used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A MORNING WALK.
abandoningverbUS /əˈbændənɪŋ/
-ing form of “abandon” — forsake, leave behind
From this reading He did not shrink from the exigencies of the position: he had no idea of abandoning the game, nor did he as yet regret the daring resolution he had taken; but he was quite alive to the difficulties before him, and was perfectly aware that great caution and calmness were needful for the successful development of his design.
take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome
From this reading This personation of his friend, which had seemed a simple thing enough at the first and at a distance, looked a far more difficult and complicated matter now that he was well launched upon the adventure.
aliveadjectiveUS /əˈlaɪv/
possessing life
From this reading He did not shrink from the exigencies of the position: he had no idea of abandoning the game, nor did he as yet regret the daring resolution he had taken; but he was quite alive to the difficulties before him, and was perfectly aware that great caution and calmness were needful for the successful development of his design.
the form of “be” used with “I”
From this reading ‘I am glad I came.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading This personation of his friend, which had seemed a simple thing enough at the first and at a distance, looked a far more difficult and complicated matter now that he was well launched upon the adventure.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading He did not shrink from the exigencies of the position: he had no idea of abandoning the game, nor did he as yet regret the daring resolution he had taken; but he was quite alive to the difficulties before him, and was perfectly aware that great caution and calmness were needful for the successful development of his design.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading This personation of his friend, which had seemed a simple thing enough at the first and at a distance, looked a far more difficult and complicated matter now that he was well launched upon the adventure.
(sometimes followed by “of”) having or showing knowledge or understanding or realization or perception
From this reading He did not shrink from the exigencies of the position: he had no idea of abandoning the game, nor did he as yet regret the daring resolution he had taken; but he was quite alive to the difficulties before him, and was perfectly aware that great caution and calmness were needful for the successful development of his design.
inflected form of “awake” — stop sleeping
From this reading Tor awoke next morning to a variety of new sensations.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading He did not shrink from the exigencies of the position: he had no idea of abandoning the game, nor did he as yet regret the daring resolution he had taken; but he was quite alive to the difficulties before him, and was perfectly aware that great caution and calmness were needful for the successful development of his design.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading He did not shrink from the exigencies of the position: he had no idea of abandoning the game, nor did he as yet regret the daring resolution he had taken; but he was quite alive to the difficulties before him, and was perfectly aware that great caution and calmness were needful for the successful development of his design.
calmnessnounUS /ˈkɑːmnəs/
steadiness of mind under stress
From this reading He did not shrink from the exigencies of the position: he had no idea of abandoning the game, nor did he as yet regret the daring resolution he had taken; but he was quite alive to the difficulties before him, and was perfectly aware that great caution and calmness were needful for the successful development of his design.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading ‘I am glad I came.
cautionnounUS /ˈkɑːʃən/
the trait of being cautious; being attentive to possible danger
From this reading He did not shrink from the exigencies of the position: he had no idea of abandoning the game, nor did he as yet regret the daring resolution he had taken; but he was quite alive to the difficulties before him, and was perfectly aware that great caution and calmness were needful for the successful development of his design.
complicatedadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːmpləkeɪtəd/
difficult to analyze or understand
From this reading This personation of his friend, which had seemed a simple thing enough at the first and at a distance, looked a far more difficult and complicated matter now that he was well launched upon the adventure.
a challenge to do something dangerous or foolhardy
From this reading He did not shrink from the exigencies of the position: he had no idea of abandoning the game, nor did he as yet regret the daring resolution he had taken; but he was quite alive to the difficulties before him, and was perfectly aware that great caution and calmness were needful for the successful development of his design.
the act of working out the form of something (as by making a sketch or outline or plan)
From this reading He did not shrink from the exigencies of the position: he had no idea of abandoning the game, nor did he as yet regret the daring resolution he had taken; but he was quite alive to the difficulties before him, and was perfectly aware that great caution and calmness were needful for the successful development of his design.
developmentnounUS /dɪˈveləpmənt/
act of improving by expanding or enlarging or refining
From this reading He did not shrink from the exigencies of the position: he had no idea of abandoning the game, nor did he as yet regret the daring resolution he had taken; but he was quite alive to the difficulties before him, and was perfectly aware that great caution and calmness were needful for the successful development of his design.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading He did not shrink from the exigencies of the position: he had no idea of abandoning the game, nor did he as yet regret the daring resolution he had taken; but he was quite alive to the difficulties before him, and was perfectly aware that great caution and calmness were needful for the successful development of his design.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading This personation of his friend, which had seemed a simple thing enough at the first and at a distance, looked a far more difficult and complicated matter now that he was well launched upon the adventure.
plural of “difficulty” — an effort that is inconvenient
From this reading He did not shrink from the exigencies of the position: he had no idea of abandoning the game, nor did he as yet regret the daring resolution he had taken; but he was quite alive to the difficulties before him, and was perfectly aware that great caution and calmness were needful for the successful development of his design.
the property created by the space between two objects or points
From this reading This personation of his friend, which had seemed a simple thing enough at the first and at a distance, looked a far more difficult and complicated matter now that he was well launched upon the adventure.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading This personation of his friend, which had seemed a simple thing enough at the first and at a distance, looked a far more difficult and complicated matter now that he was well launched upon the adventure.
exigenciesnounUS /ˌekˈsɪdʒənsiz/
plural of “exigency” — a pressing or urgent situation
From this reading He did not shrink from the exigencies of the position: he had no idea of abandoning the game, nor did he as yet regret the daring resolution he had taken; but he was quite alive to the difficulties before him, and was perfectly aware that great caution and calmness were needful for the successful development of his design.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading This personation of his friend, which had seemed a simple thing enough at the first and at a distance, looked a far more difficult and complicated matter now that he was well launched upon the adventure.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading This personation of his friend, which had seemed a simple thing enough at the first and at a distance, looked a far more difficult and complicated matter now that he was well launched upon the adventure.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading He did not shrink from the exigencies of the position: he had no idea of abandoning the game, nor did he as yet regret the daring resolution he had taken; but he was quite alive to the difficulties before him, and was perfectly aware that great caution and calmness were needful for the successful development of his design.
a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading This personation of his friend, which had seemed a simple thing enough at the first and at a distance, looked a far more difficult and complicated matter now that he was well launched upon the adventure.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading He did not shrink from the exigencies of the position: he had no idea of abandoning the game, nor did he as yet regret the daring resolution he had taken; but he was quite alive to the difficulties before him, and was perfectly aware that great caution and calmness were needful for the successful development of his design.
a contest with rules to determine a winner
From this reading He did not shrink from the exigencies of the position: he had no idea of abandoning the game, nor did he as yet regret the daring resolution he had taken; but he was quite alive to the difficulties before him, and was perfectly aware that great caution and calmness were needful for the successful development of his design.
showing or causing joy and pleasure; especially made happy
From this reading ‘I am glad I came.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading He did not shrink from the exigencies of the position: he had no idea of abandoning the game, nor did he as yet regret the daring resolution he had taken; but he was quite alive to the difficulties before him, and was perfectly aware that great caution and calmness were needful for the successful development of his design.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading This personation of his friend, which had seemed a simple thing enough at the first and at a distance, looked a far more difficult and complicated matter now that he was well launched upon the adventure.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading This personation of his friend, which had seemed a simple thing enough at the first and at a distance, looked a far more difficult and complicated matter now that he was well launched upon the adventure.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He did not shrink from the exigencies of the position: he had no idea of abandoning the game, nor did he as yet regret the daring resolution he had taken; but he was quite alive to the difficulties before him, and was perfectly aware that great caution and calmness were needful for the successful development of his design.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading This personation of his friend, which had seemed a simple thing enough at the first and at a distance, looked a far more difficult and complicated matter now that he was well launched upon the adventure.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading ‘I am glad I came.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading He did not shrink from the exigencies of the position: he had no idea of abandoning the game, nor did he as yet regret the daring resolution he had taken; but he was quite alive to the difficulties before him, and was perfectly aware that great caution and calmness were needful for the successful development of his design.
launchedverbUS /lɔːntʃt/
past form of “launch” — set up or found
From this reading This personation of his friend, which had seemed a simple thing enough at the first and at a distance, looked a far more difficult and complicated matter now that he was well launched upon the adventure.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading This personation of his friend, which had seemed a simple thing enough at the first and at a distance, looked a far more difficult and complicated matter now that he was well launched upon the adventure.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading This personation of his friend, which had seemed a simple thing enough at the first and at a distance, looked a far more difficult and complicated matter now that he was well launched upon the adventure.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading This personation of his friend, which had seemed a simple thing enough at the first and at a distance, looked a far more difficult and complicated matter now that he was well launched upon the adventure.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading A MORNING WALK.
needfuladjectiveUS /ˈniːdfəl/
necessary for relief or supply
From this reading He did not shrink from the exigencies of the position: he had no idea of abandoning the game, nor did he as yet regret the daring resolution he had taken; but he was quite alive to the difficulties before him, and was perfectly aware that great caution and calmness were needful for the successful development of his design.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading Tor awoke next morning to a variety of new sensations.
immediately following in time or order
From this reading Tor awoke next morning to a variety of new sensations.
not any; not one
From this reading He did not shrink from the exigencies of the position: he had no idea of abandoning the game, nor did he as yet regret the daring resolution he had taken; but he was quite alive to the difficulties before him, and was perfectly aware that great caution and calmness were needful for the successful development of his design.
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading He did not shrink from the exigencies of the position: he had no idea of abandoning the game, nor did he as yet regret the daring resolution he had taken; but he was quite alive to the difficulties before him, and was perfectly aware that great caution and calmness were needful for the successful development of his design.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading He did not shrink from the exigencies of the position: he had no idea of abandoning the game, nor did he as yet regret the daring resolution he had taken; but he was quite alive to the difficulties before him, and was perfectly aware that great caution and calmness were needful for the successful development of his design.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading This personation of his friend, which had seemed a simple thing enough at the first and at a distance, looked a far more difficult and complicated matter now that he was well launched upon the adventure.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Tor awoke next morning to a variety of new sensations.
completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers
From this reading He did not shrink from the exigencies of the position: he had no idea of abandoning the game, nor did he as yet regret the daring resolution he had taken; but he was quite alive to the difficulties before him, and was perfectly aware that great caution and calmness were needful for the successful development of his design.
personationnoun
imitating the mannerisms of another person
From this reading This personation of his friend, which had seemed a simple thing enough at the first and at a distance, looked a far more difficult and complicated matter now that he was well launched upon the adventure.
the particular portion of space occupied by something
From this reading He did not shrink from the exigencies of the position: he had no idea of abandoning the game, nor did he as yet regret the daring resolution he had taken; but he was quite alive to the difficulties before him, and was perfectly aware that great caution and calmness were needful for the successful development of his design.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading He did not shrink from the exigencies of the position: he had no idea of abandoning the game, nor did he as yet regret the daring resolution he had taken; but he was quite alive to the difficulties before him, and was perfectly aware that great caution and calmness were needful for the successful development of his design.
feel remorse for; feel sorry for; be contrite about
From this reading He did not shrink from the exigencies of the position: he had no idea of abandoning the game, nor did he as yet regret the daring resolution he had taken; but he was quite alive to the difficulties before him, and was perfectly aware that great caution and calmness were needful for the successful development of his design.
a formal expression by a meeting; agreed to by a vote
From this reading He did not shrink from the exigencies of the position: he had no idea of abandoning the game, nor did he as yet regret the daring resolution he had taken; but he was quite alive to the difficulties before him, and was perfectly aware that great caution and calmness were needful for the successful development of his design.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading This personation of his friend, which had seemed a simple thing enough at the first and at a distance, looked a far more difficult and complicated matter now that he was well launched upon the adventure.
sensationsnounUS /senˈseɪʃənz/
plural of “sensation” — an unelaborated elementary awareness of stimulation
From this reading Tor awoke next morning to a variety of new sensations.
shrinkverbUS /ʃrɪŋk/
wither, as with a loss of moisture
From this reading He did not shrink from the exigencies of the position: he had no idea of abandoning the game, nor did he as yet regret the daring resolution he had taken; but he was quite alive to the difficulties before him, and was perfectly aware that great caution and calmness were needful for the successful development of his design.
having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved
From this reading This personation of his friend, which had seemed a simple thing enough at the first and at a distance, looked a far more difficult and complicated matter now that he was well launched upon the adventure.
having succeeded or being marked by a favorable outcome
From this reading He did not shrink from the exigencies of the position: he had no idea of abandoning the game, nor did he as yet regret the daring resolution he had taken; but he was quite alive to the difficulties before him, and was perfectly aware that great caution and calmness were needful for the successful development of his design.
takenadjectiveUS /ˈteɪkən/
understood in a certain way; made sense of
From this reading He did not shrink from the exigencies of the position: he had no idea of abandoning the game, nor did he as yet regret the daring resolution he had taken; but he was quite alive to the difficulties before him, and was perfectly aware that great caution and calmness were needful for the successful development of his design.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading This personation of his friend, which had seemed a simple thing enough at the first and at a distance, looked a far more difficult and complicated matter now that he was well launched upon the adventure.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading This personation of his friend, which had seemed a simple thing enough at the first and at a distance, looked a far more difficult and complicated matter now that he was well launched upon the adventure.
a special situation
From this reading This personation of his friend, which had seemed a simple thing enough at the first and at a distance, looked a far more difficult and complicated matter now that he was well launched upon the adventure.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This personation of his friend, which had seemed a simple thing enough at the first and at a distance, looked a far more difficult and complicated matter now that he was well launched upon the adventure.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Tor awoke next morning to a variety of new sensations.
TornounUS /tɔːr/
a prominent rock or pile of rocks on a hill
From this reading Tor awoke next morning to a variety of new sensations.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading This personation of his friend, which had seemed a simple thing enough at the first and at a distance, looked a far more difficult and complicated matter now that he was well launched upon the adventure.
varietynounUS /vərˈaɪəti/
a collection containing a variety of sorts of things
From this reading Tor awoke next morning to a variety of new sensations.
the act of traveling by foot
From this reading A MORNING WALK.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading This personation of his friend, which had seemed a simple thing enough at the first and at a distance, looked a far more difficult and complicated matter now that he was well launched upon the adventure.
(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 This personation of his friend, which had seemed a simple thing enough at the first and at a distance, looked a far more difficult and complicated matter now that he was well launched upon the adventure.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading He did not shrink from the exigencies of the position: he had no idea of abandoning the game, nor did he as yet regret the daring resolution he had taken; but he was quite alive to the difficulties before him, and was perfectly aware that great caution and calmness were needful for the successful development of his design.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading This personation of his friend, which had seemed a simple thing enough at the first and at a distance, looked a far more difficult and complicated matter now that he was well launched upon the adventure.
but in spite of that
From this reading He did not shrink from the exigencies of the position: he had no idea of abandoning the game, nor did he as yet regret the daring resolution he had taken; but he was quite alive to the difficulties before him, and was perfectly aware that great caution and calmness were needful for the successful development of his design.
