used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading But the parade he had just witnessed had discouraged him, and had also convinced him that if he expected to take a high position among those sharp, lively students, he must work hard for it.
academynounUS /əˈkæd.ə.mi/
A place of study or training in a special field of knowledge and arts.
From this reading Had Tom been allowed to have his own way, he would have packed his trunk and left the academy with the least possible delay.
past form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen
From this reading Had Tom been allowed to have his own way, he would have packed his trunk and left the academy with the least possible delay.
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading He was already very much disappointed in it, for he had found it widely different from what he imagined it to be.
in addition
From this reading But the parade he had just witnessed had discouraged him, and had also convinced him that if he expected to take a high position among those sharp, lively students, he must work hard for it.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading He had hoped that he should find the students far below him in their studies, (although he himself did not know how that could be possible,) so that he could, without the least trouble or exertion, take his shoulder-straps and assume the honors of an officer, without having any one to oppose him.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading But the parade he had just witnessed had discouraged him, and had also convinced him that if he expected to take a high position among those sharp, lively students, he must work hard for it.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading He had hoped that he should find the students far below him in their studies, (although he himself did not know how that could be possible,) so that he could, without the least trouble or exertion, take his shoulder-straps and assume the honors of an officer, without having any one to oppose him.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Had Tom been allowed to have his own way, he would have packed his trunk and left the academy with the least possible delay.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading He had hoped that he should find the students far below him in their studies, (although he himself did not know how that could be possible,) so that he could, without the least trouble or exertion, take his shoulder-straps and assume the honors of an officer, without having any one to oppose him.
assumeverbUS /əˈsuːm/
take to be the case or to be true; accept without verification or proof
From this reading He had hoped that he should find the students far below him in their studies, (although he himself did not know how that could be possible,) so that he could, without the least trouble or exertion, take his shoulder-straps and assume the honors of an officer, without having any one to oppose him.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading TOM WANTS TO BE COLONEL.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Had Tom been allowed to have his own way, he would have packed his trunk and left the academy with the least possible delay.
belowprepositionUS /bɪˈloʊ/
at or to a lower level than something
From this reading He had hoped that he should find the students far below him in their studies, (although he himself did not know how that could be possible,) so that he could, without the least trouble or exertion, take his shoulder-straps and assume the honors of an officer, without having any one to oppose him.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But the parade he had just witnessed had discouraged him, and had also convinced him that if he expected to take a high position among those sharp, lively students, he must work hard for it.
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 TOM WANTS TO BE COLONEL.
persuaded of; very sure
From this reading But the parade he had just witnessed had discouraged him, and had also convinced him that if he expected to take a high position among those sharp, lively students, he must work hard for it.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading He had hoped that he should find the students far below him in their studies, (although he himself did not know how that could be possible,) so that he could, without the least trouble or exertion, take his shoulder-straps and assume the honors of an officer, without having any one to oppose him.
cause to be slowed down or delayed
From this reading Had Tom been allowed to have his own way, he would have packed his trunk and left the academy with the least possible delay.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading He had hoped that he should find the students far below him in their studies, (although he himself did not know how that could be possible,) so that he could, without the least trouble or exertion, take his shoulder-straps and assume the honors of an officer, without having any one to oppose him.
unlike in nature or quality or form or degree
From this reading He was already very much disappointed in it, for he had found it widely different from what he imagined it to be.
disappointingly unsuccessful
From this reading He was already very much disappointed in it, for he had found it widely different from what he imagined it to be.
discouragedadjectiveUS /dɪˈskɜːrədʒd/
made less hopeful or enthusiastic
From this reading But the parade he had just witnessed had discouraged him, and had also convinced him that if he expected to take a high position among those sharp, lively students, he must work hard for it.
exertionnounUS /ɪɡˈzɜːrʃən/
use of physical or mental energy; hard work
From this reading He had hoped that he should find the students far below him in their studies, (although he himself did not know how that could be possible,) so that he could, without the least trouble or exertion, take his shoulder-straps and assume the honors of an officer, without having any one to oppose him.
considered likely or probable to happen or arrive
From this reading But the parade he had just witnessed had discouraged him, and had also convinced him that if he expected to take a high position among those sharp, lively students, he must work hard for it.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading He had hoped that he should find the students far below him in their studies, (although he himself did not know how that could be possible,) so that he could, without the least trouble or exertion, take his shoulder-straps and assume the honors of an officer, without having any one to oppose him.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading He had hoped that he should find the students far below him in their studies, (although he himself did not know how that could be possible,) so that he could, without the least trouble or exertion, take his shoulder-straps and assume the honors of an officer, without having any one to oppose him.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading He was already very much disappointed in it, for he had found it widely different from what he imagined it to be.
set up or found
From this reading He was already very much disappointed in it, for he had found it widely different from what he imagined it to be.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading He was already very much disappointed in it, for he had found it widely different from what he imagined it to be.
Hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Had Tom been allowed to have his own way, he would have packed his trunk and left the academy with the least possible delay.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading But the parade he had just witnessed had discouraged him, and had also convinced him that if he expected to take a high position among those sharp, lively students, he must work hard for it.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Had Tom been allowed to have his own way, he would have packed his trunk and left the academy with the least possible delay.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading He had hoped that he should find the students far below him in their studies, (although he himself did not know how that could be possible,) so that he could, without the least trouble or exertion, take his shoulder-straps and assume the honors of an officer, without having any one to oppose him.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Had Tom been allowed to have his own way, he would have packed his trunk and left the academy with the least possible delay.
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading But the parade he had just witnessed had discouraged him, and had also convinced him that if he expected to take a high position among those sharp, lively students, he must work hard for it.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He had hoped that he should find the students far below him in their studies, (although he himself did not know how that could be possible,) so that he could, without the least trouble or exertion, take his shoulder-straps and assume the honors of an officer, without having any one to oppose him.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading He had hoped that he should find the students far below him in their studies, (although he himself did not know how that could be possible,) so that he could, without the least trouble or exertion, take his shoulder-straps and assume the honors of an officer, without having any one to oppose him.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Had Tom been allowed to have his own way, he would have packed his trunk and left the academy with the least possible delay.
honorsnounUS /ˈɑːnərz/
plural of “honor” — a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction
From this reading He had hoped that he should find the students far below him in their studies, (although he himself did not know how that could be possible,) so that he could, without the least trouble or exertion, take his shoulder-straps and assume the honors of an officer, without having any one to oppose him.
past form of “hope” — expect and wish
From this reading He had hoped that he should find the students far below him in their studies, (although he himself did not know how that could be possible,) so that he could, without the least trouble or exertion, take his shoulder-straps and assume the honors of an officer, without having any one to oppose him.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had hoped that he should find the students far below him in their studies, (although he himself did not know how that could be possible,) so that he could, without the least trouble or exertion, take his shoulder-straps and assume the honors of an officer, without having any one to oppose him.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading But the parade he had just witnessed had discouraged him, and had also convinced him that if he expected to take a high position among those sharp, lively students, he must work hard for it.
past form of “imagine” — form a mental image of something that is not present or that is not the case
From this reading He was already very much disappointed in it, for he had found it widely different from what he imagined it to be.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading He was already very much disappointed in it, for he had found it widely different from what he imagined it to be.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading He was already very much disappointed in it, for he had found it widely different from what he imagined it to be.
and nothing more
From this reading But the parade he had just witnessed had discouraged him, and had also convinced him that if he expected to take a high position among those sharp, lively students, he must work hard for it.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading He had hoped that he should find the students far below him in their studies, (although he himself did not know how that could be possible,) so that he could, without the least trouble or exertion, take his shoulder-straps and assume the honors of an officer, without having any one to oppose him.
the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree
From this reading Had Tom been allowed to have his own way, he would have packed his trunk and left the academy with the least possible delay.
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 Had Tom been allowed to have his own way, he would have packed his trunk and left the academy with the least possible delay.
full of life and energy
From this reading But the parade he had just witnessed had discouraged him, and had also convinced him that if he expected to take a high position among those sharp, lively students, he must work hard for it.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading He was already very much disappointed in it, for he had found it widely different from what he imagined it to be.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading But the parade he had just witnessed had discouraged him, and had also convinced him that if he expected to take a high position among those sharp, lively students, he must work hard for it.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading He had hoped that he should find the students far below him in their studies, (although he himself did not know how that could be possible,) so that he could, without the least trouble or exertion, take his shoulder-straps and assume the honors of an officer, without having any one to oppose him.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading He had hoped that he should find the students far below him in their studies, (although he himself did not know how that could be possible,) so that he could, without the least trouble or exertion, take his shoulder-straps and assume the honors of an officer, without having any one to oppose him.
any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command
From this reading He had hoped that he should find the students far below him in their studies, (although he himself did not know how that could be possible,) so that he could, without the least trouble or exertion, take his shoulder-straps and assume the honors of an officer, without having any one to oppose him.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading He had hoped that he should find the students far below him in their studies, (although he himself did not know how that could be possible,) so that he could, without the least trouble or exertion, take his shoulder-straps and assume the honors of an officer, without having any one to oppose him.
opposeverbUS /əˈpoʊz/
be against; express opposition to
From this reading He had hoped that he should find the students far below him in their studies, (although he himself did not know how that could be possible,) so that he could, without the least trouble or exertion, take his shoulder-straps and assume the honors of an officer, without having any one to oppose him.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading He had hoped that he should find the students far below him in their studies, (although he himself did not know how that could be possible,) so that he could, without the least trouble or exertion, take his shoulder-straps and assume the honors of an officer, without having any one to oppose him.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading Had Tom been allowed to have his own way, he would have packed his trunk and left the academy with the least possible delay.
packedadjectiveUS /pækt/
extremely crowed or filled to capacity
From this reading Had Tom been allowed to have his own way, he would have packed his trunk and left the academy with the least possible delay.
paradenounUS /pərˈeɪd/
a ceremonial procession including people marching
From this reading But the parade he had just witnessed had discouraged him, and had also convinced him that if he expected to take a high position among those sharp, lively students, he must work hard for it.
the particular portion of space occupied by something
From this reading But the parade he had just witnessed had discouraged him, and had also convinced him that if he expected to take a high position among those sharp, lively students, he must work hard for it.
capable of happening or existing
From this reading Had Tom been allowed to have his own way, he would have packed his trunk and left the academy with the least possible delay.
(of something seen or heard) clearly defined
From this reading But the parade he had just witnessed had discouraged him, and had also convinced him that if he expected to take a high position among those sharp, lively students, he must work hard for it.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading He had hoped that he should find the students far below him in their studies, (although he himself did not know how that could be possible,) so that he could, without the least trouble or exertion, take his shoulder-straps and assume the honors of an officer, without having any one to oppose him.
shoulder-straps
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had hoped that he should find the students far below him in their studies, (although he himself did not know how that could be possible,) so that he could, without the least trouble or exertion, take his shoulder-straps and assume the honors of an officer, without having any one to oppose him.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading He had hoped that he should find the students far below him in their studies, (although he himself did not know how that could be possible,) so that he could, without the least trouble or exertion, take his shoulder-straps and assume the honors of an officer, without having any one to oppose him.
studentsnounUS /ˈstuːdənts/
plural of “student” — a learner who is enrolled in an educational institution
From this reading He had hoped that he should find the students far below him in their studies, (although he himself did not know how that could be possible,) so that he could, without the least trouble or exertion, take his shoulder-straps and assume the honors of an officer, without having any one to oppose him.
studiesnounUS /ˈstʌdiz/
plural of “study” — a detailed critical inspection
From this reading He had hoped that he should find the students far below him in their studies, (although he himself did not know how that could be possible,) so that he could, without the least trouble or exertion, take his shoulder-straps and assume the honors of an officer, without having any one to oppose him.
carry out
From this reading He had hoped that he should find the students far below him in their studies, (although he himself did not know how that could be possible,) so that he could, without the least trouble or exertion, take his shoulder-straps and assume the honors of an officer, without having any one to oppose him.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading He had hoped that he should find the students far below him in their studies, (although he himself did not know how that could be possible,) so that he could, without the least trouble or exertion, take his shoulder-straps and assume the honors of an officer, without having any one to oppose him.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Had Tom been allowed to have his own way, he would have packed his trunk and left the academy with the least possible delay.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading He had hoped that he should find the students far below him in their studies, (although he himself did not know how that could be possible,) so that he could, without the least trouble or exertion, take his shoulder-straps and assume the honors of an officer, without having any one to oppose him.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading But the parade he had just witnessed had discouraged him, and had also convinced him that if he expected to take a high position among those sharp, lively students, he must work hard for it.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading TOM WANTS TO BE COLONEL.
male cat
From this reading TOM WANTS TO BE COLONEL.
a source of difficulty
From this reading He had hoped that he should find the students far below him in their studies, (although he himself did not know how that could be possible,) so that he could, without the least trouble or exertion, take his shoulder-straps and assume the honors of an officer, without having any one to oppose him.
the main stem of a tree; usually covered with bark; the bole is usually the part that is commercially useful for lumber
From this reading Had Tom been allowed to have his own way, he would have packed his trunk and left the academy with the least possible delay.
precisely as stated
From this reading He was already very much disappointed in it, for he had found it widely different from what he imagined it to be.
plural of “want” — a state of extreme poverty
From this reading TOM WANTS TO BE COLONEL.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He was already very much disappointed in it, for he had found it widely different from what he imagined it to be.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Had Tom been allowed to have his own way, he would have packed his trunk and left the academy with the least possible delay.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading He was already very much disappointed in it, for he had found it widely different from what he imagined it to be.
widelyadverbUS /ˈwaɪdli/
to a great degree
From this reading He was already very much disappointed in it, for he had found it widely different from what he imagined it to be.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Had Tom been allowed to have his own way, he would have packed his trunk and left the academy with the least possible delay.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading He had hoped that he should find the students far below him in their studies, (although he himself did not know how that could be possible,) so that he could, without the least trouble or exertion, take his shoulder-straps and assume the honors of an officer, without having any one to oppose him.
witnessedverbUS /ˈwɪtnəst/
past form of “witness” — be a witness to
From this reading But the parade he had just witnessed had discouraged him, and had also convinced him that if he expected to take a high position among those sharp, lively students, he must work hard for it.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading But the parade he had just witnessed had discouraged him, and had also convinced him that if he expected to take a high position among those sharp, lively students, he must work hard for it.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Had Tom been allowed to have his own way, he would have packed his trunk and left the academy with the least possible delay.
