used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Always put your own skates on, and put them on deliberately; for if you really mean skating in earnest, limbs, and even life, may depend on their running true, and not failing at a critical moment.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading When within a foot or so, leap on, and the impetus will carry you some yards out upon the lake, clear of the shadow of the bank and the willows above, out to where the ice gleams under the sunshine.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading Always put your own skates on, and put them on deliberately; for if you really mean skating in earnest, limbs, and even life, may depend on their running true, and not failing at a critical moment.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading A glance round shows that it is a solitude; the marks of skates that went past yesterday are visible, but no one has yet arrived: it is the time for an exploring expedition.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Always put your own skates on, and put them on deliberately; for if you really mean skating in earnest, limbs, and even life, may depend on their running true, and not failing at a critical moment.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading A glance round shows that it is a solitude; the marks of skates that went past yesterday are visible, but no one has yet arrived: it is the time for an exploring expedition.
past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress
From this reading A glance round shows that it is a solitude; the marks of skates that went past yesterday are visible, but no one has yet arrived: it is the time for an exploring expedition.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Always put your own skates on, and put them on deliberately; for if you really mean skating in earnest, limbs, and even life, may depend on their running true, and not failing at a critical moment.
stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something
From this reading The slope of the bank must be descended sideways--avoid the stones concealed by snow, for they will destroy the edge of the skate.
sloping land (especially the slope beside a body of water)
From this reading The slope of the bank must be descended sideways--avoid the stones concealed by snow, for they will destroy the edge of the skate.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The slope of the bank must be descended sideways--avoid the stones concealed by snow, for they will destroy the edge of the skate.
enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading Following the shore, note how every stone or stick that has been thrown on by thoughtless persons has sunk into and become firmly fixed in the ice.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Following the shore, note how every stone or stick that has been thrown on by thoughtless persons has sunk into and become firmly fixed in the ice.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading A glance round shows that it is a solitude; the marks of skates that went past yesterday are visible, but no one has yet arrived: it is the time for an exploring expedition.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The slope of the bank must be descended sideways--avoid the stones concealed by snow, for they will destroy the edge of the skate.
move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body
From this reading When within a foot or so, leap on, and the impetus will carry you some yards out upon the lake, clear of the shadow of the bank and the willows above, out to where the ice gleams under the sunshine.
rid of obstructions
From this reading When within a foot or so, leap on, and the impetus will carry you some yards out upon the lake, clear of the shadow of the bank and the willows above, out to where the ice gleams under the sunshine.
not accessible to view
From this reading The slope of the bank must be descended sideways--avoid the stones concealed by snow, for they will destroy the edge of the skate.
criticaladjectiveUS /ˈkrɪtɪkəl/
marked by a tendency to find and call attention to errors and flaws
From this reading Always put your own skates on, and put them on deliberately; for if you really mean skating in earnest, limbs, and even life, may depend on their running true, and not failing at a critical moment.
deliberatelyadverbUS /dɪˈlɪbərətli/
with intention; in an intentional manner
From this reading Always put your own skates on, and put them on deliberately; for if you really mean skating in earnest, limbs, and even life, may depend on their running true, and not failing at a critical moment.
dependverbUS /dɪˈpend/
be contingent upon (something that is elided)
From this reading Always put your own skates on, and put them on deliberately; for if you really mean skating in earnest, limbs, and even life, may depend on their running true, and not failing at a critical moment.
past form of “descend” — move downward and lower, but not necessarily all the way
From this reading The slope of the bank must be descended sideways--avoid the stones concealed by snow, for they will destroy the edge of the skate.
do away with, cause the destruction or undoing of
From this reading The slope of the bank must be descended sideways--avoid the stones concealed by snow, for they will destroy the edge of the skate.
characterized by a firm and humorless belief in the validity of your opinions
From this reading Always put your own skates on, and put them on deliberately; for if you really mean skating in earnest, limbs, and even life, may depend on their running true, and not failing at a critical moment.
the boundary of a surface
From this reading The slope of the bank must be descended sideways--avoid the stones concealed by snow, for they will destroy the edge of the skate.
divisible by two
From this reading Always put your own skates on, and put them on deliberately; for if you really mean skating in earnest, limbs, and even life, may depend on their running true, and not failing at a critical moment.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading Following the shore, note how every stone or stick that has been thrown on by thoughtless persons has sunk into and become firmly fixed in the ice.
a military campaign designed to achieve a specific objective in a foreign country
From this reading A glance round shows that it is a solitude; the marks of skates that went past yesterday are visible, but no one has yet arrived: it is the time for an exploring expedition.
exploringverbUS /ɪkˈsplɔːrɪŋ/
-ing form of “explore” — inquire into
From this reading A glance round shows that it is a solitude; the marks of skates that went past yesterday are visible, but no one has yet arrived: it is the time for an exploring expedition.
failingnounUS /ˈfeɪlɪŋ/
a flaw or weak point
From this reading Always put your own skates on, and put them on deliberately; for if you really mean skating in earnest, limbs, and even life, may depend on their running true, and not failing at a critical moment.
with resolute determination
From this reading Following the shore, note how every stone or stick that has been thrown on by thoughtless persons has sunk into and become firmly fixed in the ice.
(of a number) having a fixed and unchanging value
From this reading Following the shore, note how every stone or stick that has been thrown on by thoughtless persons has sunk into and become firmly fixed in the ice.
about to be mentioned or specified
From this reading Following the shore, note how every stone or stick that has been thrown on by thoughtless persons has sunk into and become firmly fixed in the ice.
the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading When within a foot or so, leap on, and the impetus will carry you some yards out upon the lake, clear of the shadow of the bank and the willows above, out to where the ice gleams under the sunshine.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Always put your own skates on, and put them on deliberately; for if you really mean skating in earnest, limbs, and even life, may depend on their running true, and not failing at a critical moment.
throw a glance at; take a brief look at
From this reading A glance round shows that it is a solitude; the marks of skates that went past yesterday are visible, but no one has yet arrived: it is the time for an exploring expedition.
gleamsnounUS /ɡliːmz/
plural of “gleam” — an appearance of reflected light
From this reading When within a foot or so, leap on, and the impetus will carry you some yards out upon the lake, clear of the shadow of the bank and the willows above, out to where the ice gleams under the sunshine.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A glance round shows that it is a solitude; the marks of skates that went past yesterday are visible, but no one has yet arrived: it is the time for an exploring expedition.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Following the shore, note how every stone or stick that has been thrown on by thoughtless persons has sunk into and become firmly fixed in the ice.
water frozen in the solid state
From this reading When within a foot or so, leap on, and the impetus will carry you some yards out upon the lake, clear of the shadow of the bank and the willows above, out to where the ice gleams under the sunshine.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Always put your own skates on, and put them on deliberately; for if you really mean skating in earnest, limbs, and even life, may depend on their running true, and not failing at a critical moment.
impetusnounUS /ˈɪmpətəs/
a force that moves something along
From this reading When within a foot or so, leap on, and the impetus will carry you some yards out upon the lake, clear of the shadow of the bank and the willows above, out to where the ice gleams under the sunshine.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Always put your own skates on, and put them on deliberately; for if you really mean skating in earnest, limbs, and even life, may depend on their running true, and not failing at a critical moment.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Following the shore, note how every stone or stick that has been thrown on by thoughtless persons has sunk into and become firmly fixed in the ice.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A glance round shows that it is a solitude; the marks of skates that went past yesterday are visible, but no one has yet arrived: it is the time for an exploring expedition.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading A glance round shows that it is a solitude; the marks of skates that went past yesterday are visible, but no one has yet arrived: it is the time for an exploring expedition.
a body of (usually fresh) water surrounded by land
From this reading When within a foot or so, leap on, and the impetus will carry you some yards out upon the lake, clear of the shadow of the bank and the willows above, out to where the ice gleams under the sunshine.
leapnounUS /liːp/
a light, self-propelled movement upwards or forwards
From this reading When within a foot or so, leap on, and the impetus will carry you some yards out upon the lake, clear of the shadow of the bank and the willows above, out to where the ice gleams under the sunshine.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Always put your own skates on, and put them on deliberately; for if you really mean skating in earnest, limbs, and even life, may depend on their running true, and not failing at a critical moment.
plural of “limb” — one of the jointed appendages of an animal used for locomotion or grasping: arm; leg; wing; flipper
From this reading Always put your own skates on, and put them on deliberately; for if you really mean skating in earnest, limbs, and even life, may depend on their running true, and not failing at a critical moment.
English businessman who created a retail chain (1888-1964)
From this reading A glance round shows that it is a solitude; the marks of skates that went past yesterday are visible, but no one has yet arrived: it is the time for an exploring expedition.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading Always put your own skates on, and put them on deliberately; for if you really mean skating in earnest, limbs, and even life, may depend on their running true, and not failing at a critical moment.
mean or intend to express or convey
From this reading Always put your own skates on, and put them on deliberately; for if you really mean skating in earnest, limbs, and even life, may depend on their running true, and not failing at a critical moment.
a particular point in time
From this reading Always put your own skates on, and put them on deliberately; for if you really mean skating in earnest, limbs, and even life, may depend on their running true, and not failing at a critical moment.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading The slope of the bank must be descended sideways--avoid the stones concealed by snow, for they will destroy the edge of the skate.
not any; not one
From this reading A glance round shows that it is a solitude; the marks of skates that went past yesterday are visible, but no one has yet arrived: it is the time for an exploring expedition.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Always put your own skates on, and put them on deliberately; for if you really mean skating in earnest, limbs, and even life, may depend on their running true, and not failing at a critical moment.
a brief written record
From this reading Following the shore, note how every stone or stick that has been thrown on by thoughtless persons has sunk into and become firmly fixed in the ice.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The slope of the bank must be descended sideways--avoid the stones concealed by snow, for they will destroy the edge of the skate.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Always put your own skates on, and put them on deliberately; for if you really mean skating in earnest, limbs, and even life, may depend on their running true, and not failing at a critical moment.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading A glance round shows that it is a solitude; the marks of skates that went past yesterday are visible, but no one has yet arrived: it is the time for an exploring expedition.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading When within a foot or so, leap on, and the impetus will carry you some yards out upon the lake, clear of the shadow of the bank and the willows above, out to where the ice gleams under the sunshine.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading When within a foot or so, leap on, and the impetus will carry you some yards out upon the lake, clear of the shadow of the bank and the willows above, out to where the ice gleams under the sunshine.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading Always put your own skates on, and put them on deliberately; for if you really mean skating in earnest, limbs, and even life, may depend on their running true, and not failing at a critical moment.
the time that has elapsed
From this reading A glance round shows that it is a solitude; the marks of skates that went past yesterday are visible, but no one has yet arrived: it is the time for an exploring expedition.
plural of “person” — a human being
From this reading Following the shore, note how every stone or stick that has been thrown on by thoughtless persons has sunk into and become firmly fixed in the ice.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading Always put your own skates on, and put them on deliberately; for if you really mean skating in earnest, limbs, and even life, may depend on their running true, and not failing at a critical moment.
in accordance with truth or fact or reality
From this reading Always put your own skates on, and put them on deliberately; for if you really mean skating in earnest, limbs, and even life, may depend on their running true, and not failing at a critical moment.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading A glance round shows that it is a solitude; the marks of skates that went past yesterday are visible, but no one has yet arrived: it is the time for an exploring expedition.
(of fluids) moving or issuing in a stream
From this reading Always put your own skates on, and put them on deliberately; for if you really mean skating in earnest, limbs, and even life, may depend on their running true, and not failing at a critical moment.
A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.
From this reading When within a foot or so, leap on, and the impetus will carry you some yards out upon the lake, clear of the shadow of the bank and the willows above, out to where the ice gleams under the sunshine.
the land along the edge of a body of water
From this reading Following the shore, note how every stone or stick that has been thrown on by thoughtless persons has sunk into and become firmly fixed in the ice.
plural of “show” — the act of publicly exhibiting or entertaining
From this reading A glance round shows that it is a solitude; the marks of skates that went past yesterday are visible, but no one has yet arrived: it is the time for an exploring expedition.
sidewaysadverbUS /ˈsaɪdweɪz/
with one side forward or to the front
From this reading The slope of the bank must be descended sideways--avoid the stones concealed by snow, for they will destroy the edge of the skate.
skatenounUS /skeɪt/
sports equipment that is worn on the feet to enable the wearer to glide along and to be propelled by the alternate actions of the legs
From this reading The slope of the bank must be descended sideways--avoid the stones concealed by snow, for they will destroy the edge of the skate.
skatesnounUS /skeɪts/
plural of “skate” — sports equipment that is worn on the feet to enable the wearer to glide along and to be propelled by the alternate actions of the legs
From this reading Always put your own skates on, and put them on deliberately; for if you really mean skating in earnest, limbs, and even life, may depend on their running true, and not failing at a critical moment.
skatingnounUS /ˈskeɪtɪŋ/
the sport of gliding on skates
From this reading Always put your own skates on, and put them on deliberately; for if you really mean skating in earnest, limbs, and even life, may depend on their running true, and not failing at a critical moment.
an elevated geological formation
From this reading The slope of the bank must be descended sideways--avoid the stones concealed by snow, for they will destroy the edge of the skate.
precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals
From this reading The slope of the bank must be descended sideways--avoid the stones concealed by snow, for they will destroy the edge of the skate.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading When within a foot or so, leap on, and the impetus will carry you some yards out upon the lake, clear of the shadow of the bank and the willows above, out to where the ice gleams under the sunshine.
a state of social isolation
From this reading A glance round shows that it is a solitude; the marks of skates that went past yesterday are visible, but no one has yet arrived: it is the time for an exploring expedition.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading When within a foot or so, leap on, and the impetus will carry you some yards out upon the lake, clear of the shadow of the bank and the willows above, out to where the ice gleams under the sunshine.
put, fix, force, or implant
From this reading Following the shore, note how every stone or stick that has been thrown on by thoughtless persons has sunk into and become firmly fixed in the ice.
a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter
From this reading Following the shore, note how every stone or stick that has been thrown on by thoughtless persons has sunk into and become firmly fixed in the ice.
plural of “stone” — a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter
From this reading The slope of the bank must be descended sideways--avoid the stones concealed by snow, for they will destroy the edge of the skate.
sunkadjectiveUS /sʌŋk/
doomed to extinction
From this reading Following the shore, note how every stone or stick that has been thrown on by thoughtless persons has sunk into and become firmly fixed in the ice.
the rays of the sun
From this reading When within a foot or so, leap on, and the impetus will carry you some yards out upon the lake, clear of the shadow of the bank and the willows above, out to where the ice gleams under the sunshine.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading A glance round shows that it is a solitude; the marks of skates that went past yesterday are visible, but no one has yet arrived: it is the time for an exploring expedition.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The slope of the bank must be descended sideways--avoid the stones concealed by snow, for they will destroy the edge of the skate.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Always put your own skates on, and put them on deliberately; for if you really mean skating in earnest, limbs, and even life, may depend on their running true, and not failing at a critical moment.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Always put your own skates on, and put them on deliberately; for if you really mean skating in earnest, limbs, and even life, may depend on their running true, and not failing at a critical moment.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The slope of the bank must be descended sideways--avoid the stones concealed by snow, for they will destroy the edge of the skate.
thoughtlessadjectiveUS /ˈθɔːtləs/
showing lack of careful thought
From this reading Following the shore, note how every stone or stick that has been thrown on by thoughtless persons has sunk into and become firmly fixed in the ice.
caused to fall to the ground
From this reading Following the shore, note how every stone or stick that has been thrown on by thoughtless persons has sunk into and become firmly fixed in the ice.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading A glance round shows that it is a solitude; the marks of skates that went past yesterday are visible, but no one has yet arrived: it is the time for an exploring expedition.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading When within a foot or so, leap on, and the impetus will carry you some yards out upon the lake, clear of the shadow of the bank and the willows above, out to where the ice gleams under the sunshine.
consistent with fact or reality; not false
From this reading Always put your own skates on, and put them on deliberately; for if you really mean skating in earnest, limbs, and even life, may depend on their running true, and not failing at a critical moment.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading When within a foot or so, leap on, and the impetus will carry you some yards out upon the lake, clear of the shadow of the bank and the willows above, out to where the ice gleams under the sunshine.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading When within a foot or so, leap on, and the impetus will carry you some yards out upon the lake, clear of the shadow of the bank and the willows above, out to where the ice gleams under the sunshine.
capable of being seen; or open to easy view
From this reading A glance round shows that it is a solitude; the marks of skates that went past yesterday are visible, but no one has yet arrived: it is the time for an exploring expedition.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading A glance round shows that it is a solitude; the marks of skates that went past yesterday are visible, but no one has yet arrived: it is the time for an exploring expedition.
at the time that
From this reading When within a foot or so, leap on, and the impetus will carry you some yards out upon the lake, clear of the shadow of the bank and the willows above, out to where the ice gleams under the sunshine.
in or at the place that
From this reading When within a foot or so, leap on, and the impetus will carry you some yards out upon the lake, clear of the shadow of the bank and the willows above, out to where the ice gleams under the sunshine.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading The slope of the bank must be descended sideways--avoid the stones concealed by snow, for they will destroy the edge of the skate.
willowsnounUS /ˈwɪloʊz/
plural of “willow” — any of numerous deciduous trees and shrubs of the genus Salix
From this reading When within a foot or so, leap on, and the impetus will carry you some yards out upon the lake, clear of the shadow of the bank and the willows above, out to where the ice gleams under the sunshine.
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading When within a foot or so, leap on, and the impetus will carry you some yards out upon the lake, clear of the shadow of the bank and the willows above, out to where the ice gleams under the sunshine.
plural of “yard” — a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride
From this reading When within a foot or so, leap on, and the impetus will carry you some yards out upon the lake, clear of the shadow of the bank and the willows above, out to where the ice gleams under the sunshine.
the day immediately before today
From this reading A glance round shows that it is a solitude; the marks of skates that went past yesterday are visible, but no one has yet arrived: it is the time for an exploring expedition.
but in spite of that
From this reading A glance round shows that it is a solitude; the marks of skates that went past yesterday are visible, but no one has yet arrived: it is the time for an exploring expedition.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading Always put your own skates on, and put them on deliberately; for if you really mean skating in earnest, limbs, and even life, may depend on their running true, and not failing at a critical moment.
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading Always put your own skates on, and put them on deliberately; for if you really mean skating in earnest, limbs, and even life, may depend on their running true, and not failing at a critical moment.
