used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Prudence slipped a cloak over her evening dress and softly unlatched her bedroom door and stepped out on to the landing.
aloneadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/
Having no one else present.
From this reading She wanted to see Philip Steele, to talk with him once more--for the last time--talk with him uninterruptedly with no fear of being seen or overheard, with the certainty of being alone together, unsuspected, and with no explanations to be demanded by any one concerning their doings.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading She was doing an unwise thing; she realised that perfectly; but something outside her volition urged her on to the course she was taking.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Prudence slipped a cloak over her evening dress and softly unlatched her bedroom door and stepped out on to the landing.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading She wanted to see Philip Steele, to talk with him once more--for the last time--talk with him uninterruptedly with no fear of being seen or overheard, with the certainty of being alone together, unsuspected, and with no explanations to be demanded by any one concerning their doings.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading She wanted to see Philip Steele, to talk with him once more--for the last time--talk with him uninterruptedly with no fear of being seen or overheard, with the certainty of being alone together, unsuspected, and with no explanations to be demanded by any one concerning their doings.
a room used primarily for sleeping
From this reading Prudence slipped a cloak over her evening dress and softly unlatched her bedroom door and stepped out on to the landing.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading She wanted to see Philip Steele, to talk with him once more--for the last time--talk with him uninterruptedly with no fear of being seen or overheard, with the certainty of being alone together, unsuspected, and with no explanations to be demanded by any one concerning their doings.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading She was doing an unwise thing; she realised that perfectly; but something outside her volition urged her on to the course she was taking.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading She wanted to see Philip Steele, to talk with him once more--for the last time--talk with him uninterruptedly with no fear of being seen or overheard, with the certainty of being alone together, unsuspected, and with no explanations to be demanded by any one concerning their doings.
certaintynounUS /ˈsɜːrtənti/
the state of being certain
From this reading She wanted to see Philip Steele, to talk with him once more--for the last time--talk with him uninterruptedly with no fear of being seen or overheard, with the certainty of being alone together, unsuspected, and with no explanations to be demanded by any one concerning their doings.
a subdivision of a written work; usually numbered and titled
From this reading CHAPTER THIRTY SEVEN.
anything that covers or conceals
From this reading Prudence slipped a cloak over her evening dress and softly unlatched her bedroom door and stepped out on to the landing.
-ing form of “concern” — be relevant to
From this reading She wanted to see Philip Steele, to talk with him once more--for the last time--talk with him uninterruptedly with no fear of being seen or overheard, with the certainty of being alone together, unsuspected, and with no explanations to be demanded by any one concerning their doings.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading She was doing an unwise thing; she realised that perfectly; but something outside her volition urged her on to the course she was taking.
past form of “demand” — request urgently and forcefully
From this reading She wanted to see Philip Steele, to talk with him once more--for the last time--talk with him uninterruptedly with no fear of being seen or overheard, with the certainty of being alone together, unsuspected, and with no explanations to be demanded by any one concerning their doings.
-ing form of “do” — engage in
From this reading She was doing an unwise thing; she realised that perfectly; but something outside her volition urged her on to the course she was taking.
doingsnounUS /ˈduːɪŋz/
manner of acting or controlling yourself
From this reading She wanted to see Philip Steele, to talk with him once more--for the last time--talk with him uninterruptedly with no fear of being seen or overheard, with the certainty of being alone together, unsuspected, and with no explanations to be demanded by any one concerning their doings.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading Prudence slipped a cloak over her evening dress and softly unlatched her bedroom door and stepped out on to the landing.
put on clothes
From this reading Prudence slipped a cloak over her evening dress and softly unlatched her bedroom door and stepped out on to the landing.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading Prudence slipped a cloak over her evening dress and softly unlatched her bedroom door and stepped out on to the landing.
explanationsnounUS /ˌekspləˈneɪʃənz/
plural of “explanation” — a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.
From this reading She wanted to see Philip Steele, to talk with him once more--for the last time--talk with him uninterruptedly with no fear of being seen or overheard, with the certainty of being alone together, unsuspected, and with no explanations to be demanded by any one concerning their doings.
be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
From this reading She wanted to see Philip Steele, to talk with him once more--for the last time--talk with him uninterruptedly with no fear of being seen or overheard, with the certainty of being alone together, unsuspected, and with no explanations to be demanded by any one concerning their doings.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading She wanted to see Philip Steele, to talk with him once more--for the last time--talk with him uninterruptedly with no fear of being seen or overheard, with the certainty of being alone together, unsuspected, and with no explanations to be demanded by any one concerning their doings.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Prudence slipped a cloak over her evening dress and softly unlatched her bedroom door and stepped out on to the landing.
hesitationnounUS /ˌhezəˈteɪʃən/
indecision in speech or action
From this reading There was no show of hesitation in her movements now.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading She wanted to see Philip Steele, to talk with him once more--for the last time--talk with him uninterruptedly with no fear of being seen or overheard, with the certainty of being alone together, unsuspected, and with no explanations to be demanded by any one concerning their doings.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading There was no show of hesitation in her movements now.
an intermediate platform in a staircase
From this reading Prudence slipped a cloak over her evening dress and softly unlatched her bedroom door and stepped out on to the landing.
immediately past
From this reading She wanted to see Philip Steele, to talk with him once more--for the last time--talk with him uninterruptedly with no fear of being seen or overheard, with the certainty of being alone together, unsuspected, and with no explanations to be demanded by any one concerning their doings.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading She wanted to see Philip Steele, to talk with him once more--for the last time--talk with him uninterruptedly with no fear of being seen or overheard, with the certainty of being alone together, unsuspected, and with no explanations to be demanded by any one concerning their doings.
plural of “movement” — a change of position that does not entail a change of location
From this reading There was no show of hesitation in her movements now.
not any; not one
From this reading There was no show of hesitation in her movements now.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading There was no show of hesitation in her movements now.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading There was no show of hesitation in her movements now.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Prudence slipped a cloak over her evening dress and softly unlatched her bedroom door and stepped out on to the landing.
on one occasion
From this reading She wanted to see Philip Steele, to talk with him once more--for the last time--talk with him uninterruptedly with no fear of being seen or overheard, with the certainty of being alone together, unsuspected, and with no explanations to be demanded by any one concerning their doings.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading She wanted to see Philip Steele, to talk with him once more--for the last time--talk with him uninterruptedly with no fear of being seen or overheard, with the certainty of being alone together, unsuspected, and with no explanations to be demanded by any one concerning their doings.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading She wanted to see Philip Steele, to talk with him once more--for the last time--talk with him uninterruptedly with no fear of being seen or overheard, with the certainty of being alone together, unsuspected, and with no explanations to be demanded by any one concerning their doings.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Prudence slipped a cloak over her evening dress and softly unlatched her bedroom door and stepped out on to the landing.
relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit
From this reading She was doing an unwise thing; she realised that perfectly; but something outside her volition urged her on to the course she was taking.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Prudence slipped a cloak over her evening dress and softly unlatched her bedroom door and stepped out on to the landing.
overheardverbUS /ˈoʊvərˈhɜːrd/
inflected form of “overhear” — hear, usually without the knowledge of the speakers
From this reading She wanted to see Philip Steele, to talk with him once more--for the last time--talk with him uninterruptedly with no fear of being seen or overheard, with the certainty of being alone together, unsuspected, and with no explanations to be demanded by any one concerning their doings.
completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers
From this reading She was doing an unwise thing; she realised that perfectly; but something outside her volition urged her on to the course she was taking.
Englishman and husband of Elizabeth II (born 1921)
From this reading She wanted to see Philip Steele, to talk with him once more--for the last time--talk with him uninterruptedly with no fear of being seen or overheard, with the certainty of being alone together, unsuspected, and with no explanations to be demanded by any one concerning their doings.
PrudencenounUS /ˈpruːdəns/
discretion in practical affairs
From this reading Prudence slipped a cloak over her evening dress and softly unlatched her bedroom door and stepped out on to the landing.
realisedadjectiveUS /ˈriːəlaɪzd/
successfully completed or brought to an end
From this reading She was doing an unwise thing; she realised that perfectly; but something outside her volition urged her on to the course she was taking.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading She wanted to see Philip Steele, to talk with him once more--for the last time--talk with him uninterruptedly with no fear of being seen or overheard, with the certainty of being alone together, unsuspected, and with no explanations to be demanded by any one concerning their doings.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading She wanted to see Philip Steele, to talk with him once more--for the last time--talk with him uninterruptedly with no fear of being seen or overheard, with the certainty of being alone together, unsuspected, and with no explanations to be demanded by any one concerning their doings.
the cardinal number that is the sum of six and one
From this reading CHAPTER THIRTY SEVEN.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She was doing an unwise thing; she realised that perfectly; but something outside her volition urged her on to the course she was taking.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading There was no show of hesitation in her movements now.
inflected form of “slip” — move stealthily
From this reading Prudence slipped a cloak over her evening dress and softly unlatched her bedroom door and stepped out on to the landing.
with low volume
From this reading Prudence slipped a cloak over her evening dress and softly unlatched her bedroom door and stepped out on to the landing.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading She was doing an unwise thing; she realised that perfectly; but something outside her volition urged her on to the course she was taking.
SteelenounUS /stiːl/
English writer (1672-1729)
From this reading She wanted to see Philip Steele, to talk with him once more--for the last time--talk with him uninterruptedly with no fear of being seen or overheard, with the certainty of being alone together, unsuspected, and with no explanations to be demanded by any one concerning their doings.
inflected form of “step” — shift or move by taking a step
From this reading Prudence slipped a cloak over her evening dress and softly unlatched her bedroom door and stepped out on to the landing.
the act of someone who picks up or takes something
From this reading She was doing an unwise thing; she realised that perfectly; but something outside her volition urged her on to the course she was taking.
exchange thoughts; talk with
From this reading She wanted to see Philip Steele, to talk with him once more--for the last time--talk with him uninterruptedly with no fear of being seen or overheard, with the certainty of being alone together, unsuspected, and with no explanations to be demanded by any one concerning their doings.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading She was doing an unwise thing; she realised that perfectly; but something outside her volition urged her on to the course she was taking.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Prudence slipped a cloak over her evening dress and softly unlatched her bedroom door and stepped out on to the landing.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading She wanted to see Philip Steele, to talk with him once more--for the last time--talk with him uninterruptedly with no fear of being seen or overheard, with the certainty of being alone together, unsuspected, and with no explanations to be demanded by any one concerning their doings.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There was no show of hesitation in her movements now.
a special situation
From this reading She was doing an unwise thing; she realised that perfectly; but something outside her volition urged her on to the course she was taking.
the cardinal number that is the product of ten and three
From this reading CHAPTER THIRTY SEVEN.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading She wanted to see Philip Steele, to talk with him once more--for the last time--talk with him uninterruptedly with no fear of being seen or overheard, with the certainty of being alone together, unsuspected, and with no explanations to be demanded by any one concerning their doings.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Prudence slipped a cloak over her evening dress and softly unlatched her bedroom door and stepped out on to the landing.
in contact with each other or in proximity
From this reading She wanted to see Philip Steele, to talk with him once more--for the last time--talk with him uninterruptedly with no fear of being seen or overheard, with the certainty of being alone together, unsuspected, and with no explanations to be demanded by any one concerning their doings.
uninterruptedlyadverb
without interruption
From this reading She wanted to see Philip Steele, to talk with him once more--for the last time--talk with him uninterruptedly with no fear of being seen or overheard, with the certainty of being alone together, unsuspected, and with no explanations to be demanded by any one concerning their doings.
unlatchedadjective
not firmly fastened or secured
From this reading Prudence slipped a cloak over her evening dress and softly unlatched her bedroom door and stepped out on to the landing.
unsuspectedadjectiveUS /ˌʌnsəˈspektɪd/
not suspected or believed likely
From this reading She wanted to see Philip Steele, to talk with him once more--for the last time--talk with him uninterruptedly with no fear of being seen or overheard, with the certainty of being alone together, unsuspected, and with no explanations to be demanded by any one concerning their doings.
unwiseadjectiveUS /ənˈwaɪz/
showing or resulting from lack of judgment or wisdom
From this reading She was doing an unwise thing; she realised that perfectly; but something outside her volition urged her on to the course she was taking.
past form of “urge” — force or impel in an indicated direction
From this reading She was doing an unwise thing; she realised that perfectly; but something outside her volition urged her on to the course she was taking.
volitionnounUS /voʊˈlɪʃən/
the capability of conscious choice and decision and intention
From this reading She was doing an unwise thing; she realised that perfectly; but something outside her volition urged her on to the course she was taking.
desired or wished for or sought
From this reading She wanted to see Philip Steele, to talk with him once more--for the last time--talk with him uninterruptedly with no fear of being seen or overheard, with the certainty of being alone together, unsuspected, and with no explanations to be demanded by any one concerning their doings.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading There was no show of hesitation in her movements now.
in the company of; together with
From this reading She wanted to see Philip Steele, to talk with him once more--for the last time--talk with him uninterruptedly with no fear of being seen or overheard, with the certainty of being alone together, unsuspected, and with no explanations to be demanded by any one concerning their doings.
