used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading ELMER HAS A PLAN For a full minute nothing further passed between the two chums.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading “I—guess—you’re right about that!” wheezed Amos.
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading Amos was slyly observing the newcomer, who continued to talk most eloquently, rattling along on some subject or other, and holding Wee Willie spellbound.
AmosnounUS /ˈeɪməs/
a Hebrew shepherd and minor prophet
From this reading Amos was slyly observing the newcomer, who continued to talk most eloquently, rattling along on some subject or other, and holding Wee Willie spellbound.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Amos was slyly observing the newcomer, who continued to talk most eloquently, rattling along on some subject or other, and holding Wee Willie spellbound.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading “Yes,” came from the other, though Elmer did not desist from his occupation of making his trousers legs look more presentable, just as if it mattered in the slightest degree how creased or muddy they might be, off in the woods as they were, where no critical eye could ever detect the faults.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading “Yes,” came from the other, though Elmer did not desist from his occupation of making his trousers legs look more presentable, just as if it mattered in the slightest degree how creased or muddy they might be, off in the woods as they were, where no critical eye could ever detect the faults.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading ELMER HAS A PLAN For a full minute nothing further passed between the two chums.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading “Yes,” came from the other, though Elmer did not desist from his occupation of making his trousers legs look more presentable, just as if it mattered in the slightest degree how creased or muddy they might be, off in the woods as they were, where no critical eye could ever detect the faults.
chumsnounUS /tʃʌmz/
plural of “chum” — a close friend who accompanies his buddies in their activities
From this reading ELMER HAS A PLAN For a full minute nothing further passed between the two chums.
without stop or interruption
From this reading Amos was slyly observing the newcomer, who continued to talk most eloquently, rattling along on some subject or other, and holding Wee Willie spellbound.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading “Yes,” came from the other, though Elmer did not desist from his occupation of making his trousers legs look more presentable, just as if it mattered in the slightest degree how creased or muddy they might be, off in the woods as they were, where no critical eye could ever detect the faults.
creased
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Yes,” came from the other, though Elmer did not desist from his occupation of making his trousers legs look more presentable, just as if it mattered in the slightest degree how creased or muddy they might be, off in the woods as they were, where no critical eye could ever detect the faults.
criticaladjectiveUS /ˈkrɪtɪkəl/
marked by a tendency to find and call attention to errors and flaws
From this reading “Yes,” came from the other, though Elmer did not desist from his occupation of making his trousers legs look more presentable, just as if it mattered in the slightest degree how creased or muddy they might be, off in the woods as they were, where no critical eye could ever detect the faults.
a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality
From this reading “Yes,” came from the other, though Elmer did not desist from his occupation of making his trousers legs look more presentable, just as if it mattered in the slightest degree how creased or muddy they might be, off in the woods as they were, where no critical eye could ever detect the faults.
desistverbUS /dɪˈsɪst/
choose not to consume
From this reading “Yes,” came from the other, though Elmer did not desist from his occupation of making his trousers legs look more presentable, just as if it mattered in the slightest degree how creased or muddy they might be, off in the woods as they were, where no critical eye could ever detect the faults.
detectverbUS /dɪˈtekt/
discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of
From this reading “Yes,” came from the other, though Elmer did not desist from his occupation of making his trousers legs look more presentable, just as if it mattered in the slightest degree how creased or muddy they might be, off in the woods as they were, where no critical eye could ever detect the faults.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading “Yes,” came from the other, though Elmer did not desist from his occupation of making his trousers legs look more presentable, just as if it mattered in the slightest degree how creased or muddy they might be, off in the woods as they were, where no critical eye could ever detect the faults.
ELMER
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ELMER HAS A PLAN For a full minute nothing further passed between the two chums.
eloquentlyadverbUS /ˈeləkwəntli/
with eloquence
From this reading Amos was slyly observing the newcomer, who continued to talk most eloquently, rattling along on some subject or other, and holding Wee Willie spellbound.
at any time
From this reading “Yes,” came from the other, though Elmer did not desist from his occupation of making his trousers legs look more presentable, just as if it mattered in the slightest degree how creased or muddy they might be, off in the woods as they were, where no critical eye could ever detect the faults.
the organ of sight
From this reading “Yes,” came from the other, though Elmer did not desist from his occupation of making his trousers legs look more presentable, just as if it mattered in the slightest degree how creased or muddy they might be, off in the woods as they were, where no critical eye could ever detect the faults.
faultsnounUS /fɔːlts/
plural of “fault” — a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention
From this reading “Yes,” came from the other, though Elmer did not desist from his occupation of making his trousers legs look more presentable, just as if it mattered in the slightest degree how creased or muddy they might be, off in the woods as they were, where no critical eye could ever detect the faults.
after an unspecified period of time or an especially long delay
From this reading “Elmer!” finally whispered Amos.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading ELMER HAS A PLAN For a full minute nothing further passed between the two chums.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading “Yes,” came from the other, though Elmer did not desist from his occupation of making his trousers legs look more presentable, just as if it mattered in the slightest degree how creased or muddy they might be, off in the woods as they were, where no critical eye could ever detect the faults.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading ELMER HAS A PLAN For a full minute nothing further passed between the two chums.
to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)
From this reading ELMER HAS A PLAN For a full minute nothing further passed between the two chums.
expect, believe, or suppose
From this reading “I—guess—you’re right about that!” wheezed Amos.
HASauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading ELMER HAS A PLAN For a full minute nothing further passed between the two chums.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading “Yes,” came from the other, though Elmer did not desist from his occupation of making his trousers legs look more presentable, just as if it mattered in the slightest degree how creased or muddy they might be, off in the woods as they were, where no critical eye could ever detect the faults.
the act of retaining something
From this reading Amos was slyly observing the newcomer, who continued to talk most eloquently, rattling along on some subject or other, and holding Wee Willie spellbound.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Yes,” came from the other, though Elmer did not desist from his occupation of making his trousers legs look more presentable, just as if it mattered in the slightest degree how creased or muddy they might be, off in the woods as they were, where no critical eye could ever detect the faults.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading “I—guess—you’re right about that!” wheezed Amos.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading “Yes,” came from the other, though Elmer did not desist from his occupation of making his trousers legs look more presentable, just as if it mattered in the slightest degree how creased or muddy they might be, off in the woods as they were, where no critical eye could ever detect the faults.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading “Yes,” came from the other, though Elmer did not desist from his occupation of making his trousers legs look more presentable, just as if it mattered in the slightest degree how creased or muddy they might be, off in the woods as they were, where no critical eye could ever detect the faults.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading “Yes,” came from the other, though Elmer did not desist from his occupation of making his trousers legs look more presentable, just as if it mattered in the slightest degree how creased or muddy they might be, off in the woods as they were, where no critical eye could ever detect the faults.
and nothing more
From this reading “Yes,” came from the other, though Elmer did not desist from his occupation of making his trousers legs look more presentable, just as if it mattered in the slightest degree how creased or muddy they might be, off in the woods as they were, where no critical eye could ever detect the faults.
staying power
From this reading “Yes,” came from the other, though Elmer did not desist from his occupation of making his trousers legs look more presentable, just as if it mattered in the slightest degree how creased or muddy they might be, off in the woods as they were, where no critical eye could ever detect the faults.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading “Yes,” came from the other, though Elmer did not desist from his occupation of making his trousers legs look more presentable, just as if it mattered in the slightest degree how creased or muddy they might be, off in the woods as they were, where no critical eye could ever detect the faults.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading “Yes,” came from the other, though Elmer did not desist from his occupation of making his trousers legs look more presentable, just as if it mattered in the slightest degree how creased or muddy they might be, off in the woods as they were, where no critical eye could ever detect the faults.
matteredverbUS /ˈmætərd/
past form of “matter” — have weight; have import, carry weight
From this reading “Yes,” came from the other, though Elmer did not desist from his occupation of making his trousers legs look more presentable, just as if it mattered in the slightest degree how creased or muddy they might be, off in the woods as they were, where no critical eye could ever detect the faults.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading “Yes,” came from the other, though Elmer did not desist from his occupation of making his trousers legs look more presentable, just as if it mattered in the slightest degree how creased or muddy they might be, off in the woods as they were, where no critical eye could ever detect the faults.
a unit of time equal to 60 seconds or 1/60th of an hour
From this reading ELMER HAS A PLAN For a full minute nothing further passed between the two chums.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading “Yes,” came from the other, though Elmer did not desist from his occupation of making his trousers legs look more presentable, just as if it mattered in the slightest degree how creased or muddy they might be, off in the woods as they were, where no critical eye could ever detect the faults.
used to form the superlative
From this reading Amos was slyly observing the newcomer, who continued to talk most eloquently, rattling along on some subject or other, and holding Wee Willie spellbound.
muddyadjectiveUS /ˈmʌdi/
(of soil) soft and watery
From this reading “Yes,” came from the other, though Elmer did not desist from his occupation of making his trousers legs look more presentable, just as if it mattered in the slightest degree how creased or muddy they might be, off in the woods as they were, where no critical eye could ever detect the faults.
newcomernounUS /ˈnuːkʌmər/
any new participant in some activity
From this reading Amos was slyly observing the newcomer, who continued to talk most eloquently, rattling along on some subject or other, and holding Wee Willie spellbound.
not any; not one
From this reading “Yes,” came from the other, though Elmer did not desist from his occupation of making his trousers legs look more presentable, just as if it mattered in the slightest degree how creased or muddy they might be, off in the woods as they were, where no critical eye could ever detect the faults.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading “Yes,” came from the other, though Elmer did not desist from his occupation of making his trousers legs look more presentable, just as if it mattered in the slightest degree how creased or muddy they might be, off in the woods as they were, where no critical eye could ever detect the faults.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading ELMER HAS A PLAN For a full minute nothing further passed between the two chums.
observingadjectiveUS /əbˈzɜːrvɪŋ/
quick to notice; showing quick and keen perception
From this reading Amos was slyly observing the newcomer, who continued to talk most eloquently, rattling along on some subject or other, and holding Wee Willie spellbound.
occupationnounUS /ˌɑːkjəˈpeɪʃən/
the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money
From this reading “Yes,” came from the other, though Elmer did not desist from his occupation of making his trousers legs look more presentable, just as if it mattered in the slightest degree how creased or muddy they might be, off in the woods as they were, where no critical eye could ever detect the faults.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading “Yes,” came from the other, though Elmer did not desist from his occupation of making his trousers legs look more presentable, just as if it mattered in the slightest degree how creased or muddy they might be, off in the woods as they were, where no critical eye could ever detect the faults.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading “Yes,” came from the other, though Elmer did not desist from his occupation of making his trousers legs look more presentable, just as if it mattered in the slightest degree how creased or muddy they might be, off in the woods as they were, where no critical eye could ever detect the faults.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Amos was slyly observing the newcomer, who continued to talk most eloquently, rattling along on some subject or other, and holding Wee Willie spellbound.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Amos was slyly observing the newcomer, who continued to talk most eloquently, rattling along on some subject or other, and holding Wee Willie spellbound.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading Amos was slyly observing the newcomer, who continued to talk most eloquently, rattling along on some subject or other, and holding Wee Willie spellbound.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading ELMER HAS A PLAN For a full minute nothing further passed between the two chums.
have the will and intention to carry out some action
From this reading ELMER HAS A PLAN For a full minute nothing further passed between the two chums.
presentableadjectiveUS /prəˈzentəbəl/
fit to be seen
From this reading “Yes,” came from the other, though Elmer did not desist from his occupation of making his trousers legs look more presentable, just as if it mattered in the slightest degree how creased or muddy they might be, off in the woods as they were, where no critical eye could ever detect the faults.
rattlingnounUS /ˈrætlɪŋ/
a rapid series of short loud sounds (as might be heard with a stethoscope in some types of respiratory disorders)
From this reading Amos was slyly observing the newcomer, who continued to talk most eloquently, rattling along on some subject or other, and holding Wee Willie spellbound.
precisely, exactly
From this reading “I—guess—you’re right about that!” wheezed Amos.
superlative of “slight” — (quantifier used with mass nouns) small in quantity or degree; not much or almost none or (with “a”) at least some
From this reading “Yes,” came from the other, though Elmer did not desist from his occupation of making his trousers legs look more presentable, just as if it mattered in the slightest degree how creased or muddy they might be, off in the woods as they were, where no critical eye could ever detect the faults.
slylyadverbUS /ˈslaɪli/
in an artful manner
From this reading Amos was slyly observing the newcomer, who continued to talk most eloquently, rattling along on some subject or other, and holding Wee Willie spellbound.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Amos was slyly observing the newcomer, who continued to talk most eloquently, rattling along on some subject or other, and holding Wee Willie spellbound.
spellboundadjectiveUS /ˈspelbaʊnd/
having your attention fixated as though by a spell
From this reading Amos was slyly observing the newcomer, who continued to talk most eloquently, rattling along on some subject or other, and holding Wee Willie spellbound.
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading Amos was slyly observing the newcomer, who continued to talk most eloquently, rattling along on some subject or other, and holding Wee Willie spellbound.
exchange thoughts; talk with
From this reading Amos was slyly observing the newcomer, who continued to talk most eloquently, rattling along on some subject or other, and holding Wee Willie spellbound.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading “I—guess—you’re right about that!” wheezed Amos.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading ELMER HAS A PLAN For a full minute nothing further passed between the two chums.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading “Yes,” came from the other, though Elmer did not desist from his occupation of making his trousers legs look more presentable, just as if it mattered in the slightest degree how creased or muddy they might be, off in the woods as they were, where no critical eye could ever detect the faults.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading “Yes,” came from the other, though Elmer did not desist from his occupation of making his trousers legs look more presentable, just as if it mattered in the slightest degree how creased or muddy they might be, off in the woods as they were, where no critical eye could ever detect the faults.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Amos was slyly observing the newcomer, who continued to talk most eloquently, rattling along on some subject or other, and holding Wee Willie spellbound.
trousersnounUS /ˈtraʊzərz/
(usually in the plural) a garment extending from the waist to the knee or ankle, covering each leg separately
From this reading “Yes,” came from the other, though Elmer did not desist from his occupation of making his trousers legs look more presentable, just as if it mattered in the slightest degree how creased or muddy they might be, off in the woods as they were, where no critical eye could ever detect the faults.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading ELMER HAS A PLAN For a full minute nothing further passed between the two chums.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Amos was slyly observing the newcomer, who continued to talk most eloquently, rattling along on some subject or other, and holding Wee Willie spellbound.
WeeadjectiveUS /wiː/
(used informally) very small
From this reading Amos was slyly observing the newcomer, who continued to talk most eloquently, rattling along on some subject or other, and holding Wee Willie spellbound.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading “Yes,” came from the other, though Elmer did not desist from his occupation of making his trousers legs look more presentable, just as if it mattered in the slightest degree how creased or muddy they might be, off in the woods as they were, where no critical eye could ever detect the faults.
wheezed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I—guess—you’re right about that!” wheezed Amos.
in or at the place that
From this reading “Yes,” came from the other, though Elmer did not desist from his occupation of making his trousers legs look more presentable, just as if it mattered in the slightest degree how creased or muddy they might be, off in the woods as they were, where no critical eye could ever detect the faults.
spoken in soft hushed tones without vibrations of the vocal cords
From this reading “Elmer!” finally whispered Amos.
which person or people
From this reading Amos was slyly observing the newcomer, who continued to talk most eloquently, rattling along on some subject or other, and holding Wee Willie spellbound.
Willie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Amos was slyly observing the newcomer, who continued to talk most eloquently, rattling along on some subject or other, and holding Wee Willie spellbound.
the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area
From this reading “Yes,” came from the other, though Elmer did not desist from his occupation of making his trousers legs look more presentable, just as if it mattered in the slightest degree how creased or muddy they might be, off in the woods as they were, where no critical eye could ever detect the faults.
an affirmative
From this reading “Yes,” came from the other, though Elmer did not desist from his occupation of making his trousers legs look more presentable, just as if it mattered in the slightest degree how creased or muddy they might be, off in the woods as they were, where no critical eye could ever detect the faults.
you're
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I—guess—you’re right about that!” wheezed Amos.
