used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE SPELL OF THE EMPTY HOUSE It was not long before Jimbo realised that the House, and everything connected with it, spelt for him one message, and one only--a message of fear.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading He asked a lot of questions and listened to a lot of answers, but all he really cared about was how he was going to escape, and when.
adonounUS /əˈduː/
a rapid active commotion
From this reading From the first day of his imprisonment the forces of his whole being shaped themselves without further ado into one intense, single, concentrated desire to _escape_.
(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 He asked a lot of questions and listened to a lot of answers, but all he really cared about was how he was going to escape, and when.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE SPELL OF THE EMPTY HOUSE It was not long before Jimbo realised that the House, and everything connected with it, spelt for him one message, and one only--a message of fear.
answersnounUS /ˈænsərz/
plural of “answer” — a statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation
From this reading He asked a lot of questions and listened to a lot of answers, but all he really cared about was how he was going to escape, and when.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Freedom, escape into the world beyond that terrible high wall, was his only object, and Miss Lake, the governess, as its symbol, was his only hope.
past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading He asked a lot of questions and listened to a lot of answers, but all he really cared about was how he was going to escape, and when.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading THE SPELL OF THE EMPTY HOUSE It was not long before Jimbo realised that the House, and everything connected with it, spelt for him one message, and one only--a message of fear.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading From the first day of his imprisonment the forces of his whole being shaped themselves without further ado into one intense, single, concentrated desire to _escape_.
on the far side of; further than
From this reading Freedom, escape into the world beyond that terrible high wall, was his only object, and Miss Lake, the governess, as its symbol, was his only hope.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading He asked a lot of questions and listened to a lot of answers, but all he really cared about was how he was going to escape, and when.
past form of “care” — feel concern or interest
From this reading He asked a lot of questions and listened to a lot of answers, but all he really cared about was how he was going to escape, and when.
concentratedadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːnsəntreɪtɪd/
gathered together or made less diffuse
From this reading From the first day of his imprisonment the forces of his whole being shaped themselves without further ado into one intense, single, concentrated desire to _escape_.
being joined in close association
From this reading THE SPELL OF THE EMPTY HOUSE It was not long before Jimbo realised that the House, and everything connected with it, spelt for him one message, and one only--a message of fear.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading From the first day of his imprisonment the forces of his whole being shaped themselves without further ado into one intense, single, concentrated desire to _escape_.
the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state
From this reading From the first day of his imprisonment the forces of his whole being shaped themselves without further ado into one intense, single, concentrated desire to _escape_.
make void or empty of contents
From this reading THE SPELL OF THE EMPTY HOUSE It was not long before Jimbo realised that the House, and everything connected with it, spelt for him one message, and one only--a message of fear.
the act of escaping physically
From this reading From the first day of his imprisonment the forces of his whole being shaped themselves without further ado into one intense, single, concentrated desire to _escape_.
all things; all of a situation
From this reading THE SPELL OF THE EMPTY HOUSE It was not long before Jimbo realised that the House, and everything connected with it, spelt for him one message, and one only--a message of fear.
explanationsnounUS /ˌekspləˈneɪʃənz/
plural of “explanation” — a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.
From this reading All her other explanations were tedious, and he only half-listened to them.
be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
From this reading THE SPELL OF THE EMPTY HOUSE It was not long before Jimbo realised that the House, and everything connected with it, spelt for him one message, and one only--a message of fear.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading From the first day of his imprisonment the forces of his whole being shaped themselves without further ado into one intense, single, concentrated desire to _escape_.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading THE SPELL OF THE EMPTY HOUSE It was not long before Jimbo realised that the House, and everything connected with it, spelt for him one message, and one only--a message of fear.
plural of “force” — a powerful effect or influence
From this reading From the first day of his imprisonment the forces of his whole being shaped themselves without further ado into one intense, single, concentrated desire to _escape_.
the condition of being free; the power to act or speak or think without externally imposed restraints
From this reading Freedom, escape into the world beyond that terrible high wall, was his only object, and Miss Lake, the governess, as its symbol, was his only hope.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading From the first day of his imprisonment the forces of his whole being shaped themselves without further ado into one intense, single, concentrated desire to _escape_.
to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)
From this reading From the first day of his imprisonment the forces of his whole being shaped themselves without further ado into one intense, single, concentrated desire to _escape_.
the act of departing
From this reading He asked a lot of questions and listened to a lot of answers, but all he really cared about was how he was going to escape, and when.
governessnounUS /ˈɡʌvərnəs/
a woman entrusted with the care and supervision of a child (especially in a private home)
From this reading Freedom, escape into the world beyond that terrible high wall, was his only object, and Miss Lake, the governess, as its symbol, was his only hope.
half-listened
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All her other explanations were tedious, and he only half-listened to them.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He asked a lot of questions and listened to a lot of answers, but all he really cared about was how he was going to escape, and when.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading All her other explanations were tedious, and he only half-listened to them.
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading Freedom, escape into the world beyond that terrible high wall, was his only object, and Miss Lake, the governess, as its symbol, was his only hope.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading THE SPELL OF THE EMPTY HOUSE It was not long before Jimbo realised that the House, and everything connected with it, spelt for him one message, and one only--a message of fear.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading From the first day of his imprisonment the forces of his whole being shaped themselves without further ado into one intense, single, concentrated desire to _escape_.
a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading Freedom, escape into the world beyond that terrible high wall, was his only object, and Miss Lake, the governess, as its symbol, was his only hope.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading THE SPELL OF THE EMPTY HOUSE It was not long before Jimbo realised that the House, and everything connected with it, spelt for him one message, and one only--a message of fear.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He asked a lot of questions and listened to a lot of answers, but all he really cared about was how he was going to escape, and when.
imprisonmentnounUS /ˌɪmˈprɪzənmənt/
putting someone in prison or in jail as lawful punishment
From this reading From the first day of his imprisonment the forces of his whole being shaped themselves without further ado into one intense, single, concentrated desire to _escape_.
possessing or displaying a distinctive feature to a heightened degree
From this reading From the first day of his imprisonment the forces of his whole being shaped themselves without further ado into one intense, single, concentrated desire to _escape_.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading From the first day of his imprisonment the forces of his whole being shaped themselves without further ado into one intense, single, concentrated desire to _escape_.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading THE SPELL OF THE EMPTY HOUSE It was not long before Jimbo realised that the House, and everything connected with it, spelt for him one message, and one only--a message of fear.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Freedom, escape into the world beyond that terrible high wall, was his only object, and Miss Lake, the governess, as its symbol, was his only hope.
Jimbo
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SPELL OF THE EMPTY HOUSE It was not long before Jimbo realised that the House, and everything connected with it, spelt for him one message, and one only--a message of fear.
a body of (usually fresh) water surrounded by land
From this reading Freedom, escape into the world beyond that terrible high wall, was his only object, and Miss Lake, the governess, as its symbol, was his only hope.
past form of “listen” — hear with intention
From this reading He asked a lot of questions and listened to a lot of answers, but all he really cared about was how he was going to escape, and when.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading THE SPELL OF THE EMPTY HOUSE It was not long before Jimbo realised that the House, and everything connected with it, spelt for him one message, and one only--a message of fear.
(often followed by “of”) a large number or amount or extent
From this reading He asked a lot of questions and listened to a lot of answers, but all he really cared about was how he was going to escape, and when.
a communication (usually brief) that is written or spoken or signaled
From this reading THE SPELL OF THE EMPTY HOUSE It was not long before Jimbo realised that the House, and everything connected with it, spelt for him one message, and one only--a message of fear.
fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind
From this reading Freedom, escape into the world beyond that terrible high wall, was his only object, and Miss Lake, the governess, as its symbol, was his only hope.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading THE SPELL OF THE EMPTY HOUSE It was not long before Jimbo realised that the House, and everything connected with it, spelt for him one message, and one only--a message of fear.
a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow
From this reading Freedom, escape into the world beyond that terrible high wall, was his only object, and Miss Lake, the governess, as its symbol, was his only hope.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE SPELL OF THE EMPTY HOUSE It was not long before Jimbo realised that the House, and everything connected with it, spelt for him one message, and one only--a message of fear.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading THE SPELL OF THE EMPTY HOUSE It was not long before Jimbo realised that the House, and everything connected with it, spelt for him one message, and one only--a message of fear.
and nothing more
From this reading THE SPELL OF THE EMPTY HOUSE It was not long before Jimbo realised that the House, and everything connected with it, spelt for him one message, and one only--a message of fear.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading All her other explanations were tedious, and he only half-listened to them.
plural of “question” — an instance of questioning
From this reading He asked a lot of questions and listened to a lot of answers, but all he really cared about was how he was going to escape, and when.
realisedadjectiveUS /ˈriːəlaɪzd/
successfully completed or brought to an end
From this reading THE SPELL OF THE EMPTY HOUSE It was not long before Jimbo realised that the House, and everything connected with it, spelt for him one message, and one only--a message of fear.
in accordance with truth or fact or reality
From this reading He asked a lot of questions and listened to a lot of answers, but all he really cared about was how he was going to escape, and when.
shapedadjectiveUS /ʃeɪpt/
shaped to fit by or as if by altering the contours of a pliable mass (as by work or effort)
From this reading From the first day of his imprisonment the forces of his whole being shaped themselves without further ado into one intense, single, concentrated desire to _escape_.
being or characteristic of a single thing or person
From this reading From the first day of his imprisonment the forces of his whole being shaped themselves without further ado into one intense, single, concentrated desire to _escape_.
orally recite the letters of or give the spelling of
From this reading THE SPELL OF THE EMPTY HOUSE It was not long before Jimbo realised that the House, and everything connected with it, spelt for him one message, and one only--a message of fear.
speltnoun
hardy wheat grown mostly in Europe for livestock feed
From this reading THE SPELL OF THE EMPTY HOUSE It was not long before Jimbo realised that the House, and everything connected with it, spelt for him one message, and one only--a message of fear.
symbolnounUS /ˈsɪmbəl/
an arbitrary sign (written or printed) that has acquired a conventional significance
From this reading Freedom, escape into the world beyond that terrible high wall, was his only object, and Miss Lake, the governess, as its symbol, was his only hope.
tediousadjectiveUS /ˈtiːdiəs/
so lacking in interest as to cause mental weariness
From this reading All her other explanations were tedious, and he only half-listened to them.
causing fear or dread or terror
From this reading Freedom, escape into the world beyond that terrible high wall, was his only object, and Miss Lake, the governess, as its symbol, was his only hope.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading THE SPELL OF THE EMPTY HOUSE It was not long before Jimbo realised that the House, and everything connected with it, spelt for him one message, and one only--a message of fear.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE SPELL OF THE EMPTY HOUSE It was not long before Jimbo realised that the House, and everything connected with it, spelt for him one message, and one only--a message of fear.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading All her other explanations were tedious, and he only half-listened to them.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading From the first day of his imprisonment the forces of his whole being shaped themselves without further ado into one intense, single, concentrated desire to _escape_.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading From the first day of his imprisonment the forces of his whole being shaped themselves without further ado into one intense, single, concentrated desire to _escape_.
an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure
From this reading Freedom, escape into the world beyond that terrible high wall, was his only object, and Miss Lake, the governess, as its symbol, was his only hope.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE SPELL OF THE EMPTY HOUSE It was not long before Jimbo realised that the House, and everything connected with it, spelt for him one message, and one only--a message of fear.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading All her other explanations were tedious, and he only half-listened to them.
at the time that
From this reading He asked a lot of questions and listened to a lot of answers, but all he really cared about was how he was going to escape, and when.
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading From the first day of his imprisonment the forces of his whole being shaped themselves without further ado into one intense, single, concentrated desire to _escape_.
in the company of; together with
From this reading THE SPELL OF THE EMPTY HOUSE It was not long before Jimbo realised that the House, and everything connected with it, spelt for him one message, and one only--a message of fear.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading From the first day of his imprisonment the forces of his whole being shaped themselves without further ado into one intense, single, concentrated desire to _escape_.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading Freedom, escape into the world beyond that terrible high wall, was his only object, and Miss Lake, the governess, as its symbol, was his only hope.
