used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading +DEATH+ WE had calculated to a nicety the possible time in which we could receive a letter from Reginald Melville, taking into consideration the accidents of wind and water at sea, and the delays and uncertainties on land; but, at length, the time had arrived when each day was a continued torture.
accidentsnounUS /ˈæksədənts/
plural of “accident” — an unfortunate mishap; especially one causing damage or injury
From this reading +DEATH+ WE had calculated to a nicety the possible time in which we could receive a letter from Reginald Melville, taking into consideration the accidents of wind and water at sea, and the delays and uncertainties on land; but, at length, the time had arrived when each day was a continued torture.
Ah
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ah! which of us do not remember, at some time of our lives, the dreadful alternations of sickly hope and bitter disappointment we have experienced in waiting for _that letter_ so long delayed?
in addition
From this reading We are quite relieved to hear it is ten minutes too fast: the ten minutes pass—another five also, and we send down to know if the postman is late to-day.
alternations
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ah! which of us do not remember, at some time of our lives, the dreadful alternations of sickly hope and bitter disappointment we have experienced in waiting for _that letter_ so long delayed?
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading +DEATH+ WE had calculated to a nicety the possible time in which we could receive a letter from Reginald Melville, taking into consideration the accidents of wind and water at sea, and the delays and uncertainties on land; but, at length, the time had arrived when each day was a continued torture.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading We are quite relieved to hear it is ten minutes too fast: the ten minutes pass—another five also, and we send down to know if the postman is late to-day.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading We are quite relieved to hear it is ten minutes too fast: the ten minutes pass—another five also, and we send down to know if the postman is late to-day.
inflected form of “arise” — come into existence; take on form or shape
From this reading Each morning, as we arose, we have said to ourselves—“To-day it will surely come.”
past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress
From this reading +DEATH+ WE had calculated to a nicety the possible time in which we could receive a letter from Reginald Melville, taking into consideration the accidents of wind and water at sea, and the delays and uncertainties on land; but, at length, the time had arrived when each day was a continued torture.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Each morning, as we arose, we have said to ourselves—“To-day it will surely come.”
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading +DEATH+ WE had calculated to a nicety the possible time in which we could receive a letter from Reginald Melville, taking into consideration the accidents of wind and water at sea, and the delays and uncertainties on land; but, at length, the time had arrived when each day was a continued torture.
marked by strong resentment or cynicism
From this reading Ah! which of us do not remember, at some time of our lives, the dreadful alternations of sickly hope and bitter disappointment we have experienced in waiting for _that letter_ so long delayed?
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading +DEATH+ WE had calculated to a nicety the possible time in which we could receive a letter from Reginald Melville, taking into consideration the accidents of wind and water at sea, and the delays and uncertainties on land; but, at length, the time had arrived when each day was a continued torture.
calculatedadjectiveUS /ˈkælkjəleɪtɪd/
carefully thought out in advance
From this reading +DEATH+ WE had calculated to a nicety the possible time in which we could receive a letter from Reginald Melville, taking into consideration the accidents of wind and water at sea, and the delays and uncertainties on land; but, at length, the time had arrived when each day was a continued torture.
a timepiece that shows the time of day
From this reading How we watch the clock!
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Each morning, as we arose, we have said to ourselves—“To-day it will surely come.”
the process of giving careful thought to something
From this reading +DEATH+ WE had calculated to a nicety the possible time in which we could receive a letter from Reginald Melville, taking into consideration the accidents of wind and water at sea, and the delays and uncertainties on land; but, at length, the time had arrived when each day was a continued torture.
without stop or interruption
From this reading +DEATH+ WE had calculated to a nicety the possible time in which we could receive a letter from Reginald Melville, taking into consideration the accidents of wind and water at sea, and the delays and uncertainties on land; but, at length, the time had arrived when each day was a continued torture.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading +DEATH+ WE had calculated to a nicety the possible time in which we could receive a letter from Reginald Melville, taking into consideration the accidents of wind and water at sea, and the delays and uncertainties on land; but, at length, the time had arrived when each day was a continued torture.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading +DEATH+ WE had calculated to a nicety the possible time in which we could receive a letter from Reginald Melville, taking into consideration the accidents of wind and water at sea, and the delays and uncertainties on land; but, at length, the time had arrived when each day was a continued torture.
the event of dying or departure from life
From this reading +DEATH+ WE had calculated to a nicety the possible time in which we could receive a letter from Reginald Melville, taking into consideration the accidents of wind and water at sea, and the delays and uncertainties on land; but, at length, the time had arrived when each day was a continued torture.
delayedadjectiveUS /dɪˈleɪd/
not as far along as normal in development
From this reading Ah! which of us do not remember, at some time of our lives, the dreadful alternations of sickly hope and bitter disappointment we have experienced in waiting for _that letter_ so long delayed?
delaysnounUS /dɪˈleɪz/
plural of “delay” — time during which some action is awaited
From this reading +DEATH+ WE had calculated to a nicety the possible time in which we could receive a letter from Reginald Melville, taking into consideration the accidents of wind and water at sea, and the delays and uncertainties on land; but, at length, the time had arrived when each day was a continued torture.
a feeling of dissatisfaction that results when your expectations are not realized
From this reading Ah! which of us do not remember, at some time of our lives, the dreadful alternations of sickly hope and bitter disappointment we have experienced in waiting for _that letter_ so long delayed?
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading Ah! which of us do not remember, at some time of our lives, the dreadful alternations of sickly hope and bitter disappointment we have experienced in waiting for _that letter_ so long delayed?
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading We are quite relieved to hear it is ten minutes too fast: the ten minutes pass—another five also, and we send down to know if the postman is late to-day.
causing fear or dread or terror
From this reading Ah! which of us do not remember, at some time of our lives, the dreadful alternations of sickly hope and bitter disappointment we have experienced in waiting for _that letter_ so long delayed?
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading +DEATH+ WE had calculated to a nicety the possible time in which we could receive a letter from Reginald Melville, taking into consideration the accidents of wind and water at sea, and the delays and uncertainties on land; but, at length, the time had arrived when each day was a continued torture.
having experience; having knowledge or skill from observation or participation
From this reading Ah! which of us do not remember, at some time of our lives, the dreadful alternations of sickly hope and bitter disappointment we have experienced in waiting for _that letter_ so long delayed?
quickly or rapidly (often used as a combining form)
From this reading We are quite relieved to hear it is ten minutes too fast: the ten minutes pass—another five also, and we send down to know if the postman is late to-day.
the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one
From this reading We are quite relieved to hear it is ten minutes too fast: the ten minutes pass—another five also, and we send down to know if the postman is late to-day.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Ah! which of us do not remember, at some time of our lives, the dreadful alternations of sickly hope and bitter disappointment we have experienced in waiting for _that letter_ so long delayed?
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading +DEATH+ WE had calculated to a nicety the possible time in which we could receive a letter from Reginald Melville, taking into consideration the accidents of wind and water at sea, and the delays and uncertainties on land; but, at length, the time had arrived when each day was a continued torture.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading +DEATH+ WE had calculated to a nicety the possible time in which we could receive a letter from Reginald Melville, taking into consideration the accidents of wind and water at sea, and the delays and uncertainties on land; but, at length, the time had arrived when each day was a continued torture.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Ah! which of us do not remember, at some time of our lives, the dreadful alternations of sickly hope and bitter disappointment we have experienced in waiting for _that letter_ so long delayed?
perceive (sound) via the auditory sense
From this reading We are quite relieved to hear it is ten minutes too fast: the ten minutes pass—another five also, and we send down to know if the postman is late to-day.
a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading Ah! which of us do not remember, at some time of our lives, the dreadful alternations of sickly hope and bitter disappointment we have experienced in waiting for _that letter_ so long delayed?
How
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How we watch the clock!
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading We are quite relieved to hear it is ten minutes too fast: the ten minutes pass—another five also, and we send down to know if the postman is late to-day.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading +DEATH+ WE had calculated to a nicety the possible time in which we could receive a letter from Reginald Melville, taking into consideration the accidents of wind and water at sea, and the delays and uncertainties on land; but, at length, the time had arrived when each day was a continued torture.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading +DEATH+ WE had calculated to a nicety the possible time in which we could receive a letter from Reginald Melville, taking into consideration the accidents of wind and water at sea, and the delays and uncertainties on land; but, at length, the time had arrived when each day was a continued torture.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading We are quite relieved to hear it is ten minutes too fast: the ten minutes pass—another five also, and we send down to know if the postman is late to-day.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Each morning, as we arose, we have said to ourselves—“To-day it will surely come.”
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading We are quite relieved to hear it is ten minutes too fast: the ten minutes pass—another five also, and we send down to know if the postman is late to-day.
the land on which real estate is located
From this reading +DEATH+ WE had calculated to a nicety the possible time in which we could receive a letter from Reginald Melville, taking into consideration the accidents of wind and water at sea, and the delays and uncertainties on land; but, at length, the time had arrived when each day was a continued torture.
being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time
From this reading We are quite relieved to hear it is ten minutes too fast: the ten minutes pass—another five also, and we send down to know if the postman is late to-day.
the linear extent in space from one end to the other; the longest dimension of something that is fixed in place
From this reading +DEATH+ WE had calculated to a nicety the possible time in which we could receive a letter from Reginald Melville, taking into consideration the accidents of wind and water at sea, and the delays and uncertainties on land; but, at length, the time had arrived when each day was a continued torture.
a written message addressed to a person or organization
From this reading +DEATH+ WE had calculated to a nicety the possible time in which we could receive a letter from Reginald Melville, taking into consideration the accidents of wind and water at sea, and the delays and uncertainties on land; but, at length, the time had arrived when each day was a continued torture.
plural of “life” — a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Ah! which of us do not remember, at some time of our lives, the dreadful alternations of sickly hope and bitter disappointment we have experienced in waiting for _that letter_ so long delayed?
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading Ah! which of us do not remember, at some time of our lives, the dreadful alternations of sickly hope and bitter disappointment we have experienced in waiting for _that letter_ so long delayed?
MelvillenounUS /ˈmelvɪl/
United States writer of novels and short stories (1819-1891)
From this reading +DEATH+ WE had calculated to a nicety the possible time in which we could receive a letter from Reginald Melville, taking into consideration the accidents of wind and water at sea, and the delays and uncertainties on land; but, at length, the time had arrived when each day was a continued torture.
a written account of what transpired at a meeting
From this reading We are quite relieved to hear it is ten minutes too fast: the ten minutes pass—another five also, and we send down to know if the postman is late to-day.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading Each morning, as we arose, we have said to ourselves—“To-day it will surely come.”
nicetynounUS /ˈnaɪsɪti/
conformity with some esthetic standard of correctness or propriety
From this reading +DEATH+ WE had calculated to a nicety the possible time in which we could receive a letter from Reginald Melville, taking into consideration the accidents of wind and water at sea, and the delays and uncertainties on land; but, at length, the time had arrived when each day was a continued torture.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Ah! which of us do not remember, at some time of our lives, the dreadful alternations of sickly hope and bitter disappointment we have experienced in waiting for _that letter_ so long delayed?
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading +DEATH+ WE had calculated to a nicety the possible time in which we could receive a letter from Reginald Melville, taking into consideration the accidents of wind and water at sea, and the delays and uncertainties on land; but, at length, the time had arrived when each day was a continued torture.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading +DEATH+ WE had calculated to a nicety the possible time in which we could receive a letter from Reginald Melville, taking into consideration the accidents of wind and water at sea, and the delays and uncertainties on land; but, at length, the time had arrived when each day was a continued torture.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading Ah! which of us do not remember, at some time of our lives, the dreadful alternations of sickly hope and bitter disappointment we have experienced in waiting for _that letter_ so long delayed?
used when we are both doing the action and receiving it
From this reading Each morning, as we arose, we have said to ourselves—“To-day it will surely come.”
go across or through
From this reading We are quite relieved to hear it is ten minutes too fast: the ten minutes pass—another five also, and we send down to know if the postman is late to-day.
capable of happening or existing
From this reading +DEATH+ WE had calculated to a nicety the possible time in which we could receive a letter from Reginald Melville, taking into consideration the accidents of wind and water at sea, and the delays and uncertainties on land; but, at length, the time had arrived when each day was a continued torture.
postmannounUS /ˈpoʊstmən/
a man who delivers the mail
From this reading We are quite relieved to hear it is ten minutes too fast: the ten minutes pass—another five also, and we send down to know if the postman is late to-day.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading We are quite relieved to hear it is ten minutes too fast: the ten minutes pass—another five also, and we send down to know if the postman is late to-day.
get something; come into possession of
From this reading +DEATH+ WE had calculated to a nicety the possible time in which we could receive a letter from Reginald Melville, taking into consideration the accidents of wind and water at sea, and the delays and uncertainties on land; but, at length, the time had arrived when each day was a continued torture.
Reginald
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading +DEATH+ WE had calculated to a nicety the possible time in which we could receive a letter from Reginald Melville, taking into consideration the accidents of wind and water at sea, and the delays and uncertainties on land; but, at length, the time had arrived when each day was a continued torture.
(of pain or sorrow) made easier to bear
From this reading We are quite relieved to hear it is ten minutes too fast: the ten minutes pass—another five also, and we send down to know if the postman is late to-day.
To recall to mind.
From this reading Ah! which of us do not remember, at some time of our lives, the dreadful alternations of sickly hope and bitter disappointment we have experienced in waiting for _that letter_ so long delayed?
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading Each morning, as we arose, we have said to ourselves—“To-day it will surely come.”
a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
From this reading +DEATH+ WE had calculated to a nicety the possible time in which we could receive a letter from Reginald Melville, taking into consideration the accidents of wind and water at sea, and the delays and uncertainties on land; but, at length, the time had arrived when each day was a continued torture.
cause to go somewhere
From this reading We are quite relieved to hear it is ten minutes too fast: the ten minutes pass—another five also, and we send down to know if the postman is late to-day.
sicklyadjectiveUS /ˈsɪkli/
unhealthy looking
From this reading Ah! which of us do not remember, at some time of our lives, the dreadful alternations of sickly hope and bitter disappointment we have experienced in waiting for _that letter_ so long delayed?
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Ah! which of us do not remember, at some time of our lives, the dreadful alternations of sickly hope and bitter disappointment we have experienced in waiting for _that letter_ so long delayed?
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Ah! which of us do not remember, at some time of our lives, the dreadful alternations of sickly hope and bitter disappointment we have experienced in waiting for _that letter_ so long delayed?
definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)
From this reading Each morning, as we arose, we have said to ourselves—“To-day it will surely come.”
the act of someone who picks up or takes something
From this reading +DEATH+ WE had calculated to a nicety the possible time in which we could receive a letter from Reginald Melville, taking into consideration the accidents of wind and water at sea, and the delays and uncertainties on land; but, at length, the time had arrived when each day was a continued torture.
the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
From this reading We are quite relieved to hear it is ten minutes too fast: the ten minutes pass—another five also, and we send down to know if the postman is late to-day.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Ah! which of us do not remember, at some time of our lives, the dreadful alternations of sickly hope and bitter disappointment we have experienced in waiting for _that letter_ so long delayed?
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading +DEATH+ WE had calculated to a nicety the possible time in which we could receive a letter from Reginald Melville, taking into consideration the accidents of wind and water at sea, and the delays and uncertainties on land; but, at length, the time had arrived when each day was a continued torture.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading +DEATH+ WE had calculated to a nicety the possible time in which we could receive a letter from Reginald Melville, taking into consideration the accidents of wind and water at sea, and the delays and uncertainties on land; but, at length, the time had arrived when each day was a continued torture.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading +DEATH+ WE had calculated to a nicety the possible time in which we could receive a letter from Reginald Melville, taking into consideration the accidents of wind and water at sea, and the delays and uncertainties on land; but, at length, the time had arrived when each day was a continued torture.
To-day
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Each morning, as we arose, we have said to ourselves—“To-day it will surely come.”
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading We are quite relieved to hear it is ten minutes too fast: the ten minutes pass—another five also, and we send down to know if the postman is late to-day.
tortureverbUS /ˈtɔːrtʃər/
torment emotionally or mentally
From this reading +DEATH+ WE had calculated to a nicety the possible time in which we could receive a letter from Reginald Melville, taking into consideration the accidents of wind and water at sea, and the delays and uncertainties on land; but, at length, the time had arrived when each day was a continued torture.
uncertaintiesnounUS /ənˈsɜːrtəntiz/
plural of “uncertainty” — being unsettled or in doubt or dependent on chance
From this reading +DEATH+ WE had calculated to a nicety the possible time in which we could receive a letter from Reginald Melville, taking into consideration the accidents of wind and water at sea, and the delays and uncertainties on land; but, at length, the time had arrived when each day was a continued torture.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Ah! which of us do not remember, at some time of our lives, the dreadful alternations of sickly hope and bitter disappointment we have experienced in waiting for _that letter_ so long delayed?
the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something)
From this reading Ah! which of us do not remember, at some time of our lives, the dreadful alternations of sickly hope and bitter disappointment we have experienced in waiting for _that letter_ so long delayed?
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading +DEATH+ WE had calculated to a nicety the possible time in which we could receive a letter from Reginald Melville, taking into consideration the accidents of wind and water at sea, and the delays and uncertainties on land; but, at length, the time had arrived when each day was a continued torture.
look attentively
From this reading How we watch the clock!
binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent
From this reading +DEATH+ WE had calculated to a nicety the possible time in which we could receive a letter from Reginald Melville, taking into consideration the accidents of wind and water at sea, and the delays and uncertainties on land; but, at length, the time had arrived when each day was a continued torture.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading +DEATH+ WE had calculated to a nicety the possible time in which we could receive a letter from Reginald Melville, taking into consideration the accidents of wind and water at sea, and the delays and uncertainties on land; but, at length, the time had arrived when each day was a continued torture.
at the time that
From this reading +DEATH+ WE had calculated to a nicety the possible time in which we could receive a letter from Reginald Melville, taking into consideration the accidents of wind and water at sea, and the delays and uncertainties on land; but, at length, the time had arrived when each day was a continued torture.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading +DEATH+ WE had calculated to a nicety the possible time in which we could receive a letter from Reginald Melville, taking into consideration the accidents of wind and water at sea, and the delays and uncertainties on land; but, at length, the time had arrived when each day was a continued torture.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading Each morning, as we arose, we have said to ourselves—“To-day it will surely come.”
air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading +DEATH+ WE had calculated to a nicety the possible time in which we could receive a letter from Reginald Melville, taking into consideration the accidents of wind and water at sea, and the delays and uncertainties on land; but, at length, the time had arrived when each day was a continued torture.
