used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Theo, gentle and sweet-spoken to all, had won the reverence and loyal regard of the disabled sailor, when he returned home a cripple, by her friendly welcome to him.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Although he had said nothing about it, one of the new pupils had been specially set apart to be given to Theo, if it pleased God to spare her young life.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading He had not come across so many, in his up-and-down life, that they had become cheapened.
a positive feeling of liking
From this reading THE BIRD-SCHOOL Meantime, while all Northbourne, in its genuine affection for Miss Theedory, hung expectantly on the issues of life or death--for who could say which it might be?--Jerry Blunt was quietly making his preparations for pursuing his new calling of bird-trainer.
(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 THE BIRD-SCHOOL Meantime, while all Northbourne, in its genuine affection for Miss Theedory, hung expectantly on the issues of life or death--for who could say which it might be?--Jerry Blunt was quietly making his preparations for pursuing his new calling of bird-trainer.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Although he had said nothing about it, one of the new pupils had been specially set apart to be given to Theo, if it pleased God to spare her young life.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Theo, gentle and sweet-spoken to all, had won the reverence and loyal regard of the disabled sailor, when he returned home a cripple, by her friendly welcome to him.
separated or at a distance in place or position or time
From this reading Although he had said nothing about it, one of the new pupils had been specially set apart to be given to Theo, if it pleased God to spare her young life.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading THE BIRD-SCHOOL Meantime, while all Northbourne, in its genuine affection for Miss Theedory, hung expectantly on the issues of life or death--for who could say which it might be?--Jerry Blunt was quietly making his preparations for pursuing his new calling of bird-trainer.
enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading He had not come across so many, in his up-and-down life, that they had become cheapened.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Although he had said nothing about it, one of the new pupils had been specially set apart to be given to Theo, if it pleased God to spare her young life.
BIRD-SCHOOL
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE BIRD-SCHOOL Meantime, while all Northbourne, in its genuine affection for Miss Theedory, hung expectantly on the issues of life or death--for who could say which it might be?--Jerry Blunt was quietly making his preparations for pursuing his new calling of bird-trainer.
bird-trainer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE BIRD-SCHOOL Meantime, while all Northbourne, in its genuine affection for Miss Theedory, hung expectantly on the issues of life or death--for who could say which it might be?--Jerry Blunt was quietly making his preparations for pursuing his new calling of bird-trainer.
BluntadjectiveUS /blʌnt/
having a broad or rounded end
From this reading THE BIRD-SCHOOL Meantime, while all Northbourne, in its genuine affection for Miss Theedory, hung expectantly on the issues of life or death--for who could say which it might be?--Jerry Blunt was quietly making his preparations for pursuing his new calling of bird-trainer.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Theo, gentle and sweet-spoken to all, had won the reverence and loyal regard of the disabled sailor, when he returned home a cripple, by her friendly welcome to him.
the particular occupation for which you are trained
From this reading THE BIRD-SCHOOL Meantime, while all Northbourne, in its genuine affection for Miss Theedory, hung expectantly on the issues of life or death--for who could say which it might be?--Jerry Blunt was quietly making his preparations for pursuing his new calling of bird-trainer.
cheapenedverbUS /ˈtʃiːpənd/
past form of “cheapen” — lower the grade of something; reduce its worth
From this reading He had not come across so many, in his up-and-down life, that they had become cheapened.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading He had not come across so many, in his up-and-down life, that they had become cheapened.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading THE BIRD-SCHOOL Meantime, while all Northbourne, in its genuine affection for Miss Theedory, hung expectantly on the issues of life or death--for who could say which it might be?--Jerry Blunt was quietly making his preparations for pursuing his new calling of bird-trainer.
crippleverbUS /ˈkrɪpəl/
deprive of strength or efficiency; make useless or worthless
From this reading Theo, gentle and sweet-spoken to all, had won the reverence and loyal regard of the disabled sailor, when he returned home a cripple, by her friendly welcome to him.
the event of dying or departure from life
From this reading THE BIRD-SCHOOL Meantime, while all Northbourne, in its genuine affection for Miss Theedory, hung expectantly on the issues of life or death--for who could say which it might be?--Jerry Blunt was quietly making his preparations for pursuing his new calling of bird-trainer.
disablednounUS /dɪˈseɪbəld/
people collectively who are crippled or otherwise physically handicapped
From this reading Theo, gentle and sweet-spoken to all, had won the reverence and loyal regard of the disabled sailor, when he returned home a cripple, by her friendly welcome to him.
expectantlyadverb
in an expectant manner
From this reading THE BIRD-SCHOOL Meantime, while all Northbourne, in its genuine affection for Miss Theedory, hung expectantly on the issues of life or death--for who could say which it might be?--Jerry Blunt was quietly making his preparations for pursuing his new calling of bird-trainer.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading THE BIRD-SCHOOL Meantime, while all Northbourne, in its genuine affection for Miss Theedory, hung expectantly on the issues of life or death--for who could say which it might be?--Jerry Blunt was quietly making his preparations for pursuing his new calling of bird-trainer.
dismiss from the mind; stop remembering
From this reading Jerry Blunt was not one to forget a kind word.
characteristic of or befitting a friend
From this reading Theo, gentle and sweet-spoken to all, had won the reverence and loyal regard of the disabled sailor, when he returned home a cripple, by her friendly welcome to him.
soft and mild; not harsh or stern or severe
From this reading Theo, gentle and sweet-spoken to all, had won the reverence and loyal regard of the disabled sailor, when he returned home a cripple, by her friendly welcome to him.
genuineadjectiveUS /ˈdʒenjəwən/
not fake or counterfeit
From this reading THE BIRD-SCHOOL Meantime, while all Northbourne, in its genuine affection for Miss Theedory, hung expectantly on the issues of life or death--for who could say which it might be?--Jerry Blunt was quietly making his preparations for pursuing his new calling of bird-trainer.
givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/
acknowledged as a supposition
From this reading Although he had said nothing about it, one of the new pupils had been specially set apart to be given to Theo, if it pleased God to spare her young life.
the supernatural being conceived as the perfect and omnipotent and omniscient originator and ruler of the universe; the object of worship in monotheistic religions
From this reading Although he had said nothing about it, one of the new pupils had been specially set apart to be given to Theo, if it pleased God to spare her young life.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Although he had said nothing about it, one of the new pupils had been specially set apart to be given to Theo, if it pleased God to spare her young life.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Although he had said nothing about it, one of the new pupils had been specially set apart to be given to Theo, if it pleased God to spare her young life.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Although he had said nothing about it, one of the new pupils had been specially set apart to be given to Theo, if it pleased God to spare her young life.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Theo, gentle and sweet-spoken to all, had won the reverence and loyal regard of the disabled sailor, when he returned home a cripple, by her friendly welcome to him.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading THE BIRD-SCHOOL Meantime, while all Northbourne, in its genuine affection for Miss Theedory, hung expectantly on the issues of life or death--for who could say which it might be?--Jerry Blunt was quietly making his preparations for pursuing his new calling of bird-trainer.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading Theo, gentle and sweet-spoken to all, had won the reverence and loyal regard of the disabled sailor, when he returned home a cripple, by her friendly welcome to him.
inflected form of “hang” — be suspended or hanging
From this reading THE BIRD-SCHOOL Meantime, while all Northbourne, in its genuine affection for Miss Theedory, hung expectantly on the issues of life or death--for who could say which it might be?--Jerry Blunt was quietly making his preparations for pursuing his new calling of bird-trainer.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Although he had said nothing about it, one of the new pupils had been specially set apart to be given to Theo, if it pleased God to spare her young life.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE BIRD-SCHOOL Meantime, while all Northbourne, in its genuine affection for Miss Theedory, hung expectantly on the issues of life or death--for who could say which it might be?--Jerry Blunt was quietly making his preparations for pursuing his new calling of bird-trainer.
issuesnounUS /ˈɪʃuːz/
plural of “issue” — an important question that is in dispute and must be settled
From this reading THE BIRD-SCHOOL Meantime, while all Northbourne, in its genuine affection for Miss Theedory, hung expectantly on the issues of life or death--for who could say which it might be?--Jerry Blunt was quietly making his preparations for pursuing his new calling of bird-trainer.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading THE BIRD-SCHOOL Meantime, while all Northbourne, in its genuine affection for Miss Theedory, hung expectantly on the issues of life or death--for who could say which it might be?--Jerry Blunt was quietly making his preparations for pursuing his new calling of bird-trainer.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading THE BIRD-SCHOOL Meantime, while all Northbourne, in its genuine affection for Miss Theedory, hung expectantly on the issues of life or death--for who could say which it might be?--Jerry Blunt was quietly making his preparations for pursuing his new calling of bird-trainer.
offensive term for a person of German descent
From this reading THE BIRD-SCHOOL Meantime, while all Northbourne, in its genuine affection for Miss Theedory, hung expectantly on the issues of life or death--for who could say which it might be?--Jerry Blunt was quietly making his preparations for pursuing his new calling of bird-trainer.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading Jerry Blunt was not one to forget a kind word.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading THE BIRD-SCHOOL Meantime, while all Northbourne, in its genuine affection for Miss Theedory, hung expectantly on the issues of life or death--for who could say which it might be?--Jerry Blunt was quietly making his preparations for pursuing his new calling of bird-trainer.
loyaladjectiveUS /ˈlɔɪəl/
steadfast in allegiance or duty
From this reading Theo, gentle and sweet-spoken to all, had won the reverence and loyal regard of the disabled sailor, when he returned home a cripple, by her friendly welcome to him.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading THE BIRD-SCHOOL Meantime, while all Northbourne, in its genuine affection for Miss Theedory, hung expectantly on the issues of life or death--for who could say which it might be?--Jerry Blunt was quietly making his preparations for pursuing his new calling of bird-trainer.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading He had not come across so many, in his up-and-down life, that they had become cheapened.
the time between one event, process, or period and another
From this reading THE BIRD-SCHOOL Meantime, while all Northbourne, in its genuine affection for Miss Theedory, hung expectantly on the issues of life or death--for who could say which it might be?--Jerry Blunt was quietly making his preparations for pursuing his new calling of bird-trainer.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading THE BIRD-SCHOOL Meantime, while all Northbourne, in its genuine affection for Miss Theedory, hung expectantly on the issues of life or death--for who could say which it might be?--Jerry Blunt was quietly making his preparations for pursuing his new calling of bird-trainer.
fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind
From this reading THE BIRD-SCHOOL Meantime, while all Northbourne, in its genuine affection for Miss Theedory, hung expectantly on the issues of life or death--for who could say which it might be?--Jerry Blunt was quietly making his preparations for pursuing his new calling of bird-trainer.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading THE BIRD-SCHOOL Meantime, while all Northbourne, in its genuine affection for Miss Theedory, hung expectantly on the issues of life or death--for who could say which it might be?--Jerry Blunt was quietly making his preparations for pursuing his new calling of bird-trainer.
Northbourne
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE BIRD-SCHOOL Meantime, while all Northbourne, in its genuine affection for Miss Theedory, hung expectantly on the issues of life or death--for who could say which it might be?--Jerry Blunt was quietly making his preparations for pursuing his new calling of bird-trainer.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Jerry Blunt was not one to forget a kind word.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading Although he had said nothing about it, one of the new pupils had been specially set apart to be given to Theo, if it pleased God to spare her young life.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE BIRD-SCHOOL Meantime, while all Northbourne, in its genuine affection for Miss Theedory, hung expectantly on the issues of life or death--for who could say which it might be?--Jerry Blunt was quietly making his preparations for pursuing his new calling of bird-trainer.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading THE BIRD-SCHOOL Meantime, while all Northbourne, in its genuine affection for Miss Theedory, hung expectantly on the issues of life or death--for who could say which it might be?--Jerry Blunt was quietly making his preparations for pursuing his new calling of bird-trainer.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Although he had said nothing about it, one of the new pupils had been specially set apart to be given to Theo, if it pleased God to spare her young life.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading THE BIRD-SCHOOL Meantime, while all Northbourne, in its genuine affection for Miss Theedory, hung expectantly on the issues of life or death--for who could say which it might be?--Jerry Blunt was quietly making his preparations for pursuing his new calling of bird-trainer.
experiencing or manifesting pleasure
From this reading Although he had said nothing about it, one of the new pupils had been specially set apart to be given to Theo, if it pleased God to spare her young life.
preparationsnounUS /ˌprepərˈeɪʃənz/
plural of “preparation” — the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose
From this reading THE BIRD-SCHOOL Meantime, while all Northbourne, in its genuine affection for Miss Theedory, hung expectantly on the issues of life or death--for who could say which it might be?--Jerry Blunt was quietly making his preparations for pursuing his new calling of bird-trainer.
pupilsnounUS /ˈpjuːpəlz/
plural of “pupil” — a learner who is enrolled in an educational institution
From this reading Although he had said nothing about it, one of the new pupils had been specially set apart to be given to Theo, if it pleased God to spare her young life.
pursuingadjectiveUS /pərˈsuːɪŋ/
following in order to overtake or capture or as accompaniment to such pursuit
From this reading THE BIRD-SCHOOL Meantime, while all Northbourne, in its genuine affection for Miss Theedory, hung expectantly on the issues of life or death--for who could say which it might be?--Jerry Blunt was quietly making his preparations for pursuing his new calling of bird-trainer.
with low volume
From this reading THE BIRD-SCHOOL Meantime, while all Northbourne, in its genuine affection for Miss Theedory, hung expectantly on the issues of life or death--for who could say which it might be?--Jerry Blunt was quietly making his preparations for pursuing his new calling of bird-trainer.
(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point
From this reading Theo, gentle and sweet-spoken to all, had won the reverence and loyal regard of the disabled sailor, when he returned home a cripple, by her friendly welcome to him.
past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading Theo, gentle and sweet-spoken to all, had won the reverence and loyal regard of the disabled sailor, when he returned home a cripple, by her friendly welcome to him.
reverenceverbUS /ˈrevərəns/
regard with feelings of respect and reverence; consider hallowed or exalted or be in awe of
From this reading Theo, gentle and sweet-spoken to all, had won the reverence and loyal regard of the disabled sailor, when he returned home a cripple, by her friendly welcome to him.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading Although he had said nothing about it, one of the new pupils had been specially set apart to be given to Theo, if it pleased God to spare her young life.
any member of a ship's crew
From this reading Theo, gentle and sweet-spoken to all, had won the reverence and loyal regard of the disabled sailor, when he returned home a cripple, by her friendly welcome to him.
express in words
From this reading THE BIRD-SCHOOL Meantime, while all Northbourne, in its genuine affection for Miss Theedory, hung expectantly on the issues of life or death--for who could say which it might be?--Jerry Blunt was quietly making his preparations for pursuing his new calling of bird-trainer.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading Although he had said nothing about it, one of the new pupils had been specially set apart to be given to Theo, if it pleased God to spare her young life.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading He had not come across so many, in his up-and-down life, that they had become cheapened.
refrain from harming
From this reading Although he had said nothing about it, one of the new pupils had been specially set apart to be given to Theo, if it pleased God to spare her young life.
speciallyadverbUS /ˈspeʃəli/
in a special manner
From this reading Although he had said nothing about it, one of the new pupils had been specially set apart to be given to Theo, if it pleased God to spare her young life.
sweet-spoken
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Theo, gentle and sweet-spoken to all, had won the reverence and loyal regard of the disabled sailor, when he returned home a cripple, by her friendly welcome to him.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading He had not come across so many, in his up-and-down life, that they had become cheapened.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE BIRD-SCHOOL Meantime, while all Northbourne, in its genuine affection for Miss Theedory, hung expectantly on the issues of life or death--for who could say which it might be?--Jerry Blunt was quietly making his preparations for pursuing his new calling of bird-trainer.
Theedory
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE BIRD-SCHOOL Meantime, while all Northbourne, in its genuine affection for Miss Theedory, hung expectantly on the issues of life or death--for who could say which it might be?--Jerry Blunt was quietly making his preparations for pursuing his new calling of bird-trainer.
Theo
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Although he had said nothing about it, one of the new pupils had been specially set apart to be given to Theo, if it pleased God to spare her young life.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He had not come across so many, in his up-and-down life, that they had become cheapened.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Although he had said nothing about it, one of the new pupils had been specially set apart to be given to Theo, if it pleased God to spare her young life.
up-and-down
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had not come across so many, in his up-and-down life, that they had become cheapened.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE BIRD-SCHOOL Meantime, while all Northbourne, in its genuine affection for Miss Theedory, hung expectantly on the issues of life or death--for who could say which it might be?--Jerry Blunt was quietly making his preparations for pursuing his new calling of bird-trainer.
accept gladly
From this reading Theo, gentle and sweet-spoken to all, had won the reverence and loyal regard of the disabled sailor, when he returned home a cripple, by her friendly welcome to him.
at the time that
From this reading Theo, gentle and sweet-spoken to all, had won the reverence and loyal regard of the disabled sailor, when he returned home a cripple, by her friendly welcome to him.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading THE BIRD-SCHOOL Meantime, while all Northbourne, in its genuine affection for Miss Theedory, hung expectantly on the issues of life or death--for who could say which it might be?--Jerry Blunt was quietly making his preparations for pursuing his new calling of bird-trainer.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading THE BIRD-SCHOOL Meantime, while all Northbourne, in its genuine affection for Miss Theedory, hung expectantly on the issues of life or death--for who could say which it might be?--Jerry Blunt was quietly making his preparations for pursuing his new calling of bird-trainer.
which person or people
From this reading THE BIRD-SCHOOL Meantime, while all Northbourne, in its genuine affection for Miss Theedory, hung expectantly on the issues of life or death--for who could say which it might be?--Jerry Blunt was quietly making his preparations for pursuing his new calling of bird-trainer.
the basic unit of money in South Korea
From this reading Theo, gentle and sweet-spoken to all, had won the reverence and loyal regard of the disabled sailor, when he returned home a cripple, by her friendly welcome to him.
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
From this reading Jerry Blunt was not one to forget a kind word.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading Although he had said nothing about it, one of the new pupils had been specially set apart to be given to Theo, if it pleased God to spare her young life.
