used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading GRAYLOCK RECEIVES A SURPRISE While they were eating supper that evening and Dick had told his mother all that had happened during the day, not forgetting the contemptible words of the close-fisted grocer, he noticed that she looked even a shade sadder than usual.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading "I did not mean to tell you until after supper, my boy, but since you have been so observing I suppose I must do it now," she replied, turning a bit red.
(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 GRAYLOCK RECEIVES A SURPRISE While they were eating supper that evening and Dick had told his mother all that had happened during the day, not forgetting the contemptible words of the close-fisted grocer, he noticed that she looked even a shade sadder than usual.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading GRAYLOCK RECEIVES A SURPRISE While they were eating supper that evening and Dick had told his mother all that had happened during the day, not forgetting the contemptible words of the close-fisted grocer, he noticed that she looked even a shade sadder than usual.
past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading "What has happened to make you feel badly, mother?" he asked, catching her eyes at last.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading "What has happened to make you feel badly, mother?" he asked, catching her eyes at last.
to a severe or serious degree
From this reading "What has happened to make you feel badly, mother?" he asked, catching her eyes at last.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading "I did not mean to tell you until after supper, my boy, but since you have been so observing I suppose I must do it now," she replied, turning a bit red.
a small piece or quantity of something
From this reading "I did not mean to tell you until after supper, my boy, but since you have been so observing I suppose I must do it now," she replied, turning a bit red.
a youthful male person
From this reading "I did not mean to tell you until after supper, my boy, but since you have been so observing I suppose I must do it now," she replied, turning a bit red.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading "I did not mean to tell you until after supper, my boy, but since you have been so observing I suppose I must do it now," she replied, turning a bit red.
catchingnounUS /ˈkætʃɪŋ/
(baseball) playing the position of catcher on a baseball team
From this reading "What has happened to make you feel badly, mother?" he asked, catching her eyes at last.
close-fisted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading GRAYLOCK RECEIVES A SURPRISE While they were eating supper that evening and Dick had told his mother all that had happened during the day, not forgetting the contemptible words of the close-fisted grocer, he noticed that she looked even a shade sadder than usual.
contemptibleadjectiveUS /kənˈtemptəbəl/
deserving of contempt or scorn
From this reading GRAYLOCK RECEIVES A SURPRISE While they were eating supper that evening and Dick had told his mother all that had happened during the day, not forgetting the contemptible words of the close-fisted grocer, he noticed that she looked even a shade sadder than usual.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading GRAYLOCK RECEIVES A SURPRISE While they were eating supper that evening and Dick had told his mother all that had happened during the day, not forgetting the contemptible words of the close-fisted grocer, he noticed that she looked even a shade sadder than usual.
someone who is a detective
From this reading GRAYLOCK RECEIVES A SURPRISE While they were eating supper that evening and Dick had told his mother all that had happened during the day, not forgetting the contemptible words of the close-fisted grocer, he noticed that she looked even a shade sadder than usual.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading "I did not mean to tell you until after supper, my boy, but since you have been so observing I suppose I must do it now," she replied, turning a bit red.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading "I did not mean to tell you until after supper, my boy, but since you have been so observing I suppose I must do it now," she replied, turning a bit red.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading GRAYLOCK RECEIVES A SURPRISE While they were eating supper that evening and Dick had told his mother all that had happened during the day, not forgetting the contemptible words of the close-fisted grocer, he noticed that she looked even a shade sadder than usual.
the act of consuming food
From this reading GRAYLOCK RECEIVES A SURPRISE While they were eating supper that evening and Dick had told his mother all that had happened during the day, not forgetting the contemptible words of the close-fisted grocer, he noticed that she looked even a shade sadder than usual.
divisible by two
From this reading GRAYLOCK RECEIVES A SURPRISE While they were eating supper that evening and Dick had told his mother all that had happened during the day, not forgetting the contemptible words of the close-fisted grocer, he noticed that she looked even a shade sadder than usual.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading GRAYLOCK RECEIVES A SURPRISE While they were eating supper that evening and Dick had told his mother all that had happened during the day, not forgetting the contemptible words of the close-fisted grocer, he noticed that she looked even a shade sadder than usual.
opinion or judgment
From this reading "What has happened to make you feel badly, mother?" he asked, catching her eyes at last.
undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind
From this reading "What has happened to make you feel badly, mother?" he asked, catching her eyes at last.
forgettingverbUS /fərˈɡetɪŋ/
inflected form of “forget” — dismiss from the mind; stop remembering
From this reading GRAYLOCK RECEIVES A SURPRISE While they were eating supper that evening and Dick had told his mother all that had happened during the day, not forgetting the contemptible words of the close-fisted grocer, he noticed that she looked even a shade sadder than usual.
GRAYLOCK
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading GRAYLOCK RECEIVES A SURPRISE While they were eating supper that evening and Dick had told his mother all that had happened during the day, not forgetting the contemptible words of the close-fisted grocer, he noticed that she looked even a shade sadder than usual.
grocernounUS /ˈɡroʊsər/
a retail merchant who sells foodstuffs (and some household supplies)
From this reading GRAYLOCK RECEIVES A SURPRISE While they were eating supper that evening and Dick had told his mother all that had happened during the day, not forgetting the contemptible words of the close-fisted grocer, he noticed that she looked even a shade sadder than usual.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading GRAYLOCK RECEIVES A SURPRISE While they were eating supper that evening and Dick had told his mother all that had happened during the day, not forgetting the contemptible words of the close-fisted grocer, he noticed that she looked even a shade sadder than usual.
past form of “happen” — come to pass
From this reading GRAYLOCK RECEIVES A SURPRISE While they were eating supper that evening and Dick had told his mother all that had happened during the day, not forgetting the contemptible words of the close-fisted grocer, he noticed that she looked even a shade sadder than usual.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "What has happened to make you feel badly, mother?" he asked, catching her eyes at last.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading "I did not mean to tell you until after supper, my boy, but since you have been so observing I suppose I must do it now," she replied, turning a bit red.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading GRAYLOCK RECEIVES A SURPRISE While they were eating supper that evening and Dick had told his mother all that had happened during the day, not forgetting the contemptible words of the close-fisted grocer, he noticed that she looked even a shade sadder than usual.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading "What has happened to make you feel badly, mother?" he asked, catching her eyes at last.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading GRAYLOCK RECEIVES A SURPRISE While they were eating supper that evening and Dick had told his mother all that had happened during the day, not forgetting the contemptible words of the close-fisted grocer, he noticed that she looked even a shade sadder than usual.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "I did not mean to tell you until after supper, my boy, but since you have been so observing I suppose I must do it now," she replied, turning a bit red.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading "I did not mean to tell you until after supper, my boy, but since you have been so observing I suppose I must do it now," she replied, turning a bit red.
immediately past
From this reading "What has happened to make you feel badly, mother?" he asked, catching her eyes at last.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading GRAYLOCK RECEIVES A SURPRISE While they were eating supper that evening and Dick had told his mother all that had happened during the day, not forgetting the contemptible words of the close-fisted grocer, he noticed that she looked even a shade sadder than usual.
engage in
From this reading "What has happened to make you feel badly, mother?" he asked, catching her eyes at last.
mean or intend to express or convey
From this reading "I did not mean to tell you until after supper, my boy, but since you have been so observing I suppose I must do it now," she replied, turning a bit red.
a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading GRAYLOCK RECEIVES A SURPRISE While they were eating supper that evening and Dick had told his mother all that had happened during the day, not forgetting the contemptible words of the close-fisted grocer, he noticed that she looked even a shade sadder than usual.
a form of address for a man
From this reading MR.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading "I did not mean to tell you until after supper, my boy, but since you have been so observing I suppose I must do it now," she replied, turning a bit red.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading "I did not mean to tell you until after supper, my boy, but since you have been so observing I suppose I must do it now," she replied, turning a bit red.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading GRAYLOCK RECEIVES A SURPRISE While they were eating supper that evening and Dick had told his mother all that had happened during the day, not forgetting the contemptible words of the close-fisted grocer, he noticed that she looked even a shade sadder than usual.
being perceived or observed
From this reading GRAYLOCK RECEIVES A SURPRISE While they were eating supper that evening and Dick had told his mother all that had happened during the day, not forgetting the contemptible words of the close-fisted grocer, he noticed that she looked even a shade sadder than usual.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading "I did not mean to tell you until after supper, my boy, but since you have been so observing I suppose I must do it now," she replied, turning a bit red.
observingadjectiveUS /əbˈzɜːrvɪŋ/
quick to notice; showing quick and keen perception
From this reading "I did not mean to tell you until after supper, my boy, but since you have been so observing I suppose I must do it now," she replied, turning a bit red.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading GRAYLOCK RECEIVES A SURPRISE While they were eating supper that evening and Dick had told his mother all that had happened during the day, not forgetting the contemptible words of the close-fisted grocer, he noticed that she looked even a shade sadder than usual.
RECEIVESverbUS /rəˈsiːvz/
third-person singular of “receive” — get something; come into possession of
From this reading GRAYLOCK RECEIVES A SURPRISE While they were eating supper that evening and Dick had told his mother all that had happened during the day, not forgetting the contemptible words of the close-fisted grocer, he noticed that she looked even a shade sadder than usual.
red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood
From this reading "I did not mean to tell you until after supper, my boy, but since you have been so observing I suppose I must do it now," she replied, turning a bit red.
inflected form of “reply” — react verbally
From this reading "I did not mean to tell you until after supper, my boy, but since you have been so observing I suppose I must do it now," she replied, turning a bit red.
precisely, exactly
From this reading "Then I was right, and something has upset you.
sadderadjectiveUS /ˈsædər/
comparative of “sad” — experiencing or showing sorrow or unhappiness
From this reading GRAYLOCK RECEIVES A SURPRISE While they were eating supper that evening and Dick had told his mother all that had happened during the day, not forgetting the contemptible words of the close-fisted grocer, he noticed that she looked even a shade sadder than usual.
relative darkness caused by light rays being intercepted by an opaque body
From this reading GRAYLOCK RECEIVES A SURPRISE While they were eating supper that evening and Dick had told his mother all that had happened during the day, not forgetting the contemptible words of the close-fisted grocer, he noticed that she looked even a shade sadder than usual.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading GRAYLOCK RECEIVES A SURPRISE While they were eating supper that evening and Dick had told his mother all that had happened during the day, not forgetting the contemptible words of the close-fisted grocer, he noticed that she looked even a shade sadder than usual.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading "I did not mean to tell you until after supper, my boy, but since you have been so observing I suppose I must do it now," she replied, turning a bit red.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading "I did not mean to tell you until after supper, my boy, but since you have been so observing I suppose I must do it now," she replied, turning a bit red.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading "Then I was right, and something has upset you.
a light evening meal; served in early evening if dinner is at midday or served late in the evening at bedtime
From this reading GRAYLOCK RECEIVES A SURPRISE While they were eating supper that evening and Dick had told his mother all that had happened during the day, not forgetting the contemptible words of the close-fisted grocer, he noticed that she looked even a shade sadder than usual.
express a supposition
From this reading "I did not mean to tell you until after supper, my boy, but since you have been so observing I suppose I must do it now," she replied, turning a bit red.
the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you
From this reading GRAYLOCK RECEIVES A SURPRISE While they were eating supper that evening and Dick had told his mother all that had happened during the day, not forgetting the contemptible words of the close-fisted grocer, he noticed that she looked even a shade sadder than usual.
express in words
From this reading "I did not mean to tell you until after supper, my boy, but since you have been so observing I suppose I must do it now," she replied, turning a bit red.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading GRAYLOCK RECEIVES A SURPRISE While they were eating supper that evening and Dick had told his mother all that had happened during the day, not forgetting the contemptible words of the close-fisted grocer, he noticed that she looked even a shade sadder than usual.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading GRAYLOCK RECEIVES A SURPRISE While they were eating supper that evening and Dick had told his mother all that had happened during the day, not forgetting the contemptible words of the close-fisted grocer, he noticed that she looked even a shade sadder than usual.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading GRAYLOCK RECEIVES A SURPRISE While they were eating supper that evening and Dick had told his mother all that had happened during the day, not forgetting the contemptible words of the close-fisted grocer, he noticed that she looked even a shade sadder than usual.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading "Then I was right, and something has upset you.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading GRAYLOCK RECEIVES A SURPRISE While they were eating supper that evening and Dick had told his mother all that had happened during the day, not forgetting the contemptible words of the close-fisted grocer, he noticed that she looked even a shade sadder than usual.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading "What has happened to make you feel badly, mother?" he asked, catching her eyes at last.
inflected form of “tell” — express in words
From this reading GRAYLOCK RECEIVES A SURPRISE While they were eating supper that evening and Dick had told his mother all that had happened during the day, not forgetting the contemptible words of the close-fisted grocer, he noticed that she looked even a shade sadder than usual.
the act of changing or reversing the direction of the course
From this reading "I did not mean to tell you until after supper, my boy, but since you have been so observing I suppose I must do it now," she replied, turning a bit red.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading "I did not mean to tell you until after supper, my boy, but since you have been so observing I suppose I must do it now," she replied, turning a bit red.
upsetverbUS /əpˈset/
disturb the balance or stability of
From this reading "Then I was right, and something has upset you.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading GRAYLOCK RECEIVES A SURPRISE While they were eating supper that evening and Dick had told his mother all that had happened during the day, not forgetting the contemptible words of the close-fisted grocer, he noticed that she looked even a shade sadder than usual.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "Then I was right, and something has upset you.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading GRAYLOCK RECEIVES A SURPRISE While they were eating supper that evening and Dick had told his mother all that had happened during the day, not forgetting the contemptible words of the close-fisted grocer, he noticed that she looked even a shade sadder than usual.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading "What has happened to make you feel badly, mother?" he asked, catching her eyes at last.
WhileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading GRAYLOCK RECEIVES A SURPRISE While they were eating supper that evening and Dick had told his mother all that had happened during the day, not forgetting the contemptible words of the close-fisted grocer, he noticed that she looked even a shade sadder than usual.
the words that are spoken
From this reading GRAYLOCK RECEIVES A SURPRISE While they were eating supper that evening and Dick had told his mother all that had happened during the day, not forgetting the contemptible words of the close-fisted grocer, he noticed that she looked even a shade sadder than usual.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "What has happened to make you feel badly, mother?" he asked, catching her eyes at last.
