used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading They were returning through the wood: she paused one moment to look upon the sea: it was calm; and the air blew soft and fresh upon her burning forehead.—What dreadful sight is that ... a female figure, passing through the thicket behind, with a hasty step approached them, and knelt down as if imploring for mercy.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading They were returning through the wood: she paused one moment to look upon the sea: it was calm; and the air blew soft and fresh upon her burning forehead.—What dreadful sight is that ... a female figure, passing through the thicket behind, with a hasty step approached them, and knelt down as if imploring for mercy.
AlasexclamationUS /əˈlæs/
used to show sadness, pity, or regret
From this reading Alas! she obeyed too well.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading They were returning through the wood: she paused one moment to look upon the sea: it was calm; and the air blew soft and fresh upon her burning forehead.—What dreadful sight is that ... a female figure, passing through the thicket behind, with a hasty step approached them, and knelt down as if imploring for mercy.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Glenarvon had retired unperceived by any, on the evening he had visited her, in her apartment.
a suite of rooms usually on one floor of an apartment house
From this reading Glenarvon had retired unperceived by any, on the evening he had visited her, in her apartment.
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading The following day he appeared at the castle; they both avoided each other: she indeed trembled at beholding him.
past form of “approach” — move towards
From this reading They were returning through the wood: she paused one moment to look upon the sea: it was calm; and the air blew soft and fresh upon her burning forehead.—What dreadful sight is that ... a female figure, passing through the thicket behind, with a hasty step approached them, and knelt down as if imploring for mercy.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading They were returning through the wood: she paused one moment to look upon the sea: it was calm; and the air blew soft and fresh upon her burning forehead.—What dreadful sight is that ... a female figure, passing through the thicket behind, with a hasty step approached them, and knelt down as if imploring for mercy.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The following day he appeared at the castle; they both avoided each other: she indeed trembled at beholding him.
avoidedverbUS /əˈvɔɪdɪd/
past form of “avoid” — stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something
From this reading The following day he appeared at the castle; they both avoided each other: she indeed trembled at beholding him.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading They were returning through the wood: she paused one moment to look upon the sea: it was calm; and the air blew soft and fresh upon her burning forehead.—What dreadful sight is that ... a female figure, passing through the thicket behind, with a hasty step approached them, and knelt down as if imploring for mercy.
beholdingnounUS /bɪˈhoʊldɪŋ/
perception by means of the eyes
From this reading The following day he appeared at the castle; they both avoided each other: she indeed trembled at beholding him.
inflected form of “blow” — exhale hard
From this reading They were returning through the wood: she paused one moment to look upon the sea: it was calm; and the air blew soft and fresh upon her burning forehead.—What dreadful sight is that ... a female figure, passing through the thicket behind, with a hasty step approached them, and knelt down as if imploring for mercy.
the two together, not just one
From this reading The following day he appeared at the castle; they both avoided each other: she indeed trembled at beholding him.
the act of burning something
From this reading They were returning through the wood: she paused one moment to look upon the sea: it was calm; and the air blew soft and fresh upon her burning forehead.—What dreadful sight is that ... a female figure, passing through the thicket behind, with a hasty step approached them, and knelt down as if imploring for mercy.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Glenarvon had retired unperceived by any, on the evening he had visited her, in her apartment.
make calm or still
From this reading They were returning through the wood: she paused one moment to look upon the sea: it was calm; and the air blew soft and fresh upon her burning forehead.—What dreadful sight is that ... a female figure, passing through the thicket behind, with a hasty step approached them, and knelt down as if imploring for mercy.
a large and stately mansion
From this reading The following day he appeared at the castle; they both avoided each other: she indeed trembled at beholding him.
chapelnounUS /ˈtʃæpəl/
a place of worship that has its own altar
From this reading “Meet me at the chapel to-night,” he whispered.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading The following day he appeared at the castle; they both avoided each other: she indeed trembled at beholding him.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading They were returning through the wood: she paused one moment to look upon the sea: it was calm; and the air blew soft and fresh upon her burning forehead.—What dreadful sight is that ... a female figure, passing through the thicket behind, with a hasty step approached them, and knelt down as if imploring for mercy.
causing fear or dread or terror
From this reading They were returning through the wood: she paused one moment to look upon the sea: it was calm; and the air blew soft and fresh upon her burning forehead.—What dreadful sight is that ... a female figure, passing through the thicket behind, with a hasty step approached them, and knelt down as if imploring for mercy.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading The following day he appeared at the castle; they both avoided each other: she indeed trembled at beholding him.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading Glenarvon had retired unperceived by any, on the evening he had visited her, in her apartment.
being the sex (of plant or animal) that produces fertilizable gametes (ova) from which offspring develop
From this reading They were returning through the wood: she paused one moment to look upon the sea: it was calm; and the air blew soft and fresh upon her burning forehead.—What dreadful sight is that ... a female figure, passing through the thicket behind, with a hasty step approached them, and knelt down as if imploring for mercy.
a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading They were returning through the wood: she paused one moment to look upon the sea: it was calm; and the air blew soft and fresh upon her burning forehead.—What dreadful sight is that ... a female figure, passing through the thicket behind, with a hasty step approached them, and knelt down as if imploring for mercy.
about to be mentioned or specified
From this reading The following day he appeared at the castle; they both avoided each other: she indeed trembled at beholding him.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading They were returning through the wood: she paused one moment to look upon the sea: it was calm; and the air blew soft and fresh upon her burning forehead.—What dreadful sight is that ... a female figure, passing through the thicket behind, with a hasty step approached them, and knelt down as if imploring for mercy.
the part of the face above the eyes
From this reading They were returning through the wood: she paused one moment to look upon the sea: it was calm; and the air blew soft and fresh upon her burning forehead.—What dreadful sight is that ... a female figure, passing through the thicket behind, with a hasty step approached them, and knelt down as if imploring for mercy.
recently made, produced, or harvested
From this reading They were returning through the wood: she paused one moment to look upon the sea: it was calm; and the air blew soft and fresh upon her burning forehead.—What dreadful sight is that ... a female figure, passing through the thicket behind, with a hasty step approached them, and knelt down as if imploring for mercy.
Glenarvon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Glenarvon had retired unperceived by any, on the evening he had visited her, in her apartment.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Glenarvon had retired unperceived by any, on the evening he had visited her, in her apartment.
hastyadjectiveUS /ˈheɪsti/
excessively quick
From this reading They were returning through the wood: she paused one moment to look upon the sea: it was calm; and the air blew soft and fresh upon her burning forehead.—What dreadful sight is that ... a female figure, passing through the thicket behind, with a hasty step approached them, and knelt down as if imploring for mercy.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Glenarvon had retired unperceived by any, on the evening he had visited her, in her apartment.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Glenarvon had retired unperceived by any, on the evening he had visited her, in her apartment.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The following day he appeared at the castle; they both avoided each other: she indeed trembled at beholding him.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading They were returning through the wood: she paused one moment to look upon the sea: it was calm; and the air blew soft and fresh upon her burning forehead.—What dreadful sight is that ... a female figure, passing through the thicket behind, with a hasty step approached them, and knelt down as if imploring for mercy.
imploringadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈplɔːrɪŋ/
begging
From this reading They were returning through the wood: she paused one moment to look upon the sea: it was calm; and the air blew soft and fresh upon her burning forehead.—What dreadful sight is that ... a female figure, passing through the thicket behind, with a hasty step approached them, and knelt down as if imploring for mercy.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Glenarvon had retired unperceived by any, on the evening he had visited her, in her apartment.
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading The following day he appeared at the castle; they both avoided each other: she indeed trembled at beholding him.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading They were returning through the wood: she paused one moment to look upon the sea: it was calm; and the air blew soft and fresh upon her burning forehead.—What dreadful sight is that ... a female figure, passing through the thicket behind, with a hasty step approached them, and knelt down as if imploring for mercy.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading They were returning through the wood: she paused one moment to look upon the sea: it was calm; and the air blew soft and fresh upon her burning forehead.—What dreadful sight is that ... a female figure, passing through the thicket behind, with a hasty step approached them, and knelt down as if imploring for mercy.
kneltverbUS /nelt/
inflected form of “kneel” — rest one's weight on one's knees
From this reading They were returning through the wood: she paused one moment to look upon the sea: it was calm; and the air blew soft and fresh upon her burning forehead.—What dreadful sight is that ... a female figure, passing through the thicket behind, with a hasty step approached them, and knelt down as if imploring for mercy.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading They were returning through the wood: she paused one moment to look upon the sea: it was calm; and the air blew soft and fresh upon her burning forehead.—What dreadful sight is that ... a female figure, passing through the thicket behind, with a hasty step approached them, and knelt down as if imploring for mercy.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading “Meet me at the chapel to-night,” he whispered.
come together
From this reading “Meet me at the chapel to-night,” he whispered.
leniency and compassion shown toward offenders by a person or agency charged with administering justice
From this reading They were returning through the wood: she paused one moment to look upon the sea: it was calm; and the air blew soft and fresh upon her burning forehead.—What dreadful sight is that ... a female figure, passing through the thicket behind, with a hasty step approached them, and knelt down as if imploring for mercy.
a particular point in time
From this reading They were returning through the wood: she paused one moment to look upon the sea: it was calm; and the air blew soft and fresh upon her burning forehead.—What dreadful sight is that ... a female figure, passing through the thicket behind, with a hasty step approached them, and knelt down as if imploring for mercy.
past form of “obey” — be obedient to
From this reading Alas! she obeyed too well.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Glenarvon had retired unperceived by any, on the evening he had visited her, in her apartment.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading They were returning through the wood: she paused one moment to look upon the sea: it was calm; and the air blew soft and fresh upon her burning forehead.—What dreadful sight is that ... a female figure, passing through the thicket behind, with a hasty step approached them, and knelt down as if imploring for mercy.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading The following day he appeared at the castle; they both avoided each other: she indeed trembled at beholding him.
(American football) a play that involves one player throwing the ball to a teammate
From this reading They were returning through the wood: she paused one moment to look upon the sea: it was calm; and the air blew soft and fresh upon her burning forehead.—What dreadful sight is that ... a female figure, passing through the thicket behind, with a hasty step approached them, and knelt down as if imploring for mercy.
past form of “pause” — interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing
From this reading They were returning through the wood: she paused one moment to look upon the sea: it was calm; and the air blew soft and fresh upon her burning forehead.—What dreadful sight is that ... a female figure, passing through the thicket behind, with a hasty step approached them, and knelt down as if imploring for mercy.
no longer active in your work or profession
From this reading Glenarvon had retired unperceived by any, on the evening he had visited her, in her apartment.
tending to return to an earlier state
From this reading They were returning through the wood: she paused one moment to look upon the sea: it was calm; and the air blew soft and fresh upon her burning forehead.—What dreadful sight is that ... a female figure, passing through the thicket behind, with a hasty step approached them, and knelt down as if imploring for mercy.
a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
From this reading They were returning through the wood: she paused one moment to look upon the sea: it was calm; and the air blew soft and fresh upon her burning forehead.—What dreadful sight is that ... a female figure, passing through the thicket behind, with a hasty step approached them, and knelt down as if imploring for mercy.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The following day he appeared at the castle; they both avoided each other: she indeed trembled at beholding him.
an instance of visual perception
From this reading They were returning through the wood: she paused one moment to look upon the sea: it was calm; and the air blew soft and fresh upon her burning forehead.—What dreadful sight is that ... a female figure, passing through the thicket behind, with a hasty step approached them, and knelt down as if imploring for mercy.
yielding readily to pressure or weight
From this reading They were returning through the wood: she paused one moment to look upon the sea: it was calm; and the air blew soft and fresh upon her burning forehead.—What dreadful sight is that ... a female figure, passing through the thicket behind, with a hasty step approached them, and knelt down as if imploring for mercy.
any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal
From this reading They were returning through the wood: she paused one moment to look upon the sea: it was calm; and the air blew soft and fresh upon her burning forehead.—What dreadful sight is that ... a female figure, passing through the thicket behind, with a hasty step approached them, and knelt down as if imploring for mercy.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading They were returning through the wood: she paused one moment to look upon the sea: it was calm; and the air blew soft and fresh upon her burning forehead.—What dreadful sight is that ... a female figure, passing through the thicket behind, with a hasty step approached them, and knelt down as if imploring for mercy.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Glenarvon had retired unperceived by any, on the evening he had visited her, in her apartment.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading They were returning through the wood: she paused one moment to look upon the sea: it was calm; and the air blew soft and fresh upon her burning forehead.—What dreadful sight is that ... a female figure, passing through the thicket behind, with a hasty step approached them, and knelt down as if imploring for mercy.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The following day he appeared at the castle; they both avoided each other: she indeed trembled at beholding him.
thicketnounUS /ˈθɪkɪt/
a dense growth of bushes
From this reading They were returning through the wood: she paused one moment to look upon the sea: it was calm; and the air blew soft and fresh upon her burning forehead.—What dreadful sight is that ... a female figure, passing through the thicket behind, with a hasty step approached them, and knelt down as if imploring for mercy.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading They were returning through the wood: she paused one moment to look upon the sea: it was calm; and the air blew soft and fresh upon her burning forehead.—What dreadful sight is that ... a female figure, passing through the thicket behind, with a hasty step approached them, and knelt down as if imploring for mercy.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading They were returning through the wood: she paused one moment to look upon the sea: it was calm; and the air blew soft and fresh upon her burning forehead.—What dreadful sight is that ... a female figure, passing through the thicket behind, with a hasty step approached them, and knelt down as if imploring for mercy.
to-night
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Meet me at the chapel to-night,” he whispered.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading Alas! she obeyed too well.
past form of “tremble” — move or jerk quickly and involuntarily up and down or sideways
From this reading The following day he appeared at the castle; they both avoided each other: she indeed trembled at beholding him.
unperceivedadjective
not perceived or commented on
From this reading Glenarvon had retired unperceived by any, on the evening he had visited her, in her apartment.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading They were returning through the wood: she paused one moment to look upon the sea: it was calm; and the air blew soft and fresh upon her burning forehead.—What dreadful sight is that ... a female figure, passing through the thicket behind, with a hasty step approached them, and knelt down as if imploring for mercy.
past form of “visit” — go to see a place, as for entertainment
From this reading Glenarvon had retired unperceived by any, on the evening he had visited her, in her apartment.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading They were returning through the wood: she paused one moment to look upon the sea: it was calm; and the air blew soft and fresh upon her burning forehead.—What dreadful sight is that ... a female figure, passing through the thicket behind, with a hasty step approached them, and knelt down as if imploring for mercy.
(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 Alas! she obeyed too well.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading They were returning through the wood: she paused one moment to look upon the sea: it was calm; and the air blew soft and fresh upon her burning forehead.—What dreadful sight is that ... a female figure, passing through the thicket behind, with a hasty step approached them, and knelt down as if imploring for mercy.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading They were returning through the wood: she paused one moment to look upon the sea: it was calm; and the air blew soft and fresh upon her burning forehead.—What dreadful sight is that ... a female figure, passing through the thicket behind, with a hasty step approached them, and knelt down as if imploring for mercy.
spoken in soft hushed tones without vibrations of the vocal cords
From this reading “Meet me at the chapel to-night,” he whispered.
in the company of; together with
From this reading They were returning through the wood: she paused one moment to look upon the sea: it was calm; and the air blew soft and fresh upon her burning forehead.—What dreadful sight is that ... a female figure, passing through the thicket behind, with a hasty step approached them, and knelt down as if imploring for mercy.
the hard fibrous lignified substance under the bark of trees
From this reading They were returning through the wood: she paused one moment to look upon the sea: it was calm; and the air blew soft and fresh upon her burning forehead.—What dreadful sight is that ... a female figure, passing through the thicket behind, with a hasty step approached them, and knelt down as if imploring for mercy.
