used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A FOOLHARDY ADVENTURE The inhabitants of the east well of Hale became lovers of peace.
AbilitynounUS /əˈbɪlətiː/
the quality of being able to perform; a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment
From this reading Ability to get on with pupils is considered a most desirable quality in a teacher, even in an institution like Seaton, in which the headsman’s axe is the chief disciplinary weapon, and the fear of it the great persuader to the quiet life.
to or in a foreign country
From this reading Trouble with his boys meant that Mr. Alsop was not in all respects a success; and the teacher, while forced to confess this fact to himself, did not wish it unpleasantly noised abroad.
take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome
From this reading A FOOLHARDY ADVENTURE The inhabitants of the east well of Hale became lovers of peace.
(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 Trouble with his boys meant that Mr. Alsop was not in all respects a success; and the teacher, while forced to confess this fact to himself, did not wish it unpleasantly noised abroad.
Alsop
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Alsop had not full confidence in the change, scenting something ominous in the unnatural calm.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading The rumor that had spread among his colleagues that Alsop was having a sad time in his dormitory touched that gentleman in a sensitive spot.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Ability to get on with pupils is considered a most desirable quality in a teacher, even in an institution like Seaton, in which the headsman’s axe is the chief disciplinary weapon, and the fear of it the great persuader to the quiet life.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Ability to get on with pupils is considered a most desirable quality in a teacher, even in an institution like Seaton, in which the headsman’s axe is the chief disciplinary weapon, and the fear of it the great persuader to the quiet life.
axenounUS /æks/
an edge tool with a heavy bladed head mounted across a handle
From this reading Ability to get on with pupils is considered a most desirable quality in a teacher, even in an institution like Seaton, in which the headsman’s axe is the chief disciplinary weapon, and the fear of it the great persuader to the quiet life.
inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading A FOOLHARDY ADVENTURE The inhabitants of the east well of Hale became lovers of peace.
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading Trouble with his boys meant that Mr. Alsop was not in all respects a success; and the teacher, while forced to confess this fact to himself, did not wish it unpleasantly noised abroad.
make calm or still
From this reading Mr. Alsop had not full confidence in the change, scenting something ominous in the unnatural calm.
cause to change; make different; cause a transformation
From this reading Mr. Alsop had not full confidence in the change, scenting something ominous in the unnatural calm.
a person who is in charge
From this reading Ability to get on with pupils is considered a most desirable quality in a teacher, even in an institution like Seaton, in which the headsman’s axe is the chief disciplinary weapon, and the fear of it the great persuader to the quiet life.
colleaguesnounUS /ˈkɑːliɡz/
plural of “colleague” — an associate that one works with
From this reading The rumor that had spread among his colleagues that Alsop was having a sad time in his dormitory touched that gentleman in a sensitive spot.
confess to a punishable or reprehensible deed, usually under pressure
From this reading Trouble with his boys meant that Mr. Alsop was not in all respects a success; and the teacher, while forced to confess this fact to himself, did not wish it unpleasantly noised abroad.
freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities
From this reading Mr. Alsop had not full confidence in the change, scenting something ominous in the unnatural calm.
carefully weighed
From this reading Ability to get on with pupils is considered a most desirable quality in a teacher, even in an institution like Seaton, in which the headsman’s axe is the chief disciplinary weapon, and the fear of it the great persuader to the quiet life.
desirableadjectiveUS /dɪˈzaɪrəbəl/
worth having or seeking or achieving
From this reading Ability to get on with pupils is considered a most desirable quality in a teacher, even in an institution like Seaton, in which the headsman’s axe is the chief disciplinary weapon, and the fear of it the great persuader to the quiet life.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Trouble with his boys meant that Mr. Alsop was not in all respects a success; and the teacher, while forced to confess this fact to himself, did not wish it unpleasantly noised abroad.
disciplinaryadjectiveUS /ˈdɪsəpləneri/
relating to discipline in behavior
From this reading Ability to get on with pupils is considered a most desirable quality in a teacher, even in an institution like Seaton, in which the headsman’s axe is the chief disciplinary weapon, and the fear of it the great persuader to the quiet life.
dormitorynounUS /ˈdɔːrmətɔːri/
a college or university building containing living quarters for students
From this reading The rumor that had spread among his colleagues that Alsop was having a sad time in his dormitory touched that gentleman in a sensitive spot.
the cardinal compass point that is at 90 degrees
From this reading A FOOLHARDY ADVENTURE The inhabitants of the east well of Hale became lovers of peace.
divisible by two
From this reading Ability to get on with pupils is considered a most desirable quality in a teacher, even in an institution like Seaton, in which the headsman’s axe is the chief disciplinary weapon, and the fear of it the great persuader to the quiet life.
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading Trouble with his boys meant that Mr. Alsop was not in all respects a success; and the teacher, while forced to confess this fact to himself, did not wish it unpleasantly noised abroad.
be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
From this reading Ability to get on with pupils is considered a most desirable quality in a teacher, even in an institution like Seaton, in which the headsman’s axe is the chief disciplinary weapon, and the fear of it the great persuader to the quiet life.
FOOLHARDYadjectiveUS /ˈfuːlhɑːrdi/
marked by defiant disregard for danger or consequences
From this reading A FOOLHARDY ADVENTURE The inhabitants of the east well of Hale became lovers of peace.
produced by or subjected to forcing
From this reading Trouble with his boys meant that Mr. Alsop was not in all respects a success; and the teacher, while forced to confess this fact to himself, did not wish it unpleasantly noised abroad.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading Mr. Alsop had not full confidence in the change, scenting something ominous in the unnatural calm.
a man of refinement
From this reading The rumor that had spread among his colleagues that Alsop was having a sad time in his dormitory touched that gentleman in a sensitive spot.
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading Ability to get on with pupils is considered a most desirable quality in a teacher, even in an institution like Seaton, in which the headsman’s axe is the chief disciplinary weapon, and the fear of it the great persuader to the quiet life.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading Ability to get on with pupils is considered a most desirable quality in a teacher, even in an institution like Seaton, in which the headsman’s axe is the chief disciplinary weapon, and the fear of it the great persuader to the quiet life.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Mr. Alsop had not full confidence in the change, scenting something ominous in the unnatural calm.
HalenounUS /heɪl/
a soldier of the American Revolution who was hanged as a spy by the British; his last words were supposed to have been `I only regret that I have but one life to give for my country' (1755-1776)
From this reading A FOOLHARDY ADVENTURE The inhabitants of the east well of Hale became lovers of peace.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading The rumor that had spread among his colleagues that Alsop was having a sad time in his dormitory touched that gentleman in a sensitive spot.
headsman's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ability to get on with pupils is considered a most desirable quality in a teacher, even in an institution like Seaton, in which the headsman’s axe is the chief disciplinary weapon, and the fear of it the great persuader to the quiet life.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Trouble with his boys meant that Mr. Alsop was not in all respects a success; and the teacher, while forced to confess this fact to himself, did not wish it unpleasantly noised abroad.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The rumor that had spread among his colleagues that Alsop was having a sad time in his dormitory touched that gentleman in a sensitive spot.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Mr. Alsop had not full confidence in the change, scenting something ominous in the unnatural calm.
plural of “inhabitant” — a person who inhabits a particular place
From this reading A FOOLHARDY ADVENTURE The inhabitants of the east well of Hale became lovers of peace.
institutionnounUS /ˌɪnstɪˈtuːʃən/
an organization founded and united for a specific purpose
From this reading Ability to get on with pupils is considered a most desirable quality in a teacher, even in an institution like Seaton, in which the headsman’s axe is the chief disciplinary weapon, and the fear of it the great persuader to the quiet life.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Ability to get on with pupils is considered a most desirable quality in a teacher, even in an institution like Seaton, in which the headsman’s axe is the chief disciplinary weapon, and the fear of it the great persuader to the quiet life.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Ability to get on with pupils is considered a most desirable quality in a teacher, even in an institution like Seaton, in which the headsman’s axe is the chief disciplinary weapon, and the fear of it the great persuader to the quiet life.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Ability to get on with pupils is considered a most desirable quality in a teacher, even in an institution like Seaton, in which the headsman’s axe is the chief disciplinary weapon, and the fear of it the great persuader to the quiet life.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading Ability to get on with pupils is considered a most desirable quality in a teacher, even in an institution like Seaton, in which the headsman’s axe is the chief disciplinary weapon, and the fear of it the great persuader to the quiet life.
loversnounUS /ˈlʌvərz/
plural of “lover” — a person who loves someone or is loved by someone
From this reading A FOOLHARDY ADVENTURE The inhabitants of the east well of Hale became lovers of peace.
inflected form of “mean” — mean or intend to express or convey
From this reading Trouble with his boys meant that Mr. Alsop was not in all respects a success; and the teacher, while forced to confess this fact to himself, did not wish it unpleasantly noised abroad.
used to form the superlative
From this reading Ability to get on with pupils is considered a most desirable quality in a teacher, even in an institution like Seaton, in which the headsman’s axe is the chief disciplinary weapon, and the fear of it the great persuader to the quiet life.
a form of address for a man
From this reading Mr. Alsop had not full confidence in the change, scenting something ominous in the unnatural calm.
noised
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Trouble with his boys meant that Mr. Alsop was not in all respects a success; and the teacher, while forced to confess this fact to himself, did not wish it unpleasantly noised abroad.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Mr. Alsop had not full confidence in the change, scenting something ominous in the unnatural calm.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A FOOLHARDY ADVENTURE The inhabitants of the east well of Hale became lovers of peace.
ominousadjectiveUS /ˈɑːmənəs/
threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments
From this reading Mr. Alsop had not full confidence in the change, scenting something ominous in the unnatural calm.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Ability to get on with pupils is considered a most desirable quality in a teacher, even in an institution like Seaton, in which the headsman’s axe is the chief disciplinary weapon, and the fear of it the great persuader to the quiet life.
the state prevailing during the absence of war
From this reading A FOOLHARDY ADVENTURE The inhabitants of the east well of Hale became lovers of peace.
persuadernoun
someone who tries to persuade or induce or lead on
From this reading Ability to get on with pupils is considered a most desirable quality in a teacher, even in an institution like Seaton, in which the headsman’s axe is the chief disciplinary weapon, and the fear of it the great persuader to the quiet life.
pupilsnounUS /ˈpjuːpəlz/
plural of “pupil” — a learner who is enrolled in an educational institution
From this reading Ability to get on with pupils is considered a most desirable quality in a teacher, even in an institution like Seaton, in which the headsman’s axe is the chief disciplinary weapon, and the fear of it the great persuader to the quiet life.
an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone
From this reading Ability to get on with pupils is considered a most desirable quality in a teacher, even in an institution like Seaton, in which the headsman’s axe is the chief disciplinary weapon, and the fear of it the great persuader to the quiet life.
quietadjectiveUS /ˈkwaɪət/
characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity
From this reading Ability to get on with pupils is considered a most desirable quality in a teacher, even in an institution like Seaton, in which the headsman’s axe is the chief disciplinary weapon, and the fear of it the great persuader to the quiet life.
respectsnounUS /rɪˈspekts/
(often used with “pay”) a formal expression of esteem
From this reading Trouble with his boys meant that Mr. Alsop was not in all respects a success; and the teacher, while forced to confess this fact to himself, did not wish it unpleasantly noised abroad.
rumornounUS /ˈruːmər/
gossip (usually a mixture of truth and untruth) passed around by word of mouth
From this reading The rumor that had spread among his colleagues that Alsop was having a sad time in his dormitory touched that gentleman in a sensitive spot.
experiencing or showing sorrow or unhappiness
From this reading The rumor that had spread among his colleagues that Alsop was having a sad time in his dormitory touched that gentleman in a sensitive spot.
scenting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Alsop had not full confidence in the change, scenting something ominous in the unnatural calm.
Seaton
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ability to get on with pupils is considered a most desirable quality in a teacher, even in an institution like Seaton, in which the headsman’s axe is the chief disciplinary weapon, and the fear of it the great persuader to the quiet life.
sensitiveadjectiveUS /ˈsensətɪv/
responsive to physical stimuli
From this reading The rumor that had spread among his colleagues that Alsop was having a sad time in his dormitory touched that gentleman in a sensitive spot.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading Mr. Alsop had not full confidence in the change, scenting something ominous in the unnatural calm.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading The rumor that had spread among his colleagues that Alsop was having a sad time in his dormitory touched that gentleman in a sensitive spot.
distribute or disperse widely
From this reading The rumor that had spread among his colleagues that Alsop was having a sad time in his dormitory touched that gentleman in a sensitive spot.
an event that accomplishes its intended purpose
From this reading Trouble with his boys meant that Mr. Alsop was not in all respects a success; and the teacher, while forced to confess this fact to himself, did not wish it unpleasantly noised abroad.
a person whose occupation is teaching
From this reading Ability to get on with pupils is considered a most desirable quality in a teacher, even in an institution like Seaton, in which the headsman’s axe is the chief disciplinary weapon, and the fear of it the great persuader to the quiet life.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The rumor that had spread among his colleagues that Alsop was having a sad time in his dormitory touched that gentleman in a sensitive spot.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A FOOLHARDY ADVENTURE The inhabitants of the east well of Hale became lovers of peace.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Trouble with his boys meant that Mr. Alsop was not in all respects a success; and the teacher, while forced to confess this fact to himself, did not wish it unpleasantly noised abroad.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading The rumor that had spread among his colleagues that Alsop was having a sad time in his dormitory touched that gentleman in a sensitive spot.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Ability to get on with pupils is considered a most desirable quality in a teacher, even in an institution like Seaton, in which the headsman’s axe is the chief disciplinary weapon, and the fear of it the great persuader to the quiet life.
having come into contact
From this reading The rumor that had spread among his colleagues that Alsop was having a sad time in his dormitory touched that gentleman in a sensitive spot.
a source of difficulty
From this reading Trouble with his boys meant that Mr. Alsop was not in all respects a success; and the teacher, while forced to confess this fact to himself, did not wish it unpleasantly noised abroad.
unnaturaladjectiveUS /ənˈnætʃərəl/
not in accordance with or determined by nature; contrary to nature
From this reading Mr. Alsop had not full confidence in the change, scenting something ominous in the unnatural calm.
unpleasantlyadverbUS /ənˈplezəntli/
in an unpleasant manner
From this reading Trouble with his boys meant that Mr. Alsop was not in all respects a success; and the teacher, while forced to confess this fact to himself, did not wish it unpleasantly noised abroad.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The rumor that had spread among his colleagues that Alsop was having a sad time in his dormitory touched that gentleman in a sensitive spot.
any instrument or instrumentality used in fighting or hunting
From this reading Ability to get on with pupils is considered a most desirable quality in a teacher, even in an institution like Seaton, in which the headsman’s axe is the chief disciplinary weapon, and the fear of it the great persuader to the quiet life.
(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 A FOOLHARDY ADVENTURE The inhabitants of the east well of Hale became lovers of peace.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Ability to get on with pupils is considered a most desirable quality in a teacher, even in an institution like Seaton, in which the headsman’s axe is the chief disciplinary weapon, and the fear of it the great persuader to the quiet life.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Trouble with his boys meant that Mr. Alsop was not in all respects a success; and the teacher, while forced to confess this fact to himself, did not wish it unpleasantly noised abroad.
hope for; have a wish
From this reading Trouble with his boys meant that Mr. Alsop was not in all respects a success; and the teacher, while forced to confess this fact to himself, did not wish it unpleasantly noised abroad.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Ability to get on with pupils is considered a most desirable quality in a teacher, even in an institution like Seaton, in which the headsman’s axe is the chief disciplinary weapon, and the fear of it the great persuader to the quiet life.
