used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Mabin was taken so thoroughly by surprise, on seeing the wild self-abandonment of her unhappy companion, that for a few minutes she stood staring at the crouching figure on the floor like one only half-awake.
abjectadjectiveUS /ˈæbdʒekt/
of the most contemptible kind
From this reading And even as the girl advanced timidly a step nearer to her grief-stricken friend, there flashed into her mind the horrible question: What must this secret be which was locked in the widow’s breast, that could throw her into such paroxysms of abject terror?
farther along in physical or mental development
From this reading And even as the girl advanced timidly a step nearer to her grief-stricken friend, there flashed into her mind the horrible question: What must this secret be which was locked in the widow’s breast, that could throw her into such paroxysms of abject terror?
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading And even as the girl advanced timidly a step nearer to her grief-stricken friend, there flashed into her mind the horrible question: What must this secret be which was locked in the widow’s breast, that could throw her into such paroxysms of abject terror?
anguishnounUS /ˈæŋɡwɪʃ/
extreme mental distress
From this reading Such terrible anguish, such paralyzing fear, as that from which the miserable woman was suffering, was something surely beyond her poor powers of comfort!
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Such terrible anguish, such paralyzing fear, as that from which the miserable woman was suffering, was something surely beyond her poor powers of comfort!
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Mabin was taken so thoroughly by surprise, on seeing the wild self-abandonment of her unhappy companion, that for a few minutes she stood staring at the crouching figure on the floor like one only half-awake.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading And even as the girl advanced timidly a step nearer to her grief-stricken friend, there flashed into her mind the horrible question: What must this secret be which was locked in the widow’s breast, that could throw her into such paroxysms of abject terror?
on the far side of; further than
From this reading Such terrible anguish, such paralyzing fear, as that from which the miserable woman was suffering, was something surely beyond her poor powers of comfort!
the front of the trunk from the neck to the abdomen
From this reading And even as the girl advanced timidly a step nearer to her grief-stricken friend, there flashed into her mind the horrible question: What must this secret be which was locked in the widow’s breast, that could throw her into such paroxysms of abject terror?
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Mabin’s sympathy was ready, but at first she did not dare to offer it.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Mabin was taken so thoroughly by surprise, on seeing the wild self-abandonment of her unhappy companion, that for a few minutes she stood staring at the crouching figure on the floor like one only half-awake.
a state of being relaxed and feeling no pain
From this reading Such terrible anguish, such paralyzing fear, as that from which the miserable woman was suffering, was something surely beyond her poor powers of comfort!
a friend who is frequently in the company of another
From this reading Mabin was taken so thoroughly by surprise, on seeing the wild self-abandonment of her unhappy companion, that for a few minutes she stood staring at the crouching figure on the floor like one only half-awake.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading And even as the girl advanced timidly a step nearer to her grief-stricken friend, there flashed into her mind the horrible question: What must this secret be which was locked in the widow’s breast, that could throw her into such paroxysms of abject terror?
a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading Was this really Mrs. Dale, this haggard, panting creature with the hoarse voice, the twitching hands, the wide eyes full of unspeakable terror.
crouchingverbUS /ˈkraʊtʃɪŋ/
-ing form of “crouch” — bend one's back forward from the waist on down
From this reading Mabin was taken so thoroughly by surprise, on seeing the wild self-abandonment of her unhappy companion, that for a few minutes she stood staring at the crouching figure on the floor like one only half-awake.
DalenounUS /deɪl/
an open river valley (in a hilly area)
From this reading Was this really Mrs. Dale, this haggard, panting creature with the hoarse voice, the twitching hands, the wide eyes full of unspeakable terror.
take upon oneself; act presumptuously, without permission
From this reading Mabin’s sympathy was ready, but at first she did not dare to offer it.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Mabin’s sympathy was ready, but at first she did not dare to offer it.
divisible by two
From this reading And even as the girl advanced timidly a step nearer to her grief-stricken friend, there flashed into her mind the horrible question: What must this secret be which was locked in the widow’s breast, that could throw her into such paroxysms of abject terror?
opinion or judgment
From this reading Was this really Mrs. Dale, this haggard, panting creature with the hoarse voice, the twitching hands, the wide eyes full of unspeakable terror.
be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
From this reading Such terrible anguish, such paralyzing fear, as that from which the miserable woman was suffering, was something surely beyond her poor powers of comfort!
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading Mabin was taken so thoroughly by surprise, on seeing the wild self-abandonment of her unhappy companion, that for a few minutes she stood staring at the crouching figure on the floor like one only half-awake.
a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading Mabin was taken so thoroughly by surprise, on seeing the wild self-abandonment of her unhappy companion, that for a few minutes she stood staring at the crouching figure on the floor like one only half-awake.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading Mabin’s sympathy was ready, but at first she did not dare to offer it.
past form of “flash” — gleam or glow intermittently
From this reading And even as the girl advanced timidly a step nearer to her grief-stricken friend, there flashed into her mind the horrible question: What must this secret be which was locked in the widow’s breast, that could throw her into such paroxysms of abject terror?
the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)
From this reading Mabin was taken so thoroughly by surprise, on seeing the wild self-abandonment of her unhappy companion, that for a few minutes she stood staring at the crouching figure on the floor like one only half-awake.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Mabin was taken so thoroughly by surprise, on seeing the wild self-abandonment of her unhappy companion, that for a few minutes she stood staring at the crouching figure on the floor like one only half-awake.
a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading And even as the girl advanced timidly a step nearer to her grief-stricken friend, there flashed into her mind the horrible question: What must this secret be which was locked in the widow’s breast, that could throw her into such paroxysms of abject terror?
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Such terrible anguish, such paralyzing fear, as that from which the miserable woman was suffering, was something surely beyond her poor powers of comfort!
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading Was this really Mrs. Dale, this haggard, panting creature with the hoarse voice, the twitching hands, the wide eyes full of unspeakable terror.
a young female
From this reading And even as the girl advanced timidly a step nearer to her grief-stricken friend, there flashed into her mind the horrible question: What must this secret be which was locked in the widow’s breast, that could throw her into such paroxysms of abject terror?
grief-strickenadjective
sorrowful through loss or deprivation
From this reading And even as the girl advanced timidly a step nearer to her grief-stricken friend, there flashed into her mind the horrible question: What must this secret be which was locked in the widow’s breast, that could throw her into such paroxysms of abject terror?
haggardadjectiveUS /ˈhæɡərd/
showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering
From this reading Was this really Mrs. Dale, this haggard, panting creature with the hoarse voice, the twitching hands, the wide eyes full of unspeakable terror.
half-awake
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mabin was taken so thoroughly by surprise, on seeing the wild self-abandonment of her unhappy companion, that for a few minutes she stood staring at the crouching figure on the floor like one only half-awake.
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading Was this really Mrs. Dale, this haggard, panting creature with the hoarse voice, the twitching hands, the wide eyes full of unspeakable terror.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Mabin was taken so thoroughly by surprise, on seeing the wild self-abandonment of her unhappy companion, that for a few minutes she stood staring at the crouching figure on the floor like one only half-awake.
hoarseadjectiveUS /hɔːrs/
deep and harsh sounding as if from shouting or illness or emotion
From this reading Was this really Mrs. Dale, this haggard, panting creature with the hoarse voice, the twitching hands, the wide eyes full of unspeakable terror.
provoking horror
From this reading And even as the girl advanced timidly a step nearer to her grief-stricken friend, there flashed into her mind the horrible question: What must this secret be which was locked in the widow’s breast, that could throw her into such paroxysms of abject terror?
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading And even as the girl advanced timidly a step nearer to her grief-stricken friend, there flashed into her mind the horrible question: What must this secret be which was locked in the widow’s breast, that could throw her into such paroxysms of abject terror?
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading And even as the girl advanced timidly a step nearer to her grief-stricken friend, there flashed into her mind the horrible question: What must this secret be which was locked in the widow’s breast, that could throw her into such paroxysms of abject terror?
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Mabin’s sympathy was ready, but at first she did not dare to offer it.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading Mabin was taken so thoroughly by surprise, on seeing the wild self-abandonment of her unhappy companion, that for a few minutes she stood staring at the crouching figure on the floor like one only half-awake.
past form of “lock” — fasten with a lock
From this reading And even as the girl advanced timidly a step nearer to her grief-stricken friend, there flashed into her mind the horrible question: What must this secret be which was locked in the widow’s breast, that could throw her into such paroxysms of abject terror?
Mabin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mabin was taken so thoroughly by surprise, on seeing the wild self-abandonment of her unhappy companion, that for a few minutes she stood staring at the crouching figure on the floor like one only half-awake.
Mabin's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mabin’s sympathy was ready, but at first she did not dare to offer it.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading And even as the girl advanced timidly a step nearer to her grief-stricken friend, there flashed into her mind the horrible question: What must this secret be which was locked in the widow’s breast, that could throw her into such paroxysms of abject terror?
a written account of what transpired at a meeting
From this reading Mabin was taken so thoroughly by surprise, on seeing the wild self-abandonment of her unhappy companion, that for a few minutes she stood staring at the crouching figure on the floor like one only half-awake.
very unhappy; full of misery
From this reading Such terrible anguish, such paralyzing fear, as that from which the miserable woman was suffering, was something surely beyond her poor powers of comfort!
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading Was this really Mrs. Dale, this haggard, panting creature with the hoarse voice, the twitching hands, the wide eyes full of unspeakable terror.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading And even as the girl advanced timidly a step nearer to her grief-stricken friend, there flashed into her mind the horrible question: What must this secret be which was locked in the widow’s breast, that could throw her into such paroxysms of abject terror?
(comparative of “near” or “close”) within a shorter distance
From this reading And even as the girl advanced timidly a step nearer to her grief-stricken friend, there flashed into her mind the horrible question: What must this secret be which was locked in the widow’s breast, that could throw her into such paroxysms of abject terror?
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Mabin’s sympathy was ready, but at first she did not dare to offer it.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Mabin was taken so thoroughly by surprise, on seeing the wild self-abandonment of her unhappy companion, that for a few minutes she stood staring at the crouching figure on the floor like one only half-awake.
make available or accessible, provide or furnish
From this reading Mabin’s sympathy was ready, but at first she did not dare to offer it.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Mabin was taken so thoroughly by surprise, on seeing the wild self-abandonment of her unhappy companion, that for a few minutes she stood staring at the crouching figure on the floor like one only half-awake.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Mabin was taken so thoroughly by surprise, on seeing the wild self-abandonment of her unhappy companion, that for a few minutes she stood staring at the crouching figure on the floor like one only half-awake.
and nothing more
From this reading Mabin was taken so thoroughly by surprise, on seeing the wild self-abandonment of her unhappy companion, that for a few minutes she stood staring at the crouching figure on the floor like one only half-awake.
pantingnounUS /ˈpæntɪŋ/
breathing heavily (as after exertion)
From this reading Was this really Mrs. Dale, this haggard, panting creature with the hoarse voice, the twitching hands, the wide eyes full of unspeakable terror.
paralyzingverbUS /ˈperəlaɪzɪŋ/
-ing form of “paralyze” — make powerless and unable to function
From this reading Such terrible anguish, such paralyzing fear, as that from which the miserable woman was suffering, was something surely beyond her poor powers of comfort!
paroxysms
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And even as the girl advanced timidly a step nearer to her grief-stricken friend, there flashed into her mind the horrible question: What must this secret be which was locked in the widow’s breast, that could throw her into such paroxysms of abject terror?
deserving or inciting pity
From this reading Such terrible anguish, such paralyzing fear, as that from which the miserable woman was suffering, was something surely beyond her poor powers of comfort!
plural of “power” — possession of controlling influence
From this reading Such terrible anguish, such paralyzing fear, as that from which the miserable woman was suffering, was something surely beyond her poor powers of comfort!
challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of
From this reading And even as the girl advanced timidly a step nearer to her grief-stricken friend, there flashed into her mind the horrible question: What must this secret be which was locked in the widow’s breast, that could throw her into such paroxysms of abject terror?
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading Mabin’s sympathy was ready, but at first she did not dare to offer it.
in accordance with truth or fact or reality
From this reading Was this really Mrs. Dale, this haggard, panting creature with the hoarse voice, the twitching hands, the wide eyes full of unspeakable terror.
Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.
From this reading And even as the girl advanced timidly a step nearer to her grief-stricken friend, there flashed into her mind the horrible question: What must this secret be which was locked in the widow’s breast, that could throw her into such paroxysms of abject terror?
perception by means of the eyes
From this reading Mabin was taken so thoroughly by surprise, on seeing the wild self-abandonment of her unhappy companion, that for a few minutes she stood staring at the crouching figure on the floor like one only half-awake.
self-abandonment
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mabin was taken so thoroughly by surprise, on seeing the wild self-abandonment of her unhappy companion, that for a few minutes she stood staring at the crouching figure on the floor like one only half-awake.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Mabin was taken so thoroughly by surprise, on seeing the wild self-abandonment of her unhappy companion, that for a few minutes she stood staring at the crouching figure on the floor like one only half-awake.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Mabin was taken so thoroughly by surprise, on seeing the wild self-abandonment of her unhappy companion, that for a few minutes she stood staring at the crouching figure on the floor like one only half-awake.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading Such terrible anguish, such paralyzing fear, as that from which the miserable woman was suffering, was something surely beyond her poor powers of comfort!
(used of eyes) open and fixed as if in fear or wonder
From this reading Mabin was taken so thoroughly by surprise, on seeing the wild self-abandonment of her unhappy companion, that for a few minutes she stood staring at the crouching figure on the floor like one only half-awake.
any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal
From this reading And even as the girl advanced timidly a step nearer to her grief-stricken friend, there flashed into her mind the horrible question: What must this secret be which was locked in the widow’s breast, that could throw her into such paroxysms of abject terror?
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading Mabin was taken so thoroughly by surprise, on seeing the wild self-abandonment of her unhappy companion, that for a few minutes she stood staring at the crouching figure on the floor like one only half-awake.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Such terrible anguish, such paralyzing fear, as that from which the miserable woman was suffering, was something surely beyond her poor powers of comfort!
a state of acute pain
From this reading Such terrible anguish, such paralyzing fear, as that from which the miserable woman was suffering, was something surely beyond her poor powers of comfort!
definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)
From this reading Such terrible anguish, such paralyzing fear, as that from which the miserable woman was suffering, was something surely beyond her poor powers of comfort!
the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you
From this reading Mabin was taken so thoroughly by surprise, on seeing the wild self-abandonment of her unhappy companion, that for a few minutes she stood staring at the crouching figure on the floor like one only half-awake.
an inclination to support or be loyal to or to agree with an opinion
From this reading Mabin’s sympathy was ready, but at first she did not dare to offer it.
takenadjectiveUS /ˈteɪkən/
understood in a certain way; made sense of
From this reading Mabin was taken so thoroughly by surprise, on seeing the wild self-abandonment of her unhappy companion, that for a few minutes she stood staring at the crouching figure on the floor like one only half-awake.
causing fear or dread or terror
From this reading Such terrible anguish, such paralyzing fear, as that from which the miserable woman was suffering, was something surely beyond her poor powers of comfort!
an overwhelming feeling of fear and anxiety
From this reading Was this really Mrs. Dale, this haggard, panting creature with the hoarse voice, the twitching hands, the wide eyes full of unspeakable terror.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Mabin was taken so thoroughly by surprise, on seeing the wild self-abandonment of her unhappy companion, that for a few minutes she stood staring at the crouching figure on the floor like one only half-awake.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Mabin was taken so thoroughly by surprise, on seeing the wild self-abandonment of her unhappy companion, that for a few minutes she stood staring at the crouching figure on the floor like one only half-awake.
in or at that place or location
From this reading And even as the girl advanced timidly a step nearer to her grief-stricken friend, there flashed into her mind the horrible question: What must this secret be which was locked in the widow’s breast, that could throw her into such paroxysms of abject terror?
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Was this really Mrs. Dale, this haggard, panting creature with the hoarse voice, the twitching hands, the wide eyes full of unspeakable terror.
in an exhaustive manner
From this reading Mabin was taken so thoroughly by surprise, on seeing the wild self-abandonment of her unhappy companion, that for a few minutes she stood staring at the crouching figure on the floor like one only half-awake.
propel through the air
From this reading And even as the girl advanced timidly a step nearer to her grief-stricken friend, there flashed into her mind the horrible question: What must this secret be which was locked in the widow’s breast, that could throw her into such paroxysms of abject terror?
timidlyadverbUS /ˈtɪmədli/
in a shy or timid or bashful manner
From this reading And even as the girl advanced timidly a step nearer to her grief-stricken friend, there flashed into her mind the horrible question: What must this secret be which was locked in the widow’s breast, that could throw her into such paroxysms of abject terror?
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Mabin’s sympathy was ready, but at first she did not dare to offer it.
twitchingnounUS /ˈtwɪtʃɪŋ/
a sudden muscle spasm; especially one caused by a nervous condition
From this reading Was this really Mrs. Dale, this haggard, panting creature with the hoarse voice, the twitching hands, the wide eyes full of unspeakable terror.
experiencing or marked by or causing sadness or sorrow or discontent
From this reading Mabin was taken so thoroughly by surprise, on seeing the wild self-abandonment of her unhappy companion, that for a few minutes she stood staring at the crouching figure on the floor like one only half-awake.
unspeakableadjectiveUS /ənˈspiːkəbəl/
defying expression or description
From this reading Was this really Mrs. Dale, this haggard, panting creature with the hoarse voice, the twitching hands, the wide eyes full of unspeakable terror.
the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading Was this really Mrs. Dale, this haggard, panting creature with the hoarse voice, the twitching hands, the wide eyes full of unspeakable terror.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Mabin was taken so thoroughly by surprise, on seeing the wild self-abandonment of her unhappy companion, that for a few minutes she stood staring at the crouching figure on the floor like one only half-awake.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading And even as the girl advanced timidly a step nearer to her grief-stricken friend, there flashed into her mind the horrible question: What must this secret be which was locked in the widow’s breast, that could throw her into such paroxysms of abject terror?
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Such terrible anguish, such paralyzing fear, as that from which the miserable woman was suffering, was something surely beyond her poor powers of comfort!
having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other
From this reading Was this really Mrs. Dale, this haggard, panting creature with the hoarse voice, the twitching hands, the wide eyes full of unspeakable terror.
widow'snounUS /ˈwɪdoʊz/
possessive form of “widow” — a woman whose husband is dead especially one who has not remarried
From this reading And even as the girl advanced timidly a step nearer to her grief-stricken friend, there flashed into her mind the horrible question: What must this secret be which was locked in the widow’s breast, that could throw her into such paroxysms of abject terror?
marked by extreme lack of restraint or control
From this reading Mabin was taken so thoroughly by surprise, on seeing the wild self-abandonment of her unhappy companion, that for a few minutes she stood staring at the crouching figure on the floor like one only half-awake.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Was this really Mrs. Dale, this haggard, panting creature with the hoarse voice, the twitching hands, the wide eyes full of unspeakable terror.
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading Such terrible anguish, such paralyzing fear, as that from which the miserable woman was suffering, was something surely beyond her poor powers of comfort!
