used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading His prospects of success, in pleading for a favorable reception of his brother’s message, were so uncertain that he refrained--in fear of raising hopes which he might not be able to justify--from taking Herbert into his confidence.
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading His prospects of success, in pleading for a favorable reception of his brother’s message, were so uncertain that he refrained--in fear of raising hopes which he might not be able to justify--from taking Herbert into his confidence.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading On the next day but one, Randal arranged his departure for Sydenham, so as to arrive at the hotel an hour before the time appointed for the dinner.
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading As he took his place in the carriage, the newspaper boy appeared at the window as usual.
subject to appointment
From this reading On the next day but one, Randal arranged his departure for Sydenham, so as to arrive at the hotel an hour before the time appointed for the dinner.
disposed or placed in a particular kind of order
From this reading On the next day but one, Randal arranged his departure for Sydenham, so as to arrive at the hotel an hour before the time appointed for the dinner.
reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress
From this reading On the next day but one, Randal arranged his departure for Sydenham, so as to arrive at the hotel an hour before the time appointed for the dinner.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading On the next day but one, Randal arranged his departure for Sydenham, so as to arrive at the hotel an hour before the time appointed for the dinner.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading On the next day but one, Randal arranged his departure for Sydenham, so as to arrive at the hotel an hour before the time appointed for the dinner.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading His prospects of success, in pleading for a favorable reception of his brother’s message, were so uncertain that he refrained--in fear of raising hopes which he might not be able to justify--from taking Herbert into his confidence.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The new number of a popular weekly journal had that day been published.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading On the next day but one, Randal arranged his departure for Sydenham, so as to arrive at the hotel an hour before the time appointed for the dinner.
a relatively permanent inclination to react in a particular way
From this reading No one knew on what errand he was bent, when he left the house.
a youthful male person
From this reading As he took his place in the carriage, the newspaper boy appeared at the window as usual.
brother'snounUS /ˈbrʌðərz/
possessive form of “brother” — a male with the same parents as someone else
From this reading His prospects of success, in pleading for a favorable reception of his brother’s message, were so uncertain that he refrained--in fear of raising hopes which he might not be able to justify--from taking Herbert into his confidence.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading On the next day but one, Randal arranged his departure for Sydenham, so as to arrive at the hotel an hour before the time appointed for the dinner.
a railcar where passengers ride
From this reading As he took his place in the carriage, the newspaper boy appeared at the window as usual.
freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities
From this reading His prospects of success, in pleading for a favorable reception of his brother’s message, were so uncertain that he refrained--in fear of raising hopes which he might not be able to justify--from taking Herbert into his confidence.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading On the next day but one, Randal arranged his departure for Sydenham, so as to arrive at the hotel an hour before the time appointed for the dinner.
the act of departing
From this reading On the next day but one, Randal arranged his departure for Sydenham, so as to arrive at the hotel an hour before the time appointed for the dinner.
the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday
From this reading On the next day but one, Randal arranged his departure for Sydenham, so as to arrive at the hotel an hour before the time appointed for the dinner.
errandnounUS /ˈerənd/
a short trip that is taken in the performance of a necessary task or mission
From this reading No one knew on what errand he was bent, when he left the house.
favorableadjectiveUS /ˈfeɪvərəbəl/
encouraging or approving or pleasing
From this reading His prospects of success, in pleading for a favorable reception of his brother’s message, were so uncertain that he refrained--in fear of raising hopes which he might not be able to justify--from taking Herbert into his confidence.
be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
From this reading His prospects of success, in pleading for a favorable reception of his brother’s message, were so uncertain that he refrained--in fear of raising hopes which he might not be able to justify--from taking Herbert into his confidence.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading On the next day but one, Randal arranged his departure for Sydenham, so as to arrive at the hotel an hour before the time appointed for the dinner.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading His prospects of success, in pleading for a favorable reception of his brother’s message, were so uncertain that he refrained--in fear of raising hopes which he might not be able to justify--from taking Herbert into his confidence.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The new number of a popular weekly journal had that day been published.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading His prospects of success, in pleading for a favorable reception of his brother’s message, were so uncertain that he refrained--in fear of raising hopes which he might not be able to justify--from taking Herbert into his confidence.
United States musician and composer and conductor noted for his comic operas (1859-1924)
From this reading His prospects of success, in pleading for a favorable reception of his brother’s message, were so uncertain that he refrained--in fear of raising hopes which he might not be able to justify--from taking Herbert into his confidence.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading On the next day but one, Randal arranged his departure for Sydenham, so as to arrive at the hotel an hour before the time appointed for the dinner.
plural of “hope” — a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading His prospects of success, in pleading for a favorable reception of his brother’s message, were so uncertain that he refrained--in fear of raising hopes which he might not be able to justify--from taking Herbert into his confidence.
a building where travelers can pay for lodging and meals and other services
From this reading On the next day but one, Randal arranged his departure for Sydenham, so as to arrive at the hotel an hour before the time appointed for the dinner.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading On the next day but one, Randal arranged his departure for Sydenham, so as to arrive at the hotel an hour before the time appointed for the dinner.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading No one knew on what errand he was bent, when he left the house.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading His prospects of success, in pleading for a favorable reception of his brother’s message, were so uncertain that he refrained--in fear of raising hopes which he might not be able to justify--from taking Herbert into his confidence.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading His prospects of success, in pleading for a favorable reception of his brother’s message, were so uncertain that he refrained--in fear of raising hopes which he might not be able to justify--from taking Herbert into his confidence.
journalnounUS /ˈdʒɜːrnəl/
a daily written record of (usually personal) experiences and observations
From this reading The new number of a popular weekly journal had that day been published.
justifyverbUS /ˈdʒʌstəfaɪ/
show to be right by providing justification or proof
From this reading His prospects of success, in pleading for a favorable reception of his brother’s message, were so uncertain that he refrained--in fear of raising hopes which he might not be able to justify--from taking Herbert into his confidence.
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 No one knew on what errand he was bent, when he left the house.
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading No one knew on what errand he was bent, when he left the house.
a communication (usually brief) that is written or spoken or signaled
From this reading His prospects of success, in pleading for a favorable reception of his brother’s message, were so uncertain that he refrained--in fear of raising hopes which he might not be able to justify--from taking Herbert into his confidence.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading His prospects of success, in pleading for a favorable reception of his brother’s message, were so uncertain that he refrained--in fear of raising hopes which he might not be able to justify--from taking Herbert into his confidence.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading The new number of a popular weekly journal had that day been published.
a daily or weekly publication on folded sheets; contains news and articles and advertisements
From this reading As he took his place in the carriage, the newspaper boy appeared at the window as usual.
immediately following in time or order
From this reading On the next day but one, Randal arranged his departure for Sydenham, so as to arrive at the hotel an hour before the time appointed for the dinner.
not any; not one
From this reading No one knew on what errand he was bent, when he left the house.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading His prospects of success, in pleading for a favorable reception of his brother’s message, were so uncertain that he refrained--in fear of raising hopes which he might not be able to justify--from taking Herbert into his confidence.
the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals
From this reading The new number of a popular weekly journal had that day been published.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading His prospects of success, in pleading for a favorable reception of his brother’s message, were so uncertain that he refrained--in fear of raising hopes which he might not be able to justify--from taking Herbert into his confidence.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading On the next day but one, Randal arranged his departure for Sydenham, so as to arrive at the hotel an hour before the time appointed for the dinner.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading On the next day but one, Randal arranged his departure for Sydenham, so as to arrive at the hotel an hour before the time appointed for the dinner.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading As he took his place in the carriage, the newspaper boy appeared at the window as usual.
pleadingnounUS /ˈpliːdɪŋ/
(law) a statement in legal and logical form stating something on behalf of a party to a legal proceeding
From this reading His prospects of success, in pleading for a favorable reception of his brother’s message, were so uncertain that he refrained--in fear of raising hopes which he might not be able to justify--from taking Herbert into his confidence.
regarded with great favor, approval, or affection especially by the general public
From this reading The new number of a popular weekly journal had that day been published.
prospectsnounUS /ˈprɑːspekts/
plural of “prospect” — the possibility of future success
From this reading His prospects of success, in pleading for a favorable reception of his brother’s message, were so uncertain that he refrained--in fear of raising hopes which he might not be able to justify--from taking Herbert into his confidence.
prepared and printed for distribution and sale
From this reading The new number of a popular weekly journal had that day been published.
the event of something being raised upward
From this reading His prospects of success, in pleading for a favorable reception of his brother’s message, were so uncertain that he refrained--in fear of raising hopes which he might not be able to justify--from taking Herbert into his confidence.
Randal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the next day but one, Randal arranged his departure for Sydenham, so as to arrive at the hotel an hour before the time appointed for the dinner.
receptionnounUS /rɪˈsepʃən/
the manner in which something is greeted
From this reading His prospects of success, in pleading for a favorable reception of his brother’s message, were so uncertain that he refrained--in fear of raising hopes which he might not be able to justify--from taking Herbert into his confidence.
refrainedverbUS /rɪˈfreɪnd/
past form of “refrain” — resist doing something
From this reading His prospects of success, in pleading for a favorable reception of his brother’s message, were so uncertain that he refrained--in fear of raising hopes which he might not be able to justify--from taking Herbert into his confidence.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading On the next day but one, Randal arranged his departure for Sydenham, so as to arrive at the hotel an hour before the time appointed for the dinner.
an event that accomplishes its intended purpose
From this reading His prospects of success, in pleading for a favorable reception of his brother’s message, were so uncertain that he refrained--in fear of raising hopes which he might not be able to justify--from taking Herbert into his confidence.
Sydenhamnoun
English physician (1624-1689)
From this reading On the next day but one, Randal arranged his departure for Sydenham, so as to arrive at the hotel an hour before the time appointed for the dinner.
the act of someone who picks up or takes something
From this reading His prospects of success, in pleading for a favorable reception of his brother’s message, were so uncertain that he refrained--in fear of raising hopes which he might not be able to justify--from taking Herbert into his confidence.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading His prospects of success, in pleading for a favorable reception of his brother’s message, were so uncertain that he refrained--in fear of raising hopes which he might not be able to justify--from taking Herbert into his confidence.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading On the next day but one, Randal arranged his departure for Sydenham, so as to arrive at the hotel an hour before the time appointed for the dinner.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading On the next day but one, Randal arranged his departure for Sydenham, so as to arrive at the hotel an hour before the time appointed for the dinner.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading On the next day but one, Randal arranged his departure for Sydenham, so as to arrive at the hotel an hour before the time appointed for the dinner.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading As he took his place in the carriage, the newspaper boy appeared at the window as usual.
uncertainadjectiveUS /ənˈsɜːrtən/
lacking or indicating lack of confidence or assurance
From this reading His prospects of success, in pleading for a favorable reception of his brother’s message, were so uncertain that he refrained--in fear of raising hopes which he might not be able to justify--from taking Herbert into his confidence.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading As he took his place in the carriage, the newspaper boy appeared at the window as usual.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading No one knew on what errand he was bent, when he left the house.
weeklynounUS /ˈwiːkli/
a periodical that is published every week (or 52 issues per year)
From this reading The new number of a popular weekly journal had that day been published.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading His prospects of success, in pleading for a favorable reception of his brother’s message, were so uncertain that he refrained--in fear of raising hopes which he might not be able to justify--from taking Herbert into his confidence.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading No one knew on what errand he was bent, when he left the house.
at the time that
From this reading No one knew on what errand he was bent, when he left the house.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading His prospects of success, in pleading for a favorable reception of his brother’s message, were so uncertain that he refrained--in fear of raising hopes which he might not be able to justify--from taking Herbert into his confidence.
a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air
From this reading As he took his place in the carriage, the newspaper boy appeared at the window as usual.
