used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A CHAPTER OF ACCIDENTS.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading "It all came about," so said Jack Vance, "through Carton's having the cheek to go home some ten days before proper time."
ACCIDENTSnounUS /ˈæksədənts/
plural of “accident” — an unfortunate mishap; especially one causing damage or injury
From this reading A CHAPTER OF ACCIDENTS.
a record or narrative description of past events
From this reading The reader will understand, therefore, that in turning our attention for a short time to an account of the afore-mentioned misfortune of the three friends, we are not wandering from what might be called the main line of our story.
additionaladjectiveUS /əˈdɪʃənəl/
further or added
From this reading The after results of this chapter of accidents cause it to assume an additional importance as being the "beginning of the end," alike of this narrative and of an eventful period in the history of Ronleigh College.
adversitynounUS /ədˈvɝː.sə.t̬i/
Difficulties; misfortune and hardship faced with courage.
From this reading The firmest friendships, we are told, have been formed in mutual adversity; and among the many trials which served to strengthen and confirm the loyalty and unity of the Triple Alliance, a string of minor disasters which overtook them one unlucky day early in December must certainly not be overlooked.
afore-mentioned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The reader will understand, therefore, that in turning our attention for a short time to an account of the afore-mentioned misfortune of the three friends, we are not wandering from what might be called the main line of our story.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading The after results of this chapter of accidents cause it to assume an additional importance as being the "beginning of the end," alike of this narrative and of an eventful period in the history of Ronleigh College.
equally
From this reading The after results of this chapter of accidents cause it to assume an additional importance as being the "beginning of the end," alike of this narrative and of an eventful period in the history of Ronleigh College.
(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 "It all came about," so said Jack Vance, "through Carton's having the cheek to go home some ten days before proper time."
AlliancenounUS /əˈlaɪəns/
the state of being allied or confederated
From this reading The firmest friendships, we are told, have been formed in mutual adversity; and among the many trials which served to strengthen and confirm the loyalty and unity of the Triple Alliance, a string of minor disasters which overtook them one unlucky day early in December must certainly not be overlooked.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading The firmest friendships, we are told, have been formed in mutual adversity; and among the many trials which served to strengthen and confirm the loyalty and unity of the Triple Alliance, a string of minor disasters which overtook them one unlucky day early in December must certainly not be overlooked.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The after results of this chapter of accidents cause it to assume an additional importance as being the "beginning of the end," alike of this narrative and of an eventful period in the history of Ronleigh College.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The firmest friendships, we are told, have been formed in mutual adversity; and among the many trials which served to strengthen and confirm the loyalty and unity of the Triple Alliance, a string of minor disasters which overtook them one unlucky day early in December must certainly not be overlooked.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The firmest friendships, we are told, have been formed in mutual adversity; and among the many trials which served to strengthen and confirm the loyalty and unity of the Triple Alliance, a string of minor disasters which overtook them one unlucky day early in December must certainly not be overlooked.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The after results of this chapter of accidents cause it to assume an additional importance as being the "beginning of the end," alike of this narrative and of an eventful period in the history of Ronleigh College.
assumeverbUS /əˈsuːm/
take to be the case or to be true; accept without verification or proof
From this reading The after results of this chapter of accidents cause it to assume an additional importance as being the "beginning of the end," alike of this narrative and of an eventful period in the history of Ronleigh College.
the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others
From this reading The reader will understand, therefore, that in turning our attention for a short time to an account of the afore-mentioned misfortune of the three friends, we are not wandering from what might be called the main line of our story.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The firmest friendships, we are told, have been formed in mutual adversity; and among the many trials which served to strengthen and confirm the loyalty and unity of the Triple Alliance, a string of minor disasters which overtook them one unlucky day early in December must certainly not be overlooked.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The firmest friendships, we are told, have been formed in mutual adversity; and among the many trials which served to strengthen and confirm the loyalty and unity of the Triple Alliance, a string of minor disasters which overtook them one unlucky day early in December must certainly not be overlooked.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading "It all came about," so said Jack Vance, "through Carton's having the cheek to go home some ten days before proper time."
the event consisting of the start of something
From this reading The after results of this chapter of accidents cause it to assume an additional importance as being the "beginning of the end," alike of this narrative and of an eventful period in the history of Ronleigh College.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading The after results of this chapter of accidents cause it to assume an additional importance as being the "beginning of the end," alike of this narrative and of an eventful period in the history of Ronleigh College.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading The reader will understand, therefore, that in turning our attention for a short time to an account of the afore-mentioned misfortune of the three friends, we are not wandering from what might be called the main line of our story.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading "It all came about," so said Jack Vance, "through Carton's having the cheek to go home some ten days before proper time."
Carton's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "It all came about," so said Jack Vance, "through Carton's having the cheek to go home some ten days before proper time."
events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something
From this reading The after results of this chapter of accidents cause it to assume an additional importance as being the "beginning of the end," alike of this narrative and of an eventful period in the history of Ronleigh College.
definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)
From this reading The firmest friendships, we are told, have been formed in mutual adversity; and among the many trials which served to strengthen and confirm the loyalty and unity of the Triple Alliance, a string of minor disasters which overtook them one unlucky day early in December must certainly not be overlooked.
a subdivision of a written work; usually numbered and titled
From this reading A CHAPTER OF ACCIDENTS.
either side of the face below the eyes
From this reading "It all came about," so said Jack Vance, "through Carton's having the cheek to go home some ten days before proper time."
the body of faculty and students of a college
From this reading The after results of this chapter of accidents cause it to assume an additional importance as being the "beginning of the end," alike of this narrative and of an eventful period in the history of Ronleigh College.
confirmverbUS /kənˈfɜːrm/
establish or strengthen as with new evidence or facts
From this reading The firmest friendships, we are told, have been formed in mutual adversity; and among the many trials which served to strengthen and confirm the loyalty and unity of the Triple Alliance, a string of minor disasters which overtook them one unlucky day early in December must certainly not be overlooked.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading The firmest friendships, we are told, have been formed in mutual adversity; and among the many trials which served to strengthen and confirm the loyalty and unity of the Triple Alliance, a string of minor disasters which overtook them one unlucky day early in December must certainly not be overlooked.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading "It all came about," so said Jack Vance, "through Carton's having the cheek to go home some ten days before proper time."
DecembernounUS /dɪˈsembər/
the last (12th) month of the year
From this reading The firmest friendships, we are told, have been formed in mutual adversity; and among the many trials which served to strengthen and confirm the loyalty and unity of the Triple Alliance, a string of minor disasters which overtook them one unlucky day early in December must certainly not be overlooked.
disastersnounUS /dɪˈzæstərz/
plural of “disaster” — a state of extreme (usually irremediable) ruin and misfortune
From this reading The firmest friendships, we are told, have been formed in mutual adversity; and among the many trials which served to strengthen and confirm the loyalty and unity of the Triple Alliance, a string of minor disasters which overtook them one unlucky day early in December must certainly not be overlooked.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading The firmest friendships, we are told, have been formed in mutual adversity; and among the many trials which served to strengthen and confirm the loyalty and unity of the Triple Alliance, a string of minor disasters which overtook them one unlucky day early in December must certainly not be overlooked.
either extremity of something that has length
From this reading The after results of this chapter of accidents cause it to assume an additional importance as being the "beginning of the end," alike of this narrative and of an eventful period in the history of Ronleigh College.
eventfuladjectiveUS /ɪˈventfəl/
full of events or incidents
From this reading The after results of this chapter of accidents cause it to assume an additional importance as being the "beginning of the end," alike of this narrative and of an eventful period in the history of Ronleigh College.
firmestadjectiveUS /ˈfɜːrməst/
superlative of “firm” — marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable
From this reading The firmest friendships, we are told, have been formed in mutual adversity; and among the many trials which served to strengthen and confirm the loyalty and unity of the Triple Alliance, a string of minor disasters which overtook them one unlucky day early in December must certainly not be overlooked.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The reader will understand, therefore, that in turning our attention for a short time to an account of the afore-mentioned misfortune of the three friends, we are not wandering from what might be called the main line of our story.
having or given a form or shape
From this reading The firmest friendships, we are told, have been formed in mutual adversity; and among the many trials which served to strengthen and confirm the loyalty and unity of the Triple Alliance, a string of minor disasters which overtook them one unlucky day early in December must certainly not be overlooked.
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading The reader will understand, therefore, that in turning our attention for a short time to an account of the afore-mentioned misfortune of the three friends, we are not wandering from what might be called the main line of our story.
friendshipsnounUS /ˈfrendʃɪps/
plural of “friendship” — the state of being friends (or friendly)
From this reading The firmest friendships, we are told, have been formed in mutual adversity; and among the many trials which served to strengthen and confirm the loyalty and unity of the Triple Alliance, a string of minor disasters which overtook them one unlucky day early in December must certainly not be overlooked.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The reader will understand, therefore, that in turning our attention for a short time to an account of the afore-mentioned misfortune of the three friends, we are not wandering from what might be called the main line of our story.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading "It all came about," so said Jack Vance, "through Carton's having the cheek to go home some ten days before proper time."
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading The firmest friendships, we are told, have been formed in mutual adversity; and among the many trials which served to strengthen and confirm the loyalty and unity of the Triple Alliance, a string of minor disasters which overtook them one unlucky day early in December must certainly not be overlooked.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading "It all came about," so said Jack Vance, "through Carton's having the cheek to go home some ten days before proper time."
the aggregate of past events
From this reading The after results of this chapter of accidents cause it to assume an additional importance as being the "beginning of the end," alike of this narrative and of an eventful period in the history of Ronleigh College.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading "It all came about," so said Jack Vance, "through Carton's having the cheek to go home some ten days before proper time."
the quality of being important and worthy of note
From this reading The after results of this chapter of accidents cause it to assume an additional importance as being the "beginning of the end," alike of this narrative and of an eventful period in the history of Ronleigh College.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The firmest friendships, we are told, have been formed in mutual adversity; and among the many trials which served to strengthen and confirm the loyalty and unity of the Triple Alliance, a string of minor disasters which overtook them one unlucky day early in December must certainly not be overlooked.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The after results of this chapter of accidents cause it to assume an additional importance as being the "beginning of the end," alike of this narrative and of an eventful period in the history of Ronleigh College.
a small worthless amount
From this reading "It all came about," so said Jack Vance, "through Carton's having the cheek to go home some ten days before proper time."
a formation of people or things one beside another
From this reading The reader will understand, therefore, that in turning our attention for a short time to an account of the afore-mentioned misfortune of the three friends, we are not wandering from what might be called the main line of our story.
loyaltynounUS /ˈlɔɪəlti/
the quality of being loyal
From this reading The firmest friendships, we are told, have been formed in mutual adversity; and among the many trials which served to strengthen and confirm the loyalty and unity of the Triple Alliance, a string of minor disasters which overtook them one unlucky day early in December must certainly not be overlooked.
most important element
From this reading The reader will understand, therefore, that in turning our attention for a short time to an account of the afore-mentioned misfortune of the three friends, we are not wandering from what might be called the main line of our story.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading The firmest friendships, we are told, have been formed in mutual adversity; and among the many trials which served to strengthen and confirm the loyalty and unity of the Triple Alliance, a string of minor disasters which overtook them one unlucky day early in December must certainly not be overlooked.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading The reader will understand, therefore, that in turning our attention for a short time to an account of the afore-mentioned misfortune of the three friends, we are not wandering from what might be called the main line of our story.
minoradjectiveUS /ˈmaɪnər/
of lesser importance or stature or rank
From this reading The firmest friendships, we are told, have been formed in mutual adversity; and among the many trials which served to strengthen and confirm the loyalty and unity of the Triple Alliance, a string of minor disasters which overtook them one unlucky day early in December must certainly not be overlooked.
unnecessary and unforeseen trouble resulting from an unfortunate event
From this reading The reader will understand, therefore, that in turning our attention for a short time to an account of the afore-mentioned misfortune of the three friends, we are not wandering from what might be called the main line of our story.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading The firmest friendships, we are told, have been formed in mutual adversity; and among the many trials which served to strengthen and confirm the loyalty and unity of the Triple Alliance, a string of minor disasters which overtook them one unlucky day early in December must certainly not be overlooked.
mutualadjectiveUS /ˈmjuːtʃuːəl/
common to or shared by two or more parties
From this reading The firmest friendships, we are told, have been formed in mutual adversity; and among the many trials which served to strengthen and confirm the loyalty and unity of the Triple Alliance, a string of minor disasters which overtook them one unlucky day early in December must certainly not be overlooked.
narrativenounUS /ˈnærətɪv/
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 The after results of this chapter of accidents cause it to assume an additional importance as being the "beginning of the end," alike of this narrative and of an eventful period in the history of Ronleigh College.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The firmest friendships, we are told, have been formed in mutual adversity; and among the many trials which served to strengthen and confirm the loyalty and unity of the Triple Alliance, a string of minor disasters which overtook them one unlucky day early in December must certainly not be overlooked.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A CHAPTER OF ACCIDENTS.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading The firmest friendships, we are told, have been formed in mutual adversity; and among the many trials which served to strengthen and confirm the loyalty and unity of the Triple Alliance, a string of minor disasters which overtook them one unlucky day early in December must certainly not be overlooked.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading The reader will understand, therefore, that in turning our attention for a short time to an account of the afore-mentioned misfortune of the three friends, we are not wandering from what might be called the main line of our story.
overlookedadjectiveUS /ˈoʊvərlʊkt/
not taken into account
From this reading The firmest friendships, we are told, have been formed in mutual adversity; and among the many trials which served to strengthen and confirm the loyalty and unity of the Triple Alliance, a string of minor disasters which overtook them one unlucky day early in December must certainly not be overlooked.
overtookverbUS /ˌoʊvərˈtʊk/
inflected form of “overtake” — catch up with and possibly overtake
From this reading The firmest friendships, we are told, have been formed in mutual adversity; and among the many trials which served to strengthen and confirm the loyalty and unity of the Triple Alliance, a string of minor disasters which overtook them one unlucky day early in December must certainly not be overlooked.
an amount of time
From this reading The after results of this chapter of accidents cause it to assume an additional importance as being the "beginning of the end," alike of this narrative and of an eventful period in the history of Ronleigh College.
marked by suitability or rightness or appropriateness
From this reading "It all came about," so said Jack Vance, "through Carton's having the cheek to go home some ten days before proper time."
a person who enjoys reading
From this reading The reader will understand, therefore, that in turning our attention for a short time to an account of the afore-mentioned misfortune of the three friends, we are not wandering from what might be called the main line of our story.
resultsnounUS /rɪˈzʌlts/
plural of “result” — a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
From this reading The after results of this chapter of accidents cause it to assume an additional importance as being the "beginning of the end," alike of this narrative and of an eventful period in the history of Ronleigh College.
Ronleigh
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The after results of this chapter of accidents cause it to assume an additional importance as being the "beginning of the end," alike of this narrative and of an eventful period in the history of Ronleigh College.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading "It all came about," so said Jack Vance, "through Carton's having the cheek to go home some ten days before proper time."
past form of “serve” — serve a purpose, role, or function
From this reading The firmest friendships, we are told, have been formed in mutual adversity; and among the many trials which served to strengthen and confirm the loyalty and unity of the Triple Alliance, a string of minor disasters which overtook them one unlucky day early in December must certainly not be overlooked.
primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration
From this reading The reader will understand, therefore, that in turning our attention for a short time to an account of the afore-mentioned misfortune of the three friends, we are not wandering from what might be called the main line of our story.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading "It all came about," so said Jack Vance, "through Carton's having the cheek to go home some ten days before proper time."
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading "It all came about," so said Jack Vance, "through Carton's having the cheek to go home some ten days before proper time."
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 The reader will understand, therefore, that in turning our attention for a short time to an account of the afore-mentioned misfortune of the three friends, we are not wandering from what might be called the main line of our story.
strengthenverbUS /ˈstreŋθən/
make strong or stronger
From this reading The firmest friendships, we are told, have been formed in mutual adversity; and among the many trials which served to strengthen and confirm the loyalty and unity of the Triple Alliance, a string of minor disasters which overtook them one unlucky day early in December must certainly not be overlooked.
stringnounUS /strɪŋ/
a lightweight cord
From this reading The firmest friendships, we are told, have been formed in mutual adversity; and among the many trials which served to strengthen and confirm the loyalty and unity of the Triple Alliance, a string of minor disasters which overtook them one unlucky day early in December must certainly not be overlooked.
the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
From this reading "It all came about," so said Jack Vance, "through Carton's having the cheek to go home some ten days before proper time."
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The reader will understand, therefore, that in turning our attention for a short time to an account of the afore-mentioned misfortune of the three friends, we are not wandering from what might be called the main line of our story.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The firmest friendships, we are told, have been formed in mutual adversity; and among the many trials which served to strengthen and confirm the loyalty and unity of the Triple Alliance, a string of minor disasters which overtook them one unlucky day early in December must certainly not be overlooked.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading The firmest friendships, we are told, have been formed in mutual adversity; and among the many trials which served to strengthen and confirm the loyalty and unity of the Triple Alliance, a string of minor disasters which overtook them one unlucky day early in December must certainly not be overlooked.
for that reason; as a result
From this reading The reader will understand, therefore, that in turning our attention for a short time to an account of the afore-mentioned misfortune of the three friends, we are not wandering from what might be called the main line of our story.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading The after results of this chapter of accidents cause it to assume an additional importance as being the "beginning of the end," alike of this narrative and of an eventful period in the history of Ronleigh College.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading The reader will understand, therefore, that in turning our attention for a short time to an account of the afore-mentioned misfortune of the three friends, we are not wandering from what might be called the main line of our story.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading "It all came about," so said Jack Vance, "through Carton's having the cheek to go home some ten days before proper time."
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading The reader will understand, therefore, that in turning our attention for a short time to an account of the afore-mentioned misfortune of the three friends, we are not wandering from what might be called the main line of our story.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The firmest friendships, we are told, have been formed in mutual adversity; and among the many trials which served to strengthen and confirm the loyalty and unity of the Triple Alliance, a string of minor disasters which overtook them one unlucky day early in December must certainly not be overlooked.
inflected form of “tell” — express in words
From this reading The firmest friendships, we are told, have been formed in mutual adversity; and among the many trials which served to strengthen and confirm the loyalty and unity of the Triple Alliance, a string of minor disasters which overtook them one unlucky day early in December must certainly not be overlooked.
trialsnounUS /ˈtraɪəlz/
plural of “trial” — the act of testing something
From this reading The firmest friendships, we are told, have been formed in mutual adversity; and among the many trials which served to strengthen and confirm the loyalty and unity of the Triple Alliance, a string of minor disasters which overtook them one unlucky day early in December must certainly not be overlooked.
TripleverbUS /ˈtrɪpəl/
increase threefold
From this reading The firmest friendships, we are told, have been formed in mutual adversity; and among the many trials which served to strengthen and confirm the loyalty and unity of the Triple Alliance, a string of minor disasters which overtook them one unlucky day early in December must certainly not be overlooked.
the act of changing or reversing the direction of the course
From this reading The reader will understand, therefore, that in turning our attention for a short time to an account of the afore-mentioned misfortune of the three friends, we are not wandering from what might be called the main line of our story.
know and comprehend the nature or meaning of
From this reading The reader will understand, therefore, that in turning our attention for a short time to an account of the afore-mentioned misfortune of the three friends, we are not wandering from what might be called the main line of our story.
unitynounUS /ˈjuːnəti/
an undivided or unbroken completeness or totality with nothing wanting
From this reading The firmest friendships, we are told, have been formed in mutual adversity; and among the many trials which served to strengthen and confirm the loyalty and unity of the Triple Alliance, a string of minor disasters which overtook them one unlucky day early in December must certainly not be overlooked.
unluckyadjectiveUS /ənˈlʌki/
having or bringing misfortune
From this reading The firmest friendships, we are told, have been formed in mutual adversity; and among the many trials which served to strengthen and confirm the loyalty and unity of the Triple Alliance, a string of minor disasters which overtook them one unlucky day early in December must certainly not be overlooked.
Vance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "It all came about," so said Jack Vance, "through Carton's having the cheek to go home some ten days before proper time."
migratory
From this reading The reader will understand, therefore, that in turning our attention for a short time to an account of the afore-mentioned misfortune of the three friends, we are not wandering from what might be called the main line of our story.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading The firmest friendships, we are told, have been formed in mutual adversity; and among the many trials which served to strengthen and confirm the loyalty and unity of the Triple Alliance, a string of minor disasters which overtook them one unlucky day early in December must certainly not be overlooked.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading The reader will understand, therefore, that in turning our attention for a short time to an account of the afore-mentioned misfortune of the three friends, we are not wandering from what might be called the main line of our story.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The firmest friendships, we are told, have been formed in mutual adversity; and among the many trials which served to strengthen and confirm the loyalty and unity of the Triple Alliance, a string of minor disasters which overtook them one unlucky day early in December must certainly not be overlooked.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading The reader will understand, therefore, that in turning our attention for a short time to an account of the afore-mentioned misfortune of the three friends, we are not wandering from what might be called the main line of our story.
