used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading By hard work and strict attention to their books, they had succeeded in winning an enviable position in their class, and this night was to wind up their connection with the academy in a blaze of glory.
academynounUS /əˈkæd.ə.mi/
A place of study or training in a special field of knowledge and arts.
From this reading By hard work and strict attention to their books, they had succeeded in winning an enviable position in their class, and this night was to wind up their connection with the academy in a blaze of glory.
(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 Bob Howard and his companion had other reasons besides those of which we have spoken, for feeling at peace with themselves and all the world.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading By hard work and strict attention to their books, they had succeeded in winning an enviable position in their class, and this night was to wind up their connection with the academy in a blaze of glory.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Bob Howard and his companion had other reasons besides those of which we have spoken, for feeling at peace with themselves and all the world.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Bob Howard and his companion had other reasons besides those of which we have spoken, for feeling at peace with themselves and all the world.
the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others
From this reading By hard work and strict attention to their books, they had succeeded in winning an enviable position in their class, and this night was to wind up their connection with the academy in a blaze of glory.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading George had written an essay on “Unconscious Influence,” which was a very creditable effort for a boy of his years, and Bob had been chosen, without one dissenting voice, to deliver the valedictory.
in addition to; as well as
From this reading Bob Howard and his companion had other reasons besides those of which we have spoken, for feeling at peace with themselves and all the world.
blazenounUS /bleɪz/
a strong flame that burns brightly
From this reading By hard work and strict attention to their books, they had succeeded in winning an enviable position in their class, and this night was to wind up their connection with the academy in a blaze of glory.
move up and down repeatedly
From this reading Bob Howard and his companion had other reasons besides those of which we have spoken, for feeling at peace with themselves and all the world.
Bound written or printed works.
From this reading By hard work and strict attention to their books, they had succeeded in winning an enviable position in their class, and this night was to wind up their connection with the academy in a blaze of glory.
a youthful male person
From this reading George had written an essay on “Unconscious Influence,” which was a very creditable effort for a boy of his years, and Bob had been chosen, without one dissenting voice, to deliver the valedictory.
eat an early morning meal
From this reading Their trunks were packed, their tickets had been purchased, and their landlady had promised to give them an early breakfast, so that they could reach the depot in time to catch the western-bound train that passed through the village at six o’clock.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading By hard work and strict attention to their books, they had succeeded in winning an enviable position in their class, and this night was to wind up their connection with the academy in a blaze of glory.
discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state
From this reading Their trunks were packed, their tickets had been purchased, and their landlady had promised to give them an early breakfast, so that they could reach the depot in time to catch the western-bound train that passed through the village at six o’clock.
one who is the object of choice; who is given preference
From this reading George had written an essay on “Unconscious Influence,” which was a very creditable effort for a boy of his years, and Bob had been chosen, without one dissenting voice, to deliver the valedictory.
a collection of things sharing a common attribute
From this reading By hard work and strict attention to their books, they had succeeded in winning an enviable position in their class, and this night was to wind up their connection with the academy in a blaze of glory.
a friend who is frequently in the company of another
From this reading Bob Howard and his companion had other reasons besides those of which we have spoken, for feeling at peace with themselves and all the world.
a relation between things or events (as in the case of one causing the other or sharing features with it)
From this reading By hard work and strict attention to their books, they had succeeded in winning an enviable position in their class, and this night was to wind up their connection with the academy in a blaze of glory.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Their trunks were packed, their tickets had been purchased, and their landlady had promised to give them an early breakfast, so that they could reach the depot in time to catch the western-bound train that passed through the village at six o’clock.
creditableadjectiveUS /ˈkredətəbəl/
worthy of often limited commendation
From this reading George had written an essay on “Unconscious Influence,” which was a very creditable effort for a boy of his years, and Bob had been chosen, without one dissenting voice, to deliver the valedictory.
deliververbUS /dɪˈlɪvər/
deliver (a speech, oration, or idea)
From this reading George had written an essay on “Unconscious Influence,” which was a very creditable effort for a boy of his years, and Bob had been chosen, without one dissenting voice, to deliver the valedictory.
depotnounUS /ˈdiːpoʊ/
station where transport vehicles load or unload passengers or goods
From this reading Their trunks were packed, their tickets had been purchased, and their landlady had promised to give them an early breakfast, so that they could reach the depot in time to catch the western-bound train that passed through the village at six o’clock.
dissentingadjectiveUS /dɪˈsentɪŋ/
disagreeing, especially with a majority
From this reading George had written an essay on “Unconscious Influence,” which was a very creditable effort for a boy of his years, and Bob had been chosen, without one dissenting voice, to deliver the valedictory.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading Their trunks were packed, their tickets had been purchased, and their landlady had promised to give them an early breakfast, so that they could reach the depot in time to catch the western-bound train that passed through the village at six o’clock.
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading George had written an essay on “Unconscious Influence,” which was a very creditable effort for a boy of his years, and Bob had been chosen, without one dissenting voice, to deliver the valedictory.
enviableadjectiveUS /ˈenviəbəl/
causing envy
From this reading By hard work and strict attention to their books, they had succeeded in winning an enviable position in their class, and this night was to wind up their connection with the academy in a blaze of glory.
essaynounUS /eˈseɪ/
an analytic or interpretive literary composition
From this reading George had written an essay on “Unconscious Influence,” which was a very creditable effort for a boy of his years, and Bob had been chosen, without one dissenting voice, to deliver the valedictory.
the experiencing of affective and emotional states
From this reading Bob Howard and his companion had other reasons besides those of which we have spoken, for feeling at peace with themselves and all the world.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Bob Howard and his companion had other reasons besides those of which we have spoken, for feeling at peace with themselves and all the world.
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 George had written an essay on “Unconscious Influence,” which was a very creditable effort for a boy of his years, and Bob had been chosen, without one dissenting voice, to deliver the valedictory.
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading Their trunks were packed, their tickets had been purchased, and their landlady had promised to give them an early breakfast, so that they could reach the depot in time to catch the western-bound train that passed through the village at six o’clock.
a state of high honor
From this reading By hard work and strict attention to their books, they had succeeded in winning an enviable position in their class, and this night was to wind up their connection with the academy in a blaze of glory.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Bob Howard and his companion had other reasons besides those of which we have spoken, for feeling at peace with themselves and all the world.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading By hard work and strict attention to their books, they had succeeded in winning an enviable position in their class, and this night was to wind up their connection with the academy in a blaze of glory.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Bob Howard and his companion had other reasons besides those of which we have spoken, for feeling at peace with themselves and all the world.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Bob Howard and his companion had other reasons besides those of which we have spoken, for feeling at peace with themselves and all the world.
HOW
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading HOW ONE TELEGRAM WAS RECEIVED.
HowardnounUS /ˈhaʊərd/
English actor of stage and screen (1893-1943)
From this reading Bob Howard and his companion had other reasons besides those of which we have spoken, for feeling at peace with themselves and all the world.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading By hard work and strict attention to their books, they had succeeded in winning an enviable position in their class, and this night was to wind up their connection with the academy in a blaze of glory.
a power to affect persons or events especially power based on prestige etc
From this reading George had written an essay on “Unconscious Influence,” which was a very creditable effort for a boy of his years, and Bob had been chosen, without one dissenting voice, to deliver the valedictory.
landladynounUS /ˈlændleɪdi/
a landlord who is a woman
From this reading Their trunks were packed, their tickets had been purchased, and their landlady had promised to give them an early breakfast, so that they could reach the depot in time to catch the western-bound train that passed through the village at six o’clock.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading By hard work and strict attention to their books, they had succeeded in winning an enviable position in their class, and this night was to wind up their connection with the academy in a blaze of glory.
o'clockadverbUS /əˈklɑːk/
according to the clock
From this reading Their trunks were packed, their tickets had been purchased, and their landlady had promised to give them an early breakfast, so that they could reach the depot in time to catch the western-bound train that passed through the village at six o’clock.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Bob Howard and his companion had other reasons besides those of which we have spoken, for feeling at peace with themselves and all the world.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading George had written an essay on “Unconscious Influence,” which was a very creditable effort for a boy of his years, and Bob had been chosen, without one dissenting voice, to deliver the valedictory.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading HOW ONE TELEGRAM WAS RECEIVED.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading Bob Howard and his companion had other reasons besides those of which we have spoken, for feeling at peace with themselves and all the world.
packedadjectiveUS /pækt/
extremely crowed or filled to capacity
From this reading Their trunks were packed, their tickets had been purchased, and their landlady had promised to give them an early breakfast, so that they could reach the depot in time to catch the western-bound train that passed through the village at six o’clock.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading Their trunks were packed, their tickets had been purchased, and their landlady had promised to give them an early breakfast, so that they could reach the depot in time to catch the western-bound train that passed through the village at six o’clock.
the state prevailing during the absence of war
From this reading Bob Howard and his companion had other reasons besides those of which we have spoken, for feeling at peace with themselves and all the world.
the particular portion of space occupied by something
From this reading By hard work and strict attention to their books, they had succeeded in winning an enviable position in their class, and this night was to wind up their connection with the academy in a blaze of glory.
past form of “promise” — make a promise or commitment
From this reading Their trunks were packed, their tickets had been purchased, and their landlady had promised to give them an early breakfast, so that they could reach the depot in time to catch the western-bound train that passed through the village at six o’clock.
purchasedverbUS /ˈpɜːrtʃəst/
past form of “purchase” — obtain by purchase; acquire by means of a financial transaction
From this reading Their trunks were packed, their tickets had been purchased, and their landlady had promised to give them an early breakfast, so that they could reach the depot in time to catch the western-bound train that passed through the village at six o’clock.
reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading Their trunks were packed, their tickets had been purchased, and their landlady had promised to give them an early breakfast, so that they could reach the depot in time to catch the western-bound train that passed through the village at six o’clock.
plural of “reason” — a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading Bob Howard and his companion had other reasons besides those of which we have spoken, for feeling at peace with themselves and all the world.
conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers
From this reading HOW ONE TELEGRAM WAS RECEIVED.
the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one
From this reading Their trunks were packed, their tickets had been purchased, and their landlady had promised to give them an early breakfast, so that they could reach the depot in time to catch the western-bound train that passed through the village at six o’clock.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Their trunks were packed, their tickets had been purchased, and their landlady had promised to give them an early breakfast, so that they could reach the depot in time to catch the western-bound train that passed through the village at six o’clock.
uttered through the medium of speech or characterized by speech; sometimes used in combination
From this reading Bob Howard and his companion had other reasons besides those of which we have spoken, for feeling at peace with themselves and all the world.
strictadjectiveUS /strɪkt/
rigidly accurate; allowing no deviation from a standard
From this reading By hard work and strict attention to their books, they had succeeded in winning an enviable position in their class, and this night was to wind up their connection with the academy in a blaze of glory.
past form of “succeed” — attain success or reach a desired goal
From this reading By hard work and strict attention to their books, they had succeeded in winning an enviable position in their class, and this night was to wind up their connection with the academy in a blaze of glory.
TELEGRAMnounUS /ˈteləɡræm/
a message transmitted by telegraph
From this reading HOW ONE TELEGRAM WAS RECEIVED.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Their trunks were packed, their tickets had been purchased, and their landlady had promised to give them an early breakfast, so that they could reach the depot in time to catch the western-bound train that passed through the village at six o’clock.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Bob Howard and his companion had other reasons besides those of which we have spoken, for feeling at peace with themselves and all the world.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading By hard work and strict attention to their books, they had succeeded in winning an enviable position in their class, and this night was to wind up their connection with the academy in a blaze of glory.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Their trunks were packed, their tickets had been purchased, and their landlady had promised to give them an early breakfast, so that they could reach the depot in time to catch the western-bound train that passed through the village at six o’clock.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading Bob Howard and his companion had other reasons besides those of which we have spoken, for feeling at peace with themselves and all the world.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading By hard work and strict attention to their books, they had succeeded in winning an enviable position in their class, and this night was to wind up their connection with the academy in a blaze of glory.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading By hard work and strict attention to their books, they had succeeded in winning an enviable position in their class, and this night was to wind up their connection with the academy in a blaze of glory.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading Bob Howard and his companion had other reasons besides those of which we have spoken, for feeling at peace with themselves and all the world.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading Their trunks were packed, their tickets had been purchased, and their landlady had promised to give them an early breakfast, so that they could reach the depot in time to catch the western-bound train that passed through the village at six o’clock.
ticketsnounUS /ˈtɪkəts/
plural of “ticket” — a commercial document showing that the holder is entitled to something (as to ride on public transportation or to enter a public entertainment)
From this reading Their trunks were packed, their tickets had been purchased, and their landlady had promised to give them an early breakfast, so that they could reach the depot in time to catch the western-bound train that passed through the village at six o’clock.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading Their trunks were packed, their tickets had been purchased, and their landlady had promised to give them an early breakfast, so that they could reach the depot in time to catch the western-bound train that passed through the village at six o’clock.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading By hard work and strict attention to their books, they had succeeded in winning an enviable position in their class, and this night was to wind up their connection with the academy in a blaze of glory.
create by training and teaching
From this reading Their trunks were packed, their tickets had been purchased, and their landlady had promised to give them an early breakfast, so that they could reach the depot in time to catch the western-bound train that passed through the village at six o’clock.
trunksnounUS /trʌŋks/
(used in the plural) trousers that end at or above the knee
From this reading Their trunks were packed, their tickets had been purchased, and their landlady had promised to give them an early breakfast, so that they could reach the depot in time to catch the western-bound train that passed through the village at six o’clock.
not conscious; lacking awareness and the capacity for sensory perception as if asleep or dead
From this reading George had written an essay on “Unconscious Influence,” which was a very creditable effort for a boy of his years, and Bob had been chosen, without one dissenting voice, to deliver the valedictory.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading By hard work and strict attention to their books, they had succeeded in winning an enviable position in their class, and this night was to wind up their connection with the academy in a blaze of glory.
valedictoryadjectiveUS /ˌvæləˈdɪktəri/
of or relating to an occasion or expression of farewell
From this reading George had written an essay on “Unconscious Influence,” which was a very creditable effort for a boy of his years, and Bob had been chosen, without one dissenting voice, to deliver the valedictory.
precisely as stated
From this reading George had written an essay on “Unconscious Influence,” which was a very creditable effort for a boy of his years, and Bob had been chosen, without one dissenting voice, to deliver the valedictory.
a community of people smaller than a town
From this reading Their trunks were packed, their tickets had been purchased, and their landlady had promised to give them an early breakfast, so that they could reach the depot in time to catch the western-bound train that passed through the village at six o’clock.
the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading George had written an essay on “Unconscious Influence,” which was a very creditable effort for a boy of his years, and Bob had been chosen, without one dissenting voice, to deliver the valedictory.
WASauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading HOW ONE TELEGRAM WAS RECEIVED.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading Bob Howard and his companion had other reasons besides those of which we have spoken, for feeling at peace with themselves and all the world.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Their trunks were packed, their tickets had been purchased, and their landlady had promised to give them an early breakfast, so that they could reach the depot in time to catch the western-bound train that passed through the village at six o’clock.
western-bound
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Their trunks were packed, their tickets had been purchased, and their landlady had promised to give them an early breakfast, so that they could reach the depot in time to catch the western-bound train that passed through the village at six o’clock.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Bob Howard and his companion had other reasons besides those of which we have spoken, for feeling at peace with themselves and all the world.
air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading By hard work and strict attention to their books, they had succeeded in winning an enviable position in their class, and this night was to wind up their connection with the academy in a blaze of glory.
winningadjectiveUS /ˈwɪnɪŋ/
having won
From this reading By hard work and strict attention to their books, they had succeeded in winning an enviable position in their class, and this night was to wind up their connection with the academy in a blaze of glory.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Bob Howard and his companion had other reasons besides those of which we have spoken, for feeling at peace with themselves and all the world.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading George had written an essay on “Unconscious Influence,” which was a very creditable effort for a boy of his years, and Bob had been chosen, without one dissenting voice, to deliver the valedictory.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading By hard work and strict attention to their books, they had succeeded in winning an enviable position in their class, and this night was to wind up their connection with the academy in a blaze of glory.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading Bob Howard and his companion had other reasons besides those of which we have spoken, for feeling at peace with themselves and all the world.
set down in writing in any of various ways
From this reading George had written an essay on “Unconscious Influence,” which was a very creditable effort for a boy of his years, and Bob had been chosen, without one dissenting voice, to deliver the valedictory.
a late time of life
From this reading George had written an essay on “Unconscious Influence,” which was a very creditable effort for a boy of his years, and Bob had been chosen, without one dissenting voice, to deliver the valedictory.
