afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading He had had no experience whatever of sick-beds, beyond his own short spell after Balaclava, and even that was as different from this deadly monotony as well could be.
AlliesnounUS /ˈælaɪz/
the alliance of nations that fought the Axis in World War II and which (with subsequent additions) signed the charter of the United Nations in 1945
From this reading The Allies had found the nut too hard to crack, and were working hard on preparation for the next blow; and those inside, fully informed of everything that went on in the camps, were straining every nerve to resist it.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He had had no experience whatever of sick-beds, beyond his own short spell after Balaclava, and even that was as different from this deadly monotony as well could be.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading If there had been anything going on outside he might have found the change from the sick-room bracing, but both besieged and besiegers were too busy girding their loins for another struggle to waste time or powder on useless display.
any thing at all
From this reading If there had been anything going on outside he might have found the change from the sick-room bracing, but both besieged and besiegers were too busy girding their loins for another struggle to waste time or powder on useless display.
arbitraryadjectiveUS /ˈɑːrbətreri/
based on or subject to individual discretion or preference or sometimes impulse or caprice
From this reading But he stuck to it valiantly, and was only saved from physical and mental collapse himself by Tatia's arbitrary oversight.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading He had had no experience whatever of sick-beds, beyond his own short spell after Balaclava, and even that was as different from this deadly monotony as well could be.
BalaclavanounUS /ˌbɑːlɑːˈklɑːvɑː/
a cap that is close-fitting and woolen and covers all of the head but the face
From this reading He had had no experience whatever of sick-beds, beyond his own short spell after Balaclava, and even that was as different from this deadly monotony as well could be.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading He had had no experience whatever of sick-beds, beyond his own short spell after Balaclava, and even that was as different from this deadly monotony as well could be.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading If there had been anything going on outside he might have found the change from the sick-room bracing, but both besieged and besiegers were too busy girding their loins for another struggle to waste time or powder on useless display.
besiegedadjectiveUS /bɪˈsiːdʒd/
surrounded by hostile forces
From this reading If there had been anything going on outside he might have found the change from the sick-room bracing, but both besieged and besiegers were too busy girding their loins for another struggle to waste time or powder on useless display.
besiegers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If there had been anything going on outside he might have found the change from the sick-room bracing, but both besieged and besiegers were too busy girding their loins for another struggle to waste time or powder on useless display.
on the far side of; further than
From this reading He had had no experience whatever of sick-beds, beyond his own short spell after Balaclava, and even that was as different from this deadly monotony as well could be.
exhale hard
From this reading The Allies had found the nut too hard to crack, and were working hard on preparation for the next blow; and those inside, fully informed of everything that went on in the camps, were straining every nerve to resist it.
the two together, not just one
From this reading If there had been anything going on outside he might have found the change from the sick-room bracing, but both besieged and besiegers were too busy girding their loins for another struggle to waste time or powder on useless display.
bracingnounUS /ˈbreɪsɪŋ/
a structural member used to stiffen a framework
From this reading If there had been anything going on outside he might have found the change from the sick-room bracing, but both besieged and besiegers were too busy girding their loins for another struggle to waste time or powder on useless display.
actively or fully engaged or occupied
From this reading If there had been anything going on outside he might have found the change from the sick-room bracing, but both besieged and besiegers were too busy girding their loins for another struggle to waste time or powder on useless display.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But he stuck to it valiantly, and was only saved from physical and mental collapse himself by Tatia's arbitrary oversight.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading But he stuck to it valiantly, and was only saved from physical and mental collapse himself by Tatia's arbitrary oversight.
campsnounUS /kæmps/
plural of “camp” — temporary living quarters specially built by the army for soldiers
From this reading The Allies had found the nut too hard to crack, and were working hard on preparation for the next blow; and those inside, fully informed of everything that went on in the camps, were straining every nerve to resist it.
cause to change; make different; cause a transformation
From this reading If there had been anything going on outside he might have found the change from the sick-room bracing, but both besieged and besiegers were too busy girding their loins for another struggle to waste time or powder on useless display.
collapsenounUS /kəˈlæps/
an abrupt failure of function or complete physical exhaustion
From this reading But he stuck to it valiantly, and was only saved from physical and mental collapse himself by Tatia's arbitrary oversight.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading He had had no experience whatever of sick-beds, beyond his own short spell after Balaclava, and even that was as different from this deadly monotony as well could be.
crackverbUS /kræk/
become fractured; break or crack on the surface only
From this reading The Allies had found the nut too hard to crack, and were working hard on preparation for the next blow; and those inside, fully informed of everything that went on in the camps, were straining every nerve to resist it.
causing or capable of causing death
From this reading He had had no experience whatever of sick-beds, beyond his own short spell after Balaclava, and even that was as different from this deadly monotony as well could be.
unlike in nature or quality or form or degree
From this reading He had had no experience whatever of sick-beds, beyond his own short spell after Balaclava, and even that was as different from this deadly monotony as well could be.
displaynounUS /dɪˈspleɪ/
something intended to communicate a particular impression
From this reading If there had been anything going on outside he might have found the change from the sick-room bracing, but both besieged and besiegers were too busy girding their loins for another struggle to waste time or powder on useless display.
divisible by two
From this reading He had had no experience whatever of sick-beds, beyond his own short spell after Balaclava, and even that was as different from this deadly monotony as well could be.
at any time
From this reading It was the most trying time Jim had ever spent.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading The Allies had found the nut too hard to crack, and were working hard on preparation for the next blow; and those inside, fully informed of everything that went on in the camps, were straining every nerve to resist it.
all things; all of a situation
From this reading The Allies had found the nut too hard to crack, and were working hard on preparation for the next blow; and those inside, fully informed of everything that went on in the camps, were straining every nerve to resist it.
undergo or live through a difficult experience
From this reading He had had no experience whatever of sick-beds, beyond his own short spell after Balaclava, and even that was as different from this deadly monotony as well could be.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading If there had been anything going on outside he might have found the change from the sick-room bracing, but both besieged and besiegers were too busy girding their loins for another struggle to waste time or powder on useless display.
set up or found
From this reading If there had been anything going on outside he might have found the change from the sick-room bracing, but both besieged and besiegers were too busy girding their loins for another struggle to waste time or powder on useless display.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading He had had no experience whatever of sick-beds, beyond his own short spell after Balaclava, and even that was as different from this deadly monotony as well could be.
to the greatest degree or extent; completely or entirely; (“full” in this sense is used as a combining form)
From this reading The Allies had found the nut too hard to crack, and were working hard on preparation for the next blow; and those inside, fully informed of everything that went on in the camps, were straining every nerve to resist it.
girdingverbUS /ˈɡɜːrdɪŋ/
-ing form of “gird” — prepare oneself for a military confrontation
From this reading If there had been anything going on outside he might have found the change from the sick-room bracing, but both besieged and besiegers were too busy girding their loins for another struggle to waste time or powder on useless display.
the act of departing
From this reading If there had been anything going on outside he might have found the change from the sick-room bracing, but both besieged and besiegers were too busy girding their loins for another struggle to waste time or powder on useless display.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It was the most trying time Jim had ever spent.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading The Allies had found the nut too hard to crack, and were working hard on preparation for the next blow; and those inside, fully informed of everything that went on in the camps, were straining every nerve to resist it.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading If there had been anything going on outside he might have found the change from the sick-room bracing, but both besieged and besiegers were too busy girding their loins for another struggle to waste time or powder on useless display.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He had had no experience whatever of sick-beds, beyond his own short spell after Balaclava, and even that was as different from this deadly monotony as well could be.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading But he stuck to it valiantly, and was only saved from physical and mental collapse himself by Tatia's arbitrary oversight.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading He had had no experience whatever of sick-beds, beyond his own short spell after Balaclava, and even that was as different from this deadly monotony as well could be.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading If there had been anything going on outside he might have found the change from the sick-room bracing, but both besieged and besiegers were too busy girding their loins for another struggle to waste time or powder on useless display.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The Allies had found the nut too hard to crack, and were working hard on preparation for the next blow; and those inside, fully informed of everything that went on in the camps, were straining every nerve to resist it.
having much knowledge or education
From this reading The Allies had found the nut too hard to crack, and were working hard on preparation for the next blow; and those inside, fully informed of everything that went on in the camps, were straining every nerve to resist it.
relating to or being on the side closer to the center or within a defined space
From this reading The Allies had found the nut too hard to crack, and were working hard on preparation for the next blow; and those inside, fully informed of everything that went on in the camps, were straining every nerve to resist it.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was the most trying time Jim had ever spent.
Jim
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was the most trying time Jim had ever spent.
loinsnoun
the lower part of the abdomen just above the external genital organs
From this reading If there had been anything going on outside he might have found the change from the sick-room bracing, but both besieged and besiegers were too busy girding their loins for another struggle to waste time or powder on useless display.
involving the mind or an intellectual process
From this reading But he stuck to it valiantly, and was only saved from physical and mental collapse himself by Tatia's arbitrary oversight.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading If there had been anything going on outside he might have found the change from the sick-room bracing, but both besieged and besiegers were too busy girding their loins for another struggle to waste time or powder on useless display.
monotonynounUS /məˈnɑːtəni/
the quality of wearisome constancy, routine, and lack of variety
From this reading He had had no experience whatever of sick-beds, beyond his own short spell after Balaclava, and even that was as different from this deadly monotony as well could be.
used to form the superlative
From this reading It was the most trying time Jim had ever spent.
nervenounUS /nɜːrv/
any bundle of nerve fibers running to various organs and tissues of the body
From this reading The Allies had found the nut too hard to crack, and were working hard on preparation for the next blow; and those inside, fully informed of everything that went on in the camps, were straining every nerve to resist it.
immediately following in time or order
From this reading The Allies had found the nut too hard to crack, and were working hard on preparation for the next blow; and those inside, fully informed of everything that went on in the camps, were straining every nerve to resist it.
not any; not one
From this reading He had had no experience whatever of sick-beds, beyond his own short spell after Balaclava, and even that was as different from this deadly monotony as well could be.
nutnounUS /nʌt/
usually large hard-shelled seed
From this reading The Allies had found the nut too hard to crack, and were working hard on preparation for the next blow; and those inside, fully informed of everything that went on in the camps, were straining every nerve to resist it.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading He had had no experience whatever of sick-beds, beyond his own short spell after Balaclava, and even that was as different from this deadly monotony as well could be.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading If there had been anything going on outside he might have found the change from the sick-room bracing, but both besieged and besiegers were too busy girding their loins for another struggle to waste time or powder on useless display.
and nothing more
From this reading But he stuck to it valiantly, and was only saved from physical and mental collapse himself by Tatia's arbitrary oversight.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading If there had been anything going on outside he might have found the change from the sick-room bracing, but both besieged and besiegers were too busy girding their loins for another struggle to waste time or powder on useless display.
relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit
From this reading If there had been anything going on outside he might have found the change from the sick-room bracing, but both besieged and besiegers were too busy girding their loins for another struggle to waste time or powder on useless display.
oversightnounUS /ˈoʊvərsaɪt/
an unintentional omission resulting from failure to notice something
From this reading But he stuck to it valiantly, and was only saved from physical and mental collapse himself by Tatia's arbitrary oversight.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading He had had no experience whatever of sick-beds, beyond his own short spell after Balaclava, and even that was as different from this deadly monotony as well could be.
involving the body as distinguished from the mind or spirit
From this reading But he stuck to it valiantly, and was only saved from physical and mental collapse himself by Tatia's arbitrary oversight.
powdernounUS /ˈpaʊdər/
a solid substance in the form of tiny loose particles; a solid that has been pulverized
From this reading If there had been anything going on outside he might have found the change from the sick-room bracing, but both besieged and besiegers were too busy girding their loins for another struggle to waste time or powder on useless display.
preparationnounUS /ˌprepərˈeɪʃən/
the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose
From this reading The Allies had found the nut too hard to crack, and were working hard on preparation for the next blow; and those inside, fully informed of everything that went on in the camps, were straining every nerve to resist it.
resistverbUS /rɪˈzɪst/
elude, especially in a baffling way
From this reading The Allies had found the nut too hard to crack, and were working hard on preparation for the next blow; and those inside, fully informed of everything that went on in the camps, were straining every nerve to resist it.
rescued; especially from the power and consequences of sin
From this reading But he stuck to it valiantly, and was only saved from physical and mental collapse himself by Tatia's arbitrary oversight.
primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration
From this reading He had had no experience whatever of sick-beds, beyond his own short spell after Balaclava, and even that was as different from this deadly monotony as well could be.
sick-beds
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had had no experience whatever of sick-beds, beyond his own short spell after Balaclava, and even that was as different from this deadly monotony as well could be.
sick-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If there had been anything going on outside he might have found the change from the sick-room bracing, but both besieged and besiegers were too busy girding their loins for another struggle to waste time or powder on useless display.
orally recite the letters of or give the spelling of
From this reading He had had no experience whatever of sick-beds, beyond his own short spell after Balaclava, and even that was as different from this deadly monotony as well could be.
depleted of energy, force, or strength
From this reading It was the most trying time Jim had ever spent.
strainingnounUS /ˈstreɪnɪŋ/
an intense or violent exertion
From this reading The Allies had found the nut too hard to crack, and were working hard on preparation for the next blow; and those inside, fully informed of everything that went on in the camps, were straining every nerve to resist it.
make a strenuous or labored effort
From this reading If there had been anything going on outside he might have found the change from the sick-room bracing, but both besieged and besiegers were too busy girding their loins for another struggle to waste time or powder on useless display.
caught or fixed
From this reading But he stuck to it valiantly, and was only saved from physical and mental collapse himself by Tatia's arbitrary oversight.
Tatia's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But he stuck to it valiantly, and was only saved from physical and mental collapse himself by Tatia's arbitrary oversight.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading He had had no experience whatever of sick-beds, beyond his own short spell after Balaclava, and even that was as different from this deadly monotony as well could be.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It was the most trying time Jim had ever spent.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading If there had been anything going on outside he might have found the change from the sick-room bracing, but both besieged and besiegers were too busy girding their loins for another struggle to waste time or powder on useless display.
in or at that place or location
From this reading If there had been anything going on outside he might have found the change from the sick-room bracing, but both besieged and besiegers were too busy girding their loins for another struggle to waste time or powder on useless display.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading He had had no experience whatever of sick-beds, beyond his own short spell after Balaclava, and even that was as different from this deadly monotony as well could be.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading The Allies had found the nut too hard to crack, and were working hard on preparation for the next blow; and those inside, fully informed of everything that went on in the camps, were straining every nerve to resist it.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading It was the most trying time Jim had ever spent.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading But he stuck to it valiantly, and was only saved from physical and mental collapse himself by Tatia's arbitrary oversight.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading If there had been anything going on outside he might have found the change from the sick-room bracing, but both besieged and besiegers were too busy girding their loins for another struggle to waste time or powder on useless display.
hard to endure
From this reading It was the most trying time Jim had ever spent.
having no beneficial use or incapable of functioning usefully
From this reading If there had been anything going on outside he might have found the change from the sick-room bracing, but both besieged and besiegers were too busy girding their loins for another struggle to waste time or powder on useless display.
valiantlyadverbUS /ˈvæljəntli/
with valor; in a valiant manner
From this reading But he stuck to it valiantly, and was only saved from physical and mental collapse himself by Tatia's arbitrary oversight.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was the most trying time Jim had ever spent.
any materials unused and rejected as worthless or unwanted
From this reading If there had been anything going on outside he might have found the change from the sick-room bracing, but both besieged and besiegers were too busy girding their loins for another struggle to waste time or powder on useless display.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading He had had no experience whatever of sick-beds, beyond his own short spell after Balaclava, and even that was as different from this deadly monotony as well could be.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading The Allies had found the nut too hard to crack, and were working hard on preparation for the next blow; and those inside, fully informed of everything that went on in the camps, were straining every nerve to resist it.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading If there had been anything going on outside he might have found the change from the sick-room bracing, but both besieged and besiegers were too busy girding their loins for another struggle to waste time or powder on useless display.
any or all of a kind, it does not matter which
From this reading He had had no experience whatever of sick-beds, beyond his own short spell after Balaclava, and even that was as different from this deadly monotony as well could be.
actively engaged in paid work
From this reading The Allies had found the nut too hard to crack, and were working hard on preparation for the next blow; and those inside, fully informed of everything that went on in the camps, were straining every nerve to resist it.
