used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The Quiet Stockman was a Scotchman, and, like many Scotchmen, a strange contradiction of shy reserve and quiet, dignified self-assurance.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Having made up his mind on women in general, he saw no reason for changing it; and as he went about his work, thoroughly and systematically avoided me.
completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers
From this reading He only took care that our paths did not cross more often than was absolutely necessary; but when they did, his Scotch dignity asserted itself, and he said what had to be said with quiet self-possession, although he invariably moved away as soon as possible.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading He only took care that our paths did not cross more often than was absolutely necessary; but when they did, his Scotch dignity asserted itself, and he said what had to be said with quiet self-possession, although he invariably moved away as soon as possible.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading He had always looked the whole world in the face with his honest blue eyes, and could never do otherwise.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The Quiet Stockman was a Scotchman, and, like many Scotchmen, a strange contradiction of shy reserve and quiet, dignified self-assurance.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Having made up his mind on women in general, he saw no reason for changing it; and as he went about his work, thoroughly and systematically avoided me.
assertedadjectiveUS /əˈsɜːrtɪd/
confidently declared to be so
From this reading He only took care that our paths did not cross more often than was absolutely necessary; but when they did, his Scotch dignity asserted itself, and he said what had to be said with quiet self-possession, although he invariably moved away as soon as possible.
avoidedverbUS /əˈvɔɪdɪd/
past form of “avoid” — stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something
From this reading Having made up his mind on women in general, he saw no reason for changing it; and as he went about his work, thoroughly and systematically avoided me.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading He only took care that our paths did not cross more often than was absolutely necessary; but when they did, his Scotch dignity asserted itself, and he said what had to be said with quiet self-possession, although he invariably moved away as soon as possible.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading He only took care that our paths did not cross more often than was absolutely necessary; but when they did, his Scotch dignity asserted itself, and he said what had to be said with quiet self-possession, although he invariably moved away as soon as possible.
of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky
From this reading He had always looked the whole world in the face with his honest blue eyes, and could never do otherwise.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading He only took care that our paths did not cross more often than was absolutely necessary; but when they did, his Scotch dignity asserted itself, and he said what had to be said with quiet self-possession, although he invariably moved away as soon as possible.
the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something
From this reading He only took care that our paths did not cross more often than was absolutely necessary; but when they did, his Scotch dignity asserted itself, and he said what had to be said with quiet self-possession, although he invariably moved away as soon as possible.
changingadjectiveUS /ˈtʃeɪndʒɪŋ/
marked by continuous change or effective action
From this reading Having made up his mind on women in general, he saw no reason for changing it; and as he went about his work, thoroughly and systematically avoided me.
contradictionnounUS /ˌkɑːntrəˈdɪkʃən/
opposition between two conflicting forces or ideas
From this reading The Quiet Stockman was a Scotchman, and, like many Scotchmen, a strange contradiction of shy reserve and quiet, dignified self-assurance.
cornersnounUS /ˈkɔːrnərz/
plural of “corner” — a place off to the side of an area
From this reading There was no slinking round corners though; Jack couldn’t slink.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading He had always looked the whole world in the face with his honest blue eyes, and could never do otherwise.
couldn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was no slinking round corners though; Jack couldn’t slink.
travel across or pass over
From this reading He only took care that our paths did not cross more often than was absolutely necessary; but when they did, his Scotch dignity asserted itself, and he said what had to be said with quiet self-possession, although he invariably moved away as soon as possible.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading He only took care that our paths did not cross more often than was absolutely necessary; but when they did, his Scotch dignity asserted itself, and he said what had to be said with quiet self-possession, although he invariably moved away as soon as possible.
dignifiedadjectiveUS /ˈdɪɡnəfaɪd/
having or expressing dignity; especially formality or stateliness in bearing or appearance
From this reading The Quiet Stockman was a Scotchman, and, like many Scotchmen, a strange contradiction of shy reserve and quiet, dignified self-assurance.
the quality of being worthy of esteem or respect
From this reading He only took care that our paths did not cross more often than was absolutely necessary; but when they did, his Scotch dignity asserted itself, and he said what had to be said with quiet self-possession, although he invariably moved away as soon as possible.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading He had always looked the whole world in the face with his honest blue eyes, and could never do otherwise.
opinion or judgment
From this reading He had always looked the whole world in the face with his honest blue eyes, and could never do otherwise.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading He had always looked the whole world in the face with his honest blue eyes, and could never do otherwise.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Having made up his mind on women in general, he saw no reason for changing it; and as he went about his work, thoroughly and systematically avoided me.
applying to all or most members of a category or group
From this reading Having made up his mind on women in general, he saw no reason for changing it; and as he went about his work, thoroughly and systematically avoided me.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading He had always looked the whole world in the face with his honest blue eyes, and could never do otherwise.
Havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading Having made up his mind on women in general, he saw no reason for changing it; and as he went about his work, thoroughly and systematically avoided me.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Having made up his mind on women in general, he saw no reason for changing it; and as he went about his work, thoroughly and systematically avoided me.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Having made up his mind on women in general, he saw no reason for changing it; and as he went about his work, thoroughly and systematically avoided me.
not disposed to cheat or defraud; not deceptive or fraudulent
From this reading He had always looked the whole world in the face with his honest blue eyes, and could never do otherwise.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Having made up his mind on women in general, he saw no reason for changing it; and as he went about his work, thoroughly and systematically avoided me.
invariablyadverbUS /ˌɪnˈveriəbli/
without variation or change, in every case
From this reading He only took care that our paths did not cross more often than was absolutely necessary; but when they did, his Scotch dignity asserted itself, and he said what had to be said with quiet self-possession, although he invariably moved away as soon as possible.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Having made up his mind on women in general, he saw no reason for changing it; and as he went about his work, thoroughly and systematically avoided me.
used when the thing doing the action is also its object
From this reading He only took care that our paths did not cross more often than was absolutely necessary; but when they did, his Scotch dignity asserted itself, and he said what had to be said with quiet self-possession, although he invariably moved away as soon as possible.
a small worthless amount
From this reading There was no slinking round corners though; Jack couldn’t slink.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading The Quiet Stockman was a Scotchman, and, like many Scotchmen, a strange contradiction of shy reserve and quiet, dignified self-assurance.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading He had always looked the whole world in the face with his honest blue eyes, and could never do otherwise.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading Having made up his mind on women in general, he saw no reason for changing it; and as he went about his work, thoroughly and systematically avoided me.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading The Quiet Stockman was a Scotchman, and, like many Scotchmen, a strange contradiction of shy reserve and quiet, dignified self-assurance.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Having made up his mind on women in general, he saw no reason for changing it; and as he went about his work, thoroughly and systematically avoided me.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading Having made up his mind on women in general, he saw no reason for changing it; and as he went about his work, thoroughly and systematically avoided me.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading He only took care that our paths did not cross more often than was absolutely necessary; but when they did, his Scotch dignity asserted itself, and he said what had to be said with quiet self-possession, although he invariably moved away as soon as possible.
being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion
From this reading He only took care that our paths did not cross more often than was absolutely necessary; but when they did, his Scotch dignity asserted itself, and he said what had to be said with quiet self-possession, although he invariably moved away as soon as possible.
absolutely essential
From this reading He only took care that our paths did not cross more often than was absolutely necessary; but when they did, his Scotch dignity asserted itself, and he said what had to be said with quiet self-possession, although he invariably moved away as soon as possible.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading He had always looked the whole world in the face with his honest blue eyes, and could never do otherwise.
not any; not one
From this reading Having made up his mind on women in general, he saw no reason for changing it; and as he went about his work, thoroughly and systematically avoided me.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading He only took care that our paths did not cross more often than was absolutely necessary; but when they did, his Scotch dignity asserted itself, and he said what had to be said with quiet self-possession, although he invariably moved away as soon as possible.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The Quiet Stockman was a Scotchman, and, like many Scotchmen, a strange contradiction of shy reserve and quiet, dignified self-assurance.
many times at short intervals
From this reading He only took care that our paths did not cross more often than was absolutely necessary; but when they did, his Scotch dignity asserted itself, and he said what had to be said with quiet self-possession, although he invariably moved away as soon as possible.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Having made up his mind on women in general, he saw no reason for changing it; and as he went about his work, thoroughly and systematically avoided me.
and nothing more
From this reading He only took care that our paths did not cross more often than was absolutely necessary; but when they did, his Scotch dignity asserted itself, and he said what had to be said with quiet self-possession, although he invariably moved away as soon as possible.
in other respects or ways
From this reading He had always looked the whole world in the face with his honest blue eyes, and could never do otherwise.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading He only took care that our paths did not cross more often than was absolutely necessary; but when they did, his Scotch dignity asserted itself, and he said what had to be said with quiet self-possession, although he invariably moved away as soon as possible.
pathsnounUS /pæðz/
plural of “path” — a course of conduct
From this reading He only took care that our paths did not cross more often than was absolutely necessary; but when they did, his Scotch dignity asserted itself, and he said what had to be said with quiet self-possession, although he invariably moved away as soon as possible.
capable of happening or existing
From this reading He only took care that our paths did not cross more often than was absolutely necessary; but when they did, his Scotch dignity asserted itself, and he said what had to be said with quiet self-possession, although he invariably moved away as soon as possible.
QuietadjectiveUS /ˈkwaɪət/
characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity
From this reading The Quiet Stockman was a Scotchman, and, like many Scotchmen, a strange contradiction of shy reserve and quiet, dignified self-assurance.
a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading Having made up his mind on women in general, he saw no reason for changing it; and as he went about his work, thoroughly and systematically avoided me.
reservenounUS /rɪˈzɜːrv/
formality and propriety of manner
From this reading The Quiet Stockman was a Scotchman, and, like many Scotchmen, a strange contradiction of shy reserve and quiet, dignified self-assurance.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading There was no slinking round corners though; Jack couldn’t slink.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading He only took care that our paths did not cross more often than was absolutely necessary; but when they did, his Scotch dignity asserted itself, and he said what had to be said with quiet self-possession, although he invariably moved away as soon as possible.
cut with a saw
From this reading Having made up his mind on women in general, he saw no reason for changing it; and as he went about his work, thoroughly and systematically avoided me.
ScotchnounUS /skɑːtʃ/
a slight surface cut (especially a notch that is made to keep a tally)
From this reading He only took care that our paths did not cross more often than was absolutely necessary; but when they did, his Scotch dignity asserted itself, and he said what had to be said with quiet self-possession, although he invariably moved away as soon as possible.
Scotchmannoun
a native or inhabitant of Scotland
From this reading The Quiet Stockman was a Scotchman, and, like many Scotchmen, a strange contradiction of shy reserve and quiet, dignified self-assurance.
Scotchmen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Quiet Stockman was a Scotchman, and, like many Scotchmen, a strange contradiction of shy reserve and quiet, dignified self-assurance.
self-assurancenoun
freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities
From this reading The Quiet Stockman was a Scotchman, and, like many Scotchmen, a strange contradiction of shy reserve and quiet, dignified self-assurance.
self-possessionnoun
the trait of resolutely controlling your own behavior
From this reading He only took care that our paths did not cross more often than was absolutely necessary; but when they did, his Scotch dignity asserted itself, and he said what had to be said with quiet self-possession, although he invariably moved away as soon as possible.
shyverbUS /ʃaɪ/
start suddenly, as from fright
From this reading The Quiet Stockman was a Scotchman, and, like many Scotchmen, a strange contradiction of shy reserve and quiet, dignified self-assurance.
slinkverb
walk stealthily
From this reading There was no slinking round corners though; Jack couldn’t slink.
slinking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was no slinking round corners though; Jack couldn’t slink.
in the near future
From this reading He only took care that our paths did not cross more often than was absolutely necessary; but when they did, his Scotch dignity asserted itself, and he said what had to be said with quiet self-possession, although he invariably moved away as soon as possible.
StockmannounUS /ˈstɑːkmən/
farmer who breed or raises livestock
From this reading The Quiet Stockman was a Scotchman, and, like many Scotchmen, a strange contradiction of shy reserve and quiet, dignified self-assurance.
being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
From this reading The Quiet Stockman was a Scotchman, and, like many Scotchmen, a strange contradiction of shy reserve and quiet, dignified self-assurance.
systematicallyadverbUS /ˌsɪstəˈmætɪkli/
in a systematic or consistent manner
From this reading Having made up his mind on women in general, he saw no reason for changing it; and as he went about his work, thoroughly and systematically avoided me.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading He only took care that our paths did not cross more often than was absolutely necessary; but when they did, his Scotch dignity asserted itself, and he said what had to be said with quiet self-possession, although he invariably moved away as soon as possible.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading He only took care that our paths did not cross more often than was absolutely necessary; but when they did, his Scotch dignity asserted itself, and he said what had to be said with quiet self-possession, although he invariably moved away as soon as possible.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The Quiet Stockman was a Scotchman, and, like many Scotchmen, a strange contradiction of shy reserve and quiet, dignified self-assurance.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There was no slinking round corners though; Jack couldn’t slink.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He only took care that our paths did not cross more often than was absolutely necessary; but when they did, his Scotch dignity asserted itself, and he said what had to be said with quiet self-possession, although he invariably moved away as soon as possible.
in an exhaustive manner
From this reading Having made up his mind on women in general, he saw no reason for changing it; and as he went about his work, thoroughly and systematically avoided me.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading There was no slinking round corners though; Jack couldn’t slink.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading He only took care that our paths did not cross more often than was absolutely necessary; but when they did, his Scotch dignity asserted itself, and he said what had to be said with quiet self-possession, although he invariably moved away as soon as possible.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading He only took care that our paths did not cross more often than was absolutely necessary; but when they did, his Scotch dignity asserted itself, and he said what had to be said with quiet self-possession, although he invariably moved away as soon as possible.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Having made up his mind on women in general, he saw no reason for changing it; and as he went about his work, thoroughly and systematically avoided me.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The Quiet Stockman was a Scotchman, and, like many Scotchmen, a strange contradiction of shy reserve and quiet, dignified self-assurance.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Having made up his mind on women in general, he saw no reason for changing it; and as he went about his work, thoroughly and systematically avoided me.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading He only took care that our paths did not cross more often than was absolutely necessary; but when they did, his Scotch dignity asserted itself, and he said what had to be said with quiet self-possession, although he invariably moved away as soon as possible.
at the time that
From this reading He only took care that our paths did not cross more often than was absolutely necessary; but when they did, his Scotch dignity asserted itself, and he said what had to be said with quiet self-possession, although he invariably moved away as soon as possible.
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading He had always looked the whole world in the face with his honest blue eyes, and could never do otherwise.
in the company of; together with
From this reading He had always looked the whole world in the face with his honest blue eyes, and could never do otherwise.
plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading Having made up his mind on women in general, he saw no reason for changing it; and as he went about his work, thoroughly and systematically avoided me.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading Having made up his mind on women in general, he saw no reason for changing it; and as he went about his work, thoroughly and systematically avoided me.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading He had always looked the whole world in the face with his honest blue eyes, and could never do otherwise.
