used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading In every human drama where anguish, shame, despair, play a part, there are always certain minor characters who deserve, though they never receive, almost as much sympathy as do the principals in the tragedy.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading As the doctor and his wife sat awaiting the return of Jean Bower, they felt as if the whole of their happy, dignified house of life had fallen into ruins about them.
(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 For Jean was young enough to start another life, and, as the years went on, all that was now happening, and about to happen, would become a painful memory and nothing more.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading In every human drama where anguish, shame, despair, play a part, there are always certain minor characters who deserve, though they never receive, almost as much sympathy as do the principals in the tragedy.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading In every human drama where anguish, shame, despair, play a part, there are always certain minor characters who deserve, though they never receive, almost as much sympathy as do the principals in the tragedy.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading As the doctor and his wife sat awaiting the return of Jean Bower, they felt as if the whole of their happy, dignified house of life had fallen into ruins about them.
anguishnounUS /ˈæŋɡwɪʃ/
extreme mental distress
From this reading In every human drama where anguish, shame, despair, play a part, there are always certain minor characters who deserve, though they never receive, almost as much sympathy as do the principals in the tragedy.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading For Jean was young enough to start another life, and, as the years went on, all that was now happening, and about to happen, would become a painful memory and nothing more.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading In every human drama where anguish, shame, despair, play a part, there are always certain minor characters who deserve, though they never receive, almost as much sympathy as do the principals in the tragedy.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading In every human drama where anguish, shame, despair, play a part, there are always certain minor characters who deserve, though they never receive, almost as much sympathy as do the principals in the tragedy.
awaitingverbUS /əˈweɪtɪŋ/
-ing form of “await” — look forward to the probable occurrence of
From this reading As the doctor and his wife sat awaiting the return of Jean Bower, they felt as if the whole of their happy, dignified house of life had fallen into ruins about them.
enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading For Jean was young enough to start another life, and, as the years went on, all that was now happening, and about to happen, would become a painful memory and nothing more.
BowernounUS /ˈbaʊər/
a framework that supports climbing plants
From this reading As the doctor and his wife sat awaiting the return of Jean Bower, they felt as if the whole of their happy, dignified house of life had fallen into ruins about them.
an occurrence of something
From this reading How different the case of her husband—to say nothing of herself!
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading In every human drama where anguish, shame, despair, play a part, there are always certain minor characters who deserve, though they never receive, almost as much sympathy as do the principals in the tragedy.
plural of “character” — an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)
From this reading In every human drama where anguish, shame, despair, play a part, there are always certain minor characters who deserve, though they never receive, almost as much sympathy as do the principals in the tragedy.
feeling or showing worry or solicitude
From this reading Deep in her troubled heart Mrs. Maclean was quite as much concerned with the position of her husband as she was with that of her niece, dearly as she loved the girl.
dearlyadverbUS /ˈdɪrli/
in a sincere and heartfelt manner
From this reading Deep in her troubled heart Mrs. Maclean was quite as much concerned with the position of her husband as she was with that of her niece, dearly as she loved the girl.
relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply
From this reading Deep in her troubled heart Mrs. Maclean was quite as much concerned with the position of her husband as she was with that of her niece, dearly as she loved the girl.
deserveverbUS /dɪˈzɜːrv/
be worthy or deserving
From this reading In every human drama where anguish, shame, despair, play a part, there are always certain minor characters who deserve, though they never receive, almost as much sympathy as do the principals in the tragedy.
a state in which all hope is lost or absent
From this reading In every human drama where anguish, shame, despair, play a part, there are always certain minor characters who deserve, though they never receive, almost as much sympathy as do the principals in the tragedy.
unlike in nature or quality or form or degree
From this reading How different the case of her husband—to say nothing of herself!
dignifiedadjectiveUS /ˈdɪɡnəfaɪd/
having or expressing dignity; especially formality or stateliness in bearing or appearance
From this reading As the doctor and his wife sat awaiting the return of Jean Bower, they felt as if the whole of their happy, dignified house of life had fallen into ruins about them.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading In every human drama where anguish, shame, despair, play a part, there are always certain minor characters who deserve, though they never receive, almost as much sympathy as do the principals in the tragedy.
a licensed medical practitioner
From this reading As the doctor and his wife sat awaiting the return of Jean Bower, they felt as if the whole of their happy, dignified house of life had fallen into ruins about them.
dramanounUS /ˈdrɑːmə/
a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage
From this reading In every human drama where anguish, shame, despair, play a part, there are always certain minor characters who deserve, though they never receive, almost as much sympathy as do the principals in the tragedy.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading For Jean was young enough to start another life, and, as the years went on, all that was now happening, and about to happen, would become a painful memory and nothing more.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading In every human drama where anguish, shame, despair, play a part, there are always certain minor characters who deserve, though they never receive, almost as much sympathy as do the principals in the tragedy.
having dropped by the force of gravity
From this reading As the doctor and his wife sat awaiting the return of Jean Bower, they felt as if the whole of their happy, dignified house of life had fallen into ruins about them.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading As the doctor and his wife sat awaiting the return of Jean Bower, they felt as if the whole of their happy, dignified house of life had fallen into ruins about them.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading For Jean was young enough to start another life, and, as the years went on, all that was now happening, and about to happen, would become a painful memory and nothing more.
a young female
From this reading Deep in her troubled heart Mrs. Maclean was quite as much concerned with the position of her husband as she was with that of her niece, dearly as she loved the girl.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading As the doctor and his wife sat awaiting the return of Jean Bower, they felt as if the whole of their happy, dignified house of life had fallen into ruins about them.
come to pass
From this reading For Jean was young enough to start another life, and, as the years went on, all that was now happening, and about to happen, would become a painful memory and nothing more.
happeningnounUS /ˈhæpənɪŋ/
an event that happens
From this reading For Jean was young enough to start another life, and, as the years went on, all that was now happening, and about to happen, would become a painful memory and nothing more.
enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure
From this reading As the doctor and his wife sat awaiting the return of Jean Bower, they felt as if the whole of their happy, dignified house of life had fallen into ruins about them.
the locus of feelings and intuitions
From this reading Deep in her troubled heart Mrs. Maclean was quite as much concerned with the position of her husband as she was with that of her niece, dearly as she loved the girl.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Deep in her troubled heart Mrs. Maclean was quite as much concerned with the position of her husband as she was with that of her niece, dearly as she loved the girl.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading How different the case of her husband—to say nothing of herself!
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading As the doctor and his wife sat awaiting the return of Jean Bower, they felt as if the whole of their happy, dignified house of life had fallen into ruins about them.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading As the doctor and his wife sat awaiting the return of Jean Bower, they felt as if the whole of their happy, dignified house of life had fallen into ruins about them.
How
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How different the case of her husband—to say nothing of herself!
humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading In every human drama where anguish, shame, despair, play a part, there are always certain minor characters who deserve, though they never receive, almost as much sympathy as do the principals in the tragedy.
a married man; a woman's partner in marriage
From this reading Deep in her troubled heart Mrs. Maclean was quite as much concerned with the position of her husband as she was with that of her niece, dearly as she loved the girl.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading As the doctor and his wife sat awaiting the return of Jean Bower, they felt as if the whole of their happy, dignified house of life had fallen into ruins about them.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In every human drama where anguish, shame, despair, play a part, there are always certain minor characters who deserve, though they never receive, almost as much sympathy as do the principals in the tragedy.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading As the doctor and his wife sat awaiting the return of Jean Bower, they felt as if the whole of their happy, dignified house of life had fallen into ruins about them.
a coarse durable twill-weave cotton fabric
From this reading As the doctor and his wife sat awaiting the return of Jean Bower, they felt as if the whole of their happy, dignified house of life had fallen into ruins about them.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading As the doctor and his wife sat awaiting the return of Jean Bower, they felt as if the whole of their happy, dignified house of life had fallen into ruins about them.
held dear
From this reading Deep in her troubled heart Mrs. Maclean was quite as much concerned with the position of her husband as she was with that of her niece, dearly as she loved the girl.
Maclean
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Deep in her troubled heart Mrs. Maclean was quite as much concerned with the position of her husband as she was with that of her niece, dearly as she loved the girl.
The faculty by which the mind stores and remembers information and knowledge.
From this reading For Jean was young enough to start another life, and, as the years went on, all that was now happening, and about to happen, would become a painful memory and nothing more.
minoradjectiveUS /ˈmaɪnər/
of lesser importance or stature or rank
From this reading In every human drama where anguish, shame, despair, play a part, there are always certain minor characters who deserve, though they never receive, almost as much sympathy as do the principals in the tragedy.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading For Jean was young enough to start another life, and, as the years went on, all that was now happening, and about to happen, would become a painful memory and nothing more.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading Deep in her troubled heart Mrs. Maclean was quite as much concerned with the position of her husband as she was with that of her niece, dearly as she loved the girl.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading In every human drama where anguish, shame, despair, play a part, there are always certain minor characters who deserve, though they never receive, almost as much sympathy as do the principals in the tragedy.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading In every human drama where anguish, shame, despair, play a part, there are always certain minor characters who deserve, though they never receive, almost as much sympathy as do the principals in the tragedy.
niecenounUS /niːs/
a daughter of your brother or sister
From this reading Deep in her troubled heart Mrs. Maclean was quite as much concerned with the position of her husband as she was with that of her niece, dearly as she loved the girl.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading For Jean was young enough to start another life, and, as the years went on, all that was now happening, and about to happen, would become a painful memory and nothing more.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading For Jean was young enough to start another life, and, as the years went on, all that was now happening, and about to happen, would become a painful memory and nothing more.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading As the doctor and his wife sat awaiting the return of Jean Bower, they felt as if the whole of their happy, dignified house of life had fallen into ruins about them.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading For Jean was young enough to start another life, and, as the years went on, all that was now happening, and about to happen, would become a painful memory and nothing more.
causing physical or psychological pain
From this reading For Jean was young enough to start another life, and, as the years went on, all that was now happening, and about to happen, would become a painful memory and nothing more.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading In every human drama where anguish, shame, despair, play a part, there are always certain minor characters who deserve, though they never receive, almost as much sympathy as do the principals in the tragedy.
participate in games or sport
From this reading In every human drama where anguish, shame, despair, play a part, there are always certain minor characters who deserve, though they never receive, almost as much sympathy as do the principals in the tragedy.
the particular portion of space occupied by something
From this reading Deep in her troubled heart Mrs. Maclean was quite as much concerned with the position of her husband as she was with that of her niece, dearly as she loved the girl.
principalsnounUS /ˈprɪnsəpəlz/
plural of “principal” — the original amount of a debt on which interest is calculated
From this reading In every human drama where anguish, shame, despair, play a part, there are always certain minor characters who deserve, though they never receive, almost as much sympathy as do the principals in the tragedy.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading Deep in her troubled heart Mrs. Maclean was quite as much concerned with the position of her husband as she was with that of her niece, dearly as she loved the girl.
get something; come into possession of
From this reading In every human drama where anguish, shame, despair, play a part, there are always certain minor characters who deserve, though they never receive, almost as much sympathy as do the principals in the tragedy.
go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading As the doctor and his wife sat awaiting the return of Jean Bower, they felt as if the whole of their happy, dignified house of life had fallen into ruins about them.
ruinsnounUS /ˈruːənz/
plural of “ruin” — an irrecoverable state of devastation and destruction
From this reading As the doctor and his wife sat awaiting the return of Jean Bower, they felt as if the whole of their happy, dignified house of life had fallen into ruins about them.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading As the doctor and his wife sat awaiting the return of Jean Bower, they felt as if the whole of their happy, dignified house of life had fallen into ruins about them.
express in words
From this reading How different the case of her husband—to say nothing of herself!
a painful emotion resulting from an awareness of inadequacy or guilt
From this reading In every human drama where anguish, shame, despair, play a part, there are always certain minor characters who deserve, though they never receive, almost as much sympathy as do the principals in the tragedy.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Deep in her troubled heart Mrs. Maclean was quite as much concerned with the position of her husband as she was with that of her niece, dearly as she loved the girl.
take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading For Jean was young enough to start another life, and, as the years went on, all that was now happening, and about to happen, would become a painful memory and nothing more.
an inclination to support or be loyal to or to agree with an opinion
From this reading In every human drama where anguish, shame, despair, play a part, there are always certain minor characters who deserve, though they never receive, almost as much sympathy as do the principals in the tragedy.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Deep in her troubled heart Mrs. Maclean was quite as much concerned with the position of her husband as she was with that of her niece, dearly as she loved the girl.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading In every human drama where anguish, shame, despair, play a part, there are always certain minor characters who deserve, though they never receive, almost as much sympathy as do the principals in the tragedy.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading As the doctor and his wife sat awaiting the return of Jean Bower, they felt as if the whole of their happy, dignified house of life had fallen into ruins about them.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading As the doctor and his wife sat awaiting the return of Jean Bower, they felt as if the whole of their happy, dignified house of life had fallen into ruins about them.
in or at that place or location
From this reading In every human drama where anguish, shame, despair, play a part, there are always certain minor characters who deserve, though they never receive, almost as much sympathy as do the principals in the tragedy.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading In every human drama where anguish, shame, despair, play a part, there are always certain minor characters who deserve, though they never receive, almost as much sympathy as do the principals in the tragedy.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading In every human drama where anguish, shame, despair, play a part, there are always certain minor characters who deserve, though they never receive, almost as much sympathy as do the principals in the tragedy.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading For Jean was young enough to start another life, and, as the years went on, all that was now happening, and about to happen, would become a painful memory and nothing more.
an event resulting in great loss and misfortune
From this reading In every human drama where anguish, shame, despair, play a part, there are always certain minor characters who deserve, though they never receive, almost as much sympathy as do the principals in the tragedy.
characterized by or indicative of distress or affliction or danger or need
From this reading Deep in her troubled heart Mrs. Maclean was quite as much concerned with the position of her husband as she was with that of her niece, dearly as she loved the girl.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Deep in her troubled heart Mrs. Maclean was quite as much concerned with the position of her husband as she was with that of her niece, dearly as she loved the girl.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading For Jean was young enough to start another life, and, as the years went on, all that was now happening, and about to happen, would become a painful memory and nothing more.
in or at the place that
From this reading In every human drama where anguish, shame, despair, play a part, there are always certain minor characters who deserve, though they never receive, almost as much sympathy as do the principals in the tragedy.
which person or people
From this reading In every human drama where anguish, shame, despair, play a part, there are always certain minor characters who deserve, though they never receive, almost as much sympathy as do the principals in the tragedy.
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading As the doctor and his wife sat awaiting the return of Jean Bower, they felt as if the whole of their happy, dignified house of life had fallen into ruins about them.
a married woman; a man's partner in marriage
From this reading As the doctor and his wife sat awaiting the return of Jean Bower, they felt as if the whole of their happy, dignified house of life had fallen into ruins about them.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Deep in her troubled heart Mrs. Maclean was quite as much concerned with the position of her husband as she was with that of her niece, dearly as she loved the girl.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading For Jean was young enough to start another life, and, as the years went on, all that was now happening, and about to happen, would become a painful memory and nothing more.
a late time of life
From this reading For Jean was young enough to start another life, and, as the years went on, all that was now happening, and about to happen, would become a painful memory and nothing more.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading For Jean was young enough to start another life, and, as the years went on, all that was now happening, and about to happen, would become a painful memory and nothing more.
