used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Verty stood for a moment gazing at the door through which Redbud had disappeared, unable to speak or move.
acquireverbUS /əˈkwaɪər/
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading Astonishment, compassion, love, distress, by turns filled his mind; and standing there, on a fine October morning, the young man, with the clear sunshine streaming on him joyfully, took his first lesson in human distress--a knowledge which all must acquire at some period of their lives, sooner or later.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading Astonishment, compassion, love, distress, by turns filled his mind; and standing there, on a fine October morning, the young man, with the clear sunshine streaming on him joyfully, took his first lesson in human distress--a knowledge which all must acquire at some period of their lives, sooner or later.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading He was astonished at the extraordinary change in Redbud's whole demeanor; he felt deep pity for the sickness which she had pleaded as an excuse for leaving him.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Astonishment, compassion, love, distress, by turns filled his mind; and standing there, on a fine October morning, the young man, with the clear sunshine streaming on him joyfully, took his first lesson in human distress--a knowledge which all must acquire at some period of their lives, sooner or later.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading He was astonished at the extraordinary change in Redbud's whole demeanor; he felt deep pity for the sickness which she had pleaded as an excuse for leaving him.
filled with the emotional impact of overwhelming surprise or shock
From this reading He was astonished at the extraordinary change in Redbud's whole demeanor; he felt deep pity for the sickness which she had pleaded as an excuse for leaving him.
the feeling that accompanies something extremely surprising
From this reading Astonishment, compassion, love, distress, by turns filled his mind; and standing there, on a fine October morning, the young man, with the clear sunshine streaming on him joyfully, took his first lesson in human distress--a knowledge which all must acquire at some period of their lives, sooner or later.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Verty stood for a moment gazing at the door through which Redbud had disappeared, unable to speak or move.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading His mixture of emotions may be easily explained.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Astonishment, compassion, love, distress, by turns filled his mind; and standing there, on a fine October morning, the young man, with the clear sunshine streaming on him joyfully, took his first lesson in human distress--a knowledge which all must acquire at some period of their lives, sooner or later.
cause to change; make different; cause a transformation
From this reading He was astonished at the extraordinary change in Redbud's whole demeanor; he felt deep pity for the sickness which she had pleaded as an excuse for leaving him.
rid of obstructions
From this reading Astonishment, compassion, love, distress, by turns filled his mind; and standing there, on a fine October morning, the young man, with the clear sunshine streaming on him joyfully, took his first lesson in human distress--a knowledge which all must acquire at some period of their lives, sooner or later.
compassionnounUS /kəmˈpæʃən/
a deep awareness of and sympathy for another's suffering
From this reading Astonishment, compassion, love, distress, by turns filled his mind; and standing there, on a fine October morning, the young man, with the clear sunshine streaming on him joyfully, took his first lesson in human distress--a knowledge which all must acquire at some period of their lives, sooner or later.
relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply
From this reading He was astonished at the extraordinary change in Redbud's whole demeanor; he felt deep pity for the sickness which she had pleaded as an excuse for leaving him.
demeanornounUS /dɪˈmiːnər/
(behavioral attributes) the way a person behaves toward other people
From this reading He was astonished at the extraordinary change in Redbud's whole demeanor; he felt deep pity for the sickness which she had pleaded as an excuse for leaving him.
past form of “disappear” — get lost, as without warning or explanation
From this reading Verty stood for a moment gazing at the door through which Redbud had disappeared, unable to speak or move.
psychological suffering
From this reading Astonishment, compassion, love, distress, by turns filled his mind; and standing there, on a fine October morning, the young man, with the clear sunshine streaming on him joyfully, took his first lesson in human distress--a knowledge which all must acquire at some period of their lives, sooner or later.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading Verty stood for a moment gazing at the door through which Redbud had disappeared, unable to speak or move.
with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)
From this reading His mixture of emotions may be easily explained.
plural of “emotion” — any strong feeling
From this reading His mixture of emotions may be easily explained.
accept an excuse for
From this reading He was astonished at the extraordinary change in Redbud's whole demeanor; he felt deep pity for the sickness which she had pleaded as an excuse for leaving him.
past form of “explain” — make plain and comprehensible
From this reading His mixture of emotions may be easily explained.
beyond what is ordinary or usual; highly unusual or exceptional or remarkable
From this reading He was astonished at the extraordinary change in Redbud's whole demeanor; he felt deep pity for the sickness which she had pleaded as an excuse for leaving him.
cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow
From this reading HOW MISS SALLIANNA FELL IN LOVE WITH VERTY.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading He was astonished at the extraordinary change in Redbud's whole demeanor; he felt deep pity for the sickness which she had pleaded as an excuse for leaving him.
(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with
From this reading Astonishment, compassion, love, distress, by turns filled his mind; and standing there, on a fine October morning, the young man, with the clear sunshine streaming on him joyfully, took his first lesson in human distress--a knowledge which all must acquire at some period of their lives, sooner or later.
being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition
From this reading Astonishment, compassion, love, distress, by turns filled his mind; and standing there, on a fine October morning, the young man, with the clear sunshine streaming on him joyfully, took his first lesson in human distress--a knowledge which all must acquire at some period of their lives, sooner or later.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading Astonishment, compassion, love, distress, by turns filled his mind; and standing there, on a fine October morning, the young man, with the clear sunshine streaming on him joyfully, took his first lesson in human distress--a knowledge which all must acquire at some period of their lives, sooner or later.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Verty stood for a moment gazing at the door through which Redbud had disappeared, unable to speak or move.
-ing form of “gaze” — look at with fixed eyes
From this reading Verty stood for a moment gazing at the door through which Redbud had disappeared, unable to speak or move.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Verty stood for a moment gazing at the door through which Redbud had disappeared, unable to speak or move.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He was astonished at the extraordinary change in Redbud's whole demeanor; he felt deep pity for the sickness which she had pleaded as an excuse for leaving him.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Astonishment, compassion, love, distress, by turns filled his mind; and standing there, on a fine October morning, the young man, with the clear sunshine streaming on him joyfully, took his first lesson in human distress--a knowledge which all must acquire at some period of their lives, sooner or later.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Astonishment, compassion, love, distress, by turns filled his mind; and standing there, on a fine October morning, the young man, with the clear sunshine streaming on him joyfully, took his first lesson in human distress--a knowledge which all must acquire at some period of their lives, sooner or later.
HOW
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading HOW MISS SALLIANNA FELL IN LOVE WITH VERTY.
humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading Astonishment, compassion, love, distress, by turns filled his mind; and standing there, on a fine October morning, the young man, with the clear sunshine streaming on him joyfully, took his first lesson in human distress--a knowledge which all must acquire at some period of their lives, sooner or later.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading HOW MISS SALLIANNA FELL IN LOVE WITH VERTY.
joyfullyadverbUS /ˈdʒɔɪfəli/
in a joyous and gleeful manner
From this reading Astonishment, compassion, love, distress, by turns filled his mind; and standing there, on a fine October morning, the young man, with the clear sunshine streaming on him joyfully, took his first lesson in human distress--a knowledge which all must acquire at some period of their lives, sooner or later.
the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning
From this reading Astonishment, compassion, love, distress, by turns filled his mind; and standing there, on a fine October morning, the young man, with the clear sunshine streaming on him joyfully, took his first lesson in human distress--a knowledge which all must acquire at some period of their lives, sooner or later.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading Astonishment, compassion, love, distress, by turns filled his mind; and standing there, on a fine October morning, the young man, with the clear sunshine streaming on him joyfully, took his first lesson in human distress--a knowledge which all must acquire at some period of their lives, sooner or later.
the act of departing
From this reading He was astonished at the extraordinary change in Redbud's whole demeanor; he felt deep pity for the sickness which she had pleaded as an excuse for leaving him.
a unit of instruction
From this reading Astonishment, compassion, love, distress, by turns filled his mind; and standing there, on a fine October morning, the young man, with the clear sunshine streaming on him joyfully, took his first lesson in human distress--a knowledge which all must acquire at some period of their lives, sooner or later.
plural of “life” — a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Astonishment, compassion, love, distress, by turns filled his mind; and standing there, on a fine October morning, the young man, with the clear sunshine streaming on him joyfully, took his first lesson in human distress--a knowledge which all must acquire at some period of their lives, sooner or later.
a strong positive emotion of regard and affection
From this reading HOW MISS SALLIANNA FELL IN LOVE WITH VERTY.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Astonishment, compassion, love, distress, by turns filled his mind; and standing there, on a fine October morning, the young man, with the clear sunshine streaming on him joyfully, took his first lesson in human distress--a knowledge which all must acquire at some period of their lives, sooner or later.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading His mixture of emotions may be easily explained.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading Astonishment, compassion, love, distress, by turns filled his mind; and standing there, on a fine October morning, the young man, with the clear sunshine streaming on him joyfully, took his first lesson in human distress--a knowledge which all must acquire at some period of their lives, sooner or later.
fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind
From this reading HOW MISS SALLIANNA FELL IN LOVE WITH VERTY.
mixturenounUS /ˈmɪkstʃər/
(chemistry) a substance consisting of two or more substances mixed together (not in fixed proportions and not with chemical bonding)
From this reading His mixture of emotions may be easily explained.
a particular point in time
From this reading Verty stood for a moment gazing at the door through which Redbud had disappeared, unable to speak or move.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading Astonishment, compassion, love, distress, by turns filled his mind; and standing there, on a fine October morning, the young man, with the clear sunshine streaming on him joyfully, took his first lesson in human distress--a knowledge which all must acquire at some period of their lives, sooner or later.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Verty stood for a moment gazing at the door through which Redbud had disappeared, unable to speak or move.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading Astonishment, compassion, love, distress, by turns filled his mind; and standing there, on a fine October morning, the young man, with the clear sunshine streaming on him joyfully, took his first lesson in human distress--a knowledge which all must acquire at some period of their lives, sooner or later.
OctobernounUS /ɑːkˈtoʊbər/
the month following September and preceding November
From this reading Astonishment, compassion, love, distress, by turns filled his mind; and standing there, on a fine October morning, the young man, with the clear sunshine streaming on him joyfully, took his first lesson in human distress--a knowledge which all must acquire at some period of their lives, sooner or later.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Astonishment, compassion, love, distress, by turns filled his mind; and standing there, on a fine October morning, the young man, with the clear sunshine streaming on him joyfully, took his first lesson in human distress--a knowledge which all must acquire at some period of their lives, sooner or later.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Astonishment, compassion, love, distress, by turns filled his mind; and standing there, on a fine October morning, the young man, with the clear sunshine streaming on him joyfully, took his first lesson in human distress--a knowledge which all must acquire at some period of their lives, sooner or later.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Verty stood for a moment gazing at the door through which Redbud had disappeared, unable to speak or move.
an amount of time
From this reading Astonishment, compassion, love, distress, by turns filled his mind; and standing there, on a fine October morning, the young man, with the clear sunshine streaming on him joyfully, took his first lesson in human distress--a knowledge which all must acquire at some period of their lives, sooner or later.
a feeling of sympathy and sorrow for the misfortunes of others
From this reading He was astonished at the extraordinary change in Redbud's whole demeanor; he felt deep pity for the sickness which she had pleaded as an excuse for leaving him.
pleadedverbUS /ˈpliːdɪd/
past form of “plead” — appeal or request earnestly
From this reading He was astonished at the extraordinary change in Redbud's whole demeanor; he felt deep pity for the sickness which she had pleaded as an excuse for leaving him.
RedbudnounUS /ˈredbʌd/
small shrubby tree of eastern North America similar to the Judas tree having usually pink flowers; found in damp sheltered underwood
From this reading Verty stood for a moment gazing at the door through which Redbud had disappeared, unable to speak or move.
Redbud's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was astonished at the extraordinary change in Redbud's whole demeanor; he felt deep pity for the sickness which she had pleaded as an excuse for leaving him.
SALLIANNA
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading HOW MISS SALLIANNA FELL IN LOVE WITH VERTY.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He was astonished at the extraordinary change in Redbud's whole demeanor; he felt deep pity for the sickness which she had pleaded as an excuse for leaving him.
sicknessnounUS /ˈsɪknəs/
impairment of normal physiological function affecting part or all of an organism
From this reading He was astonished at the extraordinary change in Redbud's whole demeanor; he felt deep pity for the sickness which she had pleaded as an excuse for leaving him.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Astonishment, compassion, love, distress, by turns filled his mind; and standing there, on a fine October morning, the young man, with the clear sunshine streaming on him joyfully, took his first lesson in human distress--a knowledge which all must acquire at some period of their lives, sooner or later.
comparatives of “soon” or “early”
From this reading Astonishment, compassion, love, distress, by turns filled his mind; and standing there, on a fine October morning, the young man, with the clear sunshine streaming on him joyfully, took his first lesson in human distress--a knowledge which all must acquire at some period of their lives, sooner or later.
express in speech
From this reading Verty stood for a moment gazing at the door through which Redbud had disappeared, unable to speak or move.
having a supporting base
From this reading Astonishment, compassion, love, distress, by turns filled his mind; and standing there, on a fine October morning, the young man, with the clear sunshine streaming on him joyfully, took his first lesson in human distress--a knowledge which all must acquire at some period of their lives, sooner or later.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading Verty stood for a moment gazing at the door through which Redbud had disappeared, unable to speak or move.
streamingadjectiveUS /ˈstriːmɪŋ/
exuding a bodily fluid in profuse amounts
From this reading Astonishment, compassion, love, distress, by turns filled his mind; and standing there, on a fine October morning, the young man, with the clear sunshine streaming on him joyfully, took his first lesson in human distress--a knowledge which all must acquire at some period of their lives, sooner or later.
the rays of the sun
From this reading Astonishment, compassion, love, distress, by turns filled his mind; and standing there, on a fine October morning, the young man, with the clear sunshine streaming on him joyfully, took his first lesson in human distress--a knowledge which all must acquire at some period of their lives, sooner or later.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Verty stood for a moment gazing at the door through which Redbud had disappeared, unable to speak or move.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Astonishment, compassion, love, distress, by turns filled his mind; and standing there, on a fine October morning, the young man, with the clear sunshine streaming on him joyfully, took his first lesson in human distress--a knowledge which all must acquire at some period of their lives, sooner or later.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Astonishment, compassion, love, distress, by turns filled his mind; and standing there, on a fine October morning, the young man, with the clear sunshine streaming on him joyfully, took his first lesson in human distress--a knowledge which all must acquire at some period of their lives, sooner or later.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading Verty stood for a moment gazing at the door through which Redbud had disappeared, unable to speak or move.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Verty stood for a moment gazing at the door through which Redbud had disappeared, unable to speak or move.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading Astonishment, compassion, love, distress, by turns filled his mind; and standing there, on a fine October morning, the young man, with the clear sunshine streaming on him joyfully, took his first lesson in human distress--a knowledge which all must acquire at some period of their lives, sooner or later.
plural of “turn” — a circular segment of a curve
From this reading Astonishment, compassion, love, distress, by turns filled his mind; and standing there, on a fine October morning, the young man, with the clear sunshine streaming on him joyfully, took his first lesson in human distress--a knowledge which all must acquire at some period of their lives, sooner or later.
(usually followed by “to”) not having the necessary means or skill or know-how
From this reading Verty stood for a moment gazing at the door through which Redbud had disappeared, unable to speak or move.
VERTY
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading HOW MISS SALLIANNA FELL IN LOVE WITH VERTY.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He was astonished at the extraordinary change in Redbud's whole demeanor; he felt deep pity for the sickness which she had pleaded as an excuse for leaving him.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Verty stood for a moment gazing at the door through which Redbud had disappeared, unable to speak or move.
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading He was astonished at the extraordinary change in Redbud's whole demeanor; he felt deep pity for the sickness which she had pleaded as an excuse for leaving him.
in the company of; together with
From this reading HOW MISS SALLIANNA FELL IN LOVE WITH VERTY.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading Astonishment, compassion, love, distress, by turns filled his mind; and standing there, on a fine October morning, the young man, with the clear sunshine streaming on him joyfully, took his first lesson in human distress--a knowledge which all must acquire at some period of their lives, sooner or later.
