used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading He learned some things during the day, and one was a conviction that success on a country newspaper did not necessarily fit a man for immediate employment on a metropolitan daily.
anew
From this reading However, he braced himself and called at the office at noon again, and smilingly greeted his colleagues.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading DIFFICULTY Herbert was still young enough to be sensitive, and the thought that his maiden effort in the big city had probably found its way into the waste paper basket was galling to his natural pride.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading However, he braced himself and called at the office at noon again, and smilingly greeted his colleagues.
a container that is usually woven and has handles
From this reading DIFFICULTY Herbert was still young enough to be sensitive, and the thought that his maiden effort in the big city had probably found its way into the waste paper basket was galling to his natural pride.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading DIFFICULTY Herbert was still young enough to be sensitive, and the thought that his maiden effort in the big city had probably found its way into the waste paper basket was galling to his natural pride.
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading DIFFICULTY Herbert was still young enough to be sensitive, and the thought that his maiden effort in the big city had probably found its way into the waste paper basket was galling to his natural pride.
bracedadjectiveUS /breɪst/
positioned so as to be ready for confrontation or danger
From this reading However, he braced himself and called at the office at noon again, and smilingly greeted his colleagues.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading However, he braced himself and called at the office at noon again, and smilingly greeted his colleagues.
a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts
From this reading DIFFICULTY Herbert was still young enough to be sensitive, and the thought that his maiden effort in the big city had probably found its way into the waste paper basket was galling to his natural pride.
colleaguesnounUS /ˈkɑːliɡz/
plural of “colleague” — an associate that one works with
From this reading However, he braced himself and called at the office at noon again, and smilingly greeted his colleagues.
confidentialadjectiveUS /ˌkɑːnfəˈdenʃəl/
entrusted with private information and the confidence of another
From this reading He had a long and confidential talk with Frank Tomlin, during the course of which he related his experience and the fate of his first item.
an unshakable belief in something without need for proof or evidence
From this reading He learned some things during the day, and one was a conviction that success on a country newspaper did not necessarily fit a man for immediate employment on a metropolitan daily.
a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading He learned some things during the day, and one was a conviction that success on a country newspaper did not necessarily fit a man for immediate employment on a metropolitan daily.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading He had a long and confidential talk with Frank Tomlin, during the course of which he related his experience and the fate of his first item.
every day; without missing a day
From this reading He learned some things during the day, and one was a conviction that success on a country newspaper did not necessarily fit a man for immediate employment on a metropolitan daily.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading He learned some things during the day, and one was a conviction that success on a country newspaper did not necessarily fit a man for immediate employment on a metropolitan daily.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading He learned some things during the day, and one was a conviction that success on a country newspaper did not necessarily fit a man for immediate employment on a metropolitan daily.
an effort that is inconvenient
From this reading DIFFICULTY Herbert was still young enough to be sensitive, and the thought that his maiden effort in the big city had probably found its way into the waste paper basket was galling to his natural pride.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading He learned some things during the day, and one was a conviction that success on a country newspaper did not necessarily fit a man for immediate employment on a metropolitan daily.
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading DIFFICULTY Herbert was still young enough to be sensitive, and the thought that his maiden effort in the big city had probably found its way into the waste paper basket was galling to his natural pride.
employmentnounUS /emˈplɔɪmənt/
the state of being employed or having a job
From this reading He learned some things during the day, and one was a conviction that success on a country newspaper did not necessarily fit a man for immediate employment on a metropolitan daily.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading DIFFICULTY Herbert was still young enough to be sensitive, and the thought that his maiden effort in the big city had probably found its way into the waste paper basket was galling to his natural pride.
undergo or live through a difficult experience
From this reading He had a long and confidential talk with Frank Tomlin, during the course of which he related his experience and the fate of his first item.
an event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future
From this reading He had a long and confidential talk with Frank Tomlin, during the course of which he related his experience and the fate of his first item.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading He had a long and confidential talk with Frank Tomlin, during the course of which he related his experience and the fate of his first item.
be agreeable or acceptable to
From this reading He learned some things during the day, and one was a conviction that success on a country newspaper did not necessarily fit a man for immediate employment on a metropolitan daily.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading He learned some things during the day, and one was a conviction that success on a country newspaper did not necessarily fit a man for immediate employment on a metropolitan daily.
set up or found
From this reading DIFFICULTY Herbert was still young enough to be sensitive, and the thought that his maiden effort in the big city had probably found its way into the waste paper basket was galling to his natural pride.
characterized by directness in manner or speech; without subtlety or evasion
From this reading He had a long and confidential talk with Frank Tomlin, during the course of which he related his experience and the fate of his first item.
gallingadjectiveUS /ˈɡɔːlɪŋ/
causing irritation or annoyance
From this reading DIFFICULTY Herbert was still young enough to be sensitive, and the thought that his maiden effort in the big city had probably found its way into the waste paper basket was galling to his natural pride.
past form of “greet” — express greetings upon meeting someone
From this reading However, he braced himself and called at the office at noon again, and smilingly greeted his colleagues.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading DIFFICULTY Herbert was still young enough to be sensitive, and the thought that his maiden effort in the big city had probably found its way into the waste paper basket was galling to his natural pride.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading However, he braced himself and called at the office at noon again, and smilingly greeted his colleagues.
with gusto and without reservation
From this reading Tomlin laughed heartily at the recital.
HerbertnounUS /ˈhɜːrbərt/
United States musician and composer and conductor noted for his comic operas (1859-1924)
From this reading DIFFICULTY Herbert was still young enough to be sensitive, and the thought that his maiden effort in the big city had probably found its way into the waste paper basket was galling to his natural pride.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading However, he braced himself and called at the office at noon again, and smilingly greeted his colleagues.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading DIFFICULTY Herbert was still young enough to be sensitive, and the thought that his maiden effort in the big city had probably found its way into the waste paper basket was galling to his natural pride.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading However, he braced himself and called at the office at noon again, and smilingly greeted his colleagues.
of the present time and place
From this reading He learned some things during the day, and one was a conviction that success on a country newspaper did not necessarily fit a man for immediate employment on a metropolitan daily.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading DIFFICULTY Herbert was still young enough to be sensitive, and the thought that his maiden effort in the big city had probably found its way into the waste paper basket was galling to his natural pride.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading DIFFICULTY Herbert was still young enough to be sensitive, and the thought that his maiden effort in the big city had probably found its way into the waste paper basket was galling to his natural pride.
itemnounUS /ˈaɪtəm/
a distinct part that can be specified separately in a group of things that could be enumerated on a list
From this reading He had a long and confidential talk with Frank Tomlin, during the course of which he related his experience and the fate of his first item.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading DIFFICULTY Herbert was still young enough to be sensitive, and the thought that his maiden effort in the big city had probably found its way into the waste paper basket was galling to his natural pride.
past form of “laugh” — produce laughter
From this reading Tomlin laughed heartily at the recital.
having or showing profound knowledge
From this reading He learned some things during the day, and one was a conviction that success on a country newspaper did not necessarily fit a man for immediate employment on a metropolitan daily.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading He had a long and confidential talk with Frank Tomlin, during the course of which he related his experience and the fate of his first item.
an unmarried girl (especially a virgin)
From this reading DIFFICULTY Herbert was still young enough to be sensitive, and the thought that his maiden effort in the big city had probably found its way into the waste paper basket was galling to his natural pride.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading He learned some things during the day, and one was a conviction that success on a country newspaper did not necessarily fit a man for immediate employment on a metropolitan daily.
metropolitanadjectiveUS /ˌmetrəˈpɑːlətən/
relating to or characteristic of a metropolis
From this reading He learned some things during the day, and one was a conviction that success on a country newspaper did not necessarily fit a man for immediate employment on a metropolitan daily.
in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature
From this reading DIFFICULTY Herbert was still young enough to be sensitive, and the thought that his maiden effort in the big city had probably found its way into the waste paper basket was galling to his natural pride.
necessarilyadverbUS /ˌnesəˈserəli/
in an essential manner
From this reading He learned some things during the day, and one was a conviction that success on a country newspaper did not necessarily fit a man for immediate employment on a metropolitan daily.
a daily or weekly publication on folded sheets; contains news and articles and advertisements
From this reading He learned some things during the day, and one was a conviction that success on a country newspaper did not necessarily fit a man for immediate employment on a metropolitan daily.
the middle of the day
From this reading However, he braced himself and called at the office at noon again, and smilingly greeted his colleagues.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading He learned some things during the day, and one was a conviction that success on a country newspaper did not necessarily fit a man for immediate employment on a metropolitan daily.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading He had a long and confidential talk with Frank Tomlin, during the course of which he related his experience and the fate of his first item.
place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed
From this reading However, he braced himself and called at the office at noon again, and smilingly greeted his colleagues.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading He learned some things during the day, and one was a conviction that success on a country newspaper did not necessarily fit a man for immediate employment on a metropolitan daily.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading He learned some things during the day, and one was a conviction that success on a country newspaper did not necessarily fit a man for immediate employment on a metropolitan daily.
a material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses
From this reading DIFFICULTY Herbert was still young enough to be sensitive, and the thought that his maiden effort in the big city had probably found its way into the waste paper basket was galling to his natural pride.
a feeling of self-respect and personal worth
From this reading DIFFICULTY Herbert was still young enough to be sensitive, and the thought that his maiden effort in the big city had probably found its way into the waste paper basket was galling to his natural pride.
with considerable certainty; without much doubt
From this reading DIFFICULTY Herbert was still young enough to be sensitive, and the thought that his maiden effort in the big city had probably found its way into the waste paper basket was galling to his natural pride.
recitalnounUS /rəˈsaɪtəl/
the act of giving an account describing incidents or a course of events
From this reading Tomlin laughed heartily at the recital.
being connected either logically or causally or by shared characteristics
From this reading He had a long and confidential talk with Frank Tomlin, during the course of which he related his experience and the fate of his first item.
sensitiveadjectiveUS /ˈsensətɪv/
responsive to physical stimuli
From this reading DIFFICULTY Herbert was still young enough to be sensitive, and the thought that his maiden effort in the big city had probably found its way into the waste paper basket was galling to his natural pride.
smilinglyadverbUS /ˈsmaɪlɪŋli/
with smiles; in a smiling manner
From this reading However, he braced himself and called at the office at noon again, and smilingly greeted his colleagues.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading He learned some things during the day, and one was a conviction that success on a country newspaper did not necessarily fit a man for immediate employment on a metropolitan daily.
not in physical motion
From this reading DIFFICULTY Herbert was still young enough to be sensitive, and the thought that his maiden effort in the big city had probably found its way into the waste paper basket was galling to his natural pride.
an event that accomplishes its intended purpose
From this reading He learned some things during the day, and one was a conviction that success on a country newspaper did not necessarily fit a man for immediate employment on a metropolitan daily.
exchange thoughts; talk with
From this reading He had a long and confidential talk with Frank Tomlin, during the course of which he related his experience and the fate of his first item.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading DIFFICULTY Herbert was still young enough to be sensitive, and the thought that his maiden effort in the big city had probably found its way into the waste paper basket was galling to his natural pride.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading DIFFICULTY Herbert was still young enough to be sensitive, and the thought that his maiden effort in the big city had probably found its way into the waste paper basket was galling to his natural pride.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading He learned some things during the day, and one was a conviction that success on a country newspaper did not necessarily fit a man for immediate employment on a metropolitan daily.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading DIFFICULTY Herbert was still young enough to be sensitive, and the thought that his maiden effort in the big city had probably found its way into the waste paper basket was galling to his natural pride.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading DIFFICULTY Herbert was still young enough to be sensitive, and the thought that his maiden effort in the big city had probably found its way into the waste paper basket was galling to his natural pride.
Tomlin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had a long and confidential talk with Frank Tomlin, during the course of which he related his experience and the fate of his first item.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading DIFFICULTY Herbert was still young enough to be sensitive, and the thought that his maiden effort in the big city had probably found its way into the waste paper basket was galling to his natural pride.
any materials unused and rejected as worthless or unwanted
From this reading DIFFICULTY Herbert was still young enough to be sensitive, and the thought that his maiden effort in the big city had probably found its way into the waste paper basket was galling to his natural pride.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading DIFFICULTY Herbert was still young enough to be sensitive, and the thought that his maiden effort in the big city had probably found its way into the waste paper basket was galling to his natural pride.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading He had a long and confidential talk with Frank Tomlin, during the course of which he related his experience and the fate of his first item.
in the company of; together with
From this reading He had a long and confidential talk with Frank Tomlin, during the course of which he related his experience and the fate of his first item.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading DIFFICULTY Herbert was still young enough to be sensitive, and the thought that his maiden effort in the big city had probably found its way into the waste paper basket was galling to his natural pride.
