used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading His mother, still a young woman, not much over forty, as gay and full of life as he himself was, had plenty of practical sense.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading They kept up between themselves a constant comic war of words; they were for ever disputing about trifles, but when it came to serious matters, she proclaimed her authority to him with quite another voice and another manner.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading An unseen harmony underlay their visible strife.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Vikentev kept his word, and on the very next day brought his mother to Tatiana Markovna, he himself taking refuge in his office, where he sat on pins and needles.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading They kept up between themselves a constant comic war of words; they were for ever disputing about trifles, but when it came to serious matters, she proclaimed her authority to him with quite another voice and another manner.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading His mother, still a young woman, not much over forty, as gay and full of life as he himself was, had plenty of practical sense.
the power or right to give orders or make decisions
From this reading They kept up between themselves a constant comic war of words; they were for ever disputing about trifles, but when it came to serious matters, she proclaimed her authority to him with quite another voice and another manner.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading And though he indeed usually began by protesting, he submitted to her will, if her request was reasonable.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading They kept up between themselves a constant comic war of words; they were for ever disputing about trifles, but when it came to serious matters, she proclaimed her authority to him with quite another voice and another manner.
inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading Vikentev kept his word, and on the very next day brought his mother to Tatiana Markovna, he himself taking refuge in his office, where he sat on pins and needles.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading They kept up between themselves a constant comic war of words; they were for ever disputing about trifles, but when it came to serious matters, she proclaimed her authority to him with quite another voice and another manner.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading And though he indeed usually began by protesting, he submitted to her will, if her request was reasonable.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading They kept up between themselves a constant comic war of words; they were for ever disputing about trifles, but when it came to serious matters, she proclaimed her authority to him with quite another voice and another manner.
comicadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːmɪk/
arousing or provoking laughter
From this reading They kept up between themselves a constant comic war of words; they were for ever disputing about trifles, but when it came to serious matters, she proclaimed her authority to him with quite another voice and another manner.
unvarying in nature
From this reading They kept up between themselves a constant comic war of words; they were for ever disputing about trifles, but when it came to serious matters, she proclaimed her authority to him with quite another voice and another manner.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading Vikentev kept his word, and on the very next day brought his mother to Tatiana Markovna, he himself taking refuge in his office, where he sat on pins and needles.
disputingverbUS /dɪsˈpjuːtɪŋ/
-ing form of “dispute” — take exception to
From this reading They kept up between themselves a constant comic war of words; they were for ever disputing about trifles, but when it came to serious matters, she proclaimed her authority to him with quite another voice and another manner.
at any time
From this reading They kept up between themselves a constant comic war of words; they were for ever disputing about trifles, but when it came to serious matters, she proclaimed her authority to him with quite another voice and another manner.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading They kept up between themselves a constant comic war of words; they were for ever disputing about trifles, but when it came to serious matters, she proclaimed her authority to him with quite another voice and another manner.
fortyadjectiveUS /ˈfɔːrti/
being ten more than thirty
From this reading His mother, still a young woman, not much over forty, as gay and full of life as he himself was, had plenty of practical sense.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading His mother, still a young woman, not much over forty, as gay and full of life as he himself was, had plenty of practical sense.
bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer
From this reading His mother, still a young woman, not much over forty, as gay and full of life as he himself was, had plenty of practical sense.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading His mother, still a young woman, not much over forty, as gay and full of life as he himself was, had plenty of practical sense.
harmonynounUS /ˈhɑːrməni/
compatibility in opinion and action
From this reading An unseen harmony underlay their visible strife.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Vikentev kept his word, and on the very next day brought his mother to Tatiana Markovna, he himself taking refuge in his office, where he sat on pins and needles.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading They kept up between themselves a constant comic war of words; they were for ever disputing about trifles, but when it came to serious matters, she proclaimed her authority to him with quite another voice and another manner.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading They kept up between themselves a constant comic war of words; they were for ever disputing about trifles, but when it came to serious matters, she proclaimed her authority to him with quite another voice and another manner.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Vikentev kept his word, and on the very next day brought his mother to Tatiana Markovna, he himself taking refuge in his office, where he sat on pins and needles.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Vikentev kept his word, and on the very next day brought his mother to Tatiana Markovna, he himself taking refuge in his office, where he sat on pins and needles.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading And though he indeed usually began by protesting, he submitted to her will, if her request was reasonable.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Vikentev kept his word, and on the very next day brought his mother to Tatiana Markovna, he himself taking refuge in his office, where he sat on pins and needles.
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading And though he indeed usually began by protesting, he submitted to her will, if her request was reasonable.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading They kept up between themselves a constant comic war of words; they were for ever disputing about trifles, but when it came to serious matters, she proclaimed her authority to him with quite another voice and another manner.
(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
From this reading Vikentev kept his word, and on the very next day brought his mother to Tatiana Markovna, he himself taking refuge in his office, where he sat on pins and needles.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading His mother, still a young woman, not much over forty, as gay and full of life as he himself was, had plenty of practical sense.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading They kept up between themselves a constant comic war of words; they were for ever disputing about trifles, but when it came to serious matters, she proclaimed her authority to him with quite another voice and another manner.
Markovna
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Vikentev kept his word, and on the very next day brought his mother to Tatiana Markovna, he himself taking refuge in his office, where he sat on pins and needles.
plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern
From this reading They kept up between themselves a constant comic war of words; they were for ever disputing about trifles, but when it came to serious matters, she proclaimed her authority to him with quite another voice and another manner.
a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading Vikentev kept his word, and on the very next day brought his mother to Tatiana Markovna, he himself taking refuge in his office, where he sat on pins and needles.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading His mother, still a young woman, not much over forty, as gay and full of life as he himself was, had plenty of practical sense.
needlesnounUS /ˈniːdəlz/
plural of “needle” — the leaf of a conifer
From this reading Vikentev kept his word, and on the very next day brought his mother to Tatiana Markovna, he himself taking refuge in his office, where he sat on pins and needles.
immediately following in time or order
From this reading Vikentev kept his word, and on the very next day brought his mother to Tatiana Markovna, he himself taking refuge in his office, where he sat on pins and needles.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading His mother, still a young woman, not much over forty, as gay and full of life as he himself was, had plenty of practical sense.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading His mother, still a young woman, not much over forty, as gay and full of life as he himself was, had plenty of practical sense.
place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed
From this reading Vikentev kept his word, and on the very next day brought his mother to Tatiana Markovna, he himself taking refuge in his office, where he sat on pins and needles.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Vikentev kept his word, and on the very next day brought his mother to Tatiana Markovna, he himself taking refuge in his office, where he sat on pins and needles.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading His mother, still a young woman, not much over forty, as gay and full of life as he himself was, had plenty of practical sense.
pinsnounUS /pɪnz/
plural of “pin” — a piece of jewelry that is pinned onto the wearer's garment
From this reading Vikentev kept his word, and on the very next day brought his mother to Tatiana Markovna, he himself taking refuge in his office, where he sat on pins and needles.
a full supply
From this reading His mother, still a young woman, not much over forty, as gay and full of life as he himself was, had plenty of practical sense.
concerned with actual use or practice
From this reading His mother, still a young woman, not much over forty, as gay and full of life as he himself was, had plenty of practical sense.
proclaimedadjectiveUS /proʊˈkleɪmd/
declared publicly; made widely known
From this reading They kept up between themselves a constant comic war of words; they were for ever disputing about trifles, but when it came to serious matters, she proclaimed her authority to him with quite another voice and another manner.
protestingverbUS /prəˈtestɪŋ/
-ing form of “protest” — utter words of protest
From this reading And though he indeed usually began by protesting, he submitted to her will, if her request was reasonable.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading They kept up between themselves a constant comic war of words; they were for ever disputing about trifles, but when it came to serious matters, she proclaimed her authority to him with quite another voice and another manner.
showing reason or sound judgment
From this reading And though he indeed usually began by protesting, he submitted to her will, if her request was reasonable.
a safe place
From this reading Vikentev kept his word, and on the very next day brought his mother to Tatiana Markovna, he himself taking refuge in his office, where he sat on pins and needles.
express the need or desire for
From this reading And though he indeed usually began by protesting, he submitted to her will, if her request was reasonable.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading Vikentev kept his word, and on the very next day brought his mother to Tatiana Markovna, he himself taking refuge in his office, where he sat on pins and needles.
a general conscious awareness
From this reading His mother, still a young woman, not much over forty, as gay and full of life as he himself was, had plenty of practical sense.
concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities
From this reading They kept up between themselves a constant comic war of words; they were for ever disputing about trifles, but when it came to serious matters, she proclaimed her authority to him with quite another voice and another manner.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They kept up between themselves a constant comic war of words; they were for ever disputing about trifles, but when it came to serious matters, she proclaimed her authority to him with quite another voice and another manner.
not in physical motion
From this reading His mother, still a young woman, not much over forty, as gay and full of life as he himself was, had plenty of practical sense.
strifenounUS /straɪf/
lack of agreement or harmony
From this reading An unseen harmony underlay their visible strife.
submittedverbUS /səbˈmɪtɪd/
inflected form of “submit” — refer for judgment or consideration
From this reading And though he indeed usually began by protesting, he submitted to her will, if her request was reasonable.
the act of someone who picks up or takes something
From this reading Vikentev kept his word, and on the very next day brought his mother to Tatiana Markovna, he himself taking refuge in his office, where he sat on pins and needles.
Tatiana
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Vikentev kept his word, and on the very next day brought his mother to Tatiana Markovna, he himself taking refuge in his office, where he sat on pins and needles.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Vikentev kept his word, and on the very next day brought his mother to Tatiana Markovna, he himself taking refuge in his office, where he sat on pins and needles.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading An unseen harmony underlay their visible strife.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading They kept up between themselves a constant comic war of words; they were for ever disputing about trifles, but when it came to serious matters, she proclaimed her authority to him with quite another voice and another manner.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They kept up between themselves a constant comic war of words; they were for ever disputing about trifles, but when it came to serious matters, she proclaimed her authority to him with quite another voice and another manner.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading And though he indeed usually began by protesting, he submitted to her will, if her request was reasonable.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Vikentev kept his word, and on the very next day brought his mother to Tatiana Markovna, he himself taking refuge in his office, where he sat on pins and needles.
triflesnounUS /ˈtraɪfəlz/
plural of “trifle” — a cold pudding made of layers of sponge cake spread with fruit or jelly; may be decorated with nuts, cream, or chocolate
From this reading They kept up between themselves a constant comic war of words; they were for ever disputing about trifles, but when it came to serious matters, she proclaimed her authority to him with quite another voice and another manner.
underlayverb
raise or support (the level of printing) by inserting a piece of paper or cardboard under the type
From this reading An unseen harmony underlay their visible strife.
unseenadjectiveUS /ənˈsiːn/
not seen or perceived
From this reading An unseen harmony underlay their visible strife.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading They kept up between themselves a constant comic war of words; they were for ever disputing about trifles, but when it came to serious matters, she proclaimed her authority to him with quite another voice and another manner.
under normal conditions
From this reading And though he indeed usually began by protesting, he submitted to her will, if her request was reasonable.
precisely as stated
From this reading Vikentev kept his word, and on the very next day brought his mother to Tatiana Markovna, he himself taking refuge in his office, where he sat on pins and needles.
Vikentev
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Vikentev kept his word, and on the very next day brought his mother to Tatiana Markovna, he himself taking refuge in his office, where he sat on pins and needles.
capable of being seen; or open to easy view
From this reading An unseen harmony underlay their visible strife.
the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading They kept up between themselves a constant comic war of words; they were for ever disputing about trifles, but when it came to serious matters, she proclaimed her authority to him with quite another voice and another manner.
the waging of armed conflict against an enemy
From this reading They kept up between themselves a constant comic war of words; they were for ever disputing about trifles, but when it came to serious matters, she proclaimed her authority to him with quite another voice and another manner.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading His mother, still a young woman, not much over forty, as gay and full of life as he himself was, had plenty of practical sense.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading They kept up between themselves a constant comic war of words; they were for ever disputing about trifles, but when it came to serious matters, she proclaimed her authority to him with quite another voice and another manner.
at the time that
From this reading They kept up between themselves a constant comic war of words; they were for ever disputing about trifles, but when it came to serious matters, she proclaimed her authority to him with quite another voice and another manner.
in or at the place that
From this reading Vikentev kept his word, and on the very next day brought his mother to Tatiana Markovna, he himself taking refuge in his office, where he sat on pins and needles.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading And though he indeed usually began by protesting, he submitted to her will, if her request was reasonable.
in the company of; together with
From this reading They kept up between themselves a constant comic war of words; they were for ever disputing about trifles, but when it came to serious matters, she proclaimed her authority to him with quite another voice and another manner.
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading His mother, still a young woman, not much over forty, as gay and full of life as he himself was, had plenty of practical sense.
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
From this reading Vikentev kept his word, and on the very next day brought his mother to Tatiana Markovna, he himself taking refuge in his office, where he sat on pins and needles.
the words that are spoken
From this reading They kept up between themselves a constant comic war of words; they were for ever disputing about trifles, but when it came to serious matters, she proclaimed her authority to him with quite another voice and another manner.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading His mother, still a young woman, not much over forty, as gay and full of life as he himself was, had plenty of practical sense.
