used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Afterward she thought she could recall being caught up by a giant, who unloosed Tania's hands from about her throat.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Afterward she thought she could recall being caught up by a giant, who unloosed Tania's hands from about her throat.
in actual fact
From this reading The first thing that she actually knew was, when she opened her eyes, to look into a pair of deep blue, kindly ones that were smiling bravely and encouragingly into hers.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading Afterward she thought she could recall being caught up by a giant, who unloosed Tania's hands from about her throat.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Quietly the three of them began to float upward with such steadiness, such quietness, that she had that blessed sense of security and release from responsibility that a child must feel who has fallen asleep in its father's arms.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading THE OWNER OF THE DISAGREEABLE VOICE It may be that Madge had another second of consciousness.
weapons considered collectively
From this reading Quietly the three of them began to float upward with such steadiness, such quietness, that she had that blessed sense of security and release from responsibility that a child must feel who has fallen asleep in its father's arms.
in a state of sleep
From this reading Quietly the three of them began to float upward with such steadiness, such quietness, that she had that blessed sense of security and release from responsibility that a child must feel who has fallen asleep in its father's arms.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading THE OWNER OF THE DISAGREEABLE VOICE It may be that Madge had another second of consciousness.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading Quietly the three of them began to float upward with such steadiness, such quietness, that she had that blessed sense of security and release from responsibility that a child must feel who has fallen asleep in its father's arms.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading Afterward she thought she could recall being caught up by a giant, who unloosed Tania's hands from about her throat.
with bitterness; in a resentful manner
From this reading Near her were her three friends, looking very wet and miserable, and one little, dark-eyed elf who was sobbing bitterly.
highly favored or fortunate (as e.g. by divine grace)
From this reading Quietly the three of them began to float upward with such steadiness, such quietness, that she had that blessed sense of security and release from responsibility that a child must feel who has fallen asleep in its father's arms.
of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky
From this reading The first thing that she actually knew was, when she opened her eyes, to look into a pair of deep blue, kindly ones that were smiling bravely and encouragingly into hers.
bravelyadverbUS /ˈbreɪvli/
in a courageous manner
From this reading The first thing that she actually knew was, when she opened her eyes, to look into a pair of deep blue, kindly ones that were smiling bravely and encouragingly into hers.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Afterward she thought she could recall being caught up by a giant, who unloosed Tania's hands from about her throat.
inflected form of “catch” — discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state
From this reading Afterward she thought she could recall being caught up by a giant, who unloosed Tania's hands from about her throat.
a young person of either sex
From this reading Quietly the three of them began to float upward with such steadiness, such quietness, that she had that blessed sense of security and release from responsibility that a child must feel who has fallen asleep in its father's arms.
an alert cognitive state in which you are aware of yourself and your situation
From this reading THE OWNER OF THE DISAGREEABLE VOICE It may be that Madge had another second of consciousness.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Afterward she thought she could recall being caught up by a giant, who unloosed Tania's hands from about her throat.
dark-eyed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Near her were her three friends, looking very wet and miserable, and one little, dark-eyed elf who was sobbing bitterly.
relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply
From this reading The first thing that she actually knew was, when she opened her eyes, to look into a pair of deep blue, kindly ones that were smiling bravely and encouragingly into hers.
DISAGREEABLEadjectiveUS /ˌdɪsəˈɡriːəbəl/
not to your liking
From this reading THE OWNER OF THE DISAGREEABLE VOICE It may be that Madge had another second of consciousness.
elfnounUS /elf/
(folklore) fairies that are somewhat mischievous
From this reading Near her were her three friends, looking very wet and miserable, and one little, dark-eyed elf who was sobbing bitterly.
encouraginglyadverb
in an encouraging manner
From this reading The first thing that she actually knew was, when she opened her eyes, to look into a pair of deep blue, kindly ones that were smiling bravely and encouragingly into hers.
opinion or judgment
From this reading The first thing that she actually knew was, when she opened her eyes, to look into a pair of deep blue, kindly ones that were smiling bravely and encouragingly into hers.
having dropped by the force of gravity
From this reading Quietly the three of them began to float upward with such steadiness, such quietness, that she had that blessed sense of security and release from responsibility that a child must feel who has fallen asleep in its father's arms.
father'snounUS /ˈfɑːðərz/
possessive form of “father” — a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading Quietly the three of them began to float upward with such steadiness, such quietness, that she had that blessed sense of security and release from responsibility that a child must feel who has fallen asleep in its father's arms.
undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind
From this reading Quietly the three of them began to float upward with such steadiness, such quietness, that she had that blessed sense of security and release from responsibility that a child must feel who has fallen asleep in its father's arms.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading The first thing that she actually knew was, when she opened her eyes, to look into a pair of deep blue, kindly ones that were smiling bravely and encouragingly into hers.
floatverbUS /floʊt/
be in motion due to some air or water current
From this reading Quietly the three of them began to float upward with such steadiness, such quietness, that she had that blessed sense of security and release from responsibility that a child must feel who has fallen asleep in its father's arms.
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading Near her were her three friends, looking very wet and miserable, and one little, dark-eyed elf who was sobbing bitterly.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Afterward she thought she could recall being caught up by a giant, who unloosed Tania's hands from about her throat.
any creature of exceptional size
From this reading Afterward she thought she could recall being caught up by a giant, who unloosed Tania's hands from about her throat.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading THE OWNER OF THE DISAGREEABLE VOICE It may be that Madge had another second of consciousness.
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading Afterward she thought she could recall being caught up by a giant, who unloosed Tania's hands from about her throat.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Quietly the three of them began to float upward with such steadiness, such quietness, that she had that blessed sense of security and release from responsibility that a child must feel who has fallen asleep in its father's arms.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Afterward she thought she could recall being caught up by a giant, who unloosed Tania's hands from about her throat.
the one or ones belonging to her
From this reading The first thing that she actually knew was, when she opened her eyes, to look into a pair of deep blue, kindly ones that were smiling bravely and encouragingly into hers.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Quietly the three of them began to float upward with such steadiness, such quietness, that she had that blessed sense of security and release from responsibility that a child must feel who has fallen asleep in its father's arms.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading The first thing that she actually knew was, when she opened her eyes, to look into a pair of deep blue, kindly ones that were smiling bravely and encouragingly into hers.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading THE OWNER OF THE DISAGREEABLE VOICE It may be that Madge had another second of consciousness.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Quietly the three of them began to float upward with such steadiness, such quietness, that she had that blessed sense of security and release from responsibility that a child must feel who has fallen asleep in its father's arms.
showing or motivated by sympathy and understanding and generosity
From this reading The first thing that she actually knew was, when she opened her eyes, to look into a pair of deep blue, kindly ones that were smiling bravely and encouragingly into hers.
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 The first thing that she actually knew was, when she opened her eyes, to look into a pair of deep blue, kindly ones that were smiling bravely and encouragingly into hers.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Near her were her three friends, looking very wet and miserable, and one little, dark-eyed elf who was sobbing bitterly.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading The first thing that she actually knew was, when she opened her eyes, to look into a pair of deep blue, kindly ones that were smiling bravely and encouragingly into hers.
the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually
From this reading Near her were her three friends, looking very wet and miserable, and one little, dark-eyed elf who was sobbing bitterly.
Madge
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE OWNER OF THE DISAGREEABLE VOICE It may be that Madge had another second of consciousness.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading THE OWNER OF THE DISAGREEABLE VOICE It may be that Madge had another second of consciousness.
very unhappy; full of misery
From this reading Near her were her three friends, looking very wet and miserable, and one little, dark-eyed elf who was sobbing bitterly.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading Quietly the three of them began to float upward with such steadiness, such quietness, that she had that blessed sense of security and release from responsibility that a child must feel who has fallen asleep in its father's arms.
near in time or place or relationship
From this reading Near her were her three friends, looking very wet and miserable, and one little, dark-eyed elf who was sobbing bitterly.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE OWNER OF THE DISAGREEABLE VOICE It may be that Madge had another second of consciousness.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Near her were her three friends, looking very wet and miserable, and one little, dark-eyed elf who was sobbing bitterly.
plural of “one” — the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
From this reading The first thing that she actually knew was, when she opened her eyes, to look into a pair of deep blue, kindly ones that were smiling bravely and encouragingly into hers.
used of mouth or eyes
From this reading The first thing that she actually knew was, when she opened her eyes, to look into a pair of deep blue, kindly ones that were smiling bravely and encouragingly into hers.
(law) someone who owns (is legal possessor of) a business
From this reading THE OWNER OF THE DISAGREEABLE VOICE It may be that Madge had another second of consciousness.
a set of two similar things considered as a unit
From this reading The first thing that she actually knew was, when she opened her eyes, to look into a pair of deep blue, kindly ones that were smiling bravely and encouragingly into hers.
with low volume
From this reading Quietly the three of them began to float upward with such steadiness, such quietness, that she had that blessed sense of security and release from responsibility that a child must feel who has fallen asleep in its father's arms.
quietnessnounUS /ˈkwaɪətnəs/
the property of making no sound
From this reading Quietly the three of them began to float upward with such steadiness, such quietness, that she had that blessed sense of security and release from responsibility that a child must feel who has fallen asleep in its father's arms.
recallverbUS /ˈriːkɔːl/
recall knowledge from memory; have a recollection
From this reading Afterward she thought she could recall being caught up by a giant, who unloosed Tania's hands from about her throat.
releaseverbUS /riˈliːs/
release, as from one's grip
From this reading Quietly the three of them began to float upward with such steadiness, such quietness, that she had that blessed sense of security and release from responsibility that a child must feel who has fallen asleep in its father's arms.
responsibilitynounUS /riˌspɑːnsəˈbɪləti/
the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force
From this reading Quietly the three of them began to float upward with such steadiness, such quietness, that she had that blessed sense of security and release from responsibility that a child must feel who has fallen asleep in its father's arms.
1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
From this reading THE OWNER OF THE DISAGREEABLE VOICE It may be that Madge had another second of consciousness.
securitynounUS /sɪˈkjʊrəti/
the state of being free from danger or injury
From this reading Quietly the three of them began to float upward with such steadiness, such quietness, that she had that blessed sense of security and release from responsibility that a child must feel who has fallen asleep in its father's arms.
a general conscious awareness
From this reading Quietly the three of them began to float upward with such steadiness, such quietness, that she had that blessed sense of security and release from responsibility that a child must feel who has fallen asleep in its father's arms.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Afterward she thought she could recall being caught up by a giant, who unloosed Tania's hands from about her throat.
a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement
From this reading The first thing that she actually knew was, when she opened her eyes, to look into a pair of deep blue, kindly ones that were smiling bravely and encouragingly into hers.
sobbingnounUS /ˈsɑːbɪŋ/
convulsive gasp made while weeping
From this reading Near her were her three friends, looking very wet and miserable, and one little, dark-eyed elf who was sobbing bitterly.
steadinessnounUS /ˈstedinɪs/
freedom from wavering or indecision; constancy of resolve or conduct
From this reading Quietly the three of them began to float upward with such steadiness, such quietness, that she had that blessed sense of security and release from responsibility that a child must feel who has fallen asleep in its father's arms.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Quietly the three of them began to float upward with such steadiness, such quietness, that she had that blessed sense of security and release from responsibility that a child must feel who has fallen asleep in its father's arms.
Tania's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Afterward she thought she could recall being caught up by a giant, who unloosed Tania's hands from about her throat.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading THE OWNER OF THE DISAGREEABLE VOICE It may be that Madge had another second of consciousness.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE OWNER OF THE DISAGREEABLE VOICE It may be that Madge had another second of consciousness.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Quietly the three of them began to float upward with such steadiness, such quietness, that she had that blessed sense of security and release from responsibility that a child must feel who has fallen asleep in its father's arms.
a special situation
From this reading The first thing that she actually knew was, when she opened her eyes, to look into a pair of deep blue, kindly ones that were smiling bravely and encouragingly into hers.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading Afterward she thought she could recall being caught up by a giant, who unloosed Tania's hands from about her throat.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading Quietly the three of them began to float upward with such steadiness, such quietness, that she had that blessed sense of security and release from responsibility that a child must feel who has fallen asleep in its father's arms.
The passage at the back of the mouth.
From this reading Afterward she thought she could recall being caught up by a giant, who unloosed Tania's hands from about her throat.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Quietly the three of them began to float upward with such steadiness, such quietness, that she had that blessed sense of security and release from responsibility that a child must feel who has fallen asleep in its father's arms.
unloosed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Afterward she thought she could recall being caught up by a giant, who unloosed Tania's hands from about her throat.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Afterward she thought she could recall being caught up by a giant, who unloosed Tania's hands from about her throat.
directed up
From this reading Quietly the three of them began to float upward with such steadiness, such quietness, that she had that blessed sense of security and release from responsibility that a child must feel who has fallen asleep in its father's arms.
precisely as stated
From this reading Near her were her three friends, looking very wet and miserable, and one little, dark-eyed elf who was sobbing bitterly.
the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading THE OWNER OF THE DISAGREEABLE VOICE It may be that Madge had another second of consciousness.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The first thing that she actually knew was, when she opened her eyes, to look into a pair of deep blue, kindly ones that were smiling bravely and encouragingly into hers.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The first thing that she actually knew was, when she opened her eyes, to look into a pair of deep blue, kindly ones that were smiling bravely and encouragingly into hers.
covered or soaked with a liquid such as water
From this reading Near her were her three friends, looking very wet and miserable, and one little, dark-eyed elf who was sobbing bitterly.
at the time that
From this reading The first thing that she actually knew was, when she opened her eyes, to look into a pair of deep blue, kindly ones that were smiling bravely and encouragingly into hers.
which person or people
From this reading Afterward she thought she could recall being caught up by a giant, who unloosed Tania's hands from about her throat.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Quietly the three of them began to float upward with such steadiness, such quietness, that she had that blessed sense of security and release from responsibility that a child must feel who has fallen asleep in its father's arms.
