used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading After a time he groped for a box of matches, found one, struck a match, took a pair of heavy silver candlesticks from a cupboard in the wall, lit the candles which were in them, and then put them on his office table.
AfterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading After a time he groped for a box of matches, found one, struck a match, took a pair of heavy silver candlesticks from a cupboard in the wall, lit the candles which were in them, and then put them on his office table.
(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 His nature was naturally full of system; from his childhood up he had hated untidiness of all sorts.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading After a time he groped for a box of matches, found one, struck a match, took a pair of heavy silver candlesticks from a cupboard in the wall, lit the candles which were in them, and then put them on his office table.
arrangeverbUS /ərˈeɪndʒ/
put into a proper or systematic order
From this reading Awdrey went to the table, seated himself in the old chair which his father and his grandfather had occupied before him, and began mechanically to arrange some papers, and put a pile of other things in order.
Awdrey
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The twilight darkened into night, but Awdrey still remained in the office.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Awdrey went to the table, seated himself in the old chair which his father and his grandfather had occupied before him, and began mechanically to arrange some papers, and put a pile of other things in order.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading Awdrey went to the table, seated himself in the old chair which his father and his grandfather had occupied before him, and began mechanically to arrange some papers, and put a pile of other things in order.
a (usually rectangular) container; may have a lid
From this reading After a time he groped for a box of matches, found one, struck a match, took a pair of heavy silver candlesticks from a cupboard in the wall, lit the candles which were in them, and then put them on his office table.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The twilight darkened into night, but Awdrey still remained in the office.
candlesnounUS /ˈkændəlz/
plural of “candle” — stick of wax with a wick in the middle
From this reading After a time he groped for a box of matches, found one, struck a match, took a pair of heavy silver candlesticks from a cupboard in the wall, lit the candles which were in them, and then put them on his office table.
candlesticksnounUS /ˈkændəlstɪks/
plural of “candlestick” — a holder with sockets for candles
From this reading After a time he groped for a box of matches, found one, struck a match, took a pair of heavy silver candlesticks from a cupboard in the wall, lit the candles which were in them, and then put them on his office table.
a seat for one person, with a support for the back
From this reading Awdrey went to the table, seated himself in the old chair which his father and his grandfather had occupied before him, and began mechanically to arrange some papers, and put a pile of other things in order.
childhoodnounUS /ˈtʃaɪldhʊd/
the time of person's life when they are a child
From this reading His nature was naturally full of system; from his childhood up he had hated untidiness of all sorts.
cupboardnounUS /ˈkʌbərd/
a small room (or recess) or cabinet used for storage space
From this reading After a time he groped for a box of matches, found one, struck a match, took a pair of heavy silver candlesticks from a cupboard in the wall, lit the candles which were in them, and then put them on his office table.
darkenedadjectiveUS /ˈdɑːrkənd/
(of fabrics and paper) grown dark in color over time
From this reading The twilight darkened into night, but Awdrey still remained in the office.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading The room was a large one, and the light of the two candles seemed only to make the darkness visible.
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading Awdrey went to the table, seated himself in the old chair which his father and his grandfather had occupied before him, and began mechanically to arrange some papers, and put a pile of other things in order.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading After a time he groped for a box of matches, found one, struck a match, took a pair of heavy silver candlesticks from a cupboard in the wall, lit the candles which were in them, and then put them on his office table.
set up or found
From this reading After a time he groped for a box of matches, found one, struck a match, took a pair of heavy silver candlesticks from a cupboard in the wall, lit the candles which were in them, and then put them on his office table.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading After a time he groped for a box of matches, found one, struck a match, took a pair of heavy silver candlesticks from a cupboard in the wall, lit the candles which were in them, and then put them on his office table.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading His nature was naturally full of system; from his childhood up he had hated untidiness of all sorts.
the father of your father or mother
From this reading Awdrey went to the table, seated himself in the old chair which his father and his grandfather had occupied before him, and began mechanically to arrange some papers, and put a pile of other things in order.
gropedverbUS /ɡroʊpt/
past form of “grope” — feel about uncertainly or blindly
From this reading After a time he groped for a box of matches, found one, struck a match, took a pair of heavy silver candlesticks from a cupboard in the wall, lit the candles which were in them, and then put them on his office table.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Awdrey went to the table, seated himself in the old chair which his father and his grandfather had occupied before him, and began mechanically to arrange some papers, and put a pile of other things in order.
hatedadjectiveUS /ˈheɪtəd/
treated with dislike or contempt
From this reading His nature was naturally full of system; from his childhood up he had hated untidiness of all sorts.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading After a time he groped for a box of matches, found one, struck a match, took a pair of heavy silver candlesticks from a cupboard in the wall, lit the candles which were in them, and then put them on his office table.
of comparatively great physical weight or density
From this reading After a time he groped for a box of matches, found one, struck a match, took a pair of heavy silver candlesticks from a cupboard in the wall, lit the candles which were in them, and then put them on his office table.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Awdrey went to the table, seated himself in the old chair which his father and his grandfather had occupied before him, and began mechanically to arrange some papers, and put a pile of other things in order.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Awdrey went to the table, seated himself in the old chair which his father and his grandfather had occupied before him, and began mechanically to arrange some papers, and put a pile of other things in order.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading After a time he groped for a box of matches, found one, struck a match, took a pair of heavy silver candlesticks from a cupboard in the wall, lit the candles which were in them, and then put them on his office table.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The twilight darkened into night, but Awdrey still remained in the office.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading The twilight darkened into night, but Awdrey still remained in the office.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The room was a large one, and the light of the two candles seemed only to make the darkness visible.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading The room was a large one, and the light of the two candles seemed only to make the darkness visible.
provided with artificial light
From this reading After a time he groped for a box of matches, found one, struck a match, took a pair of heavy silver candlesticks from a cupboard in the wall, lit the candles which were in them, and then put them on his office table.
engage in
From this reading The room was a large one, and the light of the two candles seemed only to make the darkness visible.
be compatible, similar or consistent; coincide in their characteristics
From this reading After a time he groped for a box of matches, found one, struck a match, took a pair of heavy silver candlesticks from a cupboard in the wall, lit the candles which were in them, and then put them on his office table.
matchesnounUS /ˈmætʃəz/
plural of “match” — lighter consisting of a thin piece of wood or cardboard tipped with combustible chemical; ignites with friction
From this reading After a time he groped for a box of matches, found one, struck a match, took a pair of heavy silver candlesticks from a cupboard in the wall, lit the candles which were in them, and then put them on his office table.
mechanicallyadverbUS /məˈkænɪkli/
in a mechanical manner; by a mechanism
From this reading Awdrey went to the table, seated himself in the old chair which his father and his grandfather had occupied before him, and began mechanically to arrange some papers, and put a pile of other things in order.
as might be expected
From this reading His nature was naturally full of system; from his childhood up he had hated untidiness of all sorts.
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading His nature was naturally full of system; from his childhood up he had hated untidiness of all sorts.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading The twilight darkened into night, but Awdrey still remained in the office.
held or filled or in use
From this reading Awdrey went to the table, seated himself in the old chair which his father and his grandfather had occupied before him, and began mechanically to arrange some papers, and put a pile of other things in order.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading After a time he groped for a box of matches, found one, struck a match, took a pair of heavy silver candlesticks from a cupboard in the wall, lit the candles which were in them, and then put them on his office table.
place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed
From this reading The twilight darkened into night, but Awdrey still remained in the office.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading Awdrey went to the table, seated himself in the old chair which his father and his grandfather had occupied before him, and began mechanically to arrange some papers, and put a pile of other things in order.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading After a time he groped for a box of matches, found one, struck a match, took a pair of heavy silver candlesticks from a cupboard in the wall, lit the candles which were in them, and then put them on his office table.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading After a time he groped for a box of matches, found one, struck a match, took a pair of heavy silver candlesticks from a cupboard in the wall, lit the candles which were in them, and then put them on his office table.
and nothing more
From this reading The room was a large one, and the light of the two candles seemed only to make the darkness visible.
(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading Awdrey went to the table, seated himself in the old chair which his father and his grandfather had occupied before him, and began mechanically to arrange some papers, and put a pile of other things in order.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading Awdrey went to the table, seated himself in the old chair which his father and his grandfather had occupied before him, and began mechanically to arrange some papers, and put a pile of other things in order.
a set of two similar things considered as a unit
From this reading After a time he groped for a box of matches, found one, struck a match, took a pair of heavy silver candlesticks from a cupboard in the wall, lit the candles which were in them, and then put them on his office table.
writing that provides information (especially information of an official nature)
From this reading Awdrey went to the table, seated himself in the old chair which his father and his grandfather had occupied before him, and began mechanically to arrange some papers, and put a pile of other things in order.
a collection of objects laid on top of each other
From this reading Awdrey went to the table, seated himself in the old chair which his father and his grandfather had occupied before him, and began mechanically to arrange some papers, and put a pile of other things in order.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading After a time he groped for a box of matches, found one, struck a match, took a pair of heavy silver candlesticks from a cupboard in the wall, lit the candles which were in them, and then put them on his office table.
past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading The twilight darkened into night, but Awdrey still remained in the office.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading The room was a large one, and the light of the two candles seemed only to make the darkness visible.
(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks
From this reading Awdrey went to the table, seated himself in the old chair which his father and his grandfather had occupied before him, and began mechanically to arrange some papers, and put a pile of other things in order.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading The room was a large one, and the light of the two candles seemed only to make the darkness visible.
a soft white precious univalent metallic element having the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of any metal; occurs in argentite and in free form; used in coins and jewelry and tableware and photography
From this reading After a time he groped for a box of matches, found one, struck a match, took a pair of heavy silver candlesticks from a cupboard in the wall, lit the candles which were in them, and then put them on his office table.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Awdrey went to the table, seated himself in the old chair which his father and his grandfather had occupied before him, and began mechanically to arrange some papers, and put a pile of other things in order.
plural of “sort” — a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading His nature was naturally full of system; from his childhood up he had hated untidiness of all sorts.
not in physical motion
From this reading The twilight darkened into night, but Awdrey still remained in the office.
(used in combination) affected by something overwhelming
From this reading After a time he groped for a box of matches, found one, struck a match, took a pair of heavy silver candlesticks from a cupboard in the wall, lit the candles which were in them, and then put them on his office table.
instrumentality that combines interrelated interacting artifacts designed to work as a coherent entity
From this reading His nature was naturally full of system; from his childhood up he had hated untidiness of all sorts.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading After a time he groped for a box of matches, found one, struck a match, took a pair of heavy silver candlesticks from a cupboard in the wall, lit the candles which were in them, and then put them on his office table.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The twilight darkened into night, but Awdrey still remained in the office.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading After a time he groped for a box of matches, found one, struck a match, took a pair of heavy silver candlesticks from a cupboard in the wall, lit the candles which were in them, and then put them on his office table.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading After a time he groped for a box of matches, found one, struck a match, took a pair of heavy silver candlesticks from a cupboard in the wall, lit the candles which were in them, and then put them on his office table.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading Awdrey went to the table, seated himself in the old chair which his father and his grandfather had occupied before him, and began mechanically to arrange some papers, and put a pile of other things in order.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading After a time he groped for a box of matches, found one, struck a match, took a pair of heavy silver candlesticks from a cupboard in the wall, lit the candles which were in them, and then put them on his office table.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The room was a large one, and the light of the two candles seemed only to make the darkness visible.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading After a time he groped for a box of matches, found one, struck a match, took a pair of heavy silver candlesticks from a cupboard in the wall, lit the candles which were in them, and then put them on his office table.
twilightnounUS /ˈtwaɪlaɪt/
the time of day immediately following sunset
From this reading The twilight darkened into night, but Awdrey still remained in the office.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading The room was a large one, and the light of the two candles seemed only to make the darkness visible.
untidinessnoun
the condition of being untidy
From this reading His nature was naturally full of system; from his childhood up he had hated untidiness of all sorts.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading His nature was naturally full of system; from his childhood up he had hated untidiness of all sorts.
capable of being seen; or open to easy view
From this reading The room was a large one, and the light of the two candles seemed only to make the darkness visible.
an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure
From this reading After a time he groped for a box of matches, found one, struck a match, took a pair of heavy silver candlesticks from a cupboard in the wall, lit the candles which were in them, and then put them on his office table.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The room was a large one, and the light of the two candles seemed only to make the darkness visible.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Awdrey went to the table, seated himself in the old chair which his father and his grandfather had occupied before him, and began mechanically to arrange some papers, and put a pile of other things in order.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading After a time he groped for a box of matches, found one, struck a match, took a pair of heavy silver candlesticks from a cupboard in the wall, lit the candles which were in them, and then put them on his office table.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading After a time he groped for a box of matches, found one, struck a match, took a pair of heavy silver candlesticks from a cupboard in the wall, lit the candles which were in them, and then put them on his office table.
