used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading It belonged to a thin, pale lad who possessed no physical strength, the type that would rather have been Hercules than Homer; the frail type that dreams of swords and ambuscades and blood.
ambuscades
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It belonged to a thin, pale lad who possessed no physical strength, the type that would rather have been Hercules than Homer; the frail type that dreams of swords and ambuscades and blood.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading I can only tell you this: he was the kind of pale, useless mass of parental despair that through history has met the turning point of existence in an idle hour, when imagination, blazing suddenly like fired straw, illuminates a dream on which to build a life.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It belonged to a thin, pale lad who possessed no physical strength, the type that would rather have been Hercules than Homer; the frail type that dreams of swords and ambuscades and blood.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading It belonged to a thin, pale lad who possessed no physical strength, the type that would rather have been Hercules than Homer; the frail type that dreams of swords and ambuscades and blood.
past form of “belong” — be owned by; be in the possession of
From this reading It belonged to a thin, pale lad who possessed no physical strength, the type that would rather have been Hercules than Homer; the frail type that dreams of swords and ambuscades and blood.
blazingadjectiveUS /ˈbleɪzɪŋ/
shining intensely
From this reading I can only tell you this: he was the kind of pale, useless mass of parental despair that through history has met the turning point of existence in an idle hour, when imagination, blazing suddenly like fired straw, illuminates a dream on which to build a life.
The red fluid that circulates in the heart and blood vessels.
From this reading It belonged to a thin, pale lad who possessed no physical strength, the type that would rather have been Hercules than Homer; the frail type that dreams of swords and ambuscades and blood.
a structure that allows people or vehicles to cross an obstacle such as a river or canal or railway etc.
From this reading He looked out over the water towards Tower Bridge with eyes that were wide--whether with imagination or indigestion I cannot say!
make by combining materials and parts
From this reading I can only tell you this: he was the kind of pale, useless mass of parental despair that through history has met the turning point of existence in an idle hour, when imagination, blazing suddenly like fired straw, illuminates a dream on which to build a life.
burnsnounUS /bɜːrnz/
United States comedian and film actor (1896-1996)
From this reading One face only seemed to me to hold the hunger that burns.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading I can only tell you this: he was the kind of pale, useless mass of parental despair that through history has met the turning point of existence in an idle hour, when imagination, blazing suddenly like fired straw, illuminates a dream on which to build a life.
cannot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He looked out over the water towards Tower Bridge with eyes that were wide--whether with imagination or indigestion I cannot say!
a state in which all hope is lost or absent
From this reading I can only tell you this: he was the kind of pale, useless mass of parental despair that through history has met the turning point of existence in an idle hour, when imagination, blazing suddenly like fired straw, illuminates a dream on which to build a life.
A series of thoughts, images, or emotions during sleep.
From this reading I can only tell you this: he was the kind of pale, useless mass of parental despair that through history has met the turning point of existence in an idle hour, when imagination, blazing suddenly like fired straw, illuminates a dream on which to build a life.
plural of “dream” — a series of mental images and emotions occurring during sleep
From this reading It belonged to a thin, pale lad who possessed no physical strength, the type that would rather have been Hercules than Homer; the frail type that dreams of swords and ambuscades and blood.
the state or fact of existing
From this reading I can only tell you this: he was the kind of pale, useless mass of parental despair that through history has met the turning point of existence in an idle hour, when imagination, blazing suddenly like fired straw, illuminates a dream on which to build a life.
opinion or judgment
From this reading He looked out over the water towards Tower Bridge with eyes that were wide--whether with imagination or indigestion I cannot say!
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading One face only seemed to me to hold the hunger that burns.
firedadjectiveUS /ˈfaɪərd/
having lost your job
From this reading I can only tell you this: he was the kind of pale, useless mass of parental despair that through history has met the turning point of existence in an idle hour, when imagination, blazing suddenly like fired straw, illuminates a dream on which to build a life.
frailadjectiveUS /freɪl/
physically weak
From this reading It belonged to a thin, pale lad who possessed no physical strength, the type that would rather have been Hercules than Homer; the frail type that dreams of swords and ambuscades and blood.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading I can only tell you this: he was the kind of pale, useless mass of parental despair that through history has met the turning point of existence in an idle hour, when imagination, blazing suddenly like fired straw, illuminates a dream on which to build a life.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading It belonged to a thin, pale lad who possessed no physical strength, the type that would rather have been Hercules than Homer; the frail type that dreams of swords and ambuscades and blood.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He looked out over the water towards Tower Bridge with eyes that were wide--whether with imagination or indigestion I cannot say!
HerculesnounUS /ˈhɜːrkjəliːz/
(classical mythology) a hero noted for his strength; performed 12 immense labors to gain immortality
From this reading It belonged to a thin, pale lad who possessed no physical strength, the type that would rather have been Hercules than Homer; the frail type that dreams of swords and ambuscades and blood.
the aggregate of past events
From this reading I can only tell you this: he was the kind of pale, useless mass of parental despair that through history has met the turning point of existence in an idle hour, when imagination, blazing suddenly like fired straw, illuminates a dream on which to build a life.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading One face only seemed to me to hold the hunger that burns.
HomernounUS /ˈhoʊmər/
a base hit on which the batter scores a run
From this reading It belonged to a thin, pale lad who possessed no physical strength, the type that would rather have been Hercules than Homer; the frail type that dreams of swords and ambuscades and blood.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading I can only tell you this: he was the kind of pale, useless mass of parental despair that through history has met the turning point of existence in an idle hour, when imagination, blazing suddenly like fired straw, illuminates a dream on which to build a life.
hungernounUS /ˈhʌŋɡər/
a physiological need for food; the consequence of food deprivation
From this reading One face only seemed to me to hold the hunger that burns.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading He looked out over the water towards Tower Bridge with eyes that were wide--whether with imagination or indigestion I cannot say!
not in action or at work
From this reading I can only tell you this: he was the kind of pale, useless mass of parental despair that through history has met the turning point of existence in an idle hour, when imagination, blazing suddenly like fired straw, illuminates a dream on which to build a life.
illuminatesverbUS /ˌɪˈluːməneɪts/
third-person singular of “illuminate” — make lighter or brighter
From this reading I can only tell you this: he was the kind of pale, useless mass of parental despair that through history has met the turning point of existence in an idle hour, when imagination, blazing suddenly like fired straw, illuminates a dream on which to build a life.
the formation of a mental image of something that is not perceived as real and is not present to the senses
From this reading He looked out over the water towards Tower Bridge with eyes that were wide--whether with imagination or indigestion I cannot say!
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading I can only tell you this: he was the kind of pale, useless mass of parental despair that through history has met the turning point of existence in an idle hour, when imagination, blazing suddenly like fired straw, illuminates a dream on which to build a life.
indigestionnounUS /ˌɪndaɪˈdʒestʃən/
a disorder of digestive function characterized by discomfort or heartburn or nausea
From this reading He looked out over the water towards Tower Bridge with eyes that were wide--whether with imagination or indigestion I cannot say!
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It belonged to a thin, pale lad who possessed no physical strength, the type that would rather have been Hercules than Homer; the frail type that dreams of swords and ambuscades and blood.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading I can only tell you this: he was the kind of pale, useless mass of parental despair that through history has met the turning point of existence in an idle hour, when imagination, blazing suddenly like fired straw, illuminates a dream on which to build a life.
a boy or man
From this reading It belonged to a thin, pale lad who possessed no physical strength, the type that would rather have been Hercules than Homer; the frail type that dreams of swords and ambuscades and blood.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading I can only tell you this: he was the kind of pale, useless mass of parental despair that through history has met the turning point of existence in an idle hour, when imagination, blazing suddenly like fired straw, illuminates a dream on which to build a life.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading I can only tell you this: he was the kind of pale, useless mass of parental despair that through history has met the turning point of existence in an idle hour, when imagination, blazing suddenly like fired straw, illuminates a dream on which to build a life.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading He looked out over the water towards Tower Bridge with eyes that were wide--whether with imagination or indigestion I cannot say!
the property of a body that causes it to have weight in a gravitational field
From this reading I can only tell you this: he was the kind of pale, useless mass of parental despair that through history has met the turning point of existence in an idle hour, when imagination, blazing suddenly like fired straw, illuminates a dream on which to build a life.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading One face only seemed to me to hold the hunger that burns.
inflected form of “meet” — come together
From this reading I can only tell you this: he was the kind of pale, useless mass of parental despair that through history has met the turning point of existence in an idle hour, when imagination, blazing suddenly like fired straw, illuminates a dream on which to build a life.
not any; not one
From this reading It belonged to a thin, pale lad who possessed no physical strength, the type that would rather have been Hercules than Homer; the frail type that dreams of swords and ambuscades and blood.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It belonged to a thin, pale lad who possessed no physical strength, the type that would rather have been Hercules than Homer; the frail type that dreams of swords and ambuscades and blood.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading I can only tell you this: he was the kind of pale, useless mass of parental despair that through history has met the turning point of existence in an idle hour, when imagination, blazing suddenly like fired straw, illuminates a dream on which to build a life.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading One face only seemed to me to hold the hunger that burns.
and nothing more
From this reading One face only seemed to me to hold the hunger that burns.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading He looked out over the water towards Tower Bridge with eyes that were wide--whether with imagination or indigestion I cannot say!
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading He looked out over the water towards Tower Bridge with eyes that were wide--whether with imagination or indigestion I cannot say!
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading He looked out over the water towards Tower Bridge with eyes that were wide--whether with imagination or indigestion I cannot say!
very light colored; highly diluted with white
From this reading It belonged to a thin, pale lad who possessed no physical strength, the type that would rather have been Hercules than Homer; the frail type that dreams of swords and ambuscades and blood.
parentaladjectiveUS /pərˈentəl/
designating the generation of organisms from which hybrid offspring are produced
From this reading I can only tell you this: he was the kind of pale, useless mass of parental despair that through history has met the turning point of existence in an idle hour, when imagination, blazing suddenly like fired straw, illuminates a dream on which to build a life.
involving the body as distinguished from the mind or spirit
From this reading It belonged to a thin, pale lad who possessed no physical strength, the type that would rather have been Hercules than Homer; the frail type that dreams of swords and ambuscades and blood.
a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading I can only tell you this: he was the kind of pale, useless mass of parental despair that through history has met the turning point of existence in an idle hour, when imagination, blazing suddenly like fired straw, illuminates a dream on which to build a life.
influenced or controlled by a powerful force such as a strong emotion
From this reading It belonged to a thin, pale lad who possessed no physical strength, the type that would rather have been Hercules than Homer; the frail type that dreams of swords and ambuscades and blood.
on the contrary
From this reading It belonged to a thin, pale lad who possessed no physical strength, the type that would rather have been Hercules than Homer; the frail type that dreams of swords and ambuscades and blood.
express in words
From this reading He looked out over the water towards Tower Bridge with eyes that were wide--whether with imagination or indigestion I cannot say!
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading One face only seemed to me to hold the hunger that burns.
plant fiber used e.g. for making baskets and hats or as fodder
From this reading I can only tell you this: he was the kind of pale, useless mass of parental despair that through history has met the turning point of existence in an idle hour, when imagination, blazing suddenly like fired straw, illuminates a dream on which to build a life.
the property of being physically or mentally strong
From this reading It belonged to a thin, pale lad who possessed no physical strength, the type that would rather have been Hercules than Homer; the frail type that dreams of swords and ambuscades and blood.
happening unexpectedly
From this reading I can only tell you this: he was the kind of pale, useless mass of parental despair that through history has met the turning point of existence in an idle hour, when imagination, blazing suddenly like fired straw, illuminates a dream on which to build a life.
swordsnounUS /sɔːrdz/
plural of “sword” — a cutting or thrusting weapon that has a long metal blade and a hilt with a hand guard
From this reading It belonged to a thin, pale lad who possessed no physical strength, the type that would rather have been Hercules than Homer; the frail type that dreams of swords and ambuscades and blood.
express in words
From this reading I can only tell you this: he was the kind of pale, useless mass of parental despair that through history has met the turning point of existence in an idle hour, when imagination, blazing suddenly like fired straw, illuminates a dream on which to build a life.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading It belonged to a thin, pale lad who possessed no physical strength, the type that would rather have been Hercules than Homer; the frail type that dreams of swords and ambuscades and blood.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading One face only seemed to me to hold the hunger that burns.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading One face only seemed to me to hold the hunger that burns.
Having little thickness or extent.
From this reading It belonged to a thin, pale lad who possessed no physical strength, the type that would rather have been Hercules than Homer; the frail type that dreams of swords and ambuscades and blood.
the process of using your mind to consider something carefully
From this reading What was he thinking, I wondered.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading I can only tell you this: he was the kind of pale, useless mass of parental despair that through history has met the turning point of existence in an idle hour, when imagination, blazing suddenly like fired straw, illuminates a dream on which to build a life.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading I can only tell you this: he was the kind of pale, useless mass of parental despair that through history has met the turning point of existence in an idle hour, when imagination, blazing suddenly like fired straw, illuminates a dream on which to build a life.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading One face only seemed to me to hold the hunger that burns.
in the direction of
From this reading He looked out over the water towards Tower Bridge with eyes that were wide--whether with imagination or indigestion I cannot say!
a structure taller than its diameter; can stand alone or be attached to a larger building
From this reading He looked out over the water towards Tower Bridge with eyes that were wide--whether with imagination or indigestion I cannot say!
the act of changing or reversing the direction of the course
From this reading I can only tell you this: he was the kind of pale, useless mass of parental despair that through history has met the turning point of existence in an idle hour, when imagination, blazing suddenly like fired straw, illuminates a dream on which to build a life.
a subdivision of a particular kind of thing
From this reading It belonged to a thin, pale lad who possessed no physical strength, the type that would rather have been Hercules than Homer; the frail type that dreams of swords and ambuscades and blood.
having no beneficial use or incapable of functioning usefully
From this reading I can only tell you this: he was the kind of pale, useless mass of parental despair that through history has met the turning point of existence in an idle hour, when imagination, blazing suddenly like fired straw, illuminates a dream on which to build a life.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading I can only tell you this: he was the kind of pale, useless mass of parental despair that through history has met the turning point of existence in an idle hour, when imagination, blazing suddenly like fired straw, illuminates a dream on which to build a life.
binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent
From this reading He looked out over the water towards Tower Bridge with eyes that were wide--whether with imagination or indigestion I cannot say!
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading He looked out over the water towards Tower Bridge with eyes that were wide--whether with imagination or indigestion I cannot say!
used to ask for information about something
From this reading What was he thinking, I wondered.
at the time that
From this reading I can only tell you this: he was the kind of pale, useless mass of parental despair that through history has met the turning point of existence in an idle hour, when imagination, blazing suddenly like fired straw, illuminates a dream on which to build a life.
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading He looked out over the water towards Tower Bridge with eyes that were wide--whether with imagination or indigestion I cannot say!
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading I can only tell you this: he was the kind of pale, useless mass of parental despair that through history has met the turning point of existence in an idle hour, when imagination, blazing suddenly like fired straw, illuminates a dream on which to build a life.
which person or people
From this reading It belonged to a thin, pale lad who possessed no physical strength, the type that would rather have been Hercules than Homer; the frail type that dreams of swords and ambuscades and blood.
having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other
From this reading He looked out over the water towards Tower Bridge with eyes that were wide--whether with imagination or indigestion I cannot say!
in the company of; together with
From this reading He looked out over the water towards Tower Bridge with eyes that were wide--whether with imagination or indigestion I cannot say!
past form of “wonder” — have a wish or desire to know something
From this reading What was he thinking, I wondered.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading It belonged to a thin, pale lad who possessed no physical strength, the type that would rather have been Hercules than Homer; the frail type that dreams of swords and ambuscades and blood.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading I can only tell you this: he was the kind of pale, useless mass of parental despair that through history has met the turning point of existence in an idle hour, when imagination, blazing suddenly like fired straw, illuminates a dream on which to build a life.
