used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The two were sitting on the side of a hill overlooking the construction work several days after Bob had been promoted from the office to the proud position of being the Chief’s aide.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading THE DAM “So you want me to tell you something about the dam?” said Mr. Whitney, smiling at his rodman.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading The two were sitting on the side of a hill overlooking the construction work several days after Bob had been promoted from the office to the proud position of being the Chief’s aide.
anew
From this reading When he saw there might be a few free moments before he was set to work again he ventured some questions regarding the thing that was of most interest to him.
aidenounUS /eɪd/
an officer who acts as military assistant to a more senior officer
From this reading The two were sitting on the side of a hill overlooking the construction work several days after Bob had been promoted from the office to the proud position of being the Chief’s aide.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He had been on a message to the cofferdam gang and had returned to find the boss seemingly loafing.
past form of “answer” — react verbally
From this reading The way Mr. Whitney answered was encouraging, so Bob came back, “Yes, sir, I’d like to know a lot more about it than I do.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading THE DAM “So you want me to tell you something about the dam?” said Mr. Whitney, smiling at his rodman.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading The way Mr. Whitney answered was encouraging, so Bob came back, “Yes, sir, I’d like to know a lot more about it than I do.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading When he saw there might be a few free moments before he was set to work again he ventured some questions regarding the thing that was of most interest to him.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The two were sitting on the side of a hill overlooking the construction work several days after Bob had been promoted from the office to the proud position of being the Chief’s aide.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading When he saw there might be a few free moments before he was set to work again he ventured some questions regarding the thing that was of most interest to him.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading The two were sitting on the side of a hill overlooking the construction work several days after Bob had been promoted from the office to the proud position of being the Chief’s aide.
move up and down repeatedly
From this reading The two were sitting on the side of a hill overlooking the construction work several days after Bob had been promoted from the office to the proud position of being the Chief’s aide.
bossnounUS /bɑːs/
a person who exercises control over workers
From this reading He had been on a message to the cofferdam gang and had returned to find the boss seemingly loafing.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading The way Mr. Whitney answered was encouraging, so Bob came back, “Yes, sir, I’d like to know a lot more about it than I do.
Chief'snounUS /tʃiːfs/
possessive form of “chief” — a person who is in charge
From this reading The two were sitting on the side of a hill overlooking the construction work several days after Bob had been promoted from the office to the proud position of being the Chief’s aide.
cofferdamnoun
large watertight chamber used for construction under water
From this reading He had been on a message to the cofferdam gang and had returned to find the boss seemingly loafing.
constructionnounUS /kənˈstrʌkʃən/
the act of constructing something
From this reading The two were sitting on the side of a hill overlooking the construction work several days after Bob had been promoted from the office to the proud position of being the Chief’s aide.
DAMnounUS /dæm/
a barrier constructed to contain the flow of water or to keep out the sea
From this reading THE DAM “So you want me to tell you something about the dam?” said Mr. Whitney, smiling at his rodman.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading The two were sitting on the side of a hill overlooking the construction work several days after Bob had been promoted from the office to the proud position of being the Chief’s aide.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading The way Mr. Whitney answered was encouraging, so Bob came back, “Yes, sir, I’d like to know a lot more about it than I do.
encouragingadjectiveUS /enˈkɜːrɪdʒɪŋ/
giving courage or confidence or hope
From this reading The way Mr. Whitney answered was encouraging, so Bob came back, “Yes, sir, I’d like to know a lot more about it than I do.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading When he saw there might be a few free moments before he was set to work again he ventured some questions regarding the thing that was of most interest to him.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading He had been on a message to the cofferdam gang and had returned to find the boss seemingly loafing.
grant freedom to; free from confinement
From this reading When he saw there might be a few free moments before he was set to work again he ventured some questions regarding the thing that was of most interest to him.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The two were sitting on the side of a hill overlooking the construction work several days after Bob had been promoted from the office to the proud position of being the Chief’s aide.
gangnounUS /ɡæŋ/
an association of criminals
From this reading He had been on a message to the cofferdam gang and had returned to find the boss seemingly loafing.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The two were sitting on the side of a hill overlooking the construction work several days after Bob had been promoted from the office to the proud position of being the Chief’s aide.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He had been on a message to the cofferdam gang and had returned to find the boss seemingly loafing.
a local and well-defined elevation of the land
From this reading The two were sitting on the side of a hill overlooking the construction work several days after Bob had been promoted from the office to the proud position of being the Chief’s aide.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading When he saw there might be a few free moments before he was set to work again he ventured some questions regarding the thing that was of most interest to him.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading THE DAM “So you want me to tell you something about the dam?” said Mr. Whitney, smiling at his rodman.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading The way Mr. Whitney answered was encouraging, so Bob came back, “Yes, sir, I’d like to know a lot more about it than I do.
I'd
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The way Mr. Whitney answered was encouraging, so Bob came back, “Yes, sir, I’d like to know a lot more about it than I do.
a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
From this reading When he saw there might be a few free moments before he was set to work again he ventured some questions regarding the thing that was of most interest to him.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The way Mr. Whitney answered was encouraging, so Bob came back, “Yes, sir, I’d like to know a lot more about it than I do.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading The way Mr. Whitney answered was encouraging, so Bob came back, “Yes, sir, I’d like to know a lot more about it than I do.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading The way Mr. Whitney answered was encouraging, so Bob came back, “Yes, sir, I’d like to know a lot more about it than I do.
loafingnoun
having no employment
From this reading He had been on a message to the cofferdam gang and had returned to find the boss seemingly loafing.
(often followed by “of”) a large number or amount or extent
From this reading The way Mr. Whitney answered was encouraging, so Bob came back, “Yes, sir, I’d like to know a lot more about it than I do.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading THE DAM “So you want me to tell you something about the dam?” said Mr. Whitney, smiling at his rodman.
a communication (usually brief) that is written or spoken or signaled
From this reading He had been on a message to the cofferdam gang and had returned to find the boss seemingly loafing.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading When he saw there might be a few free moments before he was set to work again he ventured some questions regarding the thing that was of most interest to him.
plural of “moment” — a particular point in time
From this reading When he saw there might be a few free moments before he was set to work again he ventured some questions regarding the thing that was of most interest to him.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading The way Mr. Whitney answered was encouraging, so Bob came back, “Yes, sir, I’d like to know a lot more about it than I do.
used to form the superlative
From this reading When he saw there might be a few free moments before he was set to work again he ventured some questions regarding the thing that was of most interest to him.
a form of address for a man
From this reading THE DAM “So you want me to tell you something about the dam?” said Mr. Whitney, smiling at his rodman.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The two were sitting on the side of a hill overlooking the construction work several days after Bob had been promoted from the office to the proud position of being the Chief’s aide.
place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed
From this reading The two were sitting on the side of a hill overlooking the construction work several days after Bob had been promoted from the office to the proud position of being the Chief’s aide.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The two were sitting on the side of a hill overlooking the construction work several days after Bob had been promoted from the office to the proud position of being the Chief’s aide.
overlookingadjectiveUS /ˈoʊvərlʊkɪŋ/
used of a height or viewpoint
From this reading The two were sitting on the side of a hill overlooking the construction work several days after Bob had been promoted from the office to the proud position of being the Chief’s aide.
the particular portion of space occupied by something
From this reading The two were sitting on the side of a hill overlooking the construction work several days after Bob had been promoted from the office to the proud position of being the Chief’s aide.
promotedverbUS /prəˈmoʊtɪd/
past form of “promote” — contribute to the progress or growth of
From this reading The two were sitting on the side of a hill overlooking the construction work several days after Bob had been promoted from the office to the proud position of being the Chief’s aide.
feeling self-respect or pleasure in something by which you measure your self-worth; or being a reason for pride
From this reading The two were sitting on the side of a hill overlooking the construction work several days after Bob had been promoted from the office to the proud position of being the Chief’s aide.
plural of “question” — an instance of questioning
From this reading When he saw there might be a few free moments before he was set to work again he ventured some questions regarding the thing that was of most interest to him.
-ing form of “regard” — deem to be
From this reading When he saw there might be a few free moments before he was set to work again he ventured some questions regarding the thing that was of most interest to him.
past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading He had been on a message to the cofferdam gang and had returned to find the boss seemingly loafing.
rodman
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE DAM “So you want me to tell you something about the dam?” said Mr. Whitney, smiling at his rodman.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading THE DAM “So you want me to tell you something about the dam?” said Mr. Whitney, smiling at his rodman.
cut with a saw
From this reading When he saw there might be a few free moments before he was set to work again he ventured some questions regarding the thing that was of most interest to him.
seeminglyadverbUS /ˈsiːmɪŋli/
from appearances alone
From this reading He had been on a message to the cofferdam gang and had returned to find the boss seemingly loafing.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading When he saw there might be a few free moments before he was set to work again he ventured some questions regarding the thing that was of most interest to him.
(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many
From this reading The two were sitting on the side of a hill overlooking the construction work several days after Bob had been promoted from the office to the proud position of being the Chief’s aide.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading The two were sitting on the side of a hill overlooking the construction work several days after Bob had been promoted from the office to the proud position of being the Chief’s aide.
term of address for a man
From this reading The way Mr. Whitney answered was encouraging, so Bob came back, “Yes, sir, I’d like to know a lot more about it than I do.
(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)
From this reading The two were sitting on the side of a hill overlooking the construction work several days after Bob had been promoted from the office to the proud position of being the Chief’s aide.
a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement
From this reading THE DAM “So you want me to tell you something about the dam?” said Mr. Whitney, smiling at his rodman.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading THE DAM “So you want me to tell you something about the dam?” said Mr. Whitney, smiling at his rodman.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading When he saw there might be a few free moments before he was set to work again he ventured some questions regarding the thing that was of most interest to him.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading THE DAM “So you want me to tell you something about the dam?” said Mr. Whitney, smiling at his rodman.
express in words
From this reading THE DAM “So you want me to tell you something about the dam?” said Mr. Whitney, smiling at his rodman.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading The way Mr. Whitney answered was encouraging, so Bob came back, “Yes, sir, I’d like to know a lot more about it than I do.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading When he saw there might be a few free moments before he was set to work again he ventured some questions regarding the thing that was of most interest to him.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE DAM “So you want me to tell you something about the dam?” said Mr. Whitney, smiling at his rodman.
in or at that place or location
From this reading When he saw there might be a few free moments before he was set to work again he ventured some questions regarding the thing that was of most interest to him.
a special situation
From this reading When he saw there might be a few free moments before he was set to work again he ventured some questions regarding the thing that was of most interest to him.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE DAM “So you want me to tell you something about the dam?” said Mr. Whitney, smiling at his rodman.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading The two were sitting on the side of a hill overlooking the construction work several days after Bob had been promoted from the office to the proud position of being the Chief’s aide.
past form of “venture” — proceed somewhere despite the risk of possible dangers
From this reading When he saw there might be a few free moments before he was set to work again he ventured some questions regarding the thing that was of most interest to him.
feel or have a desire for; want strongly
From this reading THE DAM “So you want me to tell you something about the dam?” said Mr. Whitney, smiling at his rodman.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading When he saw there might be a few free moments before he was set to work again he ventured some questions regarding the thing that was of most interest to him.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading The way Mr. Whitney answered was encouraging, so Bob came back, “Yes, sir, I’d like to know a lot more about it than I do.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The two were sitting on the side of a hill overlooking the construction work several days after Bob had been promoted from the office to the proud position of being the Chief’s aide.
at the time that
From this reading When he saw there might be a few free moments before he was set to work again he ventured some questions regarding the thing that was of most interest to him.
WhitneynounUS /ˈwɪtni/
United States inventor of the mechanical cotton gin (1765-1825)
From this reading THE DAM “So you want me to tell you something about the dam?” said Mr. Whitney, smiling at his rodman.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading The two were sitting on the side of a hill overlooking the construction work several days after Bob had been promoted from the office to the proud position of being the Chief’s aide.
an affirmative
From this reading The way Mr. Whitney answered was encouraging, so Bob came back, “Yes, sir, I’d like to know a lot more about it than I do.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading THE DAM “So you want me to tell you something about the dam?” said Mr. Whitney, smiling at his rodman.
