used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading He launched as a topic of conversation the modern young person, and at just that moment I was grateful to him, although it is a subject which, as far as I am concerned, has been thoroughly talked out.
filled with fear or apprehension
From this reading EXPERT CONSIDERATION I was afraid after they’d gone that old Mr. Smith would begin asking embarrassing questions, but his curiosity, if he had any, was under perfect control.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading EXPERT CONSIDERATION I was afraid after they’d gone that old Mr. Smith would begin asking embarrassing questions, but his curiosity, if he had any, was under perfect control.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading He launched as a topic of conversation the modern young person, and at just that moment I was grateful to him, although it is a subject which, as far as I am concerned, has been thoroughly talked out.
the form of “be” used with “I”
From this reading He launched as a topic of conversation the modern young person, and at just that moment I was grateful to him, although it is a subject which, as far as I am concerned, has been thoroughly talked out.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He launched as a topic of conversation the modern young person, and at just that moment I was grateful to him, although it is a subject which, as far as I am concerned, has been thoroughly talked out.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading EXPERT CONSIDERATION I was afraid after they’d gone that old Mr. Smith would begin asking embarrassing questions, but his curiosity, if he had any, was under perfect control.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading He launched as a topic of conversation the modern young person, and at just that moment I was grateful to him, although it is a subject which, as far as I am concerned, has been thoroughly talked out.
the verbal act of requesting
From this reading EXPERT CONSIDERATION I was afraid after they’d gone that old Mr. Smith would begin asking embarrassing questions, but his curiosity, if he had any, was under perfect control.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading He launched as a topic of conversation the modern young person, and at just that moment I was grateful to him, although it is a subject which, as far as I am concerned, has been thoroughly talked out.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading He launched as a topic of conversation the modern young person, and at just that moment I was grateful to him, although it is a subject which, as far as I am concerned, has been thoroughly talked out.
take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading EXPERT CONSIDERATION I was afraid after they’d gone that old Mr. Smith would begin asking embarrassing questions, but his curiosity, if he had any, was under perfect control.
accept as true; take to be true
From this reading I like the young people of to-day, but as for the modern young person, considered as something essentially new, a product of post-war conditions or a judgment upon our sins, I simply don’t believe the little monster exists.
boredadjectiveUS /bɔːrd/
tired of the world
From this reading Ordinarily I find myself desperately bored with the solemn and terrified generalities one hears.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading EXPERT CONSIDERATION I was afraid after they’d gone that old Mr. Smith would begin asking embarrassing questions, but his curiosity, if he had any, was under perfect control.
feeling or showing worry or solicitude
From this reading He launched as a topic of conversation the modern young person, and at just that moment I was grateful to him, although it is a subject which, as far as I am concerned, has been thoroughly talked out.
the prevailing context that influences the performance or the outcome of a process
From this reading I like the young people of to-day, but as for the modern young person, considered as something essentially new, a product of post-war conditions or a judgment upon our sins, I simply don’t believe the little monster exists.
the process of giving careful thought to something
From this reading EXPERT CONSIDERATION I was afraid after they’d gone that old Mr. Smith would begin asking embarrassing questions, but his curiosity, if he had any, was under perfect control.
carefully weighed
From this reading I like the young people of to-day, but as for the modern young person, considered as something essentially new, a product of post-war conditions or a judgment upon our sins, I simply don’t believe the little monster exists.
power to direct or determine
From this reading EXPERT CONSIDERATION I was afraid after they’d gone that old Mr. Smith would begin asking embarrassing questions, but his curiosity, if he had any, was under perfect control.
the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.
From this reading He launched as a topic of conversation the modern young person, and at just that moment I was grateful to him, although it is a subject which, as far as I am concerned, has been thoroughly talked out.
a state in which you want to learn more about something
From this reading EXPERT CONSIDERATION I was afraid after they’d gone that old Mr. Smith would begin asking embarrassing questions, but his curiosity, if he had any, was under perfect control.
desperatelyadverbUS /ˈdespərətli/
with great urgency
From this reading Ordinarily I find myself desperately bored with the solemn and terrified generalities one hears.
destructiveadjectiveUS /dɪˈstrʌktɪv/
causing destruction or much damage
From this reading I didn’t, however, express myself in this destructive manner to Mr. Smith.
didn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I didn’t, however, express myself in this destructive manner to Mr. Smith.
don't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I like the young people of to-day, but as for the modern young person, considered as something essentially new, a product of post-war conditions or a judgment upon our sins, I simply don’t believe the little monster exists.
embarrassingadjectiveUS /ɪmˈberəsɪŋ/
hard to deal with; especially causing pain or embarrassment
From this reading EXPERT CONSIDERATION I was afraid after they’d gone that old Mr. Smith would begin asking embarrassing questions, but his curiosity, if he had any, was under perfect control.
essentiallyadverbUS /eˈsenʃəli/
in essence; at bottom or by one's (or its) very nature
From this reading I like the young people of to-day, but as for the modern young person, considered as something essentially new, a product of post-war conditions or a judgment upon our sins, I simply don’t believe the little monster exists.
existsverbUS /ɪɡˈzɪsts/
third-person singular of “exist” — have an existence, be extant
From this reading I like the young people of to-day, but as for the modern young person, considered as something essentially new, a product of post-war conditions or a judgment upon our sins, I simply don’t believe the little monster exists.
EXPERTadjectiveUS /ˈekspərt/
having or showing knowledge and skill and aptitude
From this reading EXPERT CONSIDERATION I was afraid after they’d gone that old Mr. Smith would begin asking embarrassing questions, but his curiosity, if he had any, was under perfect control.
give expression to
From this reading I didn’t, however, express myself in this destructive manner to Mr. Smith.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading He launched as a topic of conversation the modern young person, and at just that moment I was grateful to him, although it is a subject which, as far as I am concerned, has been thoroughly talked out.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading Ordinarily I find myself desperately bored with the solemn and terrified generalities one hears.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading I like the young people of to-day, but as for the modern young person, considered as something essentially new, a product of post-war conditions or a judgment upon our sins, I simply don’t believe the little monster exists.
generalitiesnounUS /ˌdʒenərˈælətiz/
plural of “generality” — an idea or conclusion having general application
From this reading Ordinarily I find myself desperately bored with the solemn and terrified generalities one hears.
destroyed or killed
From this reading EXPERT CONSIDERATION I was afraid after they’d gone that old Mr. Smith would begin asking embarrassing questions, but his curiosity, if he had any, was under perfect control.
feeling or showing gratitude
From this reading He launched as a topic of conversation the modern young person, and at just that moment I was grateful to him, although it is a subject which, as far as I am concerned, has been thoroughly talked out.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading EXPERT CONSIDERATION I was afraid after they’d gone that old Mr. Smith would begin asking embarrassing questions, but his curiosity, if he had any, was under perfect control.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He launched as a topic of conversation the modern young person, and at just that moment I was grateful to him, although it is a subject which, as far as I am concerned, has been thoroughly talked out.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading EXPERT CONSIDERATION I was afraid after they’d gone that old Mr. Smith would begin asking embarrassing questions, but his curiosity, if he had any, was under perfect control.
hearsverbUS /hiːrz/
third-person singular of “hear” — perceive (sound) via the auditory sense
From this reading Ordinarily I find myself desperately bored with the solemn and terrified generalities one hears.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He launched as a topic of conversation the modern young person, and at just that moment I was grateful to him, although it is a subject which, as far as I am concerned, has been thoroughly talked out.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading EXPERT CONSIDERATION I was afraid after they’d gone that old Mr. Smith would begin asking embarrassing questions, but his curiosity, if he had any, was under perfect control.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading I didn’t, however, express myself in this destructive manner to Mr. Smith.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading EXPERT CONSIDERATION I was afraid after they’d gone that old Mr. Smith would begin asking embarrassing questions, but his curiosity, if he had any, was under perfect control.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading EXPERT CONSIDERATION I was afraid after they’d gone that old Mr. Smith would begin asking embarrassing questions, but his curiosity, if he had any, was under perfect control.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading I didn’t, however, express myself in this destructive manner to Mr. Smith.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He launched as a topic of conversation the modern young person, and at just that moment I was grateful to him, although it is a subject which, as far as I am concerned, has been thoroughly talked out.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading He launched as a topic of conversation the modern young person, and at just that moment I was grateful to him, although it is a subject which, as far as I am concerned, has been thoroughly talked out.
an opinion formed by judging something
From this reading I like the young people of to-day, but as for the modern young person, considered as something essentially new, a product of post-war conditions or a judgment upon our sins, I simply don’t believe the little monster exists.
and nothing more
From this reading He launched as a topic of conversation the modern young person, and at just that moment I was grateful to him, although it is a subject which, as far as I am concerned, has been thoroughly talked out.
launchedverbUS /lɔːntʃt/
past form of “launch” — set up or found
From this reading He launched as a topic of conversation the modern young person, and at just that moment I was grateful to him, although it is a subject which, as far as I am concerned, has been thoroughly talked out.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading I like the young people of to-day, but as for the modern young person, considered as something essentially new, a product of post-war conditions or a judgment upon our sins, I simply don’t believe the little monster exists.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading I like the young people of to-day, but as for the modern young person, considered as something essentially new, a product of post-war conditions or a judgment upon our sins, I simply don’t believe the little monster exists.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading I didn’t, however, express myself in this destructive manner to Mr. Smith.
belonging to the modern era; since the Middle Ages
From this reading He launched as a topic of conversation the modern young person, and at just that moment I was grateful to him, although it is a subject which, as far as I am concerned, has been thoroughly talked out.
a particular point in time
From this reading He launched as a topic of conversation the modern young person, and at just that moment I was grateful to him, although it is a subject which, as far as I am concerned, has been thoroughly talked out.
monsternounUS /ˈmɑːnstər/
an imaginary creature usually having various human and animal parts
From this reading I like the young people of to-day, but as for the modern young person, considered as something essentially new, a product of post-war conditions or a judgment upon our sins, I simply don’t believe the little monster exists.
a form of address for a man
From this reading EXPERT CONSIDERATION I was afraid after they’d gone that old Mr. Smith would begin asking embarrassing questions, but his curiosity, if he had any, was under perfect control.
used when the speaker is also the object of the action
From this reading Ordinarily I find myself desperately bored with the solemn and terrified generalities one hears.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading I like the young people of to-day, but as for the modern young person, considered as something essentially new, a product of post-war conditions or a judgment upon our sins, I simply don’t believe the little monster exists.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading He launched as a topic of conversation the modern young person, and at just that moment I was grateful to him, although it is a subject which, as far as I am concerned, has been thoroughly talked out.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading EXPERT CONSIDERATION I was afraid after they’d gone that old Mr. Smith would begin asking embarrassing questions, but his curiosity, if he had any, was under perfect control.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Ordinarily I find myself desperately bored with the solemn and terrified generalities one hears.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading I like the young people of to-day, but as for the modern young person, considered as something essentially new, a product of post-war conditions or a judgment upon our sins, I simply don’t believe the little monster exists.
OrdinarilyadverbUS /ˌɔːrdəˈnerəli/
under normal conditions
From this reading Ordinarily I find myself desperately bored with the solemn and terrified generalities one hears.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading I like the young people of to-day, but as for the modern young person, considered as something essentially new, a product of post-war conditions or a judgment upon our sins, I simply don’t believe the little monster exists.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading He launched as a topic of conversation the modern young person, and at just that moment I was grateful to him, although it is a subject which, as far as I am concerned, has been thoroughly talked out.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading I like the young people of to-day, but as for the modern young person, considered as something essentially new, a product of post-war conditions or a judgment upon our sins, I simply don’t believe the little monster exists.
being complete of its kind and without defect or blemish
From this reading EXPERT CONSIDERATION I was afraid after they’d gone that old Mr. Smith would begin asking embarrassing questions, but his curiosity, if he had any, was under perfect control.
a human being
From this reading He launched as a topic of conversation the modern young person, and at just that moment I was grateful to him, although it is a subject which, as far as I am concerned, has been thoroughly talked out.
post-war
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I like the young people of to-day, but as for the modern young person, considered as something essentially new, a product of post-war conditions or a judgment upon our sins, I simply don’t believe the little monster exists.
productnounUS /ˈprɑːdəkt/
commodities offered for sale
From this reading I like the young people of to-day, but as for the modern young person, considered as something essentially new, a product of post-war conditions or a judgment upon our sins, I simply don’t believe the little monster exists.
plural of “question” — an instance of questioning
From this reading EXPERT CONSIDERATION I was afraid after they’d gone that old Mr. Smith would begin asking embarrassing questions, but his curiosity, if he had any, was under perfect control.
and nothing more
From this reading I like the young people of to-day, but as for the modern young person, considered as something essentially new, a product of post-war conditions or a judgment upon our sins, I simply don’t believe the little monster exists.
sinsnounUS /sɪnz/
plural of “sin” — estrangement from god
From this reading I like the young people of to-day, but as for the modern young person, considered as something essentially new, a product of post-war conditions or a judgment upon our sins, I simply don’t believe the little monster exists.
Rhodesian statesman who declared independence of Zimbabwe from Great Britain (born in 1919)
From this reading EXPERT CONSIDERATION I was afraid after they’d gone that old Mr. Smith would begin asking embarrassing questions, but his curiosity, if he had any, was under perfect control.
dignified and somber in manner or character and committed to keeping promises
From this reading Ordinarily I find myself desperately bored with the solemn and terrified generalities one hears.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading I like the young people of to-day, but as for the modern young person, considered as something essentially new, a product of post-war conditions or a judgment upon our sins, I simply don’t believe the little monster exists.
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading He launched as a topic of conversation the modern young person, and at just that moment I was grateful to him, although it is a subject which, as far as I am concerned, has been thoroughly talked out.
past form of “talk” — exchange thoughts; talk with
From this reading He launched as a topic of conversation the modern young person, and at just that moment I was grateful to him, although it is a subject which, as far as I am concerned, has been thoroughly talked out.
terrifiedadjectiveUS /ˈterəfaɪd/
thrown into a state of intense fear or desperation
From this reading Ordinarily I find myself desperately bored with the solemn and terrified generalities one hears.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading EXPERT CONSIDERATION I was afraid after they’d gone that old Mr. Smith would begin asking embarrassing questions, but his curiosity, if he had any, was under perfect control.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading He launched as a topic of conversation the modern young person, and at just that moment I was grateful to him, although it is a subject which, as far as I am concerned, has been thoroughly talked out.
they'd
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading EXPERT CONSIDERATION I was afraid after they’d gone that old Mr. Smith would begin asking embarrassing questions, but his curiosity, if he had any, was under perfect control.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading I didn’t, however, express myself in this destructive manner to Mr. Smith.
in an exhaustive manner
From this reading He launched as a topic of conversation the modern young person, and at just that moment I was grateful to him, although it is a subject which, as far as I am concerned, has been thoroughly talked out.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading He launched as a topic of conversation the modern young person, and at just that moment I was grateful to him, although it is a subject which, as far as I am concerned, has been thoroughly talked out.
to-day
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I like the young people of to-day, but as for the modern young person, considered as something essentially new, a product of post-war conditions or a judgment upon our sins, I simply don’t believe the little monster exists.
topicnounUS /ˈtɑːpɪk/
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading He launched as a topic of conversation the modern young person, and at just that moment I was grateful to him, although it is a subject which, as far as I am concerned, has been thoroughly talked out.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading EXPERT CONSIDERATION I was afraid after they’d gone that old Mr. Smith would begin asking embarrassing questions, but his curiosity, if he had any, was under perfect control.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading I like the young people of to-day, but as for the modern young person, considered as something essentially new, a product of post-war conditions or a judgment upon our sins, I simply don’t believe the little monster exists.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading EXPERT CONSIDERATION I was afraid after they’d gone that old Mr. Smith would begin asking embarrassing questions, but his curiosity, if he had any, was under perfect control.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading He launched as a topic of conversation the modern young person, and at just that moment I was grateful to him, although it is a subject which, as far as I am concerned, has been thoroughly talked out.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Ordinarily I find myself desperately bored with the solemn and terrified generalities one hears.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading EXPERT CONSIDERATION I was afraid after they’d gone that old Mr. Smith would begin asking embarrassing questions, but his curiosity, if he had any, was under perfect control.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading He launched as a topic of conversation the modern young person, and at just that moment I was grateful to him, although it is a subject which, as far as I am concerned, has been thoroughly talked out.
