used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading "_WOOED AN' MARRIED AN' A'_."
matters of personal concern
From this reading Joseph was extremely expert in spelling out the affairs of his neighbours from external signs, and it may have been owing to that, that he kept his own life so studiously in the shade, knowing so well how much may be divined from passing glimpses.
(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 Joseph Smiley lived in a small cottage all by himself.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading "_WOOED AN' MARRIED AN' A'_."
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It was not on the main street, but built in what should have been the back yard of a house on that thoroughfare, and was approached by a narrow passage round the end of the house in front.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading It was just the place for any one who desired retirement, being extremely private, which, strangely enough, seems the great desideratum of all inquisitive people.
past form of “approach” — move towards
From this reading It was not on the main street, but built in what should have been the back yard of a house on that thoroughfare, and was approached by a narrow passage round the end of the house in front.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading It was not on the main street, but built in what should have been the back yard of a house on that thoroughfare, and was approached by a narrow passage round the end of the house in front.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Joseph was extremely expert in spelling out the affairs of his neighbours from external signs, and it may have been owing to that, that he kept his own life so studiously in the shade, knowing so well how much may be divined from passing glimpses.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading It was not on the main street, but built in what should have been the back yard of a house on that thoroughfare, and was approached by a narrow passage round the end of the house in front.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading It was just the place for any one who desired retirement, being extremely private, which, strangely enough, seems the great desideratum of all inquisitive people.
(used of soaps or cleaning agents) having a substance (an abrasive or filler) added to increase effectiveness
From this reading It was not on the main street, but built in what should have been the back yard of a house on that thoroughfare, and was approached by a narrow passage round the end of the house in front.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading It was not on the main street, but built in what should have been the back yard of a house on that thoroughfare, and was approached by a narrow passage round the end of the house in front.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Joseph Smiley lived in a small cottage all by himself.
a small house with a single story
From this reading Joseph Smiley lived in a small cottage all by himself.
desideratumnoun
something desired as a necessity
From this reading It was just the place for any one who desired retirement, being extremely private, which, strangely enough, seems the great desideratum of all inquisitive people.
wanted intensely
From this reading It was just the place for any one who desired retirement, being extremely private, which, strangely enough, seems the great desideratum of all inquisitive people.
divined
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Joseph was extremely expert in spelling out the affairs of his neighbours from external signs, and it may have been owing to that, that he kept his own life so studiously in the shade, knowing so well how much may be divined from passing glimpses.
either extremity of something that has length
From this reading It was not on the main street, but built in what should have been the back yard of a house on that thoroughfare, and was approached by a narrow passage round the end of the house in front.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading It was just the place for any one who desired retirement, being extremely private, which, strangely enough, seems the great desideratum of all inquisitive people.
expertadjectiveUS /ˈekspərt/
having or showing knowledge and skill and aptitude
From this reading Joseph was extremely expert in spelling out the affairs of his neighbours from external signs, and it may have been owing to that, that he kept his own life so studiously in the shade, knowing so well how much may be divined from passing glimpses.
externaladjectiveUS /ɪkˈstɜːrnəl/
happening or arising or located outside or beyond some limits or especially surface
From this reading Joseph was extremely expert in spelling out the affairs of his neighbours from external signs, and it may have been owing to that, that he kept his own life so studiously in the shade, knowing so well how much may be divined from passing glimpses.
to a high degree or extent; favorably or with much respect
From this reading It was just the place for any one who desired retirement, being extremely private, which, strangely enough, seems the great desideratum of all inquisitive people.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It was just the place for any one who desired retirement, being extremely private, which, strangely enough, seems the great desideratum of all inquisitive people.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Joseph was extremely expert in spelling out the affairs of his neighbours from external signs, and it may have been owing to that, that he kept his own life so studiously in the shade, knowing so well how much may be divined from passing glimpses.
the side that is forward or prominent
From this reading It was not on the main street, but built in what should have been the back yard of a house on that thoroughfare, and was approached by a narrow passage round the end of the house in front.
glimpsesnounUS /ˈɡlɪmpsɪz/
plural of “glimpse” — a quick look
From this reading Joseph was extremely expert in spelling out the affairs of his neighbours from external signs, and it may have been owing to that, that he kept his own life so studiously in the shade, knowing so well how much may be divined from passing glimpses.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading It was just the place for any one who desired retirement, being extremely private, which, strangely enough, seems the great desideratum of all inquisitive people.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading It was not on the main street, but built in what should have been the back yard of a house on that thoroughfare, and was approached by a narrow passage round the end of the house in front.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Joseph was extremely expert in spelling out the affairs of his neighbours from external signs, and it may have been owing to that, that he kept his own life so studiously in the shade, knowing so well how much may be divined from passing glimpses.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Joseph Smiley lived in a small cottage all by himself.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Joseph was extremely expert in spelling out the affairs of his neighbours from external signs, and it may have been owing to that, that he kept his own life so studiously in the shade, knowing so well how much may be divined from passing glimpses.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading It was not on the main street, but built in what should have been the back yard of a house on that thoroughfare, and was approached by a narrow passage round the end of the house in front.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Joseph was extremely expert in spelling out the affairs of his neighbours from external signs, and it may have been owing to that, that he kept his own life so studiously in the shade, knowing so well how much may be divined from passing glimpses.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Joseph Smiley lived in a small cottage all by himself.
inquisitiveadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈkwɪzɪtɪv/
showing curiosity
From this reading It was just the place for any one who desired retirement, being extremely private, which, strangely enough, seems the great desideratum of all inquisitive people.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was not on the main street, but built in what should have been the back yard of a house on that thoroughfare, and was approached by a narrow passage round the end of the house in front.
leader of the Nez Perce in their retreat from United States troops (1840-1904)
From this reading Joseph Smiley lived in a small cottage all by himself.
and nothing more
From this reading It was just the place for any one who desired retirement, being extremely private, which, strangely enough, seems the great desideratum of all inquisitive people.
(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
From this reading Joseph was extremely expert in spelling out the affairs of his neighbours from external signs, and it may have been owing to that, that he kept his own life so studiously in the shade, knowing so well how much may be divined from passing glimpses.
evidencing the possession of inside information
From this reading Joseph was extremely expert in spelling out the affairs of his neighbours from external signs, and it may have been owing to that, that he kept his own life so studiously in the shade, knowing so well how much may be divined from passing glimpses.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Joseph was extremely expert in spelling out the affairs of his neighbours from external signs, and it may have been owing to that, that he kept his own life so studiously in the shade, knowing so well how much may be divined from passing glimpses.
past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in
From this reading Joseph Smiley lived in a small cottage all by himself.
most important element
From this reading It was not on the main street, but built in what should have been the back yard of a house on that thoroughfare, and was approached by a narrow passage round the end of the house in front.
joined in matrimony
From this reading "_WOOED AN' MARRIED AN' A'_."
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading Joseph was extremely expert in spelling out the affairs of his neighbours from external signs, and it may have been owing to that, that he kept his own life so studiously in the shade, knowing so well how much may be divined from passing glimpses.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading Joseph was extremely expert in spelling out the affairs of his neighbours from external signs, and it may have been owing to that, that he kept his own life so studiously in the shade, knowing so well how much may be divined from passing glimpses.
make or become more narrow or restricted
From this reading It was not on the main street, but built in what should have been the back yard of a house on that thoroughfare, and was approached by a narrow passage round the end of the house in front.
neighboursnounUS /ˈneɪbərz/
plural of “neighbour” — a person who lives (or is located) near another
From this reading Joseph was extremely expert in spelling out the affairs of his neighbours from external signs, and it may have been owing to that, that he kept his own life so studiously in the shade, knowing so well how much may be divined from passing glimpses.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading It was not on the main street, but built in what should have been the back yard of a house on that thoroughfare, and was approached by a narrow passage round the end of the house in front.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It was not on the main street, but built in what should have been the back yard of a house on that thoroughfare, and was approached by a narrow passage round the end of the house in front.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading It was not on the main street, but built in what should have been the back yard of a house on that thoroughfare, and was approached by a narrow passage round the end of the house in front.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading It was just the place for any one who desired retirement, being extremely private, which, strangely enough, seems the great desideratum of all inquisitive people.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Joseph was extremely expert in spelling out the affairs of his neighbours from external signs, and it may have been owing to that, that he kept his own life so studiously in the shade, knowing so well how much may be divined from passing glimpses.
owingadjectiveUS /ˈoʊɪŋ/
owed as a debt
From this reading Joseph was extremely expert in spelling out the affairs of his neighbours from external signs, and it may have been owing to that, that he kept his own life so studiously in the shade, knowing so well how much may be divined from passing glimpses.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading Joseph was extremely expert in spelling out the affairs of his neighbours from external signs, and it may have been owing to that, that he kept his own life so studiously in the shade, knowing so well how much may be divined from passing glimpses.
the act of passing from one state or place to the next
From this reading It was not on the main street, but built in what should have been the back yard of a house on that thoroughfare, and was approached by a narrow passage round the end of the house in front.
(American football) a play that involves one player throwing the ball to a teammate
From this reading Joseph was extremely expert in spelling out the affairs of his neighbours from external signs, and it may have been owing to that, that he kept his own life so studiously in the shade, knowing so well how much may be divined from passing glimpses.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading It was just the place for any one who desired retirement, being extremely private, which, strangely enough, seems the great desideratum of all inquisitive people.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading It was just the place for any one who desired retirement, being extremely private, which, strangely enough, seems the great desideratum of all inquisitive people.
confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy
From this reading It was just the place for any one who desired retirement, being extremely private, which, strangely enough, seems the great desideratum of all inquisitive people.
retirementnounUS /riˈtaɪərmənt/
the state of being retired from one's business or occupation
From this reading It was just the place for any one who desired retirement, being extremely private, which, strangely enough, seems the great desideratum of all inquisitive people.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading It was not on the main street, but built in what should have been the back yard of a house on that thoroughfare, and was approached by a narrow passage round the end of the house in front.
third-person singular of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading It was just the place for any one who desired retirement, being extremely private, which, strangely enough, seems the great desideratum of all inquisitive people.
relative darkness caused by light rays being intercepted by an opaque body
From this reading Joseph was extremely expert in spelling out the affairs of his neighbours from external signs, and it may have been owing to that, that he kept his own life so studiously in the shade, knowing so well how much may be divined from passing glimpses.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading It was not on the main street, but built in what should have been the back yard of a house on that thoroughfare, and was approached by a narrow passage round the end of the house in front.
plural of “sign” — a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)
From this reading Joseph was extremely expert in spelling out the affairs of his neighbours from external signs, and it may have been owing to that, that he kept his own life so studiously in the shade, knowing so well how much may be divined from passing glimpses.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Joseph Smiley lived in a small cottage all by himself.
SmileynounUS /ˈsmaɪli/
an emoticon of a smiling face
From this reading Joseph Smiley lived in a small cottage all by himself.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Joseph was extremely expert in spelling out the affairs of his neighbours from external signs, and it may have been owing to that, that he kept his own life so studiously in the shade, knowing so well how much may be divined from passing glimpses.
spellingnounUS /ˈspelɪŋ/
forming words with letters according to the principles underlying accepted usage
From this reading Joseph was extremely expert in spelling out the affairs of his neighbours from external signs, and it may have been owing to that, that he kept his own life so studiously in the shade, knowing so well how much may be divined from passing glimpses.
in a strange manner
From this reading It was just the place for any one who desired retirement, being extremely private, which, strangely enough, seems the great desideratum of all inquisitive people.
a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading It was not on the main street, but built in what should have been the back yard of a house on that thoroughfare, and was approached by a narrow passage round the end of the house in front.
studiouslyadverbUS /ˈstuːdiəsli/
in a studious manner
From this reading Joseph was extremely expert in spelling out the affairs of his neighbours from external signs, and it may have been owing to that, that he kept his own life so studiously in the shade, knowing so well how much may be divined from passing glimpses.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It was not on the main street, but built in what should have been the back yard of a house on that thoroughfare, and was approached by a narrow passage round the end of the house in front.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It was not on the main street, but built in what should have been the back yard of a house on that thoroughfare, and was approached by a narrow passage round the end of the house in front.
thoroughfarenounUS /ˈθɜːroʊfer/
a public road from one place to another
From this reading It was not on the main street, but built in what should have been the back yard of a house on that thoroughfare, and was approached by a narrow passage round the end of the house in front.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Joseph was extremely expert in spelling out the affairs of his neighbours from external signs, and it may have been owing to that, that he kept his own life so studiously in the shade, knowing so well how much may be divined from passing glimpses.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was not on the main street, but built in what should have been the back yard of a house on that thoroughfare, and was approached by a narrow passage round the end of the house in front.
(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 Joseph was extremely expert in spelling out the affairs of his neighbours from external signs, and it may have been owing to that, that he kept his own life so studiously in the shade, knowing so well how much may be divined from passing glimpses.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading It was not on the main street, but built in what should have been the back yard of a house on that thoroughfare, and was approached by a narrow passage round the end of the house in front.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading It was just the place for any one who desired retirement, being extremely private, which, strangely enough, seems the great desideratum of all inquisitive people.
which person or people
From this reading It was just the place for any one who desired retirement, being extremely private, which, strangely enough, seems the great desideratum of all inquisitive people.
WOOEDverbUS /wuːd/
past form of “woo” — seek someone's favor
From this reading "_WOOED AN' MARRIED AN' A'_."
a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride
From this reading It was not on the main street, but built in what should have been the back yard of a house on that thoroughfare, and was approached by a narrow passage round the end of the house in front.
