used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading He was nearing the house when he saw from the opposite direction a man turn the corner and with halting gait come slowly toward the house and pause before the steps uncertainly.
additionnounUS /əˈdɪʃən/
a component that is added to something to improve it
From this reading Michael stopped beside him, saying good evening, the thrill of his voice conveying his own joy in the meeting in addition to a common greeting.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading He was convinced that Starr was still away from home, for he had seen no lights now for several weeks in the room that he knew was her own, but there was always the chance that she might have returned.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He was nearing the house when he saw from the opposite direction a man turn the corner and with halting gait come slowly toward the house and pause before the steps uncertainly.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Something familiar in the man’s attitude caused Michael to hasten his steps, and coming closer he found that it was Mr. Endicott himself, and that he stood looking up the steps of his home as though they had been a difficult hill which he must climb.
a complex mental state involving beliefs and feelings and values and dispositions to act in certain ways
From this reading Something familiar in the man’s attitude caused Michael to hasten his steps, and coming closer he found that it was Mr. Endicott himself, and that he stood looking up the steps of his home as though they had been a difficult hill which he must climb.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading He was convinced that Starr was still away from home, for he had seen no lights now for several weeks in the room that he knew was her own, but there was always the chance that she might have returned.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Something familiar in the man’s attitude caused Michael to hasten his steps, and coming closer he found that it was Mr. Endicott himself, and that he stood looking up the steps of his home as though they had been a difficult hill which he must climb.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading He was nearing the house when he saw from the opposite direction a man turn the corner and with halting gait come slowly toward the house and pause before the steps uncertainly.
next to; at the side of
From this reading Michael stopped beside him, saying good evening, the thrill of his voice conveying his own joy in the meeting in addition to a common greeting.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading He was convinced that Starr was still away from home, for he had seen no lights now for several weeks in the room that he knew was her own, but there was always the chance that she might have returned.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Late in January Michael was taking his nightly walk homeward by way of the Endicott home.
past form of “cause” — give rise to; cause to happen or occur, not always intentionally
From this reading Something familiar in the man’s attitude caused Michael to hasten his steps, and coming closer he found that it was Mr. Endicott himself, and that he stood looking up the steps of his home as though they had been a difficult hill which he must climb.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading He was convinced that Starr was still away from home, for he had seen no lights now for several weeks in the room that he knew was her own, but there was always the chance that she might have returned.
climbverbUS /klaɪm/
go upward with gradual or continuous progress
From this reading Something familiar in the man’s attitude caused Michael to hasten his steps, and coming closer he found that it was Mr. Endicott himself, and that he stood looking up the steps of his home as though they had been a difficult hill which he must climb.
(comparative of “near” or “close”) within a shorter distance
From this reading Something familiar in the man’s attitude caused Michael to hasten his steps, and coming closer he found that it was Mr. Endicott himself, and that he stood looking up the steps of his home as though they had been a difficult hill which he must climb.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading He was nearing the house when he saw from the opposite direction a man turn the corner and with halting gait come slowly toward the house and pause before the steps uncertainly.
the act of drawing spatially closer to something
From this reading Something familiar in the man’s attitude caused Michael to hasten his steps, and coming closer he found that it was Mr. Endicott himself, and that he stood looking up the steps of his home as though they had been a difficult hill which he must climb.
belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public
From this reading Michael stopped beside him, saying good evening, the thrill of his voice conveying his own joy in the meeting in addition to a common greeting.
conveyingnounUS /kənˈveɪɪŋ/
act of transferring property title from one person to another
From this reading Michael stopped beside him, saying good evening, the thrill of his voice conveying his own joy in the meeting in addition to a common greeting.
persuaded of; very sure
From this reading He was convinced that Starr was still away from home, for he had seen no lights now for several weeks in the room that he knew was her own, but there was always the chance that she might have returned.
a place off to the side of an area
From this reading He was nearing the house when he saw from the opposite direction a man turn the corner and with halting gait come slowly toward the house and pause before the steps uncertainly.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading Something familiar in the man’s attitude caused Michael to hasten his steps, and coming closer he found that it was Mr. Endicott himself, and that he stood looking up the steps of his home as though they had been a difficult hill which he must climb.
a line leading to a place or point
From this reading He was nearing the house when he saw from the opposite direction a man turn the corner and with halting gait come slowly toward the house and pause before the steps uncertainly.
EndicottnounUS /ˈendɪkɑːt/
born in England; in 1629 he became the founder of the Massachusetts Bay Colony (1588-1665)
From this reading Late in January Michael was taking his nightly walk homeward by way of the Endicott home.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading Michael stopped beside him, saying good evening, the thrill of his voice conveying his own joy in the meeting in addition to a common greeting.
well known or easily recognized
From this reading Something familiar in the man’s attitude caused Michael to hasten his steps, and coming closer he found that it was Mr. Endicott himself, and that he stood looking up the steps of his home as though they had been a difficult hill which he must climb.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading He was convinced that Starr was still away from home, for he had seen no lights now for several weeks in the room that he knew was her own, but there was always the chance that she might have returned.
set up or found
From this reading Something familiar in the man’s attitude caused Michael to hasten his steps, and coming closer he found that it was Mr. Endicott himself, and that he stood looking up the steps of his home as though they had been a difficult hill which he must climb.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading He was convinced that Starr was still away from home, for he had seen no lights now for several weeks in the room that he knew was her own, but there was always the chance that she might have returned.
gaitnounUS /ɡeɪt/
the rate of moving (especially walking or running)
From this reading He was nearing the house when he saw from the opposite direction a man turn the corner and with halting gait come slowly toward the house and pause before the steps uncertainly.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading Michael stopped beside him, saying good evening, the thrill of his voice conveying his own joy in the meeting in addition to a common greeting.
greetingnounUS /ˈɡriːtɪŋ/
(usually plural) an acknowledgment or expression of good will (especially on meeting)
From this reading Michael stopped beside him, saying good evening, the thrill of his voice conveying his own joy in the meeting in addition to a common greeting.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading He was convinced that Starr was still away from home, for he had seen no lights now for several weeks in the room that he knew was her own, but there was always the chance that she might have returned.
haltingadjectiveUS /ˈhɔːltɪŋ/
disabled in the feet or legs
From this reading He was nearing the house when he saw from the opposite direction a man turn the corner and with halting gait come slowly toward the house and pause before the steps uncertainly.
hastenverbUS /ˈheɪsən/
act or move at high speed
From this reading Something familiar in the man’s attitude caused Michael to hasten his steps, and coming closer he found that it was Mr. Endicott himself, and that he stood looking up the steps of his home as though they had been a difficult hill which he must climb.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading He was convinced that Starr was still away from home, for he had seen no lights now for several weeks in the room that he knew was her own, but there was always the chance that she might have returned.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He was convinced that Starr was still away from home, for he had seen no lights now for several weeks in the room that he knew was her own, but there was always the chance that she might have returned.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading He was convinced that Starr was still away from home, for he had seen no lights now for several weeks in the room that he knew was her own, but there was always the chance that she might have returned.
a local and well-defined elevation of the land
From this reading Something familiar in the man’s attitude caused Michael to hasten his steps, and coming closer he found that it was Mr. Endicott himself, and that he stood looking up the steps of his home as though they had been a difficult hill which he must climb.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Michael stopped beside him, saying good evening, the thrill of his voice conveying his own joy in the meeting in addition to a common greeting.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Something familiar in the man’s attitude caused Michael to hasten his steps, and coming closer he found that it was Mr. Endicott himself, and that he stood looking up the steps of his home as though they had been a difficult hill which he must climb.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Late in January Michael was taking his nightly walk homeward by way of the Endicott home.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading Late in January Michael was taking his nightly walk homeward by way of the Endicott home.
homewardadverbUS /ˈhoʊmwərd/
toward home
From this reading Late in January Michael was taking his nightly walk homeward by way of the Endicott home.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading He was nearing the house when he saw from the opposite direction a man turn the corner and with halting gait come slowly toward the house and pause before the steps uncertainly.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Late in January Michael was taking his nightly walk homeward by way of the Endicott home.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Something familiar in the man’s attitude caused Michael to hasten his steps, and coming closer he found that it was Mr. Endicott himself, and that he stood looking up the steps of his home as though they had been a difficult hill which he must climb.
JanuarynounUS /ˈdʒænjuːeri/
the first month of the year; begins 10 days after the winter solstice
From this reading Late in January Michael was taking his nightly walk homeward by way of the Endicott home.
the emotion of great happiness
From this reading Michael stopped beside him, saying good evening, the thrill of his voice conveying his own joy in the meeting in addition to a common greeting.
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 was convinced that Starr was still away from home, for he had seen no lights now for several weeks in the room that he knew was her own, but there was always the chance that she might have returned.
being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time
From this reading Late in January Michael was taking his nightly walk homeward by way of the Endicott home.
plural of “light” — (physics) electromagnetic radiation that can produce a visual sensation
From this reading He was convinced that Starr was still away from home, for he had seen no lights now for several weeks in the room that he knew was her own, but there was always the chance that she might have returned.
the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually
From this reading Something familiar in the man’s attitude caused Michael to hasten his steps, and coming closer he found that it was Mr. Endicott himself, and that he stood looking up the steps of his home as though they had been a difficult hill which he must climb.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading He was nearing the house when he saw from the opposite direction a man turn the corner and with halting gait come slowly toward the house and pause before the steps uncertainly.
man'snounUS /mænz/
possessive form of “man” — an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Something familiar in the man’s attitude caused Michael to hasten his steps, and coming closer he found that it was Mr. Endicott himself, and that he stood looking up the steps of his home as though they had been a difficult hill which he must climb.
a formally arranged gathering
From this reading Michael stopped beside him, saying good evening, the thrill of his voice conveying his own joy in the meeting in addition to a common greeting.
(Old Testament) the guardian archangel of the Jews
From this reading Late in January Michael was taking his nightly walk homeward by way of the Endicott home.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading He was convinced that Starr was still away from home, for he had seen no lights now for several weeks in the room that he knew was her own, but there was always the chance that she might have returned.
a form of address for a man
From this reading Something familiar in the man’s attitude caused Michael to hasten his steps, and coming closer he found that it was Mr. Endicott himself, and that he stood looking up the steps of his home as though they had been a difficult hill which he must climb.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading Something familiar in the man’s attitude caused Michael to hasten his steps, and coming closer he found that it was Mr. Endicott himself, and that he stood looking up the steps of his home as though they had been a difficult hill which he must climb.
nearingverbUS /ˈnɪrɪŋ/
-ing form of “near” — move towards
From this reading He was nearing the house when he saw from the opposite direction a man turn the corner and with halting gait come slowly toward the house and pause before the steps uncertainly.
nightlyadjectiveUS /ˈnaɪtli/
happening every night
From this reading Late in January Michael was taking his nightly walk homeward by way of the Endicott home.
not any; not one
From this reading He was convinced that Starr was still away from home, for he had seen no lights now for several weeks in the room that he knew was her own, but there was always the chance that she might have returned.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading He was convinced that Starr was still away from home, for he had seen no lights now for several weeks in the room that he knew was her own, but there was always the chance that she might have returned.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Late in January Michael was taking his nightly walk homeward by way of the Endicott home.
being directly across from each other; facing
From this reading He was nearing the house when he saw from the opposite direction a man turn the corner and with halting gait come slowly toward the house and pause before the steps uncertainly.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading He was convinced that Starr was still away from home, for he had seen no lights now for several weeks in the room that he knew was her own, but there was always the chance that she might have returned.
a time interval during which there is a temporary cessation of something
From this reading He was nearing the house when he saw from the opposite direction a man turn the corner and with halting gait come slowly toward the house and pause before the steps uncertainly.
past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading He was convinced that Starr was still away from home, for he had seen no lights now for several weeks in the room that he knew was her own, but there was always the chance that she might have returned.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading He was convinced that Starr was still away from home, for he had seen no lights now for several weeks in the room that he knew was her own, but there was always the chance that she might have returned.
cut with a saw
From this reading He was nearing the house when he saw from the opposite direction a man turn the corner and with halting gait come slowly toward the house and pause before the steps uncertainly.
a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations
From this reading Michael stopped beside him, saying good evening, the thrill of his voice conveying his own joy in the meeting in addition to a common greeting.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading He was convinced that Starr was still away from home, for he had seen no lights now for several weeks in the room that he knew was her own, but there was always the chance that she might have returned.
(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many
From this reading He was convinced that Starr was still away from home, for he had seen no lights now for several weeks in the room that he knew was her own, but there was always the chance that she might have returned.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He was convinced that Starr was still away from home, for he had seen no lights now for several weeks in the room that he knew was her own, but there was always the chance that she might have returned.
without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)
From this reading He was nearing the house when he saw from the opposite direction a man turn the corner and with halting gait come slowly toward the house and pause before the steps uncertainly.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading Something familiar in the man’s attitude caused Michael to hasten his steps, and coming closer he found that it was Mr. Endicott himself, and that he stood looking up the steps of his home as though they had been a difficult hill which he must climb.
StarrnounUS /stɑːr/
rock star and drummer for the Beatles (born in 1940)
From this reading He was convinced that Starr was still away from home, for he had seen no lights now for several weeks in the room that he knew was her own, but there was always the chance that she might have returned.
a flight of stairs or a flight of steps
From this reading He was nearing the house when he saw from the opposite direction a man turn the corner and with halting gait come slowly toward the house and pause before the steps uncertainly.
not in physical motion
From this reading He was convinced that Starr was still away from home, for he had seen no lights now for several weeks in the room that he knew was her own, but there was always the chance that she might have returned.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading Something familiar in the man’s attitude caused Michael to hasten his steps, and coming closer he found that it was Mr. Endicott himself, and that he stood looking up the steps of his home as though they had been a difficult hill which he must climb.
(of a nose) blocked
From this reading Michael stopped beside him, saying good evening, the thrill of his voice conveying his own joy in the meeting in addition to a common greeting.
the act of someone who picks up or takes something
From this reading Late in January Michael was taking his nightly walk homeward by way of the Endicott home.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading He was convinced that Starr was still away from home, for he had seen no lights now for several weeks in the room that he knew was her own, but there was always the chance that she might have returned.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Late in January Michael was taking his nightly walk homeward by way of the Endicott home.
in or at that place or location
From this reading He was convinced that Starr was still away from home, for he had seen no lights now for several weeks in the room that he knew was her own, but there was always the chance that she might have returned.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Something familiar in the man’s attitude caused Michael to hasten his steps, and coming closer he found that it was Mr. Endicott himself, and that he stood looking up the steps of his home as though they had been a difficult hill which he must climb.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Something familiar in the man’s attitude caused Michael to hasten his steps, and coming closer he found that it was Mr. Endicott himself, and that he stood looking up the steps of his home as though they had been a difficult hill which he must climb.
thrillnounUS /θrɪl/
the swift release of a store of affective force
From this reading Michael stopped beside him, saying good evening, the thrill of his voice conveying his own joy in the meeting in addition to a common greeting.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Something familiar in the man’s attitude caused Michael to hasten his steps, and coming closer he found that it was Mr. Endicott himself, and that he stood looking up the steps of his home as though they had been a difficult hill which he must climb.
towardprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrd/
in the direction of
From this reading He was nearing the house when he saw from the opposite direction a man turn the corner and with halting gait come slowly toward the house and pause before the steps uncertainly.
change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense
From this reading He was nearing the house when he saw from the opposite direction a man turn the corner and with halting gait come slowly toward the house and pause before the steps uncertainly.
uncertainlyadverbUS /ənˈsɜːrtənli/
in an unsteady manner
From this reading He was nearing the house when he saw from the opposite direction a man turn the corner and with halting gait come slowly toward the house and pause before the steps uncertainly.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Something familiar in the man’s attitude caused Michael to hasten his steps, and coming closer he found that it was Mr. Endicott himself, and that he stood looking up the steps of his home as though they had been a difficult hill which he must climb.
the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading Michael stopped beside him, saying good evening, the thrill of his voice conveying his own joy in the meeting in addition to a common greeting.
the act of traveling by foot
From this reading Late in January Michael was taking his nightly walk homeward by way of the Endicott home.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Late in January Michael was taking his nightly walk homeward by way of the Endicott home.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Late in January Michael was taking his nightly walk homeward by way of the Endicott home.
plural of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading He was convinced that Starr was still away from home, for he had seen no lights now for several weeks in the room that he knew was her own, but there was always the chance that she might have returned.
at the time that
From this reading He was nearing the house when he saw from the opposite direction a man turn the corner and with halting gait come slowly toward the house and pause before the steps uncertainly.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Something familiar in the man’s attitude caused Michael to hasten his steps, and coming closer he found that it was Mr. Endicott himself, and that he stood looking up the steps of his home as though they had been a difficult hill which he must climb.
in the company of; together with
From this reading He was nearing the house when he saw from the opposite direction a man turn the corner and with halting gait come slowly toward the house and pause before the steps uncertainly.
