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading SETTING THE TRAP Already Amos was looking much better.
AmosnounUS /ˈeɪməs/
a Hebrew shepherd and minor prophet
From this reading SETTING THE TRAP Already Amos was looking much better.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The two boys sat there on the log for almost an hour, talking, and trying to form some plan whereby this could be effected.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading If it turned out that his wandering father were really in the vicinity, surely some way could be found to get in touch with him, so that he might learn how the cloud on his name had been wiped out years ago, and that he might have come back to his dear ones, if only they had had any clue concerning his whereabouts.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading If it turned out that his wandering father were really in the vicinity, surely some way could be found to get in touch with him, so that he might learn how the cloud on his name had been wiped out years ago, and that he might have come back to his dear ones, if only they had had any clue concerning his whereabouts.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Elmer had found the best medicine in all the world for his chum’s uplifting; Amos no longer looked as discouraged as before, and even laughed a little at something humorous the loyal companion related for this very purpose.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Elmer had found the best medicine in all the world for his chum’s uplifting; Amos no longer looked as discouraged as before, and even laughed a little at something humorous the loyal companion related for this very purpose.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading If it turned out that his wandering father were really in the vicinity, surely some way could be found to get in touch with him, so that he might learn how the cloud on his name had been wiped out years ago, and that he might have come back to his dear ones, if only they had had any clue concerning his whereabouts.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading If it turned out that his wandering father were really in the vicinity, surely some way could be found to get in touch with him, so that he might learn how the cloud on his name had been wiped out years ago, and that he might have come back to his dear ones, if only they had had any clue concerning his whereabouts.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading If it turned out that his wandering father were really in the vicinity, surely some way could be found to get in touch with him, so that he might learn how the cloud on his name had been wiped out years ago, and that he might have come back to his dear ones, if only they had had any clue concerning his whereabouts.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading The hope that Elmer dangled before his wondering eyes grew in proportion to his ability to grasp its possibilities.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading Elmer had found the best medicine in all the world for his chum’s uplifting; Amos no longer looked as discouraged as before, and even laughed a little at something humorous the loyal companion related for this very purpose.
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading SETTING THE TRAP Already Amos was looking much better.
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading The two boys sat there on the log for almost an hour, talking, and trying to form some plan whereby this could be effected.
chum's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Elmer had found the best medicine in all the world for his chum’s uplifting; Amos no longer looked as discouraged as before, and even laughed a little at something humorous the loyal companion related for this very purpose.
make overcast or cloudy
From this reading If it turned out that his wandering father were really in the vicinity, surely some way could be found to get in touch with him, so that he might learn how the cloud on his name had been wiped out years ago, and that he might have come back to his dear ones, if only they had had any clue concerning his whereabouts.
cluenounUS /kluː/
a slight indication
From this reading If it turned out that his wandering father were really in the vicinity, surely some way could be found to get in touch with him, so that he might learn how the cloud on his name had been wiped out years ago, and that he might have come back to his dear ones, if only they had had any clue concerning his whereabouts.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading If it turned out that his wandering father were really in the vicinity, surely some way could be found to get in touch with him, so that he might learn how the cloud on his name had been wiped out years ago, and that he might have come back to his dear ones, if only they had had any clue concerning his whereabouts.
a friend who is frequently in the company of another
From this reading Elmer had found the best medicine in all the world for his chum’s uplifting; Amos no longer looked as discouraged as before, and even laughed a little at something humorous the loyal companion related for this very purpose.
-ing form of “concern” — be relevant to
From this reading If it turned out that his wandering father were really in the vicinity, surely some way could be found to get in touch with him, so that he might learn how the cloud on his name had been wiped out years ago, and that he might have come back to his dear ones, if only they had had any clue concerning his whereabouts.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading If it turned out that his wandering father were really in the vicinity, surely some way could be found to get in touch with him, so that he might learn how the cloud on his name had been wiped out years ago, and that he might have come back to his dear ones, if only they had had any clue concerning his whereabouts.
dangledverbUS /ˈdæŋɡəld/
past form of “dangle” — hang freely
From this reading The hope that Elmer dangled before his wondering eyes grew in proportion to his ability to grasp its possibilities.
dearly loved
From this reading If it turned out that his wandering father were really in the vicinity, surely some way could be found to get in touch with him, so that he might learn how the cloud on his name had been wiped out years ago, and that he might have come back to his dear ones, if only they had had any clue concerning his whereabouts.
discouragedadjectiveUS /dɪˈskɜːrədʒd/
made less hopeful or enthusiastic
From this reading Elmer had found the best medicine in all the world for his chum’s uplifting; Amos no longer looked as discouraged as before, and even laughed a little at something humorous the loyal companion related for this very purpose.
effectedadjectiveUS /ɪˈfektɪd/
settled securely and unconditionally
From this reading The two boys sat there on the log for almost an hour, talking, and trying to form some plan whereby this could be effected.
Elmer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The hope that Elmer dangled before his wondering eyes grew in proportion to his ability to grasp its possibilities.
divisible by two
From this reading Elmer had found the best medicine in all the world for his chum’s uplifting; Amos no longer looked as discouraged as before, and even laughed a little at something humorous the loyal companion related for this very purpose.
opinion or judgment
From this reading The hope that Elmer dangled before his wondering eyes grew in proportion to his ability to grasp its possibilities.
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading If it turned out that his wandering father were really in the vicinity, surely some way could be found to get in touch with him, so that he might learn how the cloud on his name had been wiped out years ago, and that he might have come back to his dear ones, if only they had had any clue concerning his whereabouts.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The two boys sat there on the log for almost an hour, talking, and trying to form some plan whereby this could be effected.
the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something
From this reading The two boys sat there on the log for almost an hour, talking, and trying to form some plan whereby this could be effected.
set up or found
From this reading If it turned out that his wandering father were really in the vicinity, surely some way could be found to get in touch with him, so that he might learn how the cloud on his name had been wiped out years ago, and that he might have come back to his dear ones, if only they had had any clue concerning his whereabouts.
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading If it turned out that his wandering father were really in the vicinity, surely some way could be found to get in touch with him, so that he might learn how the cloud on his name had been wiped out years ago, and that he might have come back to his dear ones, if only they had had any clue concerning his whereabouts.
hold firmly
From this reading The hope that Elmer dangled before his wondering eyes grew in proportion to his ability to grasp its possibilities.
inflected form of “grow” — pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become
From this reading The hope that Elmer dangled before his wondering eyes grew in proportion to his ability to grasp its possibilities.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading If it turned out that his wandering father were really in the vicinity, surely some way could be found to get in touch with him, so that he might learn how the cloud on his name had been wiped out years ago, and that he might have come back to his dear ones, if only they had had any clue concerning his whereabouts.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading If it turned out that his wandering father were really in the vicinity, surely some way could be found to get in touch with him, so that he might learn how the cloud on his name had been wiped out years ago, and that he might have come back to his dear ones, if only they had had any clue concerning his whereabouts.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading If it turned out that his wandering father were really in the vicinity, surely some way could be found to get in touch with him, so that he might learn how the cloud on his name had been wiped out years ago, and that he might have come back to his dear ones, if only they had had any clue concerning his whereabouts.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading If it turned out that his wandering father were really in the vicinity, surely some way could be found to get in touch with him, so that he might learn how the cloud on his name had been wiped out years ago, and that he might have come back to his dear ones, if only they had had any clue concerning his whereabouts.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The hope that Elmer dangled before his wondering eyes grew in proportion to his ability to grasp its possibilities.
a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading The hope that Elmer dangled before his wondering eyes grew in proportion to his ability to grasp its possibilities.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading The two boys sat there on the log for almost an hour, talking, and trying to form some plan whereby this could be effected.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If it turned out that his wandering father were really in the vicinity, surely some way could be found to get in touch with him, so that he might learn how the cloud on his name had been wiped out years ago, and that he might have come back to his dear ones, if only they had had any clue concerning his whereabouts.
humorousadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmərəs/
full of or characterized by humor
From this reading Elmer had found the best medicine in all the world for his chum’s uplifting; Amos no longer looked as discouraged as before, and even laughed a little at something humorous the loyal companion related for this very purpose.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading If it turned out that his wandering father were really in the vicinity, surely some way could be found to get in touch with him, so that he might learn how the cloud on his name had been wiped out years ago, and that he might have come back to his dear ones, if only they had had any clue concerning his whereabouts.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The hope that Elmer dangled before his wondering eyes grew in proportion to his ability to grasp its possibilities.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading If it turned out that his wandering father were really in the vicinity, surely some way could be found to get in touch with him, so that he might learn how the cloud on his name had been wiped out years ago, and that he might have come back to his dear ones, if only they had had any clue concerning his whereabouts.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading The hope that Elmer dangled before his wondering eyes grew in proportion to his ability to grasp its possibilities.
past form of “laugh” — produce laughter
From this reading Elmer had found the best medicine in all the world for his chum’s uplifting; Amos no longer looked as discouraged as before, and even laughed a little at something humorous the loyal companion related for this very purpose.
gain knowledge or skills
From this reading If it turned out that his wandering father were really in the vicinity, surely some way could be found to get in touch with him, so that he might learn how the cloud on his name had been wiped out years ago, and that he might have come back to his dear ones, if only they had had any clue concerning his whereabouts.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Elmer had found the best medicine in all the world for his chum’s uplifting; Amos no longer looked as discouraged as before, and even laughed a little at something humorous the loyal companion related for this very purpose.
logverbUS /lɔːɡ/
enter into a log, as on ships and planes
From this reading The two boys sat there on the log for almost an hour, talking, and trying to form some plan whereby this could be effected.
for more time
From this reading Elmer had found the best medicine in all the world for his chum’s uplifting; Amos no longer looked as discouraged as before, and even laughed a little at something humorous the loyal companion related for this very purpose.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading Elmer had found the best medicine in all the world for his chum’s uplifting; Amos no longer looked as discouraged as before, and even laughed a little at something humorous the loyal companion related for this very purpose.
the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually
From this reading SETTING THE TRAP Already Amos was looking much better.
loyaladjectiveUS /ˈlɔɪəl/
steadfast in allegiance or duty
From this reading Elmer had found the best medicine in all the world for his chum’s uplifting; Amos no longer looked as discouraged as before, and even laughed a little at something humorous the loyal companion related for this very purpose.
medicinenounUS /ˈmedəsən/
the branches of medical science that deal with nonsurgical techniques
From this reading Elmer had found the best medicine in all the world for his chum’s uplifting; Amos no longer looked as discouraged as before, and even laughed a little at something humorous the loyal companion related for this very purpose.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading If it turned out that his wandering father were really in the vicinity, surely some way could be found to get in touch with him, so that he might learn how the cloud on his name had been wiped out years ago, and that he might have come back to his dear ones, if only they had had any clue concerning his whereabouts.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading SETTING THE TRAP Already Amos was looking much better.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading If it turned out that his wandering father were really in the vicinity, surely some way could be found to get in touch with him, so that he might learn how the cloud on his name had been wiped out years ago, and that he might have come back to his dear ones, if only they had had any clue concerning his whereabouts.
not any; not one
From this reading Elmer had found the best medicine in all the world for his chum’s uplifting; Amos no longer looked as discouraged as before, and even laughed a little at something humorous the loyal companion related for this very purpose.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading If it turned out that his wandering father were really in the vicinity, surely some way could be found to get in touch with him, so that he might learn how the cloud on his name had been wiped out years ago, and that he might have come back to his dear ones, if only they had had any clue concerning his whereabouts.
plural of “one” — the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
From this reading If it turned out that his wandering father were really in the vicinity, surely some way could be found to get in touch with him, so that he might learn how the cloud on his name had been wiped out years ago, and that he might have come back to his dear ones, if only they had had any clue concerning his whereabouts.
and nothing more
From this reading If it turned out that his wandering father were really in the vicinity, surely some way could be found to get in touch with him, so that he might learn how the cloud on his name had been wiped out years ago, and that he might have come back to his dear ones, if only they had had any clue concerning his whereabouts.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading If it turned out that his wandering father were really in the vicinity, surely some way could be found to get in touch with him, so that he might learn how the cloud on his name had been wiped out years ago, and that he might have come back to his dear ones, if only they had had any clue concerning his whereabouts.
have the will and intention to carry out some action
From this reading The two boys sat there on the log for almost an hour, talking, and trying to form some plan whereby this could be effected.
possibilitiesnounUS /ˌpɑːsəˈbɪlətiz/
plural of “possibility” — a future prospect or potential
From this reading The hope that Elmer dangled before his wondering eyes grew in proportion to his ability to grasp its possibilities.
proportionnounUS /prəˈpɔːrʃən/
the quotient obtained when the magnitude of a part is divided by the magnitude of the whole
From this reading The hope that Elmer dangled before his wondering eyes grew in proportion to his ability to grasp its possibilities.
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading Elmer had found the best medicine in all the world for his chum’s uplifting; Amos no longer looked as discouraged as before, and even laughed a little at something humorous the loyal companion related for this very purpose.
in accordance with truth or fact or reality
From this reading If it turned out that his wandering father were really in the vicinity, surely some way could be found to get in touch with him, so that he might learn how the cloud on his name had been wiped out years ago, and that he might have come back to his dear ones, if only they had had any clue concerning his whereabouts.
being connected either logically or causally or by shared characteristics
From this reading Elmer had found the best medicine in all the world for his chum’s uplifting; Amos no longer looked as discouraged as before, and even laughed a little at something humorous the loyal companion related for this very purpose.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading The two boys sat there on the log for almost an hour, talking, and trying to form some plan whereby this could be effected.
the context and environment in which something is set
From this reading SETTING THE TRAP Already Amos was looking much better.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading If it turned out that his wandering father were really in the vicinity, surely some way could be found to get in touch with him, so that he might learn how the cloud on his name had been wiped out years ago, and that he might have come back to his dear ones, if only they had had any clue concerning his whereabouts.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading If it turned out that his wandering father were really in the vicinity, surely some way could be found to get in touch with him, so that he might learn how the cloud on his name had been wiped out years ago, and that he might have come back to his dear ones, if only they had had any clue concerning his whereabouts.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading Elmer had found the best medicine in all the world for his chum’s uplifting; Amos no longer looked as discouraged as before, and even laughed a little at something humorous the loyal companion related for this very purpose.
definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)
From this reading If it turned out that his wandering father were really in the vicinity, surely some way could be found to get in touch with him, so that he might learn how the cloud on his name had been wiped out years ago, and that he might have come back to his dear ones, if only they had had any clue concerning his whereabouts.
an exchange of ideas via conversation
From this reading The two boys sat there on the log for almost an hour, talking, and trying to form some plan whereby this could be effected.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The hope that Elmer dangled before his wondering eyes grew in proportion to his ability to grasp its possibilities.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading SETTING THE TRAP Already Amos was looking much better.
in or at that place or location
From this reading The two boys sat there on the log for almost an hour, talking, and trying to form some plan whereby this could be effected.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading If it turned out that his wandering father were really in the vicinity, surely some way could be found to get in touch with him, so that he might learn how the cloud on his name had been wiped out years ago, and that he might have come back to his dear ones, if only they had had any clue concerning his whereabouts.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading The two boys sat there on the log for almost an hour, talking, and trying to form some plan whereby this could be effected.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The hope that Elmer dangled before his wondering eyes grew in proportion to his ability to grasp its possibilities.
make physical contact with, come in contact with
From this reading If it turned out that his wandering father were really in the vicinity, surely some way could be found to get in touch with him, so that he might learn how the cloud on his name had been wiped out years ago, and that he might have come back to his dear ones, if only they had had any clue concerning his whereabouts.
TRAPnounUS /træp/
a device in which something (usually an animal) can be caught and penned
From this reading SETTING THE TRAP Already Amos was looking much better.
hard to endure
From this reading The two boys sat there on the log for almost an hour, talking, and trying to form some plan whereby this could be effected.
moved around an axis or center
From this reading If it turned out that his wandering father were really in the vicinity, surely some way could be found to get in touch with him, so that he might learn how the cloud on his name had been wiped out years ago, and that he might have come back to his dear ones, if only they had had any clue concerning his whereabouts.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading The two boys sat there on the log for almost an hour, talking, and trying to form some plan whereby this could be effected.
upliftingnounUS /ˈʌplɪftɪŋ/
the rise of something
From this reading Elmer had found the best medicine in all the world for his chum’s uplifting; Amos no longer looked as discouraged as before, and even laughed a little at something humorous the loyal companion related for this very purpose.
precisely as stated
From this reading Elmer had found the best medicine in all the world for his chum’s uplifting; Amos no longer looked as discouraged as before, and even laughed a little at something humorous the loyal companion related for this very purpose.
vicinitynounUS /vəˈsɪnəti/
a surrounding or nearby region
From this reading If it turned out that his wandering father were really in the vicinity, surely some way could be found to get in touch with him, so that he might learn how the cloud on his name had been wiped out years ago, and that he might have come back to his dear ones, if only they had had any clue concerning his whereabouts.
migratory
From this reading If it turned out that his wandering father were really in the vicinity, surely some way could be found to get in touch with him, so that he might learn how the cloud on his name had been wiped out years ago, and that he might have come back to his dear ones, if only they had had any clue concerning his whereabouts.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading SETTING THE TRAP Already Amos was looking much better.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading If it turned out that his wandering father were really in the vicinity, surely some way could be found to get in touch with him, so that he might learn how the cloud on his name had been wiped out years ago, and that he might have come back to his dear ones, if only they had had any clue concerning his whereabouts.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading If it turned out that his wandering father were really in the vicinity, surely some way could be found to get in touch with him, so that he might learn how the cloud on his name had been wiped out years ago, and that he might have come back to his dear ones, if only they had had any clue concerning his whereabouts.
whereaboutsnounUS /ˈwerəbaʊts/
the general location where something is
From this reading If it turned out that his wandering father were really in the vicinity, surely some way could be found to get in touch with him, so that he might learn how the cloud on his name had been wiped out years ago, and that he might have come back to his dear ones, if only they had had any clue concerning his whereabouts.
whereby
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The two boys sat there on the log for almost an hour, talking, and trying to form some plan whereby this could be effected.
wipedverbUS /waɪpt/
past form of “wipe” — rub with a circular motion
From this reading If it turned out that his wandering father were really in the vicinity, surely some way could be found to get in touch with him, so that he might learn how the cloud on his name had been wiped out years ago, and that he might have come back to his dear ones, if only they had had any clue concerning his whereabouts.
in the company of; together with
From this reading If it turned out that his wandering father were really in the vicinity, surely some way could be found to get in touch with him, so that he might learn how the cloud on his name had been wiped out years ago, and that he might have come back to his dear ones, if only they had had any clue concerning his whereabouts.
showing curiosity
From this reading The hope that Elmer dangled before his wondering eyes grew in proportion to his ability to grasp its possibilities.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading Elmer had found the best medicine in all the world for his chum’s uplifting; Amos no longer looked as discouraged as before, and even laughed a little at something humorous the loyal companion related for this very purpose.
a late time of life
From this reading If it turned out that his wandering father were really in the vicinity, surely some way could be found to get in touch with him, so that he might learn how the cloud on his name had been wiped out years ago, and that he might have come back to his dear ones, if only they had had any clue concerning his whereabouts.
