used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading He knew very well that if there were no more than two he would stand a slim chance of driving them away, and even one good sized man might make it very uncomfortable for him.
fear resulting from the awareness of danger
From this reading THE ALARM.
(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 It must be confessed that Jack was not at all eager to face the alleged burglars.
allegedadjectiveUS /əˈledʒd/
declared but not proved
From this reading It must be confessed that Jack was not at all eager to face the alleged burglars.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He knew very well that if there were no more than two he would stand a slim chance of driving them away, and even one good sized man might make it very uncomfortable for him.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The sky was overcast with clouds, and Jack could not distinguish objects ten paces away as he stepped on to the broad stone in front of the door.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading It must be confessed that Jack was not at all eager to face the alleged burglars.
the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle
From this reading Had he been left to follow his own inclinations, the outer door would not have been opened, but he knew Aunt Nancy depended upon him for protection, and he must make a reputation for courage or be disgraced in her eyes.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading He knew very well that if there were no more than two he would stand a slim chance of driving them away, and even one good sized man might make it very uncomfortable for him.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading It must be confessed that Jack was not at all eager to face the alleged burglars.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Had he been left to follow his own inclinations, the outer door would not have been opened, but he knew Aunt Nancy depended upon him for protection, and he must make a reputation for courage or be disgraced in her eyes.
having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other
From this reading The sky was overcast with clouds, and Jack could not distinguish objects ten paces away as he stepped on to the broad stone in front of the door.
burglarsnounUS /ˈbɜːrɡlərz/
plural of “burglar” — a thief who enters a building with intent to steal
From this reading It must be confessed that Jack was not at all eager to face the alleged burglars.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Had he been left to follow his own inclinations, the outer door would not have been opened, but he knew Aunt Nancy depended upon him for protection, and he must make a reputation for courage or be disgraced in her eyes.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading He knew very well that if there were no more than two he would stand a slim chance of driving them away, and even one good sized man might make it very uncomfortable for him.
plural of “cloud” — any collection of particles (e.g., smoke or dust) or gases that is visible
From this reading The sky was overcast with clouds, and Jack could not distinguish objects ten paces away as he stepped on to the broad stone in front of the door.
confessedverbUS /kənˈfest/
past form of “confess” — confess to a punishable or reprehensible deed, usually under pressure
From this reading It must be confessed that Jack was not at all eager to face the alleged burglars.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading The sky was overcast with clouds, and Jack could not distinguish objects ten paces away as he stepped on to the broad stone in front of the door.
a quality of spirit that enables you to face danger or pain without showing fear
From this reading Had he been left to follow his own inclinations, the outer door would not have been opened, but he knew Aunt Nancy depended upon him for protection, and he must make a reputation for courage or be disgraced in her eyes.
dependedverbUS /dɪˈpendəd/
past form of “depend” — be contingent upon (something that is elided)
From this reading Had he been left to follow his own inclinations, the outer door would not have been opened, but he knew Aunt Nancy depended upon him for protection, and he must make a reputation for courage or be disgraced in her eyes.
disgracedadjectiveUS /dɪsˈɡreɪst/
suffering shame
From this reading Had he been left to follow his own inclinations, the outer door would not have been opened, but he knew Aunt Nancy depended upon him for protection, and he must make a reputation for courage or be disgraced in her eyes.
distinguishverbUS /dɪˈstɪŋɡwɪʃ/
mark as different
From this reading The sky was overcast with clouds, and Jack could not distinguish objects ten paces away as he stepped on to the broad stone in front of the door.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading Had he been left to follow his own inclinations, the outer door would not have been opened, but he knew Aunt Nancy depended upon him for protection, and he must make a reputation for courage or be disgraced in her eyes.
having the power of driving or impelling
From this reading He knew very well that if there were no more than two he would stand a slim chance of driving them away, and even one good sized man might make it very uncomfortable for him.
eageradjectiveUS /ˈiːɡər/
having or showing keen interest or intense desire or impatient expectancy
From this reading It must be confessed that Jack was not at all eager to face the alleged burglars.
divisible by two
From this reading He knew very well that if there were no more than two he would stand a slim chance of driving them away, and even one good sized man might make it very uncomfortable for him.
opinion or judgment
From this reading Had he been left to follow his own inclinations, the outer door would not have been opened, but he knew Aunt Nancy depended upon him for protection, and he must make a reputation for courage or be disgraced in her eyes.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading It must be confessed that Jack was not at all eager to face the alleged burglars.
to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading Had he been left to follow his own inclinations, the outer door would not have been opened, but he knew Aunt Nancy depended upon him for protection, and he must make a reputation for courage or be disgraced in her eyes.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading He knew very well that if there were no more than two he would stand a slim chance of driving them away, and even one good sized man might make it very uncomfortable for him.
the side that is forward or prominent
From this reading The sky was overcast with clouds, and Jack could not distinguish objects ten paces away as he stepped on to the broad stone in front of the door.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading He knew very well that if there were no more than two he would stand a slim chance of driving them away, and even one good sized man might make it very uncomfortable for him.
Hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Had he been left to follow his own inclinations, the outer door would not have been opened, but he knew Aunt Nancy depended upon him for protection, and he must make a reputation for courage or be disgraced in her eyes.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Had he been left to follow his own inclinations, the outer door would not have been opened, but he knew Aunt Nancy depended upon him for protection, and he must make a reputation for courage or be disgraced in her eyes.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He knew very well that if there were no more than two he would stand a slim chance of driving them away, and even one good sized man might make it very uncomfortable for him.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Had he been left to follow his own inclinations, the outer door would not have been opened, but he knew Aunt Nancy depended upon him for protection, and he must make a reputation for courage or be disgraced in her eyes.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He knew very well that if there were no more than two he would stand a slim chance of driving them away, and even one good sized man might make it very uncomfortable for him.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Had he been left to follow his own inclinations, the outer door would not have been opened, but he knew Aunt Nancy depended upon him for protection, and he must make a reputation for courage or be disgraced in her eyes.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading He knew very well that if there were no more than two he would stand a slim chance of driving them away, and even one good sized man might make it very uncomfortable for him.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Had he been left to follow his own inclinations, the outer door would not have been opened, but he knew Aunt Nancy depended upon him for protection, and he must make a reputation for courage or be disgraced in her eyes.
inclinationsnounUS /ˌɪnkləˈneɪʃənz/
plural of “inclination” — an attitude of mind especially one that favors one alternative over others
From this reading Had he been left to follow his own inclinations, the outer door would not have been opened, but he knew Aunt Nancy depended upon him for protection, and he must make a reputation for courage or be disgraced in her eyes.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It must be confessed that Jack was not at all eager to face the alleged burglars.
a small worthless amount
From this reading It must be confessed that Jack was not at all eager to face the alleged burglars.
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 He knew very well that if there were no more than two he would stand a slim chance of driving them away, and even one good sized man might make it very uncomfortable for him.
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading Had he been left to follow his own inclinations, the outer door would not have been opened, but he knew Aunt Nancy depended upon him for protection, and he must make a reputation for courage or be disgraced in her eyes.
engage in
From this reading He knew very well that if there were no more than two he would stand a slim chance of driving them away, and even one good sized man might make it very uncomfortable for him.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading He knew very well that if there were no more than two he would stand a slim chance of driving them away, and even one good sized man might make it very uncomfortable for him.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading He knew very well that if there were no more than two he would stand a slim chance of driving them away, and even one good sized man might make it very uncomfortable for him.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading He knew very well that if there were no more than two he would stand a slim chance of driving them away, and even one good sized man might make it very uncomfortable for him.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading It must be confessed that Jack was not at all eager to face the alleged burglars.
NancynounUS /ˈnænsi/
a city in northeastern France in Lorraine
From this reading Had he been left to follow his own inclinations, the outer door would not have been opened, but he knew Aunt Nancy depended upon him for protection, and he must make a reputation for courage or be disgraced in her eyes.
not any; not one
From this reading He knew very well that if there were no more than two he would stand a slim chance of driving them away, and even one good sized man might make it very uncomfortable for him.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading It must be confessed that Jack was not at all eager to face the alleged burglars.
plural of “object” — a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow
From this reading The sky was overcast with clouds, and Jack could not distinguish objects ten paces away as he stepped on to the broad stone in front of the door.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading He knew very well that if there were no more than two he would stand a slim chance of driving them away, and even one good sized man might make it very uncomfortable for him.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The sky was overcast with clouds, and Jack could not distinguish objects ten paces away as he stepped on to the broad stone in front of the door.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading He knew very well that if there were no more than two he would stand a slim chance of driving them away, and even one good sized man might make it very uncomfortable for him.
used of mouth or eyes
From this reading Had he been left to follow his own inclinations, the outer door would not have been opened, but he knew Aunt Nancy depended upon him for protection, and he must make a reputation for courage or be disgraced in her eyes.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Had he been left to follow his own inclinations, the outer door would not have been opened, but he knew Aunt Nancy depended upon him for protection, and he must make a reputation for courage or be disgraced in her eyes.
outeradjectiveUS /ˈaʊtər/
being on the outside or further from a center
From this reading Had he been left to follow his own inclinations, the outer door would not have been opened, but he knew Aunt Nancy depended upon him for protection, and he must make a reputation for courage or be disgraced in her eyes.
overcastnounUS /ˈoʊvərkæst/
the state of the sky when it is covered by clouds
From this reading The sky was overcast with clouds, and Jack could not distinguish objects ten paces away as he stepped on to the broad stone in front of the door.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading Had he been left to follow his own inclinations, the outer door would not have been opened, but he knew Aunt Nancy depended upon him for protection, and he must make a reputation for courage or be disgraced in her eyes.
pacesnounUS /ˈpeɪsɪz/
plural of “pace” — the rate of moving (especially walking or running)
From this reading The sky was overcast with clouds, and Jack could not distinguish objects ten paces away as he stepped on to the broad stone in front of the door.
the activity of protecting someone or something
From this reading Had he been left to follow his own inclinations, the outer door would not have been opened, but he knew Aunt Nancy depended upon him for protection, and he must make a reputation for courage or be disgraced in her eyes.
the state of being held in high esteem and honor
From this reading Had he been left to follow his own inclinations, the outer door would not have been opened, but he knew Aunt Nancy depended upon him for protection, and he must make a reputation for courage or be disgraced in her eyes.
sizedadjectiveUS /saɪzd/
having a specified size
From this reading He knew very well that if there were no more than two he would stand a slim chance of driving them away, and even one good sized man might make it very uncomfortable for him.
the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth
From this reading The sky was overcast with clouds, and Jack could not distinguish objects ten paces away as he stepped on to the broad stone in front of the door.
slimadjectiveUS /slɪm/
being of delicate or slender build
From this reading He knew very well that if there were no more than two he would stand a slim chance of driving them away, and even one good sized man might make it very uncomfortable for him.
be standing; be upright
From this reading He knew very well that if there were no more than two he would stand a slim chance of driving them away, and even one good sized man might make it very uncomfortable for him.
inflected form of “step” — shift or move by taking a step
From this reading The sky was overcast with clouds, and Jack could not distinguish objects ten paces away as he stepped on to the broad stone in front of the door.
a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter
From this reading The sky was overcast with clouds, and Jack could not distinguish objects ten paces away as he stepped on to the broad stone in front of the door.
the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
From this reading The sky was overcast with clouds, and Jack could not distinguish objects ten paces away as he stepped on to the broad stone in front of the door.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading He knew very well that if there were no more than two he would stand a slim chance of driving them away, and even one good sized man might make it very uncomfortable for him.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It must be confessed that Jack was not at all eager to face the alleged burglars.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE ALARM.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading He knew very well that if there were no more than two he would stand a slim chance of driving them away, and even one good sized man might make it very uncomfortable for him.
in or at that place or location
From this reading He knew very well that if there were no more than two he would stand a slim chance of driving them away, and even one good sized man might make it very uncomfortable for him.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It must be confessed that Jack was not at all eager to face the alleged burglars.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading He knew very well that if there were no more than two he would stand a slim chance of driving them away, and even one good sized man might make it very uncomfortable for him.
uncomfortableadjectiveUS /ənˈkʌmfərtəbəl/
conducive to or feeling mental discomfort
From this reading He knew very well that if there were no more than two he would stand a slim chance of driving them away, and even one good sized man might make it very uncomfortable for him.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Had he been left to follow his own inclinations, the outer door would not have been opened, but he knew Aunt Nancy depended upon him for protection, and he must make a reputation for courage or be disgraced in her eyes.
precisely as stated
From this reading He knew very well that if there were no more than two he would stand a slim chance of driving them away, and even one good sized man might make it very uncomfortable for him.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It must be confessed that Jack was not at all eager to face the alleged burglars.
(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 He knew very well that if there were no more than two he would stand a slim chance of driving them away, and even one good sized man might make it very uncomfortable for him.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading He knew very well that if there were no more than two he would stand a slim chance of driving them away, and even one good sized man might make it very uncomfortable for him.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The sky was overcast with clouds, and Jack could not distinguish objects ten paces away as he stepped on to the broad stone in front of the door.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading He knew very well that if there were no more than two he would stand a slim chance of driving them away, and even one good sized man might make it very uncomfortable for him.
