used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading HOPE IN THE ATTIC Shadows of early evening were beginning to creep over the silent swamp land before the boys hit upon a practicable plan of escape.
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading Also, they had been able to open it and because it lacked shutters they enjoyed what was left of the daylight and welcomed the occasional damp, warm breeze that blew in.
accumulationnounUS /əˌkjuːmjəˈleɪʃən/
an increase by natural growth or addition
From this reading They had had two hours' hunt through the dust-choked attic, braving a seventy-five year accumulation of rubbish which generations of rats had chewed and scattered to its four corners.
in addition
From this reading Also, they had been able to open it and because it lacked shutters they enjoyed what was left of the daylight and welcomed the occasional damp, warm breeze that blew in.
Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.
From this reading They found a trunk of ancient vintage that still held up sufficiently to enable them to sit down and rest upon it.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading They had had two hours' hunt through the dust-choked attic, braving a seventy-five year accumulation of rubbish which generations of rats had chewed and scattered to its four corners.
ATTICnounUS /ˈætɪk/
floor consisting of open space at the top of a house just below roof; often used for storage
From this reading HOPE IN THE ATTIC Shadows of early evening were beginning to creep over the silent swamp land before the boys hit upon a practicable plan of escape.
for the reason that
From this reading Also, they had been able to open it and because it lacked shutters they enjoyed what was left of the daylight and welcomed the occasional damp, warm breeze that blew in.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Also, they had been able to open it and because it lacked shutters they enjoyed what was left of the daylight and welcomed the occasional damp, warm breeze that blew in.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading HOPE IN THE ATTIC Shadows of early evening were beginning to creep over the silent swamp land before the boys hit upon a practicable plan of escape.
the event consisting of the start of something
From this reading HOPE IN THE ATTIC Shadows of early evening were beginning to creep over the silent swamp land before the boys hit upon a practicable plan of escape.
inflected form of “blow” — exhale hard
From this reading Also, they had been able to open it and because it lacked shutters they enjoyed what was left of the daylight and welcomed the occasional damp, warm breeze that blew in.
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading HOPE IN THE ATTIC Shadows of early evening were beginning to creep over the silent swamp land before the boys hit upon a practicable plan of escape.
bravingverbUS /ˈbreɪvɪŋ/
-ing form of “brave” — face and withstand with courage
From this reading They had had two hours' hunt through the dust-choked attic, braving a seventy-five year accumulation of rubbish which generations of rats had chewed and scattered to its four corners.
a slight wind (usually refreshing)
From this reading Also, they had been able to open it and because it lacked shutters they enjoyed what was left of the daylight and welcomed the occasional damp, warm breeze that blew in.
chewedverbUS /tʃuːd/
past form of “chew” — chew (food); to bite and grind with the teeth
From this reading They had had two hours' hunt through the dust-choked attic, braving a seventy-five year accumulation of rubbish which generations of rats had chewed and scattered to its four corners.
connounUS /kɑːn/
an argument opposed to a proposal
From this reading Before them, the front attic window offered possibilities and they were discussing it pro and con.
cornersnounUS /ˈkɔːrnərz/
plural of “corner” — a place off to the side of an area
From this reading They had had two hours' hunt through the dust-choked attic, braving a seventy-five year accumulation of rubbish which generations of rats had chewed and scattered to its four corners.
creepverbUS /kriːp/
move slowly; in the case of people or animals with the body near the ground
From this reading HOPE IN THE ATTIC Shadows of early evening were beginning to creep over the silent swamp land before the boys hit upon a practicable plan of escape.
dampadjectiveUS /dæmp/
slightly wet
From this reading Also, they had been able to open it and because it lacked shutters they enjoyed what was left of the daylight and welcomed the occasional damp, warm breeze that blew in.
the time after sunrise and before sunset while it is light outside
From this reading Also, they had been able to open it and because it lacked shutters they enjoyed what was left of the daylight and welcomed the occasional damp, warm breeze that blew in.
discussingverbUS /dɪˈskʌsɪŋ/
-ing form of “discuss” — to consider or examine in speech or writing
From this reading Before them, the front attic window offered possibilities and they were discussing it pro and con.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading They found a trunk of ancient vintage that still held up sufficiently to enable them to sit down and rest upon it.
dust-choked
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They had had two hours' hunt through the dust-choked attic, braving a seventy-five year accumulation of rubbish which generations of rats had chewed and scattered to its four corners.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading HOPE IN THE ATTIC Shadows of early evening were beginning to creep over the silent swamp land before the boys hit upon a practicable plan of escape.
enableverbUS /eˈneɪbəl/
render capable or able for some task
From this reading They found a trunk of ancient vintage that still held up sufficiently to enable them to sit down and rest upon it.
past form of “enjoy” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in
From this reading Also, they had been able to open it and because it lacked shutters they enjoyed what was left of the daylight and welcomed the occasional damp, warm breeze that blew in.
the act of escaping physically
From this reading HOPE IN THE ATTIC Shadows of early evening were beginning to creep over the silent swamp land before the boys hit upon a practicable plan of escape.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading HOPE IN THE ATTIC Shadows of early evening were beginning to creep over the silent swamp land before the boys hit upon a practicable plan of escape.
set up or found
From this reading They found a trunk of ancient vintage that still held up sufficiently to enable them to sit down and rest upon it.
the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
From this reading They had had two hours' hunt through the dust-choked attic, braving a seventy-five year accumulation of rubbish which generations of rats had chewed and scattered to its four corners.
the side that is forward or prominent
From this reading Before them, the front attic window offered possibilities and they were discussing it pro and con.
generationsnounUS /ˌdʒenərˈeɪʃənz/
plural of “generation” — all the people living at the same time or of approximately the same age
From this reading They had had two hours' hunt through the dust-choked attic, braving a seventy-five year accumulation of rubbish which generations of rats had chewed and scattered to its four corners.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading They had had two hours' hunt through the dust-choked attic, braving a seventy-five year accumulation of rubbish which generations of rats had chewed and scattered to its four corners.
occupied or in the control of; often used in combination
From this reading They found a trunk of ancient vintage that still held up sufficiently to enable them to sit down and rest upon it.
cause to move by striking
From this reading HOPE IN THE ATTIC Shadows of early evening were beginning to creep over the silent swamp land before the boys hit upon a practicable plan of escape.
a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading HOPE IN THE ATTIC Shadows of early evening were beginning to creep over the silent swamp land before the boys hit upon a practicable plan of escape.
a period of time assigned for work
From this reading They had had two hours' hunt through the dust-choked attic, braving a seventy-five year accumulation of rubbish which generations of rats had chewed and scattered to its four corners.
pursue for food or sport (as of wild animals)
From this reading They had had two hours' hunt through the dust-choked attic, braving a seventy-five year accumulation of rubbish which generations of rats had chewed and scattered to its four corners.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading HOPE IN THE ATTIC Shadows of early evening were beginning to creep over the silent swamp land before the boys hit upon a practicable plan of escape.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading They found a trunk of ancient vintage that still held up sufficiently to enable them to sit down and rest upon it.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading They had had two hours' hunt through the dust-choked attic, braving a seventy-five year accumulation of rubbish which generations of rats had chewed and scattered to its four corners.
lackedverbUS /lækt/
past form of “lack” — be without
From this reading Also, they had been able to open it and because it lacked shutters they enjoyed what was left of the daylight and welcomed the occasional damp, warm breeze that blew in.
the land on which real estate is located
From this reading HOPE IN THE ATTIC Shadows of early evening were beginning to creep over the silent swamp land before the boys hit upon a practicable plan of escape.
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading Also, they had been able to open it and because it lacked shutters they enjoyed what was left of the daylight and welcomed the occasional damp, warm breeze that blew in.
occasionaladjectiveUS /əˈkeɪʒənəl/
occurring from time to time
From this reading Also, they had been able to open it and because it lacked shutters they enjoyed what was left of the daylight and welcomed the occasional damp, warm breeze that blew in.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading HOPE IN THE ATTIC Shadows of early evening were beginning to creep over the silent swamp land before the boys hit upon a practicable plan of escape.
past form of “offer” — make available or accessible, provide or furnish
From this reading Before them, the front attic window offered possibilities and they were discussing it pro and con.
To move from a closed position.
From this reading Also, they had been able to open it and because it lacked shutters they enjoyed what was left of the daylight and welcomed the occasional damp, warm breeze that blew in.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading HOPE IN THE ATTIC Shadows of early evening were beginning to creep over the silent swamp land before the boys hit upon a practicable plan of escape.
have the will and intention to carry out some action
From this reading HOPE IN THE ATTIC Shadows of early evening were beginning to creep over the silent swamp land before the boys hit upon a practicable plan of escape.
possibilitiesnounUS /ˌpɑːsəˈbɪlətiz/
plural of “possibility” — a future prospect or potential
From this reading Before them, the front attic window offered possibilities and they were discussing it pro and con.
practicableadjectiveUS /ˈpræktəkəbəl/
usable for a specific purpose
From this reading HOPE IN THE ATTIC Shadows of early evening were beginning to creep over the silent swamp land before the boys hit upon a practicable plan of escape.
pronounUS /proʊ/
an athlete who plays for pay
From this reading Before them, the front attic window offered possibilities and they were discussing it pro and con.
ratsnounUS /ræts/
plural of “rat” — any of various long-tailed rodents similar to but larger than a mouse
From this reading They had had two hours' hunt through the dust-choked attic, braving a seventy-five year accumulation of rubbish which generations of rats had chewed and scattered to its four corners.
not move; be in a resting position
From this reading They found a trunk of ancient vintage that still held up sufficiently to enable them to sit down and rest upon it.
rubbishnounUS /ˈrʌbɪʃ/
worthless material that is to be disposed of
From this reading They had had two hours' hunt through the dust-choked attic, braving a seventy-five year accumulation of rubbish which generations of rats had chewed and scattered to its four corners.
occurring or distributed over widely spaced and irregular intervals in time or space
From this reading They had had two hours' hunt through the dust-choked attic, braving a seventy-five year accumulation of rubbish which generations of rats had chewed and scattered to its four corners.
seventy-fiveadjectiveUS /ˈsevəntifaɪv/
being five more than seventy
From this reading They had had two hours' hunt through the dust-choked attic, braving a seventy-five year accumulation of rubbish which generations of rats had chewed and scattered to its four corners.
plural of “shadow” — shade within clear boundaries
From this reading HOPE IN THE ATTIC Shadows of early evening were beginning to creep over the silent swamp land before the boys hit upon a practicable plan of escape.
shuttersnounUS /ˈʃʌtərz/
plural of “shutter” — a mechanical device on a camera that opens and closes to control the time of a photographic exposure
From this reading Also, they had been able to open it and because it lacked shutters they enjoyed what was left of the daylight and welcomed the occasional damp, warm breeze that blew in.
marked by absence of sound
From this reading HOPE IN THE ATTIC Shadows of early evening were beginning to creep over the silent swamp land before the boys hit upon a practicable plan of escape.
be seated
From this reading They found a trunk of ancient vintage that still held up sufficiently to enable them to sit down and rest upon it.
not in physical motion
From this reading They found a trunk of ancient vintage that still held up sufficiently to enable them to sit down and rest upon it.
to a sufficient degree
From this reading They found a trunk of ancient vintage that still held up sufficiently to enable them to sit down and rest upon it.
swampverbUS /swɑːmp/
drench or submerge or be drenched or submerged
From this reading HOPE IN THE ATTIC Shadows of early evening were beginning to creep over the silent swamp land before the boys hit upon a practicable plan of escape.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading They found a trunk of ancient vintage that still held up sufficiently to enable them to sit down and rest upon it.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading HOPE IN THE ATTIC Shadows of early evening were beginning to creep over the silent swamp land before the boys hit upon a practicable plan of escape.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading They found a trunk of ancient vintage that still held up sufficiently to enable them to sit down and rest upon it.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They had had two hours' hunt through the dust-choked attic, braving a seventy-five year accumulation of rubbish which generations of rats had chewed and scattered to its four corners.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading They had had two hours' hunt through the dust-choked attic, braving a seventy-five year accumulation of rubbish which generations of rats had chewed and scattered to its four corners.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading HOPE IN THE ATTIC Shadows of early evening were beginning to creep over the silent swamp land before the boys hit upon a practicable plan of escape.
the main stem of a tree; usually covered with bark; the bole is usually the part that is commercially useful for lumber
From this reading They found a trunk of ancient vintage that still held up sufficiently to enable them to sit down and rest upon it.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading They had had two hours' hunt through the dust-choked attic, braving a seventy-five year accumulation of rubbish which generations of rats had chewed and scattered to its four corners.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading They found a trunk of ancient vintage that still held up sufficiently to enable them to sit down and rest upon it.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading HOPE IN THE ATTIC Shadows of early evening were beginning to creep over the silent swamp land before the boys hit upon a practicable plan of escape.
vintagenounUS /ˈvɪntɪdʒ/
a season's yield of wine from a vineyard
From this reading They found a trunk of ancient vintage that still held up sufficiently to enable them to sit down and rest upon it.
having or producing a comfortable and agreeable degree of heat or imparting or maintaining heat
From this reading Also, they had been able to open it and because it lacked shutters they enjoyed what was left of the daylight and welcomed the occasional damp, warm breeze that blew in.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Also, they had been able to open it and because it lacked shutters they enjoyed what was left of the daylight and welcomed the occasional damp, warm breeze that blew in.
welcomedverbUS /ˈwelkəmd/
past form of “welcome” — accept gladly
From this reading Also, they had been able to open it and because it lacked shutters they enjoyed what was left of the daylight and welcomed the occasional damp, warm breeze that blew in.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading HOPE IN THE ATTIC Shadows of early evening were beginning to creep over the silent swamp land before the boys hit upon a practicable plan of escape.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Also, they had been able to open it and because it lacked shutters they enjoyed what was left of the daylight and welcomed the occasional damp, warm breeze that blew in.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading They had had two hours' hunt through the dust-choked attic, braving a seventy-five year accumulation of rubbish which generations of rats had chewed and scattered to its four corners.
a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air
From this reading Before them, the front attic window offered possibilities and they were discussing it pro and con.
a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days
From this reading They had had two hours' hunt through the dust-choked attic, braving a seventy-five year accumulation of rubbish which generations of rats had chewed and scattered to its four corners.
