used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading He stood leaning against the mantel, his tall erect figure, the perfection of manly grace, his eyes fixed thoughtfully upon the carpet, and his fine, open, expressive countenance full of a noble sadness.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading He stood leaning against the mantel, his tall erect figure, the perfection of manly grace, his eyes fixed thoughtfully upon the carpet, and his fine, open, expressive countenance full of a noble sadness.
ajaradjectiveUS /əˈdʒɑːr/
slightly open
From this reading It was slightly ajar; and pushing it gently open she entered without knocking.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading And having winged this shaft, perceiving with pleasure that her husband winced slightly under it, she sailed from the room, ascending the stairway, and presently paused before the door of Walter's dressing-room.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading There was something of motherly pride in the glance that met his as he looked up at the sound of Mrs. Dinsmore's step.
ascendingadjectiveUS /əˈsendɪŋ/
moving or going or growing upward
From this reading And having winged this shaft, perceiving with pleasure that her husband winced slightly under it, she sailed from the room, ascending the stairway, and presently paused before the door of Walter's dressing-room.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading There was something of motherly pride in the glance that met his as he looked up at the sound of Mrs. Dinsmore's step.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading And having winged this shaft, perceiving with pleasure that her husband winced slightly under it, she sailed from the room, ascending the stairway, and presently paused before the door of Walter's dressing-room.
carpetnounUS /ˈkɑːrpət/
floor covering consisting of a piece of thick heavy fabric (usually with nap or pile)
From this reading He stood leaning against the mantel, his tall erect figure, the perfection of manly grace, his eyes fixed thoughtfully upon the carpet, and his fine, open, expressive countenance full of a noble sadness.
the appearance conveyed by a person's face
From this reading He stood leaning against the mantel, his tall erect figure, the perfection of manly grace, his eyes fixed thoughtfully upon the carpet, and his fine, open, expressive countenance full of a noble sadness.
Dinsmore's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was something of motherly pride in the glance that met his as he looked up at the sound of Mrs. Dinsmore's step.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading And having winged this shaft, perceiving with pleasure that her husband winced slightly under it, she sailed from the room, ascending the stairway, and presently paused before the door of Walter's dressing-room.
dressing-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And having winged this shaft, perceiving with pleasure that her husband winced slightly under it, she sailed from the room, ascending the stairway, and presently paused before the door of Walter's dressing-room.
past form of “enter” — to come or go into
From this reading It was slightly ajar; and pushing it gently open she entered without knocking.
erectverbUS /ɪˈrekt/
construct, build, or erect
From this reading He stood leaning against the mantel, his tall erect figure, the perfection of manly grace, his eyes fixed thoughtfully upon the carpet, and his fine, open, expressive countenance full of a noble sadness.
expressiveadjectiveUS /ɪkˈspresɪv/
characterized by expression
From this reading He stood leaning against the mantel, his tall erect figure, the perfection of manly grace, his eyes fixed thoughtfully upon the carpet, and his fine, open, expressive countenance full of a noble sadness.
opinion or judgment
From this reading He stood leaning against the mantel, his tall erect figure, the perfection of manly grace, his eyes fixed thoughtfully upon the carpet, and his fine, open, expressive countenance full of a noble sadness.
a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading He stood leaning against the mantel, his tall erect figure, the perfection of manly grace, his eyes fixed thoughtfully upon the carpet, and his fine, open, expressive countenance full of a noble sadness.
being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition
From this reading He stood leaning against the mantel, his tall erect figure, the perfection of manly grace, his eyes fixed thoughtfully upon the carpet, and his fine, open, expressive countenance full of a noble sadness.
(of a number) having a fixed and unchanging value
From this reading He stood leaning against the mantel, his tall erect figure, the perfection of manly grace, his eyes fixed thoughtfully upon the carpet, and his fine, open, expressive countenance full of a noble sadness.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Starting forward, he gallantly handed her to a seat: then stood respectfully waiting for what she had to say.
at or to or toward the front
From this reading Starting forward, he gallantly handed her to a seat: then stood respectfully waiting for what she had to say.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading And having winged this shaft, perceiving with pleasure that her husband winced slightly under it, she sailed from the room, ascending the stairway, and presently paused before the door of Walter's dressing-room.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading He stood leaning against the mantel, his tall erect figure, the perfection of manly grace, his eyes fixed thoughtfully upon the carpet, and his fine, open, expressive countenance full of a noble sadness.
gallantlyadverbUS /ˈɡæləntli/
in a gallant manner
From this reading Starting forward, he gallantly handed her to a seat: then stood respectfully waiting for what she had to say.
in a gradual manner
From this reading It was slightly ajar; and pushing it gently open she entered without knocking.
throw a glance at; take a brief look at
From this reading There was something of motherly pride in the glance that met his as he looked up at the sound of Mrs. Dinsmore's step.
(Christian theology) a state of sanctification by God; the state of one who is under such divine influence
From this reading He stood leaning against the mantel, his tall erect figure, the perfection of manly grace, his eyes fixed thoughtfully upon the carpet, and his fine, open, expressive countenance full of a noble sadness.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Starting forward, he gallantly handed her to a seat: then stood respectfully waiting for what she had to say.
having or involving the use of hands
From this reading Starting forward, he gallantly handed her to a seat: then stood respectfully waiting for what she had to say.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading And having winged this shaft, perceiving with pleasure that her husband winced slightly under it, she sailed from the room, ascending the stairway, and presently paused before the door of Walter's dressing-room.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He stood leaning against the mantel, his tall erect figure, the perfection of manly grace, his eyes fixed thoughtfully upon the carpet, and his fine, open, expressive countenance full of a noble sadness.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading And having winged this shaft, perceiving with pleasure that her husband winced slightly under it, she sailed from the room, ascending the stairway, and presently paused before the door of Walter's dressing-room.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading He stood leaning against the mantel, his tall erect figure, the perfection of manly grace, his eyes fixed thoughtfully upon the carpet, and his fine, open, expressive countenance full of a noble sadness.
a married man; a woman's partner in marriage
From this reading And having winged this shaft, perceiving with pleasure that her husband winced slightly under it, she sailed from the room, ascending the stairway, and presently paused before the door of Walter's dressing-room.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading There was something of motherly pride in the glance that met his as he looked up at the sound of Mrs. Dinsmore's step.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading And having winged this shaft, perceiving with pleasure that her husband winced slightly under it, she sailed from the room, ascending the stairway, and presently paused before the door of Walter's dressing-room.
knockingnounUS /ˈnɑːkɪŋ/
the sound of knocking (as on a door or in an engine or bearing)
From this reading It was slightly ajar; and pushing it gently open she entered without knocking.
departing or being caused to depart from the true vertical or horizontal
From this reading He stood leaning against the mantel, his tall erect figure, the perfection of manly grace, his eyes fixed thoughtfully upon the carpet, and his fine, open, expressive countenance full of a noble sadness.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading There was something of motherly pride in the glance that met his as he looked up at the sound of Mrs. Dinsmore's step.
manlyadjectiveUS /ˈmænli/
possessing qualities befitting a man
From this reading He stood leaning against the mantel, his tall erect figure, the perfection of manly grace, his eyes fixed thoughtfully upon the carpet, and his fine, open, expressive countenance full of a noble sadness.
mantelnounUS /ˈmæntəl/
shelf that projects from wall above fireplace
From this reading He stood leaning against the mantel, his tall erect figure, the perfection of manly grace, his eyes fixed thoughtfully upon the carpet, and his fine, open, expressive countenance full of a noble sadness.
inflected form of “meet” — come together
From this reading There was something of motherly pride in the glance that met his as he looked up at the sound of Mrs. Dinsmore's step.
motherlyadjectiveUS /ˈmʌðərli/
befitting a mother; warm and nurturing
From this reading There was something of motherly pride in the glance that met his as he looked up at the sound of Mrs. Dinsmore's step.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading There was something of motherly pride in the glance that met his as he looked up at the sound of Mrs. Dinsmore's step.
nobleadjectiveUS /ˈnoʊbəl/
impressive in appearance
From this reading He stood leaning against the mantel, his tall erect figure, the perfection of manly grace, his eyes fixed thoughtfully upon the carpet, and his fine, open, expressive countenance full of a noble sadness.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading And having winged this shaft, perceiving with pleasure that her husband winced slightly under it, she sailed from the room, ascending the stairway, and presently paused before the door of Walter's dressing-room.
To move from a closed position.
From this reading It was slightly ajar; and pushing it gently open she entered without knocking.
past form of “pause” — interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing
From this reading And having winged this shaft, perceiving with pleasure that her husband winced slightly under it, she sailed from the room, ascending the stairway, and presently paused before the door of Walter's dressing-room.
perceivingverbUS /pərˈsiːvɪŋ/
-ing form of “perceive” — to become aware of through the senses
From this reading And having winged this shaft, perceiving with pleasure that her husband winced slightly under it, she sailed from the room, ascending the stairway, and presently paused before the door of Walter's dressing-room.
perfectionnounUS /pərˈfekʃən/
the state of being without a flaw or defect
From this reading He stood leaning against the mantel, his tall erect figure, the perfection of manly grace, his eyes fixed thoughtfully upon the carpet, and his fine, open, expressive countenance full of a noble sadness.
a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience
From this reading And having winged this shaft, perceiving with pleasure that her husband winced slightly under it, she sailed from the room, ascending the stairway, and presently paused before the door of Walter's dressing-room.
in the near future
From this reading And having winged this shaft, perceiving with pleasure that her husband winced slightly under it, she sailed from the room, ascending the stairway, and presently paused before the door of Walter's dressing-room.
a feeling of self-respect and personal worth
From this reading There was something of motherly pride in the glance that met his as he looked up at the sound of Mrs. Dinsmore's step.
pushingnounUS /ˈpʊʃɪŋ/
the act of applying force in order to move something away
From this reading It was slightly ajar; and pushing it gently open she entered without knocking.
respectfullyadverbUS /rɪˈspektfəli/
in a respectful manner
From this reading Starting forward, he gallantly handed her to a seat: then stood respectfully waiting for what she had to say.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading And having winged this shaft, perceiving with pleasure that her husband winced slightly under it, she sailed from the room, ascending the stairway, and presently paused before the door of Walter's dressing-room.
sadnessnounUS /ˈsædnəs/
emotions experienced when not in a state of well-being
From this reading He stood leaning against the mantel, his tall erect figure, the perfection of manly grace, his eyes fixed thoughtfully upon the carpet, and his fine, open, expressive countenance full of a noble sadness.
past form of “sail” — traverse or travel on (a body of water)
From this reading And having winged this shaft, perceiving with pleasure that her husband winced slightly under it, she sailed from the room, ascending the stairway, and presently paused before the door of Walter's dressing-room.
express in words
From this reading Starting forward, he gallantly handed her to a seat: then stood respectfully waiting for what she had to say.
a space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or on a train or airplane)
From this reading Starting forward, he gallantly handed her to a seat: then stood respectfully waiting for what she had to say.
shaftnounUS /ʃæft/
a line that forms the length of an arrow pointer
From this reading And having winged this shaft, perceiving with pleasure that her husband winced slightly under it, she sailed from the room, ascending the stairway, and presently paused before the door of Walter's dressing-room.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading And having winged this shaft, perceiving with pleasure that her husband winced slightly under it, she sailed from the room, ascending the stairway, and presently paused before the door of Walter's dressing-room.
to a small degree or extent
From this reading And having winged this shaft, perceiving with pleasure that her husband winced slightly under it, she sailed from the room, ascending the stairway, and presently paused before the door of Walter's dressing-room.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading There was something of motherly pride in the glance that met his as he looked up at the sound of Mrs. Dinsmore's step.
the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading There was something of motherly pride in the glance that met his as he looked up at the sound of Mrs. Dinsmore's step.
stairwaynounUS /ˈsterweɪ/
a way of access (upward and downward) consisting of a set of steps
From this reading And having winged this shaft, perceiving with pleasure that her husband winced slightly under it, she sailed from the room, ascending the stairway, and presently paused before the door of Walter's dressing-room.
(especially of eyes) bulging or protruding as with fear
From this reading Starting forward, he gallantly handed her to a seat: then stood respectfully waiting for what she had to say.
any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal
From this reading There was something of motherly pride in the glance that met his as he looked up at the sound of Mrs. Dinsmore's step.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading He stood leaning against the mantel, his tall erect figure, the perfection of manly grace, his eyes fixed thoughtfully upon the carpet, and his fine, open, expressive countenance full of a noble sadness.
great in vertical dimension; high in stature
From this reading He stood leaning against the mantel, his tall erect figure, the perfection of manly grace, his eyes fixed thoughtfully upon the carpet, and his fine, open, expressive countenance full of a noble sadness.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading And having winged this shaft, perceiving with pleasure that her husband winced slightly under it, she sailed from the room, ascending the stairway, and presently paused before the door of Walter's dressing-room.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading And having winged this shaft, perceiving with pleasure that her husband winced slightly under it, she sailed from the room, ascending the stairway, and presently paused before the door of Walter's dressing-room.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Starting forward, he gallantly handed her to a seat: then stood respectfully waiting for what she had to say.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There was something of motherly pride in the glance that met his as he looked up at the sound of Mrs. Dinsmore's step.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading And having winged this shaft, perceiving with pleasure that her husband winced slightly under it, she sailed from the room, ascending the stairway, and presently paused before the door of Walter's dressing-room.
thoughtfullyadverbUS /ˈθɔːtfəli/
in a thoughtful manner
From this reading He stood leaning against the mantel, his tall erect figure, the perfection of manly grace, his eyes fixed thoughtfully upon the carpet, and his fine, open, expressive countenance full of a noble sadness.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Starting forward, he gallantly handed her to a seat: then stood respectfully waiting for what she had to say.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading And having winged this shaft, perceiving with pleasure that her husband winced slightly under it, she sailed from the room, ascending the stairway, and presently paused before the door of Walter's dressing-room.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading There was something of motherly pride in the glance that met his as he looked up at the sound of Mrs. Dinsmore's step.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading He stood leaning against the mantel, his tall erect figure, the perfection of manly grace, his eyes fixed thoughtfully upon the carpet, and his fine, open, expressive countenance full of a noble sadness.
the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something)
From this reading Starting forward, he gallantly handed her to a seat: then stood respectfully waiting for what she had to say.
Walter'snounUS /ˈwɔːltərz/
possessive form of “walter” — German conductor (1876-1962)
From this reading And having winged this shaft, perceiving with pleasure that her husband winced slightly under it, she sailed from the room, ascending the stairway, and presently paused before the door of Walter's dressing-room.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was slightly ajar; and pushing it gently open she entered without knocking.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Starting forward, he gallantly handed her to a seat: then stood respectfully waiting for what she had to say.
wincedverbUS /wɪnst/
past form of “wince” — draw back, as with fear or pain
From this reading And having winged this shaft, perceiving with pleasure that her husband winced slightly under it, she sailed from the room, ascending the stairway, and presently paused before the door of Walter's dressing-room.
wingedadjectiveUS /wɪŋd/
having wings or as if having wings of a specified kind
From this reading And having winged this shaft, perceiving with pleasure that her husband winced slightly under it, she sailed from the room, ascending the stairway, and presently paused before the door of Walter's dressing-room.
in the company of; together with
From this reading And having winged this shaft, perceiving with pleasure that her husband winced slightly under it, she sailed from the room, ascending the stairway, and presently paused before the door of Walter's dressing-room.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading It was slightly ajar; and pushing it gently open she entered without knocking.
