used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading It is one thing to announce a heroic determination to become the family bread winner.
a record or narrative description of past events
From this reading It is quite another to put that determination to practical account, as Howard Benton was to learn in the days that followed his sojourn at the sanitarium and since learning that his mother’s resources were almost gone.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading But when he applied for one position after another with automobile firms, he was laughed at for his pains.
(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 Particularly when one’s talents run only to running a sporty little racer and a thorough knowledge of all the most recent dance steps and a canny way of learning just where to find the best bootleggers—a talent which the young man put into the limbo of forgotten things as his first step in his new life.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading It is quite another to put that determination to practical account, as Howard Benton was to learn in the days that followed his sojourn at the sanitarium and since learning that his mother’s resources were almost gone.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It is quite another to put that determination to practical account, as Howard Benton was to learn in the days that followed his sojourn at the sanitarium and since learning that his mother’s resources were almost gone.
announceverbUS /əˈnaʊns/
make known; make an announcement
From this reading It is one thing to announce a heroic determination to become the family bread winner.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading It is quite another to put that determination to practical account, as Howard Benton was to learn in the days that followed his sojourn at the sanitarium and since learning that his mother’s resources were almost gone.
appliedadjectiveUS /əˈplaɪd/
concerned with concrete problems or data rather than with fundamental principles
From this reading But when he applied for one position after another with automobile firms, he was laughed at for his pains.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading It is quite another to put that determination to practical account, as Howard Benton was to learn in the days that followed his sojourn at the sanitarium and since learning that his mother’s resources were almost gone.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading It is quite another to put that determination to practical account, as Howard Benton was to learn in the days that followed his sojourn at the sanitarium and since learning that his mother’s resources were almost gone.
automobilenounUS /ˈɔːtəmoʊbiːl/
a motor vehicle with four wheels; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine
From this reading But when he applied for one position after another with automobile firms, he was laughed at for his pains.
automobilesnounUS /ˈɔːtəmoʊbiːlz/
plural of “automobile” — a motor vehicle with four wheels; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine
From this reading Both he and his mother felt he could put his knowledge of automobiles to practical account.
enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading It is one thing to announce a heroic determination to become the family bread winner.
BentonnounUS /ˈbentən/
United States artist whose paintings portrayed life in the Midwest and South (1889-1975)
From this reading It is quite another to put that determination to practical account, as Howard Benton was to learn in the days that followed his sojourn at the sanitarium and since learning that his mother’s resources were almost gone.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading Particularly when one’s talents run only to running a sporty little racer and a thorough knowledge of all the most recent dance steps and a canny way of learning just where to find the best bootleggers—a talent which the young man put into the limbo of forgotten things as his first step in his new life.
bootleggersnounUS /ˈbuːtleɡərz/
plural of “bootlegger” — someone who makes or sells illegal liquor
From this reading Particularly when one’s talents run only to running a sporty little racer and a thorough knowledge of all the most recent dance steps and a canny way of learning just where to find the best bootleggers—a talent which the young man put into the limbo of forgotten things as his first step in his new life.
the two together, not just one
From this reading Both he and his mother felt he could put his knowledge of automobiles to practical account.
food made from dough of flour or meal and usually raised with yeast or baking powder and then baked
From this reading It is one thing to announce a heroic determination to become the family bread winner.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But when he applied for one position after another with automobile firms, he was laughed at for his pains.
cannyadjectiveUS /ˈkæni/
showing self-interest and shrewdness in dealing with others
From this reading Particularly when one’s talents run only to running a sporty little racer and a thorough knowledge of all the most recent dance steps and a canny way of learning just where to find the best bootleggers—a talent which the young man put into the limbo of forgotten things as his first step in his new life.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Both he and his mother felt he could put his knowledge of automobiles to practical account.
an artistic form of nonverbal communication
From this reading Particularly when one’s talents run only to running a sporty little racer and a thorough knowledge of all the most recent dance steps and a canny way of learning just where to find the best bootleggers—a talent which the young man put into the limbo of forgotten things as his first step in his new life.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading It is quite another to put that determination to practical account, as Howard Benton was to learn in the days that followed his sojourn at the sanitarium and since learning that his mother’s resources were almost gone.
determinationnounUS /dɪˌtɜːrməˈneɪʃən/
the act of determining the properties of something, usually by research or calculation
From this reading It is one thing to announce a heroic determination to become the family bread winner.
a social unit living together
From this reading It is one thing to announce a heroic determination to become the family bread winner.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading Both he and his mother felt he could put his knowledge of automobiles to practical account.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading Particularly when one’s talents run only to running a sporty little racer and a thorough knowledge of all the most recent dance steps and a canny way of learning just where to find the best bootleggers—a talent which the young man put into the limbo of forgotten things as his first step in his new life.
firmsnounUS /fɜːrmz/
plural of “firm” — the members of a business organization that owns or operates one or more establishments
From this reading But when he applied for one position after another with automobile firms, he was laughed at for his pains.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading Particularly when one’s talents run only to running a sporty little racer and a thorough knowledge of all the most recent dance steps and a canny way of learning just where to find the best bootleggers—a talent which the young man put into the limbo of forgotten things as his first step in his new life.
past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading It is quite another to put that determination to practical account, as Howard Benton was to learn in the days that followed his sojourn at the sanitarium and since learning that his mother’s resources were almost gone.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading But when he applied for one position after another with automobile firms, he was laughed at for his pains.
Not remembered; lapsed from memory.
From this reading Particularly when one’s talents run only to running a sporty little racer and a thorough knowledge of all the most recent dance steps and a canny way of learning just where to find the best bootleggers—a talent which the young man put into the limbo of forgotten things as his first step in his new life.
destroyed or killed
From this reading It is quite another to put that determination to practical account, as Howard Benton was to learn in the days that followed his sojourn at the sanitarium and since learning that his mother’s resources were almost gone.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Both he and his mother felt he could put his knowledge of automobiles to practical account.
heroicadjectiveUS /hɪˈroʊɪk/
very imposing or impressive; surpassing the ordinary (especially in size or scale)
From this reading It is one thing to announce a heroic determination to become the family bread winner.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading It is quite another to put that determination to practical account, as Howard Benton was to learn in the days that followed his sojourn at the sanitarium and since learning that his mother’s resources were almost gone.
HowardnounUS /ˈhaʊərd/
English actor of stage and screen (1893-1943)
From this reading It is quite another to put that determination to practical account, as Howard Benton was to learn in the days that followed his sojourn at the sanitarium and since learning that his mother’s resources were almost gone.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It is quite another to put that determination to practical account, as Howard Benton was to learn in the days that followed his sojourn at the sanitarium and since learning that his mother’s resources were almost gone.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Particularly when one’s talents run only to running a sporty little racer and a thorough knowledge of all the most recent dance steps and a canny way of learning just where to find the best bootleggers—a talent which the young man put into the limbo of forgotten things as his first step in his new life.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It is one thing to announce a heroic determination to become the family bread winner.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It is one thing to announce a heroic determination to become the family bread winner.
and nothing more
From this reading Particularly when one’s talents run only to running a sporty little racer and a thorough knowledge of all the most recent dance steps and a canny way of learning just where to find the best bootleggers—a talent which the young man put into the limbo of forgotten things as his first step in his new life.
the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning
From this reading Particularly when one’s talents run only to running a sporty little racer and a thorough knowledge of all the most recent dance steps and a canny way of learning just where to find the best bootleggers—a talent which the young man put into the limbo of forgotten things as his first step in his new life.
past form of “laugh” — produce laughter
From this reading But when he applied for one position after another with automobile firms, he was laughed at for his pains.
gain knowledge or skills
From this reading It is quite another to put that determination to practical account, as Howard Benton was to learn in the days that followed his sojourn at the sanitarium and since learning that his mother’s resources were almost gone.
the cognitive process of acquiring skill or knowledge
From this reading It is quite another to put that determination to practical account, as Howard Benton was to learn in the days that followed his sojourn at the sanitarium and since learning that his mother’s resources were almost gone.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Particularly when one’s talents run only to running a sporty little racer and a thorough knowledge of all the most recent dance steps and a canny way of learning just where to find the best bootleggers—a talent which the young man put into the limbo of forgotten things as his first step in his new life.
limbonounUS /ˈlɪmboʊ/
the state of being disregarded or forgotten
From this reading Particularly when one’s talents run only to running a sporty little racer and a thorough knowledge of all the most recent dance steps and a canny way of learning just where to find the best bootleggers—a talent which the young man put into the limbo of forgotten things as his first step in his new life.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Particularly when one’s talents run only to running a sporty little racer and a thorough knowledge of all the most recent dance steps and a canny way of learning just where to find the best bootleggers—a talent which the young man put into the limbo of forgotten things as his first step in his new life.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Particularly when one’s talents run only to running a sporty little racer and a thorough knowledge of all the most recent dance steps and a canny way of learning just where to find the best bootleggers—a talent which the young man put into the limbo of forgotten things as his first step in his new life.
used to form the superlative
From this reading Particularly when one’s talents run only to running a sporty little racer and a thorough knowledge of all the most recent dance steps and a canny way of learning just where to find the best bootleggers—a talent which the young man put into the limbo of forgotten things as his first step in his new life.
a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading Both he and his mother felt he could put his knowledge of automobiles to practical account.
mother'snounUS /ˈmʌðərz/
possessive form of “mother” — a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading It is quite another to put that determination to practical account, as Howard Benton was to learn in the days that followed his sojourn at the sanitarium and since learning that his mother’s resources were almost gone.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading Particularly when one’s talents run only to running a sporty little racer and a thorough knowledge of all the most recent dance steps and a canny way of learning just where to find the best bootleggers—a talent which the young man put into the limbo of forgotten things as his first step in his new life.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Particularly when one’s talents run only to running a sporty little racer and a thorough knowledge of all the most recent dance steps and a canny way of learning just where to find the best bootleggers—a talent which the young man put into the limbo of forgotten things as his first step in his new life.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading It is one thing to announce a heroic determination to become the family bread winner.
one's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Particularly when one’s talents run only to running a sporty little racer and a thorough knowledge of all the most recent dance steps and a canny way of learning just where to find the best bootleggers—a talent which the young man put into the limbo of forgotten things as his first step in his new life.
and nothing more
From this reading Particularly when one’s talents run only to running a sporty little racer and a thorough knowledge of all the most recent dance steps and a canny way of learning just where to find the best bootleggers—a talent which the young man put into the limbo of forgotten things as his first step in his new life.
painsnounUS /peɪnz/
an effortful attempt to attain a goal
From this reading But when he applied for one position after another with automobile firms, he was laughed at for his pains.
to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common
From this reading Particularly when one’s talents run only to running a sporty little racer and a thorough knowledge of all the most recent dance steps and a canny way of learning just where to find the best bootleggers—a talent which the young man put into the limbo of forgotten things as his first step in his new life.
the particular portion of space occupied by something
From this reading But when he applied for one position after another with automobile firms, he was laughed at for his pains.
concerned with actual use or practice
From this reading It is quite another to put that determination to practical account, as Howard Benton was to learn in the days that followed his sojourn at the sanitarium and since learning that his mother’s resources were almost gone.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading It is quite another to put that determination to practical account, as Howard Benton was to learn in the days that followed his sojourn at the sanitarium and since learning that his mother’s resources were almost gone.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading It is quite another to put that determination to practical account, as Howard Benton was to learn in the days that followed his sojourn at the sanitarium and since learning that his mother’s resources were almost gone.
racernounUS /ˈreɪsər/
someone who drives racing cars at high speeds
From this reading Particularly when one’s talents run only to running a sporty little racer and a thorough knowledge of all the most recent dance steps and a canny way of learning just where to find the best bootleggers—a talent which the young man put into the limbo of forgotten things as his first step in his new life.
recentadjectiveUS /ˈriːsənt/
new
From this reading Particularly when one’s talents run only to running a sporty little racer and a thorough knowledge of all the most recent dance steps and a canny way of learning just where to find the best bootleggers—a talent which the young man put into the limbo of forgotten things as his first step in his new life.
resourcesnounUS /ˈriːsɔːrsɪz/
plural of “resource” — available source of wealth; a new or reserve supply that can be drawn upon when needed
From this reading It is quite another to put that determination to practical account, as Howard Benton was to learn in the days that followed his sojourn at the sanitarium and since learning that his mother’s resources were almost gone.
move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading Particularly when one’s talents run only to running a sporty little racer and a thorough knowledge of all the most recent dance steps and a canny way of learning just where to find the best bootleggers—a talent which the young man put into the limbo of forgotten things as his first step in his new life.
(of fluids) moving or issuing in a stream
From this reading Particularly when one’s talents run only to running a sporty little racer and a thorough knowledge of all the most recent dance steps and a canny way of learning just where to find the best bootleggers—a talent which the young man put into the limbo of forgotten things as his first step in his new life.
sanitariumnoun
a hospital for recuperation or for the treatment of chronic diseases
From this reading It is quite another to put that determination to practical account, as Howard Benton was to learn in the days that followed his sojourn at the sanitarium and since learning that his mother’s resources were almost gone.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading It is quite another to put that determination to practical account, as Howard Benton was to learn in the days that followed his sojourn at the sanitarium and since learning that his mother’s resources were almost gone.
sojournnounUS /ˈsoʊdʒərn/
a temporary stay (e.g., as a guest)
From this reading It is quite another to put that determination to practical account, as Howard Benton was to learn in the days that followed his sojourn at the sanitarium and since learning that his mother’s resources were almost gone.
sportyadjectiveUS /ˈspɔːrti/
exhibiting or calling for sportsmanship or fair play
From this reading Particularly when one’s talents run only to running a sporty little racer and a thorough knowledge of all the most recent dance steps and a canny way of learning just where to find the best bootleggers—a talent which the young man put into the limbo of forgotten things as his first step in his new life.
any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal
From this reading Particularly when one’s talents run only to running a sporty little racer and a thorough knowledge of all the most recent dance steps and a canny way of learning just where to find the best bootleggers—a talent which the young man put into the limbo of forgotten things as his first step in his new life.
a flight of stairs or a flight of steps
From this reading Particularly when one’s talents run only to running a sporty little racer and a thorough knowledge of all the most recent dance steps and a canny way of learning just where to find the best bootleggers—a talent which the young man put into the limbo of forgotten things as his first step in his new life.
talentnounUS /ˈtælənt/
natural abilities or qualities
From this reading Particularly when one’s talents run only to running a sporty little racer and a thorough knowledge of all the most recent dance steps and a canny way of learning just where to find the best bootleggers—a talent which the young man put into the limbo of forgotten things as his first step in his new life.
talentsnounUS /ˈtælənts/
plural of “talent” — natural abilities or qualities
From this reading Particularly when one’s talents run only to running a sporty little racer and a thorough knowledge of all the most recent dance steps and a canny way of learning just where to find the best bootleggers—a talent which the young man put into the limbo of forgotten things as his first step in his new life.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It is quite another to put that determination to practical account, as Howard Benton was to learn in the days that followed his sojourn at the sanitarium and since learning that his mother’s resources were almost gone.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It is one thing to announce a heroic determination to become the family bread winner.
a special situation
From this reading It is one thing to announce a heroic determination to become the family bread winner.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading Particularly when one’s talents run only to running a sporty little racer and a thorough knowledge of all the most recent dance steps and a canny way of learning just where to find the best bootleggers—a talent which the young man put into the limbo of forgotten things as his first step in his new life.
thoroughadjectiveUS /ˈθɜːroʊ/
painstakingly careful and accurate
From this reading Particularly when one’s talents run only to running a sporty little racer and a thorough knowledge of all the most recent dance steps and a canny way of learning just where to find the best bootleggers—a talent which the young man put into the limbo of forgotten things as his first step in his new life.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It is one thing to announce a heroic determination to become the family bread winner.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It is quite another to put that determination to practical account, as Howard Benton was to learn in the days that followed his sojourn at the sanitarium and since learning that his mother’s resources were almost gone.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Particularly when one’s talents run only to running a sporty little racer and a thorough knowledge of all the most recent dance steps and a canny way of learning just where to find the best bootleggers—a talent which the young man put into the limbo of forgotten things as his first step in his new life.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading It is quite another to put that determination to practical account, as Howard Benton was to learn in the days that followed his sojourn at the sanitarium and since learning that his mother’s resources were almost gone.
at the time that
From this reading Particularly when one’s talents run only to running a sporty little racer and a thorough knowledge of all the most recent dance steps and a canny way of learning just where to find the best bootleggers—a talent which the young man put into the limbo of forgotten things as his first step in his new life.
in or at the place that
From this reading Particularly when one’s talents run only to running a sporty little racer and a thorough knowledge of all the most recent dance steps and a canny way of learning just where to find the best bootleggers—a talent which the young man put into the limbo of forgotten things as his first step in his new life.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Particularly when one’s talents run only to running a sporty little racer and a thorough knowledge of all the most recent dance steps and a canny way of learning just where to find the best bootleggers—a talent which the young man put into the limbo of forgotten things as his first step in his new life.
winnernounUS /ˈwɪnər/
the contestant who wins the contest
From this reading It is one thing to announce a heroic determination to become the family bread winner.
in the company of; together with
From this reading But when he applied for one position after another with automobile firms, he was laughed at for his pains.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading Particularly when one’s talents run only to running a sporty little racer and a thorough knowledge of all the most recent dance steps and a canny way of learning just where to find the best bootleggers—a talent which the young man put into the limbo of forgotten things as his first step in his new life.
