used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading He had succeeded beyond his hopes in the task he had set himself to perform, and he counted with confidence on gaining by that means a sound footing and a firm influence in the house.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading But as he sat in his room that evening, staring at the rushlight, with the night silent about him, he feared, nay, he almost knew, that his success came too late.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading But as he sat in his room that evening, staring at the rushlight, with the night silent about him, he feared, nay, he almost knew, that his success came too late.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He had succeeded beyond his hopes in the task he had set himself to perform, and he counted with confidence on gaining by that means a sound footing and a firm influence in the house.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading But as he sat in his room that evening, staring at the rushlight, with the night silent about him, he feared, nay, he almost knew, that his success came too late.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading But as he sat in his room that evening, staring at the rushlight, with the night silent about him, he feared, nay, he almost knew, that his success came too late.
availedverbUS /əˈveɪld/
past form of “avail” — use to one's advantage
From this reading Something had happened behind his back, some crisis, some event; and that which he had done was as if it were undone, and that which he had gained availed nothing.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading Something had happened behind his back, some crisis, some event; and that which he had done was as if it were undone, and that which he had gained availed nothing.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading Something had happened behind his back, some crisis, some event; and that which he had done was as if it were undone, and that which he had gained availed nothing.
on the far side of; further than
From this reading He had succeeded beyond his hopes in the task he had set himself to perform, and he counted with confidence on gaining by that means a sound footing and a firm influence in the house.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But as he sat in his room that evening, staring at the rushlight, with the night silent about him, he feared, nay, he almost knew, that his success came too late.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading He had succeeded beyond his hopes in the task he had set himself to perform, and he counted with confidence on gaining by that means a sound footing and a firm influence in the house.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading But as he sat in his room that evening, staring at the rushlight, with the night silent about him, he feared, nay, he almost knew, that his success came too late.
a commissioned military officer in the United States Army or Air Force or Marines who ranks above a lieutenant colonel and below a brigadier general
From this reading EARLY RISERS Colonel Sullivan had returned from Tralee in high spirits.
freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities
From this reading He had succeeded beyond his hopes in the task he had set himself to perform, and he counted with confidence on gaining by that means a sound footing and a firm influence in the house.
countedverbUS /ˈkaʊntɪd/
past form of “count” — determine the number or amount of
From this reading He had succeeded beyond his hopes in the task he had set himself to perform, and he counted with confidence on gaining by that means a sound footing and a firm influence in the house.
provide with a covering or cause to be covered
From this reading It was plain--whatever was obscure--that the play of the Lady's Kerchief was a cover for matter more serious.
crisisnounUS /ˈkraɪsəs/
an unstable situation of extreme danger or difficulty
From this reading Something had happened behind his back, some crisis, some event; and that which he had done was as if it were undone, and that which he had gained availed nothing.
having finished or arrived at completion
From this reading Something had happened behind his back, some crisis, some event; and that which he had done was as if it were undone, and that which he had gained availed nothing.
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 EARLY RISERS Colonel Sullivan had returned from Tralee in high spirits.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading But as he sat in his room that evening, staring at the rushlight, with the night silent about him, he feared, nay, he almost knew, that his success came too late.
something that happens at a given place and time
From this reading Something had happened behind his back, some crisis, some event; and that which he had done was as if it were undone, and that which he had gained availed nothing.
past form of “fear” — be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
From this reading But as he sat in his room that evening, staring at the rushlight, with the night silent about him, he feared, nay, he almost knew, that his success came too late.
marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable
From this reading He had succeeded beyond his hopes in the task he had set himself to perform, and he counted with confidence on gaining by that means a sound footing and a firm influence in the house.
footingnounUS /ˈfʊtɪŋ/
status with respect to the relations between people or groups
From this reading He had succeeded beyond his hopes in the task he had set himself to perform, and he counted with confidence on gaining by that means a sound footing and a firm influence in the house.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It was plain--whatever was obscure--that the play of the Lady's Kerchief was a cover for matter more serious.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading EARLY RISERS Colonel Sullivan had returned from Tralee in high spirits.
past form of “gain” — obtain
From this reading Something had happened behind his back, some crisis, some event; and that which he had done was as if it were undone, and that which he had gained availed nothing.
gainingverbUS /ˈɡeɪnɪŋ/
-ing form of “gain” — obtain
From this reading He had succeeded beyond his hopes in the task he had set himself to perform, and he counted with confidence on gaining by that means a sound footing and a firm influence in the house.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading EARLY RISERS Colonel Sullivan had returned from Tralee in high spirits.
past form of “happen” — come to pass
From this reading Something had happened behind his back, some crisis, some event; and that which he had done was as if it were undone, and that which he had gained availed nothing.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He had succeeded beyond his hopes in the task he had set himself to perform, and he counted with confidence on gaining by that means a sound footing and a firm influence in the house.
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading EARLY RISERS Colonel Sullivan had returned from Tralee in high spirits.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading But as he sat in his room that evening, staring at the rushlight, with the night silent about him, he feared, nay, he almost knew, that his success came too late.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading He had succeeded beyond his hopes in the task he had set himself to perform, and he counted with confidence on gaining by that means a sound footing and a firm influence in the house.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading He had succeeded beyond his hopes in the task he had set himself to perform, and he counted with confidence on gaining by that means a sound footing and a firm influence in the house.
plural of “hope” — a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading He had succeeded beyond his hopes in the task he had set himself to perform, and he counted with confidence on gaining by that means a sound footing and a firm influence in the house.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading He had succeeded beyond his hopes in the task he had set himself to perform, and he counted with confidence on gaining by that means a sound footing and a firm influence in the house.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Something had happened behind his back, some crisis, some event; and that which he had done was as if it were undone, and that which he had gained availed nothing.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading EARLY RISERS Colonel Sullivan had returned from Tralee in high spirits.
a power to affect persons or events especially power based on prestige etc
From this reading He had succeeded beyond his hopes in the task he had set himself to perform, and he counted with confidence on gaining by that means a sound footing and a firm influence in the house.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Something had happened behind his back, some crisis, some event; and that which he had done was as if it were undone, and that which he had gained availed nothing.
KerchiefnounUS /ˈkɜːrtʃəf/
a square scarf that is folded into a triangle and worn over the head or about the neck
From this reading It was plain--whatever was obscure--that the play of the Lady's Kerchief was a cover for matter more serious.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading But as he sat in his room that evening, staring at the rushlight, with the night silent about him, he feared, nay, he almost knew, that his success came too late.
Lady'snounUS /ˈleɪdiz/
possessive form of “lady” — a polite name for any woman
From this reading It was plain--whatever was obscure--that the play of the Lady's Kerchief was a cover for matter more serious.
being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time
From this reading But as he sat in his room that evening, staring at the rushlight, with the night silent about him, he feared, nay, he almost knew, that his success came too late.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading It was plain--whatever was obscure--that the play of the Lady's Kerchief was a cover for matter more serious.
thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end
From this reading He had succeeded beyond his hopes in the task he had set himself to perform, and he counted with confidence on gaining by that means a sound footing and a firm influence in the house.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading It was plain--whatever was obscure--that the play of the Lady's Kerchief was a cover for matter more serious.
an old word for “no”
From this reading But as he sat in his room that evening, staring at the rushlight, with the night silent about him, he feared, nay, he almost knew, that his success came too late.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading But as he sat in his room that evening, staring at the rushlight, with the night silent about him, he feared, nay, he almost knew, that his success came too late.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading Something had happened behind his back, some crisis, some event; and that which he had done was as if it were undone, and that which he had gained availed nothing.
obscureverbUS /əbsˈkjʊr/
make less visible or unclear
From this reading It was plain--whatever was obscure--that the play of the Lady's Kerchief was a cover for matter more serious.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It was plain--whatever was obscure--that the play of the Lady's Kerchief was a cover for matter more serious.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading He had succeeded beyond his hopes in the task he had set himself to perform, and he counted with confidence on gaining by that means a sound footing and a firm influence in the house.
performverbUS /pərˈfɔːrm/
carry out or perform an action
From this reading He had succeeded beyond his hopes in the task he had set himself to perform, and he counted with confidence on gaining by that means a sound footing and a firm influence in the house.
clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
From this reading It was plain--whatever was obscure--that the play of the Lady's Kerchief was a cover for matter more serious.
participate in games or sport
From this reading It was plain--whatever was obscure--that the play of the Lady's Kerchief was a cover for matter more serious.
past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading EARLY RISERS Colonel Sullivan had returned from Tralee in high spirits.
RISERS
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading EARLY RISERS Colonel Sullivan had returned from Tralee in high spirits.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading But as he sat in his room that evening, staring at the rushlight, with the night silent about him, he feared, nay, he almost knew, that his success came too late.
rushlightnoun
a tallow candle with a rush stem as the wick
From this reading But as he sat in his room that evening, staring at the rushlight, with the night silent about him, he feared, nay, he almost knew, that his success came too late.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading But as he sat in his room that evening, staring at the rushlight, with the night silent about him, he feared, nay, he almost knew, that his success came too late.
concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities
From this reading It was plain--whatever was obscure--that the play of the Lady's Kerchief was a cover for matter more serious.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading He had succeeded beyond his hopes in the task he had set himself to perform, and he counted with confidence on gaining by that means a sound footing and a firm influence in the house.
marked by absence of sound
From this reading But as he sat in his room that evening, staring at the rushlight, with the night silent about him, he feared, nay, he almost knew, that his success came too late.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Something had happened behind his back, some crisis, some event; and that which he had done was as if it were undone, and that which he had gained availed nothing.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading Something had happened behind his back, some crisis, some event; and that which he had done was as if it were undone, and that which he had gained availed nothing.
the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading He had succeeded beyond his hopes in the task he had set himself to perform, and he counted with confidence on gaining by that means a sound footing and a firm influence in the house.
an alcoholic beverage that is distilled rather than fermented
From this reading EARLY RISERS Colonel Sullivan had returned from Tralee in high spirits.
(used of eyes) open and fixed as if in fear or wonder
From this reading But as he sat in his room that evening, staring at the rushlight, with the night silent about him, he feared, nay, he almost knew, that his success came too late.
past form of “succeed” — attain success or reach a desired goal
From this reading He had succeeded beyond his hopes in the task he had set himself to perform, and he counted with confidence on gaining by that means a sound footing and a firm influence in the house.
an event that accomplishes its intended purpose
From this reading But as he sat in his room that evening, staring at the rushlight, with the night silent about him, he feared, nay, he almost knew, that his success came too late.
SullivannounUS /ˈsʌləvən/
United States architect known for his steel framed skyscrapers and for coining the phrase “form follows function” (1856-1924)
From this reading EARLY RISERS Colonel Sullivan had returned from Tralee in high spirits.
any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted
From this reading He had succeeded beyond his hopes in the task he had set himself to perform, and he counted with confidence on gaining by that means a sound footing and a firm influence in the house.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading He had succeeded beyond his hopes in the task he had set himself to perform, and he counted with confidence on gaining by that means a sound footing and a firm influence in the house.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading He had succeeded beyond his hopes in the task he had set himself to perform, and he counted with confidence on gaining by that means a sound footing and a firm influence in the house.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading He had succeeded beyond his hopes in the task he had set himself to perform, and he counted with confidence on gaining by that means a sound footing and a firm influence in the house.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading But as he sat in his room that evening, staring at the rushlight, with the night silent about him, he feared, nay, he almost knew, that his success came too late.
Tralee
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading EARLY RISERS Colonel Sullivan had returned from Tralee in high spirits.
undoneadjectiveUS /ənˈdʌn/
not done
From this reading Something had happened behind his back, some crisis, some event; and that which he had done was as if it were undone, and that which he had gained availed nothing.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Something had happened behind his back, some crisis, some event; and that which he had done was as if it were undone, and that which he had gained availed nothing.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Something had happened behind his back, some crisis, some event; and that which he had done was as if it were undone, and that which he had gained availed nothing.
any or all of a kind, it does not matter which
From this reading It was plain--whatever was obscure--that the play of the Lady's Kerchief was a cover for matter more serious.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Something had happened behind his back, some crisis, some event; and that which he had done was as if it were undone, and that which he had gained availed nothing.
in the company of; together with
From this reading He had succeeded beyond his hopes in the task he had set himself to perform, and he counted with confidence on gaining by that means a sound footing and a firm influence in the house.
