used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading But there was still time for him to make another effort, and this time it was to be a successful effort.
achieveverbUS /əˈtʃiːv/
to gain with effort
From this reading A letter to May would have been the easiest way in which to achieve his purpose, but Boreham shrank from leaving to posterity a written proposal of marriage, because there always was just the chance that such a letter might not be answered in the right spirit, and in that case the letter would appear to future readers of Boreham's biography as an unsolicited testimonial in favour of marriage--as an institution.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading A letter to May would have been the easiest way in which to achieve his purpose, but Boreham shrank from leaving to posterity a written proposal of marriage, because there always was just the chance that such a letter might not be answered in the right spirit, and in that case the letter would appear to future readers of Boreham's biography as an unsolicited testimonial in favour of marriage--as an institution.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading A letter to May would have been the easiest way in which to achieve his purpose, but Boreham shrank from leaving to posterity a written proposal of marriage, because there always was just the chance that such a letter might not be answered in the right spirit, and in that case the letter would appear to future readers of Boreham's biography as an unsolicited testimonial in favour of marriage--as an institution.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading But there was still time for him to make another effort, and this time it was to be a successful effort.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading But there was still time for him to make another effort, and this time it was to be a successful effort.
past form of “answer” — react verbally
From this reading A letter to May would have been the easiest way in which to achieve his purpose, but Boreham shrank from leaving to posterity a written proposal of marriage, because there always was just the chance that such a letter might not be answered in the right spirit, and in that case the letter would appear to future readers of Boreham's biography as an unsolicited testimonial in favour of marriage--as an institution.
give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading A letter to May would have been the easiest way in which to achieve his purpose, but Boreham shrank from leaving to posterity a written proposal of marriage, because there always was just the chance that such a letter might not be answered in the right spirit, and in that case the letter would appear to future readers of Boreham's biography as an unsolicited testimonial in favour of marriage--as an institution.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading A letter to May would have been the easiest way in which to achieve his purpose, but Boreham shrank from leaving to posterity a written proposal of marriage, because there always was just the chance that such a letter might not be answered in the right spirit, and in that case the letter would appear to future readers of Boreham's biography as an unsolicited testimonial in favour of marriage--as an institution.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading But there was still time for him to make another effort, and this time it was to be a successful effort.
for the reason that
From this reading A letter to May would have been the easiest way in which to achieve his purpose, but Boreham shrank from leaving to posterity a written proposal of marriage, because there always was just the chance that such a letter might not be answered in the right spirit, and in that case the letter would appear to future readers of Boreham's biography as an unsolicited testimonial in favour of marriage--as an institution.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading BOREHAM'S PROPOSAL Boreham's purpose had been thwarted for the moment.
biographynounUS /baɪˈɑːɡrəfi/
an account of the series of events making up a person's life
From this reading A letter to May would have been the easiest way in which to achieve his purpose, but Boreham shrank from leaving to posterity a written proposal of marriage, because there always was just the chance that such a letter might not be answered in the right spirit, and in that case the letter would appear to future readers of Boreham's biography as an unsolicited testimonial in favour of marriage--as an institution.
Boreham
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A letter to May would have been the easiest way in which to achieve his purpose, but Boreham shrank from leaving to posterity a written proposal of marriage, because there always was just the chance that such a letter might not be answered in the right spirit, and in that case the letter would appear to future readers of Boreham's biography as an unsolicited testimonial in favour of marriage--as an institution.
BOREHAM'S
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BOREHAM'S PROPOSAL Boreham's purpose had been thwarted for the moment.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But there was still time for him to make another effort, and this time it was to be a successful effort.
an occurrence of something
From this reading A letter to May would have been the easiest way in which to achieve his purpose, but Boreham shrank from leaving to posterity a written proposal of marriage, because there always was just the chance that such a letter might not be answered in the right spirit, and in that case the letter would appear to future readers of Boreham's biography as an unsolicited testimonial in favour of marriage--as an institution.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading A letter to May would have been the easiest way in which to achieve his purpose, but Boreham shrank from leaving to posterity a written proposal of marriage, because there always was just the chance that such a letter might not be answered in the right spirit, and in that case the letter would appear to future readers of Boreham's biography as an unsolicited testimonial in favour of marriage--as an institution.
continue a certain state, condition, or activity
From this reading So Boreham decided to continue "feeling" his way!
recognizable; marked
From this reading So Boreham decided to continue "feeling" his way!
easiestadjectiveUS /ˈiːziəst/
superlative of “easy” — posing no difficulty; requiring little effort
From this reading A letter to May would have been the easiest way in which to achieve his purpose, but Boreham shrank from leaving to posterity a written proposal of marriage, because there always was just the chance that such a letter might not be answered in the right spirit, and in that case the letter would appear to future readers of Boreham's biography as an unsolicited testimonial in favour of marriage--as an institution.
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading But there was still time for him to make another effort, and this time it was to be a successful effort.
a feeling of favorable regard
From this reading A letter to May would have been the easiest way in which to achieve his purpose, but Boreham shrank from leaving to posterity a written proposal of marriage, because there always was just the chance that such a letter might not be answered in the right spirit, and in that case the letter would appear to future readers of Boreham's biography as an unsolicited testimonial in favour of marriage--as an institution.
the experiencing of affective and emotional states
From this reading So Boreham decided to continue "feeling" his way!
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading BOREHAM'S PROPOSAL Boreham's purpose had been thwarted for the moment.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading A letter to May would have been the easiest way in which to achieve his purpose, but Boreham shrank from leaving to posterity a written proposal of marriage, because there always was just the chance that such a letter might not be answered in the right spirit, and in that case the letter would appear to future readers of Boreham's biography as an unsolicited testimonial in favour of marriage--as an institution.
yet to be or coming
From this reading A letter to May would have been the easiest way in which to achieve his purpose, but Boreham shrank from leaving to posterity a written proposal of marriage, because there always was just the chance that such a letter might not be answered in the right spirit, and in that case the letter would appear to future readers of Boreham's biography as an unsolicited testimonial in favour of marriage--as an institution.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading BOREHAM'S PROPOSAL Boreham's purpose had been thwarted for the moment.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading A letter to May would have been the easiest way in which to achieve his purpose, but Boreham shrank from leaving to posterity a written proposal of marriage, because there always was just the chance that such a letter might not be answered in the right spirit, and in that case the letter would appear to future readers of Boreham's biography as an unsolicited testimonial in favour of marriage--as an institution.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading But there was still time for him to make another effort, and this time it was to be a successful effort.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading A letter to May would have been the easiest way in which to achieve his purpose, but Boreham shrank from leaving to posterity a written proposal of marriage, because there always was just the chance that such a letter might not be answered in the right spirit, and in that case the letter would appear to future readers of Boreham's biography as an unsolicited testimonial in favour of marriage--as an institution.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A letter to May would have been the easiest way in which to achieve his purpose, but Boreham shrank from leaving to posterity a written proposal of marriage, because there always was just the chance that such a letter might not be answered in the right spirit, and in that case the letter would appear to future readers of Boreham's biography as an unsolicited testimonial in favour of marriage--as an institution.
institutionnounUS /ˌɪnstɪˈtuːʃən/
an organization founded and united for a specific purpose
From this reading A letter to May would have been the easiest way in which to achieve his purpose, but Boreham shrank from leaving to posterity a written proposal of marriage, because there always was just the chance that such a letter might not be answered in the right spirit, and in that case the letter would appear to future readers of Boreham's biography as an unsolicited testimonial in favour of marriage--as an institution.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading But there was still time for him to make another effort, and this time it was to be a successful effort.
and nothing more
From this reading A letter to May would have been the easiest way in which to achieve his purpose, but Boreham shrank from leaving to posterity a written proposal of marriage, because there always was just the chance that such a letter might not be answered in the right spirit, and in that case the letter would appear to future readers of Boreham's biography as an unsolicited testimonial in favour of marriage--as an institution.
the act of departing
From this reading A letter to May would have been the easiest way in which to achieve his purpose, but Boreham shrank from leaving to posterity a written proposal of marriage, because there always was just the chance that such a letter might not be answered in the right spirit, and in that case the letter would appear to future readers of Boreham's biography as an unsolicited testimonial in favour of marriage--as an institution.
a written message addressed to a person or organization
From this reading A letter to May would have been the easiest way in which to achieve his purpose, but Boreham shrank from leaving to posterity a written proposal of marriage, because there always was just the chance that such a letter might not be answered in the right spirit, and in that case the letter would appear to future readers of Boreham's biography as an unsolicited testimonial in favour of marriage--as an institution.
engage in
From this reading But there was still time for him to make another effort, and this time it was to be a successful effort.
the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce)
From this reading A letter to May would have been the easiest way in which to achieve his purpose, but Boreham shrank from leaving to posterity a written proposal of marriage, because there always was just the chance that such a letter might not be answered in the right spirit, and in that case the letter would appear to future readers of Boreham's biography as an unsolicited testimonial in favour of marriage--as an institution.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading A letter to May would have been the easiest way in which to achieve his purpose, but Boreham shrank from leaving to posterity a written proposal of marriage, because there always was just the chance that such a letter might not be answered in the right spirit, and in that case the letter would appear to future readers of Boreham's biography as an unsolicited testimonial in favour of marriage--as an institution.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading A letter to May would have been the easiest way in which to achieve his purpose, but Boreham shrank from leaving to posterity a written proposal of marriage, because there always was just the chance that such a letter might not be answered in the right spirit, and in that case the letter would appear to future readers of Boreham's biography as an unsolicited testimonial in favour of marriage--as an institution.
a particular point in time
From this reading BOREHAM'S PROPOSAL Boreham's purpose had been thwarted for the moment.
a form of address for a man
From this reading MR.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading A letter to May would have been the easiest way in which to achieve his purpose, but Boreham shrank from leaving to posterity a written proposal of marriage, because there always was just the chance that such a letter might not be answered in the right spirit, and in that case the letter would appear to future readers of Boreham's biography as an unsolicited testimonial in favour of marriage--as an institution.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A letter to May would have been the easiest way in which to achieve his purpose, but Boreham shrank from leaving to posterity a written proposal of marriage, because there always was just the chance that such a letter might not be answered in the right spirit, and in that case the letter would appear to future readers of Boreham's biography as an unsolicited testimonial in favour of marriage--as an institution.
posteritynounUS /pɑːˈsterəti/
all of the offspring of a given progenitor
From this reading A letter to May would have been the easiest way in which to achieve his purpose, but Boreham shrank from leaving to posterity a written proposal of marriage, because there always was just the chance that such a letter might not be answered in the right spirit, and in that case the letter would appear to future readers of Boreham's biography as an unsolicited testimonial in favour of marriage--as an institution.
PROPOSALnounUS /prəˈpoʊzəl/
something proposed (such as a plan or assumption)
From this reading BOREHAM'S PROPOSAL Boreham's purpose had been thwarted for the moment.
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading BOREHAM'S PROPOSAL Boreham's purpose had been thwarted for the moment.
readersnounUS /ˈriːdərz/
plural of “reader” — a person who enjoys reading
From this reading A letter to May would have been the easiest way in which to achieve his purpose, but Boreham shrank from leaving to posterity a written proposal of marriage, because there always was just the chance that such a letter might not be answered in the right spirit, and in that case the letter would appear to future readers of Boreham's biography as an unsolicited testimonial in favour of marriage--as an institution.
precisely, exactly
From this reading A letter to May would have been the easiest way in which to achieve his purpose, but Boreham shrank from leaving to posterity a written proposal of marriage, because there always was just the chance that such a letter might not be answered in the right spirit, and in that case the letter would appear to future readers of Boreham's biography as an unsolicited testimonial in favour of marriage--as an institution.
shrankverbUS /ʃræŋk/
inflected form of “shrink” — wither, as with a loss of moisture
From this reading A letter to May would have been the easiest way in which to achieve his purpose, but Boreham shrank from leaving to posterity a written proposal of marriage, because there always was just the chance that such a letter might not be answered in the right spirit, and in that case the letter would appear to future readers of Boreham's biography as an unsolicited testimonial in favour of marriage--as an institution.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading So Boreham decided to continue "feeling" his way!
the vital principle or animating force within living things
From this reading A letter to May would have been the easiest way in which to achieve his purpose, but Boreham shrank from leaving to posterity a written proposal of marriage, because there always was just the chance that such a letter might not be answered in the right spirit, and in that case the letter would appear to future readers of Boreham's biography as an unsolicited testimonial in favour of marriage--as an institution.
not in physical motion
From this reading But there was still time for him to make another effort, and this time it was to be a successful effort.
having succeeded or being marked by a favorable outcome
From this reading But there was still time for him to make another effort, and this time it was to be a successful effort.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading A letter to May would have been the easiest way in which to achieve his purpose, but Boreham shrank from leaving to posterity a written proposal of marriage, because there always was just the chance that such a letter might not be answered in the right spirit, and in that case the letter would appear to future readers of Boreham's biography as an unsolicited testimonial in favour of marriage--as an institution.
testimonialnounUS /ˌtestəˈmoʊniəl/
something that serves as evidence
From this reading A letter to May would have been the easiest way in which to achieve his purpose, but Boreham shrank from leaving to posterity a written proposal of marriage, because there always was just the chance that such a letter might not be answered in the right spirit, and in that case the letter would appear to future readers of Boreham's biography as an unsolicited testimonial in favour of marriage--as an institution.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading A letter to May would have been the easiest way in which to achieve his purpose, but Boreham shrank from leaving to posterity a written proposal of marriage, because there always was just the chance that such a letter might not be answered in the right spirit, and in that case the letter would appear to future readers of Boreham's biography as an unsolicited testimonial in favour of marriage--as an institution.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading BOREHAM'S PROPOSAL Boreham's purpose had been thwarted for the moment.
in or at that place or location
From this reading But there was still time for him to make another effort, and this time it was to be a successful effort.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading But there was still time for him to make another effort, and this time it was to be a successful effort.
thwartedadjectiveUS /ˈθwɔːrtɪd/
disappointingly unsuccessful
From this reading BOREHAM'S PROPOSAL Boreham's purpose had been thwarted for the moment.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading But there was still time for him to make another effort, and this time it was to be a successful effort.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading But there was still time for him to make another effort, and this time it was to be a successful effort.
unsolicitedadjectiveUS /ˌʌnsəˈlɪsɪtɪd/
not requested or sought
From this reading A letter to May would have been the easiest way in which to achieve his purpose, but Boreham shrank from leaving to posterity a written proposal of marriage, because there always was just the chance that such a letter might not be answered in the right spirit, and in that case the letter would appear to future readers of Boreham's biography as an unsolicited testimonial in favour of marriage--as an institution.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading But there was still time for him to make another effort, and this time it was to be a successful effort.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading A letter to May would have been the easiest way in which to achieve his purpose, but Boreham shrank from leaving to posterity a written proposal of marriage, because there always was just the chance that such a letter might not be answered in the right spirit, and in that case the letter would appear to future readers of Boreham's biography as an unsolicited testimonial in favour of marriage--as an institution.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading A letter to May would have been the easiest way in which to achieve his purpose, but Boreham shrank from leaving to posterity a written proposal of marriage, because there always was just the chance that such a letter might not be answered in the right spirit, and in that case the letter would appear to future readers of Boreham's biography as an unsolicited testimonial in favour of marriage--as an institution.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading A letter to May would have been the easiest way in which to achieve his purpose, but Boreham shrank from leaving to posterity a written proposal of marriage, because there always was just the chance that such a letter might not be answered in the right spirit, and in that case the letter would appear to future readers of Boreham's biography as an unsolicited testimonial in favour of marriage--as an institution.
set down in writing in any of various ways
From this reading A letter to May would have been the easiest way in which to achieve his purpose, but Boreham shrank from leaving to posterity a written proposal of marriage, because there always was just the chance that such a letter might not be answered in the right spirit, and in that case the letter would appear to future readers of Boreham's biography as an unsolicited testimonial in favour of marriage--as an institution.
