used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading If every young man could be put in a position where he could do nothing but think for a matter of a couple of months just at that time when he is ready to take up the major business of his life, one may well believe the history of the world would be other and better than it is.
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading Three months passed before he was able to take the air even in a slowly driven, pillowed limousine.
accountsnounUS /əˈkaʊnts/
plural of “account” — a record or narrative description of past events
From this reading If ever a chance were given a human being to check up on his accounts, take a trial balance, and arrive at definite conclusions with respect to himself, Potter had that chance.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading Three months passed before he was able to take the air even in a slowly driven, pillowed limousine.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading If every young man could be put in a position where he could do nothing but think for a matter of a couple of months just at that time when he is ready to take up the major business of his life, one may well believe the history of the world would be other and better than it is.
reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress
From this reading If ever a chance were given a human being to check up on his accounts, take a trial balance, and arrive at definite conclusions with respect to himself, Potter had that chance.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading If every young man could be put in a position where he could do nothing but think for a matter of a couple of months just at that time when he is ready to take up the major business of his life, one may well believe the history of the world would be other and better than it is.
balanceverbUS /ˈbæləns/
bring into balance or equilibrium
From this reading If ever a chance were given a human being to check up on his accounts, take a trial balance, and arrive at definite conclusions with respect to himself, Potter had that chance.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading If every young man could be put in a position where he could do nothing but think for a matter of a couple of months just at that time when he is ready to take up the major business of his life, one may well believe the history of the world would be other and better than it is.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Three months passed before he was able to take the air even in a slowly driven, pillowed limousine.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading If ever a chance were given a human being to check up on his accounts, take a trial balance, and arrive at definite conclusions with respect to himself, Potter had that chance.
accept as true; take to be true
From this reading If every young man could be put in a position where he could do nothing but think for a matter of a couple of months just at that time when he is ready to take up the major business of his life, one may well believe the history of the world would be other and better than it is.
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading If every young man could be put in a position where he could do nothing but think for a matter of a couple of months just at that time when he is ready to take up the major business of his life, one may well believe the history of the world would be other and better than it is.
bolderadjectiveUS /ˈboʊldər/
comparative of “bold” — fearless and daring
From this reading Not only had he the opportunity, but a vital consideration had intervened, urging him to wider, deeper, bolder considerations.
a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it
From this reading If every young man could be put in a position where he could do nothing but think for a matter of a couple of months just at that time when he is ready to take up the major business of his life, one may well believe the history of the world would be other and better than it is.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading If every young man could be put in a position where he could do nothing but think for a matter of a couple of months just at that time when he is ready to take up the major business of his life, one may well believe the history of the world would be other and better than it is.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading If ever a chance were given a human being to check up on his accounts, take a trial balance, and arrive at definite conclusions with respect to himself, Potter had that chance.
examine so as to determine accuracy, quality, or condition
From this reading If ever a chance were given a human being to check up on his accounts, take a trial balance, and arrive at definite conclusions with respect to himself, Potter had that chance.
conclusionsnounUS /kənˈkluːʒənz/
plural of “conclusion” — a position or opinion or judgment reached after consideration
From this reading If ever a chance were given a human being to check up on his accounts, take a trial balance, and arrive at definite conclusions with respect to himself, Potter had that chance.
the process of giving careful thought to something
From this reading Not only had he the opportunity, but a vital consideration had intervened, urging him to wider, deeper, bolder considerations.
considerationsnounUS /kənˌsɪdərˈeɪʃənz/
plural of “consideration” — the process of giving careful thought to something
From this reading Not only had he the opportunity, but a vital consideration had intervened, urging him to wider, deeper, bolder considerations.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading If every young man could be put in a position where he could do nothing but think for a matter of a couple of months just at that time when he is ready to take up the major business of his life, one may well believe the history of the world would be other and better than it is.
a pair who associate with one another
From this reading If every young man could be put in a position where he could do nothing but think for a matter of a couple of months just at that time when he is ready to take up the major business of his life, one may well believe the history of the world would be other and better than it is.
comparative of “deeply” — to a great depth psychologically or emotionally
From this reading Not only had he the opportunity, but a vital consideration had intervened, urging him to wider, deeper, bolder considerations.
definiteadjectiveUS /ˈdefənət/
precise; explicit and clearly defined
From this reading If ever a chance were given a human being to check up on his accounts, take a trial balance, and arrive at definite conclusions with respect to himself, Potter had that chance.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading If every young man could be put in a position where he could do nothing but think for a matter of a couple of months just at that time when he is ready to take up the major business of his life, one may well believe the history of the world would be other and better than it is.
compelled forcibly by an outside agency
From this reading Three months passed before he was able to take the air even in a slowly driven, pillowed limousine.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading Potter Waite was injured early in May.
divisible by two
From this reading Three months passed before he was able to take the air even in a slowly driven, pillowed limousine.
at any time
From this reading If ever a chance were given a human being to check up on his accounts, take a trial balance, and arrive at definite conclusions with respect to himself, Potter had that chance.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading If every young man could be put in a position where he could do nothing but think for a matter of a couple of months just at that time when he is ready to take up the major business of his life, one may well believe the history of the world would be other and better than it is.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading If every young man could be put in a position where he could do nothing but think for a matter of a couple of months just at that time when he is ready to take up the major business of his life, one may well believe the history of the world would be other and better than it is.
givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/
acknowledged as a supposition
From this reading If ever a chance were given a human being to check up on his accounts, take a trial balance, and arrive at definite conclusions with respect to himself, Potter had that chance.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading If ever a chance were given a human being to check up on his accounts, take a trial balance, and arrive at definite conclusions with respect to himself, Potter had that chance.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading If every young man could be put in a position where he could do nothing but think for a matter of a couple of months just at that time when he is ready to take up the major business of his life, one may well believe the history of the world would be other and better than it is.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Not only had he the opportunity, but a vital consideration had intervened, urging him to wider, deeper, bolder considerations.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading If ever a chance were given a human being to check up on his accounts, take a trial balance, and arrive at definite conclusions with respect to himself, Potter had that chance.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading If every young man could be put in a position where he could do nothing but think for a matter of a couple of months just at that time when he is ready to take up the major business of his life, one may well believe the history of the world would be other and better than it is.
the aggregate of past events
From this reading If every young man could be put in a position where he could do nothing but think for a matter of a couple of months just at that time when he is ready to take up the major business of his life, one may well believe the history of the world would be other and better than it is.
humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading If ever a chance were given a human being to check up on his accounts, take a trial balance, and arrive at definite conclusions with respect to himself, Potter had that chance.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading If every young man could be put in a position where he could do nothing but think for a matter of a couple of months just at that time when he is ready to take up the major business of his life, one may well believe the history of the world would be other and better than it is.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading If every young man could be put in a position where he could do nothing but think for a matter of a couple of months just at that time when he is ready to take up the major business of his life, one may well believe the history of the world would be other and better than it is.
injuredadjectiveUS /ˈɪndʒərd/
harmed
From this reading Potter Waite was injured early in May.
intervenedverbUS /ˌɪntərˈviːnd/
past form of “intervene” — get involved, so as to alter or hinder an action, or through force or threat of force
From this reading Not only had he the opportunity, but a vital consideration had intervened, urging him to wider, deeper, bolder considerations.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading If every young man could be put in a position where he could do nothing but think for a matter of a couple of months just at that time when he is ready to take up the major business of his life, one may well believe the history of the world would be other and better than it is.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading If every young man could be put in a position where he could do nothing but think for a matter of a couple of months just at that time when he is ready to take up the major business of his life, one may well believe the history of the world would be other and better than it is.
and nothing more
From this reading If every young man could be put in a position where he could do nothing but think for a matter of a couple of months just at that time when he is ready to take up the major business of his life, one may well believe the history of the world would be other and better than it is.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading If every young man could be put in a position where he could do nothing but think for a matter of a couple of months just at that time when he is ready to take up the major business of his life, one may well believe the history of the world would be other and better than it is.
limousinenounUS /ˈlɪməziːn/
large luxurious car; usually driven by a chauffeur
From this reading Three months passed before he was able to take the air even in a slowly driven, pillowed limousine.
majoradjectiveUS /ˈmeɪdʒər/
of greater importance or stature or rank
From this reading If every young man could be put in a position where he could do nothing but think for a matter of a couple of months just at that time when he is ready to take up the major business of his life, one may well believe the history of the world would be other and better than it is.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading If every young man could be put in a position where he could do nothing but think for a matter of a couple of months just at that time when he is ready to take up the major business of his life, one may well believe the history of the world would be other and better than it is.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading If every young man could be put in a position where he could do nothing but think for a matter of a couple of months just at that time when he is ready to take up the major business of his life, one may well believe the history of the world would be other and better than it is.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading If every young man could be put in a position where he could do nothing but think for a matter of a couple of months just at that time when he is ready to take up the major business of his life, one may well believe the history of the world would be other and better than it is.
plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year
From this reading If every young man could be put in a position where he could do nothing but think for a matter of a couple of months just at that time when he is ready to take up the major business of his life, one may well believe the history of the world would be other and better than it is.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Not only had he the opportunity, but a vital consideration had intervened, urging him to wider, deeper, bolder considerations.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading If every young man could be put in a position where he could do nothing but think for a matter of a couple of months just at that time when he is ready to take up the major business of his life, one may well believe the history of the world would be other and better than it is.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading If every young man could be put in a position where he could do nothing but think for a matter of a couple of months just at that time when he is ready to take up the major business of his life, one may well believe the history of the world would be other and better than it is.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading If ever a chance were given a human being to check up on his accounts, take a trial balance, and arrive at definite conclusions with respect to himself, Potter had that chance.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading If every young man could be put in a position where he could do nothing but think for a matter of a couple of months just at that time when he is ready to take up the major business of his life, one may well believe the history of the world would be other and better than it is.
and nothing more
From this reading Not only had he the opportunity, but a vital consideration had intervened, urging him to wider, deeper, bolder considerations.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading Not only had he the opportunity, but a vital consideration had intervened, urging him to wider, deeper, bolder considerations.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading If every young man could be put in a position where he could do nothing but think for a matter of a couple of months just at that time when he is ready to take up the major business of his life, one may well believe the history of the world would be other and better than it is.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading Three months passed before he was able to take the air even in a slowly driven, pillowed limousine.
pillowed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Three months passed before he was able to take the air even in a slowly driven, pillowed limousine.
the particular portion of space occupied by something
From this reading If every young man could be put in a position where he could do nothing but think for a matter of a couple of months just at that time when he is ready to take up the major business of his life, one may well believe the history of the world would be other and better than it is.
PotterverbUS /ˈpɑːtər/
do random, unplanned work or activities or spend time idly
From this reading Potter Waite was injured early in May.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading If every young man could be put in a position where he could do nothing but think for a matter of a couple of months just at that time when he is ready to take up the major business of his life, one may well believe the history of the world would be other and better than it is.
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading If every young man could be put in a position where he could do nothing but think for a matter of a couple of months just at that time when he is ready to take up the major business of his life, one may well believe the history of the world would be other and better than it is.
(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point
From this reading If ever a chance were given a human being to check up on his accounts, take a trial balance, and arrive at definite conclusions with respect to himself, Potter had that chance.
without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)
From this reading Three months passed before he was able to take the air even in a slowly driven, pillowed limousine.
carry out
From this reading If every young man could be put in a position where he could do nothing but think for a matter of a couple of months just at that time when he is ready to take up the major business of his life, one may well believe the history of the world would be other and better than it is.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading If every young man could be put in a position where he could do nothing but think for a matter of a couple of months just at that time when he is ready to take up the major business of his life, one may well believe the history of the world would be other and better than it is.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading If every young man could be put in a position where he could do nothing but think for a matter of a couple of months just at that time when he is ready to take up the major business of his life, one may well believe the history of the world would be other and better than it is.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading If every young man could be put in a position where he could do nothing but think for a matter of a couple of months just at that time when he is ready to take up the major business of his life, one may well believe the history of the world would be other and better than it is.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading If every young man could be put in a position where he could do nothing but think for a matter of a couple of months just at that time when he is ready to take up the major business of his life, one may well believe the history of the world would be other and better than it is.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading Three months passed before he was able to take the air even in a slowly driven, pillowed limousine.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading If every young man could be put in a position where he could do nothing but think for a matter of a couple of months just at that time when he is ready to take up the major business of his life, one may well believe the history of the world would be other and better than it is.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading If every young man could be put in a position where he could do nothing but think for a matter of a couple of months just at that time when he is ready to take up the major business of his life, one may well believe the history of the world would be other and better than it is.
the act of testing something
From this reading If ever a chance were given a human being to check up on his accounts, take a trial balance, and arrive at definite conclusions with respect to himself, Potter had that chance.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading If every young man could be put in a position where he could do nothing but think for a matter of a couple of months just at that time when he is ready to take up the major business of his life, one may well believe the history of the world would be other and better than it is.
urgingnounUS /ˈɜːrdʒɪŋ/
a verbalization that encourages you to attempt something
From this reading Not only had he the opportunity, but a vital consideration had intervened, urging him to wider, deeper, bolder considerations.
vitaladjectiveUS /ˈvaɪtəl/
urgently needed; absolutely necessary
From this reading Not only had he the opportunity, but a vital consideration had intervened, urging him to wider, deeper, bolder considerations.
WaitenounUS /weɪt/
United States jurist who was appointed chief justice of the United States Supreme Court in 1874 by President Grant (1816-1888)
From this reading Potter Waite was injured early in May.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Potter Waite was injured early in May.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading If every young man could be put in a position where he could do nothing but think for a matter of a couple of months just at that time when he is ready to take up the major business of his life, one may well believe the history of the world would be other and better than it is.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading If ever a chance were given a human being to check up on his accounts, take a trial balance, and arrive at definite conclusions with respect to himself, Potter had that chance.
at the time that
From this reading If every young man could be put in a position where he could do nothing but think for a matter of a couple of months just at that time when he is ready to take up the major business of his life, one may well believe the history of the world would be other and better than it is.
in or at the place that
From this reading If every young man could be put in a position where he could do nothing but think for a matter of a couple of months just at that time when he is ready to take up the major business of his life, one may well believe the history of the world would be other and better than it is.
wideradjectiveUS /ˈwaɪdər/
comparative of “wide” — having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other
From this reading Not only had he the opportunity, but a vital consideration had intervened, urging him to wider, deeper, bolder considerations.
in the company of; together with
From this reading If ever a chance were given a human being to check up on his accounts, take a trial balance, and arrive at definite conclusions with respect to himself, Potter had that chance.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading If every young man could be put in a position where he could do nothing but think for a matter of a couple of months just at that time when he is ready to take up the major business of his life, one may well believe the history of the world would be other and better than it is.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading If every young man could be put in a position where he could do nothing but think for a matter of a couple of months just at that time when he is ready to take up the major business of his life, one may well believe the history of the world would be other and better than it is.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading If every young man could be put in a position where he could do nothing but think for a matter of a couple of months just at that time when he is ready to take up the major business of his life, one may well believe the history of the world would be other and better than it is.
