used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Ruth's cheeks grew hot, as their scrutinizing and unfriendly glances were bent on her, and that feeling of utter desolation came over her, which was always so overwhelming whenever she presented herself as a suppliant for public favor.
additionnounUS /əˈdɪʃən/
a component that is added to something to improve it
From this reading The apartment designated was already crowded with waiting applicants, who regarded, with jealous eye, each addition to their number as so much dimunition of their own individual chance for success.
alphabeticaladjectiveUS /ˌælfəˈbetɪkəl/
relating to or expressed by a writing system that uses an alphabet
From this reading The applicants were called out, one by one, in alphabetical order; Ruth inwardly blessing the early nativity of the letter H, for these anticipatory-shower-bath meditations were worse to her than the shock of a volley of chilling interrogations.
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading The apartment designated was already crowded with waiting applicants, who regarded, with jealous eye, each addition to their number as so much dimunition of their own individual chance for success.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading Ruth's cheeks grew hot, as their scrutinizing and unfriendly glances were bent on her, and that feeling of utter desolation came over her, which was always so overwhelming whenever she presented herself as a suppliant for public favor.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Examination day came, and Ruth bent her determined steps to the City Hall.
anticipatory-shower-bath
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The applicants were called out, one by one, in alphabetical order; Ruth inwardly blessing the early nativity of the letter H, for these anticipatory-shower-bath meditations were worse to her than the shock of a volley of chilling interrogations.
a suite of rooms usually on one floor of an apartment house
From this reading The apartment designated was already crowded with waiting applicants, who regarded, with jealous eye, each addition to their number as so much dimunition of their own individual chance for success.
applicantsnounUS /ˈæplɪkənts/
plural of “applicant” — a person who requests or seeks something such as assistance or employment or admission
From this reading The apartment designated was already crowded with waiting applicants, who regarded, with jealous eye, each addition to their number as so much dimunition of their own individual chance for success.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The apartment designated was already crowded with waiting applicants, who regarded, with jealous eye, each addition to their number as so much dimunition of their own individual chance for success.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading In truth, it was but a poor preparation for the inquisitorial torture before her.
a relatively permanent inclination to react in a particular way
From this reading Examination day came, and Ruth bent her determined steps to the City Hall.
blessingnounUS /ˈblesɪŋ/
the formal act of approving
From this reading The applicants were called out, one by one, in alphabetical order; Ruth inwardly blessing the early nativity of the letter H, for these anticipatory-shower-bath meditations were worse to her than the shock of a volley of chilling interrogations.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading In truth, it was but a poor preparation for the inquisitorial torture before her.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The applicants were called out, one by one, in alphabetical order; Ruth inwardly blessing the early nativity of the letter H, for these anticipatory-shower-bath meditations were worse to her than the shock of a volley of chilling interrogations.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading The applicants were called out, one by one, in alphabetical order; Ruth inwardly blessing the early nativity of the letter H, for these anticipatory-shower-bath meditations were worse to her than the shock of a volley of chilling interrogations.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Examination day came, and Ruth bent her determined steps to the City Hall.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading The apartment designated was already crowded with waiting applicants, who regarded, with jealous eye, each addition to their number as so much dimunition of their own individual chance for success.
plural of “cheek” — either side of the face below the eyes
From this reading Ruth's cheeks grew hot, as their scrutinizing and unfriendly glances were bent on her, and that feeling of utter desolation came over her, which was always so overwhelming whenever she presented herself as a suppliant for public favor.
chillingadjectiveUS /ˈtʃɪlɪŋ/
provoking fear terror
From this reading The applicants were called out, one by one, in alphabetical order; Ruth inwardly blessing the early nativity of the letter H, for these anticipatory-shower-bath meditations were worse to her than the shock of a volley of chilling interrogations.
a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts
From this reading Examination day came, and Ruth bent her determined steps to the City Hall.
overfilled or compacted or concentrated
From this reading The apartment designated was already crowded with waiting applicants, who regarded, with jealous eye, each addition to their number as so much dimunition of their own individual chance for success.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading Examination day came, and Ruth bent her determined steps to the City Hall.
designatedverbUS /ˈdezɪɡneɪtɪd/
past form of “designate” — assign a name or title to
From this reading The apartment designated was already crowded with waiting applicants, who regarded, with jealous eye, each addition to their number as so much dimunition of their own individual chance for success.
desolationnounUS /ˌdesəˈleɪʃən/
the state of being decayed or destroyed
From this reading Ruth's cheeks grew hot, as their scrutinizing and unfriendly glances were bent on her, and that feeling of utter desolation came over her, which was always so overwhelming whenever she presented herself as a suppliant for public favor.
characterized by great determination
From this reading Examination day came, and Ruth bent her determined steps to the City Hall.
dimunition
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The apartment designated was already crowded with waiting applicants, who regarded, with jealous eye, each addition to their number as so much dimunition of their own individual chance for success.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading The apartment designated was already crowded with waiting applicants, who regarded, with jealous eye, each addition to their number as so much dimunition of their own individual chance for success.
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 The applicants were called out, one by one, in alphabetical order; Ruth inwardly blessing the early nativity of the letter H, for these anticipatory-shower-bath meditations were worse to her than the shock of a volley of chilling interrogations.
ExaminationnounUS /ɪɡˌzæməˈneɪʃən/
the act of examining something closely (as for mistakes)
From this reading Examination day came, and Ruth bent her determined steps to the City Hall.
the organ of sight
From this reading The apartment designated was already crowded with waiting applicants, who regarded, with jealous eye, each addition to their number as so much dimunition of their own individual chance for success.
promote over another
From this reading Ruth's cheeks grew hot, as their scrutinizing and unfriendly glances were bent on her, and that feeling of utter desolation came over her, which was always so overwhelming whenever she presented herself as a suppliant for public favor.
the experiencing of affective and emotional states
From this reading Ruth's cheeks grew hot, as their scrutinizing and unfriendly glances were bent on her, and that feeling of utter desolation came over her, which was always so overwhelming whenever she presented herself as a suppliant for public favor.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The apartment designated was already crowded with waiting applicants, who regarded, with jealous eye, each addition to their number as so much dimunition of their own individual chance for success.
glancesnounUS /ˈɡlænsɪz/
plural of “glance” — a quick look
From this reading Ruth's cheeks grew hot, as their scrutinizing and unfriendly glances were bent on her, and that feeling of utter desolation came over her, which was always so overwhelming whenever she presented herself as a suppliant for public favor.
inflected form of “grow” — pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become
From this reading Ruth's cheeks grew hot, as their scrutinizing and unfriendly glances were bent on her, and that feeling of utter desolation came over her, which was always so overwhelming whenever she presented herself as a suppliant for public favor.
a nonmetallic univalent element that is normally a colorless and odorless highly flammable diatomic gas; the simplest and lightest and most abundant element in the universe
From this reading The applicants were called out, one by one, in alphabetical order; Ruth inwardly blessing the early nativity of the letter H, for these anticipatory-shower-bath meditations were worse to her than the shock of a volley of chilling interrogations.
an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open
From this reading Examination day came, and Ruth bent her determined steps to the City Hall.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Examination day came, and Ruth bent her determined steps to the City Hall.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading Ruth's cheeks grew hot, as their scrutinizing and unfriendly glances were bent on her, and that feeling of utter desolation came over her, which was always so overwhelming whenever she presented herself as a suppliant for public favor.
used of physical heat; having a high or higher than desirable temperature or giving off heat or feeling or causing a sensation of heat or burning
From this reading Ruth's cheeks grew hot, as their scrutinizing and unfriendly glances were bent on her, and that feeling of utter desolation came over her, which was always so overwhelming whenever she presented herself as a suppliant for public favor.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In truth, it was but a poor preparation for the inquisitorial torture before her.
being or characteristic of a single thing or person
From this reading The apartment designated was already crowded with waiting applicants, who regarded, with jealous eye, each addition to their number as so much dimunition of their own individual chance for success.
inquisitorialadjective
especially indicating a form of prosecution in which proceedings are secret and the accused is questioned by a prosecutor who acts also as the judge
From this reading In truth, it was but a poor preparation for the inquisitorial torture before her.
interrogationsnounUS /ˌɪnterəˈɡeɪʃənz/
plural of “interrogation” — a sentence of inquiry that asks for a reply
From this reading The applicants were called out, one by one, in alphabetical order; Ruth inwardly blessing the early nativity of the letter H, for these anticipatory-shower-bath meditations were worse to her than the shock of a volley of chilling interrogations.
inwardlyadverbUS /ˈɪnwərdli/
with respect to private feelings
From this reading The applicants were called out, one by one, in alphabetical order; Ruth inwardly blessing the early nativity of the letter H, for these anticipatory-shower-bath meditations were worse to her than the shock of a volley of chilling interrogations.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading In truth, it was but a poor preparation for the inquisitorial torture before her.
showing extreme cupidity; painfully desirous of another's advantages
From this reading The apartment designated was already crowded with waiting applicants, who regarded, with jealous eye, each addition to their number as so much dimunition of their own individual chance for success.
a written message addressed to a person or organization
From this reading The applicants were called out, one by one, in alphabetical order; Ruth inwardly blessing the early nativity of the letter H, for these anticipatory-shower-bath meditations were worse to her than the shock of a volley of chilling interrogations.
meditationsnounUS /ˌmedɪˈteɪʃənz/
plural of “meditation” — continuous and profound contemplation or musing on a subject or series of subjects of a deep or abstruse nature
From this reading The applicants were called out, one by one, in alphabetical order; Ruth inwardly blessing the early nativity of the letter H, for these anticipatory-shower-bath meditations were worse to her than the shock of a volley of chilling interrogations.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading The apartment designated was already crowded with waiting applicants, who regarded, with jealous eye, each addition to their number as so much dimunition of their own individual chance for success.
nativitynounUS /nəˈtɪvəti/
the event of being born
From this reading The applicants were called out, one by one, in alphabetical order; Ruth inwardly blessing the early nativity of the letter H, for these anticipatory-shower-bath meditations were worse to her than the shock of a volley of chilling interrogations.
the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals
From this reading The apartment designated was already crowded with waiting applicants, who regarded, with jealous eye, each addition to their number as so much dimunition of their own individual chance for success.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The apartment designated was already crowded with waiting applicants, who regarded, with jealous eye, each addition to their number as so much dimunition of their own individual chance for success.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Ruth's cheeks grew hot, as their scrutinizing and unfriendly glances were bent on her, and that feeling of utter desolation came over her, which was always so overwhelming whenever she presented herself as a suppliant for public favor.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading The applicants were called out, one by one, in alphabetical order; Ruth inwardly blessing the early nativity of the letter H, for these anticipatory-shower-bath meditations were worse to her than the shock of a volley of chilling interrogations.
(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading The applicants were called out, one by one, in alphabetical order; Ruth inwardly blessing the early nativity of the letter H, for these anticipatory-shower-bath meditations were worse to her than the shock of a volley of chilling interrogations.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading The applicants were called out, one by one, in alphabetical order; Ruth inwardly blessing the early nativity of the letter H, for these anticipatory-shower-bath meditations were worse to her than the shock of a volley of chilling interrogations.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Ruth's cheeks grew hot, as their scrutinizing and unfriendly glances were bent on her, and that feeling of utter desolation came over her, which was always so overwhelming whenever she presented herself as a suppliant for public favor.
overwhelmingadjectiveUS /ˌoʊvərˈwelmɪŋ/
so strong as to be irresistible
From this reading Ruth's cheeks grew hot, as their scrutinizing and unfriendly glances were bent on her, and that feeling of utter desolation came over her, which was always so overwhelming whenever she presented herself as a suppliant for public favor.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading The apartment designated was already crowded with waiting applicants, who regarded, with jealous eye, each addition to their number as so much dimunition of their own individual chance for success.
deserving or inciting pity
From this reading In truth, it was but a poor preparation for the inquisitorial torture before her.
preparationnounUS /ˌprepərˈeɪʃən/
the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose
From this reading In truth, it was but a poor preparation for the inquisitorial torture before her.
past form of “present” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading Ruth's cheeks grew hot, as their scrutinizing and unfriendly glances were bent on her, and that feeling of utter desolation came over her, which was always so overwhelming whenever she presented herself as a suppliant for public favor.
people in general considered as a whole
From this reading Ruth's cheeks grew hot, as their scrutinizing and unfriendly glances were bent on her, and that feeling of utter desolation came over her, which was always so overwhelming whenever she presented herself as a suppliant for public favor.
past form of “regard” — deem to be
From this reading The apartment designated was already crowded with waiting applicants, who regarded, with jealous eye, each addition to their number as so much dimunition of their own individual chance for success.
United States professional baseball player famous for hitting home runs (1895-1948)
From this reading Examination day came, and Ruth bent her determined steps to the City Hall.
Ruth'snounUS /ruːθs/
possessive form of “ruth” — United States professional baseball player famous for hitting home runs (1895-1948)
From this reading Ruth's cheeks grew hot, as their scrutinizing and unfriendly glances were bent on her, and that feeling of utter desolation came over her, which was always so overwhelming whenever she presented herself as a suppliant for public favor.
scrutinizingverbUS /ˈskruːtənaɪzɪŋ/
-ing form of “scrutinize” — to look at critically or searchingly, or in minute detail
From this reading Ruth's cheeks grew hot, as their scrutinizing and unfriendly glances were bent on her, and that feeling of utter desolation came over her, which was always so overwhelming whenever she presented herself as a suppliant for public favor.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Ruth's cheeks grew hot, as their scrutinizing and unfriendly glances were bent on her, and that feeling of utter desolation came over her, which was always so overwhelming whenever she presented herself as a suppliant for public favor.
the feeling of distress and disbelief that you have when something bad happens accidentally
From this reading The applicants were called out, one by one, in alphabetical order; Ruth inwardly blessing the early nativity of the letter H, for these anticipatory-shower-bath meditations were worse to her than the shock of a volley of chilling interrogations.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading The apartment designated was already crowded with waiting applicants, who regarded, with jealous eye, each addition to their number as so much dimunition of their own individual chance for success.
a flight of stairs or a flight of steps
From this reading Examination day came, and Ruth bent her determined steps to the City Hall.
an event that accomplishes its intended purpose
From this reading The apartment designated was already crowded with waiting applicants, who regarded, with jealous eye, each addition to their number as so much dimunition of their own individual chance for success.
suppliantnoun
one praying humbly for something
From this reading Ruth's cheeks grew hot, as their scrutinizing and unfriendly glances were bent on her, and that feeling of utter desolation came over her, which was always so overwhelming whenever she presented herself as a suppliant for public favor.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading The applicants were called out, one by one, in alphabetical order; Ruth inwardly blessing the early nativity of the letter H, for these anticipatory-shower-bath meditations were worse to her than the shock of a volley of chilling interrogations.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Ruth's cheeks grew hot, as their scrutinizing and unfriendly glances were bent on her, and that feeling of utter desolation came over her, which was always so overwhelming whenever she presented herself as a suppliant for public favor.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Examination day came, and Ruth bent her determined steps to the City Hall.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The apartment designated was already crowded with waiting applicants, who regarded, with jealous eye, each addition to their number as so much dimunition of their own individual chance for success.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading The applicants were called out, one by one, in alphabetical order; Ruth inwardly blessing the early nativity of the letter H, for these anticipatory-shower-bath meditations were worse to her than the shock of a volley of chilling interrogations.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Examination day came, and Ruth bent her determined steps to the City Hall.
tortureverbUS /ˈtɔːrtʃər/
torment emotionally or mentally
From this reading In truth, it was but a poor preparation for the inquisitorial torture before her.
a fact that has been verified
From this reading In truth, it was but a poor preparation for the inquisitorial torture before her.
unfriendlyadjectiveUS /ənˈfrendli/
not easy to understand or use
From this reading Ruth's cheeks grew hot, as their scrutinizing and unfriendly glances were bent on her, and that feeling of utter desolation came over her, which was always so overwhelming whenever she presented herself as a suppliant for public favor.
articulate; either verbally or with a cry, shout, or noise
From this reading Ruth's cheeks grew hot, as their scrutinizing and unfriendly glances were bent on her, and that feeling of utter desolation came over her, which was always so overwhelming whenever she presented herself as a suppliant for public favor.
volleynounUS /ˈvɑːli/
rapid simultaneous discharge of firearms
From this reading The applicants were called out, one by one, in alphabetical order; Ruth inwardly blessing the early nativity of the letter H, for these anticipatory-shower-bath meditations were worse to her than the shock of a volley of chilling interrogations.
the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something)
From this reading The apartment designated was already crowded with waiting applicants, who regarded, with jealous eye, each addition to their number as so much dimunition of their own individual chance for success.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The apartment designated was already crowded with waiting applicants, who regarded, with jealous eye, each addition to their number as so much dimunition of their own individual chance for success.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Ruth's cheeks grew hot, as their scrutinizing and unfriendly glances were bent on her, and that feeling of utter desolation came over her, which was always so overwhelming whenever she presented herself as a suppliant for public favor.
at any time that; every time that
From this reading Ruth's cheeks grew hot, as their scrutinizing and unfriendly glances were bent on her, and that feeling of utter desolation came over her, which was always so overwhelming whenever she presented herself as a suppliant for public favor.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Ruth's cheeks grew hot, as their scrutinizing and unfriendly glances were bent on her, and that feeling of utter desolation came over her, which was always so overwhelming whenever she presented herself as a suppliant for public favor.
which person or people
From this reading The apartment designated was already crowded with waiting applicants, who regarded, with jealous eye, each addition to their number as so much dimunition of their own individual chance for success.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The apartment designated was already crowded with waiting applicants, who regarded, with jealous eye, each addition to their number as so much dimunition of their own individual chance for success.
(comparative of “bad”) inferior to another in quality or condition or desirability
From this reading The applicants were called out, one by one, in alphabetical order; Ruth inwardly blessing the early nativity of the letter H, for these anticipatory-shower-bath meditations were worse to her than the shock of a volley of chilling interrogations.
