used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A tall negro, clad in a flowing robe of yellow and white, finely striped, with a clean white turban, bound about his scarlet fez, was sweeping the doorstep with a broom.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading A tall negro, clad in a flowing robe of yellow and white, finely striped, with a clean white turban, bound about his scarlet fez, was sweeping the doorstep with a broom.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading All Saïd’s compliments were returned as curtly as the barest politeness would allow, and his leading questions answered by an “Allah knows!” and a shrug of the shoulders far from satisfying.
AllahnounUS /ˈɑːlə/
Muslim name for the one and only God
From this reading All Saïd’s compliments were returned as curtly as the barest politeness would allow, and his leading questions answered by an “Allah knows!” and a shrug of the shoulders far from satisfying.
make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen
From this reading All Saïd’s compliments were returned as curtly as the barest politeness would allow, and his leading questions answered by an “Allah knows!” and a shrug of the shoulders far from satisfying.
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading The sun was already hot upon the plain when he reached the house of the Frank.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading All Saïd’s compliments were returned as curtly as the barest politeness would allow, and his leading questions answered by an “Allah knows!” and a shrug of the shoulders far from satisfying.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A tall negro, clad in a flowing robe of yellow and white, finely striped, with a clean white turban, bound about his scarlet fez, was sweeping the doorstep with a broom.
past form of “answer” — react verbally
From this reading All Saïd’s compliments were returned as curtly as the barest politeness would allow, and his leading questions answered by an “Allah knows!” and a shrug of the shoulders far from satisfying.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading All Saïd’s compliments were returned as curtly as the barest politeness would allow, and his leading questions answered by an “Allah knows!” and a shrug of the shoulders far from satisfying.
barestadjectiveUS /ˈberəst/
superlative of “bare” — completely unclothed
From this reading All Saïd’s compliments were returned as curtly as the barest politeness would allow, and his leading questions answered by an “Allah knows!” and a shrug of the shoulders far from satisfying.
confined by bonds
From this reading A tall negro, clad in a flowing robe of yellow and white, finely striped, with a clean white turban, bound about his scarlet fez, was sweeping the doorstep with a broom.
broomnounUS /bruːm/
a cleaning implement for sweeping; bundle of straws or twigs attached to a long handle
From this reading A tall negro, clad in a flowing robe of yellow and white, finely striped, with a clean white turban, bound about his scarlet fez, was sweeping the doorstep with a broom.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But the negro was gruff.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading All Saïd’s compliments were returned as curtly as the barest politeness would allow, and his leading questions answered by an “Allah knows!” and a shrug of the shoulders far from satisfying.
chatverbUS /tʃæt/
talk socially without exchanging too much information
From this reading Saïd wished him a happy day, and sitting down upon his heels—for the ground was dewy—disposed himself for a chat.
cladadjectiveUS /klæd/
wearing or provided with clothing; sometimes used in combination
From this reading A tall negro, clad in a flowing robe of yellow and white, finely striped, with a clean white turban, bound about his scarlet fez, was sweeping the doorstep with a broom.
free from dirt or impurities; or having clean habits
From this reading A tall negro, clad in a flowing robe of yellow and white, finely striped, with a clean white turban, bound about his scarlet fez, was sweeping the doorstep with a broom.
complimentsnounUS /ˈkɑːmpləments/
(usually plural) a polite expression of desire for someone's welfare
From this reading All Saïd’s compliments were returned as curtly as the barest politeness would allow, and his leading questions answered by an “Allah knows!” and a shrug of the shoulders far from satisfying.
curtlyadverbUS /ˈkɜːrtli/
in a curt, abrupt and discourteous manner
From this reading All Saïd’s compliments were returned as curtly as the barest politeness would allow, and his leading questions answered by an “Allah knows!” and a shrug of the shoulders far from satisfying.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading Saïd wished him a happy day, and sitting down upon his heels—for the ground was dewy—disposed himself for a chat.
dewyadjectiveUS /ˈduːi/
wet with dew
From this reading Saïd wished him a happy day, and sitting down upon his heels—for the ground was dewy—disposed himself for a chat.
having made preparations
From this reading Saïd wished him a happy day, and sitting down upon his heels—for the ground was dewy—disposed himself for a chat.
doorstepnounUS /ˈdɔːrstep/
the sill of a door; a horizontal piece of wood or stone that forms the bottom of a doorway and offers support when passing through a doorway
From this reading A tall negro, clad in a flowing robe of yellow and white, finely striped, with a clean white turban, bound about his scarlet fez, was sweeping the doorstep with a broom.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading Saïd wished him a happy day, and sitting down upon his heels—for the ground was dewy—disposed himself for a chat.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading All Saïd’s compliments were returned as curtly as the barest politeness would allow, and his leading questions answered by an “Allah knows!” and a shrug of the shoulders far from satisfying.
feznounUS /fez/
a city in north central Morocco; religious center
From this reading A tall negro, clad in a flowing robe of yellow and white, finely striped, with a clean white turban, bound about his scarlet fez, was sweeping the doorstep with a broom.
finelyadverbUS /ˈfaɪnli/
in tiny pieces
From this reading A tall negro, clad in a flowing robe of yellow and white, finely striped, with a clean white turban, bound about his scarlet fez, was sweeping the doorstep with a broom.
flowingnounUS /ˈfloʊɪŋ/
the motion characteristic of fluids (liquids or gases)
From this reading A tall negro, clad in a flowing robe of yellow and white, finely striped, with a clean white turban, bound about his scarlet fez, was sweeping the doorstep with a broom.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Saïd wished him a happy day, and sitting down upon his heels—for the ground was dewy—disposed himself for a chat.
characterized by directness in manner or speech; without subtlety or evasion
From this reading The sun was already hot upon the plain when he reached the house of the Frank.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading All Saïd’s compliments were returned as curtly as the barest politeness would allow, and his leading questions answered by an “Allah knows!” and a shrug of the shoulders far from satisfying.
the solid part of the earth's surface
From this reading Saïd wished him a happy day, and sitting down upon his heels—for the ground was dewy—disposed himself for a chat.
gruffadjectiveUS /ɡrʌf/
brusque and surly and forbidding
From this reading But the negro was gruff.
enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure
From this reading Saïd wished him a happy day, and sitting down upon his heels—for the ground was dewy—disposed himself for a chat.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The sun was already hot upon the plain when he reached the house of the Frank.
plural of “heel” — the bottom of a shoe or boot; the back part of a shoe or boot that touches the ground and provides elevation
From this reading Saïd wished him a happy day, and sitting down upon his heels—for the ground was dewy—disposed himself for a chat.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Saïd wished him a happy day, and sitting down upon his heels—for the ground was dewy—disposed himself for a chat.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Saïd wished him a happy day, and sitting down upon his heels—for the ground was dewy—disposed himself for a chat.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading A tall negro, clad in a flowing robe of yellow and white, finely striped, with a clean white turban, bound about his scarlet fez, was sweeping the doorstep with a broom.
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 The sun was already hot upon the plain when he reached the house of the Frank.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading The sun was already hot upon the plain when he reached the house of the Frank.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A tall negro, clad in a flowing robe of yellow and white, finely striped, with a clean white turban, bound about his scarlet fez, was sweeping the doorstep with a broom.
plural of “know” — the fact of being aware of information that is known to few people
From this reading All Saïd’s compliments were returned as curtly as the barest politeness would allow, and his leading questions answered by an “Allah knows!” and a shrug of the shoulders far from satisfying.
indicating the most important performer or role
From this reading All Saïd’s compliments were returned as curtly as the barest politeness would allow, and his leading questions answered by an “Allah knows!” and a shrug of the shoulders far from satisfying.
negronounUS /ˈniːɡroʊ/
a person with African ancestry, "Negro" and "Negroid" are archaic and pejorative today
From this reading A tall negro, clad in a flowing robe of yellow and white, finely striped, with a clean white turban, bound about his scarlet fez, was sweeping the doorstep with a broom.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The sun was already hot upon the plain when he reached the house of the Frank.
clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
From this reading The sun was already hot upon the plain when he reached the house of the Frank.
politenessnounUS /pəˈlaɪtnəs/
a courteous manner that respects accepted social usage
From this reading All Saïd’s compliments were returned as curtly as the barest politeness would allow, and his leading questions answered by an “Allah knows!” and a shrug of the shoulders far from satisfying.
plural of “question” — an instance of questioning
From this reading All Saïd’s compliments were returned as curtly as the barest politeness would allow, and his leading questions answered by an “Allah knows!” and a shrug of the shoulders far from satisfying.
past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading The sun was already hot upon the plain when he reached the house of the Frank.
past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading All Saïd’s compliments were returned as curtly as the barest politeness would allow, and his leading questions answered by an “Allah knows!” and a shrug of the shoulders far from satisfying.
robenounUS /roʊb/
any loose flowing garment
From this reading A tall negro, clad in a flowing robe of yellow and white, finely striped, with a clean white turban, bound about his scarlet fez, was sweeping the doorstep with a broom.
satisfyingadjectiveUS /ˈsætɪsfaɪɪŋ/
providing abundant nourishment
From this reading All Saïd’s compliments were returned as curtly as the barest politeness would allow, and his leading questions answered by an “Allah knows!” and a shrug of the shoulders far from satisfying.
Saïd
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Saïd wished him a happy day, and sitting down upon his heels—for the ground was dewy—disposed himself for a chat.
Saïd's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All Saïd’s compliments were returned as curtly as the barest politeness would allow, and his leading questions answered by an “Allah knows!” and a shrug of the shoulders far from satisfying.
scarletnounUS /ˈskɑːrlət/
a variable color that is vivid red but sometimes with an orange tinge
From this reading A tall negro, clad in a flowing robe of yellow and white, finely striped, with a clean white turban, bound about his scarlet fez, was sweeping the doorstep with a broom.
plural of “shoulder” — the part of the body between the neck and the upper arm
From this reading All Saïd’s compliments were returned as curtly as the barest politeness would allow, and his leading questions answered by an “Allah knows!” and a shrug of the shoulders far from satisfying.
shrugnounUS /ʃrʌɡ/
a gesture involving the shoulders
From this reading All Saïd’s compliments were returned as curtly as the barest politeness would allow, and his leading questions answered by an “Allah knows!” and a shrug of the shoulders far from satisfying.
(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)
From this reading Saïd wished him a happy day, and sitting down upon his heels—for the ground was dewy—disposed himself for a chat.
stripedadjectiveUS /straɪpt/
marked or decorated with stripes
From this reading A tall negro, clad in a flowing robe of yellow and white, finely striped, with a clean white turban, bound about his scarlet fez, was sweeping the doorstep with a broom.
the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading The sun was already hot upon the plain when he reached the house of the Frank.
sweepingadjectiveUS /ˈswiːpɪŋ/
taking in or moving over (or as if over) a wide area; often used in combination
From this reading A tall negro, clad in a flowing robe of yellow and white, finely striped, with a clean white turban, bound about his scarlet fez, was sweeping the doorstep with a broom.
great in vertical dimension; high in stature
From this reading A tall negro, clad in a flowing robe of yellow and white, finely striped, with a clean white turban, bound about his scarlet fez, was sweeping the doorstep with a broom.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The sun was already hot upon the plain when he reached the house of the Frank.
turbannounUS /ˈtɜːrbən/
a traditional Muslim headdress consisting of a long scarf wrapped around the head
From this reading A tall negro, clad in a flowing robe of yellow and white, finely striped, with a clean white turban, bound about his scarlet fez, was sweeping the doorstep with a broom.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading The sun was already hot upon the plain when he reached the house of the Frank.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The sun was already hot upon the plain when he reached the house of the Frank.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading All Saïd’s compliments were returned as curtly as the barest politeness would allow, and his leading questions answered by an “Allah knows!” and a shrug of the shoulders far from satisfying.
at the time that
From this reading The sun was already hot upon the plain when he reached the house of the Frank.
a Caucasian
From this reading A tall negro, clad in a flowing robe of yellow and white, finely striped, with a clean white turban, bound about his scarlet fez, was sweeping the doorstep with a broom.
past form of “wish” — hope for; have a wish
From this reading Saïd wished him a happy day, and sitting down upon his heels—for the ground was dewy—disposed himself for a chat.
in the company of; together with
From this reading A tall negro, clad in a flowing robe of yellow and white, finely striped, with a clean white turban, bound about his scarlet fez, was sweeping the doorstep with a broom.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading All Saïd’s compliments were returned as curtly as the barest politeness would allow, and his leading questions answered by an “Allah knows!” and a shrug of the shoulders far from satisfying.
of the color intermediate between green and orange in the color spectrum; of something resembling the color of an egg yolk
From this reading A tall negro, clad in a flowing robe of yellow and white, finely striped, with a clean white turban, bound about his scarlet fez, was sweeping the doorstep with a broom.
