used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading JAKE GETS INTO DIFFICULTIES Day was breaking, though it was still dark at the foot of the range, when Dick returned wearily to his iron shack after a night's work at the dam.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading JAKE GETS INTO DIFFICULTIES Day was breaking, though it was still dark at the foot of the range, when Dick returned wearily to his iron shack after a night's work at the dam.
the part of the day between noon and evening
From this reading There had been a local subsidence of the foundations on the previous afternoon, and he could not leave the spot until precautions had been taken to prevent the danger spreading.
(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 Dick called his colored servant and asked him: "Why are all the lights burning, and what's this mess?"
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading There had been a local subsidence of the foundations on the previous afternoon, and he could not leave the spot until precautions had been taken to prevent the danger spreading.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Dick called his colored servant and asked him: "Why are all the lights burning, and what's this mess?"
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading "Looks as if a bathing party had been walking round the shack, and your boy had tried to clean up when he was half-asleep," Bethune said.
past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading Dick called his colored servant and asked him: "Why are all the lights burning, and what's this mess?"
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading JAKE GETS INTO DIFFICULTIES Day was breaking, though it was still dark at the foot of the range, when Dick returned wearily to his iron shack after a night's work at the dam.
bathingnounUS /ˈbeɪðɪŋ/
immersing the body in water or sunshine
From this reading "Looks as if a bathing party had been walking round the shack, and your boy had tried to clean up when he was half-asleep," Bethune said.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading There had been a local subsidence of the foundations on the previous afternoon, and he could not leave the spot until precautions had been taken to prevent the danger spreading.
BethunenounUS /bəˈθjuːn/
United States educator who worked to improve race relations and educational opportunities for Black Americans (1875-1955)
From this reading Bethune came with him to look at some plans, and on entering the veranda they were surprised to find the house well lighted and smears of mud and water upon the floor.
a youthful male person
From this reading "Looks as if a bathing party had been walking round the shack, and your boy had tried to clean up when he was half-asleep," Bethune said.
the act of breaking something
From this reading JAKE GETS INTO DIFFICULTIES Day was breaking, though it was still dark at the foot of the range, when Dick returned wearily to his iron shack after a night's work at the dam.
the act of burning something
From this reading Dick called his colored servant and asked him: "Why are all the lights burning, and what's this mess?"
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading Dick called his colored servant and asked him: "Why are all the lights burning, and what's this mess?"
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Bethune came with him to look at some plans, and on entering the veranda they were surprised to find the house well lighted and smears of mud and water upon the floor.
free from dirt or impurities; or having clean habits
From this reading "Looks as if a bathing party had been walking round the shack, and your boy had tried to clean up when he was half-asleep," Bethune said.
coloredadjectiveUS /ˈkʌlərd/
having color or a certain color; sometimes used in combination
From this reading Dick called his colored servant and asked him: "Why are all the lights burning, and what's this mess?"
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading There had been a local subsidence of the foundations on the previous afternoon, and he could not leave the spot until precautions had been taken to prevent the danger spreading.
damnounUS /dæm/
a barrier constructed to contain the flow of water or to keep out the sea
From this reading JAKE GETS INTO DIFFICULTIES Day was breaking, though it was still dark at the foot of the range, when Dick returned wearily to his iron shack after a night's work at the dam.
the condition of being susceptible to harm or injury
From this reading There had been a local subsidence of the foundations on the previous afternoon, and he could not leave the spot until precautions had been taken to prevent the danger spreading.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading JAKE GETS INTO DIFFICULTIES Day was breaking, though it was still dark at the foot of the range, when Dick returned wearily to his iron shack after a night's work at the dam.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading JAKE GETS INTO DIFFICULTIES Day was breaking, though it was still dark at the foot of the range, when Dick returned wearily to his iron shack after a night's work at the dam.
someone who is a detective
From this reading JAKE GETS INTO DIFFICULTIES Day was breaking, though it was still dark at the foot of the range, when Dick returned wearily to his iron shack after a night's work at the dam.
plural of “difficulty” — an effort that is inconvenient
From this reading JAKE GETS INTO DIFFICULTIES Day was breaking, though it was still dark at the foot of the range, when Dick returned wearily to his iron shack after a night's work at the dam.
a movement into or inward
From this reading Bethune came with him to look at some plans, and on entering the veranda they were surprised to find the house well lighted and smears of mud and water upon the floor.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading Bethune came with him to look at some plans, and on entering the veranda they were surprised to find the house well lighted and smears of mud and water upon the floor.
the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)
From this reading Bethune came with him to look at some plans, and on entering the veranda they were surprised to find the house well lighted and smears of mud and water upon the floor.
the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading JAKE GETS INTO DIFFICULTIES Day was breaking, though it was still dark at the foot of the range, when Dick returned wearily to his iron shack after a night's work at the dam.
foundationsnounUS /faʊnˈdeɪʃənz/
plural of “foundation” — the basis on which something is grounded
From this reading There had been a local subsidence of the foundations on the previous afternoon, and he could not leave the spot until precautions had been taken to prevent the danger spreading.
plural of “get” — a return on a shot that seemed impossible to reach and would normally have resulted in a point for the opponent
From this reading JAKE GETS INTO DIFFICULTIES Day was breaking, though it was still dark at the foot of the range, when Dick returned wearily to his iron shack after a night's work at the dam.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading There had been a local subsidence of the foundations on the previous afternoon, and he could not leave the spot until precautions had been taken to prevent the danger spreading.
half-asleep
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Looks as if a bathing party had been walking round the shack, and your boy had tried to clean up when he was half-asleep," Bethune said.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading There had been a local subsidence of the foundations on the previous afternoon, and he could not leave the spot until precautions had been taken to prevent the danger spreading.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Bethune came with him to look at some plans, and on entering the veranda they were surprised to find the house well lighted and smears of mud and water upon the floor.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading JAKE GETS INTO DIFFICULTIES Day was breaking, though it was still dark at the foot of the range, when Dick returned wearily to his iron shack after a night's work at the dam.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading Bethune came with him to look at some plans, and on entering the veranda they were surprised to find the house well lighted and smears of mud and water upon the floor.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading "Looks as if a bathing party had been walking round the shack, and your boy had tried to clean up when he was half-asleep," Bethune said.
INTOprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading JAKE GETS INTO DIFFICULTIES Day was breaking, though it was still dark at the foot of the range, when Dick returned wearily to his iron shack after a night's work at the dam.
a heavy ductile magnetic metallic element; is silver-white in pure form but readily rusts; used in construction and tools and armament; plays a role in the transport of oxygen by the blood
From this reading JAKE GETS INTO DIFFICULTIES Day was breaking, though it was still dark at the foot of the range, when Dick returned wearily to his iron shack after a night's work at the dam.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading JAKE GETS INTO DIFFICULTIES Day was breaking, though it was still dark at the foot of the range, when Dick returned wearily to his iron shack after a night's work at the dam.
JAKE
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JAKE GETS INTO DIFFICULTIES Day was breaking, though it was still dark at the foot of the range, when Dick returned wearily to his iron shack after a night's work at the dam.
go away from a place
From this reading There had been a local subsidence of the foundations on the previous afternoon, and he could not leave the spot until precautions had been taken to prevent the danger spreading.
set afire or burning
From this reading Bethune came with him to look at some plans, and on entering the veranda they were surprised to find the house well lighted and smears of mud and water upon the floor.
plural of “light” — (physics) electromagnetic radiation that can produce a visual sensation
From this reading Dick called his colored servant and asked him: "Why are all the lights burning, and what's this mess?"
localadjectiveUS /ˈloʊkəl/
relating to or applicable to or concerned with the administration of a city or town or district rather than a larger area
From this reading There had been a local subsidence of the foundations on the previous afternoon, and he could not leave the spot until precautions had been taken to prevent the danger spreading.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading Bethune came with him to look at some plans, and on entering the veranda they were surprised to find the house well lighted and smears of mud and water upon the floor.
plural of “look” — the feelings expressed on a person's face
From this reading "Looks as if a bathing party had been walking round the shack, and your boy had tried to clean up when he was half-asleep," Bethune said.
messnounUS /mes/
a state of confusion and disorderliness
From this reading Dick called his colored servant and asked him: "Why are all the lights burning, and what's this mess?"
water soaked soil; soft wet earth
From this reading Bethune came with him to look at some plans, and on entering the veranda they were surprised to find the house well lighted and smears of mud and water upon the floor.
night'snounUS /naɪts/
possessive form of “night” — the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading JAKE GETS INTO DIFFICULTIES Day was breaking, though it was still dark at the foot of the range, when Dick returned wearily to his iron shack after a night's work at the dam.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading There had been a local subsidence of the foundations on the previous afternoon, and he could not leave the spot until precautions had been taken to prevent the danger spreading.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading JAKE GETS INTO DIFFICULTIES Day was breaking, though it was still dark at the foot of the range, when Dick returned wearily to his iron shack after a night's work at the dam.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading There had been a local subsidence of the foundations on the previous afternoon, and he could not leave the spot until precautions had been taken to prevent the danger spreading.
an organization to gain political power
From this reading "Looks as if a bathing party had been walking round the shack, and your boy had tried to clean up when he was half-asleep," Bethune said.
plural of “plan” — a series of steps to be carried out or goals to be accomplished
From this reading Bethune came with him to look at some plans, and on entering the veranda they were surprised to find the house well lighted and smears of mud and water upon the floor.
precautionsnounUS /priˈkɔːʃənz/
plural of “precaution” — a precautionary measure warding off impending danger or damage or injury etc.
From this reading There had been a local subsidence of the foundations on the previous afternoon, and he could not leave the spot until precautions had been taken to prevent the danger spreading.
keep from happening or arising; make impossible
From this reading There had been a local subsidence of the foundations on the previous afternoon, and he could not leave the spot until precautions had been taken to prevent the danger spreading.
just preceding something else in time or order
From this reading There had been a local subsidence of the foundations on the previous afternoon, and he could not leave the spot until precautions had been taken to prevent the danger spreading.
an area in which something acts or operates or has power or control: "the range of a supersonic jet"
From this reading JAKE GETS INTO DIFFICULTIES Day was breaking, though it was still dark at the foot of the range, when Dick returned wearily to his iron shack after a night's work at the dam.
past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading JAKE GETS INTO DIFFICULTIES Day was breaking, though it was still dark at the foot of the range, when Dick returned wearily to his iron shack after a night's work at the dam.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading "Looks as if a bathing party had been walking round the shack, and your boy had tried to clean up when he was half-asleep," Bethune said.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading "Looks as if a bathing party had been walking round the shack, and your boy had tried to clean up when he was half-asleep," Bethune said.
a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)
From this reading Dick called his colored servant and asked him: "Why are all the lights burning, and what's this mess?"
shacknounUS /ʃæk/
small crude shelter used as a dwelling
From this reading JAKE GETS INTO DIFFICULTIES Day was breaking, though it was still dark at the foot of the range, when Dick returned wearily to his iron shack after a night's work at the dam.
smearsnounUS /smɪrz/
plural of “smear” — slanderous defamation
From this reading Bethune came with him to look at some plans, and on entering the veranda they were surprised to find the house well lighted and smears of mud and water upon the floor.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Bethune came with him to look at some plans, and on entering the veranda they were surprised to find the house well lighted and smears of mud and water upon the floor.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading There had been a local subsidence of the foundations on the previous afternoon, and he could not leave the spot until precautions had been taken to prevent the danger spreading.
spreadingnounUS /ˈspredɪŋ/
process or result of distributing or extending over a wide expanse of space
From this reading There had been a local subsidence of the foundations on the previous afternoon, and he could not leave the spot until precautions had been taken to prevent the danger spreading.
not in physical motion
From this reading JAKE GETS INTO DIFFICULTIES Day was breaking, though it was still dark at the foot of the range, when Dick returned wearily to his iron shack after a night's work at the dam.
subsidencenounUS /səbˈsaɪdəns/
an abatement in intensity or degree (as in the manifestations of a disease)
From this reading There had been a local subsidence of the foundations on the previous afternoon, and he could not leave the spot until precautions had been taken to prevent the danger spreading.
taken unawares or suddenly and feeling wonder or astonishment
From this reading Bethune came with him to look at some plans, and on entering the veranda they were surprised to find the house well lighted and smears of mud and water upon the floor.
takenadjectiveUS /ˈteɪkən/
understood in a certain way; made sense of
From this reading There had been a local subsidence of the foundations on the previous afternoon, and he could not leave the spot until precautions had been taken to prevent the danger spreading.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading JAKE GETS INTO DIFFICULTIES Day was breaking, though it was still dark at the foot of the range, when Dick returned wearily to his iron shack after a night's work at the dam.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There had been a local subsidence of the foundations on the previous afternoon, and he could not leave the spot until precautions had been taken to prevent the danger spreading.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Bethune came with him to look at some plans, and on entering the veranda they were surprised to find the house well lighted and smears of mud and water upon the floor.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Dick called his colored servant and asked him: "Why are all the lights burning, and what's this mess?"
in spite of the fact that
From this reading JAKE GETS INTO DIFFICULTIES Day was breaking, though it was still dark at the foot of the range, when Dick returned wearily to his iron shack after a night's work at the dam.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading JAKE GETS INTO DIFFICULTIES Day was breaking, though it was still dark at the foot of the range, when Dick returned wearily to his iron shack after a night's work at the dam.
tested and proved useful or correct
From this reading "Looks as if a bathing party had been walking round the shack, and your boy had tried to clean up when he was half-asleep," Bethune said.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading There had been a local subsidence of the foundations on the previous afternoon, and he could not leave the spot until precautions had been taken to prevent the danger spreading.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading "Looks as if a bathing party had been walking round the shack, and your boy had tried to clean up when he was half-asleep," Bethune said.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Bethune came with him to look at some plans, and on entering the veranda they were surprised to find the house well lighted and smears of mud and water upon the floor.
verandanounUS /vərˈændə/
a porch along the outside of a building (sometimes partly enclosed)
From this reading Bethune came with him to look at some plans, and on entering the veranda they were surprised to find the house well lighted and smears of mud and water upon the floor.
close enough to be walked to
From this reading "Looks as if a bathing party had been walking round the shack, and your boy had tried to clean up when he was half-asleep," Bethune said.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading JAKE GETS INTO DIFFICULTIES Day was breaking, though it was still dark at the foot of the range, when Dick returned wearily to his iron shack after a night's work at the dam.
binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent
From this reading Bethune came with him to look at some plans, and on entering the veranda they were surprised to find the house well lighted and smears of mud and water upon the floor.
wearilyadverbUS /ˈwerəli/
in a weary manner
From this reading JAKE GETS INTO DIFFICULTIES Day was breaking, though it was still dark at the foot of the range, when Dick returned wearily to his iron shack after a night's work at the dam.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading Bethune came with him to look at some plans, and on entering the veranda they were surprised to find the house well lighted and smears of mud and water upon the floor.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Bethune came with him to look at some plans, and on entering the veranda they were surprised to find the house well lighted and smears of mud and water upon the floor.
what's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Dick called his colored servant and asked him: "Why are all the lights burning, and what's this mess?"
at the time that
From this reading JAKE GETS INTO DIFFICULTIES Day was breaking, though it was still dark at the foot of the range, when Dick returned wearily to his iron shack after a night's work at the dam.
the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”
From this reading Dick called his colored servant and asked him: "Why are all the lights burning, and what's this mess?"
in the company of; together with
From this reading Bethune came with him to look at some plans, and on entering the veranda they were surprised to find the house well lighted and smears of mud and water upon the floor.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading JAKE GETS INTO DIFFICULTIES Day was breaking, though it was still dark at the foot of the range, when Dick returned wearily to his iron shack after a night's work at the dam.
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "Looks as if a bathing party had been walking round the shack, and your boy had tried to clean up when he was half-asleep," Bethune said.
