used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading He sat in the rocking-chair, tired and vaguely oppressed, clutching the paper in the manner of one who clings to a tangible encouragement in the midst of fantastic lies and fists.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading His parents came into the room at last and turned on an electric light without at first noticing him in the semi-gloom.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He sat in the rocking-chair, tired and vaguely oppressed, clutching the paper in the manner of one who clings to a tangible encouragement in the midst of fantastic lies and fists.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Her hands flew to her breast, in two tight slants, as she impulsively pictured the presence of a bearded burglar, and then she recognized him and insulted her emotions with a cross between a gasp and a squawk.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading His parents came into the room at last and turned on an electric light without at first noticing him in the semi-gloom.
beardedadjectiveUS /ˈbɪrdəd/
having hair on the cheeks and chin
From this reading Her hands flew to her breast, in two tight slants, as she impulsively pictured the presence of a bearded burglar, and then she recognized him and insulted her emotions with a cross between a gasp and a squawk.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading Her hands flew to her breast, in two tight slants, as she impulsively pictured the presence of a bearded burglar, and then she recognized him and insulted her emotions with a cross between a gasp and a squawk.
the front of the trunk from the neck to the abdomen
From this reading Her hands flew to her breast, in two tight slants, as she impulsively pictured the presence of a bearded burglar, and then she recognized him and insulted her emotions with a cross between a gasp and a squawk.
burglarnounUS /ˈbɝː.ɡlɚ/
A person who commits illegal entry into a building with intent to steal valuable treasures.
From this reading Her hands flew to her breast, in two tight slants, as she impulsively pictured the presence of a bearded burglar, and then she recognized him and insulted her emotions with a cross between a gasp and a squawk.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading His parents came into the room at last and turned on an electric light without at first noticing him in the semi-gloom.
Carl
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “It’s Carl!
a seat for one person, with a support for the back
From this reading Turning, his mother saw him in the chair.
clingsnounUS /klɪŋz/
plural of “cling” — fruit (especially peach) whose flesh adheres strongly to the pit
From this reading He sat in the rocking-chair, tired and vaguely oppressed, clutching the paper in the manner of one who clings to a tangible encouragement in the midst of fantastic lies and fists.
clutchingverbUS /ˈklʌtʃɪŋ/
-ing form of “clutch” — take hold of; grab
From this reading He sat in the rocking-chair, tired and vaguely oppressed, clutching the paper in the manner of one who clings to a tangible encouragement in the midst of fantastic lies and fists.
travel across or pass over
From this reading Her hands flew to her breast, in two tight slants, as she impulsively pictured the presence of a bearded burglar, and then she recognized him and insulted her emotions with a cross between a gasp and a squawk.
electricadjectiveUS /ɪˈlektrɪk/
using or providing or producing or transmitting or operated by electricity
From this reading His parents came into the room at last and turned on an electric light without at first noticing him in the semi-gloom.
emotionsnounUS /ɪˈmoʊʃənz/
plural of “emotion” — any strong feeling
From this reading Her hands flew to her breast, in two tight slants, as she impulsively pictured the presence of a bearded burglar, and then she recognized him and insulted her emotions with a cross between a gasp and a squawk.
encouragementnounUS /enˈkɜːrɪdʒmənt/
the expression of approval and support
From this reading He sat in the rocking-chair, tired and vaguely oppressed, clutching the paper in the manner of one who clings to a tangible encouragement in the midst of fantastic lies and fists.
fantasticadjectiveUS /fænˈtæstɪk/
ludicrously odd
From this reading He sat in the rocking-chair, tired and vaguely oppressed, clutching the paper in the manner of one who clings to a tangible encouragement in the midst of fantastic lies and fists.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading His parents came into the room at last and turned on an electric light without at first noticing him in the semi-gloom.
fistsnounUS /fɪsts/
plural of “fist” — a hand with the fingers clenched in the palm (as for hitting)
From this reading He sat in the rocking-chair, tired and vaguely oppressed, clutching the paper in the manner of one who clings to a tangible encouragement in the midst of fantastic lies and fists.
inflected form of “fly” — travel through the air; be airborne
From this reading Her hands flew to her breast, in two tight slants, as she impulsively pictured the presence of a bearded burglar, and then she recognized him and insulted her emotions with a cross between a gasp and a squawk.
gaspnounUS /ɡæsp/
a short labored intake of breath with the mouth open
From this reading Her hands flew to her breast, in two tight slants, as she impulsively pictured the presence of a bearded burglar, and then she recognized him and insulted her emotions with a cross between a gasp and a squawk.
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading Her hands flew to her breast, in two tight slants, as she impulsively pictured the presence of a bearded burglar, and then she recognized him and insulted her emotions with a cross between a gasp and a squawk.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He sat in the rocking-chair, tired and vaguely oppressed, clutching the paper in the manner of one who clings to a tangible encouragement in the midst of fantastic lies and fists.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Her hands flew to her breast, in two tight slants, as she impulsively pictured the presence of a bearded burglar, and then she recognized him and insulted her emotions with a cross between a gasp and a squawk.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading His parents came into the room at last and turned on an electric light without at first noticing him in the semi-gloom.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading His parents came into the room at last and turned on an electric light without at first noticing him in the semi-gloom.
impulsivelyadverbUS /ˌɪmˈpʌlsɪvli/
in an impulsive or impetuous way; without taking cautions
From this reading Her hands flew to her breast, in two tight slants, as she impulsively pictured the presence of a bearded burglar, and then she recognized him and insulted her emotions with a cross between a gasp and a squawk.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading He sat in the rocking-chair, tired and vaguely oppressed, clutching the paper in the manner of one who clings to a tangible encouragement in the midst of fantastic lies and fists.
insultedverbUS /ˌɪnˈsʌltɪd/
past form of “insult” — treat, mention, or speak to rudely
From this reading Her hands flew to her breast, in two tight slants, as she impulsively pictured the presence of a bearded burglar, and then she recognized him and insulted her emotions with a cross between a gasp and a squawk.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading His parents came into the room at last and turned on an electric light without at first noticing him in the semi-gloom.
It's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “It’s Carl!
immediately past
From this reading His parents came into the room at last and turned on an electric light without at first noticing him in the semi-gloom.
plural of “lie” — a statement that deviates from or perverts the truth
From this reading He sat in the rocking-chair, tired and vaguely oppressed, clutching the paper in the manner of one who clings to a tangible encouragement in the midst of fantastic lies and fists.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading His parents came into the room at last and turned on an electric light without at first noticing him in the semi-gloom.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading He sat in the rocking-chair, tired and vaguely oppressed, clutching the paper in the manner of one who clings to a tangible encouragement in the midst of fantastic lies and fists.
the location of something surrounded by other things
From this reading He sat in the rocking-chair, tired and vaguely oppressed, clutching the paper in the manner of one who clings to a tangible encouragement in the midst of fantastic lies and fists.
a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading Turning, his mother saw him in the chair.
noticingverbUS /ˈnoʊtɪsɪŋ/
-ing form of “notice” — discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of
From this reading His parents came into the room at last and turned on an electric light without at first noticing him in the semi-gloom.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading He sat in the rocking-chair, tired and vaguely oppressed, clutching the paper in the manner of one who clings to a tangible encouragement in the midst of fantastic lies and fists.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading His parents came into the room at last and turned on an electric light without at first noticing him in the semi-gloom.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading He sat in the rocking-chair, tired and vaguely oppressed, clutching the paper in the manner of one who clings to a tangible encouragement in the midst of fantastic lies and fists.
oppressedadjectiveUS /əˈprest/
burdened psychologically or mentally
From this reading He sat in the rocking-chair, tired and vaguely oppressed, clutching the paper in the manner of one who clings to a tangible encouragement in the midst of fantastic lies and fists.
a material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses
From this reading He sat in the rocking-chair, tired and vaguely oppressed, clutching the paper in the manner of one who clings to a tangible encouragement in the midst of fantastic lies and fists.
plural of “parent” — a father or mother; one who begets or one who gives birth to or nurtures and raises a child; a relative who plays the role of guardian
From this reading His parents came into the room at last and turned on an electric light without at first noticing him in the semi-gloom.
picturedadjectiveUS /ˈpɪktʃərd/
seen in the mind as a mental image
From this reading Her hands flew to her breast, in two tight slants, as she impulsively pictured the presence of a bearded burglar, and then she recognized him and insulted her emotions with a cross between a gasp and a squawk.
the state of being present; current existence
From this reading Her hands flew to her breast, in two tight slants, as she impulsively pictured the presence of a bearded burglar, and then she recognized him and insulted her emotions with a cross between a gasp and a squawk.
generally approved or compelling recognition
From this reading Her hands flew to her breast, in two tight slants, as she impulsively pictured the presence of a bearded burglar, and then she recognized him and insulted her emotions with a cross between a gasp and a squawk.
rocking-chair
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He sat in the rocking-chair, tired and vaguely oppressed, clutching the paper in the manner of one who clings to a tangible encouragement in the midst of fantastic lies and fists.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading His parents came into the room at last and turned on an electric light without at first noticing him in the semi-gloom.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading He sat in the rocking-chair, tired and vaguely oppressed, clutching the paper in the manner of one who clings to a tangible encouragement in the midst of fantastic lies and fists.
cut with a saw
From this reading Turning, his mother saw him in the chair.
semi-gloom
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His parents came into the room at last and turned on an electric light without at first noticing him in the semi-gloom.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Her hands flew to her breast, in two tight slants, as she impulsively pictured the presence of a bearded burglar, and then she recognized him and insulted her emotions with a cross between a gasp and a squawk.
slants
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her hands flew to her breast, in two tight slants, as she impulsively pictured the presence of a bearded burglar, and then she recognized him and insulted her emotions with a cross between a gasp and a squawk.
squawkverbUS /skwɔːk/
utter a harsh abrupt scream
From this reading Her hands flew to her breast, in two tight slants, as she impulsively pictured the presence of a bearded burglar, and then she recognized him and insulted her emotions with a cross between a gasp and a squawk.
tangibleadjectiveUS /ˈtændʒəbəl/
perceptible by the senses especially the sense of touch
From this reading He sat in the rocking-chair, tired and vaguely oppressed, clutching the paper in the manner of one who clings to a tangible encouragement in the midst of fantastic lies and fists.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading He sat in the rocking-chair, tired and vaguely oppressed, clutching the paper in the manner of one who clings to a tangible encouragement in the midst of fantastic lies and fists.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Her hands flew to her breast, in two tight slants, as she impulsively pictured the presence of a bearded burglar, and then she recognized him and insulted her emotions with a cross between a gasp and a squawk.
closely constrained or constricted or constricting
From this reading Her hands flew to her breast, in two tight slants, as she impulsively pictured the presence of a bearded burglar, and then she recognized him and insulted her emotions with a cross between a gasp and a squawk.
tiredadjectiveUS /ˈtaɪərd/
depleted of strength or energy
From this reading He sat in the rocking-chair, tired and vaguely oppressed, clutching the paper in the manner of one who clings to a tangible encouragement in the midst of fantastic lies and fists.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading He sat in the rocking-chair, tired and vaguely oppressed, clutching the paper in the manner of one who clings to a tangible encouragement in the midst of fantastic lies and fists.
moved around an axis or center
From this reading His parents came into the room at last and turned on an electric light without at first noticing him in the semi-gloom.
the act of changing or reversing the direction of the course
From this reading Turning, his mother saw him in the chair.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Her hands flew to her breast, in two tight slants, as she impulsively pictured the presence of a bearded burglar, and then she recognized him and insulted her emotions with a cross between a gasp and a squawk.
vaguelyadverbUS /ˈveɪɡli/
in a vague way
From this reading He sat in the rocking-chair, tired and vaguely oppressed, clutching the paper in the manner of one who clings to a tangible encouragement in the midst of fantastic lies and fists.
which person or people
From this reading He sat in the rocking-chair, tired and vaguely oppressed, clutching the paper in the manner of one who clings to a tangible encouragement in the midst of fantastic lies and fists.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Her hands flew to her breast, in two tight slants, as she impulsively pictured the presence of a bearded burglar, and then she recognized him and insulted her emotions with a cross between a gasp and a squawk.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading His parents came into the room at last and turned on an electric light without at first noticing him in the semi-gloom.
