used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading "Surely it must be some absurd story that the papers have got hold of," Ella exclaimed a few moments later, when, after again watching the excitement below, she returned and stood beside my chair.
completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers
From this reading "The idea of war against us is absolutely absurd.
inconsistent with reason or logic or common sense
From this reading "Surely it must be some absurd story that the papers have got hold of," Ella exclaimed a few moments later, when, after again watching the excitement below, she returned and stood beside my chair.
in actual fact
From this reading You Foreign Office people would have known if such were actually the case.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading "Surely it must be some absurd story that the papers have got hold of," Ella exclaimed a few moments later, when, after again watching the excitement below, she returned and stood beside my chair.
anew
From this reading Again the hoarse voice broke the silence, dear, distinct, ominous,-- "War against England!
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading Again the hoarse voice broke the silence, dear, distinct, ominous,-- "War against England!
amazingadjectiveUS /əˈmeɪzɪŋ/
surprising greatly
From this reading Spe-shall!" his cry being followed by the sound of hurrying feet as people rushed from their houses, purchased copies of the paper at exorbitant prices, and eagerly devoured the amazing news.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Spe-shall!" his cry being followed by the sound of hurrying feet as people rushed from their houses, purchased copies of the paper at exorbitant prices, and eagerly devoured the amazing news.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Spe-shall!" his cry being followed by the sound of hurrying feet as people rushed from their houses, purchased copies of the paper at exorbitant prices, and eagerly devoured the amazing news.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Spe-shall!" his cry being followed by the sound of hurrying feet as people rushed from their houses, purchased copies of the paper at exorbitant prices, and eagerly devoured the amazing news.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading "Surely it must be some absurd story that the papers have got hold of," Ella exclaimed a few moments later, when, after again watching the excitement below, she returned and stood beside my chair.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading Spe-shall!" his cry being followed by the sound of hurrying feet as people rushed from their houses, purchased copies of the paper at exorbitant prices, and eagerly devoured the amazing news.
belowprepositionUS /bɪˈloʊ/
at or to a lower level than something
From this reading "Surely it must be some absurd story that the papers have got hold of," Ella exclaimed a few moments later, when, after again watching the excitement below, she returned and stood beside my chair.
next to; at the side of
From this reading "Surely it must be some absurd story that the papers have got hold of," Ella exclaimed a few moments later, when, after again watching the excitement below, she returned and stood beside my chair.
lacking funds
From this reading Again the hoarse voice broke the silence, dear, distinct, ominous,-- "War against England!
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Spe-shall!" his cry being followed by the sound of hurrying feet as people rushed from their houses, purchased copies of the paper at exorbitant prices, and eagerly devoured the amazing news.
an occurrence of something
From this reading You Foreign Office people would have known if such were actually the case.
a seat for one person, with a support for the back
From this reading "Surely it must be some absurd story that the papers have got hold of," Ella exclaimed a few moments later, when, after again watching the excitement below, she returned and stood beside my chair.
copiesnounUS /ˈkɑːpiz/
plural of “copy” — a reproduction of a written record (e.g. of a legal or school record)
From this reading Spe-shall!" his cry being followed by the sound of hurrying feet as people rushed from their houses, purchased copies of the paper at exorbitant prices, and eagerly devoured the amazing news.
utter a sudden loud cry
From this reading Spe-shall!" his cry being followed by the sound of hurrying feet as people rushed from their houses, purchased copies of the paper at exorbitant prices, and eagerly devoured the amazing news.
dearly loved
From this reading Again the hoarse voice broke the silence, dear, distinct, ominous,-- "War against England!
devouredverbUS /dɪˈvaʊərd/
past form of “devour” — destroy completely
From this reading Spe-shall!" his cry being followed by the sound of hurrying feet as people rushed from their houses, purchased copies of the paper at exorbitant prices, and eagerly devoured the amazing news.
distinctadjectiveUS /dɪˈstɪŋkt/
(often followed by “from”) not alike; different in nature or quality
From this reading Again the hoarse voice broke the silence, dear, distinct, ominous,-- "War against England!
with eagerness; in an eager manner
From this reading Spe-shall!" his cry being followed by the sound of hurrying feet as people rushed from their houses, purchased copies of the paper at exorbitant prices, and eagerly devoured the amazing news.
Ella
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Surely it must be some absurd story that the papers have got hold of," Ella exclaimed a few moments later, when, after again watching the excitement below, she returned and stood beside my chair.
a division of the United Kingdom
From this reading Again the hoarse voice broke the silence, dear, distinct, ominous,-- "War against England!
the feeling of lively and cheerful joy
From this reading "Surely it must be some absurd story that the papers have got hold of," Ella exclaimed a few moments later, when, after again watching the excitement below, she returned and stood beside my chair.
past form of “exclaim” — utter aloud; often with surprise, horror, or joy
From this reading "Surely it must be some absurd story that the papers have got hold of," Ella exclaimed a few moments later, when, after again watching the excitement below, she returned and stood beside my chair.
exorbitantadjectiveUS /ɪɡˈzɔːrbɪtənt/
greatly exceeding bounds of reason or moderation
From this reading Spe-shall!" his cry being followed by the sound of hurrying feet as people rushed from their houses, purchased copies of the paper at exorbitant prices, and eagerly devoured the amazing news.
plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading Spe-shall!" his cry being followed by the sound of hurrying feet as people rushed from their houses, purchased copies of the paper at exorbitant prices, and eagerly devoured the amazing news.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading "Surely it must be some absurd story that the papers have got hold of," Ella exclaimed a few moments later, when, after again watching the excitement below, she returned and stood beside my chair.
past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading Spe-shall!" his cry being followed by the sound of hurrying feet as people rushed from their houses, purchased copies of the paper at exorbitant prices, and eagerly devoured the amazing news.
of concern to or concerning the affairs of other nations (other than your own)
From this reading You Foreign Office people would have known if such were actually the case.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Spe-shall!" his cry being followed by the sound of hurrying feet as people rushed from their houses, purchased copies of the paper at exorbitant prices, and eagerly devoured the amazing news.
inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading "Surely it must be some absurd story that the papers have got hold of," Ella exclaimed a few moments later, when, after again watching the excitement below, she returned and stood beside my chair.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading "Surely it must be some absurd story that the papers have got hold of," Ella exclaimed a few moments later, when, after again watching the excitement below, she returned and stood beside my chair.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Spe-shall!" his cry being followed by the sound of hurrying feet as people rushed from their houses, purchased copies of the paper at exorbitant prices, and eagerly devoured the amazing news.
hoarseadjectiveUS /hɔːrs/
deep and harsh sounding as if from shouting or illness or emotion
From this reading Again the hoarse voice broke the silence, dear, distinct, ominous,-- "War against England!
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading "Surely it must be some absurd story that the papers have got hold of," Ella exclaimed a few moments later, when, after again watching the excitement below, she returned and stood beside my chair.
plural of “house” — a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading Spe-shall!" his cry being followed by the sound of hurrying feet as people rushed from their houses, purchased copies of the paper at exorbitant prices, and eagerly devoured the amazing news.
hurryingadjectiveUS /ˈhɜːriɪŋ/
moving with great haste
From this reading Spe-shall!" his cry being followed by the sound of hurrying feet as people rushed from their houses, purchased copies of the paper at exorbitant prices, and eagerly devoured the amazing news.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading "The idea of war against us is absolutely absurd.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading You Foreign Office people would have known if such were actually the case.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "The idea of war against us is absolutely absurd.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading "Surely it must be some absurd story that the papers have got hold of," Ella exclaimed a few moments later, when, after again watching the excitement below, she returned and stood beside my chair.
apprehended with certainty
From this reading You Foreign Office people would have known if such were actually the case.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading "Surely it must be some absurd story that the papers have got hold of," Ella exclaimed a few moments later, when, after again watching the excitement below, she returned and stood beside my chair.
plural of “moment” — a particular point in time
From this reading "Surely it must be some absurd story that the papers have got hold of," Ella exclaimed a few moments later, when, after again watching the excitement below, she returned and stood beside my chair.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading "Surely it must be some absurd story that the papers have got hold of," Ella exclaimed a few moments later, when, after again watching the excitement below, she returned and stood beside my chair.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading "Surely it must be some absurd story that the papers have got hold of," Ella exclaimed a few moments later, when, after again watching the excitement below, she returned and stood beside my chair.
information about recent and important events
From this reading Spe-shall!" his cry being followed by the sound of hurrying feet as people rushed from their houses, purchased copies of the paper at exorbitant prices, and eagerly devoured the amazing news.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Spe-shall!" his cry being followed by the sound of hurrying feet as people rushed from their houses, purchased copies of the paper at exorbitant prices, and eagerly devoured the amazing news.
place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed
From this reading You Foreign Office people would have known if such were actually the case.
ominousadjectiveUS /ˈɑːmənəs/
threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments
From this reading Again the hoarse voice broke the silence, dear, distinct, ominous,-- "War against England!
a material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses
From this reading Spe-shall!" his cry being followed by the sound of hurrying feet as people rushed from their houses, purchased copies of the paper at exorbitant prices, and eagerly devoured the amazing news.
writing that provides information (especially information of an official nature)
From this reading "Surely it must be some absurd story that the papers have got hold of," Ella exclaimed a few moments later, when, after again watching the excitement below, she returned and stood beside my chair.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading Spe-shall!" his cry being followed by the sound of hurrying feet as people rushed from their houses, purchased copies of the paper at exorbitant prices, and eagerly devoured the amazing news.
pricesnounUS /ˈpraɪsəz/
plural of “price” — the property of having material worth (often indicated by the amount of money something would bring if sold)
From this reading Spe-shall!" his cry being followed by the sound of hurrying feet as people rushed from their houses, purchased copies of the paper at exorbitant prices, and eagerly devoured the amazing news.
purchasedverbUS /ˈpɜːrtʃəst/
past form of “purchase” — obtain by purchase; acquire by means of a financial transaction
From this reading Spe-shall!" his cry being followed by the sound of hurrying feet as people rushed from their houses, purchased copies of the paper at exorbitant prices, and eagerly devoured the amazing news.
past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading "Surely it must be some absurd story that the papers have got hold of," Ella exclaimed a few moments later, when, after again watching the excitement below, she returned and stood beside my chair.
done under pressure
From this reading Spe-shall!" his cry being followed by the sound of hurrying feet as people rushed from their houses, purchased copies of the paper at exorbitant prices, and eagerly devoured the amazing news.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "Surely it must be some absurd story that the papers have got hold of," Ella exclaimed a few moments later, when, after again watching the excitement below, she returned and stood beside my chair.
Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.
From this reading Again the hoarse voice broke the silence, dear, distinct, ominous,-- "War against England!
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading "Surely it must be some absurd story that the papers have got hold of," Ella exclaimed a few moments later, when, after again watching the excitement below, she returned and stood beside my chair.
the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading Spe-shall!" his cry being followed by the sound of hurrying feet as people rushed from their houses, purchased copies of the paper at exorbitant prices, and eagerly devoured the amazing news.
Spe-shall
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Spe-shall!" his cry being followed by the sound of hurrying feet as people rushed from their houses, purchased copies of the paper at exorbitant prices, and eagerly devoured the amazing news.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading "Surely it must be some absurd story that the papers have got hold of," Ella exclaimed a few moments later, when, after again watching the excitement below, she returned and stood beside my chair.
a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading "Surely it must be some absurd story that the papers have got hold of," Ella exclaimed a few moments later, when, after again watching the excitement below, she returned and stood beside my chair.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading You Foreign Office people would have known if such were actually the case.
definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)
From this reading "Surely it must be some absurd story that the papers have got hold of," Ella exclaimed a few moments later, when, after again watching the excitement below, she returned and stood beside my chair.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading "Surely it must be some absurd story that the papers have got hold of," Ella exclaimed a few moments later, when, after again watching the excitement below, she returned and stood beside my chair.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Again the hoarse voice broke the silence, dear, distinct, ominous,-- "War against England!
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Spe-shall!" his cry being followed by the sound of hurrying feet as people rushed from their houses, purchased copies of the paper at exorbitant prices, and eagerly devoured the amazing news.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading "The idea of war against us is absolutely absurd.
the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading Again the hoarse voice broke the silence, dear, distinct, ominous,-- "War against England!
the waging of armed conflict against an enemy
From this reading Again the hoarse voice broke the silence, dear, distinct, ominous,-- "War against England!
the act of observing; taking a patient look
From this reading "Surely it must be some absurd story that the papers have got hold of," Ella exclaimed a few moments later, when, after again watching the excitement below, she returned and stood beside my chair.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading You Foreign Office people would have known if such were actually the case.
at the time that
From this reading "Surely it must be some absurd story that the papers have got hold of," Ella exclaimed a few moments later, when, after again watching the excitement below, she returned and stood beside my chair.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading You Foreign Office people would have known if such were actually the case.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading You Foreign Office people would have known if such were actually the case.
