used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading i Waiting until she had a little recovered her self-control, Jenny presently moved from the door to the fireplace, and proceeded methodically to put coals on the fire.
alternateadjectiveUS /ˈɔːltərnət/
every second one of a series
From this reading She was still shaking slightly, and the corners of her mouth were uncontrollably twitching with alternate smiles and other raiding emotions; so that she did not yet feel in a fit state to meet Pa's scrutiny.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading i Waiting until she had a little recovered her self-control, Jenny presently moved from the door to the fireplace, and proceeded methodically to put coals on the fire.
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading He might be the old fool he sometimes appeared to be, and, inconveniently, he might not.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading That is as it occasionally happens, in the dullest of mortals.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading He might be the old fool he sometimes appeared to be, and, inconveniently, he might not.
for the reason that
From this reading Just because she did not want him to be particularly bright it was quite probable that he would have a flourish of brilliance.
emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts
From this reading Just because she did not want him to be particularly bright it was quite probable that he would have a flourish of brilliance.
brilliancenounUS /ˈbrɪljəns/
a light within the field of vision that is brighter than the brightness to which the eyes are adapted
From this reading Just because she did not want him to be particularly bright it was quite probable that he would have a flourish of brilliance.
coalsnounUS /koʊlz/
plural of “coal” — fossil fuel consisting of carbonized vegetable matter deposited in the Carboniferous period
From this reading i Waiting until she had a little recovered her self-control, Jenny presently moved from the door to the fireplace, and proceeded methodically to put coals on the fire.
cornersnounUS /ˈkɔːrnərz/
plural of “corner” — a place off to the side of an area
From this reading She was still shaking slightly, and the corners of her mouth were uncontrollably twitching with alternate smiles and other raiding emotions; so that she did not yet feel in a fit state to meet Pa's scrutiny.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading She was still shaking slightly, and the corners of her mouth were uncontrollably twitching with alternate smiles and other raiding emotions; so that she did not yet feel in a fit state to meet Pa's scrutiny.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading i Waiting until she had a little recovered her self-control, Jenny presently moved from the door to the fireplace, and proceeded methodically to put coals on the fire.
dullestadjectiveUS /ˈdʌləst/
superlative of “dull” — lacking in liveliness or animation
From this reading That is as it occasionally happens, in the dullest of mortals.
plural of “emotion” — any strong feeling
From this reading She was still shaking slightly, and the corners of her mouth were uncontrollably twitching with alternate smiles and other raiding emotions; so that she did not yet feel in a fit state to meet Pa's scrutiny.
undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind
From this reading She was still shaking slightly, and the corners of her mouth were uncontrollably twitching with alternate smiles and other raiding emotions; so that she did not yet feel in a fit state to meet Pa's scrutiny.
start firing a weapon
From this reading i Waiting until she had a little recovered her self-control, Jenny presently moved from the door to the fireplace, and proceeded methodically to put coals on the fire.
fireplacenounUS /ˈfaɪərpleɪs/
an open recess in a wall at the base of a chimney where a fire can be built
From this reading i Waiting until she had a little recovered her self-control, Jenny presently moved from the door to the fireplace, and proceeded methodically to put coals on the fire.
be agreeable or acceptable to
From this reading She was still shaking slightly, and the corners of her mouth were uncontrollably twitching with alternate smiles and other raiding emotions; so that she did not yet feel in a fit state to meet Pa's scrutiny.
flourishverbUS /ˈflɜːrɪʃ/
grow vigorously
From this reading Just because she did not want him to be particularly bright it was quite probable that he would have a flourish of brilliance.
a person who lacks good judgment
From this reading He might be the old fool he sometimes appeared to be, and, inconveniently, he might not.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading i Waiting until she had a little recovered her self-control, Jenny presently moved from the door to the fireplace, and proceeded methodically to put coals on the fire.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading i Waiting until she had a little recovered her self-control, Jenny presently moved from the door to the fireplace, and proceeded methodically to put coals on the fire.
third-person singular of “happen” — come to pass
From this reading That is as it occasionally happens, in the dullest of mortals.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Just because she did not want him to be particularly bright it was quite probable that he would have a flourish of brilliance.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He might be the old fool he sometimes appeared to be, and, inconveniently, he might not.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading i Waiting until she had a little recovered her self-control, Jenny presently moved from the door to the fireplace, and proceeded methodically to put coals on the fire.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Just because she did not want him to be particularly bright it was quite probable that he would have a flourish of brilliance.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading i Waiting until she had a little recovered her self-control, Jenny presently moved from the door to the fireplace, and proceeded methodically to put coals on the fire.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading She was still shaking slightly, and the corners of her mouth were uncontrollably twitching with alternate smiles and other raiding emotions; so that she did not yet feel in a fit state to meet Pa's scrutiny.
inconvenientlyadverb
in an inconvenient manner
From this reading He might be the old fool he sometimes appeared to be, and, inconveniently, he might not.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading That is as it occasionally happens, in the dullest of mortals.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Just because she did not want him to be particularly bright it was quite probable that he would have a flourish of brilliance.
JennynounUS /ˈdʒeni/
United States architect who designed the first skyscraper in which a metal skeleton was used (1832-1907)
From this reading i Waiting until she had a little recovered her self-control, Jenny presently moved from the door to the fireplace, and proceeded methodically to put coals on the fire.
and nothing more
From this reading Just because she did not want him to be particularly bright it was quite probable that he would have a flourish of brilliance.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading i Waiting until she had a little recovered her self-control, Jenny presently moved from the door to the fireplace, and proceeded methodically to put coals on the fire.
come together
From this reading She was still shaking slightly, and the corners of her mouth were uncontrollably twitching with alternate smiles and other raiding emotions; so that she did not yet feel in a fit state to meet Pa's scrutiny.
methodicallyadverbUS /məˈθɑːdɪkəli/
in a methodical manner
From this reading i Waiting until she had a little recovered her self-control, Jenny presently moved from the door to the fireplace, and proceeded methodically to put coals on the fire.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading He might be the old fool he sometimes appeared to be, and, inconveniently, he might not.
mortalsnounUS /ˈmɔːrtəlz/
plural of “mortal” — a human being
From this reading That is as it occasionally happens, in the dullest of mortals.
the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge
From this reading She was still shaking slightly, and the corners of her mouth were uncontrollably twitching with alternate smiles and other raiding emotions; so that she did not yet feel in a fit state to meet Pa's scrutiny.
being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion
From this reading i Waiting until she had a little recovered her self-control, Jenny presently moved from the door to the fireplace, and proceeded methodically to put coals on the fire.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading She was still shaking slightly, and the corners of her mouth were uncontrollably twitching with alternate smiles and other raiding emotions; so that she did not yet feel in a fit state to meet Pa's scrutiny.
sporadically and infrequently
From this reading That is as it occasionally happens, in the dullest of mortals.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading She was still shaking slightly, and the corners of her mouth were uncontrollably twitching with alternate smiles and other raiding emotions; so that she did not yet feel in a fit state to meet Pa's scrutiny.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading He might be the old fool he sometimes appeared to be, and, inconveniently, he might not.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading i Waiting until she had a little recovered her self-control, Jenny presently moved from the door to the fireplace, and proceeded methodically to put coals on the fire.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading She was still shaking slightly, and the corners of her mouth were uncontrollably twitching with alternate smiles and other raiding emotions; so that she did not yet feel in a fit state to meet Pa's scrutiny.
Pa's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was still shaking slightly, and the corners of her mouth were uncontrollably twitching with alternate smiles and other raiding emotions; so that she did not yet feel in a fit state to meet Pa's scrutiny.
to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common
From this reading Just because she did not want him to be particularly bright it was quite probable that he would have a flourish of brilliance.
in the near future
From this reading i Waiting until she had a little recovered her self-control, Jenny presently moved from the door to the fireplace, and proceeded methodically to put coals on the fire.
probableadjectiveUS /ˈprɑːbəbəl/
likely but not certain to be or become true or real
From this reading Just because she did not want him to be particularly bright it was quite probable that he would have a flourish of brilliance.
past form of “proceed” — continue talking
From this reading i Waiting until she had a little recovered her self-control, Jenny presently moved from the door to the fireplace, and proceeded methodically to put coals on the fire.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading i Waiting until she had a little recovered her self-control, Jenny presently moved from the door to the fireplace, and proceeded methodically to put coals on the fire.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading Just because she did not want him to be particularly bright it was quite probable that he would have a flourish of brilliance.
raidingadjectiveUS /ˈreɪdɪŋ/
characterized by plundering or pillaging or marauding
From this reading She was still shaking slightly, and the corners of her mouth were uncontrollably twitching with alternate smiles and other raiding emotions; so that she did not yet feel in a fit state to meet Pa's scrutiny.
freed from illness or injury
From this reading i Waiting until she had a little recovered her self-control, Jenny presently moved from the door to the fireplace, and proceeded methodically to put coals on the fire.
scrutinynounUS /ˈskruːtəni/
the act of examining something closely (as for mistakes)
From this reading She was still shaking slightly, and the corners of her mouth were uncontrollably twitching with alternate smiles and other raiding emotions; so that she did not yet feel in a fit state to meet Pa's scrutiny.
self-controlnounUS /ˌselfkənˈtroʊl/
the act of denying yourself; controlling your impulses
From this reading i Waiting until she had a little recovered her self-control, Jenny presently moved from the door to the fireplace, and proceeded methodically to put coals on the fire.
the act of causing something to move up and down (or back and forth) with quick movements
From this reading She was still shaking slightly, and the corners of her mouth were uncontrollably twitching with alternate smiles and other raiding emotions; so that she did not yet feel in a fit state to meet Pa's scrutiny.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading i Waiting until she had a little recovered her self-control, Jenny presently moved from the door to the fireplace, and proceeded methodically to put coals on the fire.
to a small degree or extent
From this reading She was still shaking slightly, and the corners of her mouth were uncontrollably twitching with alternate smiles and other raiding emotions; so that she did not yet feel in a fit state to meet Pa's scrutiny.
smilesnounUS /smaɪlz/
plural of “smile” — a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement
From this reading She was still shaking slightly, and the corners of her mouth were uncontrollably twitching with alternate smiles and other raiding emotions; so that she did not yet feel in a fit state to meet Pa's scrutiny.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading She was still shaking slightly, and the corners of her mouth were uncontrollably twitching with alternate smiles and other raiding emotions; so that she did not yet feel in a fit state to meet Pa's scrutiny.
on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always
From this reading He might be the old fool he sometimes appeared to be, and, inconveniently, he might not.
the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation
From this reading She was still shaking slightly, and the corners of her mouth were uncontrollably twitching with alternate smiles and other raiding emotions; so that she did not yet feel in a fit state to meet Pa's scrutiny.
not in physical motion
From this reading She was still shaking slightly, and the corners of her mouth were uncontrollably twitching with alternate smiles and other raiding emotions; so that she did not yet feel in a fit state to meet Pa's scrutiny.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading She was still shaking slightly, and the corners of her mouth were uncontrollably twitching with alternate smiles and other raiding emotions; so that she did not yet feel in a fit state to meet Pa's scrutiny.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading i Waiting until she had a little recovered her self-control, Jenny presently moved from the door to the fireplace, and proceeded methodically to put coals on the fire.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading i Waiting until she had a little recovered her self-control, Jenny presently moved from the door to the fireplace, and proceeded methodically to put coals on the fire.
twitchingnounUS /ˈtwɪtʃɪŋ/
a sudden muscle spasm; especially one caused by a nervous condition
From this reading She was still shaking slightly, and the corners of her mouth were uncontrollably twitching with alternate smiles and other raiding emotions; so that she did not yet feel in a fit state to meet Pa's scrutiny.
uncontrollablyadverbUS /ˌʌnkənˈtroʊləbli/
in an uncontrolled manner
From this reading She was still shaking slightly, and the corners of her mouth were uncontrollably twitching with alternate smiles and other raiding emotions; so that she did not yet feel in a fit state to meet Pa's scrutiny.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading i Waiting until she had a little recovered her self-control, Jenny presently moved from the door to the fireplace, and proceeded methodically to put coals on the fire.
the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something)
From this reading i Waiting until she had a little recovered her self-control, Jenny presently moved from the door to the fireplace, and proceeded methodically to put coals on the fire.
feel or have a desire for; want strongly
From this reading Just because she did not want him to be particularly bright it was quite probable that he would have a flourish of brilliance.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading She was still shaking slightly, and the corners of her mouth were uncontrollably twitching with alternate smiles and other raiding emotions; so that she did not yet feel in a fit state to meet Pa's scrutiny.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading She was still shaking slightly, and the corners of her mouth were uncontrollably twitching with alternate smiles and other raiding emotions; so that she did not yet feel in a fit state to meet Pa's scrutiny.
in the company of; together with
From this reading She was still shaking slightly, and the corners of her mouth were uncontrollably twitching with alternate smiles and other raiding emotions; so that she did not yet feel in a fit state to meet Pa's scrutiny.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Just because she did not want him to be particularly bright it was quite probable that he would have a flourish of brilliance.
but in spite of that
From this reading She was still shaking slightly, and the corners of her mouth were uncontrollably twitching with alternate smiles and other raiding emotions; so that she did not yet feel in a fit state to meet Pa's scrutiny.
