used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Doggedly, sullenly, with a hard mouth and cold eyes, Bram went about his day’s work in the office.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Doggedly, sullenly, with a hard mouth and cold eyes, Bram went about his day’s work in the office.
absorbedadjectiveUS /əbˈzɔːrbd/
giving or marked by complete attention to
From this reading Very taciturn, very stolid of manner, never giving an unasked opinion on any subject, he always seemed to be too much absorbed in the details of work to have time or inclination for the discussions, the idle chatter, with which the rest beguiled the monotonous hours on every opportunity.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading Very taciturn, very stolid of manner, never giving an unasked opinion on any subject, he always seemed to be too much absorbed in the details of work to have time or inclination for the discussions, the idle chatter, with which the rest beguiled the monotonous hours on every opportunity.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Very taciturn, very stolid of manner, never giving an unasked opinion on any subject, he always seemed to be too much absorbed in the details of work to have time or inclination for the discussions, the idle chatter, with which the rest beguiled the monotonous hours on every opportunity.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Doggedly, sullenly, with a hard mouth and cold eyes, Bram went about his day’s work in the office.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading His fellow-clerks knew that something of deep import had happened during that half-hour while he was shut up with Mr. Cornthwaite in the inner room; but so well did they know him by this time that no one made any attempt to learn from him what it was that had passed.
clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
From this reading Quietly, unostentatiously, without any apparent effort, Bram had made himself a unique position, with his office companions as well as with his employers.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Quietly, unostentatiously, without any apparent effort, Bram had made himself a unique position, with his office companions as well as with his employers.
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading His fellow-clerks knew that something of deep import had happened during that half-hour while he was shut up with Mr. Cornthwaite in the inner room; but so well did they know him by this time that no one made any attempt to learn from him what it was that had passed.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Very taciturn, very stolid of manner, never giving an unasked opinion on any subject, he always seemed to be too much absorbed in the details of work to have time or inclination for the discussions, the idle chatter, with which the rest beguiled the monotonous hours on every opportunity.
beguiledadjectiveUS /bɪˈɡaɪld/
filled with wonder and delight
From this reading Very taciturn, very stolid of manner, never giving an unasked opinion on any subject, he always seemed to be too much absorbed in the details of work to have time or inclination for the discussions, the idle chatter, with which the rest beguiled the monotonous hours on every opportunity.
Bram
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Doggedly, sullenly, with a hard mouth and cold eyes, Bram went about his day’s work in the office.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading His fellow-clerks knew that something of deep import had happened during that half-hour while he was shut up with Mr. Cornthwaite in the inner room; but so well did they know him by this time that no one made any attempt to learn from him what it was that had passed.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading His fellow-clerks knew that something of deep import had happened during that half-hour while he was shut up with Mr. Cornthwaite in the inner room; but so well did they know him by this time that no one made any attempt to learn from him what it was that had passed.
chatterverbUS /ˈtʃætər/
click repeatedly or uncontrollably
From this reading Very taciturn, very stolid of manner, never giving an unasked opinion on any subject, he always seemed to be too much absorbed in the details of work to have time or inclination for the discussions, the idle chatter, with which the rest beguiled the monotonous hours on every opportunity.
having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration
From this reading Doggedly, sullenly, with a hard mouth and cold eyes, Bram went about his day’s work in the office.
plural of “companion” — a friend who is frequently in the company of another
From this reading Quietly, unostentatiously, without any apparent effort, Bram had made himself a unique position, with his office companions as well as with his employers.
Cornthwaite
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His fellow-clerks knew that something of deep import had happened during that half-hour while he was shut up with Mr. Cornthwaite in the inner room; but so well did they know him by this time that no one made any attempt to learn from him what it was that had passed.
day'snounUS /deɪz/
possessive form of “day” — time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading Doggedly, sullenly, with a hard mouth and cold eyes, Bram went about his day’s work in the office.
relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply
From this reading His fellow-clerks knew that something of deep import had happened during that half-hour while he was shut up with Mr. Cornthwaite in the inner room; but so well did they know him by this time that no one made any attempt to learn from him what it was that had passed.
true confidential information
From this reading Very taciturn, very stolid of manner, never giving an unasked opinion on any subject, he always seemed to be too much absorbed in the details of work to have time or inclination for the discussions, the idle chatter, with which the rest beguiled the monotonous hours on every opportunity.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading His fellow-clerks knew that something of deep import had happened during that half-hour while he was shut up with Mr. Cornthwaite in the inner room; but so well did they know him by this time that no one made any attempt to learn from him what it was that had passed.
discussionsnounUS /dɪˈskʌʃənz/
plural of “discussion” — an extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic
From this reading Very taciturn, very stolid of manner, never giving an unasked opinion on any subject, he always seemed to be too much absorbed in the details of work to have time or inclination for the discussions, the idle chatter, with which the rest beguiled the monotonous hours on every opportunity.
DoggedlyadverbUS /ˈdɔːɡədli/
with obstinate determination
From this reading Doggedly, sullenly, with a hard mouth and cold eyes, Bram went about his day’s work in the office.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading His fellow-clerks knew that something of deep import had happened during that half-hour while he was shut up with Mr. Cornthwaite in the inner room; but so well did they know him by this time that no one made any attempt to learn from him what it was that had passed.
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading Quietly, unostentatiously, without any apparent effort, Bram had made himself a unique position, with his office companions as well as with his employers.
employersnounUS /emˈplɔɪərz/
plural of “employer” — a person or firm that employs workers
From this reading Quietly, unostentatiously, without any apparent effort, Bram had made himself a unique position, with his office companions as well as with his employers.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading Very taciturn, very stolid of manner, never giving an unasked opinion on any subject, he always seemed to be too much absorbed in the details of work to have time or inclination for the discussions, the idle chatter, with which the rest beguiled the monotonous hours on every opportunity.
opinion or judgment
From this reading Doggedly, sullenly, with a hard mouth and cold eyes, Bram went about his day’s work in the office.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading FACE TO FACE.
fellow-clerks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His fellow-clerks knew that something of deep import had happened during that half-hour while he was shut up with Mr. Cornthwaite in the inner room; but so well did they know him by this time that no one made any attempt to learn from him what it was that had passed.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Very taciturn, very stolid of manner, never giving an unasked opinion on any subject, he always seemed to be too much absorbed in the details of work to have time or inclination for the discussions, the idle chatter, with which the rest beguiled the monotonous hours on every opportunity.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading His fellow-clerks knew that something of deep import had happened during that half-hour while he was shut up with Mr. Cornthwaite in the inner room; but so well did they know him by this time that no one made any attempt to learn from him what it was that had passed.
the act of giving
From this reading Very taciturn, very stolid of manner, never giving an unasked opinion on any subject, he always seemed to be too much absorbed in the details of work to have time or inclination for the discussions, the idle chatter, with which the rest beguiled the monotonous hours on every opportunity.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading His fellow-clerks knew that something of deep import had happened during that half-hour while he was shut up with Mr. Cornthwaite in the inner room; but so well did they know him by this time that no one made any attempt to learn from him what it was that had passed.
half-hournounUS /ˈhæfaʊər/
a half of an hour
From this reading His fellow-clerks knew that something of deep import had happened during that half-hour while he was shut up with Mr. Cornthwaite in the inner room; but so well did they know him by this time that no one made any attempt to learn from him what it was that had passed.
past form of “happen” — come to pass
From this reading His fellow-clerks knew that something of deep import had happened during that half-hour while he was shut up with Mr. Cornthwaite in the inner room; but so well did they know him by this time that no one made any attempt to learn from him what it was that had passed.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading Doggedly, sullenly, with a hard mouth and cold eyes, Bram went about his day’s work in the office.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Very taciturn, very stolid of manner, never giving an unasked opinion on any subject, he always seemed to be too much absorbed in the details of work to have time or inclination for the discussions, the idle chatter, with which the rest beguiled the monotonous hours on every opportunity.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading His fellow-clerks knew that something of deep import had happened during that half-hour while he was shut up with Mr. Cornthwaite in the inner room; but so well did they know him by this time that no one made any attempt to learn from him what it was that had passed.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading His fellow-clerks knew that something of deep import had happened during that half-hour while he was shut up with Mr. Cornthwaite in the inner room; but so well did they know him by this time that no one made any attempt to learn from him what it was that had passed.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Quietly, unostentatiously, without any apparent effort, Bram had made himself a unique position, with his office companions as well as with his employers.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Doggedly, sullenly, with a hard mouth and cold eyes, Bram went about his day’s work in the office.
a period of time assigned for work
From this reading Very taciturn, very stolid of manner, never giving an unasked opinion on any subject, he always seemed to be too much absorbed in the details of work to have time or inclination for the discussions, the idle chatter, with which the rest beguiled the monotonous hours on every opportunity.
not in action or at work
From this reading Very taciturn, very stolid of manner, never giving an unasked opinion on any subject, he always seemed to be too much absorbed in the details of work to have time or inclination for the discussions, the idle chatter, with which the rest beguiled the monotonous hours on every opportunity.
importnounUS /ˌɪmˈpɔːrt/
commodities (goods or services) bought from a foreign country
From this reading His fellow-clerks knew that something of deep import had happened during that half-hour while he was shut up with Mr. Cornthwaite in the inner room; but so well did they know him by this time that no one made any attempt to learn from him what it was that had passed.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Doggedly, sullenly, with a hard mouth and cold eyes, Bram went about his day’s work in the office.
inclinationnounUS /ˌɪnkləˈneɪʃən/
an attitude of mind especially one that favors one alternative over others
From this reading Very taciturn, very stolid of manner, never giving an unasked opinion on any subject, he always seemed to be too much absorbed in the details of work to have time or inclination for the discussions, the idle chatter, with which the rest beguiled the monotonous hours on every opportunity.
located inward
From this reading His fellow-clerks knew that something of deep import had happened during that half-hour while he was shut up with Mr. Cornthwaite in the inner room; but so well did they know him by this time that no one made any attempt to learn from him what it was that had passed.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading His fellow-clerks knew that something of deep import had happened during that half-hour while he was shut up with Mr. Cornthwaite in the inner room; but so well did they know him by this time that no one made any attempt to learn from him what it was that had passed.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading His fellow-clerks knew that something of deep import had happened during that half-hour while he was shut up with Mr. Cornthwaite in the inner room; but so well did they know him by this time that no one made any attempt to learn from him what it was that had passed.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading His fellow-clerks knew that something of deep import had happened during that half-hour while he was shut up with Mr. Cornthwaite in the inner room; but so well did they know him by this time that no one made any attempt to learn from him what it was that had passed.
gain knowledge or skills
From this reading His fellow-clerks knew that something of deep import had happened during that half-hour while he was shut up with Mr. Cornthwaite in the inner room; but so well did they know him by this time that no one made any attempt to learn from him what it was that had passed.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading His fellow-clerks knew that something of deep import had happened during that half-hour while he was shut up with Mr. Cornthwaite in the inner room; but so well did they know him by this time that no one made any attempt to learn from him what it was that had passed.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Very taciturn, very stolid of manner, never giving an unasked opinion on any subject, he always seemed to be too much absorbed in the details of work to have time or inclination for the discussions, the idle chatter, with which the rest beguiled the monotonous hours on every opportunity.
monotonousadjectiveUS /məˈnɑːtənəs/
tediously repetitious or lacking in variety
From this reading Very taciturn, very stolid of manner, never giving an unasked opinion on any subject, he always seemed to be too much absorbed in the details of work to have time or inclination for the discussions, the idle chatter, with which the rest beguiled the monotonous hours on every opportunity.
the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge
From this reading Doggedly, sullenly, with a hard mouth and cold eyes, Bram went about his day’s work in the office.
a form of address for a man
From this reading His fellow-clerks knew that something of deep import had happened during that half-hour while he was shut up with Mr. Cornthwaite in the inner room; but so well did they know him by this time that no one made any attempt to learn from him what it was that had passed.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading Very taciturn, very stolid of manner, never giving an unasked opinion on any subject, he always seemed to be too much absorbed in the details of work to have time or inclination for the discussions, the idle chatter, with which the rest beguiled the monotonous hours on every opportunity.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading Very taciturn, very stolid of manner, never giving an unasked opinion on any subject, he always seemed to be too much absorbed in the details of work to have time or inclination for the discussions, the idle chatter, with which the rest beguiled the monotonous hours on every opportunity.
not any; not one
From this reading His fellow-clerks knew that something of deep import had happened during that half-hour while he was shut up with Mr. Cornthwaite in the inner room; but so well did they know him by this time that no one made any attempt to learn from him what it was that had passed.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading His fellow-clerks knew that something of deep import had happened during that half-hour while he was shut up with Mr. Cornthwaite in the inner room; but so well did they know him by this time that no one made any attempt to learn from him what it was that had passed.
place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed
From this reading Doggedly, sullenly, with a hard mouth and cold eyes, Bram went about his day’s work in the office.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Very taciturn, very stolid of manner, never giving an unasked opinion on any subject, he always seemed to be too much absorbed in the details of work to have time or inclination for the discussions, the idle chatter, with which the rest beguiled the monotonous hours on every opportunity.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading His fellow-clerks knew that something of deep import had happened during that half-hour while he was shut up with Mr. Cornthwaite in the inner room; but so well did they know him by this time that no one made any attempt to learn from him what it was that had passed.
a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty
From this reading Very taciturn, very stolid of manner, never giving an unasked opinion on any subject, he always seemed to be too much absorbed in the details of work to have time or inclination for the discussions, the idle chatter, with which the rest beguiled the monotonous hours on every opportunity.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading Very taciturn, very stolid of manner, never giving an unasked opinion on any subject, he always seemed to be too much absorbed in the details of work to have time or inclination for the discussions, the idle chatter, with which the rest beguiled the monotonous hours on every opportunity.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Very taciturn, very stolid of manner, never giving an unasked opinion on any subject, he always seemed to be too much absorbed in the details of work to have time or inclination for the discussions, the idle chatter, with which the rest beguiled the monotonous hours on every opportunity.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading His fellow-clerks knew that something of deep import had happened during that half-hour while he was shut up with Mr. Cornthwaite in the inner room; but so well did they know him by this time that no one made any attempt to learn from him what it was that had passed.
the particular portion of space occupied by something
From this reading Quietly, unostentatiously, without any apparent effort, Bram had made himself a unique position, with his office companions as well as with his employers.
with low volume
From this reading Quietly, unostentatiously, without any apparent effort, Bram had made himself a unique position, with his office companions as well as with his employers.
not move; be in a resting position
From this reading Very taciturn, very stolid of manner, never giving an unasked opinion on any subject, he always seemed to be too much absorbed in the details of work to have time or inclination for the discussions, the idle chatter, with which the rest beguiled the monotonous hours on every opportunity.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading His fellow-clerks knew that something of deep import had happened during that half-hour while he was shut up with Mr. Cornthwaite in the inner room; but so well did they know him by this time that no one made any attempt to learn from him what it was that had passed.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Very taciturn, very stolid of manner, never giving an unasked opinion on any subject, he always seemed to be too much absorbed in the details of work to have time or inclination for the discussions, the idle chatter, with which the rest beguiled the monotonous hours on every opportunity.
move so that an opening or passage is obstructed; make shut
From this reading His fellow-clerks knew that something of deep import had happened during that half-hour while he was shut up with Mr. Cornthwaite in the inner room; but so well did they know him by this time that no one made any attempt to learn from him what it was that had passed.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading His fellow-clerks knew that something of deep import had happened during that half-hour while he was shut up with Mr. Cornthwaite in the inner room; but so well did they know him by this time that no one made any attempt to learn from him what it was that had passed.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading His fellow-clerks knew that something of deep import had happened during that half-hour while he was shut up with Mr. Cornthwaite in the inner room; but so well did they know him by this time that no one made any attempt to learn from him what it was that had passed.
stolidadjectiveUS /ˈstɑːləd/
having or revealing little emotion or sensibility; not easily aroused or excited
From this reading Very taciturn, very stolid of manner, never giving an unasked opinion on any subject, he always seemed to be too much absorbed in the details of work to have time or inclination for the discussions, the idle chatter, with which the rest beguiled the monotonous hours on every opportunity.
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading Very taciturn, very stolid of manner, never giving an unasked opinion on any subject, he always seemed to be too much absorbed in the details of work to have time or inclination for the discussions, the idle chatter, with which the rest beguiled the monotonous hours on every opportunity.
sullenlyadverb
in a sullen manner
From this reading Doggedly, sullenly, with a hard mouth and cold eyes, Bram went about his day’s work in the office.
taciturnadjectiveUS /ˈtæsɪtɜːrn/
habitually reserved and uncommunicative
From this reading Very taciturn, very stolid of manner, never giving an unasked opinion on any subject, he always seemed to be too much absorbed in the details of work to have time or inclination for the discussions, the idle chatter, with which the rest beguiled the monotonous hours on every opportunity.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading His fellow-clerks knew that something of deep import had happened during that half-hour while he was shut up with Mr. Cornthwaite in the inner room; but so well did they know him by this time that no one made any attempt to learn from him what it was that had passed.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Doggedly, sullenly, with a hard mouth and cold eyes, Bram went about his day’s work in the office.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading His fellow-clerks knew that something of deep import had happened during that half-hour while he was shut up with Mr. Cornthwaite in the inner room; but so well did they know him by this time that no one made any attempt to learn from him what it was that had passed.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading His fellow-clerks knew that something of deep import had happened during that half-hour while he was shut up with Mr. Cornthwaite in the inner room; but so well did they know him by this time that no one made any attempt to learn from him what it was that had passed.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading His fellow-clerks knew that something of deep import had happened during that half-hour while he was shut up with Mr. Cornthwaite in the inner room; but so well did they know him by this time that no one made any attempt to learn from him what it was that had passed.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading FACE TO FACE.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading Very taciturn, very stolid of manner, never giving an unasked opinion on any subject, he always seemed to be too much absorbed in the details of work to have time or inclination for the discussions, the idle chatter, with which the rest beguiled the monotonous hours on every opportunity.
unaskedadjective
uninvited
From this reading Very taciturn, very stolid of manner, never giving an unasked opinion on any subject, he always seemed to be too much absorbed in the details of work to have time or inclination for the discussions, the idle chatter, with which the rest beguiled the monotonous hours on every opportunity.
uniqueadjectiveUS /juːˈniːk/
radically distinctive and without equal
From this reading Quietly, unostentatiously, without any apparent effort, Bram had made himself a unique position, with his office companions as well as with his employers.
unostentatiously
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Quietly, unostentatiously, without any apparent effort, Bram had made himself a unique position, with his office companions as well as with his employers.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading His fellow-clerks knew that something of deep import had happened during that half-hour while he was shut up with Mr. Cornthwaite in the inner room; but so well did they know him by this time that no one made any attempt to learn from him what it was that had passed.
precisely as stated
From this reading Very taciturn, very stolid of manner, never giving an unasked opinion on any subject, he always seemed to be too much absorbed in the details of work to have time or inclination for the discussions, the idle chatter, with which the rest beguiled the monotonous hours on every opportunity.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading His fellow-clerks knew that something of deep import had happened during that half-hour while he was shut up with Mr. Cornthwaite in the inner room; but so well did they know him by this time that no one made any attempt to learn from him what it was that had passed.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading His fellow-clerks knew that something of deep import had happened during that half-hour while he was shut up with Mr. Cornthwaite in the inner room; but so well did they know him by this time that no one made any attempt to learn from him what it was that had passed.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Doggedly, sullenly, with a hard mouth and cold eyes, Bram went about his day’s work in the office.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading His fellow-clerks knew that something of deep import had happened during that half-hour while he was shut up with Mr. Cornthwaite in the inner room; but so well did they know him by this time that no one made any attempt to learn from him what it was that had passed.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Very taciturn, very stolid of manner, never giving an unasked opinion on any subject, he always seemed to be too much absorbed in the details of work to have time or inclination for the discussions, the idle chatter, with which the rest beguiled the monotonous hours on every opportunity.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading His fellow-clerks knew that something of deep import had happened during that half-hour while he was shut up with Mr. Cornthwaite in the inner room; but so well did they know him by this time that no one made any attempt to learn from him what it was that had passed.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Doggedly, sullenly, with a hard mouth and cold eyes, Bram went about his day’s work in the office.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading Quietly, unostentatiously, without any apparent effort, Bram had made himself a unique position, with his office companions as well as with his employers.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading Doggedly, sullenly, with a hard mouth and cold eyes, Bram went about his day’s work in the office.
