used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading PRESCOTT MAKES A PROMISE The fortnight that followed Gertrude's drive to Sebastian passed uneventfully, though the minds of three of the occupants of the homestead were filled with disturbing thoughts.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading It was obvious that appearances were against him; the evidence that Curtis had obtained pointed to his being implicated in the death of his friend, and the painstaking corporal might discover something more damaging.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading In spite of this, he was conscious of strong sympathy for them and did what he could to ensure their comfort.
appearancesnounUS /əˈpɪrənsəz/
plural of “appearance” — outward or visible aspect of a person or thing
From this reading It was obvious that appearances were against him; the evidence that Curtis had obtained pointed to his being implicated in the death of his friend, and the painstaking corporal might discover something more damaging.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Prescott spent the time working hard at his harvest, but he wished that something might relieve him of his guests, whose presence he found embarrassing, since it forced him to be continually on his guard.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Prescott spent the time working hard at his harvest, but he wished that something might relieve him of his guests, whose presence he found embarrassing, since it forced him to be continually on his guard.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading It was obvious that appearances were against him; the evidence that Curtis had obtained pointed to his being implicated in the death of his friend, and the painstaking corporal might discover something more damaging.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Prescott spent the time working hard at his harvest, but he wished that something might relieve him of his guests, whose presence he found embarrassing, since it forced him to be continually on his guard.
a state of being relaxed and feeling no pain
From this reading In spite of this, he was conscious of strong sympathy for them and did what he could to ensure their comfort.
complicationsnounUS /ˌkɑːmpləˈkeɪʃənz/
plural of “complication” — the act or process of complicating
From this reading He was getting uneasy, for he saw that Cyril Jernyngham had involved him in a maze of complications from which there seemed to be no escape.
intentionally conceived
From this reading In spite of this, he was conscious of strong sympathy for them and did what he could to ensure their comfort.
seemingly without interruption
From this reading Prescott spent the time working hard at his harvest, but he wished that something might relieve him of his guests, whose presence he found embarrassing, since it forced him to be continually on his guard.
corporalnounUS /ˈkɔːrpərəl/
a noncommissioned officer in the Army or Air Force or Marines
From this reading It was obvious that appearances were against him; the evidence that Curtis had obtained pointed to his being implicated in the death of his friend, and the painstaking corporal might discover something more damaging.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading In spite of this, he was conscious of strong sympathy for them and did what he could to ensure their comfort.
CurtisnounUS /ˈkɜːrtəs/
English botanical writer and publisher (1746-1799)
From this reading It was obvious that appearances were against him; the evidence that Curtis had obtained pointed to his being implicated in the death of his friend, and the painstaking corporal might discover something more damaging.
CyrilnounUS /ˈsɪrəl/
Greek missionary; the invention of the Cyrillic alphabet is attributed to him (826-869)
From this reading He was getting uneasy, for he saw that Cyril Jernyngham had involved him in a maze of complications from which there seemed to be no escape.
damagingadjectiveUS /ˈdæmɪdʒɪŋ/
(sometimes followed by “to”) causing harm or injury
From this reading It was obvious that appearances were against him; the evidence that Curtis had obtained pointed to his being implicated in the death of his friend, and the painstaking corporal might discover something more damaging.
the event of dying or departure from life
From this reading It was obvious that appearances were against him; the evidence that Curtis had obtained pointed to his being implicated in the death of his friend, and the painstaking corporal might discover something more damaging.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading In spite of this, he was conscious of strong sympathy for them and did what he could to ensure their comfort.
discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of
From this reading It was obvious that appearances were against him; the evidence that Curtis had obtained pointed to his being implicated in the death of his friend, and the painstaking corporal might discover something more damaging.
disturbingadjectiveUS /dɪˈstɜːrbɪŋ/
causing distress or worry or anxiety
From this reading PRESCOTT MAKES A PROMISE The fortnight that followed Gertrude's drive to Sebastian passed uneventfully, though the minds of three of the occupants of the homestead were filled with disturbing thoughts.
operate or control a vehicle
From this reading PRESCOTT MAKES A PROMISE The fortnight that followed Gertrude's drive to Sebastian passed uneventfully, though the minds of three of the occupants of the homestead were filled with disturbing thoughts.
embarrassingadjectiveUS /ɪmˈberəsɪŋ/
hard to deal with; especially causing pain or embarrassment
From this reading Prescott spent the time working hard at his harvest, but he wished that something might relieve him of his guests, whose presence he found embarrassing, since it forced him to be continually on his guard.
ensureverbUS /enˈʃʊr/
make certain of
From this reading In spite of this, he was conscious of strong sympathy for them and did what he could to ensure their comfort.
the act of escaping physically
From this reading He was getting uneasy, for he saw that Cyril Jernyngham had involved him in a maze of complications from which there seemed to be no escape.
your basis for belief or disbelief; knowledge on which to base belief
From this reading It was obvious that appearances were against him; the evidence that Curtis had obtained pointed to his being implicated in the death of his friend, and the painstaking corporal might discover something more damaging.
(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with
From this reading PRESCOTT MAKES A PROMISE The fortnight that followed Gertrude's drive to Sebastian passed uneventfully, though the minds of three of the occupants of the homestead were filled with disturbing thoughts.
past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading PRESCOTT MAKES A PROMISE The fortnight that followed Gertrude's drive to Sebastian passed uneventfully, though the minds of three of the occupants of the homestead were filled with disturbing thoughts.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading In spite of this, he was conscious of strong sympathy for them and did what he could to ensure their comfort.
produced by or subjected to forcing
From this reading Prescott spent the time working hard at his harvest, but he wished that something might relieve him of his guests, whose presence he found embarrassing, since it forced him to be continually on his guard.
fortnightnounUS /ˈfɔːrtnaɪt/
a period of fourteen consecutive days
From this reading PRESCOTT MAKES A PROMISE The fortnight that followed Gertrude's drive to Sebastian passed uneventfully, though the minds of three of the occupants of the homestead were filled with disturbing thoughts.
set up or found
From this reading Prescott spent the time working hard at his harvest, but he wished that something might relieve him of his guests, whose presence he found embarrassing, since it forced him to be continually on his guard.
a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading It was obvious that appearances were against him; the evidence that Curtis had obtained pointed to his being implicated in the death of his friend, and the painstaking corporal might discover something more damaging.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading He was getting uneasy, for he saw that Cyril Jernyngham had involved him in a maze of complications from which there seemed to be no escape.
Gertrude's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading PRESCOTT MAKES A PROMISE The fortnight that followed Gertrude's drive to Sebastian passed uneventfully, though the minds of three of the occupants of the homestead were filled with disturbing thoughts.
the act of acquiring something
From this reading He was getting uneasy, for he saw that Cyril Jernyngham had involved him in a maze of complications from which there seemed to be no escape.
a person who keeps watch over something or someone
From this reading Prescott spent the time working hard at his harvest, but he wished that something might relieve him of his guests, whose presence he found embarrassing, since it forced him to be continually on his guard.
plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended
From this reading Prescott spent the time working hard at his harvest, but he wished that something might relieve him of his guests, whose presence he found embarrassing, since it forced him to be continually on his guard.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading He was getting uneasy, for he saw that Cyril Jernyngham had involved him in a maze of complications from which there seemed to be no escape.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading Prescott spent the time working hard at his harvest, but he wished that something might relieve him of his guests, whose presence he found embarrassing, since it forced him to be continually on his guard.
harvestnounUS /ˈhɑːrvəst/
the yield from plants in a single growing season
From this reading Prescott spent the time working hard at his harvest, but he wished that something might relieve him of his guests, whose presence he found embarrassing, since it forced him to be continually on his guard.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Prescott spent the time working hard at his harvest, but he wished that something might relieve him of his guests, whose presence he found embarrassing, since it forced him to be continually on his guard.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Prescott spent the time working hard at his harvest, but he wished that something might relieve him of his guests, whose presence he found embarrassing, since it forced him to be continually on his guard.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Prescott spent the time working hard at his harvest, but he wished that something might relieve him of his guests, whose presence he found embarrassing, since it forced him to be continually on his guard.
homesteadnounUS /ˈhoʊmsted/
the home and adjacent grounds occupied by a family
From this reading PRESCOTT MAKES A PROMISE The fortnight that followed Gertrude's drive to Sebastian passed uneventfully, though the minds of three of the occupants of the homestead were filled with disturbing thoughts.
implicatedadjectiveUS /ˈɪmplɪkeɪtɪd/
culpably involved
From this reading It was obvious that appearances were against him; the evidence that Curtis had obtained pointed to his being implicated in the death of his friend, and the painstaking corporal might discover something more damaging.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In spite of this, he was conscious of strong sympathy for them and did what he could to ensure their comfort.
involvedadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈvɑːlvd/
connected by participation or association or use
From this reading He was getting uneasy, for he saw that Cyril Jernyngham had involved him in a maze of complications from which there seemed to be no escape.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Prescott spent the time working hard at his harvest, but he wished that something might relieve him of his guests, whose presence he found embarrassing, since it forced him to be continually on his guard.
Jernyngham
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was getting uneasy, for he saw that Cyril Jernyngham had involved him in a maze of complications from which there seemed to be no escape.
plural of “make” — a recognizable kind
From this reading PRESCOTT MAKES A PROMISE The fortnight that followed Gertrude's drive to Sebastian passed uneventfully, though the minds of three of the occupants of the homestead were filled with disturbing thoughts.
mazenounUS /meɪz/
complex system of paths or tunnels in which it is easy to get lost
From this reading He was getting uneasy, for he saw that Cyril Jernyngham had involved him in a maze of complications from which there seemed to be no escape.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Prescott spent the time working hard at his harvest, but he wished that something might relieve him of his guests, whose presence he found embarrassing, since it forced him to be continually on his guard.
plural of “mind” — that which is responsible for one's thoughts, feelings, and conscious brain functions; the seat of the faculty of reason
From this reading PRESCOTT MAKES A PROMISE The fortnight that followed Gertrude's drive to Sebastian passed uneventfully, though the minds of three of the occupants of the homestead were filled with disturbing thoughts.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading It was obvious that appearances were against him; the evidence that Curtis had obtained pointed to his being implicated in the death of his friend, and the painstaking corporal might discover something more damaging.
not any; not one
From this reading He was getting uneasy, for he saw that Cyril Jernyngham had involved him in a maze of complications from which there seemed to be no escape.
past form of “obtain” — come into possession of
From this reading It was obvious that appearances were against him; the evidence that Curtis had obtained pointed to his being implicated in the death of his friend, and the painstaking corporal might discover something more damaging.
obviousadjectiveUS /ˈɑːbviəs/
easily perceived by the senses or grasped by the mind
From this reading It was obvious that appearances were against him; the evidence that Curtis had obtained pointed to his being implicated in the death of his friend, and the painstaking corporal might discover something more damaging.
occupantsnounUS /ˈɑːkjəpənts/
plural of “occupant” — someone who lives at a particular place for a prolonged period or who was born there
From this reading PRESCOTT MAKES A PROMISE The fortnight that followed Gertrude's drive to Sebastian passed uneventfully, though the minds of three of the occupants of the homestead were filled with disturbing thoughts.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading PRESCOTT MAKES A PROMISE The fortnight that followed Gertrude's drive to Sebastian passed uneventfully, though the minds of three of the occupants of the homestead were filled with disturbing thoughts.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Prescott spent the time working hard at his harvest, but he wished that something might relieve him of his guests, whose presence he found embarrassing, since it forced him to be continually on his guard.
painstakingadjectiveUS /ˈpeɪnsteɪkɪŋ/
characterized by extreme care and great effort
From this reading It was obvious that appearances were against him; the evidence that Curtis had obtained pointed to his being implicated in the death of his friend, and the painstaking corporal might discover something more damaging.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading PRESCOTT MAKES A PROMISE The fortnight that followed Gertrude's drive to Sebastian passed uneventfully, though the minds of three of the occupants of the homestead were filled with disturbing thoughts.
having a point
From this reading It was obvious that appearances were against him; the evidence that Curtis had obtained pointed to his being implicated in the death of his friend, and the painstaking corporal might discover something more damaging.
PRESCOTTnounUS /ˈpreskɑːt/
a town in central Arizona
From this reading PRESCOTT MAKES A PROMISE The fortnight that followed Gertrude's drive to Sebastian passed uneventfully, though the minds of three of the occupants of the homestead were filled with disturbing thoughts.
the state of being present; current existence
From this reading Prescott spent the time working hard at his harvest, but he wished that something might relieve him of his guests, whose presence he found embarrassing, since it forced him to be continually on his guard.
make a promise or commitment
From this reading PRESCOTT MAKES A PROMISE The fortnight that followed Gertrude's drive to Sebastian passed uneventfully, though the minds of three of the occupants of the homestead were filled with disturbing thoughts.
relieveverbUS /rɪˈliːv/
provide physical relief, as from pain
From this reading Prescott spent the time working hard at his harvest, but he wished that something might relieve him of his guests, whose presence he found embarrassing, since it forced him to be continually on his guard.
cut with a saw
From this reading He was getting uneasy, for he saw that Cyril Jernyngham had involved him in a maze of complications from which there seemed to be no escape.
Sebastian
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading PRESCOTT MAKES A PROMISE The fortnight that followed Gertrude's drive to Sebastian passed uneventfully, though the minds of three of the occupants of the homestead were filled with disturbing thoughts.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading He was getting uneasy, for he saw that Cyril Jernyngham had involved him in a maze of complications from which there seemed to be no escape.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading Prescott spent the time working hard at his harvest, but he wished that something might relieve him of his guests, whose presence he found embarrassing, since it forced him to be continually on his guard.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading Prescott spent the time working hard at his harvest, but he wished that something might relieve him of his guests, whose presence he found embarrassing, since it forced him to be continually on his guard.
depleted of energy, force, or strength
From this reading Prescott spent the time working hard at his harvest, but he wished that something might relieve him of his guests, whose presence he found embarrassing, since it forced him to be continually on his guard.
feeling a need to see others suffer
From this reading In spite of this, he was conscious of strong sympathy for them and did what he could to ensure their comfort.
having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading In spite of this, he was conscious of strong sympathy for them and did what he could to ensure their comfort.
an inclination to support or be loyal to or to agree with an opinion
From this reading In spite of this, he was conscious of strong sympathy for them and did what he could to ensure their comfort.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading PRESCOTT MAKES A PROMISE The fortnight that followed Gertrude's drive to Sebastian passed uneventfully, though the minds of three of the occupants of the homestead were filled with disturbing thoughts.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading PRESCOTT MAKES A PROMISE The fortnight that followed Gertrude's drive to Sebastian passed uneventfully, though the minds of three of the occupants of the homestead were filled with disturbing thoughts.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading In spite of this, he was conscious of strong sympathy for them and did what he could to ensure their comfort.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading In spite of this, he was conscious of strong sympathy for them and did what he could to ensure their comfort.
in or at that place or location
From this reading He was getting uneasy, for he saw that Cyril Jernyngham had involved him in a maze of complications from which there seemed to be no escape.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading In spite of this, he was conscious of strong sympathy for them and did what he could to ensure their comfort.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading PRESCOTT MAKES A PROMISE The fortnight that followed Gertrude's drive to Sebastian passed uneventfully, though the minds of three of the occupants of the homestead were filled with disturbing thoughts.
plural of “thought” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading PRESCOTT MAKES A PROMISE The fortnight that followed Gertrude's drive to Sebastian passed uneventfully, though the minds of three of the occupants of the homestead were filled with disturbing thoughts.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading PRESCOTT MAKES A PROMISE The fortnight that followed Gertrude's drive to Sebastian passed uneventfully, though the minds of three of the occupants of the homestead were filled with disturbing thoughts.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading Prescott spent the time working hard at his harvest, but he wished that something might relieve him of his guests, whose presence he found embarrassing, since it forced him to be continually on his guard.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading PRESCOTT MAKES A PROMISE The fortnight that followed Gertrude's drive to Sebastian passed uneventfully, though the minds of three of the occupants of the homestead were filled with disturbing thoughts.
lacking a sense of security or affording no ease or reassurance
From this reading He was getting uneasy, for he saw that Cyril Jernyngham had involved him in a maze of complications from which there seemed to be no escape.
uneventfullyadverb
in an uneventful manner
From this reading PRESCOTT MAKES A PROMISE The fortnight that followed Gertrude's drive to Sebastian passed uneventfully, though the minds of three of the occupants of the homestead were filled with disturbing thoughts.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading In spite of this, he was conscious of strong sympathy for them and did what he could to ensure their comfort.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading PRESCOTT MAKES A PROMISE The fortnight that followed Gertrude's drive to Sebastian passed uneventfully, though the minds of three of the occupants of the homestead were filled with disturbing thoughts.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading In spite of this, he was conscious of strong sympathy for them and did what he could to ensure their comfort.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading He was getting uneasy, for he saw that Cyril Jernyngham had involved him in a maze of complications from which there seemed to be no escape.
belonging to which person
From this reading Prescott spent the time working hard at his harvest, but he wished that something might relieve him of his guests, whose presence he found embarrassing, since it forced him to be continually on his guard.
past form of “wish” — hope for; have a wish
From this reading Prescott spent the time working hard at his harvest, but he wished that something might relieve him of his guests, whose presence he found embarrassing, since it forced him to be continually on his guard.
in the company of; together with
From this reading PRESCOTT MAKES A PROMISE The fortnight that followed Gertrude's drive to Sebastian passed uneventfully, though the minds of three of the occupants of the homestead were filled with disturbing thoughts.
actively engaged in paid work
From this reading Prescott spent the time working hard at his harvest, but he wished that something might relieve him of his guests, whose presence he found embarrassing, since it forced him to be continually on his guard.
