used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Some sneering critic once said that few young men ever start out in the world until they are kicked out, and there is a grain of truth in that assertion.
abilitynounUS /əˈbɪlətiː/
the quality of being able to perform; a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment
From this reading In Ray's case it was his uncle's assertion that if he hoped to win Chip he must first show the ability to provide a home for her, which is excellent advice for any young man to follow.
presently existing in fact and not merely potential or possible
From this reading It is seldom an actual kick, however, but some motive force quite as compelling.
a proposal for an appropriate course of action
From this reading In Ray's case it was his uncle's assertion that if he hoped to win Chip he must first show the ability to provide a home for her, which is excellent advice for any young man to follow.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading "The milk o' human kindness 'most allus turns out old cheese, 'n' all rind at that."--Old Cy Walker.
allus
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "The milk o' human kindness 'most allus turns out old cheese, 'n' all rind at that."--Old Cy Walker.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading It is seldom an actual kick, however, but some motive force quite as compelling.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Some sneering critic once said that few young men ever start out in the world until they are kicked out, and there is a grain of truth in that assertion.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading In Ray's case it was his uncle's assertion that if he hoped to win Chip he must first show the ability to provide a home for her, which is excellent advice for any young man to follow.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Some sneering critic once said that few young men ever start out in the world until they are kicked out, and there is a grain of truth in that assertion.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading It is seldom an actual kick, however, but some motive force quite as compelling.
assertionnounUS /əˈsɜːrʃən/
a declaration that is made emphatically (as if no supporting evidence were necessary)
From this reading Some sneering critic once said that few young men ever start out in the world until they are kicked out, and there is a grain of truth in that assertion.
assistantsnounUS /əˈsɪstənts/
plural of “assistant” — a person who contributes to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose
From this reading "It won't be a pleasure trip," Martin said when Ray proposed to go to the wilderness and, with Levi and a couple of other assistants, make a business of gum-gathering and trap-setting, "but you can't lose much by it.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading "The milk o' human kindness 'most allus turns out old cheese, 'n' all rind at that."--Old Cy Walker.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading "It won't be a pleasure trip," Martin said when Ray proposed to go to the wilderness and, with Levi and a couple of other assistants, make a business of gum-gathering and trap-setting, "but you can't lose much by it.
a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it
From this reading "It won't be a pleasure trip," Martin said when Ray proposed to go to the wilderness and, with Levi and a couple of other assistants, make a business of gum-gathering and trap-setting, "but you can't lose much by it.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading It is seldom an actual kick, however, but some motive force quite as compelling.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading "It won't be a pleasure trip," Martin said when Ray proposed to go to the wilderness and, with Levi and a couple of other assistants, make a business of gum-gathering and trap-setting, "but you can't lose much by it.
can't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "It won't be a pleasure trip," Martin said when Ray proposed to go to the wilderness and, with Levi and a couple of other assistants, make a business of gum-gathering and trap-setting, "but you can't lose much by it.
an occurrence of something
From this reading In Ray's case it was his uncle's assertion that if he hoped to win Chip he must first show the ability to provide a home for her, which is excellent advice for any young man to follow.
cheesenounUS /tʃiːz/
a solid food prepared from the pressed curd of milk
From this reading "The milk o' human kindness 'most allus turns out old cheese, 'n' all rind at that."--Old Cy Walker.
ChipnounUS /tʃɪp/
a small fragment of something broken off from the whole
From this reading In Ray's case it was his uncle's assertion that if he hoped to win Chip he must first show the ability to provide a home for her, which is excellent advice for any young man to follow.
compellingadjectiveUS /kəmˈpelɪŋ/
driving or forcing
From this reading It is seldom an actual kick, however, but some motive force quite as compelling.
a pair who associate with one another
From this reading "It won't be a pleasure trip," Martin said when Ray proposed to go to the wilderness and, with Levi and a couple of other assistants, make a business of gum-gathering and trap-setting, "but you can't lose much by it.
criticnounUS /ˈkrɪtɪk/
a person who is professionally engaged in the analysis and interpretation of works of art
From this reading Some sneering critic once said that few young men ever start out in the world until they are kicked out, and there is a grain of truth in that assertion.
Cy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "The milk o' human kindness 'most allus turns out old cheese, 'n' all rind at that."--Old Cy Walker.
at any time
From this reading Some sneering critic once said that few young men ever start out in the world until they are kicked out, and there is a grain of truth in that assertion.
very good; of the highest quality
From this reading In Ray's case it was his uncle's assertion that if he hoped to win Chip he must first show the ability to provide a home for her, which is excellent advice for any young man to follow.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading Some sneering critic once said that few young men ever start out in the world until they are kicked out, and there is a grain of truth in that assertion.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading In Ray's case it was his uncle's assertion that if he hoped to win Chip he must first show the ability to provide a home for her, which is excellent advice for any young man to follow.
to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading In Ray's case it was his uncle's assertion that if he hoped to win Chip he must first show the ability to provide a home for her, which is excellent advice for any young man to follow.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading In Ray's case it was his uncle's assertion that if he hoped to win Chip he must first show the ability to provide a home for her, which is excellent advice for any young man to follow.
a powerful effect or influence
From this reading It is seldom an actual kick, however, but some motive force quite as compelling.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading "It won't be a pleasure trip," Martin said when Ray proposed to go to the wilderness and, with Levi and a couple of other assistants, make a business of gum-gathering and trap-setting, "but you can't lose much by it.
grainnounUS /ɡreɪn/
a relatively small granular particle of a substance
From this reading Some sneering critic once said that few young men ever start out in the world until they are kicked out, and there is a grain of truth in that assertion.
gum-gathering
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "It won't be a pleasure trip," Martin said when Ray proposed to go to the wilderness and, with Levi and a couple of other assistants, make a business of gum-gathering and trap-setting, "but you can't lose much by it.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading In Ray's case it was his uncle's assertion that if he hoped to win Chip he must first show the ability to provide a home for her, which is excellent advice for any young man to follow.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading In Ray's case it was his uncle's assertion that if he hoped to win Chip he must first show the ability to provide a home for her, which is excellent advice for any young man to follow.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading In Ray's case it was his uncle's assertion that if he hoped to win Chip he must first show the ability to provide a home for her, which is excellent advice for any young man to follow.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading In Ray's case it was his uncle's assertion that if he hoped to win Chip he must first show the ability to provide a home for her, which is excellent advice for any young man to follow.
past form of “hope” — expect and wish
From this reading In Ray's case it was his uncle's assertion that if he hoped to win Chip he must first show the ability to provide a home for her, which is excellent advice for any young man to follow.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading It is seldom an actual kick, however, but some motive force quite as compelling.
humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading "The milk o' human kindness 'most allus turns out old cheese, 'n' all rind at that."--Old Cy Walker.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading In Ray's case it was his uncle's assertion that if he hoped to win Chip he must first show the ability to provide a home for her, which is excellent advice for any young man to follow.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Some sneering critic once said that few young men ever start out in the world until they are kicked out, and there is a grain of truth in that assertion.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Some sneering critic once said that few young men ever start out in the world until they are kicked out, and there is a grain of truth in that assertion.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It is seldom an actual kick, however, but some motive force quite as compelling.
kickverbUS /kɪk/
drive or propel with the foot
From this reading It is seldom an actual kick, however, but some motive force quite as compelling.
kickedverbUS /kɪkt/
past form of “kick” — drive or propel with the foot
From this reading Some sneering critic once said that few young men ever start out in the world until they are kicked out, and there is a grain of truth in that assertion.
the quality of being warmhearted and considerate and humane and sympathetic
From this reading "The milk o' human kindness 'most allus turns out old cheese, 'n' all rind at that."--Old Cy Walker.
LevinounUS /ˈliːvaɪ/
(New Testament) disciple of Jesus; traditionally considered to be the author of the first Gospel
From this reading "It won't be a pleasure trip," Martin said when Ray proposed to go to the wilderness and, with Levi and a couple of other assistants, make a business of gum-gathering and trap-setting, "but you can't lose much by it.
fail to keep or to maintain; cease to have, either physically or in an abstract sense
From this reading "It won't be a pleasure trip," Martin said when Ray proposed to go to the wilderness and, with Levi and a couple of other assistants, make a business of gum-gathering and trap-setting, "but you can't lose much by it.
engage in
From this reading "It won't be a pleasure trip," Martin said when Ray proposed to go to the wilderness and, with Levi and a couple of other assistants, make a business of gum-gathering and trap-setting, "but you can't lose much by it.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading In Ray's case it was his uncle's assertion that if he hoped to win Chip he must first show the ability to provide a home for her, which is excellent advice for any young man to follow.
French bishop who is a patron saint of France (died in 397)
From this reading "It won't be a pleasure trip," Martin said when Ray proposed to go to the wilderness and, with Levi and a couple of other assistants, make a business of gum-gathering and trap-setting, "but you can't lose much by it.
the force of workers available
From this reading Some sneering critic once said that few young men ever start out in the world until they are kicked out, and there is a grain of truth in that assertion.
a white nutritious liquid secreted by mammals and used as food by human beings
From this reading "The milk o' human kindness 'most allus turns out old cheese, 'n' all rind at that."--Old Cy Walker.
used to form the superlative
From this reading "The milk o' human kindness 'most allus turns out old cheese, 'n' all rind at that."--Old Cy Walker.
motivenounUS /ˈmoʊtɪv/
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 It is seldom an actual kick, however, but some motive force quite as compelling.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading "It won't be a pleasure trip," Martin said when Ray proposed to go to the wilderness and, with Levi and a couple of other assistants, make a business of gum-gathering and trap-setting, "but you can't lose much by it.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading In Ray's case it was his uncle's assertion that if he hoped to win Chip he must first show the ability to provide a home for her, which is excellent advice for any young man to follow.
a common nonmetallic element that is normally a colorless odorless tasteless inert diatomic gas; constitutes 78 percent of the atmosphere by volume; a constituent of all living tissues
From this reading "The milk o' human kindness 'most allus turns out old cheese, 'n' all rind at that."--Old Cy Walker.
a nonmetallic bivalent element that is normally a colorless odorless tasteless nonflammable diatomic gas; constitutes 21 percent of the atmosphere by volume; the most abundant element in the earth's crust
From this reading "The milk o' human kindness 'most allus turns out old cheese, 'n' all rind at that."--Old Cy Walker.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Some sneering critic once said that few young men ever start out in the world until they are kicked out, and there is a grain of truth in that assertion.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading "The milk o' human kindness 'most allus turns out old cheese, 'n' all rind at that."--Old Cy Walker.
on one occasion
From this reading Some sneering critic once said that few young men ever start out in the world until they are kicked out, and there is a grain of truth in that assertion.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading "It won't be a pleasure trip," Martin said when Ray proposed to go to the wilderness and, with Levi and a couple of other assistants, make a business of gum-gathering and trap-setting, "but you can't lose much by it.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading "The milk o' human kindness 'most allus turns out old cheese, 'n' all rind at that."--Old Cy Walker.
a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience
From this reading "It won't be a pleasure trip," Martin said when Ray proposed to go to the wilderness and, with Levi and a couple of other assistants, make a business of gum-gathering and trap-setting, "but you can't lose much by it.
past form of “propose” — make a proposal, declare a plan for something
From this reading "It won't be a pleasure trip," Martin said when Ray proposed to go to the wilderness and, with Levi and a couple of other assistants, make a business of gum-gathering and trap-setting, "but you can't lose much by it.
provideverbUS /prəˈvaɪd/
give something useful or necessary to
From this reading In Ray's case it was his uncle's assertion that if he hoped to win Chip he must first show the ability to provide a home for her, which is excellent advice for any young man to follow.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading It is seldom an actual kick, however, but some motive force quite as compelling.
RaynounUS /reɪ/
a column of light (as from a beacon)
From this reading "It won't be a pleasure trip," Martin said when Ray proposed to go to the wilderness and, with Levi and a couple of other assistants, make a business of gum-gathering and trap-setting, "but you can't lose much by it.
Ray'snounUS /reɪz/
possessive form of “ray” — a column of light (as from a beacon)
From this reading In Ray's case it was his uncle's assertion that if he hoped to win Chip he must first show the ability to provide a home for her, which is excellent advice for any young man to follow.
rindnounUS /raɪnd/
the natural outer covering of food (usually removed before eating)
From this reading "The milk o' human kindness 'most allus turns out old cheese, 'n' all rind at that."--Old Cy Walker.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading Some sneering critic once said that few young men ever start out in the world until they are kicked out, and there is a grain of truth in that assertion.
not often
From this reading It is seldom an actual kick, however, but some motive force quite as compelling.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading In Ray's case it was his uncle's assertion that if he hoped to win Chip he must first show the ability to provide a home for her, which is excellent advice for any young man to follow.
sneeringadjectiveUS /ˈsnɪrɪŋ/
expressive of contempt
From this reading Some sneering critic once said that few young men ever start out in the world until they are kicked out, and there is a grain of truth in that assertion.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Some sneering critic once said that few young men ever start out in the world until they are kicked out, and there is a grain of truth in that assertion.
take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading Some sneering critic once said that few young men ever start out in the world until they are kicked out, and there is a grain of truth in that assertion.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading "The milk o' human kindness 'most allus turns out old cheese, 'n' all rind at that."--Old Cy Walker.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading "The milk o' human kindness 'most allus turns out old cheese, 'n' all rind at that."--Old Cy Walker.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Some sneering critic once said that few young men ever start out in the world until they are kicked out, and there is a grain of truth in that assertion.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Some sneering critic once said that few young men ever start out in the world until they are kicked out, and there is a grain of truth in that assertion.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading In Ray's case it was his uncle's assertion that if he hoped to win Chip he must first show the ability to provide a home for her, which is excellent advice for any young man to follow.
trap-setting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "It won't be a pleasure trip," Martin said when Ray proposed to go to the wilderness and, with Levi and a couple of other assistants, make a business of gum-gathering and trap-setting, "but you can't lose much by it.
a journey for some purpose (usually including the return)
From this reading "It won't be a pleasure trip," Martin said when Ray proposed to go to the wilderness and, with Levi and a couple of other assistants, make a business of gum-gathering and trap-setting, "but you can't lose much by it.
a fact that has been verified
From this reading Some sneering critic once said that few young men ever start out in the world until they are kicked out, and there is a grain of truth in that assertion.
plural of “turn” — a circular segment of a curve
From this reading "The milk o' human kindness 'most allus turns out old cheese, 'n' all rind at that."--Old Cy Walker.
uncle'snounUS /ˈʌŋkəlz/
possessive form of “uncle” — the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt
From this reading In Ray's case it was his uncle's assertion that if he hoped to win Chip he must first show the ability to provide a home for her, which is excellent advice for any young man to follow.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading Some sneering critic once said that few young men ever start out in the world until they are kicked out, and there is a grain of truth in that assertion.
WalkernounUS /ˈwɔːkər/
New Zealand runner who in 1975 became the first person to run a mile in less that 3 minutes and 50 seconds (born in 1952)
From this reading "The milk o' human kindness 'most allus turns out old cheese, 'n' all rind at that."--Old Cy Walker.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading In Ray's case it was his uncle's assertion that if he hoped to win Chip he must first show the ability to provide a home for her, which is excellent advice for any young man to follow.
at the time that
From this reading "It won't be a pleasure trip," Martin said when Ray proposed to go to the wilderness and, with Levi and a couple of other assistants, make a business of gum-gathering and trap-setting, "but you can't lose much by it.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading In Ray's case it was his uncle's assertion that if he hoped to win Chip he must first show the ability to provide a home for her, which is excellent advice for any young man to follow.
wildernessnounUS /ˈwɪldərnəs/
(politics) a state of disfavor
From this reading "It won't be a pleasure trip," Martin said when Ray proposed to go to the wilderness and, with Levi and a couple of other assistants, make a business of gum-gathering and trap-setting, "but you can't lose much by it.
be the winner in a contest or competition; be victorious
From this reading In Ray's case it was his uncle's assertion that if he hoped to win Chip he must first show the ability to provide a home for her, which is excellent advice for any young man to follow.
in the company of; together with
From this reading "It won't be a pleasure trip," Martin said when Ray proposed to go to the wilderness and, with Levi and a couple of other assistants, make a business of gum-gathering and trap-setting, "but you can't lose much by it.
won't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "It won't be a pleasure trip," Martin said when Ray proposed to go to the wilderness and, with Levi and a couple of other assistants, make a business of gum-gathering and trap-setting, "but you can't lose much by it.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading Some sneering critic once said that few young men ever start out in the world until they are kicked out, and there is a grain of truth in that assertion.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "It won't be a pleasure trip," Martin said when Ray proposed to go to the wilderness and, with Levi and a couple of other assistants, make a business of gum-gathering and trap-setting, "but you can't lose much by it.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading Some sneering critic once said that few young men ever start out in the world until they are kicked out, and there is a grain of truth in that assertion.
