used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading So, when you have read my history, you won’t say any more “as stupid as a donkey,” or “as obstinate as a donkey,” but “as sensible as a donkey,” “as clever as a donkey,” or “as gentle as a donkey.”
in addition
From this reading We are often very nice indeed; but I must also confess that in my youth I sometimes behaved very badly, and you will see how I was punished for it, and how unhappy I was, and how at last I repented, and how at last my repentance changed me and gained for me the forgiveness of my friends and masters.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading I want you to know better what sort of animals donkeys really are, and so I have written for you this story of my life.
plural of “animal” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading I want you to know better what sort of animals donkeys really are, and so I have written for you this story of my life.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading So, when you have read my history, you won’t say any more “as stupid as a donkey,” or “as obstinate as a donkey,” but “as sensible as a donkey,” “as clever as a donkey,” or “as gentle as a donkey.”
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading I want you to know better what sort of animals donkeys really are, and so I have written for you this story of my life.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading So, when you have read my history, you won’t say any more “as stupid as a donkey,” or “as obstinate as a donkey,” but “as sensible as a donkey,” “as clever as a donkey,” or “as gentle as a donkey.”
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading We are often very nice indeed; but I must also confess that in my youth I sometimes behaved very badly, and you will see how I was punished for it, and how unhappy I was, and how at last I repented, and how at last my repentance changed me and gained for me the forgiveness of my friends and masters.
to a severe or serious degree
From this reading You will see, my dear little Master, that we donkeys have been, and still are, often badly treated by human beings.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading You have been kind to _me_, but you have spoken contemptuously of donkeys in general.
behavedverbUS /bɪˈheɪvd/
past form of “behave” — behave in a certain manner; show a certain behavior; conduct or comport oneself
From this reading We are often very nice indeed; but I must also confess that in my youth I sometimes behaved very badly, and you will see how I was punished for it, and how unhappy I was, and how at last I repented, and how at last my repentance changed me and gained for me the forgiveness of my friends and masters.
beingsnounUS /ˈbiːɪŋz/
plural of “being” — the state or fact of existing
From this reading You will see, my dear little Master, that we donkeys have been, and still are, often badly treated by human beings.
(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 I want you to know better what sort of animals donkeys really are, and so I have written for you this story of my life.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading You have been kind to _me_, but you have spoken contemptuously of donkeys in general.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading You will see, my dear little Master, that we donkeys have been, and still are, often badly treated by human beings.
made or become different in nature or form
From this reading We are often very nice indeed; but I must also confess that in my youth I sometimes behaved very badly, and you will see how I was punished for it, and how unhappy I was, and how at last I repented, and how at last my repentance changed me and gained for me the forgiveness of my friends and masters.
showing self-interest and shrewdness in dealing with others
From this reading So, when you have read my history, you won’t say any more “as stupid as a donkey,” or “as obstinate as a donkey,” but “as sensible as a donkey,” “as clever as a donkey,” or “as gentle as a donkey.”
confess to a punishable or reprehensible deed, usually under pressure
From this reading We are often very nice indeed; but I must also confess that in my youth I sometimes behaved very badly, and you will see how I was punished for it, and how unhappy I was, and how at last I repented, and how at last my repentance changed me and gained for me the forgiveness of my friends and masters.
contemptuouslyadverbUS /kənˈtemptʃwəsli/
without respect; in a disdainful manner
From this reading You have been kind to _me_, but you have spoken contemptuously of donkeys in general.
dearly loved
From this reading You will see, my dear little Master, that we donkeys have been, and still are, often badly treated by human beings.
donkeynounUS /ˈdɑːŋki/
the symbol of the Democratic Party; introduced in cartoons by Thomas Nast in 1874
From this reading So, when you have read my history, you won’t say any more “as stupid as a donkey,” or “as obstinate as a donkey,” but “as sensible as a donkey,” “as clever as a donkey,” or “as gentle as a donkey.”
donkeysnounUS /ˈdɑːŋkiz/
plural of “donkey” — the symbol of the Democratic Party; introduced in cartoons by Thomas Nast in 1874
From this reading You have been kind to _me_, but you have spoken contemptuously of donkeys in general.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading I want you to know better what sort of animals donkeys really are, and so I have written for you this story of my life.
forgivenessnounUS /fərˈɡɪvnəs/
compassionate feelings that support a willingness to forgive
From this reading We are often very nice indeed; but I must also confess that in my youth I sometimes behaved very badly, and you will see how I was punished for it, and how unhappy I was, and how at last I repented, and how at last my repentance changed me and gained for me the forgiveness of my friends and masters.
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading We are often very nice indeed; but I must also confess that in my youth I sometimes behaved very badly, and you will see how I was punished for it, and how unhappy I was, and how at last I repented, and how at last my repentance changed me and gained for me the forgiveness of my friends and masters.
past form of “gain” — obtain
From this reading We are often very nice indeed; but I must also confess that in my youth I sometimes behaved very badly, and you will see how I was punished for it, and how unhappy I was, and how at last I repented, and how at last my repentance changed me and gained for me the forgiveness of my friends and masters.
applying to all or most members of a category or group
From this reading You have been kind to _me_, but you have spoken contemptuously of donkeys in general.
soft and mild; not harsh or stern or severe
From this reading So, when you have read my history, you won’t say any more “as stupid as a donkey,” or “as obstinate as a donkey,” but “as sensible as a donkey,” “as clever as a donkey,” or “as gentle as a donkey.”
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading You have been kind to _me_, but you have spoken contemptuously of donkeys in general.
the aggregate of past events
From this reading So, when you have read my history, you won’t say any more “as stupid as a donkey,” or “as obstinate as a donkey,” but “as sensible as a donkey,” “as clever as a donkey,” or “as gentle as a donkey.”
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We are often very nice indeed; but I must also confess that in my youth I sometimes behaved very badly, and you will see how I was punished for it, and how unhappy I was, and how at last I repented, and how at last my repentance changed me and gained for me the forgiveness of my friends and masters.
humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading You will see, my dear little Master, that we donkeys have been, and still are, often badly treated by human beings.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading I want you to know better what sort of animals donkeys really are, and so I have written for you this story of my life.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading You have been kind to _me_, but you have spoken contemptuously of donkeys in general.
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading We are often very nice indeed; but I must also confess that in my youth I sometimes behaved very badly, and you will see how I was punished for it, and how unhappy I was, and how at last I repented, and how at last my repentance changed me and gained for me the forgiveness of my friends and masters.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading We are often very nice indeed; but I must also confess that in my youth I sometimes behaved very badly, and you will see how I was punished for it, and how unhappy I was, and how at last I repented, and how at last my repentance changed me and gained for me the forgiveness of my friends and masters.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading You have been kind to _me_, but you have spoken contemptuously of donkeys in general.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading I want you to know better what sort of animals donkeys really are, and so I have written for you this story of my life.
immediately past
From this reading We are often very nice indeed; but I must also confess that in my youth I sometimes behaved very badly, and you will see how I was punished for it, and how unhappy I was, and how at last I repented, and how at last my repentance changed me and gained for me the forgiveness of my friends and masters.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading I want you to know better what sort of animals donkeys really are, and so I have written for you this story of my life.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading You will see, my dear little Master, that we donkeys have been, and still are, often badly treated by human beings.
an artist of consummate skill
From this reading You will see, my dear little Master, that we donkeys have been, and still are, often badly treated by human beings.
mastersnounUS /ˈmæstərz/
United States poet (1869-1950)
From this reading We are often very nice indeed; but I must also confess that in my youth I sometimes behaved very badly, and you will see how I was punished for it, and how unhappy I was, and how at last I repented, and how at last my repentance changed me and gained for me the forgiveness of my friends and masters.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading You have been kind to _me_, but you have spoken contemptuously of donkeys in general.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading So, when you have read my history, you won’t say any more “as stupid as a donkey,” or “as obstinate as a donkey,” but “as sensible as a donkey,” “as clever as a donkey,” or “as gentle as a donkey.”
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading We are often very nice indeed; but I must also confess that in my youth I sometimes behaved very badly, and you will see how I was punished for it, and how unhappy I was, and how at last I repented, and how at last my repentance changed me and gained for me the forgiveness of my friends and masters.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading I want you to know better what sort of animals donkeys really are, and so I have written for you this story of my life.
pleasant or pleasing or agreeable in nature or appearance
From this reading We are often very nice indeed; but I must also confess that in my youth I sometimes behaved very badly, and you will see how I was punished for it, and how unhappy I was, and how at last I repented, and how at last my repentance changed me and gained for me the forgiveness of my friends and masters.
obstinateadjectiveUS /ˈɑːbstənət/
tenaciously unwilling or marked by tenacious unwillingness to yield
From this reading So, when you have read my history, you won’t say any more “as stupid as a donkey,” or “as obstinate as a donkey,” but “as sensible as a donkey,” “as clever as a donkey,” or “as gentle as a donkey.”
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading You have been kind to _me_, but you have spoken contemptuously of donkeys in general.
many times at short intervals
From this reading You will see, my dear little Master, that we donkeys have been, and still are, often badly treated by human beings.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading So, when you have read my history, you won’t say any more “as stupid as a donkey,” or “as obstinate as a donkey,” but “as sensible as a donkey,” “as clever as a donkey,” or “as gentle as a donkey.”
punishedadjectiveUS /ˈpʌnɪʃt/
subjected to a penalty (as pain or shame or restraint or loss) for an offense or fault or in order to coerce some behavior (as a confession or obedience)
From this reading We are often very nice indeed; but I must also confess that in my youth I sometimes behaved very badly, and you will see how I was punished for it, and how unhappy I was, and how at last I repented, and how at last my repentance changed me and gained for me the forgiveness of my friends and masters.
interpret something that is written or printed
From this reading So, when you have read my history, you won’t say any more “as stupid as a donkey,” or “as obstinate as a donkey,” but “as sensible as a donkey,” “as clever as a donkey,” or “as gentle as a donkey.”
in accordance with truth or fact or reality
From this reading I want you to know better what sort of animals donkeys really are, and so I have written for you this story of my life.
repentancenounUS /rɪˈpentəns/
remorse for your past conduct
From this reading We are often very nice indeed; but I must also confess that in my youth I sometimes behaved very badly, and you will see how I was punished for it, and how unhappy I was, and how at last I repented, and how at last my repentance changed me and gained for me the forgiveness of my friends and masters.
repentedverbUS /rɪˈpentɪd/
past form of “repent” — turn away from sin or do penitence
From this reading We are often very nice indeed; but I must also confess that in my youth I sometimes behaved very badly, and you will see how I was punished for it, and how unhappy I was, and how at last I repented, and how at last my repentance changed me and gained for me the forgiveness of my friends and masters.
express in words
From this reading So, when you have read my history, you won’t say any more “as stupid as a donkey,” or “as obstinate as a donkey,” but “as sensible as a donkey,” “as clever as a donkey,” or “as gentle as a donkey.”
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading You will see, my dear little Master, that we donkeys have been, and still are, often badly treated by human beings.
showing reason or sound judgment
From this reading So, when you have read my history, you won’t say any more “as stupid as a donkey,” or “as obstinate as a donkey,” but “as sensible as a donkey,” “as clever as a donkey,” or “as gentle as a donkey.”
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading I want you to know better what sort of animals donkeys really are, and so I have written for you this story of my life.
on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always
From this reading We are often very nice indeed; but I must also confess that in my youth I sometimes behaved very badly, and you will see how I was punished for it, and how unhappy I was, and how at last I repented, and how at last my repentance changed me and gained for me the forgiveness of my friends and masters.
a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading I want you to know better what sort of animals donkeys really are, and so I have written for you this story of my life.
uttered through the medium of speech or characterized by speech; sometimes used in combination
From this reading You have been kind to _me_, but you have spoken contemptuously of donkeys in general.
not in physical motion
From this reading You will see, my dear little Master, that we donkeys have been, and still are, often badly treated by human beings.
a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading I want you to know better what sort of animals donkeys really are, and so I have written for you this story of my life.
lacking or marked by lack of intellectual acuity
From this reading So, when you have read my history, you won’t say any more “as stupid as a donkey,” or “as obstinate as a donkey,” but “as sensible as a donkey,” “as clever as a donkey,” or “as gentle as a donkey.”
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading You will see, my dear little Master, that we donkeys have been, and still are, often badly treated by human beings.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading We are often very nice indeed; but I must also confess that in my youth I sometimes behaved very badly, and you will see how I was punished for it, and how unhappy I was, and how at last I repented, and how at last my repentance changed me and gained for me the forgiveness of my friends and masters.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading I want you to know better what sort of animals donkeys really are, and so I have written for you this story of my life.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading You have been kind to _me_, but you have spoken contemptuously of donkeys in general.
subjected to a physical (or chemical) treatment or action or agent
From this reading You will see, my dear little Master, that we donkeys have been, and still are, often badly treated by human beings.
experiencing or marked by or causing sadness or sorrow or discontent
From this reading We are often very nice indeed; but I must also confess that in my youth I sometimes behaved very badly, and you will see how I was punished for it, and how unhappy I was, and how at last I repented, and how at last my repentance changed me and gained for me the forgiveness of my friends and masters.
precisely as stated
From this reading We are often very nice indeed; but I must also confess that in my youth I sometimes behaved very badly, and you will see how I was punished for it, and how unhappy I was, and how at last I repented, and how at last my repentance changed me and gained for me the forgiveness of my friends and masters.
feel or have a desire for; want strongly
From this reading I want you to know better what sort of animals donkeys really are, and so I have written for you this story of my life.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading We are often very nice indeed; but I must also confess that in my youth I sometimes behaved very badly, and you will see how I was punished for it, and how unhappy I was, and how at last I repented, and how at last my repentance changed me and gained for me the forgiveness of my friends and masters.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading You will see, my dear little Master, that we donkeys have been, and still are, often badly treated by human beings.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading I want you to know better what sort of animals donkeys really are, and so I have written for you this story of my life.
at the time that
From this reading So, when you have read my history, you won’t say any more “as stupid as a donkey,” or “as obstinate as a donkey,” but “as sensible as a donkey,” “as clever as a donkey,” or “as gentle as a donkey.”
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading You will see, my dear little Master, that we donkeys have been, and still are, often badly treated by human beings.
won't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So, when you have read my history, you won’t say any more “as stupid as a donkey,” or “as obstinate as a donkey,” but “as sensible as a donkey,” “as clever as a donkey,” or “as gentle as a donkey.”
set down in writing in any of various ways
From this reading I want you to know better what sort of animals donkeys really are, and so I have written for you this story of my life.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading You have been kind to _me_, but you have spoken contemptuously of donkeys in general.
a young person (especially a young man or boy)
From this reading We are often very nice indeed; but I must also confess that in my youth I sometimes behaved very badly, and you will see how I was punished for it, and how unhappy I was, and how at last I repented, and how at last my repentance changed me and gained for me the forgiveness of my friends and masters.
