used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE WHITE FLAG Hugh had thought, when he saw those first snowflakes, that he understood a little of what was before them.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading To lose all their possessions at just the season when cold weather was closing in was a mishap desperate indeed, yet the boys, after a moment of being stunned by the gravity of the situation, faced it gayly.
(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 To lose all their possessions at just the season when cold weather was closing in was a mishap desperate indeed, yet the boys, after a moment of being stunned by the gravity of the situation, faced it gayly.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He had later to learn that winter as he knew it and winter as it could be in northern Minnesota were two very different matters.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading He had later to learn that winter as he knew it and winter as it could be in northern Minnesota were two very different matters.
on or to one side
From this reading That same night Hugh insisted on going out to look for the fishing basket that he had thrown aside when he ran to the rescue of Hulda.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading To lose all their possessions at just the season when cold weather was closing in was a mishap desperate indeed, yet the boys, after a moment of being stunned by the gravity of the situation, faced it gayly.
a container that is usually woven and has handles
From this reading That same night Hugh insisted on going out to look for the fishing basket that he had thrown aside when he ran to the rescue of Hulda.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading He had later to learn that winter as he knew it and winter as it could be in northern Minnesota were two very different matters.
a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
From this reading With Nicholas to help him, he managed to find it, so, that evening at least, they did not have to go supperless to bed.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading THE WHITE FLAG Hugh had thought, when he saw those first snowflakes, that he understood a little of what was before them.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading To lose all their possessions at just the season when cold weather was closing in was a mishap desperate indeed, yet the boys, after a moment of being stunned by the gravity of the situation, faced it gayly.
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading To lose all their possessions at just the season when cold weather was closing in was a mishap desperate indeed, yet the boys, after a moment of being stunned by the gravity of the situation, faced it gayly.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading To lose all their possessions at just the season when cold weather was closing in was a mishap desperate indeed, yet the boys, after a moment of being stunned by the gravity of the situation, faced it gayly.
closingnounUS /ˈkloʊzɪŋ/
the act of closing something
From this reading To lose all their possessions at just the season when cold weather was closing in was a mishap desperate indeed, yet the boys, after a moment of being stunned by the gravity of the situation, faced it gayly.
having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration
From this reading To lose all their possessions at just the season when cold weather was closing in was a mishap desperate indeed, yet the boys, after a moment of being stunned by the gravity of the situation, faced it gayly.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading He had later to learn that winter as he knew it and winter as it could be in northern Minnesota were two very different matters.
arising from or marked by despair or loss of hope
From this reading To lose all their possessions at just the season when cold weather was closing in was a mishap desperate indeed, yet the boys, after a moment of being stunned by the gravity of the situation, faced it gayly.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading With Nicholas to help him, he managed to find it, so, that evening at least, they did not have to go supperless to bed.
unlike in nature or quality or form or degree
From this reading He had later to learn that winter as he knew it and winter as it could be in northern Minnesota were two very different matters.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading With Nicholas to help him, he managed to find it, so, that evening at least, they did not have to go supperless to bed.
having a face or facing especially of a specified kind or number; often used in combination
From this reading To lose all their possessions at just the season when cold weather was closing in was a mishap desperate indeed, yet the boys, after a moment of being stunned by the gravity of the situation, faced it gayly.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading With Nicholas to help him, he managed to find it, so, that evening at least, they did not have to go supperless to bed.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading THE WHITE FLAG Hugh had thought, when he saw those first snowflakes, that he understood a little of what was before them.
fishingnounUS /ˈfɪʃɪŋ/
the act of someone who fishes as a diversion
From this reading That same night Hugh insisted on going out to look for the fishing basket that he had thrown aside when he ran to the rescue of Hulda.
emblem usually consisting of a rectangular piece of cloth of distinctive design
From this reading THE WHITE FLAG Hugh had thought, when he saw those first snowflakes, that he understood a little of what was before them.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading That same night Hugh insisted on going out to look for the fishing basket that he had thrown aside when he ran to the rescue of Hulda.
gaylyadverb
in a joyous manner
From this reading To lose all their possessions at just the season when cold weather was closing in was a mishap desperate indeed, yet the boys, after a moment of being stunned by the gravity of the situation, faced it gayly.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading With Nicholas to help him, he managed to find it, so, that evening at least, they did not have to go supperless to bed.
the act of departing
From this reading That same night Hugh insisted on going out to look for the fishing basket that he had thrown aside when he ran to the rescue of Hulda.
gravitynounUS /ˈɡrævəti/
(physics) the force of attraction between all masses in the universe; especially the attraction of the earth's mass for bodies near its surface
From this reading To lose all their possessions at just the season when cold weather was closing in was a mishap desperate indeed, yet the boys, after a moment of being stunned by the gravity of the situation, faced it gayly.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading THE WHITE FLAG Hugh had thought, when he saw those first snowflakes, that he understood a little of what was before them.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading With Nicholas to help him, he managed to find it, so, that evening at least, they did not have to go supperless to bed.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading THE WHITE FLAG Hugh had thought, when he saw those first snowflakes, that he understood a little of what was before them.
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading With Nicholas to help him, he managed to find it, so, that evening at least, they did not have to go supperless to bed.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading With Nicholas to help him, he managed to find it, so, that evening at least, they did not have to go supperless to bed.
Hugh
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE WHITE FLAG Hugh had thought, when he saw those first snowflakes, that he understood a little of what was before them.
Hulda
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That same night Hugh insisted on going out to look for the fishing basket that he had thrown aside when he ran to the rescue of Hulda.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading He had later to learn that winter as he knew it and winter as it could be in northern Minnesota were two very different matters.
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading To lose all their possessions at just the season when cold weather was closing in was a mishap desperate indeed, yet the boys, after a moment of being stunned by the gravity of the situation, faced it gayly.
past form of “insist” — be emphatic or resolute and refuse to budge
From this reading That same night Hugh insisted on going out to look for the fishing basket that he had thrown aside when he ran to the rescue of Hulda.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading He had later to learn that winter as he knew it and winter as it could be in northern Minnesota were two very different matters.
and nothing more
From this reading To lose all their possessions at just the season when cold weather was closing in was a mishap desperate indeed, yet the boys, after a moment of being stunned by the gravity of the situation, faced it gayly.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading He had later to learn that winter as he knew it and winter as it could be in northern Minnesota were two very different matters.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading He had later to learn that winter as he knew it and winter as it could be in northern Minnesota were two very different matters.
gain knowledge or skills
From this reading He had later to learn that winter as he knew it and winter as it could be in northern Minnesota were two very different matters.
the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree
From this reading With Nicholas to help him, he managed to find it, so, that evening at least, they did not have to go supperless to bed.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading THE WHITE FLAG Hugh had thought, when he saw those first snowflakes, that he understood a little of what was before them.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading That same night Hugh insisted on going out to look for the fishing basket that he had thrown aside when he ran to the rescue of Hulda.
fail to keep or to maintain; cease to have, either physically or in an abstract sense
From this reading To lose all their possessions at just the season when cold weather was closing in was a mishap desperate indeed, yet the boys, after a moment of being stunned by the gravity of the situation, faced it gayly.
past form of “manage” — be successful; achieve a goal
From this reading With Nicholas to help him, he managed to find it, so, that evening at least, they did not have to go supperless to bed.
plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern
From this reading He had later to learn that winter as he knew it and winter as it could be in northern Minnesota were two very different matters.
MinnesotanounUS /ˌmɪnɪˈsoʊtə/
a midwestern state
From this reading He had later to learn that winter as he knew it and winter as it could be in northern Minnesota were two very different matters.
mishapnounUS /ˈmɪshæp/
an unpredictable outcome that is unfortunate
From this reading To lose all their possessions at just the season when cold weather was closing in was a mishap desperate indeed, yet the boys, after a moment of being stunned by the gravity of the situation, faced it gayly.
a particular point in time
From this reading To lose all their possessions at just the season when cold weather was closing in was a mishap desperate indeed, yet the boys, after a moment of being stunned by the gravity of the situation, faced it gayly.
NicholasnounUS /ˈnɪkələs/
a bishop in Asia Minor who is associated with Santa Claus (4th century)
From this reading With Nicholas to help him, he managed to find it, so, that evening at least, they did not have to go supperless to bed.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading That same night Hugh insisted on going out to look for the fishing basket that he had thrown aside when he ran to the rescue of Hulda.
in or characteristic of a region of the United States north of (approximately) the Mason-Dixon line
From this reading He had later to learn that winter as he knew it and winter as it could be in northern Minnesota were two very different matters.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading With Nicholas to help him, he managed to find it, so, that evening at least, they did not have to go supperless to bed.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE WHITE FLAG Hugh had thought, when he saw those first snowflakes, that he understood a little of what was before them.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading That same night Hugh insisted on going out to look for the fishing basket that he had thrown aside when he ran to the rescue of Hulda.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading That same night Hugh insisted on going out to look for the fishing basket that he had thrown aside when he ran to the rescue of Hulda.
possessionsnounUS /pəˈzeʃənz/
plural of “possession” — the act of having and controlling property
From this reading To lose all their possessions at just the season when cold weather was closing in was a mishap desperate indeed, yet the boys, after a moment of being stunned by the gravity of the situation, faced it gayly.
inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading That same night Hugh insisted on going out to look for the fishing basket that he had thrown aside when he ran to the rescue of Hulda.
free from harm or evil
From this reading That same night Hugh insisted on going out to look for the fishing basket that he had thrown aside when he ran to the rescue of Hulda.
Identical; not different.
From this reading That same night Hugh insisted on going out to look for the fishing basket that he had thrown aside when he ran to the rescue of Hulda.
cut with a saw
From this reading THE WHITE FLAG Hugh had thought, when he saw those first snowflakes, that he understood a little of what was before them.
a period of the year marked by special events or activities in some field
From this reading To lose all their possessions at just the season when cold weather was closing in was a mishap desperate indeed, yet the boys, after a moment of being stunned by the gravity of the situation, faced it gayly.
the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time
From this reading To lose all their possessions at just the season when cold weather was closing in was a mishap desperate indeed, yet the boys, after a moment of being stunned by the gravity of the situation, faced it gayly.
snowflakesnounUS /ˈsnoʊfleɪks/
plural of “snowflake” — a crystal of snow
From this reading THE WHITE FLAG Hugh had thought, when he saw those first snowflakes, that he understood a little of what was before them.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading With Nicholas to help him, he managed to find it, so, that evening at least, they did not have to go supperless to bed.
stunnedadjectiveUS /stʌnd/
filled with the emotional impact of overwhelming surprise or shock
From this reading To lose all their possessions at just the season when cold weather was closing in was a mishap desperate indeed, yet the boys, after a moment of being stunned by the gravity of the situation, faced it gayly.
supperlessadjective
without supper
From this reading With Nicholas to help him, he managed to find it, so, that evening at least, they did not have to go supperless to bed.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading THE WHITE FLAG Hugh had thought, when he saw those first snowflakes, that he understood a little of what was before them.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE WHITE FLAG Hugh had thought, when he saw those first snowflakes, that he understood a little of what was before them.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading To lose all their possessions at just the season when cold weather was closing in was a mishap desperate indeed, yet the boys, after a moment of being stunned by the gravity of the situation, faced it gayly.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading THE WHITE FLAG Hugh had thought, when he saw those first snowflakes, that he understood a little of what was before them.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading With Nicholas to help him, he managed to find it, so, that evening at least, they did not have to go supperless to bed.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading THE WHITE FLAG Hugh had thought, when he saw those first snowflakes, that he understood a little of what was before them.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading THE WHITE FLAG Hugh had thought, when he saw those first snowflakes, that he understood a little of what was before them.
caused to fall to the ground
From this reading That same night Hugh insisted on going out to look for the fishing basket that he had thrown aside when he ran to the rescue of Hulda.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading He had later to learn that winter as he knew it and winter as it could be in northern Minnesota were two very different matters.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading He had later to learn that winter as he knew it and winter as it could be in northern Minnesota were two very different matters.
fully apprehended as to purport or meaning or explanation
From this reading THE WHITE FLAG Hugh had thought, when he saw those first snowflakes, that he understood a little of what was before them.
precisely as stated
From this reading He had later to learn that winter as he knew it and winter as it could be in northern Minnesota were two very different matters.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE WHITE FLAG Hugh had thought, when he saw those first snowflakes, that he understood a little of what was before them.
the atmospheric conditions that comprise the state of the atmosphere in terms of temperature and wind and clouds and precipitation
From this reading To lose all their possessions at just the season when cold weather was closing in was a mishap desperate indeed, yet the boys, after a moment of being stunned by the gravity of the situation, faced it gayly.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading He had later to learn that winter as he knew it and winter as it could be in northern Minnesota were two very different matters.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading THE WHITE FLAG Hugh had thought, when he saw those first snowflakes, that he understood a little of what was before them.
at the time that
From this reading THE WHITE FLAG Hugh had thought, when he saw those first snowflakes, that he understood a little of what was before them.
a Caucasian
From this reading THE WHITE FLAG Hugh had thought, when he saw those first snowflakes, that he understood a little of what was before them.
the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox
From this reading He had later to learn that winter as he knew it and winter as it could be in northern Minnesota were two very different matters.
in the company of; together with
From this reading With Nicholas to help him, he managed to find it, so, that evening at least, they did not have to go supperless to bed.
but in spite of that
From this reading To lose all their possessions at just the season when cold weather was closing in was a mishap desperate indeed, yet the boys, after a moment of being stunned by the gravity of the situation, faced it gayly.
