used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Willibald had been there a week.
the state of being absent
From this reading The Chief Forester found that his future son-in-law had changed much for the better during the short intervening time of his absence, and that he had become much more earnest and decided; and he remarked to his daughter with the highest satisfaction: "I believe that Willy is only now commencing to be human.
(followed by “to”) in agreement with or accordant with
From this reading According to his explanation it had happened through his own carelessness, and the hand was already rapidly getting well.
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading According to his explanation it had happened through his own carelessness, and the hand was already rapidly getting well.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading According to his explanation it had happened through his own carelessness, and the hand was already rapidly getting well.
past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress
From this reading He had arrived two days later than had been expected, but the injury to his hand was the cause of that.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading In the meanwhile everything pursued its usual course at Furstenstein.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The Chief Forester found that his future son-in-law had changed much for the better during the short intervening time of his absence, and that he had become much more earnest and decided; and he remarked to his daughter with the highest satisfaction: "I believe that Willy is only now commencing to be human.
enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading The Chief Forester found that his future son-in-law had changed much for the better during the short intervening time of his absence, and that he had become much more earnest and decided; and he remarked to his daughter with the highest satisfaction: "I believe that Willy is only now commencing to be human.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Willibald had been there a week.
accept as true; take to be true
From this reading The Chief Forester found that his future son-in-law had changed much for the better during the short intervening time of his absence, and that he had become much more earnest and decided; and he remarked to his daughter with the highest satisfaction: "I believe that Willy is only now commencing to be human.
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading The Chief Forester found that his future son-in-law had changed much for the better during the short intervening time of his absence, and that he had become much more earnest and decided; and he remarked to his daughter with the highest satisfaction: "I believe that Willy is only now commencing to be human.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading He had arrived two days later than had been expected, but the injury to his hand was the cause of that.
carelessnessnounUS /ˈkerləsnəs/
the quality of not being careful or taking pains
From this reading According to his explanation it had happened through his own carelessness, and the hand was already rapidly getting well.
events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something
From this reading He had arrived two days later than had been expected, but the injury to his hand was the cause of that.
made or become different in nature or form
From this reading The Chief Forester found that his future son-in-law had changed much for the better during the short intervening time of his absence, and that he had become much more earnest and decided; and he remarked to his daughter with the highest satisfaction: "I believe that Willy is only now commencing to be human.
a person who is in charge
From this reading The Chief Forester found that his future son-in-law had changed much for the better during the short intervening time of his absence, and that he had become much more earnest and decided; and he remarked to his daughter with the highest satisfaction: "I believe that Willy is only now commencing to be human.
commencingverbUS /kəˈmensɪŋ/
-ing form of “commence” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading The Chief Forester found that his future son-in-law had changed much for the better during the short intervening time of his absence, and that he had become much more earnest and decided; and he remarked to his daughter with the highest satisfaction: "I believe that Willy is only now commencing to be human.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading In the meanwhile everything pursued its usual course at Furstenstein.
a female human offspring
From this reading The Chief Forester found that his future son-in-law had changed much for the better during the short intervening time of his absence, and that he had become much more earnest and decided; and he remarked to his daughter with the highest satisfaction: "I believe that Willy is only now commencing to be human.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading He had arrived two days later than had been expected, but the injury to his hand was the cause of that.
recognizable; marked
From this reading The Chief Forester found that his future son-in-law had changed much for the better during the short intervening time of his absence, and that he had become much more earnest and decided; and he remarked to his daughter with the highest satisfaction: "I believe that Willy is only now commencing to be human.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading The Chief Forester found that his future son-in-law had changed much for the better during the short intervening time of his absence, and that he had become much more earnest and decided; and he remarked to his daughter with the highest satisfaction: "I believe that Willy is only now commencing to be human.
characterized by a firm and humorless belief in the validity of your opinions
From this reading The Chief Forester found that his future son-in-law had changed much for the better during the short intervening time of his absence, and that he had become much more earnest and decided; and he remarked to his daughter with the highest satisfaction: "I believe that Willy is only now commencing to be human.
all things; all of a situation
From this reading In the meanwhile everything pursued its usual course at Furstenstein.
considered likely or probable to happen or arrive
From this reading He had arrived two days later than had been expected, but the injury to his hand was the cause of that.
a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.
From this reading According to his explanation it had happened through his own carelessness, and the hand was already rapidly getting well.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The Chief Forester found that his future son-in-law had changed much for the better during the short intervening time of his absence, and that he had become much more earnest and decided; and he remarked to his daughter with the highest satisfaction: "I believe that Willy is only now commencing to be human.
ForesternounUS /ˈfɔːrəstər/
English writer of adventure novels featuring Captain Horatio Hornblower (1899-1966)
From this reading The Chief Forester found that his future son-in-law had changed much for the better during the short intervening time of his absence, and that he had become much more earnest and decided; and he remarked to his daughter with the highest satisfaction: "I believe that Willy is only now commencing to be human.
set up or found
From this reading The Chief Forester found that his future son-in-law had changed much for the better during the short intervening time of his absence, and that he had become much more earnest and decided; and he remarked to his daughter with the highest satisfaction: "I believe that Willy is only now commencing to be human.
Furstenstein
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the meanwhile everything pursued its usual course at Furstenstein.
yet to be or coming
From this reading The Chief Forester found that his future son-in-law had changed much for the better during the short intervening time of his absence, and that he had become much more earnest and decided; and he remarked to his daughter with the highest satisfaction: "I believe that Willy is only now commencing to be human.
the act of acquiring something
From this reading According to his explanation it had happened through his own carelessness, and the hand was already rapidly getting well.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Willibald had been there a week.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading He had arrived two days later than had been expected, but the injury to his hand was the cause of that.
past form of “happen” — come to pass
From this reading According to his explanation it had happened through his own carelessness, and the hand was already rapidly getting well.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He had arrived two days later than had been expected, but the injury to his hand was the cause of that.
superlative of “high” — greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading The Chief Forester found that his future son-in-law had changed much for the better during the short intervening time of his absence, and that he had become much more earnest and decided; and he remarked to his daughter with the highest satisfaction: "I believe that Willy is only now commencing to be human.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading He had arrived two days later than had been expected, but the injury to his hand was the cause of that.
humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading The Chief Forester found that his future son-in-law had changed much for the better during the short intervening time of his absence, and that he had become much more earnest and decided; and he remarked to his daughter with the highest satisfaction: "I believe that Willy is only now commencing to be human.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading The Chief Forester found that his future son-in-law had changed much for the better during the short intervening time of his absence, and that he had become much more earnest and decided; and he remarked to his daughter with the highest satisfaction: "I believe that Willy is only now commencing to be human.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In the meanwhile everything pursued its usual course at Furstenstein.
injurynounUS /ˈɪndʒəri/
any physical damage to the body caused by violence or accident or fracture etc.
From this reading He had arrived two days later than had been expected, but the injury to his hand was the cause of that.
interveningadjectiveUS /ˌɪntərˈviːnɪŋ/
occurring or falling between events or points in time
From this reading The Chief Forester found that his future son-in-law had changed much for the better during the short intervening time of his absence, and that he had become much more earnest and decided; and he remarked to his daughter with the highest satisfaction: "I believe that Willy is only now commencing to be human.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The Chief Forester found that his future son-in-law had changed much for the better during the short intervening time of his absence, and that he had become much more earnest and decided; and he remarked to his daughter with the highest satisfaction: "I believe that Willy is only now commencing to be human.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading According to his explanation it had happened through his own carelessness, and the hand was already rapidly getting well.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading In the meanwhile everything pursued its usual course at Furstenstein.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading He had arrived two days later than had been expected, but the injury to his hand was the cause of that.
at the same time but in another place
From this reading In the meanwhile everything pursued its usual course at Furstenstein.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading The Chief Forester found that his future son-in-law had changed much for the better during the short intervening time of his absence, and that he had become much more earnest and decided; and he remarked to his daughter with the highest satisfaction: "I believe that Willy is only now commencing to be human.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading The Chief Forester found that his future son-in-law had changed much for the better during the short intervening time of his absence, and that he had become much more earnest and decided; and he remarked to his daughter with the highest satisfaction: "I believe that Willy is only now commencing to be human.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading The Chief Forester found that his future son-in-law had changed much for the better during the short intervening time of his absence, and that he had become much more earnest and decided; and he remarked to his daughter with the highest satisfaction: "I believe that Willy is only now commencing to be human.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading He had arrived two days later than had been expected, but the injury to his hand was the cause of that.
and nothing more
From this reading The Chief Forester found that his future son-in-law had changed much for the better during the short intervening time of his absence, and that he had become much more earnest and decided; and he remarked to his daughter with the highest satisfaction: "I believe that Willy is only now commencing to be human.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading According to his explanation it had happened through his own carelessness, and the hand was already rapidly getting well.
a person who is being chased
From this reading In the meanwhile everything pursued its usual course at Furstenstein.
with speed
From this reading According to his explanation it had happened through his own carelessness, and the hand was already rapidly getting well.
past form of “remark” — make mention of
From this reading The Chief Forester found that his future son-in-law had changed much for the better during the short intervening time of his absence, and that he had become much more earnest and decided; and he remarked to his daughter with the highest satisfaction: "I believe that Willy is only now commencing to be human.
the contentment one feels when one has fulfilled a desire, need, or expectation
From this reading The Chief Forester found that his future son-in-law had changed much for the better during the short intervening time of his absence, and that he had become much more earnest and decided; and he remarked to his daughter with the highest satisfaction: "I believe that Willy is only now commencing to be human.
primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration
From this reading The Chief Forester found that his future son-in-law had changed much for the better during the short intervening time of his absence, and that he had become much more earnest and decided; and he remarked to his daughter with the highest satisfaction: "I believe that Willy is only now commencing to be human.
son-in-lawnounUS /ˈsʌnɪnlɔː/
the husband of your daughter
From this reading The Chief Forester found that his future son-in-law had changed much for the better during the short intervening time of his absence, and that he had become much more earnest and decided; and he remarked to his daughter with the highest satisfaction: "I believe that Willy is only now commencing to be human.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading He had arrived two days later than had been expected, but the injury to his hand was the cause of that.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading He had arrived two days later than had been expected, but the injury to his hand was the cause of that.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading In the meanwhile everything pursued its usual course at Furstenstein.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Willibald had been there a week.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading According to his explanation it had happened through his own carelessness, and the hand was already rapidly getting well.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading The Chief Forester found that his future son-in-law had changed much for the better during the short intervening time of his absence, and that he had become much more earnest and decided; and he remarked to his daughter with the highest satisfaction: "I believe that Willy is only now commencing to be human.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading He had arrived two days later than had been expected, but the injury to his hand was the cause of that.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading He had arrived two days later than had been expected, but the injury to his hand was the cause of that.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading In the meanwhile everything pursued its usual course at Furstenstein.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He had arrived two days later than had been expected, but the injury to his hand was the cause of that.
any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading Willibald had been there a week.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading According to his explanation it had happened through his own carelessness, and the hand was already rapidly getting well.
Willibald
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Willibald had been there a week.
Willy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Chief Forester found that his future son-in-law had changed much for the better during the short intervening time of his absence, and that he had become much more earnest and decided; and he remarked to his daughter with the highest satisfaction: "I believe that Willy is only now commencing to be human.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The Chief Forester found that his future son-in-law had changed much for the better during the short intervening time of his absence, and that he had become much more earnest and decided; and he remarked to his daughter with the highest satisfaction: "I believe that Willy is only now commencing to be human.
