used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading AN INTERESTING INTERVIEW For the rest of the afternoon Jim had a wretched time.
consider or hold as true
From this reading He found it hard to accept the well-meant condolences of casual acquaintances, and still harder to do the right thing and congratulate Drake on his victory, a refinement of self-torture which is by custom expected of the vanquished in every branch of work or sport.
acquaintancesnounUS /əˈkweɪntənsɪz/
plural of “acquaintance” — personal knowledge or information about someone or something
From this reading He found it hard to accept the well-meant condolences of casual acquaintances, and still harder to do the right thing and congratulate Drake on his victory, a refinement of self-torture which is by custom expected of the vanquished in every branch of work or sport.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading To be beaten after such a race by a foot, and to be beaten by a foot when victory would have cut the Gordian knot of his difficulties once and for all, was enough to embitter anybody's existence.
the part of the day between noon and evening
From this reading AN INTERESTING INTERVIEW For the rest of the afternoon Jim had a wretched time.
(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 be beaten after such a race by a foot, and to be beaten by a foot when victory would have cut the Gordian knot of his difficulties once and for all, was enough to embitter anybody's existence.
in addition
From this reading But he managed it somehow, and he also managed to appear reasonably gratified when he went up to take his prize for the half-mile.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading AN INTERESTING INTERVIEW For the rest of the afternoon Jim had a wretched time.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading To be beaten after such a race by a foot, and to be beaten by a foot when victory would have cut the Gordian knot of his difficulties once and for all, was enough to embitter anybody's existence.
anybody's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To be beaten after such a race by a foot, and to be beaten by a foot when victory would have cut the Gordian knot of his difficulties once and for all, was enough to embitter anybody's existence.
give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading But he managed it somehow, and he also managed to appear reasonably gratified when he went up to take his prize for the half-mile.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading To be beaten after such a race by a foot, and to be beaten by a foot when victory would have cut the Gordian knot of his difficulties once and for all, was enough to embitter anybody's existence.
formed or made thin by hammering
From this reading To be beaten after such a race by a foot, and to be beaten by a foot when victory would have cut the Gordian knot of his difficulties once and for all, was enough to embitter anybody's existence.
a division of some larger or more complex organization
From this reading He found it hard to accept the well-meant condolences of casual acquaintances, and still harder to do the right thing and congratulate Drake on his victory, a refinement of self-torture which is by custom expected of the vanquished in every branch of work or sport.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But he managed it somehow, and he also managed to appear reasonably gratified when he went up to take his prize for the half-mile.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading To be beaten after such a race by a foot, and to be beaten by a foot when victory would have cut the Gordian knot of his difficulties once and for all, was enough to embitter anybody's existence.
casualadjectiveUS /ˈkæʒəwəl/
marked by blithe unconcern
From this reading He found it hard to accept the well-meant condolences of casual acquaintances, and still harder to do the right thing and congratulate Drake on his victory, a refinement of self-torture which is by custom expected of the vanquished in every branch of work or sport.
condolencesnounUS /kənˈdoʊlənsəz/
plural of “condolence” — an expression of sympathy with another's grief
From this reading He found it hard to accept the well-meant condolences of casual acquaintances, and still harder to do the right thing and congratulate Drake on his victory, a refinement of self-torture which is by custom expected of the vanquished in every branch of work or sport.
congratulateverbUS /kənˈɡrætʃəleɪt/
say something to someone that expresses praise
From this reading He found it hard to accept the well-meant condolences of casual acquaintances, and still harder to do the right thing and congratulate Drake on his victory, a refinement of self-torture which is by custom expected of the vanquished in every branch of work or sport.
accepted or habitual practice
From this reading He found it hard to accept the well-meant condolences of casual acquaintances, and still harder to do the right thing and congratulate Drake on his victory, a refinement of self-torture which is by custom expected of the vanquished in every branch of work or sport.
separate with or as if with an instrument
From this reading To be beaten after such a race by a foot, and to be beaten by a foot when victory would have cut the Gordian knot of his difficulties once and for all, was enough to embitter anybody's existence.
defeatnounUS /dɪˈfiːt/
an unsuccessful ending to a struggle or contest
From this reading Tony and the others, who knew what his defeat meant to him, kept out of his way, for which he was grateful.
plural of “difficulty” — an effort that is inconvenient
From this reading To be beaten after such a race by a foot, and to be beaten by a foot when victory would have cut the Gordian knot of his difficulties once and for all, was enough to embitter anybody's existence.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading He found it hard to accept the well-meant condolences of casual acquaintances, and still harder to do the right thing and congratulate Drake on his victory, a refinement of self-torture which is by custom expected of the vanquished in every branch of work or sport.
DrakenounUS /dreɪk/
English explorer and admiral who was the first Englishman to circumnavigate the globe and who helped to defeat the Spanish Armada (1540-1596)
From this reading He found it hard to accept the well-meant condolences of casual acquaintances, and still harder to do the right thing and congratulate Drake on his victory, a refinement of self-torture which is by custom expected of the vanquished in every branch of work or sport.
embitterverbUS /emˈbɪtər/
cause to be bitter or resentful
From this reading To be beaten after such a race by a foot, and to be beaten by a foot when victory would have cut the Gordian knot of his difficulties once and for all, was enough to embitter anybody's existence.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading To be beaten after such a race by a foot, and to be beaten by a foot when victory would have cut the Gordian knot of his difficulties once and for all, was enough to embitter anybody's existence.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading He found it hard to accept the well-meant condolences of casual acquaintances, and still harder to do the right thing and congratulate Drake on his victory, a refinement of self-torture which is by custom expected of the vanquished in every branch of work or sport.
the state or fact of existing
From this reading To be beaten after such a race by a foot, and to be beaten by a foot when victory would have cut the Gordian knot of his difficulties once and for all, was enough to embitter anybody's existence.
considered likely or probable to happen or arrive
From this reading He found it hard to accept the well-meant condolences of casual acquaintances, and still harder to do the right thing and congratulate Drake on his victory, a refinement of self-torture which is by custom expected of the vanquished in every branch of work or sport.
the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading To be beaten after such a race by a foot, and to be beaten by a foot when victory would have cut the Gordian knot of his difficulties once and for all, was enough to embitter anybody's existence.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading AN INTERESTING INTERVIEW For the rest of the afternoon Jim had a wretched time.
set up or found
From this reading He found it hard to accept the well-meant condolences of casual acquaintances, and still harder to do the right thing and congratulate Drake on his victory, a refinement of self-torture which is by custom expected of the vanquished in every branch of work or sport.
GordianadjectiveUS /ˈɡɔːrdiən/
extremely intricate; usually in phrase “Gordian knot”
From this reading To be beaten after such a race by a foot, and to be beaten by a foot when victory would have cut the Gordian knot of his difficulties once and for all, was enough to embitter anybody's existence.
feeling or showing gratitude
From this reading Tony and the others, who knew what his defeat meant to him, kept out of his way, for which he was grateful.
gratifiedadjectiveUS /ˈɡrætəfaɪd/
having received what was desired
From this reading But he managed it somehow, and he also managed to appear reasonably gratified when he went up to take his prize for the half-mile.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading AN INTERESTING INTERVIEW For the rest of the afternoon Jim had a wretched time.
half-mile
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But he managed it somehow, and he also managed to appear reasonably gratified when he went up to take his prize for the half-mile.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading He found it hard to accept the well-meant condolences of casual acquaintances, and still harder to do the right thing and congratulate Drake on his victory, a refinement of self-torture which is by custom expected of the vanquished in every branch of work or sport.
harderadverbUS /ˈhɑːrdər/
comparative of “hard” — with effort or force or vigor
From this reading He found it hard to accept the well-meant condolences of casual acquaintances, and still harder to do the right thing and congratulate Drake on his victory, a refinement of self-torture which is by custom expected of the vanquished in every branch of work or sport.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading To be beaten after such a race by a foot, and to be beaten by a foot when victory would have cut the Gordian knot of his difficulties once and for all, was enough to embitter anybody's existence.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He found it hard to accept the well-meant condolences of casual acquaintances, and still harder to do the right thing and congratulate Drake on his victory, a refinement of self-torture which is by custom expected of the vanquished in every branch of work or sport.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Tony and the others, who knew what his defeat meant to him, kept out of his way, for which he was grateful.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading To be beaten after such a race by a foot, and to be beaten by a foot when victory would have cut the Gordian knot of his difficulties once and for all, was enough to embitter anybody's existence.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading He found it hard to accept the well-meant condolences of casual acquaintances, and still harder to do the right thing and congratulate Drake on his victory, a refinement of self-torture which is by custom expected of the vanquished in every branch of work or sport.
arousing or holding the attention
From this reading AN INTERESTING INTERVIEW For the rest of the afternoon Jim had a wretched time.
conduct an interview in television, newspaper, and radio reporting
From this reading AN INTERESTING INTERVIEW For the rest of the afternoon Jim had a wretched time.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He found it hard to accept the well-meant condolences of casual acquaintances, and still harder to do the right thing and congratulate Drake on his victory, a refinement of self-torture which is by custom expected of the vanquished in every branch of work or sport.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading He found it hard to accept the well-meant condolences of casual acquaintances, and still harder to do the right thing and congratulate Drake on his victory, a refinement of self-torture which is by custom expected of the vanquished in every branch of work or sport.
Jim
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading AN INTERESTING INTERVIEW For the rest of the afternoon Jim had a wretched time.
(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
From this reading Tony and the others, who knew what his defeat meant to him, kept out of his way, for which he was grateful.
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 Tony and the others, who knew what his defeat meant to him, kept out of his way, for which he was grateful.
knotnounUS /nɑːt/
a tight cluster of people or things
From this reading To be beaten after such a race by a foot, and to be beaten by a foot when victory would have cut the Gordian knot of his difficulties once and for all, was enough to embitter anybody's existence.
past form of “manage” — be successful; achieve a goal
From this reading But he managed it somehow, and he also managed to appear reasonably gratified when he went up to take his prize for the half-mile.
inflected form of “mean” — mean or intend to express or convey
From this reading Tony and the others, who knew what his defeat meant to him, kept out of his way, for which he was grateful.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading AN INTERESTING INTERVIEW For the rest of the afternoon Jim had a wretched time.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading He found it hard to accept the well-meant condolences of casual acquaintances, and still harder to do the right thing and congratulate Drake on his victory, a refinement of self-torture which is by custom expected of the vanquished in every branch of work or sport.
on one occasion
From this reading To be beaten after such a race by a foot, and to be beaten by a foot when victory would have cut the Gordian knot of his difficulties once and for all, was enough to embitter anybody's existence.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading He found it hard to accept the well-meant condolences of casual acquaintances, and still harder to do the right thing and congratulate Drake on his victory, a refinement of self-torture which is by custom expected of the vanquished in every branch of work or sport.
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Tony and the others, who knew what his defeat meant to him, kept out of his way, for which he was grateful.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Tony and the others, who knew what his defeat meant to him, kept out of his way, for which he was grateful.
prizenounUS /praɪz/
something given for victory or superiority in a contest or competition or for winning a lottery
From this reading But he managed it somehow, and he also managed to appear reasonably gratified when he went up to take his prize for the half-mile.
any competition
From this reading To be beaten after such a race by a foot, and to be beaten by a foot when victory would have cut the Gordian knot of his difficulties once and for all, was enough to embitter anybody's existence.
reasonablyadverbUS /ˈriːzənəbli/
to certain extent or degree
From this reading But he managed it somehow, and he also managed to appear reasonably gratified when he went up to take his prize for the half-mile.
refinementnounUS /rəˈfaɪnmənt/
a highly developed state of perfection; having a flawless or impeccable quality
From this reading He found it hard to accept the well-meant condolences of casual acquaintances, and still harder to do the right thing and congratulate Drake on his victory, a refinement of self-torture which is by custom expected of the vanquished in every branch of work or sport.
not move; be in a resting position
From this reading AN INTERESTING INTERVIEW For the rest of the afternoon Jim had a wretched time.
precisely, exactly
From this reading He found it hard to accept the well-meant condolences of casual acquaintances, and still harder to do the right thing and congratulate Drake on his victory, a refinement of self-torture which is by custom expected of the vanquished in every branch of work or sport.
self-torturenoun
self-imposed distress
From this reading He found it hard to accept the well-meant condolences of casual acquaintances, and still harder to do the right thing and congratulate Drake on his victory, a refinement of self-torture which is by custom expected of the vanquished in every branch of work or sport.
in some unspecified way or manner; or by some unspecified means
From this reading But he managed it somehow, and he also managed to appear reasonably gratified when he went up to take his prize for the half-mile.
sportnounUS /spɔːrt/
an active diversion requiring physical exertion and competition
From this reading He found it hard to accept the well-meant condolences of casual acquaintances, and still harder to do the right thing and congratulate Drake on his victory, a refinement of self-torture which is by custom expected of the vanquished in every branch of work or sport.
not in physical motion
From this reading He found it hard to accept the well-meant condolences of casual acquaintances, and still harder to do the right thing and congratulate Drake on his victory, a refinement of self-torture which is by custom expected of the vanquished in every branch of work or sport.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading To be beaten after such a race by a foot, and to be beaten by a foot when victory would have cut the Gordian knot of his difficulties once and for all, was enough to embitter anybody's existence.
carry out
From this reading But he managed it somehow, and he also managed to appear reasonably gratified when he went up to take his prize for the half-mile.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading AN INTERESTING INTERVIEW For the rest of the afternoon Jim had a wretched time.
a special situation
From this reading He found it hard to accept the well-meant condolences of casual acquaintances, and still harder to do the right thing and congratulate Drake on his victory, a refinement of self-torture which is by custom expected of the vanquished in every branch of work or sport.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading AN INTERESTING INTERVIEW For the rest of the afternoon Jim had a wretched time.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading To be beaten after such a race by a foot, and to be beaten by a foot when victory would have cut the Gordian knot of his difficulties once and for all, was enough to embitter anybody's existence.
Tony
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Tony and the others, who knew what his defeat meant to him, kept out of his way, for which he was grateful.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading But he managed it somehow, and he also managed to appear reasonably gratified when he went up to take his prize for the half-mile.
vanquishedverbUS /ˈvæŋkwɪʃt/
past form of “vanquish” — come out better in a competition, race, or conflict
From this reading He found it hard to accept the well-meant condolences of casual acquaintances, and still harder to do the right thing and congratulate Drake on his victory, a refinement of self-torture which is by custom expected of the vanquished in every branch of work or sport.
a successful ending of a struggle or contest
From this reading To be beaten after such a race by a foot, and to be beaten by a foot when victory would have cut the Gordian knot of his difficulties once and for all, was enough to embitter anybody's existence.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading To be beaten after such a race by a foot, and to be beaten by a foot when victory would have cut the Gordian knot of his difficulties once and for all, was enough to embitter anybody's existence.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Tony and the others, who knew what his defeat meant to him, kept out of his way, for which he was grateful.
well-meantadjective
marked by good intentions though often producing unfortunate results
From this reading He found it hard to accept the well-meant condolences of casual acquaintances, and still harder to do the right thing and congratulate Drake on his victory, a refinement of self-torture which is by custom expected of the vanquished in every branch of work or sport.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading But he managed it somehow, and he also managed to appear reasonably gratified when he went up to take his prize for the half-mile.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Tony and the others, who knew what his defeat meant to him, kept out of his way, for which he was grateful.
at the time that
From this reading To be beaten after such a race by a foot, and to be beaten by a foot when victory would have cut the Gordian knot of his difficulties once and for all, was enough to embitter anybody's existence.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading He found it hard to accept the well-meant condolences of casual acquaintances, and still harder to do the right thing and congratulate Drake on his victory, a refinement of self-torture which is by custom expected of the vanquished in every branch of work or sport.
which person or people
From this reading Tony and the others, who knew what his defeat meant to him, kept out of his way, for which he was grateful.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading He found it hard to accept the well-meant condolences of casual acquaintances, and still harder to do the right thing and congratulate Drake on his victory, a refinement of self-torture which is by custom expected of the vanquished in every branch of work or sport.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading To be beaten after such a race by a foot, and to be beaten by a foot when victory would have cut the Gordian knot of his difficulties once and for all, was enough to embitter anybody's existence.
of very poor quality or condition
From this reading AN INTERESTING INTERVIEW For the rest of the afternoon Jim had a wretched time.
