used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A LITTLE LIGHT ON HUMAN NATURE Corinna had not expected to see the Governor until luncheon next day; but, to her surprise, he came to the shop just as she was about to lock the door and go home for the afternoon.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading A LITTLE LIGHT ON HUMAN NATURE Corinna had not expected to see the Governor until luncheon next day; but, to her surprise, he came to the shop just as she was about to lock the door and go home for the afternoon.
the part of the day between noon and evening
From this reading A LITTLE LIGHT ON HUMAN NATURE Corinna had not expected to see the Governor until luncheon next day; but, to her surprise, he came to the shop just as she was about to lock the door and go home for the afternoon.
aloneadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/
Having no one else present.
From this reading At first she thought that the visit was merely a casual one--it was not unusual for him to drop in as he was going by--but he had no sooner glanced about the room to see if they were alone than he broke out with his characteristic directness.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A LITTLE LIGHT ON HUMAN NATURE Corinna had not expected to see the Governor until luncheon next day; but, to her surprise, he came to the shop just as she was about to lock the door and go home for the afternoon.
react verbally
From this reading Will you answer me frankly?"
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading A LITTLE LIGHT ON HUMAN NATURE Corinna had not expected to see the Governor until luncheon next day; but, to her surprise, he came to the shop just as she was about to lock the door and go home for the afternoon.
make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading "There is something I want to ask you.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading At first she thought that the visit was merely a casual one--it was not unusual for him to drop in as he was going by--but he had no sooner glanced about the room to see if they were alone than he broke out with his characteristic directness.
lacking funds
From this reading At first she thought that the visit was merely a casual one--it was not unusual for him to drop in as he was going by--but he had no sooner glanced about the room to see if they were alone than he broke out with his characteristic directness.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading A LITTLE LIGHT ON HUMAN NATURE Corinna had not expected to see the Governor until luncheon next day; but, to her surprise, he came to the shop just as she was about to lock the door and go home for the afternoon.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading At first she thought that the visit was merely a casual one--it was not unusual for him to drop in as he was going by--but he had no sooner glanced about the room to see if they were alone than he broke out with his characteristic directness.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading A LITTLE LIGHT ON HUMAN NATURE Corinna had not expected to see the Governor until luncheon next day; but, to her surprise, he came to the shop just as she was about to lock the door and go home for the afternoon.
casualadjectiveUS /ˈkæʒəwəl/
marked by blithe unconcern
From this reading At first she thought that the visit was merely a casual one--it was not unusual for him to drop in as he was going by--but he had no sooner glanced about the room to see if they were alone than he broke out with his characteristic directness.
characteristicnounUS /ˌkerəktərˈɪstɪk/
a prominent attribute or aspect of something
From this reading At first she thought that the visit was merely a casual one--it was not unusual for him to drop in as he was going by--but he had no sooner glanced about the room to see if they were alone than he broke out with his characteristic directness.
Corinna
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A LITTLE LIGHT ON HUMAN NATURE Corinna had not expected to see the Governor until luncheon next day; but, to her surprise, he came to the shop just as she was about to lock the door and go home for the afternoon.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading A LITTLE LIGHT ON HUMAN NATURE Corinna had not expected to see the Governor until luncheon next day; but, to her surprise, he came to the shop just as she was about to lock the door and go home for the afternoon.
dependsverbUS /dɪˈpendz/
third-person singular of “depend” — be contingent upon (something that is elided)
From this reading "That depends.
directnessnounUS /dərˈektnəs/
trueness of course toward a goal
From this reading At first she thought that the visit was merely a casual one--it was not unusual for him to drop in as he was going by--but he had no sooner glanced about the room to see if they were alone than he broke out with his characteristic directness.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading A LITTLE LIGHT ON HUMAN NATURE Corinna had not expected to see the Governor until luncheon next day; but, to her surprise, he came to the shop just as she was about to lock the door and go home for the afternoon.
let fall to the ground
From this reading At first she thought that the visit was merely a casual one--it was not unusual for him to drop in as he was going by--but he had no sooner glanced about the room to see if they were alone than he broke out with his characteristic directness.
considered likely or probable to happen or arrive
From this reading A LITTLE LIGHT ON HUMAN NATURE Corinna had not expected to see the Governor until luncheon next day; but, to her surprise, he came to the shop just as she was about to lock the door and go home for the afternoon.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading At first she thought that the visit was merely a casual one--it was not unusual for him to drop in as he was going by--but he had no sooner glanced about the room to see if they were alone than he broke out with his characteristic directness.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading A LITTLE LIGHT ON HUMAN NATURE Corinna had not expected to see the Governor until luncheon next day; but, to her surprise, he came to the shop just as she was about to lock the door and go home for the afternoon.
franklyadverbUS /ˈfræŋkli/
(used as intensives reflecting the speaker's attitude) it is sincerely the case that
From this reading Will you answer me frankly?"
past form of “glance” — throw a glance at; take a brief look at
From this reading At first she thought that the visit was merely a casual one--it was not unusual for him to drop in as he was going by--but he had no sooner glanced about the room to see if they were alone than he broke out with his characteristic directness.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading A LITTLE LIGHT ON HUMAN NATURE Corinna had not expected to see the Governor until luncheon next day; but, to her surprise, he came to the shop just as she was about to lock the door and go home for the afternoon.
the act of departing
From this reading At first she thought that the visit was merely a casual one--it was not unusual for him to drop in as he was going by--but he had no sooner glanced about the room to see if they were alone than he broke out with his characteristic directness.
the head of a state government
From this reading A LITTLE LIGHT ON HUMAN NATURE Corinna had not expected to see the Governor until luncheon next day; but, to her surprise, he came to the shop just as she was about to lock the door and go home for the afternoon.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading A LITTLE LIGHT ON HUMAN NATURE Corinna had not expected to see the Governor until luncheon next day; but, to her surprise, he came to the shop just as she was about to lock the door and go home for the afternoon.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading A LITTLE LIGHT ON HUMAN NATURE Corinna had not expected to see the Governor until luncheon next day; but, to her surprise, he came to the shop just as she was about to lock the door and go home for the afternoon.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading A LITTLE LIGHT ON HUMAN NATURE Corinna had not expected to see the Governor until luncheon next day; but, to her surprise, he came to the shop just as she was about to lock the door and go home for the afternoon.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading At first she thought that the visit was merely a casual one--it was not unusual for him to drop in as he was going by--but he had no sooner glanced about the room to see if they were alone than he broke out with his characteristic directness.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading At first she thought that the visit was merely a casual one--it was not unusual for him to drop in as he was going by--but he had no sooner glanced about the room to see if they were alone than he broke out with his characteristic directness.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading A LITTLE LIGHT ON HUMAN NATURE Corinna had not expected to see the Governor until luncheon next day; but, to her surprise, he came to the shop just as she was about to lock the door and go home for the afternoon.
HUMANadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading A LITTLE LIGHT ON HUMAN NATURE Corinna had not expected to see the Governor until luncheon next day; but, to her surprise, he came to the shop just as she was about to lock the door and go home for the afternoon.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "There is something I want to ask you.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading At first she thought that the visit was merely a casual one--it was not unusual for him to drop in as he was going by--but he had no sooner glanced about the room to see if they were alone than he broke out with his characteristic directness.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading At first she thought that the visit was merely a casual one--it was not unusual for him to drop in as he was going by--but he had no sooner glanced about the room to see if they were alone than he broke out with his characteristic directness.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "There is something I want to ask you.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading At first she thought that the visit was merely a casual one--it was not unusual for him to drop in as he was going by--but he had no sooner glanced about the room to see if they were alone than he broke out with his characteristic directness.
and nothing more
From this reading A LITTLE LIGHT ON HUMAN NATURE Corinna had not expected to see the Governor until luncheon next day; but, to her surprise, he came to the shop just as she was about to lock the door and go home for the afternoon.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading A LITTLE LIGHT ON HUMAN NATURE Corinna had not expected to see the Governor until luncheon next day; but, to her surprise, he came to the shop just as she was about to lock the door and go home for the afternoon.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading A LITTLE LIGHT ON HUMAN NATURE Corinna had not expected to see the Governor until luncheon next day; but, to her surprise, he came to the shop just as she was about to lock the door and go home for the afternoon.
fasten with a lock
From this reading A LITTLE LIGHT ON HUMAN NATURE Corinna had not expected to see the Governor until luncheon next day; but, to her surprise, he came to the shop just as she was about to lock the door and go home for the afternoon.
luncheonnounUS /ˈlʌntʃən/
a midday meal
From this reading A LITTLE LIGHT ON HUMAN NATURE Corinna had not expected to see the Governor until luncheon next day; but, to her surprise, he came to the shop just as she was about to lock the door and go home for the afternoon.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Will you answer me frankly?"
and nothing more
From this reading At first she thought that the visit was merely a casual one--it was not unusual for him to drop in as he was going by--but he had no sooner glanced about the room to see if they were alone than he broke out with his characteristic directness.
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading A LITTLE LIGHT ON HUMAN NATURE Corinna had not expected to see the Governor until luncheon next day; but, to her surprise, he came to the shop just as she was about to lock the door and go home for the afternoon.
immediately following in time or order
From this reading A LITTLE LIGHT ON HUMAN NATURE Corinna had not expected to see the Governor until luncheon next day; but, to her surprise, he came to the shop just as she was about to lock the door and go home for the afternoon.
not any; not one
From this reading At first she thought that the visit was merely a casual one--it was not unusual for him to drop in as he was going by--but he had no sooner glanced about the room to see if they were alone than he broke out with his characteristic directness.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading A LITTLE LIGHT ON HUMAN NATURE Corinna had not expected to see the Governor until luncheon next day; but, to her surprise, he came to the shop just as she was about to lock the door and go home for the afternoon.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading A LITTLE LIGHT ON HUMAN NATURE Corinna had not expected to see the Governor until luncheon next day; but, to her surprise, he came to the shop just as she was about to lock the door and go home for the afternoon.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading At first she thought that the visit was merely a casual one--it was not unusual for him to drop in as he was going by--but he had no sooner glanced about the room to see if they were alone than he broke out with his characteristic directness.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading At first she thought that the visit was merely a casual one--it was not unusual for him to drop in as he was going by--but he had no sooner glanced about the room to see if they were alone than he broke out with his characteristic directness.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading At first she thought that the visit was merely a casual one--it was not unusual for him to drop in as he was going by--but he had no sooner glanced about the room to see if they were alone than he broke out with his characteristic directness.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading A LITTLE LIGHT ON HUMAN NATURE Corinna had not expected to see the Governor until luncheon next day; but, to her surprise, he came to the shop just as she was about to lock the door and go home for the afternoon.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading A LITTLE LIGHT ON HUMAN NATURE Corinna had not expected to see the Governor until luncheon next day; but, to her surprise, he came to the shop just as she was about to lock the door and go home for the afternoon.
do one's shopping
From this reading A LITTLE LIGHT ON HUMAN NATURE Corinna had not expected to see the Governor until luncheon next day; but, to her surprise, he came to the shop just as she was about to lock the door and go home for the afternoon.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading "There is something I want to ask you.
comparatives of “soon” or “early”
From this reading At first she thought that the visit was merely a casual one--it was not unusual for him to drop in as he was going by--but he had no sooner glanced about the room to see if they were alone than he broke out with his characteristic directness.
the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you
From this reading A LITTLE LIGHT ON HUMAN NATURE Corinna had not expected to see the Governor until luncheon next day; but, to her surprise, he came to the shop just as she was about to lock the door and go home for the afternoon.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading At first she thought that the visit was merely a casual one--it was not unusual for him to drop in as he was going by--but he had no sooner glanced about the room to see if they were alone than he broke out with his characteristic directness.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading At first she thought that the visit was merely a casual one--it was not unusual for him to drop in as he was going by--but he had no sooner glanced about the room to see if they were alone than he broke out with his characteristic directness.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A LITTLE LIGHT ON HUMAN NATURE Corinna had not expected to see the Governor until luncheon next day; but, to her surprise, he came to the shop just as she was about to lock the door and go home for the afternoon.
in or at that place or location
From this reading "There is something I want to ask you.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading At first she thought that the visit was merely a casual one--it was not unusual for him to drop in as he was going by--but he had no sooner glanced about the room to see if they were alone than he broke out with his characteristic directness.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading At first she thought that the visit was merely a casual one--it was not unusual for him to drop in as he was going by--but he had no sooner glanced about the room to see if they were alone than he broke out with his characteristic directness.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A LITTLE LIGHT ON HUMAN NATURE Corinna had not expected to see the Governor until luncheon next day; but, to her surprise, he came to the shop just as she was about to lock the door and go home for the afternoon.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading A LITTLE LIGHT ON HUMAN NATURE Corinna had not expected to see the Governor until luncheon next day; but, to her surprise, he came to the shop just as she was about to lock the door and go home for the afternoon.
not usual or common or ordinary
From this reading At first she thought that the visit was merely a casual one--it was not unusual for him to drop in as he was going by--but he had no sooner glanced about the room to see if they were alone than he broke out with his characteristic directness.
go to see a place, as for entertainment
From this reading At first she thought that the visit was merely a casual one--it was not unusual for him to drop in as he was going by--but he had no sooner glanced about the room to see if they were alone than he broke out with his characteristic directness.
feel or have a desire for; want strongly
From this reading "There is something I want to ask you.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A LITTLE LIGHT ON HUMAN NATURE Corinna had not expected to see the Governor until luncheon next day; but, to her surprise, he came to the shop just as she was about to lock the door and go home for the afternoon.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading At first she thought that the visit was merely a casual one--it was not unusual for him to drop in as he was going by--but he had no sooner glanced about the room to see if they were alone than he broke out with his characteristic directness.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading Will you answer me frankly?"
in the company of; together with
From this reading At first she thought that the visit was merely a casual one--it was not unusual for him to drop in as he was going by--but he had no sooner glanced about the room to see if they were alone than he broke out with his characteristic directness.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "There is something I want to ask you.
