used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A big task: one whose success he must not jeopardize again by rushing at her prematurely without distinct plan.
AdanounUS /ˈeɪdə/
an enzyme found in mammals that can catalyze the deamination of adenosine into inosine and ammonia
From this reading Decidedly, he thought, he needed inspiration, He had to discover Ada, to search for her reality, and, having found it, to drag it out and set it in the forefront of her being.
anew
From this reading A big task: one whose success he must not jeopardize again by rushing at her prematurely without distinct plan.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading |EFFIE and Sam knew that they ought to be happy in the weeks which followed, because to be good is, theoretically, to be happy: but they were not happy.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Sam, indeed, was less unhappy than Effie because he had sunk into one of those leaden, numbed moods of his which he knew of old as the stage preliminary to his brightest inspirations, and he could wait resignedly if not happily for the inspiration to emerge.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading A big task: one whose success he must not jeopardize again by rushing at her prematurely without distinct plan.
(military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons)
From this reading He had only made her suspicious of him by his first impulsive attempt, and time must undo the mischief before a return to the attack was either discreet or opportune.
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading He had only made her suspicious of him by his first impulsive attempt, and time must undo the mischief before a return to the attack was either discreet or opportune.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading |EFFIE and Sam knew that they ought to be happy in the weeks which followed, because to be good is, theoretically, to be happy: but they were not happy.
for the reason that
From this reading |EFFIE and Sam knew that they ought to be happy in the weeks which followed, because to be good is, theoretically, to be happy: but they were not happy.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading He had only made her suspicious of him by his first impulsive attempt, and time must undo the mischief before a return to the attack was either discreet or opportune.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading Decidedly, he thought, he needed inspiration, He had to discover Ada, to search for her reality, and, having found it, to drag it out and set it in the forefront of her being.
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading A big task: one whose success he must not jeopardize again by rushing at her prematurely without distinct plan.
brightestadjectiveUS /ˈbraɪtəst/
superlative of “bright” — emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts
From this reading Sam, indeed, was less unhappy than Effie because he had sunk into one of those leaden, numbed moods of his which he knew of old as the stage preliminary to his brightest inspirations, and he could wait resignedly if not happily for the inspiration to emerge.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading |EFFIE and Sam knew that they ought to be happy in the weeks which followed, because to be good is, theoretically, to be happy: but they were not happy.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading A big task: one whose success he must not jeopardize again by rushing at her prematurely without distinct plan.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Sam, indeed, was less unhappy than Effie because he had sunk into one of those leaden, numbed moods of his which he knew of old as the stage preliminary to his brightest inspirations, and he could wait resignedly if not happily for the inspiration to emerge.
DecidedlyadverbUS /ˌdɪˈsaɪdədli/
without question and beyond doubt
From this reading Decidedly, he thought, he needed inspiration, He had to discover Ada, to search for her reality, and, having found it, to drag it out and set it in the forefront of her being.
discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of
From this reading Decidedly, he thought, he needed inspiration, He had to discover Ada, to search for her reality, and, having found it, to drag it out and set it in the forefront of her being.
discreetadjectiveUS /dɪˈskriːt/
marked by prudence or modesty and wise self-restraint
From this reading He had only made her suspicious of him by his first impulsive attempt, and time must undo the mischief before a return to the attack was either discreet or opportune.
distinctadjectiveUS /dɪˈstɪŋkt/
(often followed by “from”) not alike; different in nature or quality
From this reading A big task: one whose success he must not jeopardize again by rushing at her prematurely without distinct plan.
dragverbUS /dræɡ/
pull, as against a resistance
From this reading Decidedly, he thought, he needed inspiration, He had to discover Ada, to search for her reality, and, having found it, to drag it out and set it in the forefront of her being.
EFFIE
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading |EFFIE and Sam knew that they ought to be happy in the weeks which followed, because to be good is, theoretically, to be happy: but they were not happy.
one or the other of two
From this reading He had only made her suspicious of him by his first impulsive attempt, and time must undo the mischief before a return to the attack was either discreet or opportune.
emergeverbUS /ɪˈmɜːrdʒ/
come out into view, as from concealment
From this reading Sam, indeed, was less unhappy than Effie because he had sunk into one of those leaden, numbed moods of his which he knew of old as the stage preliminary to his brightest inspirations, and he could wait resignedly if not happily for the inspiration to emerge.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading He had only made her suspicious of him by his first impulsive attempt, and time must undo the mischief before a return to the attack was either discreet or opportune.
past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading |EFFIE and Sam knew that they ought to be happy in the weeks which followed, because to be good is, theoretically, to be happy: but they were not happy.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Sam, indeed, was less unhappy than Effie because he had sunk into one of those leaden, numbed moods of his which he knew of old as the stage preliminary to his brightest inspirations, and he could wait resignedly if not happily for the inspiration to emerge.
forefrontnounUS /ˈfɔːrfrʌnt/
the part in the front or nearest the viewer
From this reading Decidedly, he thought, he needed inspiration, He had to discover Ada, to search for her reality, and, having found it, to drag it out and set it in the forefront of her being.
set up or found
From this reading Decidedly, he thought, he needed inspiration, He had to discover Ada, to search for her reality, and, having found it, to drag it out and set it in the forefront of her being.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading |EFFIE and Sam knew that they ought to be happy in the weeks which followed, because to be good is, theoretically, to be happy: but they were not happy.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Sam, indeed, was less unhappy than Effie because he had sunk into one of those leaden, numbed moods of his which he knew of old as the stage preliminary to his brightest inspirations, and he could wait resignedly if not happily for the inspiration to emerge.
happilyadverbUS /ˈhæpəli/
in a joyous manner
From this reading Sam, indeed, was less unhappy than Effie because he had sunk into one of those leaden, numbed moods of his which he knew of old as the stage preliminary to his brightest inspirations, and he could wait resignedly if not happily for the inspiration to emerge.
enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure
From this reading |EFFIE and Sam knew that they ought to be happy in the weeks which followed, because to be good is, theoretically, to be happy: but they were not happy.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading Decidedly, he thought, he needed inspiration, He had to discover Ada, to search for her reality, and, having found it, to drag it out and set it in the forefront of her being.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Sam, indeed, was less unhappy than Effie because he had sunk into one of those leaden, numbed moods of his which he knew of old as the stage preliminary to his brightest inspirations, and he could wait resignedly if not happily for the inspiration to emerge.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Decidedly, he thought, he needed inspiration, He had to discover Ada, to search for her reality, and, having found it, to drag it out and set it in the forefront of her being.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He had only made her suspicious of him by his first impulsive attempt, and time must undo the mischief before a return to the attack was either discreet or opportune.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Sam, indeed, was less unhappy than Effie because he had sunk into one of those leaden, numbed moods of his which he knew of old as the stage preliminary to his brightest inspirations, and he could wait resignedly if not happily for the inspiration to emerge.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Sam, indeed, was less unhappy than Effie because he had sunk into one of those leaden, numbed moods of his which he knew of old as the stage preliminary to his brightest inspirations, and he could wait resignedly if not happily for the inspiration to emerge.
impulsiveadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpʌlsɪv/
proceeding from natural feeling or impulse without external stimulus
From this reading He had only made her suspicious of him by his first impulsive attempt, and time must undo the mischief before a return to the attack was either discreet or opportune.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading |EFFIE and Sam knew that they ought to be happy in the weeks which followed, because to be good is, theoretically, to be happy: but they were not happy.
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading Sam, indeed, was less unhappy than Effie because he had sunk into one of those leaden, numbed moods of his which he knew of old as the stage preliminary to his brightest inspirations, and he could wait resignedly if not happily for the inspiration to emerge.
inspirationnounUS /ˌɪnspərˈeɪʃən/
arousal of the mind to special unusual activity or creativity
From this reading Sam, indeed, was less unhappy than Effie because he had sunk into one of those leaden, numbed moods of his which he knew of old as the stage preliminary to his brightest inspirations, and he could wait resignedly if not happily for the inspiration to emerge.
inspirationsnounUS /ˌɪnspərˈeɪʃənz/
plural of “inspiration” — arousal of the mind to special unusual activity or creativity
From this reading Sam, indeed, was less unhappy than Effie because he had sunk into one of those leaden, numbed moods of his which he knew of old as the stage preliminary to his brightest inspirations, and he could wait resignedly if not happily for the inspiration to emerge.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Sam, indeed, was less unhappy than Effie because he had sunk into one of those leaden, numbed moods of his which he knew of old as the stage preliminary to his brightest inspirations, and he could wait resignedly if not happily for the inspiration to emerge.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading |EFFIE and Sam knew that they ought to be happy in the weeks which followed, because to be good is, theoretically, to be happy: but they were not happy.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Decidedly, he thought, he needed inspiration, He had to discover Ada, to search for her reality, and, having found it, to drag it out and set it in the forefront of her being.
jeopardizeverbUS /ˈdʒepərdaɪz/
pose a threat to; present a danger to
From this reading A big task: one whose success he must not jeopardize again by rushing at her prematurely without distinct plan.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading |EFFIE and Sam knew that they ought to be happy in the weeks which followed, because to be good is, theoretically, to be happy: but they were not happy.
leadenadjectiveUS /ˈledən/
darkened with overcast
From this reading Sam, indeed, was less unhappy than Effie because he had sunk into one of those leaden, numbed moods of his which he knew of old as the stage preliminary to his brightest inspirations, and he could wait resignedly if not happily for the inspiration to emerge.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading Sam, indeed, was less unhappy than Effie because he had sunk into one of those leaden, numbed moods of his which he knew of old as the stage preliminary to his brightest inspirations, and he could wait resignedly if not happily for the inspiration to emerge.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading He had only made her suspicious of him by his first impulsive attempt, and time must undo the mischief before a return to the attack was either discreet or opportune.
reckless or malicious behavior that causes discomfort or annoyance in others
From this reading He had only made her suspicious of him by his first impulsive attempt, and time must undo the mischief before a return to the attack was either discreet or opportune.
moodsnounUS /muːdz/
plural of “mood” — a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling
From this reading Sam, indeed, was less unhappy than Effie because he had sunk into one of those leaden, numbed moods of his which he knew of old as the stage preliminary to his brightest inspirations, and he could wait resignedly if not happily for the inspiration to emerge.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading A big task: one whose success he must not jeopardize again by rushing at her prematurely without distinct plan.
necessary for relief or supply
From this reading Decidedly, he thought, he needed inspiration, He had to discover Ada, to search for her reality, and, having found it, to drag it out and set it in the forefront of her being.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading |EFFIE and Sam knew that they ought to be happy in the weeks which followed, because to be good is, theoretically, to be happy: but they were not happy.
numbedverbUS /nʌmd/
past form of “numb” — make numb or insensitive
From this reading Sam, indeed, was less unhappy than Effie because he had sunk into one of those leaden, numbed moods of his which he knew of old as the stage preliminary to his brightest inspirations, and he could wait resignedly if not happily for the inspiration to emerge.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Sam, indeed, was less unhappy than Effie because he had sunk into one of those leaden, numbed moods of his which he knew of old as the stage preliminary to his brightest inspirations, and he could wait resignedly if not happily for the inspiration to emerge.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading Sam, indeed, was less unhappy than Effie because he had sunk into one of those leaden, numbed moods of his which he knew of old as the stage preliminary to his brightest inspirations, and he could wait resignedly if not happily for the inspiration to emerge.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Sam, indeed, was less unhappy than Effie because he had sunk into one of those leaden, numbed moods of his which he knew of old as the stage preliminary to his brightest inspirations, and he could wait resignedly if not happily for the inspiration to emerge.
and nothing more
From this reading He had only made her suspicious of him by his first impulsive attempt, and time must undo the mischief before a return to the attack was either discreet or opportune.
opportuneadjectiveUS /ˌɑːpərˈtuːn/
suitable or at a time that is suitable or advantageous especially for a particular purpose
From this reading He had only made her suspicious of him by his first impulsive attempt, and time must undo the mischief before a return to the attack was either discreet or opportune.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading He had only made her suspicious of him by his first impulsive attempt, and time must undo the mischief before a return to the attack was either discreet or opportune.
used with “to” to say what is right or advisable
From this reading |EFFIE and Sam knew that they ought to be happy in the weeks which followed, because to be good is, theoretically, to be happy: but they were not happy.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Decidedly, he thought, he needed inspiration, He had to discover Ada, to search for her reality, and, having found it, to drag it out and set it in the forefront of her being.
have the will and intention to carry out some action
From this reading A big task: one whose success he must not jeopardize again by rushing at her prematurely without distinct plan.
preliminaryadjectiveUS /prɪˈlɪməneri/
denoting an action or event preceding or in preparation for something more important
From this reading Sam, indeed, was less unhappy than Effie because he had sunk into one of those leaden, numbed moods of his which he knew of old as the stage preliminary to his brightest inspirations, and he could wait resignedly if not happily for the inspiration to emerge.
prematurelyadverbUS /ˌpriːməˈtʃʊrli/
(of childbirth) before the end of the normal period of gestation
From this reading A big task: one whose success he must not jeopardize again by rushing at her prematurely without distinct plan.
all of your experiences that determine how things appear to you
From this reading Decidedly, he thought, he needed inspiration, He had to discover Ada, to search for her reality, and, having found it, to drag it out and set it in the forefront of her being.
resignedlyadverb
with resignation and acceptance; in a resigned manner
From this reading Sam, indeed, was less unhappy than Effie because he had sunk into one of those leaden, numbed moods of his which he knew of old as the stage preliminary to his brightest inspirations, and he could wait resignedly if not happily for the inspiration to emerge.
go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading He had only made her suspicious of him by his first impulsive attempt, and time must undo the mischief before a return to the attack was either discreet or opportune.
(American football) an attempt to advance the ball by running into the line
From this reading A big task: one whose success he must not jeopardize again by rushing at her prematurely without distinct plan.
a guided missile fired from land or shipboard against an airborne target
From this reading |EFFIE and Sam knew that they ought to be happy in the weeks which followed, because to be good is, theoretically, to be happy: but they were not happy.
try to locate or discover, or try to establish the existence of
From this reading Decidedly, he thought, he needed inspiration, He had to discover Ada, to search for her reality, and, having found it, to drag it out and set it in the forefront of her being.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading Decidedly, he thought, he needed inspiration, He had to discover Ada, to search for her reality, and, having found it, to drag it out and set it in the forefront of her being.
any distinct time period in a sequence of events
From this reading Sam, indeed, was less unhappy than Effie because he had sunk into one of those leaden, numbed moods of his which he knew of old as the stage preliminary to his brightest inspirations, and he could wait resignedly if not happily for the inspiration to emerge.
an event that accomplishes its intended purpose
From this reading A big task: one whose success he must not jeopardize again by rushing at her prematurely without distinct plan.
sunkadjectiveUS /sʌŋk/
doomed to extinction
From this reading Sam, indeed, was less unhappy than Effie because he had sunk into one of those leaden, numbed moods of his which he knew of old as the stage preliminary to his brightest inspirations, and he could wait resignedly if not happily for the inspiration to emerge.
suspiciousadjectiveUS /səˈspɪʃəs/
openly distrustful and unwilling to confide
From this reading He had only made her suspicious of him by his first impulsive attempt, and time must undo the mischief before a return to the attack was either discreet or opportune.
any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted
From this reading A big task: one whose success he must not jeopardize again by rushing at her prematurely without distinct plan.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Sam, indeed, was less unhappy than Effie because he had sunk into one of those leaden, numbed moods of his which he knew of old as the stage preliminary to his brightest inspirations, and he could wait resignedly if not happily for the inspiration to emerge.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading |EFFIE and Sam knew that they ought to be happy in the weeks which followed, because to be good is, theoretically, to be happy: but they were not happy.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading |EFFIE and Sam knew that they ought to be happy in the weeks which followed, because to be good is, theoretically, to be happy: but they were not happy.
theoreticallyadverbUS /ˌθiːərˈetɪkəli/
in theory; according to the assumed facts
From this reading |EFFIE and Sam knew that they ought to be happy in the weeks which followed, because to be good is, theoretically, to be happy: but they were not happy.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading |EFFIE and Sam knew that they ought to be happy in the weeks which followed, because to be good is, theoretically, to be happy: but they were not happy.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading Sam, indeed, was less unhappy than Effie because he had sunk into one of those leaden, numbed moods of his which he knew of old as the stage preliminary to his brightest inspirations, and he could wait resignedly if not happily for the inspiration to emerge.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading Decidedly, he thought, he needed inspiration, He had to discover Ada, to search for her reality, and, having found it, to drag it out and set it in the forefront of her being.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading He had only made her suspicious of him by his first impulsive attempt, and time must undo the mischief before a return to the attack was either discreet or opportune.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading |EFFIE and Sam knew that they ought to be happy in the weeks which followed, because to be good is, theoretically, to be happy: but they were not happy.
undoverbUS /ənˈduː/
cancel, annul, or reverse an action or its effect
From this reading He had only made her suspicious of him by his first impulsive attempt, and time must undo the mischief before a return to the attack was either discreet or opportune.
experiencing or marked by or causing sadness or sorrow or discontent
From this reading Sam, indeed, was less unhappy than Effie because he had sunk into one of those leaden, numbed moods of his which he knew of old as the stage preliminary to his brightest inspirations, and he could wait resignedly if not happily for the inspiration to emerge.
stay in one place and anticipate or expect something
From this reading Sam, indeed, was less unhappy than Effie because he had sunk into one of those leaden, numbed moods of his which he knew of old as the stage preliminary to his brightest inspirations, and he could wait resignedly if not happily for the inspiration to emerge.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Sam, indeed, was less unhappy than Effie because he had sunk into one of those leaden, numbed moods of his which he knew of old as the stage preliminary to his brightest inspirations, and he could wait resignedly if not happily for the inspiration to emerge.
plural of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading |EFFIE and Sam knew that they ought to be happy in the weeks which followed, because to be good is, theoretically, to be happy: but they were not happy.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading |EFFIE and Sam knew that they ought to be happy in the weeks which followed, because to be good is, theoretically, to be happy: but they were not happy.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading |EFFIE and Sam knew that they ought to be happy in the weeks which followed, because to be good is, theoretically, to be happy: but they were not happy.
belonging to which person
From this reading A big task: one whose success he must not jeopardize again by rushing at her prematurely without distinct plan.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading A big task: one whose success he must not jeopardize again by rushing at her prematurely without distinct plan.
