used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading JAKE EXPLAINS MATTERS The sun had sunk behind the range when Clare Kenwardine stood, musing, on a balcony of the house.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading Voices and footsteps reached her across the roofs, for Santa Brigida was wakening from its afternoon sleep and the traffic had begun again in the cooling streets.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading She hoped she was not unnecessarily censorious and tried to argue that after all there was no great harm in gambling, but rarely succeeded in convincing herself.
the part of the day between noon and evening
From this reading Voices and footsteps reached her across the roofs, for Santa Brigida was wakening from its afternoon sleep and the traffic had begun again in the cooling streets.
anew
From this reading Voices and footsteps reached her across the roofs, for Santa Brigida was wakening from its afternoon sleep and the traffic had begun again in the cooling streets.
(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 She hoped she was not unnecessarily censorious and tried to argue that after all there was no great harm in gambling, but rarely succeeded in convincing herself.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Voices and footsteps reached her across the roofs, for Santa Brigida was wakening from its afternoon sleep and the traffic had begun again in the cooling streets.
argueverbUS /ˈɑːrɡjuː/
present reasons and arguments
From this reading She hoped she was not unnecessarily censorious and tried to argue that after all there was no great harm in gambling, but rarely succeeded in convincing herself.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The girl listened vacantly, as she grappled with questions that had grown more troublesome of late.
balconynounUS /ˈbælkəni/
an upper floor projecting from the rear over the main floor in an auditorium
From this reading JAKE EXPLAINS MATTERS The sun had sunk behind the range when Clare Kenwardine stood, musing, on a balcony of the house.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading Voices and footsteps reached her across the roofs, for Santa Brigida was wakening from its afternoon sleep and the traffic had begun again in the cooling streets.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading JAKE EXPLAINS MATTERS The sun had sunk behind the range when Clare Kenwardine stood, musing, on a balcony of the house.
Brigida
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Voices and footsteps reached her across the roofs, for Santa Brigida was wakening from its afternoon sleep and the traffic had begun again in the cooling streets.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading She hoped she was not unnecessarily censorious and tried to argue that after all there was no great harm in gambling, but rarely succeeded in convincing herself.
censoriousadjective
harshly critical or expressing censure
From this reading She hoped she was not unnecessarily censorious and tried to argue that after all there was no great harm in gambling, but rarely succeeded in convincing herself.
Clare
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JAKE EXPLAINS MATTERS The sun had sunk behind the range when Clare Kenwardine stood, musing, on a balcony of the house.
convincingadjectiveUS /kənˈvɪnsɪŋ/
causing one to believe the truth of something
From this reading She hoped she was not unnecessarily censorious and tried to argue that after all there was no great harm in gambling, but rarely succeeded in convincing herself.
coolingnounUS /ˈkuːlɪŋ/
the process of becoming cooler; a falling temperature
From this reading Voices and footsteps reached her across the roofs, for Santa Brigida was wakening from its afternoon sleep and the traffic had begun again in the cooling streets.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading The life she led often jarred, and yet she could find no escape.
the act of escaping physically
From this reading The life she led often jarred, and yet she could find no escape.
EXPLAINSverbUS /ɪkˈspleɪnz/
third-person singular of “explain” — make plain and comprehensible
From this reading JAKE EXPLAINS MATTERS The sun had sunk behind the range when Clare Kenwardine stood, musing, on a balcony of the house.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading The life she led often jarred, and yet she could find no escape.
plural of “footstep” — the sound of a step of someone walking
From this reading Voices and footsteps reached her across the roofs, for Santa Brigida was wakening from its afternoon sleep and the traffic had begun again in the cooling streets.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Voices and footsteps reached her across the roofs, for Santa Brigida was wakening from its afternoon sleep and the traffic had begun again in the cooling streets.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Voices and footsteps reached her across the roofs, for Santa Brigida was wakening from its afternoon sleep and the traffic had begun again in the cooling streets.
gamblingnounUS /ˈɡæmbəlɪŋ/
the act of playing for stakes in the hope of winning (including the payment of a price for a chance to win a prize)
From this reading She hoped she was not unnecessarily censorious and tried to argue that after all there was no great harm in gambling, but rarely succeeded in convincing herself.
a young female
From this reading The girl listened vacantly, as she grappled with questions that had grown more troublesome of late.
grappledverbUS /ˈɡræpəld/
past form of “grapple” — succeed in doing, achieving, or producing (something) with the limited or inadequate means available
From this reading The girl listened vacantly, as she grappled with questions that had grown more troublesome of late.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading She hoped she was not unnecessarily censorious and tried to argue that after all there was no great harm in gambling, but rarely succeeded in convincing herself.
(of animals) fully developed
From this reading The girl listened vacantly, as she grappled with questions that had grown more troublesome of late.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading JAKE EXPLAINS MATTERS The sun had sunk behind the range when Clare Kenwardine stood, musing, on a balcony of the house.
any physical damage to the body caused by violence or accident or fracture etc.
From this reading She hoped she was not unnecessarily censorious and tried to argue that after all there was no great harm in gambling, but rarely succeeded in convincing herself.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Voices and footsteps reached her across the roofs, for Santa Brigida was wakening from its afternoon sleep and the traffic had begun again in the cooling streets.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading She hoped she was not unnecessarily censorious and tried to argue that after all there was no great harm in gambling, but rarely succeeded in convincing herself.
past form of “hope” — expect and wish
From this reading She hoped she was not unnecessarily censorious and tried to argue that after all there was no great harm in gambling, but rarely succeeded in convincing herself.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading JAKE EXPLAINS MATTERS The sun had sunk behind the range when Clare Kenwardine stood, musing, on a balcony of the house.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Voices and footsteps reached her across the roofs, for Santa Brigida was wakening from its afternoon sleep and the traffic had begun again in the cooling streets.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Voices and footsteps reached her across the roofs, for Santa Brigida was wakening from its afternoon sleep and the traffic had begun again in the cooling streets.
JAKE
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JAKE EXPLAINS MATTERS The sun had sunk behind the range when Clare Kenwardine stood, musing, on a balcony of the house.
jarredverbUS /dʒɑːrd/
inflected form of “jar” — be incompatible; be or come into conflict
From this reading The life she led often jarred, and yet she could find no escape.
Kenwardine
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JAKE EXPLAINS MATTERS The sun had sunk behind the range when Clare Kenwardine stood, musing, on a balcony of the house.
being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time
From this reading The girl listened vacantly, as she grappled with questions that had grown more troublesome of late.
diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used
From this reading The life she led often jarred, and yet she could find no escape.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading The life she led often jarred, and yet she could find no escape.
past form of “listen” — hear with intention
From this reading The girl listened vacantly, as she grappled with questions that had grown more troublesome of late.
plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern
From this reading JAKE EXPLAINS MATTERS The sun had sunk behind the range when Clare Kenwardine stood, musing, on a balcony of the house.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading The girl listened vacantly, as she grappled with questions that had grown more troublesome of late.
musingnounUS /ˈmjuːzɪŋ/
a calm, lengthy, intent consideration
From this reading JAKE EXPLAINS MATTERS The sun had sunk behind the range when Clare Kenwardine stood, musing, on a balcony of the house.
not any; not one
From this reading The life she led often jarred, and yet she could find no escape.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading She hoped she was not unnecessarily censorious and tried to argue that after all there was no great harm in gambling, but rarely succeeded in convincing herself.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading JAKE EXPLAINS MATTERS The sun had sunk behind the range when Clare Kenwardine stood, musing, on a balcony of the house.
many times at short intervals
From this reading The life she led often jarred, and yet she could find no escape.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading JAKE EXPLAINS MATTERS The sun had sunk behind the range when Clare Kenwardine stood, musing, on a balcony of the house.
plural of “question” — an instance of questioning
From this reading The girl listened vacantly, as she grappled with questions that had grown more troublesome of late.
an area in which something acts or operates or has power or control: "the range of a supersonic jet"
From this reading JAKE EXPLAINS MATTERS The sun had sunk behind the range when Clare Kenwardine stood, musing, on a balcony of the house.
rarelyadverbUS /ˈrerli/
not often
From this reading She hoped she was not unnecessarily censorious and tried to argue that after all there was no great harm in gambling, but rarely succeeded in convincing herself.
past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading Voices and footsteps reached her across the roofs, for Santa Brigida was wakening from its afternoon sleep and the traffic had begun again in the cooling streets.
roofsnounUS /ruːfs/
plural of “roof” — a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building
From this reading Voices and footsteps reached her across the roofs, for Santa Brigida was wakening from its afternoon sleep and the traffic had begun again in the cooling streets.
SantanounUS /ˈsæntə/
the legendary patron saint of children; an imaginary being who is thought to bring presents to children at Christmas
From this reading Voices and footsteps reached her across the roofs, for Santa Brigida was wakening from its afternoon sleep and the traffic had begun again in the cooling streets.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The girl listened vacantly, as she grappled with questions that had grown more troublesome of late.
a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended
From this reading Voices and footsteps reached her across the roofs, for Santa Brigida was wakening from its afternoon sleep and the traffic had begun again in the cooling streets.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading JAKE EXPLAINS MATTERS The sun had sunk behind the range when Clare Kenwardine stood, musing, on a balcony of the house.
plural of “street” — a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading Voices and footsteps reached her across the roofs, for Santa Brigida was wakening from its afternoon sleep and the traffic had begun again in the cooling streets.
past form of “succeed” — attain success or reach a desired goal
From this reading She hoped she was not unnecessarily censorious and tried to argue that after all there was no great harm in gambling, but rarely succeeded in convincing herself.
the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading JAKE EXPLAINS MATTERS The sun had sunk behind the range when Clare Kenwardine stood, musing, on a balcony of the house.
sunkadjectiveUS /sʌŋk/
doomed to extinction
From this reading JAKE EXPLAINS MATTERS The sun had sunk behind the range when Clare Kenwardine stood, musing, on a balcony of the house.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The girl listened vacantly, as she grappled with questions that had grown more troublesome of late.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading JAKE EXPLAINS MATTERS The sun had sunk behind the range when Clare Kenwardine stood, musing, on a balcony of the house.
in or at that place or location
From this reading She hoped she was not unnecessarily censorious and tried to argue that after all there was no great harm in gambling, but rarely succeeded in convincing herself.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading She hoped she was not unnecessarily censorious and tried to argue that after all there was no great harm in gambling, but rarely succeeded in convincing herself.
trafficnounUS /ˈtræfɪk/
the aggregation of things (pedestrians or vehicles) coming and going in a particular locality during a specified period of time
From this reading Voices and footsteps reached her across the roofs, for Santa Brigida was wakening from its afternoon sleep and the traffic had begun again in the cooling streets.
tested and proved useful or correct
From this reading She hoped she was not unnecessarily censorious and tried to argue that after all there was no great harm in gambling, but rarely succeeded in convincing herself.
troublesomeadjectiveUS /ˈtrʌbəlsəm/
causing difficulty or annoyance
From this reading The girl listened vacantly, as she grappled with questions that had grown more troublesome of late.
unnecessarilyadverbUS /ənˈnesəserəli/
in an unnecessary manner
From this reading She hoped she was not unnecessarily censorious and tried to argue that after all there was no great harm in gambling, but rarely succeeded in convincing herself.
vacantlyadverb
in a vacant manner
From this reading The girl listened vacantly, as she grappled with questions that had grown more troublesome of late.
plural of “voice” — the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading Voices and footsteps reached her across the roofs, for Santa Brigida was wakening from its afternoon sleep and the traffic had begun again in the cooling streets.
wakeningnoun
the act of waking
From this reading Voices and footsteps reached her across the roofs, for Santa Brigida was wakening from its afternoon sleep and the traffic had begun again in the cooling streets.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Voices and footsteps reached her across the roofs, for Santa Brigida was wakening from its afternoon sleep and the traffic had begun again in the cooling streets.
at the time that
From this reading JAKE EXPLAINS MATTERS The sun had sunk behind the range when Clare Kenwardine stood, musing, on a balcony of the house.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The girl listened vacantly, as she grappled with questions that had grown more troublesome of late.
but in spite of that
From this reading The life she led often jarred, and yet she could find no escape.
