used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE WILDERNESS OF NASTY POSSIBILITIES When Nick heard of the mistake that had been made, he raised his eyebrows till he could raise them no further and then laughed, laughed immoderately till Olga was secretly a little exasperated.
adorationnounUS /ˌædərˈeɪʃən/
a feeling of profound love and admiration
From this reading Noel's candid adoration was beginning to assume somewhat alarming proportions, and she had a feeling that it was undermining her resolution.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading If he had his own private opinion, he did not impart it to Olga, and, since he seemed inclined to treat the whole affair with levity, she did not press him for it.
alarmingadjectiveUS /əˈlɑːrmɪŋ/
frightening because of an awareness of danger
From this reading Noel's candid adoration was beginning to assume somewhat alarming proportions, and she had a feeling that it was undermining her resolution.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE WILDERNESS OF NASTY POSSIBILITIES When Nick heard of the mistake that had been made, he raised his eyebrows till he could raise them no further and then laughed, laughed immoderately till Olga was secretly a little exasperated.
eagerly desirous
From this reading They did not have much time for discussing the matter, and for some reason Nick did not seem anxious to do so.
assumeverbUS /əˈsuːm/
take to be the case or to be true; accept without verification or proof
From this reading Noel's candid adoration was beginning to assume somewhat alarming proportions, and she had a feeling that it was undermining her resolution.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading THE WILDERNESS OF NASTY POSSIBILITIES When Nick heard of the mistake that had been made, he raised his eyebrows till he could raise them no further and then laughed, laughed immoderately till Olga was secretly a little exasperated.
the event consisting of the start of something
From this reading Noel's candid adoration was beginning to assume somewhat alarming proportions, and she had a feeling that it was undermining her resolution.
candidadjectiveUS /ˈkændəd/
characterized by directness in manner or speech; without subtlety or evasion
From this reading Noel's candid adoration was beginning to assume somewhat alarming proportions, and she had a feeling that it was undermining her resolution.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading THE WILDERNESS OF NASTY POSSIBILITIES When Nick heard of the mistake that had been made, he raised his eyebrows till he could raise them no further and then laughed, laughed immoderately till Olga was secretly a little exasperated.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading They did not have much time for discussing the matter, and for some reason Nick did not seem anxious to do so.
discussingverbUS /dɪˈskʌsɪŋ/
-ing form of “discuss” — to consider or examine in speech or writing
From this reading They did not have much time for discussing the matter, and for some reason Nick did not seem anxious to do so.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading They did not have much time for discussing the matter, and for some reason Nick did not seem anxious to do so.
exasperatedadjectiveUS /ɪɡˈzæspəreɪtɪd/
greatly annoyed; out of patience
From this reading THE WILDERNESS OF NASTY POSSIBILITIES When Nick heard of the mistake that had been made, he raised his eyebrows till he could raise them no further and then laughed, laughed immoderately till Olga was secretly a little exasperated.
eyebrowsnounUS /ˈaɪbraʊz/
plural of “eyebrow” — the arch of hair above each eye
From this reading THE WILDERNESS OF NASTY POSSIBILITIES When Nick heard of the mistake that had been made, he raised his eyebrows till he could raise them no further and then laughed, laughed immoderately till Olga was secretly a little exasperated.
the experiencing of affective and emotional states
From this reading Noel's candid adoration was beginning to assume somewhat alarming proportions, and she had a feeling that it was undermining her resolution.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading They did not have much time for discussing the matter, and for some reason Nick did not seem anxious to do so.
to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)
From this reading THE WILDERNESS OF NASTY POSSIBILITIES When Nick heard of the mistake that had been made, he raised his eyebrows till he could raise them no further and then laughed, laughed immoderately till Olga was secretly a little exasperated.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading THE WILDERNESS OF NASTY POSSIBILITIES When Nick heard of the mistake that had been made, he raised his eyebrows till he could raise them no further and then laughed, laughed immoderately till Olga was secretly a little exasperated.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading They did not have much time for discussing the matter, and for some reason Nick did not seem anxious to do so.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading THE WILDERNESS OF NASTY POSSIBILITIES When Nick heard of the mistake that had been made, he raised his eyebrows till he could raise them no further and then laughed, laughed immoderately till Olga was secretly a little exasperated.
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading THE WILDERNESS OF NASTY POSSIBILITIES When Nick heard of the mistake that had been made, he raised his eyebrows till he could raise them no further and then laughed, laughed immoderately till Olga was secretly a little exasperated.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Noel's candid adoration was beginning to assume somewhat alarming proportions, and she had a feeling that it was undermining her resolution.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading For she herself was regarding matters very seriously.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading If he had his own private opinion, he did not impart it to Olga, and, since he seemed inclined to treat the whole affair with levity, she did not press him for it.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading THE WILDERNESS OF NASTY POSSIBILITIES When Nick heard of the mistake that had been made, he raised his eyebrows till he could raise them no further and then laughed, laughed immoderately till Olga was secretly a little exasperated.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading If he had his own private opinion, he did not impart it to Olga, and, since he seemed inclined to treat the whole affair with levity, she did not press him for it.
immoderatelyadverb
without moderation; in an immoderate manner
From this reading THE WILDERNESS OF NASTY POSSIBILITIES When Nick heard of the mistake that had been made, he raised his eyebrows till he could raise them no further and then laughed, laughed immoderately till Olga was secretly a little exasperated.
impartverbUS /ˌɪmˈpɑːrt/
transmit (knowledge or skills)
From this reading If he had his own private opinion, he did not impart it to Olga, and, since he seemed inclined to treat the whole affair with levity, she did not press him for it.
(often followed by “to”) having a preference, disposition, or tendency
From this reading If he had his own private opinion, he did not impart it to Olga, and, since he seemed inclined to treat the whole affair with levity, she did not press him for it.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading If he had his own private opinion, he did not impart it to Olga, and, since he seemed inclined to treat the whole affair with levity, she did not press him for it.
past form of “laugh” — produce laughter
From this reading THE WILDERNESS OF NASTY POSSIBILITIES When Nick heard of the mistake that had been made, he raised his eyebrows till he could raise them no further and then laughed, laughed immoderately till Olga was secretly a little exasperated.
levitynounUS /ˈlevɪti/
feeling an inappropriate lack of seriousness
From this reading If he had his own private opinion, he did not impart it to Olga, and, since he seemed inclined to treat the whole affair with levity, she did not press him for it.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading THE WILDERNESS OF NASTY POSSIBILITIES When Nick heard of the mistake that had been made, he raised his eyebrows till he could raise them no further and then laughed, laughed immoderately till Olga was secretly a little exasperated.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading THE WILDERNESS OF NASTY POSSIBILITIES When Nick heard of the mistake that had been made, he raised his eyebrows till he could raise them no further and then laughed, laughed immoderately till Olga was secretly a little exasperated.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading They did not have much time for discussing the matter, and for some reason Nick did not seem anxious to do so.
plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern
From this reading For she herself was regarding matters very seriously.
a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention
From this reading THE WILDERNESS OF NASTY POSSIBILITIES When Nick heard of the mistake that had been made, he raised his eyebrows till he could raise them no further and then laughed, laughed immoderately till Olga was secretly a little exasperated.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading They did not have much time for discussing the matter, and for some reason Nick did not seem anxious to do so.
NASTYadjectiveUS /ˈnæsti/
offensive or even (of persons) malicious
From this reading THE WILDERNESS OF NASTY POSSIBILITIES When Nick heard of the mistake that had been made, he raised his eyebrows till he could raise them no further and then laughed, laughed immoderately till Olga was secretly a little exasperated.
NickverbUS /nɪk/
cut slightly, with a razor
From this reading THE WILDERNESS OF NASTY POSSIBILITIES When Nick heard of the mistake that had been made, he raised his eyebrows till he could raise them no further and then laughed, laughed immoderately till Olga was secretly a little exasperated.
not any; not one
From this reading THE WILDERNESS OF NASTY POSSIBILITIES When Nick heard of the mistake that had been made, he raised his eyebrows till he could raise them no further and then laughed, laughed immoderately till Olga was secretly a little exasperated.
Noel'snounUS /noʊˈelz/
possessive form of “noel” — period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6
From this reading Noel's candid adoration was beginning to assume somewhat alarming proportions, and she had a feeling that it was undermining her resolution.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading They did not have much time for discussing the matter, and for some reason Nick did not seem anxious to do so.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE WILDERNESS OF NASTY POSSIBILITIES When Nick heard of the mistake that had been made, he raised his eyebrows till he could raise them no further and then laughed, laughed immoderately till Olga was secretly a little exasperated.
Olga
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE WILDERNESS OF NASTY POSSIBILITIES When Nick heard of the mistake that had been made, he raised his eyebrows till he could raise them no further and then laughed, laughed immoderately till Olga was secretly a little exasperated.
a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty
From this reading If he had his own private opinion, he did not impart it to Olga, and, since he seemed inclined to treat the whole affair with levity, she did not press him for it.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading If he had his own private opinion, he did not impart it to Olga, and, since he seemed inclined to treat the whole affair with levity, she did not press him for it.
POSSIBILITIESnounUS /ˌpɑːsəˈbɪlətiz/
plural of “possibility” — a future prospect or potential
From this reading THE WILDERNESS OF NASTY POSSIBILITIES When Nick heard of the mistake that had been made, he raised his eyebrows till he could raise them no further and then laughed, laughed immoderately till Olga was secretly a little exasperated.
exert pressure or force to or upon
From this reading If he had his own private opinion, he did not impart it to Olga, and, since he seemed inclined to treat the whole affair with levity, she did not press him for it.
confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy
From this reading If he had his own private opinion, he did not impart it to Olga, and, since he seemed inclined to treat the whole affair with levity, she did not press him for it.
proportionsnounUS /prəˈpɔːrʃənz/
plural of “proportion” — the quotient obtained when the magnitude of a part is divided by the magnitude of the whole
From this reading Noel's candid adoration was beginning to assume somewhat alarming proportions, and she had a feeling that it was undermining her resolution.
raise the level or amount of something
From this reading THE WILDERNESS OF NASTY POSSIBILITIES When Nick heard of the mistake that had been made, he raised his eyebrows till he could raise them no further and then laughed, laughed immoderately till Olga was secretly a little exasperated.
located or moved above the surround or above the normal position
From this reading THE WILDERNESS OF NASTY POSSIBILITIES When Nick heard of the mistake that had been made, he raised his eyebrows till he could raise them no further and then laughed, laughed immoderately till Olga was secretly a little exasperated.
a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading They did not have much time for discussing the matter, and for some reason Nick did not seem anxious to do so.
regardingverbUS /rɪˈɡɑːrdɪŋ/
-ing form of “regard” — deem to be
From this reading For she herself was regarding matters very seriously.
a formal expression by a meeting; agreed to by a vote
From this reading Noel's candid adoration was beginning to assume somewhat alarming proportions, and she had a feeling that it was undermining her resolution.
secretlyadverbUS /ˈsiːkrɪtli/
in secrecy; not openly
From this reading THE WILDERNESS OF NASTY POSSIBILITIES When Nick heard of the mistake that had been made, he raised his eyebrows till he could raise them no further and then laughed, laughed immoderately till Olga was secretly a little exasperated.
give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading They did not have much time for discussing the matter, and for some reason Nick did not seem anxious to do so.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading If he had his own private opinion, he did not impart it to Olga, and, since he seemed inclined to treat the whole affair with levity, she did not press him for it.
in a serious manner
From this reading For she herself was regarding matters very seriously.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading If he had his own private opinion, he did not impart it to Olga, and, since he seemed inclined to treat the whole affair with levity, she did not press him for it.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading If he had his own private opinion, he did not impart it to Olga, and, since he seemed inclined to treat the whole affair with levity, she did not press him for it.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading They did not have much time for discussing the matter, and for some reason Nick did not seem anxious to do so.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading They did not have much time for discussing the matter, and for some reason Nick did not seem anxious to do so.
to a small degree or extent
From this reading Noel's candid adoration was beginning to assume somewhat alarming proportions, and she had a feeling that it was undermining her resolution.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading THE WILDERNESS OF NASTY POSSIBILITIES When Nick heard of the mistake that had been made, he raised his eyebrows till he could raise them no further and then laughed, laughed immoderately till Olga was secretly a little exasperated.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE WILDERNESS OF NASTY POSSIBILITIES When Nick heard of the mistake that had been made, he raised his eyebrows till he could raise them no further and then laughed, laughed immoderately till Olga was secretly a little exasperated.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading THE WILDERNESS OF NASTY POSSIBILITIES When Nick heard of the mistake that had been made, he raised his eyebrows till he could raise them no further and then laughed, laughed immoderately till Olga was secretly a little exasperated.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading THE WILDERNESS OF NASTY POSSIBILITIES When Nick heard of the mistake that had been made, he raised his eyebrows till he could raise them no further and then laughed, laughed immoderately till Olga was secretly a little exasperated.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They did not have much time for discussing the matter, and for some reason Nick did not seem anxious to do so.
up to a particular time
From this reading THE WILDERNESS OF NASTY POSSIBILITIES When Nick heard of the mistake that had been made, he raised his eyebrows till he could raise them no further and then laughed, laughed immoderately till Olga was secretly a little exasperated.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading They did not have much time for discussing the matter, and for some reason Nick did not seem anxious to do so.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading They did not have much time for discussing the matter, and for some reason Nick did not seem anxious to do so.
interact in a certain way
From this reading If he had his own private opinion, he did not impart it to Olga, and, since he seemed inclined to treat the whole affair with levity, she did not press him for it.
underminingverbUS /ˈʌndərmaɪnɪŋ/
-ing form of “undermine” — destroy property or hinder normal operations
From this reading Noel's candid adoration was beginning to assume somewhat alarming proportions, and she had a feeling that it was undermining her resolution.
precisely as stated
From this reading For she herself was regarding matters very seriously.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE WILDERNESS OF NASTY POSSIBILITIES When Nick heard of the mistake that had been made, he raised his eyebrows till he could raise them no further and then laughed, laughed immoderately till Olga was secretly a little exasperated.
at the time that
From this reading THE WILDERNESS OF NASTY POSSIBILITIES When Nick heard of the mistake that had been made, he raised his eyebrows till he could raise them no further and then laughed, laughed immoderately till Olga was secretly a little exasperated.
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading If he had his own private opinion, he did not impart it to Olga, and, since he seemed inclined to treat the whole affair with levity, she did not press him for it.
WILDERNESSnounUS /ˈwɪldərnəs/
(politics) a state of disfavor
From this reading THE WILDERNESS OF NASTY POSSIBILITIES When Nick heard of the mistake that had been made, he raised his eyebrows till he could raise them no further and then laughed, laughed immoderately till Olga was secretly a little exasperated.
in the company of; together with
From this reading If he had his own private opinion, he did not impart it to Olga, and, since he seemed inclined to treat the whole affair with levity, she did not press him for it.
