used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading He could feel his trapeze swaying as the whole tent shook, and while this would not have deterred him from going on with his performance, he felt that an accident was likely to occur that would start a panic.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading He could see that many in the audience were getting uneasy, and some were leaving their seats, though the red-capped ushers were going about calling:
an unfortunate mishap; especially one causing damage or injury
From this reading He could feel his trapeze swaying as the whole tent shook, and while this would not have deterred him from going on with his performance, he felt that an accident was likely to occur that would start a panic.
having companions or an escort
From this reading HELEN'S INHERITANCE Joe Strong had scarcely begun his act when he became aware that indeed the storm was no usual blow and bluster, accompanied by rain.
perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
From this reading HELEN'S INHERITANCE Joe Strong had scarcely begun his act when he became aware that indeed the storm was no usual blow and bluster, accompanied by rain.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading He could feel his trapeze swaying as the whole tent shook, and while this would not have deterred him from going on with his performance, he felt that an accident was likely to occur that would start a panic.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading HELEN'S INHERITANCE Joe Strong had scarcely begun his act when he became aware that indeed the storm was no usual blow and bluster, accompanied by rain.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading "It surely does feel as if the old 'main top' was going to fall," thought Joe as he swung head downward by his knees, preparatory to doing another act.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading He could feel his trapeze swaying as the whole tent shook, and while this would not have deterred him from going on with his performance, he felt that an accident was likely to occur that would start a panic.
a gathering of spectators or listeners at a (usually public) performance
From this reading He could see that many in the audience were getting uneasy, and some were leaving their seats, though the red-capped ushers were going about calling:
(sometimes followed by “of”) having or showing knowledge or understanding or realization or perception
From this reading HELEN'S INHERITANCE Joe Strong had scarcely begun his act when he became aware that indeed the storm was no usual blow and bluster, accompanied by rain.
inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading HELEN'S INHERITANCE Joe Strong had scarcely begun his act when he became aware that indeed the storm was no usual blow and bluster, accompanied by rain.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading HELEN'S INHERITANCE Joe Strong had scarcely begun his act when he became aware that indeed the storm was no usual blow and bluster, accompanied by rain.
exhale hard
From this reading HELEN'S INHERITANCE Joe Strong had scarcely begun his act when he became aware that indeed the storm was no usual blow and bluster, accompanied by rain.
blusternounUS /ˈblʌstər/
noisy confusion and turbulence
From this reading HELEN'S INHERITANCE Joe Strong had scarcely begun his act when he became aware that indeed the storm was no usual blow and bluster, accompanied by rain.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading HELEN'S INHERITANCE Joe Strong had scarcely begun his act when he became aware that indeed the storm was no usual blow and bluster, accompanied by rain.
the particular occupation for which you are trained
From this reading He could see that many in the audience were getting uneasy, and some were leaving their seats, though the red-capped ushers were going about calling:
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading He could feel his trapeze swaying as the whole tent shook, and while this would not have deterred him from going on with his performance, he felt that an accident was likely to occur that would start a panic.
deterredverbUS /dɪˈtɜːrd/
inflected form of “deter” — try to prevent; show opposition to
From this reading He could feel his trapeze swaying as the whole tent shook, and while this would not have deterred him from going on with his performance, he felt that an accident was likely to occur that would start a panic.
doesauxiliary verbUS /dʌz/
the form of “do” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "It surely does feel as if the old 'main top' was going to fall," thought Joe as he swung head downward by his knees, preparatory to doing another act.
-ing form of “do” — engage in
From this reading "It surely does feel as if the old 'main top' was going to fall," thought Joe as he swung head downward by his knees, preparatory to doing another act.
downwardadjectiveUS /ˈdaʊnwərd/
extending or moving from a higher to a lower place
From this reading "It surely does feel as if the old 'main top' was going to fall," thought Joe as he swung head downward by his knees, preparatory to doing another act.
descend in free fall under the influence of gravity
From this reading "It surely does feel as if the old 'main top' was going to fall," thought Joe as he swung head downward by his knees, preparatory to doing another act.
undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind
From this reading He could feel his trapeze swaying as the whole tent shook, and while this would not have deterred him from going on with his performance, he felt that an accident was likely to occur that would start a panic.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading He could feel his trapeze swaying as the whole tent shook, and while this would not have deterred him from going on with his performance, he felt that an accident was likely to occur that would start a panic.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading He could feel his trapeze swaying as the whole tent shook, and while this would not have deterred him from going on with his performance, he felt that an accident was likely to occur that would start a panic.
the act of acquiring something
From this reading He could see that many in the audience were getting uneasy, and some were leaving their seats, though the red-capped ushers were going about calling:
the act of departing
From this reading He could feel his trapeze swaying as the whole tent shook, and while this would not have deterred him from going on with his performance, he felt that an accident was likely to occur that would start a panic.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading HELEN'S INHERITANCE Joe Strong had scarcely begun his act when he became aware that indeed the storm was no usual blow and bluster, accompanied by rain.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading He could feel his trapeze swaying as the whole tent shook, and while this would not have deterred him from going on with his performance, he felt that an accident was likely to occur that would start a panic.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading HELEN'S INHERITANCE Joe Strong had scarcely begun his act when he became aware that indeed the storm was no usual blow and bluster, accompanied by rain.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading "It surely does feel as if the old 'main top' was going to fall," thought Joe as he swung head downward by his knees, preparatory to doing another act.
HELEN'SnounUS /ˈhelɪnz/
possessive form of “helen” — (Greek mythology) the beautiful daughter of Zeus and Leda who was abducted by Paris; the Greek army sailed to Troy to get her back which resulted in the Trojan War
From this reading HELEN'S INHERITANCE Joe Strong had scarcely begun his act when he became aware that indeed the storm was no usual blow and bluster, accompanied by rain.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He could feel his trapeze swaying as the whole tent shook, and while this would not have deterred him from going on with his performance, he felt that an accident was likely to occur that would start a panic.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading HELEN'S INHERITANCE Joe Strong had scarcely begun his act when he became aware that indeed the storm was no usual blow and bluster, accompanied by rain.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading "It surely does feel as if the old 'main top' was going to fall," thought Joe as he swung head downward by his knees, preparatory to doing another act.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading He could see that many in the audience were getting uneasy, and some were leaving their seats, though the red-capped ushers were going about calling:
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading HELEN'S INHERITANCE Joe Strong had scarcely begun his act when he became aware that indeed the storm was no usual blow and bluster, accompanied by rain.
INHERITANCEnounUS /ˌɪnˈherətəns/
hereditary succession to a title or an office or property
From this reading HELEN'S INHERITANCE Joe Strong had scarcely begun his act when he became aware that indeed the storm was no usual blow and bluster, accompanied by rain.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading "It surely does feel as if the old 'main top' was going to fall," thought Joe as he swung head downward by his knees, preparatory to doing another act.
Joe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading HELEN'S INHERITANCE Joe Strong had scarcely begun his act when he became aware that indeed the storm was no usual blow and bluster, accompanied by rain.
plural of “knee” — hinge joint in the human leg connecting the tibia and fibula with the femur and protected in front by the patella
From this reading "It surely does feel as if the old 'main top' was going to fall," thought Joe as he swung head downward by his knees, preparatory to doing another act.
the act of departing
From this reading He could see that many in the audience were getting uneasy, and some were leaving their seats, though the red-capped ushers were going about calling:
has a good chance of being the case or of coming about
From this reading He could feel his trapeze swaying as the whole tent shook, and while this would not have deterred him from going on with his performance, he felt that an accident was likely to occur that would start a panic.
most important element
From this reading "It surely does feel as if the old 'main top' was going to fall," thought Joe as he swung head downward by his knees, preparatory to doing another act.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading He could see that many in the audience were getting uneasy, and some were leaving their seats, though the red-capped ushers were going about calling:
not any; not one
From this reading HELEN'S INHERITANCE Joe Strong had scarcely begun his act when he became aware that indeed the storm was no usual blow and bluster, accompanied by rain.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading He could feel his trapeze swaying as the whole tent shook, and while this would not have deterred him from going on with his performance, he felt that an accident was likely to occur that would start a panic.
occurverbUS /əˈkɜːr/
come to pass
From this reading He could feel his trapeze swaying as the whole tent shook, and while this would not have deterred him from going on with his performance, he felt that an accident was likely to occur that would start a panic.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading "It surely does feel as if the old 'main top' was going to fall," thought Joe as he swung head downward by his knees, preparatory to doing another act.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading He could feel his trapeze swaying as the whole tent shook, and while this would not have deterred him from going on with his performance, he felt that an accident was likely to occur that would start a panic.
panicnounUS /ˈpænɪk/
an overwhelming feeling of fear and anxiety
From this reading He could feel his trapeze swaying as the whole tent shook, and while this would not have deterred him from going on with his performance, he felt that an accident was likely to occur that would start a panic.
performancenounUS /pərˈfɔːrməns/
a dramatic or musical entertainment
From this reading He could feel his trapeze swaying as the whole tent shook, and while this would not have deterred him from going on with his performance, he felt that an accident was likely to occur that would start a panic.
preparatoryadjectiveUS /prɪˈperətɔːri/
preceding and preparing for something
From this reading "It surely does feel as if the old 'main top' was going to fall," thought Joe as he swung head downward by his knees, preparatory to doing another act.
water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere
From this reading HELEN'S INHERITANCE Joe Strong had scarcely begun his act when he became aware that indeed the storm was no usual blow and bluster, accompanied by rain.
red-capped
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He could see that many in the audience were getting uneasy, and some were leaving their seats, though the red-capped ushers were going about calling:
only a very short time before
From this reading HELEN'S INHERITANCE Joe Strong had scarcely begun his act when he became aware that indeed the storm was no usual blow and bluster, accompanied by rain.
seatsnounUS /siːts/
an area that includes places where several people can sit
From this reading He could see that many in the audience were getting uneasy, and some were leaving their seats, though the red-capped ushers were going about calling:
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading He could see that many in the audience were getting uneasy, and some were leaving their seats, though the red-capped ushers were going about calling:
a disassembled barrel; the parts packed for storage or shipment
From this reading He could feel his trapeze swaying as the whole tent shook, and while this would not have deterred him from going on with his performance, he felt that an accident was likely to occur that would start a panic.
be seated
From this reading "Sit still!
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading He could see that many in the audience were getting uneasy, and some were leaving their seats, though the red-capped ushers were going about calling:
take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading He could feel his trapeze swaying as the whole tent shook, and while this would not have deterred him from going on with his performance, he felt that an accident was likely to occur that would start a panic.
not in physical motion
From this reading "Sit still!
behave violently, as if in state of a great anger
From this reading HELEN'S INHERITANCE Joe Strong had scarcely begun his act when he became aware that indeed the storm was no usual blow and bluster, accompanied by rain.
having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading HELEN'S INHERITANCE Joe Strong had scarcely begun his act when he became aware that indeed the storm was no usual blow and bluster, accompanied by rain.
definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)
From this reading "It surely does feel as if the old 'main top' was going to fall," thought Joe as he swung head downward by his knees, preparatory to doing another act.
swayingverbUS /ˈsweɪɪŋ/
-ing form of “sway” — move back and forth or sideways
From this reading He could feel his trapeze swaying as the whole tent shook, and while this would not have deterred him from going on with his performance, he felt that an accident was likely to occur that would start a panic.
inflected form of “swing” — move in a curve or arc, usually with the intent of hitting
From this reading "It surely does feel as if the old 'main top' was going to fall," thought Joe as he swung head downward by his knees, preparatory to doing another act.
a portable shelter (usually of canvas stretched over supporting poles and fastened to the ground with ropes and pegs)
From this reading He could feel his trapeze swaying as the whole tent shook, and while this would not have deterred him from going on with his performance, he felt that an accident was likely to occur that would start a panic.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading HELEN'S INHERITANCE Joe Strong had scarcely begun his act when he became aware that indeed the storm was no usual blow and bluster, accompanied by rain.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading HELEN'S INHERITANCE Joe Strong had scarcely begun his act when he became aware that indeed the storm was no usual blow and bluster, accompanied by rain.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading He could see that many in the audience were getting uneasy, and some were leaving their seats, though the red-capped ushers were going about calling:
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading He could feel his trapeze swaying as the whole tent shook, and while this would not have deterred him from going on with his performance, he felt that an accident was likely to occur that would start a panic.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading He could see that many in the audience were getting uneasy, and some were leaving their seats, though the red-capped ushers were going about calling:
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading "It surely does feel as if the old 'main top' was going to fall," thought Joe as he swung head downward by his knees, preparatory to doing another act.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading He could feel his trapeze swaying as the whole tent shook, and while this would not have deterred him from going on with his performance, he felt that an accident was likely to occur that would start a panic.
the upper part of anything
From this reading "It surely does feel as if the old 'main top' was going to fall," thought Joe as he swung head downward by his knees, preparatory to doing another act.
trapezenounUS /trəˈpiːz/
a swing used by circus acrobats
From this reading He could feel his trapeze swaying as the whole tent shook, and while this would not have deterred him from going on with his performance, he felt that an accident was likely to occur that would start a panic.
lacking a sense of security or affording no ease or reassurance
From this reading He could see that many in the audience were getting uneasy, and some were leaving their seats, though the red-capped ushers were going about calling:
ushersnounUS /ˈʌʃərz/
plural of “usher” — Irish prelate who deduced from the Bible that Creation occurred in the year 4004 BC (1581-1656)
From this reading He could see that many in the audience were getting uneasy, and some were leaving their seats, though the red-capped ushers were going about calling:
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading HELEN'S INHERITANCE Joe Strong had scarcely begun his act when he became aware that indeed the storm was no usual blow and bluster, accompanied by rain.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading HELEN'S INHERITANCE Joe Strong had scarcely begun his act when he became aware that indeed the storm was no usual blow and bluster, accompanied by rain.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading He could see that many in the audience were getting uneasy, and some were leaving their seats, though the red-capped ushers were going about calling:
at the time that
From this reading HELEN'S INHERITANCE Joe Strong had scarcely begun his act when he became aware that indeed the storm was no usual blow and bluster, accompanied by rain.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading He could feel his trapeze swaying as the whole tent shook, and while this would not have deterred him from going on with his performance, he felt that an accident was likely to occur that would start a panic.
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading He could feel his trapeze swaying as the whole tent shook, and while this would not have deterred him from going on with his performance, he felt that an accident was likely to occur that would start a panic.
in the company of; together with
From this reading He could feel his trapeze swaying as the whole tent shook, and while this would not have deterred him from going on with his performance, he felt that an accident was likely to occur that would start a panic.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading He could feel his trapeze swaying as the whole tent shook, and while this would not have deterred him from going on with his performance, he felt that an accident was likely to occur that would start a panic.
