used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The melancholy cadence of her words was quite lost on Smith-Jones, who was fast recovering himself, and beginning once more to take a rational view of life, and an interest in the situation, as a situation.
acquiringnounUS /əˈkwaɪrɪŋ/
the act of acquiring something
From this reading Among other things he was a student of folk-lore, and the chance of acquiring information from this old woman, something that might even be construed into a sun-myth, was exceedingly tempting.
AmongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading Among other things he was a student of folk-lore, and the chance of acquiring information from this old woman, something that might even be construed into a sun-myth, was exceedingly tempting.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The melancholy cadence of her words was quite lost on Smith-Jones, who was fast recovering himself, and beginning once more to take a rational view of life, and an interest in the situation, as a situation.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The melancholy cadence of her words was quite lost on Smith-Jones, who was fast recovering himself, and beginning once more to take a rational view of life, and an interest in the situation, as a situation.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading "Sing me one while we are waiting for Dittu.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The melancholy cadence of her words was quite lost on Smith-Jones, who was fast recovering himself, and beginning once more to take a rational view of life, and an interest in the situation, as a situation.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Among other things he was a student of folk-lore, and the chance of acquiring information from this old woman, something that might even be construed into a sun-myth, was exceedingly tempting.
the event consisting of the start of something
From this reading The melancholy cadence of her words was quite lost on Smith-Jones, who was fast recovering himself, and beginning once more to take a rational view of life, and an interest in the situation, as a situation.
cadencenounUS /ˈkeɪdəns/
(prosody) the accent in a metrical foot of verse
From this reading The melancholy cadence of her words was quite lost on Smith-Jones, who was fast recovering himself, and beginning once more to take a rational view of life, and an interest in the situation, as a situation.
can't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Or if you can't sing it, you know, just say it; I only want the words."
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading Among other things he was a student of folk-lore, and the chance of acquiring information from this old woman, something that might even be construed into a sun-myth, was exceedingly tempting.
construedverbUS /kənˈstruːd/
past form of “construe” — make sense of; assign a meaning to
From this reading Among other things he was a student of folk-lore, and the chance of acquiring information from this old woman, something that might even be construed into a sun-myth, was exceedingly tempting.
Dittu
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Sing me one while we are waiting for Dittu.
divisible by two
From this reading Among other things he was a student of folk-lore, and the chance of acquiring information from this old woman, something that might even be construed into a sun-myth, was exceedingly tempting.
to an extreme degree
From this reading Among other things he was a student of folk-lore, and the chance of acquiring information from this old woman, something that might even be construed into a sun-myth, was exceedingly tempting.
quickly or rapidly (often used as a combining form)
From this reading The melancholy cadence of her words was quite lost on Smith-Jones, who was fast recovering himself, and beginning once more to take a rational view of life, and an interest in the situation, as a situation.
folk-lore
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Among other things he was a student of folk-lore, and the chance of acquiring information from this old woman, something that might even be construed into a sun-myth, was exceedingly tempting.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading "Sing me one while we are waiting for Dittu.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Among other things he was a student of folk-lore, and the chance of acquiring information from this old woman, something that might even be construed into a sun-myth, was exceedingly tempting.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Among other things he was a student of folk-lore, and the chance of acquiring information from this old woman, something that might even be construed into a sun-myth, was exceedingly tempting.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading The melancholy cadence of her words was quite lost on Smith-Jones, who was fast recovering himself, and beginning once more to take a rational view of life, and an interest in the situation, as a situation.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading The melancholy cadence of her words was quite lost on Smith-Jones, who was fast recovering himself, and beginning once more to take a rational view of life, and an interest in the situation, as a situation.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading Or if you can't sing it, you know, just say it; I only want the words."
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Or if you can't sing it, you know, just say it; I only want the words."
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The melancholy cadence of her words was quite lost on Smith-Jones, who was fast recovering himself, and beginning once more to take a rational view of life, and an interest in the situation, as a situation.
a message received and understood
From this reading Among other things he was a student of folk-lore, and the chance of acquiring information from this old woman, something that might even be construed into a sun-myth, was exceedingly tempting.
a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
From this reading The melancholy cadence of her words was quite lost on Smith-Jones, who was fast recovering himself, and beginning once more to take a rational view of life, and an interest in the situation, as a situation.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Among other things he was a student of folk-lore, and the chance of acquiring information from this old woman, something that might even be construed into a sun-myth, was exceedingly tempting.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Or if you can't sing it, you know, just say it; I only want the words."
and nothing more
From this reading Or if you can't sing it, you know, just say it; I only want the words."
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading "You must know a lot of old songs, mother," he said in superior tones.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading The melancholy cadence of her words was quite lost on Smith-Jones, who was fast recovering himself, and beginning once more to take a rational view of life, and an interest in the situation, as a situation.
no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered
From this reading The melancholy cadence of her words was quite lost on Smith-Jones, who was fast recovering himself, and beginning once more to take a rational view of life, and an interest in the situation, as a situation.
(often followed by “of”) a large number or amount or extent
From this reading "You must know a lot of old songs, mother," he said in superior tones.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading "Sing me one while we are waiting for Dittu.
a feeling of thoughtful sadness
From this reading The melancholy cadence of her words was quite lost on Smith-Jones, who was fast recovering himself, and beginning once more to take a rational view of life, and an interest in the situation, as a situation.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Among other things he was a student of folk-lore, and the chance of acquiring information from this old woman, something that might even be construed into a sun-myth, was exceedingly tempting.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading The melancholy cadence of her words was quite lost on Smith-Jones, who was fast recovering himself, and beginning once more to take a rational view of life, and an interest in the situation, as a situation.
a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading "You must know a lot of old songs, mother," he said in superior tones.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading "You must know a lot of old songs, mother," he said in superior tones.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The melancholy cadence of her words was quite lost on Smith-Jones, who was fast recovering himself, and beginning once more to take a rational view of life, and an interest in the situation, as a situation.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading Among other things he was a student of folk-lore, and the chance of acquiring information from this old woman, something that might even be construed into a sun-myth, was exceedingly tempting.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The melancholy cadence of her words was quite lost on Smith-Jones, who was fast recovering himself, and beginning once more to take a rational view of life, and an interest in the situation, as a situation.
on one occasion
From this reading The melancholy cadence of her words was quite lost on Smith-Jones, who was fast recovering himself, and beginning once more to take a rational view of life, and an interest in the situation, as a situation.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading "Sing me one while we are waiting for Dittu.
and nothing more
From this reading Or if you can't sing it, you know, just say it; I only want the words."
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Or if you can't sing it, you know, just say it; I only want the words."
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading Among other things he was a student of folk-lore, and the chance of acquiring information from this old woman, something that might even be construed into a sun-myth, was exceedingly tempting.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading The melancholy cadence of her words was quite lost on Smith-Jones, who was fast recovering himself, and beginning once more to take a rational view of life, and an interest in the situation, as a situation.
rationaladjectiveUS /ˈræʃ.ən.əl/
Based on or in accordance with reason or logic rather than turbulent emotions.
From this reading The melancholy cadence of her words was quite lost on Smith-Jones, who was fast recovering himself, and beginning once more to take a rational view of life, and an interest in the situation, as a situation.
recoveringadjectiveUS /rəˈkʌvərɪŋ/
returning to health after illness or debility
From this reading The melancholy cadence of her words was quite lost on Smith-Jones, who was fast recovering himself, and beginning once more to take a rational view of life, and an interest in the situation, as a situation.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading "You must know a lot of old songs, mother," he said in superior tones.
express in words
From this reading Or if you can't sing it, you know, just say it; I only want the words."
deliver by singing
From this reading "Sing me one while we are waiting for Dittu.
the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time
From this reading The melancholy cadence of her words was quite lost on Smith-Jones, who was fast recovering himself, and beginning once more to take a rational view of life, and an interest in the situation, as a situation.
Smith-Jones
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The melancholy cadence of her words was quite lost on Smith-Jones, who was fast recovering himself, and beginning once more to take a rational view of life, and an interest in the situation, as a situation.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading Among other things he was a student of folk-lore, and the chance of acquiring information from this old woman, something that might even be construed into a sun-myth, was exceedingly tempting.
plural of “song” — a short musical composition with words
From this reading "You must know a lot of old songs, mother," he said in superior tones.
studentnounUS /ˈstuːdənt/
a learner who is enrolled in an educational institution
From this reading Among other things he was a student of folk-lore, and the chance of acquiring information from this old woman, something that might even be construed into a sun-myth, was exceedingly tempting.
sun-myth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Among other things he was a student of folk-lore, and the chance of acquiring information from this old woman, something that might even be construed into a sun-myth, was exceedingly tempting.
of high or superior quality or performance
From this reading "You must know a lot of old songs, mother," he said in superior tones.
carry out
From this reading The melancholy cadence of her words was quite lost on Smith-Jones, who was fast recovering himself, and beginning once more to take a rational view of life, and an interest in the situation, as a situation.
temptingadjectiveUS /ˈtemptɪŋ/
highly attractive and able to arouse hope or desire
From this reading Among other things he was a student of folk-lore, and the chance of acquiring information from this old woman, something that might even be construed into a sun-myth, was exceedingly tempting.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Among other things he was a student of folk-lore, and the chance of acquiring information from this old woman, something that might even be construed into a sun-myth, was exceedingly tempting.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The melancholy cadence of her words was quite lost on Smith-Jones, who was fast recovering himself, and beginning once more to take a rational view of life, and an interest in the situation, as a situation.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading Among other things he was a student of folk-lore, and the chance of acquiring information from this old woman, something that might even be construed into a sun-myth, was exceedingly tempting.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Among other things he was a student of folk-lore, and the chance of acquiring information from this old woman, something that might even be construed into a sun-myth, was exceedingly tempting.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The melancholy cadence of her words was quite lost on Smith-Jones, who was fast recovering himself, and beginning once more to take a rational view of life, and an interest in the situation, as a situation.
plural of “tone” — the quality of a person's voice
From this reading "You must know a lot of old songs, mother," he said in superior tones.
a way of regarding situations or topics etc.
From this reading The melancholy cadence of her words was quite lost on Smith-Jones, who was fast recovering himself, and beginning once more to take a rational view of life, and an interest in the situation, as a situation.
the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something)
From this reading "Sing me one while we are waiting for Dittu.
feel or have a desire for; want strongly
From this reading Or if you can't sing it, you know, just say it; I only want the words."
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The melancholy cadence of her words was quite lost on Smith-Jones, who was fast recovering himself, and beginning once more to take a rational view of life, and an interest in the situation, as a situation.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading "Sing me one while we are waiting for Dittu.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading "Sing me one while we are waiting for Dittu.
which person or people
From this reading The melancholy cadence of her words was quite lost on Smith-Jones, who was fast recovering himself, and beginning once more to take a rational view of life, and an interest in the situation, as a situation.
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading Among other things he was a student of folk-lore, and the chance of acquiring information from this old woman, something that might even be construed into a sun-myth, was exceedingly tempting.
the words that are spoken
From this reading The melancholy cadence of her words was quite lost on Smith-Jones, who was fast recovering himself, and beginning once more to take a rational view of life, and an interest in the situation, as a situation.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "You must know a lot of old songs, mother," he said in superior tones.
