used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Which of us can utter that fatal word, farewell, and not feel a thrill through the heart of indistinct terror—a vague _perhaps_, which will whisper, who knows but that mine eyes have mirrored for the last time that familiar face, that loved form! that mine ears have drank in for the last time the music of that gentle voice!
anew
From this reading +ROSSINI+ THEY never met on earth again.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading It is fearful on what “trifles light as air,” hang the destiny of a life.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading In this world where all is uncertain, how terrible are partings!
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Which of us can utter that fatal word, farewell, and not feel a thrill through the heart of indistinct terror—a vague _perhaps_, which will whisper, who knows but that mine eyes have mirrored for the last time that familiar face, that loved form! that mine ears have drank in for the last time the music of that gentle voice!
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading In this world where all is uncertain, how terrible are partings!
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading It is fearful on what “trifles light as air,” hang the destiny of a life.
banishverbUS /ˈbænɪʃ/
expel from a community or group
From this reading A glance, a word misconstrued, may forever separate those who till then, were fast friends; forever banish them from out of our life.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Which of us can utter that fatal word, farewell, and not feel a thrill through the heart of indistinct terror—a vague _perhaps_, which will whisper, who knows but that mine eyes have mirrored for the last time that familiar face, that loved form! that mine ears have drank in for the last time the music of that gentle voice!
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading Which of us can utter that fatal word, farewell, and not feel a thrill through the heart of indistinct terror—a vague _perhaps_, which will whisper, who knows but that mine eyes have mirrored for the last time that familiar face, that loved form! that mine ears have drank in for the last time the music of that gentle voice!
destinynounUS /ˈdestəni/
an event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future
From this reading It is fearful on what “trifles light as air,” hang the destiny of a life.
inflected form of “drink” — take in liquids
From this reading Which of us can utter that fatal word, farewell, and not feel a thrill through the heart of indistinct terror—a vague _perhaps_, which will whisper, who knows but that mine eyes have mirrored for the last time that familiar face, that loved form! that mine ears have drank in for the last time the music of that gentle voice!
plural of “ear” — the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium
From this reading Which of us can utter that fatal word, farewell, and not feel a thrill through the heart of indistinct terror—a vague _perhaps_, which will whisper, who knows but that mine eyes have mirrored for the last time that familiar face, that loved form! that mine ears have drank in for the last time the music of that gentle voice!
the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on
From this reading +ROSSINI+ THEY never met on earth again.
opinion or judgment
From this reading Which of us can utter that fatal word, farewell, and not feel a thrill through the heart of indistinct terror—a vague _perhaps_, which will whisper, who knows but that mine eyes have mirrored for the last time that familiar face, that loved form! that mine ears have drank in for the last time the music of that gentle voice!
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading Which of us can utter that fatal word, farewell, and not feel a thrill through the heart of indistinct terror—a vague _perhaps_, which will whisper, who knows but that mine eyes have mirrored for the last time that familiar face, that loved form! that mine ears have drank in for the last time the music of that gentle voice!
well known or easily recognized
From this reading Which of us can utter that fatal word, farewell, and not feel a thrill through the heart of indistinct terror—a vague _perhaps_, which will whisper, who knows but that mine eyes have mirrored for the last time that familiar face, that loved form! that mine ears have drank in for the last time the music of that gentle voice!
an acknowledgment or expression of goodwill at parting
From this reading Which of us can utter that fatal word, farewell, and not feel a thrill through the heart of indistinct terror—a vague _perhaps_, which will whisper, who knows but that mine eyes have mirrored for the last time that familiar face, that loved form! that mine ears have drank in for the last time the music of that gentle voice!
quickly or rapidly (often used as a combining form)
From this reading A glance, a word misconstrued, may forever separate those who till then, were fast friends; forever banish them from out of our life.
fataladjectiveUS /ˈfeɪtəl/
bringing death
From this reading Which of us can utter that fatal word, farewell, and not feel a thrill through the heart of indistinct terror—a vague _perhaps_, which will whisper, who knows but that mine eyes have mirrored for the last time that familiar face, that loved form! that mine ears have drank in for the last time the music of that gentle voice!
experiencing or showing fear
From this reading It is fearful on what “trifles light as air,” hang the destiny of a life.
undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind
From this reading Which of us can utter that fatal word, farewell, and not feel a thrill through the heart of indistinct terror—a vague _perhaps_, which will whisper, who knows but that mine eyes have mirrored for the last time that familiar face, that loved form! that mine ears have drank in for the last time the music of that gentle voice!
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Which of us can utter that fatal word, farewell, and not feel a thrill through the heart of indistinct terror—a vague _perhaps_, which will whisper, who knows but that mine eyes have mirrored for the last time that familiar face, that loved form! that mine ears have drank in for the last time the music of that gentle voice!
for a limitless time
From this reading A glance, a word misconstrued, may forever separate those who till then, were fast friends; forever banish them from out of our life.
the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something
From this reading Which of us can utter that fatal word, farewell, and not feel a thrill through the heart of indistinct terror—a vague _perhaps_, which will whisper, who knows but that mine eyes have mirrored for the last time that familiar face, that loved form! that mine ears have drank in for the last time the music of that gentle voice!
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading A glance, a word misconstrued, may forever separate those who till then, were fast friends; forever banish them from out of our life.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading A glance, a word misconstrued, may forever separate those who till then, were fast friends; forever banish them from out of our life.
soft and mild; not harsh or stern or severe
From this reading Which of us can utter that fatal word, farewell, and not feel a thrill through the heart of indistinct terror—a vague _perhaps_, which will whisper, who knows but that mine eyes have mirrored for the last time that familiar face, that loved form! that mine ears have drank in for the last time the music of that gentle voice!
throw a glance at; take a brief look at
From this reading A glance, a word misconstrued, may forever separate those who till then, were fast friends; forever banish them from out of our life.
be suspended or hanging
From this reading It is fearful on what “trifles light as air,” hang the destiny of a life.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Which of us can utter that fatal word, farewell, and not feel a thrill through the heart of indistinct terror—a vague _perhaps_, which will whisper, who knows but that mine eyes have mirrored for the last time that familiar face, that loved form! that mine ears have drank in for the last time the music of that gentle voice!
the locus of feelings and intuitions
From this reading Which of us can utter that fatal word, farewell, and not feel a thrill through the heart of indistinct terror—a vague _perhaps_, which will whisper, who knows but that mine eyes have mirrored for the last time that familiar face, that loved form! that mine ears have drank in for the last time the music of that gentle voice!
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In this world where all is uncertain, how terrible are partings!
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In this world where all is uncertain, how terrible are partings!
indistinctadjectiveUS /ˌɪndɪˈstɪŋkt/
not clearly defined or easy to perceive or understand
From this reading Which of us can utter that fatal word, farewell, and not feel a thrill through the heart of indistinct terror—a vague _perhaps_, which will whisper, who knows but that mine eyes have mirrored for the last time that familiar face, that loved form! that mine ears have drank in for the last time the music of that gentle voice!
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading In this world where all is uncertain, how terrible are partings!
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It is fearful on what “trifles light as air,” hang the destiny of a life.
plural of “know” — the fact of being aware of information that is known to few people
From this reading Which of us can utter that fatal word, farewell, and not feel a thrill through the heart of indistinct terror—a vague _perhaps_, which will whisper, who knows but that mine eyes have mirrored for the last time that familiar face, that loved form! that mine ears have drank in for the last time the music of that gentle voice!
immediately past
From this reading Which of us can utter that fatal word, farewell, and not feel a thrill through the heart of indistinct terror—a vague _perhaps_, which will whisper, who knows but that mine eyes have mirrored for the last time that familiar face, that loved form! that mine ears have drank in for the last time the music of that gentle voice!
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading It is fearful on what “trifles light as air,” hang the destiny of a life.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading It is fearful on what “trifles light as air,” hang the destiny of a life.
held dear
From this reading Which of us can utter that fatal word, farewell, and not feel a thrill through the heart of indistinct terror—a vague _perhaps_, which will whisper, who knows but that mine eyes have mirrored for the last time that familiar face, that loved form! that mine ears have drank in for the last time the music of that gentle voice!
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading A glance, a word misconstrued, may forever separate those who till then, were fast friends; forever banish them from out of our life.
inflected form of “meet” — come together
From this reading +ROSSINI+ THEY never met on earth again.
the one or ones belonging to the person speaking
From this reading Which of us can utter that fatal word, farewell, and not feel a thrill through the heart of indistinct terror—a vague _perhaps_, which will whisper, who knows but that mine eyes have mirrored for the last time that familiar face, that loved form! that mine ears have drank in for the last time the music of that gentle voice!
mirroredadjectiveUS /ˈmɪrərd/
like or characteristic of a mirror image
From this reading Which of us can utter that fatal word, farewell, and not feel a thrill through the heart of indistinct terror—a vague _perhaps_, which will whisper, who knows but that mine eyes have mirrored for the last time that familiar face, that loved form! that mine ears have drank in for the last time the music of that gentle voice!
misconstruedverbUS /ˌmɪskənˈstruːd/
past form of “misconstrue” — interpret in the wrong way
From this reading A glance, a word misconstrued, may forever separate those who till then, were fast friends; forever banish them from out of our life.
an artistic form of auditory communication incorporating instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner
From this reading Which of us can utter that fatal word, farewell, and not feel a thrill through the heart of indistinct terror—a vague _perhaps_, which will whisper, who knows but that mine eyes have mirrored for the last time that familiar face, that loved form! that mine ears have drank in for the last time the music of that gentle voice!
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading +ROSSINI+ THEY never met on earth again.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Which of us can utter that fatal word, farewell, and not feel a thrill through the heart of indistinct terror—a vague _perhaps_, which will whisper, who knows but that mine eyes have mirrored for the last time that familiar face, that loved form! that mine ears have drank in for the last time the music of that gentle voice!
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Which of us can utter that fatal word, farewell, and not feel a thrill through the heart of indistinct terror—a vague _perhaps_, which will whisper, who knows but that mine eyes have mirrored for the last time that familiar face, that loved form! that mine ears have drank in for the last time the music of that gentle voice!
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading +ROSSINI+ THEY never met on earth again.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading A glance, a word misconstrued, may forever separate those who till then, were fast friends; forever banish them from out of our life.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading A glance, a word misconstrued, may forever separate those who till then, were fast friends; forever banish them from out of our life.
partings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In this world where all is uncertain, how terrible are partings!
by chance
From this reading Which of us can utter that fatal word, farewell, and not feel a thrill through the heart of indistinct terror—a vague _perhaps_, which will whisper, who knows but that mine eyes have mirrored for the last time that familiar face, that loved form! that mine ears have drank in for the last time the music of that gentle voice!
ROSSINInounUS /roʊˈsiːni/
Italian composer remembered for his operas (1792-1868)
From this reading +ROSSINI+ THEY never met on earth again.
act as a barrier between; stand between
From this reading A glance, a word misconstrued, may forever separate those who till then, were fast friends; forever banish them from out of our life.
causing fear or dread or terror
From this reading In this world where all is uncertain, how terrible are partings!
an overwhelming feeling of fear and anxiety
From this reading Which of us can utter that fatal word, farewell, and not feel a thrill through the heart of indistinct terror—a vague _perhaps_, which will whisper, who knows but that mine eyes have mirrored for the last time that familiar face, that loved form! that mine ears have drank in for the last time the music of that gentle voice!
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Which of us can utter that fatal word, farewell, and not feel a thrill through the heart of indistinct terror—a vague _perhaps_, which will whisper, who knows but that mine eyes have mirrored for the last time that familiar face, that loved form! that mine ears have drank in for the last time the music of that gentle voice!
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Which of us can utter that fatal word, farewell, and not feel a thrill through the heart of indistinct terror—a vague _perhaps_, which will whisper, who knows but that mine eyes have mirrored for the last time that familiar face, that loved form! that mine ears have drank in for the last time the music of that gentle voice!
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading A glance, a word misconstrued, may forever separate those who till then, were fast friends; forever banish them from out of our life.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading A glance, a word misconstrued, may forever separate those who till then, were fast friends; forever banish them from out of our life.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading +ROSSINI+ THEY never met on earth again.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading In this world where all is uncertain, how terrible are partings!
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading A glance, a word misconstrued, may forever separate those who till then, were fast friends; forever banish them from out of our life.
thrillnounUS /θrɪl/
the swift release of a store of affective force
From this reading Which of us can utter that fatal word, farewell, and not feel a thrill through the heart of indistinct terror—a vague _perhaps_, which will whisper, who knows but that mine eyes have mirrored for the last time that familiar face, that loved form! that mine ears have drank in for the last time the music of that gentle voice!
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading Which of us can utter that fatal word, farewell, and not feel a thrill through the heart of indistinct terror—a vague _perhaps_, which will whisper, who knows but that mine eyes have mirrored for the last time that familiar face, that loved form! that mine ears have drank in for the last time the music of that gentle voice!
up to a particular time
From this reading A glance, a word misconstrued, may forever separate those who till then, were fast friends; forever banish them from out of our life.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading Which of us can utter that fatal word, farewell, and not feel a thrill through the heart of indistinct terror—a vague _perhaps_, which will whisper, who knows but that mine eyes have mirrored for the last time that familiar face, that loved form! that mine ears have drank in for the last time the music of that gentle voice!
triflesnounUS /ˈtraɪfəlz/
plural of “trifle” — a cold pudding made of layers of sponge cake spread with fruit or jelly; may be decorated with nuts, cream, or chocolate
From this reading It is fearful on what “trifles light as air,” hang the destiny of a life.
uncertainadjectiveUS /ənˈsɜːrtən/
lacking or indicating lack of confidence or assurance
From this reading In this world where all is uncertain, how terrible are partings!
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Which of us can utter that fatal word, farewell, and not feel a thrill through the heart of indistinct terror—a vague _perhaps_, which will whisper, who knows but that mine eyes have mirrored for the last time that familiar face, that loved form! that mine ears have drank in for the last time the music of that gentle voice!
articulate; either verbally or with a cry, shout, or noise
From this reading Which of us can utter that fatal word, farewell, and not feel a thrill through the heart of indistinct terror—a vague _perhaps_, which will whisper, who knows but that mine eyes have mirrored for the last time that familiar face, that loved form! that mine ears have drank in for the last time the music of that gentle voice!
not clearly expressed or understood
From this reading Which of us can utter that fatal word, farewell, and not feel a thrill through the heart of indistinct terror—a vague _perhaps_, which will whisper, who knows but that mine eyes have mirrored for the last time that familiar face, that loved form! that mine ears have drank in for the last time the music of that gentle voice!
the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading Which of us can utter that fatal word, farewell, and not feel a thrill through the heart of indistinct terror—a vague _perhaps_, which will whisper, who knows but that mine eyes have mirrored for the last time that familiar face, that loved form! that mine ears have drank in for the last time the music of that gentle voice!
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading A glance, a word misconstrued, may forever separate those who till then, were fast friends; forever banish them from out of our life.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading It is fearful on what “trifles light as air,” hang the destiny of a life.
in or at the place that
From this reading In this world where all is uncertain, how terrible are partings!
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Which of us can utter that fatal word, farewell, and not feel a thrill through the heart of indistinct terror—a vague _perhaps_, which will whisper, who knows but that mine eyes have mirrored for the last time that familiar face, that loved form! that mine ears have drank in for the last time the music of that gentle voice!
speaking softly without vibration of the vocal cords
From this reading Which of us can utter that fatal word, farewell, and not feel a thrill through the heart of indistinct terror—a vague _perhaps_, which will whisper, who knows but that mine eyes have mirrored for the last time that familiar face, that loved form! that mine ears have drank in for the last time the music of that gentle voice!
which person or people
From this reading Which of us can utter that fatal word, farewell, and not feel a thrill through the heart of indistinct terror—a vague _perhaps_, which will whisper, who knows but that mine eyes have mirrored for the last time that familiar face, that loved form! that mine ears have drank in for the last time the music of that gentle voice!
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading Which of us can utter that fatal word, farewell, and not feel a thrill through the heart of indistinct terror—a vague _perhaps_, which will whisper, who knows but that mine eyes have mirrored for the last time that familiar face, that loved form! that mine ears have drank in for the last time the music of that gentle voice!
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
From this reading Which of us can utter that fatal word, farewell, and not feel a thrill through the heart of indistinct terror—a vague _perhaps_, which will whisper, who knows but that mine eyes have mirrored for the last time that familiar face, that loved form! that mine ears have drank in for the last time the music of that gentle voice!
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading In this world where all is uncertain, how terrible are partings!
