used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE TRUTH ABOUT RAIN BLUFF Dinner was a solemn function the next evening.
ABOUTprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading THE TRUTH ABOUT RAIN BLUFF Dinner was a solemn function the next evening.
(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 Andrew, who had been shooting with Wannop and Olcott all day, was quietly thoughtful, and the rest of the party felt a sense of constraint.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Conversation dragged; once or twice it nearly died away and Leonard prevented an awkward pause by his polished wit.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Andrew, who had been shooting with Wannop and Olcott all day, was quietly thoughtful, and the rest of the party felt a sense of constraint.
AndrewnounUS /ˈændruː/
(New Testament) disciple of Jesus; brother of Peter; patron saint of Scotland
From this reading Andrew, who had been shooting with Wannop and Olcott all day, was quietly thoughtful, and the rest of the party felt a sense of constraint.
any thing at all
From this reading The others talked without much point when they could think of anything to say; but, preoccupied as they were, it was a relief to all when they dispersed for half an hour before meeting Andrew in the library.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The others talked without much point when they could think of anything to say; but, preoccupied as they were, it was a relief to all when they dispersed for half an hour before meeting Andrew in the library.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Between whiles, however, Wannop jested bravely and Hilda seconded him, occasionally at Robert's and Leonard's expense.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Conversation dragged; once or twice it nearly died away and Leonard prevented an awkward pause by his polished wit.
awkwardadjectiveUS /ˈɑːkwərd/
causing inconvenience
From this reading Conversation dragged; once or twice it nearly died away and Leonard prevented an awkward pause by his polished wit.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Andrew, who had been shooting with Wannop and Olcott all day, was quietly thoughtful, and the rest of the party felt a sense of constraint.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading The others talked without much point when they could think of anything to say; but, preoccupied as they were, it was a relief to all when they dispersed for half an hour before meeting Andrew in the library.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading Between whiles, however, Wannop jested bravely and Hilda seconded him, occasionally at Robert's and Leonard's expense.
BLUFFnounUS /blʌf/
a high steep bank (usually formed by river erosion)
From this reading THE TRUTH ABOUT RAIN BLUFF Dinner was a solemn function the next evening.
bravelyadverbUS /ˈbreɪvli/
in a courageous manner
From this reading Between whiles, however, Wannop jested bravely and Hilda seconded him, occasionally at Robert's and Leonard's expense.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The others talked without much point when they could think of anything to say; but, preoccupied as they were, it was a relief to all when they dispersed for half an hour before meeting Andrew in the library.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Conversation dragged; once or twice it nearly died away and Leonard prevented an awkward pause by his polished wit.
constraintnounUS /kənˈstreɪnt/
the state of being physically constrained
From this reading Andrew, who had been shooting with Wannop and Olcott all day, was quietly thoughtful, and the rest of the party felt a sense of constraint.
the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.
From this reading Conversation dragged; once or twice it nearly died away and Leonard prevented an awkward pause by his polished wit.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading The others talked without much point when they could think of anything to say; but, preoccupied as they were, it was a relief to all when they dispersed for half an hour before meeting Andrew in the library.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading Andrew, who had been shooting with Wannop and Olcott all day, was quietly thoughtful, and the rest of the party felt a sense of constraint.
past form of “die” — pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life
From this reading Conversation dragged; once or twice it nearly died away and Leonard prevented an awkward pause by his polished wit.
the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday
From this reading THE TRUTH ABOUT RAIN BLUFF Dinner was a solemn function the next evening.
dispersedadjectiveUS /dɪˈspɜːrst/
distributed or spread over a considerable extent
From this reading The others talked without much point when they could think of anything to say; but, preoccupied as they were, it was a relief to all when they dispersed for half an hour before meeting Andrew in the library.
inflected form of “drag” — pull, as against a resistance
From this reading Conversation dragged; once or twice it nearly died away and Leonard prevented an awkward pause by his polished wit.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading THE TRUTH ABOUT RAIN BLUFF Dinner was a solemn function the next evening.
expensenounUS /ɪkˈspens/
amounts paid for goods and services that may be currently tax deductible (as opposed to capital expenditures)
From this reading Between whiles, however, Wannop jested bravely and Hilda seconded him, occasionally at Robert's and Leonard's expense.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading Andrew, who had been shooting with Wannop and Olcott all day, was quietly thoughtful, and the rest of the party felt a sense of constraint.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The others talked without much point when they could think of anything to say; but, preoccupied as they were, it was a relief to all when they dispersed for half an hour before meeting Andrew in the library.
functionnounUS /ˈfʌŋkʃən/
(mathematics) a mathematical relation such that each element of a given set (the domain of the function) is associated with an element of another set (the range of the function)
From this reading THE TRUTH ABOUT RAIN BLUFF Dinner was a solemn function the next evening.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Andrew, who had been shooting with Wannop and Olcott all day, was quietly thoughtful, and the rest of the party felt a sense of constraint.
consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity
From this reading The others talked without much point when they could think of anything to say; but, preoccupied as they were, it was a relief to all when they dispersed for half an hour before meeting Andrew in the library.
Hilda
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Between whiles, however, Wannop jested bravely and Hilda seconded him, occasionally at Robert's and Leonard's expense.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Between whiles, however, Wannop jested bravely and Hilda seconded him, occasionally at Robert's and Leonard's expense.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Conversation dragged; once or twice it nearly died away and Leonard prevented an awkward pause by his polished wit.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading The others talked without much point when they could think of anything to say; but, preoccupied as they were, it was a relief to all when they dispersed for half an hour before meeting Andrew in the library.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading Between whiles, however, Wannop jested bravely and Hilda seconded him, occasionally at Robert's and Leonard's expense.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The others talked without much point when they could think of anything to say; but, preoccupied as they were, it was a relief to all when they dispersed for half an hour before meeting Andrew in the library.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Conversation dragged; once or twice it nearly died away and Leonard prevented an awkward pause by his polished wit.
jested
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Between whiles, however, Wannop jested bravely and Hilda seconded him, occasionally at Robert's and Leonard's expense.
LeonardnounUS /ˈlenərd/
United States writer of thrillers (born in 1925)
From this reading Conversation dragged; once or twice it nearly died away and Leonard prevented an awkward pause by his polished wit.
Leonard'snounUS /ˈlenərdz/
possessive form of “leonard” — United States writer of thrillers (born in 1925)
From this reading Between whiles, however, Wannop jested bravely and Hilda seconded him, occasionally at Robert's and Leonard's expense.
a room where books are kept
From this reading The others talked without much point when they could think of anything to say; but, preoccupied as they were, it was a relief to all when they dispersed for half an hour before meeting Andrew in the library.
a formally arranged gathering
From this reading The others talked without much point when they could think of anything to say; but, preoccupied as they were, it was a relief to all when they dispersed for half an hour before meeting Andrew in the library.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading The others talked without much point when they could think of anything to say; but, preoccupied as they were, it was a relief to all when they dispersed for half an hour before meeting Andrew in the library.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading Conversation dragged; once or twice it nearly died away and Leonard prevented an awkward pause by his polished wit.
immediately following in time or order
From this reading THE TRUTH ABOUT RAIN BLUFF Dinner was a solemn function the next evening.
sporadically and infrequently
From this reading Between whiles, however, Wannop jested bravely and Hilda seconded him, occasionally at Robert's and Leonard's expense.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Andrew, who had been shooting with Wannop and Olcott all day, was quietly thoughtful, and the rest of the party felt a sense of constraint.
Olcott
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Andrew, who had been shooting with Wannop and Olcott all day, was quietly thoughtful, and the rest of the party felt a sense of constraint.
on one occasion
From this reading Conversation dragged; once or twice it nearly died away and Leonard prevented an awkward pause by his polished wit.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Conversation dragged; once or twice it nearly died away and Leonard prevented an awkward pause by his polished wit.
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The others talked without much point when they could think of anything to say; but, preoccupied as they were, it was a relief to all when they dispersed for half an hour before meeting Andrew in the library.
an organization to gain political power
From this reading Andrew, who had been shooting with Wannop and Olcott all day, was quietly thoughtful, and the rest of the party felt a sense of constraint.
a time interval during which there is a temporary cessation of something
From this reading Conversation dragged; once or twice it nearly died away and Leonard prevented an awkward pause by his polished wit.
a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading The others talked without much point when they could think of anything to say; but, preoccupied as they were, it was a relief to all when they dispersed for half an hour before meeting Andrew in the library.
polishedadjectiveUS /ˈpɑːlɪʃt/
perfected or made shiny and smooth
From this reading Conversation dragged; once or twice it nearly died away and Leonard prevented an awkward pause by his polished wit.
preoccupiedadjectiveUS /priˈɑːkjəpaɪd/
deeply absorbed in thought
From this reading The others talked without much point when they could think of anything to say; but, preoccupied as they were, it was a relief to all when they dispersed for half an hour before meeting Andrew in the library.
preventedverbUS /prɪˈventɪd/
past form of “prevent” — keep from happening or arising; make impossible
From this reading Conversation dragged; once or twice it nearly died away and Leonard prevented an awkward pause by his polished wit.
with low volume
From this reading Andrew, who had been shooting with Wannop and Olcott all day, was quietly thoughtful, and the rest of the party felt a sense of constraint.
water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere
From this reading THE TRUTH ABOUT RAIN BLUFF Dinner was a solemn function the next evening.
the feeling that comes when something burdensome is removed or reduced
From this reading The others talked without much point when they could think of anything to say; but, preoccupied as they were, it was a relief to all when they dispersed for half an hour before meeting Andrew in the library.
not move; be in a resting position
From this reading Andrew, who had been shooting with Wannop and Olcott all day, was quietly thoughtful, and the rest of the party felt a sense of constraint.
Robert'snounUS /ˈrɑːbərts/
possessive form of “robert” — United States parliamentary authority and author (in 1876) of Robert's Rules of Order (1837-1923)
From this reading Between whiles, however, Wannop jested bravely and Hilda seconded him, occasionally at Robert's and Leonard's expense.
express in words
From this reading The others talked without much point when they could think of anything to say; but, preoccupied as they were, it was a relief to all when they dispersed for half an hour before meeting Andrew in the library.
secondedverbUS /ˈsekəndɪd/
past form of “second” — give support or one's approval to
From this reading Between whiles, however, Wannop jested bravely and Hilda seconded him, occasionally at Robert's and Leonard's expense.
a general conscious awareness
From this reading Andrew, who had been shooting with Wannop and Olcott all day, was quietly thoughtful, and the rest of the party felt a sense of constraint.
the act of firing a projectile
From this reading Andrew, who had been shooting with Wannop and Olcott all day, was quietly thoughtful, and the rest of the party felt a sense of constraint.
dignified and somber in manner or character and committed to keeping promises
From this reading THE TRUTH ABOUT RAIN BLUFF Dinner was a solemn function the next evening.
past form of “talk” — exchange thoughts; talk with
From this reading The others talked without much point when they could think of anything to say; but, preoccupied as they were, it was a relief to all when they dispersed for half an hour before meeting Andrew in the library.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE TRUTH ABOUT RAIN BLUFF Dinner was a solemn function the next evening.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The others talked without much point when they could think of anything to say; but, preoccupied as they were, it was a relief to all when they dispersed for half an hour before meeting Andrew in the library.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading The others talked without much point when they could think of anything to say; but, preoccupied as they were, it was a relief to all when they dispersed for half an hour before meeting Andrew in the library.
thoughtfuladjectiveUS /ˈθɔːtfəl/
having intellectual depth
From this reading Andrew, who had been shooting with Wannop and Olcott all day, was quietly thoughtful, and the rest of the party felt a sense of constraint.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The others talked without much point when they could think of anything to say; but, preoccupied as they were, it was a relief to all when they dispersed for half an hour before meeting Andrew in the library.
a fact that has been verified
From this reading THE TRUTH ABOUT RAIN BLUFF Dinner was a solemn function the next evening.
two times
From this reading Conversation dragged; once or twice it nearly died away and Leonard prevented an awkward pause by his polished wit.
Wannop
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Andrew, who had been shooting with Wannop and Olcott all day, was quietly thoughtful, and the rest of the party felt a sense of constraint.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE TRUTH ABOUT RAIN BLUFF Dinner was a solemn function the next evening.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The others talked without much point when they could think of anything to say; but, preoccupied as they were, it was a relief to all when they dispersed for half an hour before meeting Andrew in the library.
at the time that
From this reading The others talked without much point when they could think of anything to say; but, preoccupied as they were, it was a relief to all when they dispersed for half an hour before meeting Andrew in the library.
whilesnounUS /waɪlz/
plural of “while” — a period of indeterminate length (usually short) marked by some action or condition
From this reading Between whiles, however, Wannop jested bravely and Hilda seconded him, occasionally at Robert's and Leonard's expense.
which person or people
From this reading Andrew, who had been shooting with Wannop and Olcott all day, was quietly thoughtful, and the rest of the party felt a sense of constraint.
a message whose ingenuity or verbal skill or incongruity has the power to evoke laughter
From this reading Conversation dragged; once or twice it nearly died away and Leonard prevented an awkward pause by his polished wit.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Andrew, who had been shooting with Wannop and Olcott all day, was quietly thoughtful, and the rest of the party felt a sense of constraint.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading The others talked without much point when they could think of anything to say; but, preoccupied as they were, it was a relief to all when they dispersed for half an hour before meeting Andrew in the library.
