used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading "Not so fast, Cziko," cried Oswald, loosening his coat from the thorns of a bush; "have a little consideration for my state of civilization."
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading Thus they might have been walking on for a quarter of an hour when they found themselves suddenly in a small wood, which probably belonged already to the park of Berkow.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading The boy went more slowly, but always kept at a distance from the stranger.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Thus they might have been walking on for a quarter of an hour when they found themselves suddenly in a small wood, which probably belonged already to the park of Berkow.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The paths were carefully kept; here and there a well-chosen seat, or a weather-beaten Hermes pillar; everywhere traces of the hand of man.
on or to one side
From this reading Oswald tried in vain to engage him in a conversation, whilst he was busy pushing the branches aside, through which the boy had just slipped before him like a wildcat.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The boy went more slowly, but always kept at a distance from the stranger.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Thus they might have been walking on for a quarter of an hour when they found themselves suddenly in a small wood, which probably belonged already to the park of Berkow.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Oswald tried in vain to engage him in a conversation, whilst he was busy pushing the branches aside, through which the boy had just slipped before him like a wildcat.
past form of “belong” — be owned by; be in the possession of
From this reading Thus they might have been walking on for a quarter of an hour when they found themselves suddenly in a small wood, which probably belonged already to the park of Berkow.
Berkow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Thus they might have been walking on for a quarter of an hour when they found themselves suddenly in a small wood, which probably belonged already to the park of Berkow.
a youthful male person
From this reading The boy went more slowly, but always kept at a distance from the stranger.
plural of “branch” — a division of some larger or more complex organization
From this reading Oswald tried in vain to engage him in a conversation, whilst he was busy pushing the branches aside, through which the boy had just slipped before him like a wildcat.
a low woody perennial plant usually having several major stems
From this reading "Not so fast, Cziko," cried Oswald, loosening his coat from the thorns of a bush; "have a little consideration for my state of civilization."
actively or fully engaged or occupied
From this reading Oswald tried in vain to engage him in a conversation, whilst he was busy pushing the branches aside, through which the boy had just slipped before him like a wildcat.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The boy went more slowly, but always kept at a distance from the stranger.
taking care or paying attention
From this reading The paths were carefully kept; here and there a well-chosen seat, or a weather-beaten Hermes pillar; everywhere traces of the hand of man.
civilizationnounUS /ˌsɪvəlɪˈzeɪʃən/
a society in an advanced state of social development (e.g., with complex legal and political and religious organizations)
From this reading "Not so fast, Cziko," cried Oswald, loosening his coat from the thorns of a bush; "have a little consideration for my state of civilization."
an outer garment that has sleeves and covers the body from shoulder down; worn outdoors
From this reading "Not so fast, Cziko," cried Oswald, loosening his coat from the thorns of a bush; "have a little consideration for my state of civilization."
the process of giving careful thought to something
From this reading "Not so fast, Cziko," cried Oswald, loosening his coat from the thorns of a bush; "have a little consideration for my state of civilization."
the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.
From this reading Oswald tried in vain to engage him in a conversation, whilst he was busy pushing the branches aside, through which the boy had just slipped before him like a wildcat.
inflected form of “cry” — utter a sudden loud cry
From this reading "Not so fast, Cziko," cried Oswald, loosening his coat from the thorns of a bush; "have a little consideration for my state of civilization."
Cziko
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Not so fast, Cziko," cried Oswald, loosening his coat from the thorns of a bush; "have a little consideration for my state of civilization."
the property created by the space between two objects or points
From this reading The boy went more slowly, but always kept at a distance from the stranger.
engageverbUS /enˈɡeɪdʒ/
carry out or participate in an activity; be involved in
From this reading Oswald tried in vain to engage him in a conversation, whilst he was busy pushing the branches aside, through which the boy had just slipped before him like a wildcat.
to or in any or all places
From this reading The paths were carefully kept; here and there a well-chosen seat, or a weather-beaten Hermes pillar; everywhere traces of the hand of man.
quickly or rapidly (often used as a combining form)
From this reading "Not so fast, Cziko," cried Oswald, loosening his coat from the thorns of a bush; "have a little consideration for my state of civilization."
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading "Not so fast, Cziko," cried Oswald, loosening his coat from the thorns of a bush; "have a little consideration for my state of civilization."
set up or found
From this reading Thus they might have been walking on for a quarter of an hour when they found themselves suddenly in a small wood, which probably belonged already to the park of Berkow.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading "Not so fast, Cziko," cried Oswald, loosening his coat from the thorns of a bush; "have a little consideration for my state of civilization."
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Oswald tried in vain to engage him in a conversation, whilst he was busy pushing the branches aside, through which the boy had just slipped before him like a wildcat.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading The paths were carefully kept; here and there a well-chosen seat, or a weather-beaten Hermes pillar; everywhere traces of the hand of man.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading "Not so fast, Cziko," cried Oswald, loosening his coat from the thorns of a bush; "have a little consideration for my state of civilization."
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Oswald tried in vain to engage him in a conversation, whilst he was busy pushing the branches aside, through which the boy had just slipped before him like a wildcat.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading The paths were carefully kept; here and there a well-chosen seat, or a weather-beaten Hermes pillar; everywhere traces of the hand of man.
HermesnounUS /ˈhɜːrmiz/
(Greek mythology) messenger and herald of the gods; god of commerce and cunning and invention and theft; identified with Roman Mercury
From this reading The paths were carefully kept; here and there a well-chosen seat, or a weather-beaten Hermes pillar; everywhere traces of the hand of man.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Oswald tried in vain to engage him in a conversation, whilst he was busy pushing the branches aside, through which the boy had just slipped before him like a wildcat.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading "Not so fast, Cziko," cried Oswald, loosening his coat from the thorns of a bush; "have a little consideration for my state of civilization."
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading Thus they might have been walking on for a quarter of an hour when they found themselves suddenly in a small wood, which probably belonged already to the park of Berkow.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Oswald tried in vain to engage him in a conversation, whilst he was busy pushing the branches aside, through which the boy had just slipped before him like a wildcat.
and nothing more
From this reading Oswald tried in vain to engage him in a conversation, whilst he was busy pushing the branches aside, through which the boy had just slipped before him like a wildcat.
(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
From this reading The boy went more slowly, but always kept at a distance from the stranger.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading Oswald tried in vain to engage him in a conversation, whilst he was busy pushing the branches aside, through which the boy had just slipped before him like a wildcat.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading "Not so fast, Cziko," cried Oswald, loosening his coat from the thorns of a bush; "have a little consideration for my state of civilization."
looseningnounUS /ˈluːsənɪŋ/
an occurrence of control or strength weakening
From this reading "Not so fast, Cziko," cried Oswald, loosening his coat from the thorns of a bush; "have a little consideration for my state of civilization."
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading The paths were carefully kept; here and there a well-chosen seat, or a weather-beaten Hermes pillar; everywhere traces of the hand of man.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Thus they might have been walking on for a quarter of an hour when they found themselves suddenly in a small wood, which probably belonged already to the park of Berkow.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading The boy went more slowly, but always kept at a distance from the stranger.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading "Not so fast, Cziko," cried Oswald, loosening his coat from the thorns of a bush; "have a little consideration for my state of civilization."
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading "Not so fast, Cziko," cried Oswald, loosening his coat from the thorns of a bush; "have a little consideration for my state of civilization."
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading "Not so fast, Cziko," cried Oswald, loosening his coat from the thorns of a bush; "have a little consideration for my state of civilization."
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Thus they might have been walking on for a quarter of an hour when they found themselves suddenly in a small wood, which probably belonged already to the park of Berkow.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading The paths were carefully kept; here and there a well-chosen seat, or a weather-beaten Hermes pillar; everywhere traces of the hand of man.
OswaldnounUS /ˈɔːzwɔːld/
United States assassin of President John F. Kennedy (1939-1963)
From this reading "Not so fast, Cziko," cried Oswald, loosening his coat from the thorns of a bush; "have a little consideration for my state of civilization."
a large area of land preserved in its natural state as public property
From this reading Thus they might have been walking on for a quarter of an hour when they found themselves suddenly in a small wood, which probably belonged already to the park of Berkow.
pathsnounUS /pæðz/
plural of “path” — a course of conduct
From this reading The paths were carefully kept; here and there a well-chosen seat, or a weather-beaten Hermes pillar; everywhere traces of the hand of man.
pillarnounUS /ˈpɪlər/
a fundamental principle or practice
From this reading The paths were carefully kept; here and there a well-chosen seat, or a weather-beaten Hermes pillar; everywhere traces of the hand of man.
with considerable certainty; without much doubt
From this reading Thus they might have been walking on for a quarter of an hour when they found themselves suddenly in a small wood, which probably belonged already to the park of Berkow.
pushingnounUS /ˈpʊʃɪŋ/
the act of applying force in order to move something away
From this reading Oswald tried in vain to engage him in a conversation, whilst he was busy pushing the branches aside, through which the boy had just slipped before him like a wildcat.
one of four equal parts
From this reading Thus they might have been walking on for a quarter of an hour when they found themselves suddenly in a small wood, which probably belonged already to the park of Berkow.
a space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or on a train or airplane)
From this reading The paths were carefully kept; here and there a well-chosen seat, or a weather-beaten Hermes pillar; everywhere traces of the hand of man.
inflected form of “slip” — move stealthily
From this reading Oswald tried in vain to engage him in a conversation, whilst he was busy pushing the branches aside, through which the boy had just slipped before him like a wildcat.
without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)
From this reading The boy went more slowly, but always kept at a distance from the stranger.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Thus they might have been walking on for a quarter of an hour when they found themselves suddenly in a small wood, which probably belonged already to the park of Berkow.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading "Not so fast, Cziko," cried Oswald, loosening his coat from the thorns of a bush; "have a little consideration for my state of civilization."
the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation
From this reading "Not so fast, Cziko," cried Oswald, loosening his coat from the thorns of a bush; "have a little consideration for my state of civilization."
anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found
From this reading The boy went more slowly, but always kept at a distance from the stranger.
happening unexpectedly
From this reading Thus they might have been walking on for a quarter of an hour when they found themselves suddenly in a small wood, which probably belonged already to the park of Berkow.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading "Not so fast, Cziko," cried Oswald, loosening his coat from the thorns of a bush; "have a little consideration for my state of civilization."
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading Thus they might have been walking on for a quarter of an hour when they found themselves suddenly in a small wood, which probably belonged already to the park of Berkow.
in or at that place or location
From this reading The paths were carefully kept; here and there a well-chosen seat, or a weather-beaten Hermes pillar; everywhere traces of the hand of man.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Thus they might have been walking on for a quarter of an hour when they found themselves suddenly in a small wood, which probably belonged already to the park of Berkow.
thornsnounUS /θɔːrnz/
plural of “thorn” — something that causes irritation and annoyance
From this reading "Not so fast, Cziko," cried Oswald, loosening his coat from the thorns of a bush; "have a little consideration for my state of civilization."
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading Oswald tried in vain to engage him in a conversation, whilst he was busy pushing the branches aside, through which the boy had just slipped before him like a wildcat.
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
From this reading Thus they might have been walking on for a quarter of an hour when they found themselves suddenly in a small wood, which probably belonged already to the park of Berkow.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Oswald tried in vain to engage him in a conversation, whilst he was busy pushing the branches aside, through which the boy had just slipped before him like a wildcat.
tracesnounUS /ˈtreɪsəz/
plural of “trace” — a just detectable amount
From this reading The paths were carefully kept; here and there a well-chosen seat, or a weather-beaten Hermes pillar; everywhere traces of the hand of man.
tested and proved useful or correct
From this reading Oswald tried in vain to engage him in a conversation, whilst he was busy pushing the branches aside, through which the boy had just slipped before him like a wildcat.
characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance
From this reading Oswald tried in vain to engage him in a conversation, whilst he was busy pushing the branches aside, through which the boy had just slipped before him like a wildcat.
close enough to be walked to
From this reading Thus they might have been walking on for a quarter of an hour when they found themselves suddenly in a small wood, which probably belonged already to the park of Berkow.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Oswald tried in vain to engage him in a conversation, whilst he was busy pushing the branches aside, through which the boy had just slipped before him like a wildcat.
weather-beatenadjective
tanned and coarsened from being outdoors
From this reading The paths were carefully kept; here and there a well-chosen seat, or a weather-beaten Hermes pillar; everywhere traces of the hand of man.
well-chosenadjective
well expressed and to the point
From this reading The paths were carefully kept; here and there a well-chosen seat, or a weather-beaten Hermes pillar; everywhere traces of the hand of man.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading The boy went more slowly, but always kept at a distance from the stranger.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The paths were carefully kept; here and there a well-chosen seat, or a weather-beaten Hermes pillar; everywhere traces of the hand of man.
at the time that
From this reading Thus they might have been walking on for a quarter of an hour when they found themselves suddenly in a small wood, which probably belonged already to the park of Berkow.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Oswald tried in vain to engage him in a conversation, whilst he was busy pushing the branches aside, through which the boy had just slipped before him like a wildcat.
an old and formal word for “while”
From this reading Oswald tried in vain to engage him in a conversation, whilst he was busy pushing the branches aside, through which the boy had just slipped before him like a wildcat.
wildcatnounUS /ˈwaɪldkæt/
an exploratory oil well drilled in land not known to be an oil field
From this reading Oswald tried in vain to engage him in a conversation, whilst he was busy pushing the branches aside, through which the boy had just slipped before him like a wildcat.
the hard fibrous lignified substance under the bark of trees
From this reading Thus they might have been walking on for a quarter of an hour when they found themselves suddenly in a small wood, which probably belonged already to the park of Berkow.
