used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading When at length the dreadful dream had become a reality, and she was forced to acknowledge to herself the life she bore within her, it seemed to her for a moment that the worst was passed.
acknowledgeverbUS /ækˈnɑːlɪdʒ/
declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of
From this reading When at length the dreadful dream had become a reality, and she was forced to acknowledge to herself the life she bore within her, it seemed to her for a moment that the worst was passed.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It was some time before Ruth faced the fact that she was in the toils, and that there was no escaping.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading THE CRUMBLES Nature's punishments of her erring children are slow as they are sure.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading THE CRUMBLES Nature's punishments of her erring children are slow as they are sure.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading When at length the dreadful dream had become a reality, and she was forced to acknowledge to herself the life she bore within her, it seemed to her for a moment that the worst was passed.
for the reason that
From this reading Therefore the shock of realization that the wages of sin are death--as our fathers used to put it; or that weakness brings its own reward--as we should more prosaically say; because it comes gradually to the human consciousness, is mercifully numbed.
enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading When at length the dreadful dream had become a reality, and she was forced to acknowledge to herself the life she bore within her, it seemed to her for a moment that the worst was passed.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading It was some time before Ruth faced the fact that she was in the toils, and that there was no escaping.
cause to be bored
From this reading When at length the dreadful dream had become a reality, and she was forced to acknowledge to herself the life she bore within her, it seemed to her for a moment that the worst was passed.
third-person singular of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading Therefore the shock of realization that the wages of sin are death--as our fathers used to put it; or that weakness brings its own reward--as we should more prosaically say; because it comes gradually to the human consciousness, is mercifully numbed.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading If the inexorable Dame cannot forget, neither can she hurry.
cannot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If the inexorable Dame cannot forget, neither can she hurry.
plural of “child” — a young person of either sex
From this reading THE CRUMBLES Nature's punishments of her erring children are slow as they are sure.
plural of “come” — the thick white fluid containing spermatozoa that is ejaculated by the male genital tract
From this reading Therefore the shock of realization that the wages of sin are death--as our fathers used to put it; or that weakness brings its own reward--as we should more prosaically say; because it comes gradually to the human consciousness, is mercifully numbed.
an alert cognitive state in which you are aware of yourself and your situation
From this reading Therefore the shock of realization that the wages of sin are death--as our fathers used to put it; or that weakness brings its own reward--as we should more prosaically say; because it comes gradually to the human consciousness, is mercifully numbed.
CRUMBLESverbUS /ˈkrʌmbəlz/
third-person singular of “crumble” — fall apart
From this reading THE CRUMBLES Nature's punishments of her erring children are slow as they are sure.
DamenounUS /deɪm/
informal terms for a (young) woman
From this reading If the inexorable Dame cannot forget, neither can she hurry.
the event of dying or departure from life
From this reading Therefore the shock of realization that the wages of sin are death--as our fathers used to put it; or that weakness brings its own reward--as we should more prosaically say; because it comes gradually to the human consciousness, is mercifully numbed.
causing fear or dread or terror
From this reading When at length the dreadful dream had become a reality, and she was forced to acknowledge to herself the life she bore within her, it seemed to her for a moment that the worst was passed.
A series of thoughts, images, or emotions during sleep.
From this reading When at length the dreadful dream had become a reality, and she was forced to acknowledge to herself the life she bore within her, it seemed to her for a moment that the worst was passed.
erringadjectiveUS /ˈerɪŋ/
capable of making an error
From this reading THE CRUMBLES Nature's punishments of her erring children are slow as they are sure.
escapingverbUS /ɪˈskeɪpɪŋ/
-ing form of “escape” — run away from confinement
From this reading It was some time before Ruth faced the fact that she was in the toils, and that there was no escaping.
having a face or facing especially of a specified kind or number; often used in combination
From this reading It was some time before Ruth faced the fact that she was in the toils, and that there was no escaping.
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading It was some time before Ruth faced the fact that she was in the toils, and that there was no escaping.
fathersnounUS /ˈfɑːðərz/
plural of “father” — a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading Therefore the shock of realization that the wages of sin are death--as our fathers used to put it; or that weakness brings its own reward--as we should more prosaically say; because it comes gradually to the human consciousness, is mercifully numbed.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading When at length the dreadful dream had become a reality, and she was forced to acknowledge to herself the life she bore within her, it seemed to her for a moment that the worst was passed.
produced by or subjected to forcing
From this reading When at length the dreadful dream had become a reality, and she was forced to acknowledge to herself the life she bore within her, it seemed to her for a moment that the worst was passed.
dismiss from the mind; stop remembering
From this reading If the inexorable Dame cannot forget, neither can she hurry.
in a gradual manner
From this reading Therefore the shock of realization that the wages of sin are death--as our fathers used to put it; or that weakness brings its own reward--as we should more prosaically say; because it comes gradually to the human consciousness, is mercifully numbed.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading When at length the dreadful dream had become a reality, and she was forced to acknowledge to herself the life she bore within her, it seemed to her for a moment that the worst was passed.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading THE CRUMBLES Nature's punishments of her erring children are slow as they are sure.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading When at length the dreadful dream had become a reality, and she was forced to acknowledge to herself the life she bore within her, it seemed to her for a moment that the worst was passed.
humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading Therefore the shock of realization that the wages of sin are death--as our fathers used to put it; or that weakness brings its own reward--as we should more prosaically say; because it comes gradually to the human consciousness, is mercifully numbed.
a condition of urgency making it necessary to hurry
From this reading If the inexorable Dame cannot forget, neither can she hurry.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading If the inexorable Dame cannot forget, neither can she hurry.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It was some time before Ruth faced the fact that she was in the toils, and that there was no escaping.
inexorableadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈneksərəbəl/
not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty
From this reading If the inexorable Dame cannot forget, neither can she hurry.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Therefore the shock of realization that the wages of sin are death--as our fathers used to put it; or that weakness brings its own reward--as we should more prosaically say; because it comes gradually to the human consciousness, is mercifully numbed.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Therefore the shock of realization that the wages of sin are death--as our fathers used to put it; or that weakness brings its own reward--as we should more prosaically say; because it comes gradually to the human consciousness, is mercifully numbed.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Therefore the shock of realization that the wages of sin are death--as our fathers used to put it; or that weakness brings its own reward--as we should more prosaically say; because it comes gradually to the human consciousness, is mercifully numbed.
the linear extent in space from one end to the other; the longest dimension of something that is fixed in place
From this reading When at length the dreadful dream had become a reality, and she was forced to acknowledge to herself the life she bore within her, it seemed to her for a moment that the worst was passed.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading When at length the dreadful dream had become a reality, and she was forced to acknowledge to herself the life she bore within her, it seemed to her for a moment that the worst was passed.
mercifullyadverbUS /ˈmɜːrsɪfəliː/
in a compassionate manner
From this reading Therefore the shock of realization that the wages of sin are death--as our fathers used to put it; or that weakness brings its own reward--as we should more prosaically say; because it comes gradually to the human consciousness, is mercifully numbed.
a particular point in time
From this reading When at length the dreadful dream had become a reality, and she was forced to acknowledge to herself the life she bore within her, it seemed to her for a moment that the worst was passed.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Therefore the shock of realization that the wages of sin are death--as our fathers used to put it; or that weakness brings its own reward--as we should more prosaically say; because it comes gradually to the human consciousness, is mercifully numbed.
Nature'snounUS /ˈneɪtʃərz/
possessive form of “nature” — the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading THE CRUMBLES Nature's punishments of her erring children are slow as they are sure.
not one and not the other of two
From this reading If the inexorable Dame cannot forget, neither can she hurry.
not any; not one
From this reading It was some time before Ruth faced the fact that she was in the toils, and that there was no escaping.
numbedverbUS /nʌmd/
past form of “numb” — make numb or insensitive
From this reading Therefore the shock of realization that the wages of sin are death--as our fathers used to put it; or that weakness brings its own reward--as we should more prosaically say; because it comes gradually to the human consciousness, is mercifully numbed.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE CRUMBLES Nature's punishments of her erring children are slow as they are sure.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Therefore the shock of realization that the wages of sin are death--as our fathers used to put it; or that weakness brings its own reward--as we should more prosaically say; because it comes gradually to the human consciousness, is mercifully numbed.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading Therefore the shock of realization that the wages of sin are death--as our fathers used to put it; or that weakness brings its own reward--as we should more prosaically say; because it comes gradually to the human consciousness, is mercifully numbed.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading Therefore the shock of realization that the wages of sin are death--as our fathers used to put it; or that weakness brings its own reward--as we should more prosaically say; because it comes gradually to the human consciousness, is mercifully numbed.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading When at length the dreadful dream had become a reality, and she was forced to acknowledge to herself the life she bore within her, it seemed to her for a moment that the worst was passed.
prosaicallyadverb
in a matter-of-fact manner
From this reading Therefore the shock of realization that the wages of sin are death--as our fathers used to put it; or that weakness brings its own reward--as we should more prosaically say; because it comes gradually to the human consciousness, is mercifully numbed.
punishmentsnounUS /ˈpʌnɪʃmənts/
plural of “punishment” — the act of punishing
From this reading THE CRUMBLES Nature's punishments of her erring children are slow as they are sure.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading Therefore the shock of realization that the wages of sin are death--as our fathers used to put it; or that weakness brings its own reward--as we should more prosaically say; because it comes gradually to the human consciousness, is mercifully numbed.
all of your experiences that determine how things appear to you
From this reading When at length the dreadful dream had become a reality, and she was forced to acknowledge to herself the life she bore within her, it seemed to her for a moment that the worst was passed.
realizationnounUS /ˈriːləˈzeɪʃən/
coming to understand something clearly and distinctly
From this reading Therefore the shock of realization that the wages of sin are death--as our fathers used to put it; or that weakness brings its own reward--as we should more prosaically say; because it comes gradually to the human consciousness, is mercifully numbed.
a recompense for worthy acts or retribution for wrongdoing
From this reading Therefore the shock of realization that the wages of sin are death--as our fathers used to put it; or that weakness brings its own reward--as we should more prosaically say; because it comes gradually to the human consciousness, is mercifully numbed.
United States professional baseball player famous for hitting home runs (1895-1948)
From this reading It was some time before Ruth faced the fact that she was in the toils, and that there was no escaping.
express in words
From this reading Therefore the shock of realization that the wages of sin are death--as our fathers used to put it; or that weakness brings its own reward--as we should more prosaically say; because it comes gradually to the human consciousness, is mercifully numbed.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading When at length the dreadful dream had become a reality, and she was forced to acknowledge to herself the life she bore within her, it seemed to her for a moment that the worst was passed.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading If the inexorable Dame cannot forget, neither can she hurry.
the feeling of distress and disbelief that you have when something bad happens accidentally
From this reading Therefore the shock of realization that the wages of sin are death--as our fathers used to put it; or that weakness brings its own reward--as we should more prosaically say; because it comes gradually to the human consciousness, is mercifully numbed.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading Therefore the shock of realization that the wages of sin are death--as our fathers used to put it; or that weakness brings its own reward--as we should more prosaically say; because it comes gradually to the human consciousness, is mercifully numbed.
estrangement from god
From this reading Therefore the shock of realization that the wages of sin are death--as our fathers used to put it; or that weakness brings its own reward--as we should more prosaically say; because it comes gradually to the human consciousness, is mercifully numbed.
not moving quickly; taking a comparatively long time
From this reading THE CRUMBLES Nature's punishments of her erring children are slow as they are sure.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading It was some time before Ruth faced the fact that she was in the toils, and that there was no escaping.
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading THE CRUMBLES Nature's punishments of her erring children are slow as they are sure.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Therefore the shock of realization that the wages of sin are death--as our fathers used to put it; or that weakness brings its own reward--as we should more prosaically say; because it comes gradually to the human consciousness, is mercifully numbed.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE CRUMBLES Nature's punishments of her erring children are slow as they are sure.
in or at that place or location
From this reading It was some time before Ruth faced the fact that she was in the toils, and that there was no escaping.
for that reason; as a result
From this reading Therefore the shock of realization that the wages of sin are death--as our fathers used to put it; or that weakness brings its own reward--as we should more prosaically say; because it comes gradually to the human consciousness, is mercifully numbed.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading THE CRUMBLES Nature's punishments of her erring children are slow as they are sure.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading It was some time before Ruth faced the fact that she was in the toils, and that there was no escaping.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Therefore the shock of realization that the wages of sin are death--as our fathers used to put it; or that weakness brings its own reward--as we should more prosaically say; because it comes gradually to the human consciousness, is mercifully numbed.
toilsnounUS /tɔɪlz/
plural of “toil” — productive work (especially physical work done for wages)
From this reading It was some time before Ruth faced the fact that she was in the toils, and that there was no escaping.
employed in accomplishing something
From this reading Therefore the shock of realization that the wages of sin are death--as our fathers used to put it; or that weakness brings its own reward--as we should more prosaically say; because it comes gradually to the human consciousness, is mercifully numbed.
wagesnounUS /ˈweɪdʒəz/
a recompense for worthy acts or retribution for wrongdoing
From this reading Therefore the shock of realization that the wages of sin are death--as our fathers used to put it; or that weakness brings its own reward--as we should more prosaically say; because it comes gradually to the human consciousness, is mercifully numbed.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was some time before Ruth faced the fact that she was in the toils, and that there was no escaping.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading Therefore the shock of realization that the wages of sin are death--as our fathers used to put it; or that weakness brings its own reward--as we should more prosaically say; because it comes gradually to the human consciousness, is mercifully numbed.
a flaw or weak point
From this reading Therefore the shock of realization that the wages of sin are death--as our fathers used to put it; or that weakness brings its own reward--as we should more prosaically say; because it comes gradually to the human consciousness, is mercifully numbed.
at the time that
From this reading When at length the dreadful dream had become a reality, and she was forced to acknowledge to herself the life she bore within her, it seemed to her for a moment that the worst was passed.
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading When at length the dreadful dream had become a reality, and she was forced to acknowledge to herself the life she bore within her, it seemed to her for a moment that the worst was passed.
the least favorable outcome
From this reading When at length the dreadful dream had become a reality, and she was forced to acknowledge to herself the life she bore within her, it seemed to her for a moment that the worst was passed.
