used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading “Things couldn’t look darker to me than they do now; but if a canal boy can become President, I don’t see why a fisher-boy cannot become a decent, respected member of society, if nothing more.
anew
From this reading UNCLE RUBEN CALLS AGAIN.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading “I have heard people say that it is always darkest just before daylight, and if that is the case, my day must be close at hand,” George often said to himself.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading During the next few days, George was permitted to live in peace, but we cannot say that he enjoyed himself, for at times he felt very lonely, and bitter, too.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading During the next few days, George was permitted to live in peace, but we cannot say that he enjoyed himself, for at times he felt very lonely, and bitter, too.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading “I have heard people say that it is always darkest just before daylight, and if that is the case, my day must be close at hand,” George often said to himself.
enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading “Things couldn’t look darker to me than they do now; but if a canal boy can become President, I don’t see why a fisher-boy cannot become a decent, respected member of society, if nothing more.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading While other boys in the village were given every opportunity to work their way up in the world, he had been driven into exile by force of circumstances, and just now he did not see how he could better his condition.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading “I have heard people say that it is always darkest just before daylight, and if that is the case, my day must be close at hand,” George often said to himself.
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading While other boys in the village were given every opportunity to work their way up in the world, he had been driven into exile by force of circumstances, and just now he did not see how he could better his condition.
marked by strong resentment or cynicism
From this reading During the next few days, George was permitted to live in peace, but we cannot say that he enjoyed himself, for at times he felt very lonely, and bitter, too.
a youthful male person
From this reading “Things couldn’t look darker to me than they do now; but if a canal boy can become President, I don’t see why a fisher-boy cannot become a decent, respected member of society, if nothing more.
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading While other boys in the village were given every opportunity to work their way up in the world, he had been driven into exile by force of circumstances, and just now he did not see how he could better his condition.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading During the next few days, George was permitted to live in peace, but we cannot say that he enjoyed himself, for at times he felt very lonely, and bitter, too.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading While other boys in the village were given every opportunity to work their way up in the world, he had been driven into exile by force of circumstances, and just now he did not see how he could better his condition.
plural of “call” — a telephone connection
From this reading UNCLE RUBEN CALLS AGAIN.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading “Things couldn’t look darker to me than they do now; but if a canal boy can become President, I don’t see why a fisher-boy cannot become a decent, respected member of society, if nothing more.
canalnounUS /kəˈnæl/
(astronomy) an indistinct surface feature of Mars once thought to be a system of channels; they are now believed to be an optical illusion
From this reading “Things couldn’t look darker to me than they do now; but if a canal boy can become President, I don’t see why a fisher-boy cannot become a decent, respected member of society, if nothing more.
cannot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During the next few days, George was permitted to live in peace, but we cannot say that he enjoyed himself, for at times he felt very lonely, and bitter, too.
an occurrence of something
From this reading “I have heard people say that it is always darkest just before daylight, and if that is the case, my day must be close at hand,” George often said to himself.
your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)
From this reading While other boys in the village were given every opportunity to work their way up in the world, he had been driven into exile by force of circumstances, and just now he did not see how he could better his condition.
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading “I have heard people say that it is always darkest just before daylight, and if that is the case, my day must be close at hand,” George often said to himself.
a state at a particular time
From this reading While other boys in the village were given every opportunity to work their way up in the world, he had been driven into exile by force of circumstances, and just now he did not see how he could better his condition.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading While other boys in the village were given every opportunity to work their way up in the world, he had been driven into exile by force of circumstances, and just now he did not see how he could better his condition.
couldn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Things couldn’t look darker to me than they do now; but if a canal boy can become President, I don’t see why a fisher-boy cannot become a decent, respected member of society, if nothing more.
darkeradjectiveUS /ˈdɑːrkər/
comparative of “dark” — devoid of or deficient in light or brightness; shadowed or black
From this reading “Things couldn’t look darker to me than they do now; but if a canal boy can become President, I don’t see why a fisher-boy cannot become a decent, respected member of society, if nothing more.
darkestadjectiveUS /ˈdɑːrkəst/
superlative of “dark” — devoid of or deficient in light or brightness; shadowed or black
From this reading “I have heard people say that it is always darkest just before daylight, and if that is the case, my day must be close at hand,” George often said to himself.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading “I have heard people say that it is always darkest just before daylight, and if that is the case, my day must be close at hand,” George often said to himself.
the time after sunrise and before sunset while it is light outside
From this reading “I have heard people say that it is always darkest just before daylight, and if that is the case, my day must be close at hand,” George often said to himself.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading During the next few days, George was permitted to live in peace, but we cannot say that he enjoyed himself, for at times he felt very lonely, and bitter, too.
decentadjectiveUS /ˈdiːsənt/
socially or conventionally correct; refined or virtuous
From this reading “Things couldn’t look darker to me than they do now; but if a canal boy can become President, I don’t see why a fisher-boy cannot become a decent, respected member of society, if nothing more.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading While other boys in the village were given every opportunity to work their way up in the world, he had been driven into exile by force of circumstances, and just now he did not see how he could better his condition.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading “Things couldn’t look darker to me than they do now; but if a canal boy can become President, I don’t see why a fisher-boy cannot become a decent, respected member of society, if nothing more.
don't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Things couldn’t look darker to me than they do now; but if a canal boy can become President, I don’t see why a fisher-boy cannot become a decent, respected member of society, if nothing more.
compelled forcibly by an outside agency
From this reading While other boys in the village were given every opportunity to work their way up in the world, he had been driven into exile by force of circumstances, and just now he did not see how he could better his condition.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading During the next few days, George was permitted to live in peace, but we cannot say that he enjoyed himself, for at times he felt very lonely, and bitter, too.
past form of “enjoy” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in
From this reading During the next few days, George was permitted to live in peace, but we cannot say that he enjoyed himself, for at times he felt very lonely, and bitter, too.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading While other boys in the village were given every opportunity to work their way up in the world, he had been driven into exile by force of circumstances, and just now he did not see how he could better his condition.
exileverbUS /ˈeɡzaɪl/
expel from a country
From this reading While other boys in the village were given every opportunity to work their way up in the world, he had been driven into exile by force of circumstances, and just now he did not see how he could better his condition.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading During the next few days, George was permitted to live in peace, but we cannot say that he enjoyed himself, for at times he felt very lonely, and bitter, too.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading During the next few days, George was permitted to live in peace, but we cannot say that he enjoyed himself, for at times he felt very lonely, and bitter, too.
fisher-boy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Things couldn’t look darker to me than they do now; but if a canal boy can become President, I don’t see why a fisher-boy cannot become a decent, respected member of society, if nothing more.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading During the next few days, George was permitted to live in peace, but we cannot say that he enjoyed himself, for at times he felt very lonely, and bitter, too.
a powerful effect or influence
From this reading While other boys in the village were given every opportunity to work their way up in the world, he had been driven into exile by force of circumstances, and just now he did not see how he could better his condition.
Christian martyr; patron saint of England; hero of the legend of Saint George and the Dragon in which he slew a dragon and saved a princess (?-303)
From this reading During the next few days, George was permitted to live in peace, but we cannot say that he enjoyed himself, for at times he felt very lonely, and bitter, too.
givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/
acknowledged as a supposition
From this reading While other boys in the village were given every opportunity to work their way up in the world, he had been driven into exile by force of circumstances, and just now he did not see how he could better his condition.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading While other boys in the village were given every opportunity to work their way up in the world, he had been driven into exile by force of circumstances, and just now he did not see how he could better his condition.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading “I have heard people say that it is always darkest just before daylight, and if that is the case, my day must be close at hand,” George often said to himself.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading “I have heard people say that it is always darkest just before daylight, and if that is the case, my day must be close at hand,” George often said to himself.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading During the next few days, George was permitted to live in peace, but we cannot say that he enjoyed himself, for at times he felt very lonely, and bitter, too.
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading “I have heard people say that it is always darkest just before daylight, and if that is the case, my day must be close at hand,” George often said to himself.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading During the next few days, George was permitted to live in peace, but we cannot say that he enjoyed himself, for at times he felt very lonely, and bitter, too.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading While other boys in the village were given every opportunity to work their way up in the world, he had been driven into exile by force of circumstances, and just now he did not see how he could better his condition.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading While other boys in the village were given every opportunity to work their way up in the world, he had been driven into exile by force of circumstances, and just now he did not see how he could better his condition.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading “I have heard people say that it is always darkest just before daylight, and if that is the case, my day must be close at hand,” George often said to himself.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading “I have heard people say that it is always darkest just before daylight, and if that is the case, my day must be close at hand,” George often said to himself.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading During the next few days, George was permitted to live in peace, but we cannot say that he enjoyed himself, for at times he felt very lonely, and bitter, too.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading While other boys in the village were given every opportunity to work their way up in the world, he had been driven into exile by force of circumstances, and just now he did not see how he could better his condition.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “I have heard people say that it is always darkest just before daylight, and if that is the case, my day must be close at hand,” George often said to himself.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading “I have heard people say that it is always darkest just before daylight, and if that is the case, my day must be close at hand,” George often said to himself.
and nothing more
From this reading While other boys in the village were given every opportunity to work their way up in the world, he had been driven into exile by force of circumstances, and just now he did not see how he could better his condition.
be an inhabitant of or reside in
From this reading During the next few days, George was permitted to live in peace, but we cannot say that he enjoyed himself, for at times he felt very lonely, and bitter, too.
lacking companions or companionship
From this reading During the next few days, George was permitted to live in peace, but we cannot say that he enjoyed himself, for at times he felt very lonely, and bitter, too.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading “Things couldn’t look darker to me than they do now; but if a canal boy can become President, I don’t see why a fisher-boy cannot become a decent, respected member of society, if nothing more.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading “Things couldn’t look darker to me than they do now; but if a canal boy can become President, I don’t see why a fisher-boy cannot become a decent, respected member of society, if nothing more.
one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)
From this reading “Things couldn’t look darker to me than they do now; but if a canal boy can become President, I don’t see why a fisher-boy cannot become a decent, respected member of society, if nothing more.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading “Things couldn’t look darker to me than they do now; but if a canal boy can become President, I don’t see why a fisher-boy cannot become a decent, respected member of society, if nothing more.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading “I have heard people say that it is always darkest just before daylight, and if that is the case, my day must be close at hand,” George often said to himself.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading “I have heard people say that it is always darkest just before daylight, and if that is the case, my day must be close at hand,” George often said to himself.
immediately following in time or order
From this reading During the next few days, George was permitted to live in peace, but we cannot say that he enjoyed himself, for at times he felt very lonely, and bitter, too.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading While other boys in the village were given every opportunity to work their way up in the world, he had been driven into exile by force of circumstances, and just now he did not see how he could better his condition.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading “Things couldn’t look darker to me than they do now; but if a canal boy can become President, I don’t see why a fisher-boy cannot become a decent, respected member of society, if nothing more.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading While other boys in the village were given every opportunity to work their way up in the world, he had been driven into exile by force of circumstances, and just now he did not see how he could better his condition.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading While other boys in the village were given every opportunity to work their way up in the world, he had been driven into exile by force of circumstances, and just now he did not see how he could better his condition.
many times at short intervals
From this reading “I have heard people say that it is always darkest just before daylight, and if that is the case, my day must be close at hand,” George often said to himself.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading While other boys in the village were given every opportunity to work their way up in the world, he had been driven into exile by force of circumstances, and just now he did not see how he could better his condition.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading While other boys in the village were given every opportunity to work their way up in the world, he had been driven into exile by force of circumstances, and just now he did not see how he could better his condition.
the state prevailing during the absence of war
From this reading During the next few days, George was permitted to live in peace, but we cannot say that he enjoyed himself, for at times he felt very lonely, and bitter, too.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading “I have heard people say that it is always darkest just before daylight, and if that is the case, my day must be close at hand,” George often said to himself.
inflected form of “permit” — consent to, give permission
From this reading During the next few days, George was permitted to live in peace, but we cannot say that he enjoyed himself, for at times he felt very lonely, and bitter, too.
an executive officer of a firm or corporation
From this reading “Things couldn’t look darker to me than they do now; but if a canal boy can become President, I don’t see why a fisher-boy cannot become a decent, respected member of society, if nothing more.
respectedadjectiveUS /rɪˈspektɪd/
receiving deferential regard
From this reading “Things couldn’t look darker to me than they do now; but if a canal boy can become President, I don’t see why a fisher-boy cannot become a decent, respected member of society, if nothing more.
RUBEN
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading UNCLE RUBEN CALLS AGAIN.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading “I have heard people say that it is always darkest just before daylight, and if that is the case, my day must be close at hand,” George often said to himself.
express in words
From this reading During the next few days, George was permitted to live in peace, but we cannot say that he enjoyed himself, for at times he felt very lonely, and bitter, too.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading While other boys in the village were given every opportunity to work their way up in the world, he had been driven into exile by force of circumstances, and just now he did not see how he could better his condition.
an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization
From this reading “Things couldn’t look darker to me than they do now; but if a canal boy can become President, I don’t see why a fisher-boy cannot become a decent, respected member of society, if nothing more.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading “Things couldn’t look darker to me than they do now; but if a canal boy can become President, I don’t see why a fisher-boy cannot become a decent, respected member of society, if nothing more.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading During the next few days, George was permitted to live in peace, but we cannot say that he enjoyed himself, for at times he felt very lonely, and bitter, too.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading During the next few days, George was permitted to live in peace, but we cannot say that he enjoyed himself, for at times he felt very lonely, and bitter, too.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading While other boys in the village were given every opportunity to work their way up in the world, he had been driven into exile by force of circumstances, and just now he did not see how he could better his condition.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading “Things couldn’t look darker to me than they do now; but if a canal boy can become President, I don’t see why a fisher-boy cannot become a decent, respected member of society, if nothing more.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading “Things couldn’t look darker to me than they do now; but if a canal boy can become President, I don’t see why a fisher-boy cannot become a decent, respected member of society, if nothing more.
a more or less definite period of time now or previously present
From this reading During the next few days, George was permitted to live in peace, but we cannot say that he enjoyed himself, for at times he felt very lonely, and bitter, too.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading During the next few days, George was permitted to live in peace, but we cannot say that he enjoyed himself, for at times he felt very lonely, and bitter, too.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading During the next few days, George was permitted to live in peace, but we cannot say that he enjoyed himself, for at times he felt very lonely, and bitter, too.
the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt
From this reading UNCLE RUBEN CALLS AGAIN.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading While other boys in the village were given every opportunity to work their way up in the world, he had been driven into exile by force of circumstances, and just now he did not see how he could better his condition.
precisely as stated
From this reading During the next few days, George was permitted to live in peace, but we cannot say that he enjoyed himself, for at times he felt very lonely, and bitter, too.
a community of people smaller than a town
From this reading While other boys in the village were given every opportunity to work their way up in the world, he had been driven into exile by force of circumstances, and just now he did not see how he could better his condition.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading During the next few days, George was permitted to live in peace, but we cannot say that he enjoyed himself, for at times he felt very lonely, and bitter, too.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading While other boys in the village were given every opportunity to work their way up in the world, he had been driven into exile by force of circumstances, and just now he did not see how he could better his condition.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading During the next few days, George was permitted to live in peace, but we cannot say that he enjoyed himself, for at times he felt very lonely, and bitter, too.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading While other boys in the village were given every opportunity to work their way up in the world, he had been driven into exile by force of circumstances, and just now he did not see how he could better his condition.
WhileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading While other boys in the village were given every opportunity to work their way up in the world, he had been driven into exile by force of circumstances, and just now he did not see how he could better his condition.
the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”
From this reading “Things couldn’t look darker to me than they do now; but if a canal boy can become President, I don’t see why a fisher-boy cannot become a decent, respected member of society, if nothing more.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading While other boys in the village were given every opportunity to work their way up in the world, he had been driven into exile by force of circumstances, and just now he did not see how he could better his condition.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading While other boys in the village were given every opportunity to work their way up in the world, he had been driven into exile by force of circumstances, and just now he did not see how he could better his condition.
