used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Adams asked himself a little later as he walked back under the stars.
AdamsnounUS /ˈædəmz/
American Revolutionary leader and patriot; an organizer of the Boston Tea Party and signer of the Declaration of Independence (1722-1803)
From this reading Adams asked himself a little later as he walked back under the stars.
be able to spare or give up
From this reading An assurance, in which there was almost exultation, flooded his thoughts, and he was aware that the passion he felt for her had been suddenly strengthened by an emotion of equal power--by the longing born in his heart to afford protection to whatever suffered within his sight.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading An assurance, in which there was almost exultation, flooded his thoughts, and he was aware that the passion he felt for her had been suddenly strengthened by an emotion of equal power--by the longing born in his heart to afford protection to whatever suffered within his sight.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading An assurance, in which there was almost exultation, flooded his thoughts, and he was aware that the passion he felt for her had been suddenly strengthened by an emotion of equal power--by the longing born in his heart to afford protection to whatever suffered within his sight.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading BETWEEN LAURA AND GERTY Did he possess the strength as well as the love that she needed?
subject to appointment
From this reading Never for an instant, since he had entered the room where she retreated before him, had he doubted either his appointed mission or his power of renewal.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading BETWEEN LAURA AND GERTY Did he possess the strength as well as the love that she needed?
past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading Adams asked himself a little later as he walked back under the stars.
assurancenounUS /əˈʃʊrəns/
freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities
From this reading An assurance, in which there was almost exultation, flooded his thoughts, and he was aware that the passion he felt for her had been suddenly strengthened by an emotion of equal power--by the longing born in his heart to afford protection to whatever suffered within his sight.
(sometimes followed by “of”) having or showing knowledge or understanding or realization or perception
From this reading An assurance, in which there was almost exultation, flooded his thoughts, and he was aware that the passion he felt for her had been suddenly strengthened by an emotion of equal power--by the longing born in his heart to afford protection to whatever suffered within his sight.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading Adams asked himself a little later as he walked back under the stars.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading An assurance, in which there was almost exultation, flooded his thoughts, and he was aware that the passion he felt for her had been suddenly strengthened by an emotion of equal power--by the longing born in his heart to afford protection to whatever suffered within his sight.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Never for an instant, since he had entered the room where she retreated before him, had he doubted either his appointed mission or his power of renewal.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading BETWEEN LAURA AND GERTY Did he possess the strength as well as the love that she needed?
bloodlessadjectiveUS /ˈblʌdləs/
destitute of blood or apparently so
From this reading He saw her as he had just left her--wan, despairing; so bloodless that the light seemed shining through her features, and then he remembered the radiant smile which she had lost, the glorious womanhood obscured now by humiliation.
brought into existence
From this reading An assurance, in which there was almost exultation, flooded his thoughts, and he was aware that the passion he felt for her had been suddenly strengthened by an emotion of equal power--by the longing born in his heart to afford protection to whatever suffered within his sight.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading He saw her as he had just left her--wan, despairing; so bloodless that the light seemed shining through her features, and then he remembered the radiant smile which she had lost, the glorious womanhood obscured now by humiliation.
despairingadjectiveUS /dɪˈsperɪŋ/
arising from or marked by despair or loss of hope
From this reading He saw her as he had just left her--wan, despairing; so bloodless that the light seemed shining through her features, and then he remembered the radiant smile which she had lost, the glorious womanhood obscured now by humiliation.
Didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading BETWEEN LAURA AND GERTY Did he possess the strength as well as the love that she needed?
doubtedverbUS /ˈdaʊtɪd/
past form of “doubt” — consider unlikely or have doubts about
From this reading Never for an instant, since he had entered the room where she retreated before him, had he doubted either his appointed mission or his power of renewal.
one or the other of two
From this reading Never for an instant, since he had entered the room where she retreated before him, had he doubted either his appointed mission or his power of renewal.
any strong feeling
From this reading An assurance, in which there was almost exultation, flooded his thoughts, and he was aware that the passion he felt for her had been suddenly strengthened by an emotion of equal power--by the longing born in his heart to afford protection to whatever suffered within his sight.
past form of “enter” — to come or go into
From this reading Never for an instant, since he had entered the room where she retreated before him, had he doubted either his appointed mission or his power of renewal.
be identical or equivalent to
From this reading An assurance, in which there was almost exultation, flooded his thoughts, and he was aware that the passion he felt for her had been suddenly strengthened by an emotion of equal power--by the longing born in his heart to afford protection to whatever suffered within his sight.
exultationnoun
a feeling of extreme joy
From this reading An assurance, in which there was almost exultation, flooded his thoughts, and he was aware that the passion he felt for her had been suddenly strengthened by an emotion of equal power--by the longing born in his heart to afford protection to whatever suffered within his sight.
plural of “feature” — a prominent attribute or aspect of something
From this reading He saw her as he had just left her--wan, despairing; so bloodless that the light seemed shining through her features, and then he remembered the radiant smile which she had lost, the glorious womanhood obscured now by humiliation.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading An assurance, in which there was almost exultation, flooded his thoughts, and he was aware that the passion he felt for her had been suddenly strengthened by an emotion of equal power--by the longing born in his heart to afford protection to whatever suffered within his sight.
floodedadjectiveUS /ˈflʌdəd/
covered with water
From this reading An assurance, in which there was almost exultation, flooded his thoughts, and he was aware that the passion he felt for her had been suddenly strengthened by an emotion of equal power--by the longing born in his heart to afford protection to whatever suffered within his sight.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading An assurance, in which there was almost exultation, flooded his thoughts, and he was aware that the passion he felt for her had been suddenly strengthened by an emotion of equal power--by the longing born in his heart to afford protection to whatever suffered within his sight.
GERTY
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BETWEEN LAURA AND GERTY Did he possess the strength as well as the love that she needed?
having or deserving or conferring glory
From this reading He saw her as he had just left her--wan, despairing; so bloodless that the light seemed shining through her features, and then he remembered the radiant smile which she had lost, the glorious womanhood obscured now by humiliation.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading He saw her as he had just left her--wan, despairing; so bloodless that the light seemed shining through her features, and then he remembered the radiant smile which she had lost, the glorious womanhood obscured now by humiliation.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading BETWEEN LAURA AND GERTY Did he possess the strength as well as the love that she needed?
the locus of feelings and intuitions
From this reading An assurance, in which there was almost exultation, flooded his thoughts, and he was aware that the passion he felt for her had been suddenly strengthened by an emotion of equal power--by the longing born in his heart to afford protection to whatever suffered within his sight.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading He saw her as he had just left her--wan, despairing; so bloodless that the light seemed shining through her features, and then he remembered the radiant smile which she had lost, the glorious womanhood obscured now by humiliation.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Never for an instant, since he had entered the room where she retreated before him, had he doubted either his appointed mission or his power of renewal.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Adams asked himself a little later as he walked back under the stars.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading An assurance, in which there was almost exultation, flooded his thoughts, and he was aware that the passion he felt for her had been suddenly strengthened by an emotion of equal power--by the longing born in his heart to afford protection to whatever suffered within his sight.
humiliationnounUS /hjuːˌmɪliˈeɪʃən/
state of disgrace or loss of self-respect
From this reading He saw her as he had just left her--wan, despairing; so bloodless that the light seemed shining through her features, and then he remembered the radiant smile which she had lost, the glorious womanhood obscured now by humiliation.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading An assurance, in which there was almost exultation, flooded his thoughts, and he was aware that the passion he felt for her had been suddenly strengthened by an emotion of equal power--by the longing born in his heart to afford protection to whatever suffered within his sight.
a very short time (as the time it takes the eye to blink or the heart to beat)
From this reading Never for an instant, since he had entered the room where she retreated before him, had he doubted either his appointed mission or his power of renewal.
and nothing more
From this reading He saw her as he had just left her--wan, despairing; so bloodless that the light seemed shining through her features, and then he remembered the radiant smile which she had lost, the glorious womanhood obscured now by humiliation.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading Adams asked himself a little later as he walked back under the stars.
LAURA
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BETWEEN LAURA AND GERTY Did he possess the strength as well as the love that she needed?
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading He saw her as he had just left her--wan, despairing; so bloodless that the light seemed shining through her features, and then he remembered the radiant smile which she had lost, the glorious womanhood obscured now by humiliation.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading He saw her as he had just left her--wan, despairing; so bloodless that the light seemed shining through her features, and then he remembered the radiant smile which she had lost, the glorious womanhood obscured now by humiliation.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Adams asked himself a little later as he walked back under the stars.
prolonged unfulfilled desire or need
From this reading An assurance, in which there was almost exultation, flooded his thoughts, and he was aware that the passion he felt for her had been suddenly strengthened by an emotion of equal power--by the longing born in his heart to afford protection to whatever suffered within his sight.
no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered
From this reading He saw her as he had just left her--wan, despairing; so bloodless that the light seemed shining through her features, and then he remembered the radiant smile which she had lost, the glorious womanhood obscured now by humiliation.
a strong positive emotion of regard and affection
From this reading BETWEEN LAURA AND GERTY Did he possess the strength as well as the love that she needed?
an organization of missionaries in a foreign land sent to carry on religious work
From this reading Never for an instant, since he had entered the room where she retreated before him, had he doubted either his appointed mission or his power of renewal.
necessary for relief or supply
From this reading BETWEEN LAURA AND GERTY Did he possess the strength as well as the love that she needed?
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading Never for an instant, since he had entered the room where she retreated before him, had he doubted either his appointed mission or his power of renewal.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading He saw her as he had just left her--wan, despairing; so bloodless that the light seemed shining through her features, and then he remembered the radiant smile which she had lost, the glorious womanhood obscured now by humiliation.
obscuredverbUS /əbsˈkjʊrd/
past form of “obscure” — make less visible or unclear
From this reading He saw her as he had just left her--wan, despairing; so bloodless that the light seemed shining through her features, and then he remembered the radiant smile which she had lost, the glorious womanhood obscured now by humiliation.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading An assurance, in which there was almost exultation, flooded his thoughts, and he was aware that the passion he felt for her had been suddenly strengthened by an emotion of equal power--by the longing born in his heart to afford protection to whatever suffered within his sight.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Never for an instant, since he had entered the room where she retreated before him, had he doubted either his appointed mission or his power of renewal.
a strong feeling or emotion
From this reading An assurance, in which there was almost exultation, flooded his thoughts, and he was aware that the passion he felt for her had been suddenly strengthened by an emotion of equal power--by the longing born in his heart to afford protection to whatever suffered within his sight.
have as an attribute, knowledge, or skill
From this reading BETWEEN LAURA AND GERTY Did he possess the strength as well as the love that she needed?
possession of controlling influence
From this reading An assurance, in which there was almost exultation, flooded his thoughts, and he was aware that the passion he felt for her had been suddenly strengthened by an emotion of equal power--by the longing born in his heart to afford protection to whatever suffered within his sight.
the activity of protecting someone or something
From this reading An assurance, in which there was almost exultation, flooded his thoughts, and he was aware that the passion he felt for her had been suddenly strengthened by an emotion of equal power--by the longing born in his heart to afford protection to whatever suffered within his sight.
radiantadjectiveUS /ˈreɪdiːənt/
radiating or as if radiating light
From this reading He saw her as he had just left her--wan, despairing; so bloodless that the light seemed shining through her features, and then he remembered the radiant smile which she had lost, the glorious womanhood obscured now by humiliation.
past form of “remember” — recall knowledge from memory; have a recollection
From this reading He saw her as he had just left her--wan, despairing; so bloodless that the light seemed shining through her features, and then he remembered the radiant smile which she had lost, the glorious womanhood obscured now by humiliation.
renewalnounUS /rɪˈnuːəl/
the conversion of wasteland into land suitable for use of habitation or cultivation
From this reading Never for an instant, since he had entered the room where she retreated before him, had he doubted either his appointed mission or his power of renewal.
retreatednounUS /riˈtriːtəd/
people who have retreated
From this reading Never for an instant, since he had entered the room where she retreated before him, had he doubted either his appointed mission or his power of renewal.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading Never for an instant, since he had entered the room where she retreated before him, had he doubted either his appointed mission or his power of renewal.
cut with a saw
From this reading He saw her as he had just left her--wan, despairing; so bloodless that the light seemed shining through her features, and then he remembered the radiant smile which she had lost, the glorious womanhood obscured now by humiliation.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading He saw her as he had just left her--wan, despairing; so bloodless that the light seemed shining through her features, and then he remembered the radiant smile which she had lost, the glorious womanhood obscured now by humiliation.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading BETWEEN LAURA AND GERTY Did he possess the strength as well as the love that she needed?
marked by exceptional merit
From this reading He saw her as he had just left her--wan, despairing; so bloodless that the light seemed shining through her features, and then he remembered the radiant smile which she had lost, the glorious womanhood obscured now by humiliation.
an instance of visual perception
From this reading An assurance, in which there was almost exultation, flooded his thoughts, and he was aware that the passion he felt for her had been suddenly strengthened by an emotion of equal power--by the longing born in his heart to afford protection to whatever suffered within his sight.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading Never for an instant, since he had entered the room where she retreated before him, had he doubted either his appointed mission or his power of renewal.
change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure
From this reading He saw her as he had just left her--wan, despairing; so bloodless that the light seemed shining through her features, and then he remembered the radiant smile which she had lost, the glorious womanhood obscured now by humiliation.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading He saw her as he had just left her--wan, despairing; so bloodless that the light seemed shining through her features, and then he remembered the radiant smile which she had lost, the glorious womanhood obscured now by humiliation.
plural of “star” — (astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior
From this reading Adams asked himself a little later as he walked back under the stars.
the property of being physically or mentally strong
From this reading BETWEEN LAURA AND GERTY Did he possess the strength as well as the love that she needed?
strengthenedadjectiveUS /ˈstreŋθənd/
given added strength or support
From this reading An assurance, in which there was almost exultation, flooded his thoughts, and he was aware that the passion he felt for her had been suddenly strengthened by an emotion of equal power--by the longing born in his heart to afford protection to whatever suffered within his sight.
happening unexpectedly
From this reading An assurance, in which there was almost exultation, flooded his thoughts, and he was aware that the passion he felt for her had been suddenly strengthened by an emotion of equal power--by the longing born in his heart to afford protection to whatever suffered within his sight.
past form of “suffer” — undergo or be subjected to
From this reading An assurance, in which there was almost exultation, flooded his thoughts, and he was aware that the passion he felt for her had been suddenly strengthened by an emotion of equal power--by the longing born in his heart to afford protection to whatever suffered within his sight.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading BETWEEN LAURA AND GERTY Did he possess the strength as well as the love that she needed?
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading BETWEEN LAURA AND GERTY Did he possess the strength as well as the love that she needed?
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading He saw her as he had just left her--wan, despairing; so bloodless that the light seemed shining through her features, and then he remembered the radiant smile which she had lost, the glorious womanhood obscured now by humiliation.
in or at that place or location
From this reading An assurance, in which there was almost exultation, flooded his thoughts, and he was aware that the passion he felt for her had been suddenly strengthened by an emotion of equal power--by the longing born in his heart to afford protection to whatever suffered within his sight.
plural of “thought” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading An assurance, in which there was almost exultation, flooded his thoughts, and he was aware that the passion he felt for her had been suddenly strengthened by an emotion of equal power--by the longing born in his heart to afford protection to whatever suffered within his sight.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading He saw her as he had just left her--wan, despairing; so bloodless that the light seemed shining through her features, and then he remembered the radiant smile which she had lost, the glorious womanhood obscured now by humiliation.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading An assurance, in which there was almost exultation, flooded his thoughts, and he was aware that the passion he felt for her had been suddenly strengthened by an emotion of equal power--by the longing born in his heart to afford protection to whatever suffered within his sight.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading Adams asked himself a little later as he walked back under the stars.
past form of “walk” — use one's feet to advance; advance by steps
From this reading Adams asked himself a little later as he walked back under the stars.
wanadjectiveUS /wɑːn/
(of light) lacking in intensity or brightness; dim or feeble
From this reading He saw her as he had just left her--wan, despairing; so bloodless that the light seemed shining through her features, and then he remembered the radiant smile which she had lost, the glorious womanhood obscured now by humiliation.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading An assurance, in which there was almost exultation, flooded his thoughts, and he was aware that the passion he felt for her had been suddenly strengthened by an emotion of equal power--by the longing born in his heart to afford protection to whatever suffered within his sight.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading BETWEEN LAURA AND GERTY Did he possess the strength as well as the love that she needed?
any or all of a kind, it does not matter which
From this reading An assurance, in which there was almost exultation, flooded his thoughts, and he was aware that the passion he felt for her had been suddenly strengthened by an emotion of equal power--by the longing born in his heart to afford protection to whatever suffered within his sight.
in or at the place that
From this reading Never for an instant, since he had entered the room where she retreated before him, had he doubted either his appointed mission or his power of renewal.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading He saw her as he had just left her--wan, despairing; so bloodless that the light seemed shining through her features, and then he remembered the radiant smile which she had lost, the glorious womanhood obscured now by humiliation.
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading An assurance, in which there was almost exultation, flooded his thoughts, and he was aware that the passion he felt for her had been suddenly strengthened by an emotion of equal power--by the longing born in his heart to afford protection to whatever suffered within his sight.
womanhoodnounUS /ˈwʊmənhʊd/
the state of being an adult woman
From this reading He saw her as he had just left her--wan, despairing; so bloodless that the light seemed shining through her features, and then he remembered the radiant smile which she had lost, the glorious womanhood obscured now by humiliation.
