used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE RIVALS William was aware of a vague feeling of apprehension when he heard that Joan Clive, the little girl who lived next door, was having a strange cousin to stay for three weeks.
generally approved or compelling recognition
From this reading All his life, William had accepted Joan's adoration and homage with condescending indifference, but he did not like to imagine a possible rival.
adorationnounUS /ˌædərˈeɪʃən/
a feeling of profound love and admiration
From this reading All his life, William had accepted Joan's adoration and homage with condescending indifference, but he did not like to imagine a possible rival.
(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 All his life, William had accepted Joan's adoration and homage with condescending indifference, but he did not like to imagine a possible rival.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading "What's he _coming_ for?" he demanded with an ungracious scowl, perched uncomfortably and dangerously on the high wall that separated the two gardens and glaring down at Joan.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading All his life, William had accepted Joan's adoration and homage with condescending indifference, but he did not like to imagine a possible rival.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading "What's he comin' _for_, any way?"
apprehensionnounUS /ˌæprɪˈhenʃən/
fearful expectation or anticipation
From this reading THE RIVALS William was aware of a vague feeling of apprehension when he heard that Joan Clive, the little girl who lived next door, was having a strange cousin to stay for three weeks.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading "What's he _coming_ for?" he demanded with an ungracious scowl, perched uncomfortably and dangerously on the high wall that separated the two gardens and glaring down at Joan.
(sometimes followed by “of”) having or showing knowledge or understanding or realization or perception
From this reading THE RIVALS William was aware of a vague feeling of apprehension when he heard that Joan Clive, the little girl who lived next door, was having a strange cousin to stay for three weeks.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading All his life, William had accepted Joan's adoration and homage with condescending indifference, but he did not like to imagine a possible rival.
events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something
From this reading "'Cause mother's invited him," explained Joan simply, with a shake of her golden curls.
ClivenounUS /klaɪv/
British general and statesman whose victory at Plassey in 1757 strengthened British control of India (1725-1774)
From this reading THE RIVALS William was aware of a vague feeling of apprehension when he heard that Joan Clive, the little girl who lived next door, was having a strange cousin to stay for three weeks.
comin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "What's he comin' _for_, any way?"
the act of drawing spatially closer to something
From this reading "What's he _coming_ for?" he demanded with an ungracious scowl, perched uncomfortably and dangerously on the high wall that separated the two gardens and glaring down at Joan.
condescendingadjectiveUS /ˌkɑːndɪˈsendɪŋ/
(used of behavior or attitude) characteristic of those who treat others with condescension
From this reading All his life, William had accepted Joan's adoration and homage with condescending indifference, but he did not like to imagine a possible rival.
the child of your aunt or uncle
From this reading THE RIVALS William was aware of a vague feeling of apprehension when he heard that Joan Clive, the little girl who lived next door, was having a strange cousin to stay for three weeks.
curlsnounUS /kɜːrlz/
plural of “curl” — a round shape formed by a series of concentric circles (as formed by leaves or flower petals)
From this reading "'Cause mother's invited him," explained Joan simply, with a shake of her golden curls.
dangerouslyadverbUS /ˈdeɪn.dʒər.əs.li/
In a way that involves danger or risk.
From this reading "What's he _coming_ for?" he demanded with an ungracious scowl, perched uncomfortably and dangerously on the high wall that separated the two gardens and glaring down at Joan.
past form of “demand” — request urgently and forcefully
From this reading "What's he _coming_ for?" he demanded with an ungracious scowl, perched uncomfortably and dangerously on the high wall that separated the two gardens and glaring down at Joan.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading All his life, William had accepted Joan's adoration and homage with condescending indifference, but he did not like to imagine a possible rival.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading THE RIVALS William was aware of a vague feeling of apprehension when he heard that Joan Clive, the little girl who lived next door, was having a strange cousin to stay for three weeks.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading "What's he _coming_ for?" he demanded with an ungracious scowl, perched uncomfortably and dangerously on the high wall that separated the two gardens and glaring down at Joan.
past form of “explain” — make plain and comprehensible
From this reading "'Cause mother's invited him," explained Joan simply, with a shake of her golden curls.
the experiencing of affective and emotional states
From this reading THE RIVALS William was aware of a vague feeling of apprehension when he heard that Joan Clive, the little girl who lived next door, was having a strange cousin to stay for three weeks.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading THE RIVALS William was aware of a vague feeling of apprehension when he heard that Joan Clive, the little girl who lived next door, was having a strange cousin to stay for three weeks.
plural of “garden” — a plot of ground where plants are cultivated
From this reading "What's he _coming_ for?" he demanded with an ungracious scowl, perched uncomfortably and dangerously on the high wall that separated the two gardens and glaring down at Joan.
a young female
From this reading THE RIVALS William was aware of a vague feeling of apprehension when he heard that Joan Clive, the little girl who lived next door, was having a strange cousin to stay for three weeks.
glaringadjectiveUS /ˈɡlerɪŋ/
shining intensely
From this reading "What's he _coming_ for?" he demanded with an ungracious scowl, perched uncomfortably and dangerously on the high wall that separated the two gardens and glaring down at Joan.
having the deep slightly brownish color of gold
From this reading "'Cause mother's invited him," explained Joan simply, with a shake of her golden curls.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading All his life, William had accepted Joan's adoration and homage with condescending indifference, but he did not like to imagine a possible rival.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading THE RIVALS William was aware of a vague feeling of apprehension when he heard that Joan Clive, the little girl who lived next door, was having a strange cousin to stay for three weeks.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading THE RIVALS William was aware of a vague feeling of apprehension when he heard that Joan Clive, the little girl who lived next door, was having a strange cousin to stay for three weeks.
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading THE RIVALS William was aware of a vague feeling of apprehension when he heard that Joan Clive, the little girl who lived next door, was having a strange cousin to stay for three weeks.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading "'Cause mother's invited him," explained Joan simply, with a shake of her golden curls.
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading "What's he _coming_ for?" he demanded with an ungracious scowl, perched uncomfortably and dangerously on the high wall that separated the two gardens and glaring down at Joan.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading "'Cause mother's invited him," explained Joan simply, with a shake of her golden curls.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading All his life, William had accepted Joan's adoration and homage with condescending indifference, but he did not like to imagine a possible rival.
homagenounUS /ˈɑːmədʒ/
respectful deference
From this reading All his life, William had accepted Joan's adoration and homage with condescending indifference, but he did not like to imagine a possible rival.
form a mental image of something that is not present or that is not the case
From this reading All his life, William had accepted Joan's adoration and homage with condescending indifference, but he did not like to imagine a possible rival.
unbiased impartial unconcern
From this reading All his life, William had accepted Joan's adoration and homage with condescending indifference, but he did not like to imagine a possible rival.
past form of “invite” — increase the likelihood of
From this reading "'Cause mother's invited him," explained Joan simply, with a shake of her golden curls.
Joan
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE RIVALS William was aware of a vague feeling of apprehension when he heard that Joan Clive, the little girl who lived next door, was having a strange cousin to stay for three weeks.
Joan's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All his life, William had accepted Joan's adoration and homage with condescending indifference, but he did not like to imagine a possible rival.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading All his life, William had accepted Joan's adoration and homage with condescending indifference, but he did not like to imagine a possible rival.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading All his life, William had accepted Joan's adoration and homage with condescending indifference, but he did not like to imagine a possible rival.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading THE RIVALS William was aware of a vague feeling of apprehension when he heard that Joan Clive, the little girl who lived next door, was having a strange cousin to stay for three weeks.
past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in
From this reading THE RIVALS William was aware of a vague feeling of apprehension when he heard that Joan Clive, the little girl who lived next door, was having a strange cousin to stay for three weeks.
mother'snounUS /ˈmʌðərz/
possessive form of “mother” — a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading "'Cause mother's invited him," explained Joan simply, with a shake of her golden curls.
immediately following in time or order
From this reading THE RIVALS William was aware of a vague feeling of apprehension when he heard that Joan Clive, the little girl who lived next door, was having a strange cousin to stay for three weeks.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading All his life, William had accepted Joan's adoration and homage with condescending indifference, but he did not like to imagine a possible rival.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE RIVALS William was aware of a vague feeling of apprehension when he heard that Joan Clive, the little girl who lived next door, was having a strange cousin to stay for three weeks.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading "What's he _coming_ for?" he demanded with an ungracious scowl, perched uncomfortably and dangerously on the high wall that separated the two gardens and glaring down at Joan.
perchedverbUS /pɜːrtʃt/
past form of “perch” — sit, as on a branch
From this reading "What's he _coming_ for?" he demanded with an ungracious scowl, perched uncomfortably and dangerously on the high wall that separated the two gardens and glaring down at Joan.
capable of happening or existing
From this reading All his life, William had accepted Joan's adoration and homage with condescending indifference, but he did not like to imagine a possible rival.
rivalverbUS /ˈraɪvəl/
be equal to in quality or ability
From this reading All his life, William had accepted Joan's adoration and homage with condescending indifference, but he did not like to imagine a possible rival.
RIVALSnounUS /ˈraɪvəlz/
plural of “rival” — the contestant you hope to defeat
From this reading THE RIVALS William was aware of a vague feeling of apprehension when he heard that Joan Clive, the little girl who lived next door, was having a strange cousin to stay for three weeks.
scowlnounUS /skaʊl/
a facial expression of dislike or displeasure
From this reading "What's he _coming_ for?" he demanded with an ungracious scowl, perched uncomfortably and dangerously on the high wall that separated the two gardens and glaring down at Joan.
being or feeling set or kept apart from others
From this reading "What's he _coming_ for?" he demanded with an ungracious scowl, perched uncomfortably and dangerously on the high wall that separated the two gardens and glaring down at Joan.
move or cause to move back and forth
From this reading "'Cause mother's invited him," explained Joan simply, with a shake of her golden curls.
and nothing more
From this reading "'Cause mother's invited him," explained Joan simply, with a shake of her golden curls.
stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading THE RIVALS William was aware of a vague feeling of apprehension when he heard that Joan Clive, the little girl who lived next door, was having a strange cousin to stay for three weeks.
being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
From this reading THE RIVALS William was aware of a vague feeling of apprehension when he heard that Joan Clive, the little girl who lived next door, was having a strange cousin to stay for three weeks.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading THE RIVALS William was aware of a vague feeling of apprehension when he heard that Joan Clive, the little girl who lived next door, was having a strange cousin to stay for three weeks.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE RIVALS William was aware of a vague feeling of apprehension when he heard that Joan Clive, the little girl who lived next door, was having a strange cousin to stay for three weeks.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading THE RIVALS William was aware of a vague feeling of apprehension when he heard that Joan Clive, the little girl who lived next door, was having a strange cousin to stay for three weeks.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE RIVALS William was aware of a vague feeling of apprehension when he heard that Joan Clive, the little girl who lived next door, was having a strange cousin to stay for three weeks.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading "What's he _coming_ for?" he demanded with an ungracious scowl, perched uncomfortably and dangerously on the high wall that separated the two gardens and glaring down at Joan.
uncomfortablyadverbUS /ənˈkʌmfərtəbli/
in physical discomfort
From this reading "What's he _coming_ for?" he demanded with an ungracious scowl, perched uncomfortably and dangerously on the high wall that separated the two gardens and glaring down at Joan.
ungraciousadjective
lacking charm and good taste
From this reading "What's he _coming_ for?" he demanded with an ungracious scowl, perched uncomfortably and dangerously on the high wall that separated the two gardens and glaring down at Joan.
not clearly expressed or understood
From this reading THE RIVALS William was aware of a vague feeling of apprehension when he heard that Joan Clive, the little girl who lived next door, was having a strange cousin to stay for three weeks.
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 "What's he _coming_ for?" he demanded with an ungracious scowl, perched uncomfortably and dangerously on the high wall that separated the two gardens and glaring down at Joan.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE RIVALS William was aware of a vague feeling of apprehension when he heard that Joan Clive, the little girl who lived next door, was having a strange cousin to stay for three weeks.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading "What's he comin' _for_, any way?"
plural of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading THE RIVALS William was aware of a vague feeling of apprehension when he heard that Joan Clive, the little girl who lived next door, was having a strange cousin to stay for three weeks.
What's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "What's he _coming_ for?" he demanded with an ungracious scowl, perched uncomfortably and dangerously on the high wall that separated the two gardens and glaring down at Joan.
at the time that
From this reading THE RIVALS William was aware of a vague feeling of apprehension when he heard that Joan Clive, the little girl who lived next door, was having a strange cousin to stay for three weeks.
which person or people
From this reading THE RIVALS William was aware of a vague feeling of apprehension when he heard that Joan Clive, the little girl who lived next door, was having a strange cousin to stay for three weeks.
William
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE RIVALS William was aware of a vague feeling of apprehension when he heard that Joan Clive, the little girl who lived next door, was having a strange cousin to stay for three weeks.
in the company of; together with
From this reading All his life, William had accepted Joan's adoration and homage with condescending indifference, but he did not like to imagine a possible rival.
