used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading At the end of a fortnight it had progressed so far that he was able to sit up a few hours and, though with the greatest caution, employ himself a little, read, and take part in quiet conversation.
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading At the end of a fortnight it had progressed so far that he was able to sit up a few hours and, though with the greatest caution, employ himself a little, read, and take part in quiet conversation.
acknowledgedadjectiveUS /ækˈnɑːlɪdʒd/
recognized or made known or admitted
From this reading He had never seemed more cheerful than during these two weeks, never more winning than when he acknowledged the affection shown him by even the merest acquaintances.
acquaintancesnounUS /əˈkweɪntənsɪz/
plural of “acquaintance” — personal knowledge or information about someone or something
From this reading He had never seemed more cheerful than during these two weeks, never more winning than when he acknowledged the affection shown him by even the merest acquaintances.
a positive feeling of liking
From this reading He had never seemed more cheerful than during these two weeks, never more winning than when he acknowledged the affection shown him by even the merest acquaintances.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading When Frau Valentin, who had daily supplied him with strengthening broths, jellies, and the most delicate game, was at last on the tenth day after his attack, permitted, as a reward for her motherly care, to see him five minutes, the short visit was enough to make the worthy lady fairly in love with her ward.
(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 His youthful vigor seemed to kindle anew and pervade all his organs with vital strength.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading At the end of a fortnight it had progressed so far that he was able to sit up a few hours and, though with the greatest caution, employ himself a little, read, and take part in quiet conversation.
anewadverbUS /əˈnuː/
again but in a new or different way
From this reading His youthful vigor seemed to kindle anew and pervade all his organs with vital strength.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading When Frau Valentin, who had daily supplied him with strengthening broths, jellies, and the most delicate game, was at last on the tenth day after his attack, permitted, as a reward for her motherly care, to see him five minutes, the short visit was enough to make the worthy lady fairly in love with her ward.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading At the end of a fortnight it had progressed so far that he was able to sit up a few hours and, though with the greatest caution, employ himself a little, read, and take part in quiet conversation.
(military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons)
From this reading When Frau Valentin, who had daily supplied him with strengthening broths, jellies, and the most delicate game, was at last on the tenth day after his attack, permitted, as a reward for her motherly care, to see him five minutes, the short visit was enough to make the worthy lady fairly in love with her ward.
Balder's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Balder's convalescence was more rapid than could have been hoped for.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Balder's convalescence was more rapid than could have been hoped for.
brothsnounUS /brɔːθs/
plural of “broth” — liquid in which meat and vegetables are simmered; used as a basis for e.g. soups or sauces
From this reading When Frau Valentin, who had daily supplied him with strengthening broths, jellies, and the most delicate game, was at last on the tenth day after his attack, permitted, as a reward for her motherly care, to see him five minutes, the short visit was enough to make the worthy lady fairly in love with her ward.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading He had never seemed more cheerful than during these two weeks, never more winning than when he acknowledged the affection shown him by even the merest acquaintances.
the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something
From this reading When Frau Valentin, who had daily supplied him with strengthening broths, jellies, and the most delicate game, was at last on the tenth day after his attack, permitted, as a reward for her motherly care, to see him five minutes, the short visit was enough to make the worthy lady fairly in love with her ward.
cautionnounUS /ˈkɑːʃən/
the trait of being cautious; being attentive to possible danger
From this reading At the end of a fortnight it had progressed so far that he was able to sit up a few hours and, though with the greatest caution, employ himself a little, read, and take part in quiet conversation.
being full of or promoting cheer; having or showing good spirits
From this reading He had never seemed more cheerful than during these two weeks, never more winning than when he acknowledged the affection shown him by even the merest acquaintances.
convalescencenounUS /ˌkɑːnvəˈlesəns/
gradual healing (through rest) after sickness or injury
From this reading Balder's convalescence was more rapid than could have been hoped for.
the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.
From this reading At the end of a fortnight it had progressed so far that he was able to sit up a few hours and, though with the greatest caution, employ himself a little, read, and take part in quiet conversation.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Balder's convalescence was more rapid than could have been hoped for.
every day; without missing a day
From this reading When Frau Valentin, who had daily supplied him with strengthening broths, jellies, and the most delicate game, was at last on the tenth day after his attack, permitted, as a reward for her motherly care, to see him five minutes, the short visit was enough to make the worthy lady fairly in love with her ward.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading When Frau Valentin, who had daily supplied him with strengthening broths, jellies, and the most delicate game, was at last on the tenth day after his attack, permitted, as a reward for her motherly care, to see him five minutes, the short visit was enough to make the worthy lady fairly in love with her ward.
exquisitely fine and subtle and pleasing; susceptible to injury
From this reading When Frau Valentin, who had daily supplied him with strengthening broths, jellies, and the most delicate game, was at last on the tenth day after his attack, permitted, as a reward for her motherly care, to see him five minutes, the short visit was enough to make the worthy lady fairly in love with her ward.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading He had never seemed more cheerful than during these two weeks, never more winning than when he acknowledged the affection shown him by even the merest acquaintances.
employverbUS /emˈplɔɪ/
put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose
From this reading At the end of a fortnight it had progressed so far that he was able to sit up a few hours and, though with the greatest caution, employ himself a little, read, and take part in quiet conversation.
either extremity of something that has length
From this reading At the end of a fortnight it had progressed so far that he was able to sit up a few hours and, though with the greatest caution, employ himself a little, read, and take part in quiet conversation.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading When Frau Valentin, who had daily supplied him with strengthening broths, jellies, and the most delicate game, was at last on the tenth day after his attack, permitted, as a reward for her motherly care, to see him five minutes, the short visit was enough to make the worthy lady fairly in love with her ward.
divisible by two
From this reading He had never seemed more cheerful than during these two weeks, never more winning than when he acknowledged the affection shown him by even the merest acquaintances.
to certain extent or degree
From this reading When Frau Valentin, who had daily supplied him with strengthening broths, jellies, and the most delicate game, was at last on the tenth day after his attack, permitted, as a reward for her motherly care, to see him five minutes, the short visit was enough to make the worthy lady fairly in love with her ward.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading At the end of a fortnight it had progressed so far that he was able to sit up a few hours and, though with the greatest caution, employ himself a little, read, and take part in quiet conversation.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading At the end of a fortnight it had progressed so far that he was able to sit up a few hours and, though with the greatest caution, employ himself a little, read, and take part in quiet conversation.
the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one
From this reading When Frau Valentin, who had daily supplied him with strengthening broths, jellies, and the most delicate game, was at last on the tenth day after his attack, permitted, as a reward for her motherly care, to see him five minutes, the short visit was enough to make the worthy lady fairly in love with her ward.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Balder's convalescence was more rapid than could have been hoped for.
fortnightnounUS /ˈfɔːrtnaɪt/
a period of fourteen consecutive days
From this reading At the end of a fortnight it had progressed so far that he was able to sit up a few hours and, though with the greatest caution, employ himself a little, read, and take part in quiet conversation.
FraunounUS /fraʊ/
a German courtesy title or form of address for an adult woman
From this reading When Frau Valentin, who had daily supplied him with strengthening broths, jellies, and the most delicate game, was at last on the tenth day after his attack, permitted, as a reward for her motherly care, to see him five minutes, the short visit was enough to make the worthy lady fairly in love with her ward.
a contest with rules to determine a winner
From this reading When Frau Valentin, who had daily supplied him with strengthening broths, jellies, and the most delicate game, was at last on the tenth day after his attack, permitted, as a reward for her motherly care, to see him five minutes, the short visit was enough to make the worthy lady fairly in love with her ward.
highest in quality
From this reading At the end of a fortnight it had progressed so far that he was able to sit up a few hours and, though with the greatest caution, employ himself a little, read, and take part in quiet conversation.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading At the end of a fortnight it had progressed so far that he was able to sit up a few hours and, though with the greatest caution, employ himself a little, read, and take part in quiet conversation.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Balder's convalescence was more rapid than could have been hoped for.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading At the end of a fortnight it had progressed so far that he was able to sit up a few hours and, though with the greatest caution, employ himself a little, read, and take part in quiet conversation.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading When Frau Valentin, who had daily supplied him with strengthening broths, jellies, and the most delicate game, was at last on the tenth day after his attack, permitted, as a reward for her motherly care, to see him five minutes, the short visit was enough to make the worthy lady fairly in love with her ward.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He had never seemed more cheerful than during these two weeks, never more winning than when he acknowledged the affection shown him by even the merest acquaintances.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading At the end of a fortnight it had progressed so far that he was able to sit up a few hours and, though with the greatest caution, employ himself a little, read, and take part in quiet conversation.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading His youthful vigor seemed to kindle anew and pervade all his organs with vital strength.
past form of “hope” — expect and wish
From this reading Balder's convalescence was more rapid than could have been hoped for.
a period of time assigned for work
From this reading At the end of a fortnight it had progressed so far that he was able to sit up a few hours and, though with the greatest caution, employ himself a little, read, and take part in quiet conversation.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading At the end of a fortnight it had progressed so far that he was able to sit up a few hours and, though with the greatest caution, employ himself a little, read, and take part in quiet conversation.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading At the end of a fortnight it had progressed so far that he was able to sit up a few hours and, though with the greatest caution, employ himself a little, read, and take part in quiet conversation.
jelliesnounUS /ˈdʒeliz/
plural of “jelly” — an edible jelly (sweet or pungent) made with gelatin and used as a dessert or salad base or a coating for foods
From this reading When Frau Valentin, who had daily supplied him with strengthening broths, jellies, and the most delicate game, was at last on the tenth day after his attack, permitted, as a reward for her motherly care, to see him five minutes, the short visit was enough to make the worthy lady fairly in love with her ward.
kindleverbUS /ˈkɪndəl/
catch fire
From this reading His youthful vigor seemed to kindle anew and pervade all his organs with vital strength.
a polite name for any woman
From this reading When Frau Valentin, who had daily supplied him with strengthening broths, jellies, and the most delicate game, was at last on the tenth day after his attack, permitted, as a reward for her motherly care, to see him five minutes, the short visit was enough to make the worthy lady fairly in love with her ward.
immediately past
From this reading When Frau Valentin, who had daily supplied him with strengthening broths, jellies, and the most delicate game, was at last on the tenth day after his attack, permitted, as a reward for her motherly care, to see him five minutes, the short visit was enough to make the worthy lady fairly in love with her ward.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading At the end of a fortnight it had progressed so far that he was able to sit up a few hours and, though with the greatest caution, employ himself a little, read, and take part in quiet conversation.
a strong positive emotion of regard and affection
From this reading When Frau Valentin, who had daily supplied him with strengthening broths, jellies, and the most delicate game, was at last on the tenth day after his attack, permitted, as a reward for her motherly care, to see him five minutes, the short visit was enough to make the worthy lady fairly in love with her ward.
engage in
From this reading When Frau Valentin, who had daily supplied him with strengthening broths, jellies, and the most delicate game, was at last on the tenth day after his attack, permitted, as a reward for her motherly care, to see him five minutes, the short visit was enough to make the worthy lady fairly in love with her ward.
merestadjectiveUS /ˈmerəst/
superlative of “mere” — being nothing more than specified
From this reading He had never seemed more cheerful than during these two weeks, never more winning than when he acknowledged the affection shown him by even the merest acquaintances.
a written account of what transpired at a meeting
From this reading When Frau Valentin, who had daily supplied him with strengthening broths, jellies, and the most delicate game, was at last on the tenth day after his attack, permitted, as a reward for her motherly care, to see him five minutes, the short visit was enough to make the worthy lady fairly in love with her ward.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Balder's convalescence was more rapid than could have been hoped for.
used to form the superlative
From this reading When Frau Valentin, who had daily supplied him with strengthening broths, jellies, and the most delicate game, was at last on the tenth day after his attack, permitted, as a reward for her motherly care, to see him five minutes, the short visit was enough to make the worthy lady fairly in love with her ward.
motherlyadjectiveUS /ˈmʌðərli/
befitting a mother; warm and nurturing
From this reading When Frau Valentin, who had daily supplied him with strengthening broths, jellies, and the most delicate game, was at last on the tenth day after his attack, permitted, as a reward for her motherly care, to see him five minutes, the short visit was enough to make the worthy lady fairly in love with her ward.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading He had never seemed more cheerful than during these two weeks, never more winning than when he acknowledged the affection shown him by even the merest acquaintances.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading At the end of a fortnight it had progressed so far that he was able to sit up a few hours and, though with the greatest caution, employ himself a little, read, and take part in quiet conversation.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading When Frau Valentin, who had daily supplied him with strengthening broths, jellies, and the most delicate game, was at last on the tenth day after his attack, permitted, as a reward for her motherly care, to see him five minutes, the short visit was enough to make the worthy lady fairly in love with her ward.
organsnounUS /ˈɔːrɡənz/
edible viscera of a butchered animal
From this reading His youthful vigor seemed to kindle anew and pervade all his organs with vital strength.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading At the end of a fortnight it had progressed so far that he was able to sit up a few hours and, though with the greatest caution, employ himself a little, read, and take part in quiet conversation.
inflected form of “permit” — consent to, give permission
From this reading When Frau Valentin, who had daily supplied him with strengthening broths, jellies, and the most delicate game, was at last on the tenth day after his attack, permitted, as a reward for her motherly care, to see him five minutes, the short visit was enough to make the worthy lady fairly in love with her ward.
pervadeverbUS /pərˈveɪd/
spread or diffuse through
From this reading His youthful vigor seemed to kindle anew and pervade all his organs with vital strength.
progressedverbUS /prəˈɡrest/
past form of “progress” — develop in a positive way
From this reading At the end of a fortnight it had progressed so far that he was able to sit up a few hours and, though with the greatest caution, employ himself a little, read, and take part in quiet conversation.
quietadjectiveUS /ˈkwaɪət/
characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity
From this reading At the end of a fortnight it had progressed so far that he was able to sit up a few hours and, though with the greatest caution, employ himself a little, read, and take part in quiet conversation.
rapidadjectiveUS /ˈræpəd/
done or occurring in a brief period of time
From this reading Balder's convalescence was more rapid than could have been hoped for.
interpret something that is written or printed
From this reading At the end of a fortnight it had progressed so far that he was able to sit up a few hours and, though with the greatest caution, employ himself a little, read, and take part in quiet conversation.
a recompense for worthy acts or retribution for wrongdoing
From this reading When Frau Valentin, who had daily supplied him with strengthening broths, jellies, and the most delicate game, was at last on the tenth day after his attack, permitted, as a reward for her motherly care, to see him five minutes, the short visit was enough to make the worthy lady fairly in love with her ward.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading When Frau Valentin, who had daily supplied him with strengthening broths, jellies, and the most delicate game, was at last on the tenth day after his attack, permitted, as a reward for her motherly care, to see him five minutes, the short visit was enough to make the worthy lady fairly in love with her ward.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading His youthful vigor seemed to kindle anew and pervade all his organs with vital strength.
primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration
From this reading When Frau Valentin, who had daily supplied him with strengthening broths, jellies, and the most delicate game, was at last on the tenth day after his attack, permitted, as a reward for her motherly care, to see him five minutes, the short visit was enough to make the worthy lady fairly in love with her ward.
inflected form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading He had never seemed more cheerful than during these two weeks, never more winning than when he acknowledged the affection shown him by even the merest acquaintances.
be seated
From this reading At the end of a fortnight it had progressed so far that he was able to sit up a few hours and, though with the greatest caution, employ himself a little, read, and take part in quiet conversation.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading At the end of a fortnight it had progressed so far that he was able to sit up a few hours and, though with the greatest caution, employ himself a little, read, and take part in quiet conversation.
the property of being physically or mentally strong
From this reading His youthful vigor seemed to kindle anew and pervade all his organs with vital strength.
strengtheningnounUS /ˈstreŋθənɪŋ/
becoming stronger
From this reading When Frau Valentin, who had daily supplied him with strengthening broths, jellies, and the most delicate game, was at last on the tenth day after his attack, permitted, as a reward for her motherly care, to see him five minutes, the short visit was enough to make the worthy lady fairly in love with her ward.
suppliedverbUS /səˈplaɪd/
inflected form of “supply” — give something useful or necessary to
From this reading When Frau Valentin, who had daily supplied him with strengthening broths, jellies, and the most delicate game, was at last on the tenth day after his attack, permitted, as a reward for her motherly care, to see him five minutes, the short visit was enough to make the worthy lady fairly in love with her ward.
carry out
From this reading At the end of a fortnight it had progressed so far that he was able to sit up a few hours and, though with the greatest caution, employ himself a little, read, and take part in quiet conversation.
tenthnounUS /tenθ/
a tenth part; one part in ten equal parts
From this reading When Frau Valentin, who had daily supplied him with strengthening broths, jellies, and the most delicate game, was at last on the tenth day after his attack, permitted, as a reward for her motherly care, to see him five minutes, the short visit was enough to make the worthy lady fairly in love with her ward.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Balder's convalescence was more rapid than could have been hoped for.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading At the end of a fortnight it had progressed so far that he was able to sit up a few hours and, though with the greatest caution, employ himself a little, read, and take part in quiet conversation.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading At the end of a fortnight it had progressed so far that he was able to sit up a few hours and, though with the greatest caution, employ himself a little, read, and take part in quiet conversation.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading He had never seemed more cheerful than during these two weeks, never more winning than when he acknowledged the affection shown him by even the merest acquaintances.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading At the end of a fortnight it had progressed so far that he was able to sit up a few hours and, though with the greatest caution, employ himself a little, read, and take part in quiet conversation.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading At the end of a fortnight it had progressed so far that he was able to sit up a few hours and, though with the greatest caution, employ himself a little, read, and take part in quiet conversation.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading He had never seemed more cheerful than during these two weeks, never more winning than when he acknowledged the affection shown him by even the merest acquaintances.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading At the end of a fortnight it had progressed so far that he was able to sit up a few hours and, though with the greatest caution, employ himself a little, read, and take part in quiet conversation.
Valentin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Frau Valentin, who had daily supplied him with strengthening broths, jellies, and the most delicate game, was at last on the tenth day after his attack, permitted, as a reward for her motherly care, to see him five minutes, the short visit was enough to make the worthy lady fairly in love with her ward.
vigornounUS /ˈvɪɡər/
forceful exertion
From this reading His youthful vigor seemed to kindle anew and pervade all his organs with vital strength.
go to see a place, as for entertainment
From this reading When Frau Valentin, who had daily supplied him with strengthening broths, jellies, and the most delicate game, was at last on the tenth day after his attack, permitted, as a reward for her motherly care, to see him five minutes, the short visit was enough to make the worthy lady fairly in love with her ward.
vitaladjectiveUS /ˈvaɪtəl/
urgently needed; absolutely necessary
From this reading His youthful vigor seemed to kindle anew and pervade all his organs with vital strength.
wardnounUS /wɔːrd/
a person who is under the protection or in the custody of another
From this reading When Frau Valentin, who had daily supplied him with strengthening broths, jellies, and the most delicate game, was at last on the tenth day after his attack, permitted, as a reward for her motherly care, to see him five minutes, the short visit was enough to make the worthy lady fairly in love with her ward.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Balder's convalescence was more rapid than could have been hoped for.
plural of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading He had never seemed more cheerful than during these two weeks, never more winning than when he acknowledged the affection shown him by even the merest acquaintances.
at the time that
From this reading He had never seemed more cheerful than during these two weeks, never more winning than when he acknowledged the affection shown him by even the merest acquaintances.
which person or people
From this reading When Frau Valentin, who had daily supplied him with strengthening broths, jellies, and the most delicate game, was at last on the tenth day after his attack, permitted, as a reward for her motherly care, to see him five minutes, the short visit was enough to make the worthy lady fairly in love with her ward.
winningadjectiveUS /ˈwɪnɪŋ/
having won
From this reading He had never seemed more cheerful than during these two weeks, never more winning than when he acknowledged the affection shown him by even the merest acquaintances.
in the company of; together with
From this reading At the end of a fortnight it had progressed so far that he was able to sit up a few hours and, though with the greatest caution, employ himself a little, read, and take part in quiet conversation.
Having or showing the qualities or abilities that merit recognition in character or magic.
From this reading When Frau Valentin, who had daily supplied him with strengthening broths, jellies, and the most delicate game, was at last on the tenth day after his attack, permitted, as a reward for her motherly care, to see him five minutes, the short visit was enough to make the worthy lady fairly in love with her ward.
youthfuladjectiveUS /ˈjuːθfəl/
suggestive of youth; vigorous and fresh
From this reading His youthful vigor seemed to kindle anew and pervade all his organs with vital strength.
