used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The four guests sat in more or less tired attitudes round the room; the host stood poised on the hearth-rug, a dark, dandy little gentleman with a brilliant smile.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading This, and his gentle, attractive manner, sometimes touched with melancholy, gave him a sort of angelic, spiritual air.
(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 HOW THE OWLS HOOTED IN THE DAYTIME The sun poured into the little salon, all polished wood and gay-coloured chintz, where Monsieur Joseph de la Marinière and his four friends were talking at the top of their voices.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading HOW THE OWLS HOOTED IN THE DAYTIME The sun poured into the little salon, all polished wood and gay-coloured chintz, where Monsieur Joseph de la Marinière and his four friends were talking at the top of their voices.
angelicadjectiveUS /ˌænˈdʒelɪk/
marked by utter benignity; resembling or befitting an angel or saint
From this reading This, and his gentle, attractive manner, sometimes touched with melancholy, gave him a sort of angelic, spiritual air.
weapons considered collectively
From this reading He had a way of balancing himself on one foot and slightly extending both arms, as if he were going to fly off into space.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading He had a way of balancing himself on one foot and slightly extending both arms, as if he were going to fly off into space.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading HOW THE OWLS HOOTED IN THE DAYTIME The sun poured into the little salon, all polished wood and gay-coloured chintz, where Monsieur Joseph de la Marinière and his four friends were talking at the top of their voices.
attitudesnounUS /ˈætətuːdz/
plural of “attitude” — a complex mental state involving beliefs and feelings and values and dispositions to act in certain ways
From this reading The four guests sat in more or less tired attitudes round the room; the host stood poised on the hearth-rug, a dark, dandy little gentleman with a brilliant smile.
attractiveadjectiveUS /əˈtræktɪv/
pleasing to the eye or mind especially through beauty or charm
From this reading This, and his gentle, attractive manner, sometimes touched with melancholy, gave him a sort of angelic, spiritual air.
balancingnounUS /ˈbælənsɪŋ/
getting two things to correspond
From this reading He had a way of balancing himself on one foot and slightly extending both arms, as if he were going to fly off into space.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading It was difficult to imagine him either a soldier or a conspirator, yet he had been one and was still the other.
the two together, not just one
From this reading He had a way of balancing himself on one foot and slightly extending both arms, as if he were going to fly off into space.
of surpassing excellence
From this reading The four guests sat in more or less tired attitudes round the room; the host stood poised on the hearth-rug, a dark, dandy little gentleman with a brilliant smile.
chintznoun
a brightly printed and glazed cotton fabric
From this reading HOW THE OWLS HOOTED IN THE DAYTIME The sun poured into the little salon, all polished wood and gay-coloured chintz, where Monsieur Joseph de la Marinière and his four friends were talking at the top of their voices.
conspiratornounUS /kənˈspɪrətər/
a member of a conspiracy
From this reading It was difficult to imagine him either a soldier or a conspirator, yet he had been one and was still the other.
dandynounUS /ˈdændi/
a man who is much concerned with his dress and appearance
From this reading The four guests sat in more or less tired attitudes round the room; the host stood poised on the hearth-rug, a dark, dandy little gentleman with a brilliant smile.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading The four guests sat in more or less tired attitudes round the room; the host stood poised on the hearth-rug, a dark, dandy little gentleman with a brilliant smile.
DAYTIMEnounUS /ˈdeɪtaɪm/
the time after sunrise and before sunset while it is light outside
From this reading HOW THE OWLS HOOTED IN THE DAYTIME The sun poured into the little salon, all polished wood and gay-coloured chintz, where Monsieur Joseph de la Marinière and his four friends were talking at the top of their voices.
a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies
From this reading HOW THE OWLS HOOTED IN THE DAYTIME The sun poured into the little salon, all polished wood and gay-coloured chintz, where Monsieur Joseph de la Marinière and his four friends were talking at the top of their voices.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading It was difficult to imagine him either a soldier or a conspirator, yet he had been one and was still the other.
one or the other of two
From this reading It was difficult to imagine him either a soldier or a conspirator, yet he had been one and was still the other.
extendingverbUS /ɪkˈstendɪŋ/
-ing form of “extend” — extend in scope or range or area
From this reading He had a way of balancing himself on one foot and slightly extending both arms, as if he were going to fly off into space.
travel through the air; be airborne
From this reading He had a way of balancing himself on one foot and slightly extending both arms, as if he were going to fly off into space.
the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading He had a way of balancing himself on one foot and slightly extending both arms, as if he were going to fly off into space.
the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
From this reading HOW THE OWLS HOOTED IN THE DAYTIME The sun poured into the little salon, all polished wood and gay-coloured chintz, where Monsieur Joseph de la Marinière and his four friends were talking at the top of their voices.
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading HOW THE OWLS HOOTED IN THE DAYTIME The sun poured into the little salon, all polished wood and gay-coloured chintz, where Monsieur Joseph de la Marinière and his four friends were talking at the top of their voices.
inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading This, and his gentle, attractive manner, sometimes touched with melancholy, gave him a sort of angelic, spiritual air.
gay-coloured
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading HOW THE OWLS HOOTED IN THE DAYTIME The sun poured into the little salon, all polished wood and gay-coloured chintz, where Monsieur Joseph de la Marinière and his four friends were talking at the top of their voices.
soft and mild; not harsh or stern or severe
From this reading This, and his gentle, attractive manner, sometimes touched with melancholy, gave him a sort of angelic, spiritual air.
a man of refinement
From this reading The four guests sat in more or less tired attitudes round the room; the host stood poised on the hearth-rug, a dark, dandy little gentleman with a brilliant smile.
the act of departing
From this reading He had a way of balancing himself on one foot and slightly extending both arms, as if he were going to fly off into space.
plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended
From this reading The four guests sat in more or less tired attitudes round the room; the host stood poised on the hearth-rug, a dark, dandy little gentleman with a brilliant smile.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading He had a way of balancing himself on one foot and slightly extending both arms, as if he were going to fly off into space.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He had a way of balancing himself on one foot and slightly extending both arms, as if he were going to fly off into space.
hearth-rug
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The four guests sat in more or less tired attitudes round the room; the host stood poised on the hearth-rug, a dark, dandy little gentleman with a brilliant smile.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading This, and his gentle, attractive manner, sometimes touched with melancholy, gave him a sort of angelic, spiritual air.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading He had a way of balancing himself on one foot and slightly extending both arms, as if he were going to fly off into space.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading HOW THE OWLS HOOTED IN THE DAYTIME The sun poured into the little salon, all polished wood and gay-coloured chintz, where Monsieur Joseph de la Marinière and his four friends were talking at the top of their voices.
HOOTEDverbUS /ˈhuːtɪd/
past form of “hoot” — to utter a loud clamorous shout
From this reading HOW THE OWLS HOOTED IN THE DAYTIME The sun poured into the little salon, all polished wood and gay-coloured chintz, where Monsieur Joseph de la Marinière and his four friends were talking at the top of their voices.
a person who invites guests to a social event (such as a party in his or her own home) and who is responsible for them while they are there
From this reading The four guests sat in more or less tired attitudes round the room; the host stood poised on the hearth-rug, a dark, dandy little gentleman with a brilliant smile.
HOW
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading HOW THE OWLS HOOTED IN THE DAYTIME The sun poured into the little salon, all polished wood and gay-coloured chintz, where Monsieur Joseph de la Marinière and his four friends were talking at the top of their voices.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading He had a way of balancing himself on one foot and slightly extending both arms, as if he were going to fly off into space.
form a mental image of something that is not present or that is not the case
From this reading It was difficult to imagine him either a soldier or a conspirator, yet he had been one and was still the other.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading HOW THE OWLS HOOTED IN THE DAYTIME The sun poured into the little salon, all polished wood and gay-coloured chintz, where Monsieur Joseph de la Marinière and his four friends were talking at the top of their voices.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading HOW THE OWLS HOOTED IN THE DAYTIME The sun poured into the little salon, all polished wood and gay-coloured chintz, where Monsieur Joseph de la Marinière and his four friends were talking at the top of their voices.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was difficult to imagine him either a soldier or a conspirator, yet he had been one and was still the other.
leader of the Nez Perce in their retreat from United States troops (1840-1904)
From this reading HOW THE OWLS HOOTED IN THE DAYTIME The sun poured into the little salon, all polished wood and gay-coloured chintz, where Monsieur Joseph de la Marinière and his four friends were talking at the top of their voices.
a white soft metallic element that tarnishes readily; occurs in rare earth minerals and is usually classified as a rare earth
From this reading HOW THE OWLS HOOTED IN THE DAYTIME The sun poured into the little salon, all polished wood and gay-coloured chintz, where Monsieur Joseph de la Marinière and his four friends were talking at the top of their voices.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading The four guests sat in more or less tired attitudes round the room; the host stood poised on the hearth-rug, a dark, dandy little gentleman with a brilliant smile.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading HOW THE OWLS HOOTED IN THE DAYTIME The sun poured into the little salon, all polished wood and gay-coloured chintz, where Monsieur Joseph de la Marinière and his four friends were talking at the top of their voices.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading This, and his gentle, attractive manner, sometimes touched with melancholy, gave him a sort of angelic, spiritual air.
Marinière
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading HOW THE OWLS HOOTED IN THE DAYTIME The sun poured into the little salon, all polished wood and gay-coloured chintz, where Monsieur Joseph de la Marinière and his four friends were talking at the top of their voices.
a feeling of thoughtful sadness
From this reading This, and his gentle, attractive manner, sometimes touched with melancholy, gave him a sort of angelic, spiritual air.
used as a French courtesy title; equivalent to English “Mr”
From this reading HOW THE OWLS HOOTED IN THE DAYTIME The sun poured into the little salon, all polished wood and gay-coloured chintz, where Monsieur Joseph de la Marinière and his four friends were talking at the top of their voices.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading The four guests sat in more or less tired attitudes round the room; the host stood poised on the hearth-rug, a dark, dandy little gentleman with a brilliant smile.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading HOW THE OWLS HOOTED IN THE DAYTIME The sun poured into the little salon, all polished wood and gay-coloured chintz, where Monsieur Joseph de la Marinière and his four friends were talking at the top of their voices.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading He had a way of balancing himself on one foot and slightly extending both arms, as if he were going to fly off into space.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The four guests sat in more or less tired attitudes round the room; the host stood poised on the hearth-rug, a dark, dandy little gentleman with a brilliant smile.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading He had a way of balancing himself on one foot and slightly extending both arms, as if he were going to fly off into space.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading The four guests sat in more or less tired attitudes round the room; the host stood poised on the hearth-rug, a dark, dandy little gentleman with a brilliant smile.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading It was difficult to imagine him either a soldier or a conspirator, yet he had been one and was still the other.
OWLSnounUS /aʊlz/
plural of “owl” — nocturnal bird of prey with hawk-like beak and claws and large head with front-facing eyes
From this reading HOW THE OWLS HOOTED IN THE DAYTIME The sun poured into the little salon, all polished wood and gay-coloured chintz, where Monsieur Joseph de la Marinière and his four friends were talking at the top of their voices.
poisedadjectiveUS /pɔɪzd/
marked by balance or equilibrium and readiness for action
From this reading The four guests sat in more or less tired attitudes round the room; the host stood poised on the hearth-rug, a dark, dandy little gentleman with a brilliant smile.
polishedadjectiveUS /ˈpɑːlɪʃt/
perfected or made shiny and smooth
From this reading HOW THE OWLS HOOTED IN THE DAYTIME The sun poured into the little salon, all polished wood and gay-coloured chintz, where Monsieur Joseph de la Marinière and his four friends were talking at the top of their voices.
past form of “pour” — cause to run
From this reading HOW THE OWLS HOOTED IN THE DAYTIME The sun poured into the little salon, all polished wood and gay-coloured chintz, where Monsieur Joseph de la Marinière and his four friends were talking at the top of their voices.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading The four guests sat in more or less tired attitudes round the room; the host stood poised on the hearth-rug, a dark, dandy little gentleman with a brilliant smile.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading The four guests sat in more or less tired attitudes round the room; the host stood poised on the hearth-rug, a dark, dandy little gentleman with a brilliant smile.
salonnounUS /səˈlɑːn/
gallery where works of art can be displayed
From this reading HOW THE OWLS HOOTED IN THE DAYTIME The sun poured into the little salon, all polished wood and gay-coloured chintz, where Monsieur Joseph de la Marinière and his four friends were talking at the top of their voices.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading The four guests sat in more or less tired attitudes round the room; the host stood poised on the hearth-rug, a dark, dandy little gentleman with a brilliant smile.
to a small degree or extent
From this reading He had a way of balancing himself on one foot and slightly extending both arms, as if he were going to fly off into space.
change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure
From this reading The four guests sat in more or less tired attitudes round the room; the host stood poised on the hearth-rug, a dark, dandy little gentleman with a brilliant smile.
an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army
From this reading It was difficult to imagine him either a soldier or a conspirator, yet he had been one and was still the other.
on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always
From this reading This, and his gentle, attractive manner, sometimes touched with melancholy, gave him a sort of angelic, spiritual air.
a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading This, and his gentle, attractive manner, sometimes touched with melancholy, gave him a sort of angelic, spiritual air.
the unlimited expanse in which everything is located
From this reading He had a way of balancing himself on one foot and slightly extending both arms, as if he were going to fly off into space.
spiritualadjectiveUS /ˈspɪrɪtʃuːəl/
concerned with sacred matters or religion or the church
From this reading This, and his gentle, attractive manner, sometimes touched with melancholy, gave him a sort of angelic, spiritual air.
not in physical motion
From this reading It was difficult to imagine him either a soldier or a conspirator, yet he had been one and was still the other.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading The four guests sat in more or less tired attitudes round the room; the host stood poised on the hearth-rug, a dark, dandy little gentleman with a brilliant smile.
the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading HOW THE OWLS HOOTED IN THE DAYTIME The sun poured into the little salon, all polished wood and gay-coloured chintz, where Monsieur Joseph de la Marinière and his four friends were talking at the top of their voices.
an exchange of ideas via conversation
From this reading HOW THE OWLS HOOTED IN THE DAYTIME The sun poured into the little salon, all polished wood and gay-coloured chintz, where Monsieur Joseph de la Marinière and his four friends were talking at the top of their voices.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading HOW THE OWLS HOOTED IN THE DAYTIME The sun poured into the little salon, all polished wood and gay-coloured chintz, where Monsieur Joseph de la Marinière and his four friends were talking at the top of their voices.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading HOW THE OWLS HOOTED IN THE DAYTIME The sun poured into the little salon, all polished wood and gay-coloured chintz, where Monsieur Joseph de la Marinière and his four friends were talking at the top of their voices.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This, and his gentle, attractive manner, sometimes touched with melancholy, gave him a sort of angelic, spiritual air.
tiredadjectiveUS /ˈtaɪərd/
depleted of strength or energy
From this reading The four guests sat in more or less tired attitudes round the room; the host stood poised on the hearth-rug, a dark, dandy little gentleman with a brilliant smile.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading He had a way of balancing himself on one foot and slightly extending both arms, as if he were going to fly off into space.
the upper part of anything
From this reading HOW THE OWLS HOOTED IN THE DAYTIME The sun poured into the little salon, all polished wood and gay-coloured chintz, where Monsieur Joseph de la Marinière and his four friends were talking at the top of their voices.
having come into contact
From this reading This, and his gentle, attractive manner, sometimes touched with melancholy, gave him a sort of angelic, spiritual air.
plural of “voice” — the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading HOW THE OWLS HOOTED IN THE DAYTIME The sun poured into the little salon, all polished wood and gay-coloured chintz, where Monsieur Joseph de la Marinière and his four friends were talking at the top of their voices.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was difficult to imagine him either a soldier or a conspirator, yet he had been one and was still the other.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading He had a way of balancing himself on one foot and slightly extending both arms, as if he were going to fly off into space.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading HOW THE OWLS HOOTED IN THE DAYTIME The sun poured into the little salon, all polished wood and gay-coloured chintz, where Monsieur Joseph de la Marinière and his four friends were talking at the top of their voices.
in or at the place that
From this reading HOW THE OWLS HOOTED IN THE DAYTIME The sun poured into the little salon, all polished wood and gay-coloured chintz, where Monsieur Joseph de la Marinière and his four friends were talking at the top of their voices.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The four guests sat in more or less tired attitudes round the room; the host stood poised on the hearth-rug, a dark, dandy little gentleman with a brilliant smile.
the hard fibrous lignified substance under the bark of trees
From this reading HOW THE OWLS HOOTED IN THE DAYTIME The sun poured into the little salon, all polished wood and gay-coloured chintz, where Monsieur Joseph de la Marinière and his four friends were talking at the top of their voices.
but in spite of that
From this reading It was difficult to imagine him either a soldier or a conspirator, yet he had been one and was still the other.
