used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading He welcomed it, because for years it had been the one remaining link with the life of his old home—these formal epistles that reached him at long intervals; and he dreaded it, because he knew it would contain a definite invitation of an embarrassing description.
consider or hold as true
From this reading And I am bound to accept, for I can’t help myself either.’
the form of “be” used with “I”
From this reading And I am bound to accept, for I can’t help myself either.’
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading He welcomed it, because for years it had been the one remaining link with the life of his old home—these formal epistles that reached him at long intervals; and he dreaded it, because he knew it would contain a definite invitation of an embarrassing description.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He welcomed it, because for years it had been the one remaining link with the life of his old home—these formal epistles that reached him at long intervals; and he dreaded it, because he knew it would contain a definite invitation of an embarrassing description.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading ‘She’s bound to ask me,’ he reflected as he opened it in his cabin; ‘she can’t help herself.
make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading ‘She’s bound to ask me,’ he reflected as he opened it in his cabin; ‘she can’t help herself.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading He welcomed it, because for years it had been the one remaining link with the life of his old home—these formal epistles that reached him at long intervals; and he dreaded it, because he knew it would contain a definite invitation of an embarrassing description.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading ‘I’ve got to go and spend a month with her right away whether I like it or not.’
for the reason that
From this reading He welcomed it, because for years it had been the one remaining link with the life of his old home—these formal epistles that reached him at long intervals; and he dreaded it, because he knew it would contain a definite invitation of an embarrassing description.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading He welcomed it, because for years it had been the one remaining link with the life of his old home—these formal epistles that reached him at long intervals; and he dreaded it, because he knew it would contain a definite invitation of an embarrassing description.
confined by bonds
From this reading ‘She’s bound to ask me,’ he reflected as he opened it in his cabin; ‘she can’t help herself.
small room on a ship or boat where people sleep
From this reading ‘She’s bound to ask me,’ he reflected as he opened it in his cabin; ‘she can’t help herself.
can't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘She’s bound to ask me,’ he reflected as he opened it in his cabin; ‘she can’t help herself.
containverbUS /kənˈteɪn/
include or contain; have as a component
From this reading He welcomed it, because for years it had been the one remaining link with the life of his old home—these formal epistles that reached him at long intervals; and he dreaded it, because he knew it would contain a definite invitation of an embarrassing description.
definiteadjectiveUS /ˈdefənət/
precise; explicit and clearly defined
From this reading He welcomed it, because for years it had been the one remaining link with the life of his old home—these formal epistles that reached him at long intervals; and he dreaded it, because he knew it would contain a definite invitation of an embarrassing description.
a statement that represents something in words
From this reading He welcomed it, because for years it had been the one remaining link with the life of his old home—these formal epistles that reached him at long intervals; and he dreaded it, because he knew it would contain a definite invitation of an embarrassing description.
dreadedadjectiveUS /ˈdredɪd/
causing fear or dread or terror
From this reading He welcomed it, because for years it had been the one remaining link with the life of his old home—these formal epistles that reached him at long intervals; and he dreaded it, because he knew it would contain a definite invitation of an embarrassing description.
one or the other of two
From this reading And I am bound to accept, for I can’t help myself either.’
elaborateadjectiveUS /ɪˈlæbrət/
marked by complexity and richness of detail
From this reading He was far too honest to think of inventing elaborate excuses.
embarrassingadjectiveUS /ɪmˈberəsɪŋ/
hard to deal with; especially causing pain or embarrassment
From this reading He welcomed it, because for years it had been the one remaining link with the life of his old home—these formal epistles that reached him at long intervals; and he dreaded it, because he knew it would contain a definite invitation of an embarrassing description.
epistles
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He welcomed it, because for years it had been the one remaining link with the life of his old home—these formal epistles that reached him at long intervals; and he dreaded it, because he knew it would contain a definite invitation of an embarrassing description.
excusesnounUS /ɪksˈkjuːsɪz/
plural of “excuse” — a defense of some offensive behavior or some failure to keep a promise etc.
From this reading He was far too honest to think of inventing elaborate excuses.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading He was far too honest to think of inventing elaborate excuses.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading He welcomed it, because for years it had been the one remaining link with the life of his old home—these formal epistles that reached him at long intervals; and he dreaded it, because he knew it would contain a definite invitation of an embarrassing description.
formaladjectiveUS /ˈfɔːrməl/
being in accord with established forms and conventions and requirements (as e.g. of formal dress)
From this reading He welcomed it, because for years it had been the one remaining link with the life of his old home—these formal epistles that reached him at long intervals; and he dreaded it, because he knew it would contain a definite invitation of an embarrassing description.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading ‘I’ve got to go and spend a month with her right away whether I like it or not.’
inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading ‘I’ve got to go and spend a month with her right away whether I like it or not.’
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading He welcomed it, because for years it had been the one remaining link with the life of his old home—these formal epistles that reached him at long intervals; and he dreaded it, because he knew it would contain a definite invitation of an embarrassing description.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He welcomed it, because for years it had been the one remaining link with the life of his old home—these formal epistles that reached him at long intervals; and he dreaded it, because he knew it would contain a definite invitation of an embarrassing description.
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading ‘She’s bound to ask me,’ he reflected as he opened it in his cabin; ‘she can’t help herself.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading ‘I’ve got to go and spend a month with her right away whether I like it or not.’
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading ‘She’s bound to ask me,’ he reflected as he opened it in his cabin; ‘she can’t help herself.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He welcomed it, because for years it had been the one remaining link with the life of his old home—these formal epistles that reached him at long intervals; and he dreaded it, because he knew it would contain a definite invitation of an embarrassing description.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading He welcomed it, because for years it had been the one remaining link with the life of his old home—these formal epistles that reached him at long intervals; and he dreaded it, because he knew it would contain a definite invitation of an embarrassing description.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading He welcomed it, because for years it had been the one remaining link with the life of his old home—these formal epistles that reached him at long intervals; and he dreaded it, because he knew it would contain a definite invitation of an embarrassing description.
not disposed to cheat or defraud; not deceptive or fraudulent
From this reading He was far too honest to think of inventing elaborate excuses.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading And I am bound to accept, for I can’t help myself either.’
I've
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘I’ve got to go and spend a month with her right away whether I like it or not.’
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading ‘She’s bound to ask me,’ he reflected as he opened it in his cabin; ‘she can’t help herself.
intervalsnounUS /ˈɪntərvəlz/
plural of “interval” — a definite length of time marked off by two instants
From this reading He welcomed it, because for years it had been the one remaining link with the life of his old home—these formal epistles that reached him at long intervals; and he dreaded it, because he knew it would contain a definite invitation of an embarrassing description.
inventingverbUS /ˌɪnˈventɪŋ/
-ing form of “invent” — come up with (an idea, plan, explanation, theory, or principle) after a mental effort
From this reading He was far too honest to think of inventing elaborate excuses.
a request (spoken or written) to participate or be present or take part in something
From this reading He welcomed it, because for years it had been the one remaining link with the life of his old home—these formal epistles that reached him at long intervals; and he dreaded it, because he knew it would contain a definite invitation of an embarrassing description.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading He welcomed it, because for years it had been the one remaining link with the life of his old home—these formal epistles that reached him at long intervals; and he dreaded it, because he knew it would contain a definite invitation of an embarrassing description.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading He welcomed it, because for years it had been the one remaining link with the life of his old home—these formal epistles that reached him at long intervals; and he dreaded it, because he knew it would contain a definite invitation of an embarrassing description.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading He welcomed it, because for years it had been the one remaining link with the life of his old home—these formal epistles that reached him at long intervals; and he dreaded it, because he knew it would contain a definite invitation of an embarrassing description.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading ‘I’ve got to go and spend a month with her right away whether I like it or not.’
linkverbUS /lɪŋk/
make a logical or causal connection
From this reading He welcomed it, because for years it had been the one remaining link with the life of his old home—these formal epistles that reached him at long intervals; and he dreaded it, because he knew it would contain a definite invitation of an embarrassing description.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading He welcomed it, because for years it had been the one remaining link with the life of his old home—these formal epistles that reached him at long intervals; and he dreaded it, because he knew it would contain a definite invitation of an embarrassing description.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading ‘She’s bound to ask me,’ he reflected as he opened it in his cabin; ‘she can’t help herself.
one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year
From this reading ‘I’ve got to go and spend a month with her right away whether I like it or not.’
used when the speaker is also the object of the action
From this reading And I am bound to accept, for I can’t help myself either.’
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading ‘I’ve got to go and spend a month with her right away whether I like it or not.’
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading He welcomed it, because for years it had been the one remaining link with the life of his old home—these formal epistles that reached him at long intervals; and he dreaded it, because he knew it would contain a definite invitation of an embarrassing description.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading He welcomed it, because for years it had been the one remaining link with the life of his old home—these formal epistles that reached him at long intervals; and he dreaded it, because he knew it would contain a definite invitation of an embarrassing description.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading He welcomed it, because for years it had been the one remaining link with the life of his old home—these formal epistles that reached him at long intervals; and he dreaded it, because he knew it would contain a definite invitation of an embarrassing description.
used of mouth or eyes
From this reading ‘She’s bound to ask me,’ he reflected as he opened it in his cabin; ‘she can’t help herself.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading ‘I’ve got to go and spend a month with her right away whether I like it or not.’
past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading He welcomed it, because for years it had been the one remaining link with the life of his old home—these formal epistles that reached him at long intervals; and he dreaded it, because he knew it would contain a definite invitation of an embarrassing description.
(especially of incident sound or light) bent or sent back
From this reading ‘She’s bound to ask me,’ he reflected as he opened it in his cabin; ‘she can’t help herself.
not used up
From this reading He welcomed it, because for years it had been the one remaining link with the life of his old home—these formal epistles that reached him at long intervals; and he dreaded it, because he knew it would contain a definite invitation of an embarrassing description.
precisely, exactly
From this reading ‘I’ve got to go and spend a month with her right away whether I like it or not.’
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading ‘She’s bound to ask me,’ he reflected as he opened it in his cabin; ‘she can’t help herself.
She's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘She’s bound to ask me,’ he reflected as he opened it in his cabin; ‘she can’t help herself.
use up a period of time in a specific way
From this reading ‘I’ve got to go and spend a month with her right away whether I like it or not.’
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading He welcomed it, because for years it had been the one remaining link with the life of his old home—these formal epistles that reached him at long intervals; and he dreaded it, because he knew it would contain a definite invitation of an embarrassing description.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading He welcomed it, because for years it had been the one remaining link with the life of his old home—these formal epistles that reached him at long intervals; and he dreaded it, because he knew it would contain a definite invitation of an embarrassing description.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading He welcomed it, because for years it had been the one remaining link with the life of his old home—these formal epistles that reached him at long intervals; and he dreaded it, because he knew it would contain a definite invitation of an embarrassing description.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading He was far too honest to think of inventing elaborate excuses.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading ‘She’s bound to ask me,’ he reflected as he opened it in his cabin; ‘she can’t help herself.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading He was far too honest to think of inventing elaborate excuses.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He was far too honest to think of inventing elaborate excuses.
welcomedverbUS /ˈwelkəmd/
past form of “welcome” — accept gladly
From this reading He welcomed it, because for years it had been the one remaining link with the life of his old home—these formal epistles that reached him at long intervals; and he dreaded it, because he knew it would contain a definite invitation of an embarrassing description.
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading ‘I’ve got to go and spend a month with her right away whether I like it or not.’
in the company of; together with
From this reading He welcomed it, because for years it had been the one remaining link with the life of his old home—these formal epistles that reached him at long intervals; and he dreaded it, because he knew it would contain a definite invitation of an embarrassing description.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading He welcomed it, because for years it had been the one remaining link with the life of his old home—these formal epistles that reached him at long intervals; and he dreaded it, because he knew it would contain a definite invitation of an embarrassing description.
a late time of life
From this reading He welcomed it, because for years it had been the one remaining link with the life of his old home—these formal epistles that reached him at long intervals; and he dreaded it, because he knew it would contain a definite invitation of an embarrassing description.
