used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A man may be formed by nature for an admirable citizen, and yet, from the purest motives, be a dangerous one to the State in which the accident of birth has placed him.--STEPHEN MONTAGUE.
an unfortunate mishap; especially one causing damage or injury
From this reading A man may be formed by nature for an admirable citizen, and yet, from the purest motives, be a dangerous one to the State in which the accident of birth has placed him.--STEPHEN MONTAGUE.
admirableadjectiveUS /ˈædmərəbəl/
deserving of the highest esteem or admiration
From this reading A man may be formed by nature for an admirable citizen, and yet, from the purest motives, be a dangerous one to the State in which the accident of birth has placed him.--STEPHEN MONTAGUE.
anew
From this reading The night again closed., and the student once more resumed his labours.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading A man may be formed by nature for an admirable citizen, and yet, from the purest motives, be a dangerous one to the State in which the accident of birth has placed him.--STEPHEN MONTAGUE.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A man may be formed by nature for an admirable citizen, and yet, from the purest motives, be a dangerous one to the State in which the accident of birth has placed him.--STEPHEN MONTAGUE.
anonadverbUS /ˌæˈnɔːn/
at another time
From this reading The spirit of his hope and comforter of his toils sat by him, ever and anon lifting her fond eyes from her work to gaze upon his countenance, to sigh, and to return sadly and quietly to her employment.
separated or at a distance in place or position or time
From this reading The female rose, pushed a chair towards him with a smile and grace suited to better fortunes, and, retiring from the table, reseated herself silent and apart.
ascendedverbUS /əˈsendɪd/
past form of “ascend” — travel up
From this reading A heavy step ascended the stairs, the door opened, and the tall figure of Wolfe, the republican, presented itself.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading A man may be formed by nature for an admirable citizen, and yet, from the purest motives, be a dangerous one to the State in which the accident of birth has placed him.--STEPHEN MONTAGUE.
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading The female rose, pushed a chair towards him with a smile and grace suited to better fortunes, and, retiring from the table, reseated herself silent and apart.
the time when something begins (especially life)
From this reading A man may be formed by nature for an admirable citizen, and yet, from the purest motives, be a dangerous one to the State in which the accident of birth has placed him.--STEPHEN MONTAGUE.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading A man may be formed by nature for an admirable citizen, and yet, from the purest motives, be a dangerous one to the State in which the accident of birth has placed him.--STEPHEN MONTAGUE.
a seat for one person, with a support for the back
From this reading The female rose, pushed a chair towards him with a smile and grace suited to better fortunes, and, retiring from the table, reseated herself silent and apart.
citizennounUS /ˈsɪtəzən/
a native or naturalized member of a state or other political community
From this reading A man may be formed by nature for an admirable citizen, and yet, from the purest motives, be a dangerous one to the State in which the accident of birth has placed him.--STEPHEN MONTAGUE.
not open or affording passage or access
From this reading The night again closed., and the student once more resumed his labours.
comforternounUS /ˈkʌmfərtər/
a person who commiserates with someone who has had misfortune
From this reading The spirit of his hope and comforter of his toils sat by him, ever and anon lifting her fond eyes from her work to gaze upon his countenance, to sigh, and to return sadly and quietly to her employment.
the appearance conveyed by a person's face
From this reading The spirit of his hope and comforter of his toils sat by him, ever and anon lifting her fond eyes from her work to gaze upon his countenance, to sigh, and to return sadly and quietly to her employment.
involving or causing danger or risk; liable to hurt or harm
From this reading A man may be formed by nature for an admirable citizen, and yet, from the purest motives, be a dangerous one to the State in which the accident of birth has placed him.--STEPHEN MONTAGUE.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading A heavy step ascended the stairs, the door opened, and the tall figure of Wolfe, the republican, presented itself.
employmentnounUS /emˈplɔɪmənt/
the state of being employed or having a job
From this reading The spirit of his hope and comforter of his toils sat by him, ever and anon lifting her fond eyes from her work to gaze upon his countenance, to sigh, and to return sadly and quietly to her employment.
at any time
From this reading The spirit of his hope and comforter of his toils sat by him, ever and anon lifting her fond eyes from her work to gaze upon his countenance, to sigh, and to return sadly and quietly to her employment.
opinion or judgment
From this reading The spirit of his hope and comforter of his toils sat by him, ever and anon lifting her fond eyes from her work to gaze upon his countenance, to sigh, and to return sadly and quietly to her employment.
being the sex (of plant or animal) that produces fertilizable gametes (ova) from which offspring develop
From this reading The female rose, pushed a chair towards him with a smile and grace suited to better fortunes, and, retiring from the table, reseated herself silent and apart.
a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading A heavy step ascended the stairs, the door opened, and the tall figure of Wolfe, the republican, presented itself.
having or displaying warmth or affection
From this reading The spirit of his hope and comforter of his toils sat by him, ever and anon lifting her fond eyes from her work to gaze upon his countenance, to sigh, and to return sadly and quietly to her employment.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading A man may be formed by nature for an admirable citizen, and yet, from the purest motives, be a dangerous one to the State in which the accident of birth has placed him.--STEPHEN MONTAGUE.
having or given a form or shape
From this reading A man may be formed by nature for an admirable citizen, and yet, from the purest motives, be a dangerous one to the State in which the accident of birth has placed him.--STEPHEN MONTAGUE.
fortunesnounUS /ˈfɔːrtʃənz/
plural of “fortune” — an unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that causes an event to result one way rather than another
From this reading The female rose, pushed a chair towards him with a smile and grace suited to better fortunes, and, retiring from the table, reseated herself silent and apart.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading A man may be formed by nature for an admirable citizen, and yet, from the purest motives, be a dangerous one to the State in which the accident of birth has placed him.--STEPHEN MONTAGUE.
a long fixed look
From this reading The spirit of his hope and comforter of his toils sat by him, ever and anon lifting her fond eyes from her work to gaze upon his countenance, to sigh, and to return sadly and quietly to her employment.
(Christian theology) a state of sanctification by God; the state of one who is under such divine influence
From this reading The female rose, pushed a chair towards him with a smile and grace suited to better fortunes, and, retiring from the table, reseated herself silent and apart.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A man may be formed by nature for an admirable citizen, and yet, from the purest motives, be a dangerous one to the State in which the accident of birth has placed him.--STEPHEN MONTAGUE.
of comparatively great physical weight or density
From this reading A heavy step ascended the stairs, the door opened, and the tall figure of Wolfe, the republican, presented itself.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading The spirit of his hope and comforter of his toils sat by him, ever and anon lifting her fond eyes from her work to gaze upon his countenance, to sigh, and to return sadly and quietly to her employment.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading The female rose, pushed a chair towards him with a smile and grace suited to better fortunes, and, retiring from the table, reseated herself silent and apart.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading A man may be formed by nature for an admirable citizen, and yet, from the purest motives, be a dangerous one to the State in which the accident of birth has placed him.--STEPHEN MONTAGUE.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The night again closed., and the student once more resumed his labours.
a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading The spirit of his hope and comforter of his toils sat by him, ever and anon lifting her fond eyes from her work to gaze upon his countenance, to sigh, and to return sadly and quietly to her employment.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A man may be formed by nature for an admirable citizen, and yet, from the purest motives, be a dangerous one to the State in which the accident of birth has placed him.--STEPHEN MONTAGUE.
used when the thing doing the action is also its object
From this reading A heavy step ascended the stairs, the door opened, and the tall figure of Wolfe, the republican, presented itself.
labours
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The night again closed., and the student once more resumed his labours.
liftingverbUS /ˈlɪftɪŋ/
-ing form of “lift” — raise from a lower to a higher position
From this reading The spirit of his hope and comforter of his toils sat by him, ever and anon lifting her fond eyes from her work to gaze upon his countenance, to sigh, and to return sadly and quietly to her employment.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading A man may be formed by nature for an admirable citizen, and yet, from the purest motives, be a dangerous one to the State in which the accident of birth has placed him.--STEPHEN MONTAGUE.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading A man may be formed by nature for an admirable citizen, and yet, from the purest motives, be a dangerous one to the State in which the accident of birth has placed him.--STEPHEN MONTAGUE.
MONTAGUE
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A man may be formed by nature for an admirable citizen, and yet, from the purest motives, be a dangerous one to the State in which the accident of birth has placed him.--STEPHEN MONTAGUE.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading The night again closed., and the student once more resumed his labours.
motivesnounUS /ˈmoʊtɪvz/
plural of “motive” — the psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal; the reason for the action; that which gives purpose and direction to behavior
From this reading A man may be formed by nature for an admirable citizen, and yet, from the purest motives, be a dangerous one to the State in which the accident of birth has placed him.--STEPHEN MONTAGUE.
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading A man may be formed by nature for an admirable citizen, and yet, from the purest motives, be a dangerous one to the State in which the accident of birth has placed him.--STEPHEN MONTAGUE.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading The night again closed., and the student once more resumed his labours.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A man may be formed by nature for an admirable citizen, and yet, from the purest motives, be a dangerous one to the State in which the accident of birth has placed him.--STEPHEN MONTAGUE.
on one occasion
From this reading The night again closed., and the student once more resumed his labours.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading A man may be formed by nature for an admirable citizen, and yet, from the purest motives, be a dangerous one to the State in which the accident of birth has placed him.--STEPHEN MONTAGUE.
used of mouth or eyes
From this reading A heavy step ascended the stairs, the door opened, and the tall figure of Wolfe, the republican, presented itself.
situated in a particular spot or position
From this reading A man may be formed by nature for an admirable citizen, and yet, from the purest motives, be a dangerous one to the State in which the accident of birth has placed him.--STEPHEN MONTAGUE.
past form of “present” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading A heavy step ascended the stairs, the door opened, and the tall figure of Wolfe, the republican, presented itself.
purestadjectiveUS /ˈpjʊrəst/
superlative of “pure” — free of extraneous elements of any kind
From this reading A man may be formed by nature for an admirable citizen, and yet, from the purest motives, be a dangerous one to the State in which the accident of birth has placed him.--STEPHEN MONTAGUE.
past form of “push” — move with force
From this reading The female rose, pushed a chair towards him with a smile and grace suited to better fortunes, and, retiring from the table, reseated herself silent and apart.
with low volume
From this reading The spirit of his hope and comforter of his toils sat by him, ever and anon lifting her fond eyes from her work to gaze upon his countenance, to sigh, and to return sadly and quietly to her employment.
republicannounUS /rɪˈpʌblɪkən/
a member of the Republican Party
From this reading A heavy step ascended the stairs, the door opened, and the tall figure of Wolfe, the republican, presented itself.
reseated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The female rose, pushed a chair towards him with a smile and grace suited to better fortunes, and, retiring from the table, reseated herself silent and apart.
past form of “resume” — take up or begin anew
From this reading The night again closed., and the student once more resumed his labours.
retiringadjectiveUS /rɪˈtaɪrɪŋ/
not arrogant or presuming
From this reading The female rose, pushed a chair towards him with a smile and grace suited to better fortunes, and, retiring from the table, reseated herself silent and apart.
go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading The spirit of his hope and comforter of his toils sat by him, ever and anon lifting her fond eyes from her work to gaze upon his countenance, to sigh, and to return sadly and quietly to her employment.
any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses
From this reading The female rose, pushed a chair towards him with a smile and grace suited to better fortunes, and, retiring from the table, reseated herself silent and apart.
in an unfortunate way
From this reading The spirit of his hope and comforter of his toils sat by him, ever and anon lifting her fond eyes from her work to gaze upon his countenance, to sigh, and to return sadly and quietly to her employment.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading The spirit of his hope and comforter of his toils sat by him, ever and anon lifting her fond eyes from her work to gaze upon his countenance, to sigh, and to return sadly and quietly to her employment.
heave or utter a sigh; breathe deeply and heavily
From this reading The spirit of his hope and comforter of his toils sat by him, ever and anon lifting her fond eyes from her work to gaze upon his countenance, to sigh, and to return sadly and quietly to her employment.
marked by absence of sound
From this reading The female rose, pushed a chair towards him with a smile and grace suited to better fortunes, and, retiring from the table, reseated herself silent and apart.
change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure
From this reading The female rose, pushed a chair towards him with a smile and grace suited to better fortunes, and, retiring from the table, reseated herself silent and apart.
the vital principle or animating force within living things
From this reading The spirit of his hope and comforter of his toils sat by him, ever and anon lifting her fond eyes from her work to gaze upon his countenance, to sigh, and to return sadly and quietly to her employment.
a flight of stairs or a flight of steps
From this reading A heavy step ascended the stairs, the door opened, and the tall figure of Wolfe, the republican, presented itself.
the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation
From this reading A man may be formed by nature for an admirable citizen, and yet, from the purest motives, be a dangerous one to the State in which the accident of birth has placed him.--STEPHEN MONTAGUE.
any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal
From this reading A heavy step ascended the stairs, the door opened, and the tall figure of Wolfe, the republican, presented itself.
STEPHENnounUS /ˈstiːvən/
English writer (1832-1904)
From this reading A man may be formed by nature for an admirable citizen, and yet, from the purest motives, be a dangerous one to the State in which the accident of birth has placed him.--STEPHEN MONTAGUE.
studentnounUS /ˈstuːdənt/
a learner who is enrolled in an educational institution
From this reading The night again closed., and the student once more resumed his labours.
suitedadjectiveUS /ˈsuːtɪd/
meant or adapted for an occasion or use
From this reading The female rose, pushed a chair towards him with a smile and grace suited to better fortunes, and, retiring from the table, reseated herself silent and apart.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading The female rose, pushed a chair towards him with a smile and grace suited to better fortunes, and, retiring from the table, reseated herself silent and apart.
great in vertical dimension; high in stature
From this reading A heavy step ascended the stairs, the door opened, and the tall figure of Wolfe, the republican, presented itself.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A man may be formed by nature for an admirable citizen, and yet, from the purest motives, be a dangerous one to the State in which the accident of birth has placed him.--STEPHEN MONTAGUE.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A man may be formed by nature for an admirable citizen, and yet, from the purest motives, be a dangerous one to the State in which the accident of birth has placed him.--STEPHEN MONTAGUE.
toilsnounUS /tɔɪlz/
plural of “toil” — productive work (especially physical work done for wages)
From this reading The spirit of his hope and comforter of his toils sat by him, ever and anon lifting her fond eyes from her work to gaze upon his countenance, to sigh, and to return sadly and quietly to her employment.
in the direction of
From this reading The female rose, pushed a chair towards him with a smile and grace suited to better fortunes, and, retiring from the table, reseated herself silent and apart.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading The spirit of his hope and comforter of his toils sat by him, ever and anon lifting her fond eyes from her work to gaze upon his countenance, to sigh, and to return sadly and quietly to her employment.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading A man may be formed by nature for an admirable citizen, and yet, from the purest motives, be a dangerous one to the State in which the accident of birth has placed him.--STEPHEN MONTAGUE.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The female rose, pushed a chair towards him with a smile and grace suited to better fortunes, and, retiring from the table, reseated herself silent and apart.
WolfenounUS /wʊlf/
United States writer who has written extensively on American culture (born in 1931)
From this reading A heavy step ascended the stairs, the door opened, and the tall figure of Wolfe, the republican, presented itself.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading The spirit of his hope and comforter of his toils sat by him, ever and anon lifting her fond eyes from her work to gaze upon his countenance, to sigh, and to return sadly and quietly to her employment.
but in spite of that
From this reading A man may be formed by nature for an admirable citizen, and yet, from the purest motives, be a dangerous one to the State in which the accident of birth has placed him.--STEPHEN MONTAGUE.
