used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading [Sidenote: _Certainly, life has a meaning--though sometimes it takes a lifetime to learn what it is._] The man in the purple robe was too old to walk or stand.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Because he was such an old man, he commanded a great sum of respect, but he was nervous before Them and spoke with apology, and sometimes with irritation, because he could not understand what They were thinking and it worried him.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He was wheeled upon a purple bench into the center of a marvelous room, where unhuman beings whom we shall call "They" had gathered and waited.
at or in or to any place
From this reading There was no one anywhere who was as old--but that does not matter.
apologynounUS /əˈpɑːlədʒiː/
an expression of regret at having caused trouble for someone
From this reading Because he was such an old man, he commanded a great sum of respect, but he was nervous before Them and spoke with apology, and sometimes with irritation, because he could not understand what They were thinking and it worried him.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading There was no one anywhere who was as old--but that does not matter.
for the reason that
From this reading Because he was such an old man, he commanded a great sum of respect, but he was nervous before Them and spoke with apology, and sometimes with irritation, because he could not understand what They were thinking and it worried him.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Because he was such an old man, he commanded a great sum of respect, but he was nervous before Them and spoke with apology, and sometimes with irritation, because he could not understand what They were thinking and it worried him.
beingsnounUS /ˈbiːɪŋz/
plural of “being” — the state or fact of existing
From this reading He was wheeled upon a purple bench into the center of a marvelous room, where unhuman beings whom we shall call "They" had gathered and waited.
a long seat for more than one person
From this reading He was wheeled upon a purple bench into the center of a marvelous room, where unhuman beings whom we shall call "They" had gathered and waited.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Because he was such an old man, he commanded a great sum of respect, but he was nervous before Them and spoke with apology, and sometimes with irritation, because he could not understand what They were thinking and it worried him.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading He was wheeled upon a purple bench into the center of a marvelous room, where unhuman beings whom we shall call "They" had gathered and waited.
centernounUS /ˈsɛn.tər/
The middle point or core of an area.
From this reading He was wheeled upon a purple bench into the center of a marvelous room, where unhuman beings whom we shall call "They" had gathered and waited.
definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)
From this reading [Sidenote: _Certainly, life has a meaning--though sometimes it takes a lifetime to learn what it is._] The man in the purple robe was too old to walk or stand.
past form of “command” — be in command of
From this reading Because he was such an old man, he commanded a great sum of respect, but he was nervous before Them and spoke with apology, and sometimes with irritation, because he could not understand what They were thinking and it worried him.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Because he was such an old man, he commanded a great sum of respect, but he was nervous before Them and spoke with apology, and sometimes with irritation, because he could not understand what They were thinking and it worried him.
doesauxiliary verbUS /dʌz/
the form of “do” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading There was no one anywhere who was as old--but that does not matter.
brought together in one place
From this reading He was wheeled upon a purple bench into the center of a marvelous room, where unhuman beings whom we shall call "They" had gathered and waited.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading Because he was such an old man, he commanded a great sum of respect, but he was nervous before Them and spoke with apology, and sometimes with irritation, because he could not understand what They were thinking and it worried him.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading He was wheeled upon a purple bench into the center of a marvelous room, where unhuman beings whom we shall call "They" had gathered and waited.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading [Sidenote: _Certainly, life has a meaning--though sometimes it takes a lifetime to learn what it is._] The man in the purple robe was too old to walk or stand.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He was wheeled upon a purple bench into the center of a marvelous room, where unhuman beings whom we shall call "They" had gathered and waited.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Because he was such an old man, he commanded a great sum of respect, but he was nervous before Them and spoke with apology, and sometimes with irritation, because he could not understand what They were thinking and it worried him.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading [Sidenote: _Certainly, life has a meaning--though sometimes it takes a lifetime to learn what it is._] The man in the purple robe was too old to walk or stand.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading He was wheeled upon a purple bench into the center of a marvelous room, where unhuman beings whom we shall call "They" had gathered and waited.
irritationnounUS /ˌɪrɪˈteɪʃən/
the psychological state of being irritated or annoyed
From this reading Because he was such an old man, he commanded a great sum of respect, but he was nervous before Them and spoke with apology, and sometimes with irritation, because he could not understand what They were thinking and it worried him.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading [Sidenote: _Certainly, life has a meaning--though sometimes it takes a lifetime to learn what it is._] The man in the purple robe was too old to walk or stand.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading [Sidenote: _Certainly, life has a meaning--though sometimes it takes a lifetime to learn what it is._] The man in the purple robe was too old to walk or stand.
gain knowledge or skills
From this reading [Sidenote: _Certainly, life has a meaning--though sometimes it takes a lifetime to learn what it is._] The man in the purple robe was too old to walk or stand.
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 Yet there was no one left like this old man.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading [Sidenote: _Certainly, life has a meaning--though sometimes it takes a lifetime to learn what it is._] The man in the purple robe was too old to walk or stand.
lifetimenounUS /ˈlaɪftaɪm/
the period during which something is functional (as between birth and death)
From this reading [Sidenote: _Certainly, life has a meaning--though sometimes it takes a lifetime to learn what it is._] The man in the purple robe was too old to walk or stand.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading Yet there was no one left like this old man.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading [Sidenote: _Certainly, life has a meaning--though sometimes it takes a lifetime to learn what it is._] The man in the purple robe was too old to walk or stand.
marvelousadjectiveUS /ˈmɑːrvələs/
extraordinarily good or great; used especially as intensifiers
From this reading He was wheeled upon a purple bench into the center of a marvelous room, where unhuman beings whom we shall call "They" had gathered and waited.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading There was no one anywhere who was as old--but that does not matter.
the message that is intended or expressed or signified
From this reading [Sidenote: _Certainly, life has a meaning--though sometimes it takes a lifetime to learn what it is._] The man in the purple robe was too old to walk or stand.
easily agitated
From this reading Because he was such an old man, he commanded a great sum of respect, but he was nervous before Them and spoke with apology, and sometimes with irritation, because he could not understand what They were thinking and it worried him.
not any; not one
From this reading Yet there was no one left like this old man.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Because he was such an old man, he commanded a great sum of respect, but he was nervous before Them and spoke with apology, and sometimes with irritation, because he could not understand what They were thinking and it worried him.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading He was wheeled upon a purple bench into the center of a marvelous room, where unhuman beings whom we shall call "They" had gathered and waited.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading [Sidenote: _Certainly, life has a meaning--though sometimes it takes a lifetime to learn what it is._] The man in the purple robe was too old to walk or stand.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Yet there was no one left like this old man.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading [Sidenote: _Certainly, life has a meaning--though sometimes it takes a lifetime to learn what it is._] The man in the purple robe was too old to walk or stand.
a purple color or pigment
From this reading [Sidenote: _Certainly, life has a meaning--though sometimes it takes a lifetime to learn what it is._] The man in the purple robe was too old to walk or stand.
(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point
From this reading Because he was such an old man, he commanded a great sum of respect, but he was nervous before Them and spoke with apology, and sometimes with irritation, because he could not understand what They were thinking and it worried him.
robenounUS /roʊb/
any loose flowing garment
From this reading [Sidenote: _Certainly, life has a meaning--though sometimes it takes a lifetime to learn what it is._] The man in the purple robe was too old to walk or stand.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading He was wheeled upon a purple bench into the center of a marvelous room, where unhuman beings whom we shall call "They" had gathered and waited.
used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest
From this reading He was wheeled upon a purple bench into the center of a marvelous room, where unhuman beings whom we shall call "They" had gathered and waited.
Sidenote
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading [Sidenote: _Certainly, life has a meaning--though sometimes it takes a lifetime to learn what it is._] The man in the purple robe was too old to walk or stand.
on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always
From this reading [Sidenote: _Certainly, life has a meaning--though sometimes it takes a lifetime to learn what it is._] The man in the purple robe was too old to walk or stand.
support consisting of a radial member of a wheel joining the hub to the rim
From this reading Because he was such an old man, he commanded a great sum of respect, but he was nervous before Them and spoke with apology, and sometimes with irritation, because he could not understand what They were thinking and it worried him.
be standing; be upright
From this reading [Sidenote: _Certainly, life has a meaning--though sometimes it takes a lifetime to learn what it is._] The man in the purple robe was too old to walk or stand.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Because he was such an old man, he commanded a great sum of respect, but he was nervous before Them and spoke with apology, and sometimes with irritation, because he could not understand what They were thinking and it worried him.
a quantity of money
From this reading Because he was such an old man, he commanded a great sum of respect, but he was nervous before Them and spoke with apology, and sometimes with irritation, because he could not understand what They were thinking and it worried him.
plural of “take” — the income or profit arising from such transactions as the sale of land or other property
From this reading [Sidenote: _Certainly, life has a meaning--though sometimes it takes a lifetime to learn what it is._] The man in the purple robe was too old to walk or stand.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading There was no one anywhere who was as old--but that does not matter.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading [Sidenote: _Certainly, life has a meaning--though sometimes it takes a lifetime to learn what it is._] The man in the purple robe was too old to walk or stand.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Because he was such an old man, he commanded a great sum of respect, but he was nervous before Them and spoke with apology, and sometimes with irritation, because he could not understand what They were thinking and it worried him.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Yet there was no one left like this old man.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He was wheeled upon a purple bench into the center of a marvelous room, where unhuman beings whom we shall call "They" had gathered and waited.
the process of using your mind to consider something carefully
From this reading Because he was such an old man, he commanded a great sum of respect, but he was nervous before Them and spoke with apology, and sometimes with irritation, because he could not understand what They were thinking and it worried him.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Yet there was no one left like this old man.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading [Sidenote: _Certainly, life has a meaning--though sometimes it takes a lifetime to learn what it is._] The man in the purple robe was too old to walk or stand.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading [Sidenote: _Certainly, life has a meaning--though sometimes it takes a lifetime to learn what it is._] The man in the purple robe was too old to walk or stand.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading [Sidenote: _Certainly, life has a meaning--though sometimes it takes a lifetime to learn what it is._] The man in the purple robe was too old to walk or stand.
know and comprehend the nature or meaning of
From this reading Because he was such an old man, he commanded a great sum of respect, but he was nervous before Them and spoke with apology, and sometimes with irritation, because he could not understand what They were thinking and it worried him.
unhumanadjective
divested of human qualities or attributes
From this reading He was wheeled upon a purple bench into the center of a marvelous room, where unhuman beings whom we shall call "They" had gathered and waited.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading He was wheeled upon a purple bench into the center of a marvelous room, where unhuman beings whom we shall call "They" had gathered and waited.
past form of “wait” — stay in one place and anticipate or expect something
From this reading He was wheeled upon a purple bench into the center of a marvelous room, where unhuman beings whom we shall call "They" had gathered and waited.
the act of traveling by foot
From this reading [Sidenote: _Certainly, life has a meaning--though sometimes it takes a lifetime to learn what it is._] The man in the purple robe was too old to walk or stand.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading [Sidenote: _Certainly, life has a meaning--though sometimes it takes a lifetime to learn what it is._] The man in the purple robe was too old to walk or stand.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading He was wheeled upon a purple bench into the center of a marvelous room, where unhuman beings whom we shall call "They" had gathered and waited.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Because he was such an old man, he commanded a great sum of respect, but he was nervous before Them and spoke with apology, and sometimes with irritation, because he could not understand what They were thinking and it worried him.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading [Sidenote: _Certainly, life has a meaning--though sometimes it takes a lifetime to learn what it is._] The man in the purple robe was too old to walk or stand.
wheeledadjectiveUS /wiːld/
having wheels; often used in combination
From this reading He was wheeled upon a purple bench into the center of a marvelous room, where unhuman beings whom we shall call "They" had gathered and waited.
in or at the place that
From this reading He was wheeled upon a purple bench into the center of a marvelous room, where unhuman beings whom we shall call "They" had gathered and waited.
which person or people
From this reading There was no one anywhere who was as old--but that does not matter.
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He was wheeled upon a purple bench into the center of a marvelous room, where unhuman beings whom we shall call "They" had gathered and waited.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Because he was such an old man, he commanded a great sum of respect, but he was nervous before Them and spoke with apology, and sometimes with irritation, because he could not understand what They were thinking and it worried him.
worriedadjectiveUS /ˈwɜːrid/
afflicted with or marked by anxious uneasiness or trouble or grief
From this reading Because he was such an old man, he commanded a great sum of respect, but he was nervous before Them and spoke with apology, and sometimes with irritation, because he could not understand what They were thinking and it worried him.
but in spite of that
From this reading Yet there was no one left like this old man.
