used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading WHAT VON STUNNENBERG THOUGHT For a moment the secret agent and the two Germans stood face to face; then the former said, smilingly:
matters of personal concern
From this reading "It would grieve me to keep you from your affairs," said he in his rumbling voice, "but there is a trifling matter which I should like to discuss with you.
agentnounUS /ˈeɪdʒənt/
an active and efficient cause; capable of producing a certain effect
From this reading WHAT VON STUNNENBERG THOUGHT For a moment the secret agent and the two Germans stood face to face; then the former said, smilingly:
the form of “be” used with “I”
From this reading "I am sorry to be forced to go at such an early hour; but," and he lifted his brows in such a way that might mean much or little, "there are certain things which require my attention."
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading "I am sorry to be forced to go at such an early hour; but," and he lifted his brows in such a way that might mean much or little, "there are certain things which require my attention."
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading WHAT VON STUNNENBERG THOUGHT For a moment the secret agent and the two Germans stood face to face; then the former said, smilingly:
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading "I am sorry to be forced to go at such an early hour; but," and he lifted his brows in such a way that might mean much or little, "there are certain things which require my attention."
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading "I am sorry to be forced to go at such an early hour; but," and he lifted his brows in such a way that might mean much or little, "there are certain things which require my attention."
the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others
From this reading "I am sorry to be forced to go at such an early hour; but," and he lifted his brows in such a way that might mean much or little, "there are certain things which require my attention."
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading "I am sorry to be forced to go at such an early hour; but," and he lifted his brows in such a way that might mean much or little, "there are certain things which require my attention."
of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky
From this reading Von Stunnenberg twisted one point of his white moustache, and his blue eyes glinted coldly.
browsnounUS /braʊz/
plural of “brow” — the part of the face above the eyes
From this reading "I am sorry to be forced to go at such an early hour; but," and he lifted his brows in such a way that might mean much or little, "there are certain things which require my attention."
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading "I am sorry to be forced to go at such an early hour; but," and he lifted his brows in such a way that might mean much or little, "there are certain things which require my attention."
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading "I am sorry to be forced to go at such an early hour; but," and he lifted his brows in such a way that might mean much or little, "there are certain things which require my attention."
coldlyadverbUS /ˈkoʊldli/
lacking warmth of feeling; in a cold, unemotional manner
From this reading Von Stunnenberg twisted one point of his white moustache, and his blue eyes glinted coldly.
discussverbUS /dɪˈskʌs/
to consider or examine in speech or writing
From this reading "It would grieve me to keep you from your affairs," said he in his rumbling voice, "but there is a trifling matter which I should like to discuss with you.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading "I am sorry to be forced to go at such an early hour; but," and he lifted his brows in such a way that might mean much or little, "there are certain things which require my attention."
opinion or judgment
From this reading Von Stunnenberg twisted one point of his white moustache, and his blue eyes glinted coldly.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading WHAT VON STUNNENBERG THOUGHT For a moment the secret agent and the two Germans stood face to face; then the former said, smilingly:
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading It will require, perhaps, only a few moments.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading WHAT VON STUNNENBERG THOUGHT For a moment the secret agent and the two Germans stood face to face; then the former said, smilingly:
produced by or subjected to forcing
From this reading "I am sorry to be forced to go at such an early hour; but," and he lifted his brows in such a way that might mean much or little, "there are certain things which require my attention."
referring to the first of two things or persons mentioned (or the earlier one or ones of several)
From this reading WHAT VON STUNNENBERG THOUGHT For a moment the secret agent and the two Germans stood face to face; then the former said, smilingly:
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading "It would grieve me to keep you from your affairs," said he in his rumbling voice, "but there is a trifling matter which I should like to discuss with you.
GermansnounUS /ˈdʒɜːrmənz/
plural of “german” — a person of German nationality
From this reading WHAT VON STUNNENBERG THOUGHT For a moment the secret agent and the two Germans stood face to face; then the former said, smilingly:
glinted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Von Stunnenberg twisted one point of his white moustache, and his blue eyes glinted coldly.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading "I am sorry to be forced to go at such an early hour; but," and he lifted his brows in such a way that might mean much or little, "there are certain things which require my attention."
grieveverbUS /ɡriːv/
feel grief
From this reading "It would grieve me to keep you from your affairs," said he in his rumbling voice, "but there is a trifling matter which I should like to discuss with you.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "I am sorry to be forced to go at such an early hour; but," and he lifted his brows in such a way that might mean much or little, "there are certain things which require my attention."
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading "I am sorry to be forced to go at such an early hour; but," and he lifted his brows in such a way that might mean much or little, "there are certain things which require my attention."
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading "I am sorry to be forced to go at such an early hour; but," and he lifted his brows in such a way that might mean much or little, "there are certain things which require my attention."
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "I am sorry to be forced to go at such an early hour; but," and he lifted his brows in such a way that might mean much or little, "there are certain things which require my attention."
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading "I am sorry to be forced to go at such an early hour; but," and he lifted his brows in such a way that might mean much or little, "there are certain things which require my attention."
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "It would grieve me to keep you from your affairs," said he in his rumbling voice, "but there is a trifling matter which I should like to discuss with you.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading "It would grieve me to keep you from your affairs," said he in his rumbling voice, "but there is a trifling matter which I should like to discuss with you.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading "It would grieve me to keep you from your affairs," said he in his rumbling voice, "but there is a trifling matter which I should like to discuss with you.
held up in the air
From this reading "I am sorry to be forced to go at such an early hour; but," and he lifted his brows in such a way that might mean much or little, "there are certain things which require my attention."
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading "It would grieve me to keep you from your affairs," said he in his rumbling voice, "but there is a trifling matter which I should like to discuss with you.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading "I am sorry to be forced to go at such an early hour; but," and he lifted his brows in such a way that might mean much or little, "there are certain things which require my attention."
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading "It would grieve me to keep you from your affairs," said he in his rumbling voice, "but there is a trifling matter which I should like to discuss with you.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading "It would grieve me to keep you from your affairs," said he in his rumbling voice, "but there is a trifling matter which I should like to discuss with you.
mean or intend to express or convey
From this reading "I am sorry to be forced to go at such an early hour; but," and he lifted his brows in such a way that might mean much or little, "there are certain things which require my attention."
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading "I am sorry to be forced to go at such an early hour; but," and he lifted his brows in such a way that might mean much or little, "there are certain things which require my attention."
a particular point in time
From this reading WHAT VON STUNNENBERG THOUGHT For a moment the secret agent and the two Germans stood face to face; then the former said, smilingly:
plural of “moment” — a particular point in time
From this reading It will require, perhaps, only a few moments.
moustachenounUS /ˈmʌstæʃ/
an unshaved growth of hair on the upper lip
From this reading Von Stunnenberg twisted one point of his white moustache, and his blue eyes glinted coldly.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading "I am sorry to be forced to go at such an early hour; but," and he lifted his brows in such a way that might mean much or little, "there are certain things which require my attention."
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading "I am sorry to be forced to go at such an early hour; but," and he lifted his brows in such a way that might mean much or little, "there are certain things which require my attention."
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Von Stunnenberg twisted one point of his white moustache, and his blue eyes glinted coldly.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Von Stunnenberg twisted one point of his white moustache, and his blue eyes glinted coldly.
and nothing more
From this reading It will require, perhaps, only a few moments.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading "I am sorry to be forced to go at such an early hour; but," and he lifted his brows in such a way that might mean much or little, "there are certain things which require my attention."
by chance
From this reading It will require, perhaps, only a few moments.
a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading Von Stunnenberg twisted one point of his white moustache, and his blue eyes glinted coldly.
require as useful, just, or proper
From this reading "I am sorry to be forced to go at such an early hour; but," and he lifted his brows in such a way that might mean much or little, "there are certain things which require my attention."
rumblingnounUS /ˈrʌmbəlɪŋ/
a loud low dull continuous noise
From this reading "It would grieve me to keep you from your affairs," said he in his rumbling voice, "but there is a trifling matter which I should like to discuss with you.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading WHAT VON STUNNENBERG THOUGHT For a moment the secret agent and the two Germans stood face to face; then the former said, smilingly:
Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.
From this reading WHAT VON STUNNENBERG THOUGHT For a moment the secret agent and the two Germans stood face to face; then the former said, smilingly:
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading "It would grieve me to keep you from your affairs," said he in his rumbling voice, "but there is a trifling matter which I should like to discuss with you.
smilinglyadverbUS /ˈsmaɪlɪŋli/
with smiles; in a smiling manner
From this reading WHAT VON STUNNENBERG THOUGHT For a moment the secret agent and the two Germans stood face to face; then the former said, smilingly:
sorryadjectiveUS /ˈsɑːri/
feeling or expressing regret or sorrow or a sense of loss over something done or undone
From this reading "I am sorry to be forced to go at such an early hour; but," and he lifted his brows in such a way that might mean much or little, "there are certain things which require my attention."
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading WHAT VON STUNNENBERG THOUGHT For a moment the secret agent and the two Germans stood face to face; then the former said, smilingly:
STUNNENBERG
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading WHAT VON STUNNENBERG THOUGHT For a moment the secret agent and the two Germans stood face to face; then the former said, smilingly:
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading "I am sorry to be forced to go at such an early hour; but," and he lifted his brows in such a way that might mean much or little, "there are certain things which require my attention."
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading "I am sorry to be forced to go at such an early hour; but," and he lifted his brows in such a way that might mean much or little, "there are certain things which require my attention."
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading WHAT VON STUNNENBERG THOUGHT For a moment the secret agent and the two Germans stood face to face; then the former said, smilingly:
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading WHAT VON STUNNENBERG THOUGHT For a moment the secret agent and the two Germans stood face to face; then the former said, smilingly:
in or at that place or location
From this reading "I am sorry to be forced to go at such an early hour; but," and he lifted his brows in such a way that might mean much or little, "there are certain things which require my attention."
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading "I am sorry to be forced to go at such an early hour; but," and he lifted his brows in such a way that might mean much or little, "there are certain things which require my attention."
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading WHAT VON STUNNENBERG THOUGHT For a moment the secret agent and the two Germans stood face to face; then the former said, smilingly:
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading WHAT VON STUNNENBERG THOUGHT For a moment the secret agent and the two Germans stood face to face; then the former said, smilingly:
triflingnounUS /ˈtraɪflɪŋ/
the deliberate act of delaying and playing instead of working
From this reading "It would grieve me to keep you from your affairs," said he in his rumbling voice, "but there is a trifling matter which I should like to discuss with you.
twistedadjectiveUS /ˈtwɪstɪd/
having an intended meaning altered or misrepresented
From this reading Von Stunnenberg twisted one point of his white moustache, and his blue eyes glinted coldly.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading WHAT VON STUNNENBERG THOUGHT For a moment the secret agent and the two Germans stood face to face; then the former said, smilingly:
the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading "It would grieve me to keep you from your affairs," said he in his rumbling voice, "but there is a trifling matter which I should like to discuss with you.
VON
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading WHAT VON STUNNENBERG THOUGHT For a moment the secret agent and the two Germans stood face to face; then the former said, smilingly:
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading "I am sorry to be forced to go at such an early hour; but," and he lifted his brows in such a way that might mean much or little, "there are certain things which require my attention."
used to ask for information about something
From this reading WHAT VON STUNNENBERG THOUGHT For a moment the secret agent and the two Germans stood face to face; then the former said, smilingly:
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading "I am sorry to be forced to go at such an early hour; but," and he lifted his brows in such a way that might mean much or little, "there are certain things which require my attention."
a Caucasian
From this reading Von Stunnenberg twisted one point of his white moustache, and his blue eyes glinted coldly.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading It will require, perhaps, only a few moments.
in the company of; together with
From this reading "It would grieve me to keep you from your affairs," said he in his rumbling voice, "but there is a trifling matter which I should like to discuss with you.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading "It would grieve me to keep you from your affairs," said he in his rumbling voice, "but there is a trifling matter which I should like to discuss with you.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "It would grieve me to keep you from your affairs," said he in his rumbling voice, "but there is a trifling matter which I should like to discuss with you.
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "It would grieve me to keep you from your affairs," said he in his rumbling voice, "but there is a trifling matter which I should like to discuss with you.
