used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Clare arose in the light of a dawn that was ashy and furtive, as though associated with crime.
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading The fireplace confronted him with its extinct embers; the spread supper-table, whereon stood the two full glasses of untasted wine, now flat and filmy; her vacated seat and his own; the other articles of furniture, with their eternal look of not being able to help it, their intolerable inquiry what was to be done?
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading From above there was no sound; but in a few minutes there came a knock at the door.
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading The presence of a third person in the house would be extremely awkward just now, and, being already dressed, he opened the window and informed her that they could manage to shift for themselves that morning.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Clare arose in the light of a dawn that was ashy and furtive, as though associated with crime.
inflected form of “arise” — come into existence; take on form or shape
From this reading Clare arose in the light of a dawn that was ashy and furtive, as though associated with crime.
plural of “article” — nonfictional prose forming an independent part of a publication
From this reading The fireplace confronted him with its extinct embers; the spread supper-table, whereon stood the two full glasses of untasted wine, now flat and filmy; her vacated seat and his own; the other articles of furniture, with their eternal look of not being able to help it, their intolerable inquiry what was to be done?
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Clare arose in the light of a dawn that was ashy and furtive, as though associated with crime.
ashyadjectiveUS /ˈæʃi/
of a light grey
From this reading Clare arose in the light of a dawn that was ashy and furtive, as though associated with crime.
associatedverbUS /əˈsoʊsieɪtɪd/
past form of “associate” — make a logical or causal connection
From this reading Clare arose in the light of a dawn that was ashy and furtive, as though associated with crime.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading From above there was no sound; but in a few minutes there came a knock at the door.
awkwardadjectiveUS /ˈɑːkwərd/
causing inconvenience
From this reading The presence of a third person in the house would be extremely awkward just now, and, being already dressed, he opened the window and informed her that they could manage to shift for themselves that morning.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The fireplace confronted him with its extinct embers; the spread supper-table, whereon stood the two full glasses of untasted wine, now flat and filmy; her vacated seat and his own; the other articles of furniture, with their eternal look of not being able to help it, their intolerable inquiry what was to be done?
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading The fireplace confronted him with its extinct embers; the spread supper-table, whereon stood the two full glasses of untasted wine, now flat and filmy; her vacated seat and his own; the other articles of furniture, with their eternal look of not being able to help it, their intolerable inquiry what was to be done?
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading From above there was no sound; but in a few minutes there came a knock at the door.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading From above there was no sound; but in a few minutes there came a knock at the door.
Clare
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Clare arose in the light of a dawn that was ashy and furtive, as though associated with crime.
confrontedverbUS /kənˈfrʌntəd/
past form of “confront” — oppose, as in hostility or a competition
From this reading The fireplace confronted him with its extinct embers; the spread supper-table, whereon stood the two full glasses of untasted wine, now flat and filmy; her vacated seat and his own; the other articles of furniture, with their eternal look of not being able to help it, their intolerable inquiry what was to be done?
cottager's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He remembered that it would be the neighbouring cottager’s wife, who was to minister to their wants while they remained here.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading The presence of a third person in the house would be extremely awkward just now, and, being already dressed, he opened the window and informed her that they could manage to shift for themselves that morning.
(criminal law) an act punishable by law; usually considered an evil act
From this reading Clare arose in the light of a dawn that was ashy and furtive, as though associated with crime.
the first light of day
From this reading Clare arose in the light of a dawn that was ashy and furtive, as though associated with crime.
having finished or arrived at completion
From this reading The fireplace confronted him with its extinct embers; the spread supper-table, whereon stood the two full glasses of untasted wine, now flat and filmy; her vacated seat and his own; the other articles of furniture, with their eternal look of not being able to help it, their intolerable inquiry what was to be done?
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading From above there was no sound; but in a few minutes there came a knock at the door.
dressed or clothed especially in fine attire; often used in combination
From this reading The presence of a third person in the house would be extremely awkward just now, and, being already dressed, he opened the window and informed her that they could manage to shift for themselves that morning.
embersnounUS /ˈembərz/
plural of “ember” — a hot fragment of wood or coal that is left from a fire and is glowing or smoldering
From this reading The fireplace confronted him with its extinct embers; the spread supper-table, whereon stood the two full glasses of untasted wine, now flat and filmy; her vacated seat and his own; the other articles of furniture, with their eternal look of not being able to help it, their intolerable inquiry what was to be done?
continuing forever or indefinitely
From this reading The fireplace confronted him with its extinct embers; the spread supper-table, whereon stood the two full glasses of untasted wine, now flat and filmy; her vacated seat and his own; the other articles of furniture, with their eternal look of not being able to help it, their intolerable inquiry what was to be done?
extinctadjectiveUS /ɪkˈstɪŋkt/
no longer in existence; lost or especially having died out leaving no living representatives
From this reading The fireplace confronted him with its extinct embers; the spread supper-table, whereon stood the two full glasses of untasted wine, now flat and filmy; her vacated seat and his own; the other articles of furniture, with their eternal look of not being able to help it, their intolerable inquiry what was to be done?
to a high degree or extent; favorably or with much respect
From this reading The presence of a third person in the house would be extremely awkward just now, and, being already dressed, he opened the window and informed her that they could manage to shift for themselves that morning.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading From above there was no sound; but in a few minutes there came a knock at the door.
filmyadjective
so thin as to transmit light
From this reading The fireplace confronted him with its extinct embers; the spread supper-table, whereon stood the two full glasses of untasted wine, now flat and filmy; her vacated seat and his own; the other articles of furniture, with their eternal look of not being able to help it, their intolerable inquiry what was to be done?
fireplacenounUS /ˈfaɪərpleɪs/
an open recess in a wall at the base of a chimney where a fire can be built
From this reading The fireplace confronted him with its extinct embers; the spread supper-table, whereon stood the two full glasses of untasted wine, now flat and filmy; her vacated seat and his own; the other articles of furniture, with their eternal look of not being able to help it, their intolerable inquiry what was to be done?
having a surface without slope, tilt in which no part is higher or lower than another
From this reading The fireplace confronted him with its extinct embers; the spread supper-table, whereon stood the two full glasses of untasted wine, now flat and filmy; her vacated seat and his own; the other articles of furniture, with their eternal look of not being able to help it, their intolerable inquiry what was to be done?
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The presence of a third person in the house would be extremely awkward just now, and, being already dressed, he opened the window and informed her that they could manage to shift for themselves that morning.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading From above there was no sound; but in a few minutes there came a knock at the door.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading The fireplace confronted him with its extinct embers; the spread supper-table, whereon stood the two full glasses of untasted wine, now flat and filmy; her vacated seat and his own; the other articles of furniture, with their eternal look of not being able to help it, their intolerable inquiry what was to be done?
furnishings that make a room or other area ready for occupancy
From this reading The fireplace confronted him with its extinct embers; the spread supper-table, whereon stood the two full glasses of untasted wine, now flat and filmy; her vacated seat and his own; the other articles of furniture, with their eternal look of not being able to help it, their intolerable inquiry what was to be done?
furtiveadjectiveUS /ˈfɜːrtɪv/
marked by quiet and caution and secrecy; taking pains to avoid being observed
From this reading Clare arose in the light of a dawn that was ashy and furtive, as though associated with crime.
(plural) optical instrument consisting of a frame that holds a pair of lenses for correcting defective vision
From this reading The fireplace confronted him with its extinct embers; the spread supper-table, whereon stood the two full glasses of untasted wine, now flat and filmy; her vacated seat and his own; the other articles of furniture, with their eternal look of not being able to help it, their intolerable inquiry what was to be done?
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He remembered that it would be the neighbouring cottager’s wife, who was to minister to their wants while they remained here.
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading The fireplace confronted him with its extinct embers; the spread supper-table, whereon stood the two full glasses of untasted wine, now flat and filmy; her vacated seat and his own; the other articles of furniture, with their eternal look of not being able to help it, their intolerable inquiry what was to be done?
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading The fireplace confronted him with its extinct embers; the spread supper-table, whereon stood the two full glasses of untasted wine, now flat and filmy; her vacated seat and his own; the other articles of furniture, with their eternal look of not being able to help it, their intolerable inquiry what was to be done?
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading He remembered that it would be the neighbouring cottager’s wife, who was to minister to their wants while they remained here.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The fireplace confronted him with its extinct embers; the spread supper-table, whereon stood the two full glasses of untasted wine, now flat and filmy; her vacated seat and his own; the other articles of furniture, with their eternal look of not being able to help it, their intolerable inquiry what was to be done?
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The fireplace confronted him with its extinct embers; the spread supper-table, whereon stood the two full glasses of untasted wine, now flat and filmy; her vacated seat and his own; the other articles of furniture, with their eternal look of not being able to help it, their intolerable inquiry what was to be done?
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading The presence of a third person in the house would be extremely awkward just now, and, being already dressed, he opened the window and informed her that they could manage to shift for themselves that morning.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Clare arose in the light of a dawn that was ashy and furtive, as though associated with crime.
having much knowledge or education
From this reading The presence of a third person in the house would be extremely awkward just now, and, being already dressed, he opened the window and informed her that they could manage to shift for themselves that morning.
inquirynounUS /ˌɪnˈkwaɪriː/
a search for knowledge
From this reading The fireplace confronted him with its extinct embers; the spread supper-table, whereon stood the two full glasses of untasted wine, now flat and filmy; her vacated seat and his own; the other articles of furniture, with their eternal look of not being able to help it, their intolerable inquiry what was to be done?
intolerableadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈtɑːlərəbəl/
incapable of being tolerated or endured
From this reading The fireplace confronted him with its extinct embers; the spread supper-table, whereon stood the two full glasses of untasted wine, now flat and filmy; her vacated seat and his own; the other articles of furniture, with their eternal look of not being able to help it, their intolerable inquiry what was to be done?
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The fireplace confronted him with its extinct embers; the spread supper-table, whereon stood the two full glasses of untasted wine, now flat and filmy; her vacated seat and his own; the other articles of furniture, with their eternal look of not being able to help it, their intolerable inquiry what was to be done?
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading The fireplace confronted him with its extinct embers; the spread supper-table, whereon stood the two full glasses of untasted wine, now flat and filmy; her vacated seat and his own; the other articles of furniture, with their eternal look of not being able to help it, their intolerable inquiry what was to be done?
and nothing more
From this reading The presence of a third person in the house would be extremely awkward just now, and, being already dressed, he opened the window and informed her that they could manage to shift for themselves that morning.
deliver a sharp blow or push
From this reading From above there was no sound; but in a few minutes there came a knock at the door.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading Clare arose in the light of a dawn that was ashy and furtive, as though associated with crime.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading The fireplace confronted him with its extinct embers; the spread supper-table, whereon stood the two full glasses of untasted wine, now flat and filmy; her vacated seat and his own; the other articles of furniture, with their eternal look of not being able to help it, their intolerable inquiry what was to be done?
be successful; achieve a goal
From this reading The presence of a third person in the house would be extremely awkward just now, and, being already dressed, he opened the window and informed her that they could manage to shift for themselves that morning.
a person authorized to conduct religious worship
From this reading He remembered that it would be the neighbouring cottager’s wife, who was to minister to their wants while they remained here.
a written account of what transpired at a meeting
From this reading From above there was no sound; but in a few minutes there came a knock at the door.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading The presence of a third person in the house would be extremely awkward just now, and, being already dressed, he opened the window and informed her that they could manage to shift for themselves that morning.
neighbouringverbUS /ˈneɪbərɪŋ/
-ing form of “neighbour” — live or be located as a neighbor
From this reading He remembered that it would be the neighbouring cottager’s wife, who was to minister to their wants while they remained here.
not any; not one
From this reading From above there was no sound; but in a few minutes there came a knock at the door.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The fireplace confronted him with its extinct embers; the spread supper-table, whereon stood the two full glasses of untasted wine, now flat and filmy; her vacated seat and his own; the other articles of furniture, with their eternal look of not being able to help it, their intolerable inquiry what was to be done?
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading The fireplace confronted him with its extinct embers; the spread supper-table, whereon stood the two full glasses of untasted wine, now flat and filmy; her vacated seat and his own; the other articles of furniture, with their eternal look of not being able to help it, their intolerable inquiry what was to be done?
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Clare arose in the light of a dawn that was ashy and furtive, as though associated with crime.
used of mouth or eyes
From this reading The presence of a third person in the house would be extremely awkward just now, and, being already dressed, he opened the window and informed her that they could manage to shift for themselves that morning.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading The fireplace confronted him with its extinct embers; the spread supper-table, whereon stood the two full glasses of untasted wine, now flat and filmy; her vacated seat and his own; the other articles of furniture, with their eternal look of not being able to help it, their intolerable inquiry what was to be done?
have ownership or possession of
From this reading The fireplace confronted him with its extinct embers; the spread supper-table, whereon stood the two full glasses of untasted wine, now flat and filmy; her vacated seat and his own; the other articles of furniture, with their eternal look of not being able to help it, their intolerable inquiry what was to be done?
a human being
From this reading The presence of a third person in the house would be extremely awkward just now, and, being already dressed, he opened the window and informed her that they could manage to shift for themselves that morning.
the state of being present; current existence
From this reading The presence of a third person in the house would be extremely awkward just now, and, being already dressed, he opened the window and informed her that they could manage to shift for themselves that morning.
past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading He remembered that it would be the neighbouring cottager’s wife, who was to minister to their wants while they remained here.
past form of “remember” — recall knowledge from memory; have a recollection
From this reading He remembered that it would be the neighbouring cottager’s wife, who was to minister to their wants while they remained here.
a space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or on a train or airplane)
From this reading The fireplace confronted him with its extinct embers; the spread supper-table, whereon stood the two full glasses of untasted wine, now flat and filmy; her vacated seat and his own; the other articles of furniture, with their eternal look of not being able to help it, their intolerable inquiry what was to be done?
shiftverbUS /ʃɪft/
make a shift in or exchange of
From this reading The presence of a third person in the house would be extremely awkward just now, and, being already dressed, he opened the window and informed her that they could manage to shift for themselves that morning.
the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading From above there was no sound; but in a few minutes there came a knock at the door.
distribute or disperse widely
From this reading The fireplace confronted him with its extinct embers; the spread supper-table, whereon stood the two full glasses of untasted wine, now flat and filmy; her vacated seat and his own; the other articles of furniture, with their eternal look of not being able to help it, their intolerable inquiry what was to be done?
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading The fireplace confronted him with its extinct embers; the spread supper-table, whereon stood the two full glasses of untasted wine, now flat and filmy; her vacated seat and his own; the other articles of furniture, with their eternal look of not being able to help it, their intolerable inquiry what was to be done?
supper-table
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The fireplace confronted him with its extinct embers; the spread supper-table, whereon stood the two full glasses of untasted wine, now flat and filmy; her vacated seat and his own; the other articles of furniture, with their eternal look of not being able to help it, their intolerable inquiry what was to be done?
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Clare arose in the light of a dawn that was ashy and furtive, as though associated with crime.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Clare arose in the light of a dawn that was ashy and furtive, as though associated with crime.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The fireplace confronted him with its extinct embers; the spread supper-table, whereon stood the two full glasses of untasted wine, now flat and filmy; her vacated seat and his own; the other articles of furniture, with their eternal look of not being able to help it, their intolerable inquiry what was to be done?
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading The presence of a third person in the house would be extremely awkward just now, and, being already dressed, he opened the window and informed her that they could manage to shift for themselves that morning.
in or at that place or location
From this reading From above there was no sound; but in a few minutes there came a knock at the door.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He remembered that it would be the neighbouring cottager’s wife, who was to minister to their wants while they remained here.
one of three equal parts of a divisible whole
From this reading The presence of a third person in the house would be extremely awkward just now, and, being already dressed, he opened the window and informed her that they could manage to shift for themselves that morning.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Clare arose in the light of a dawn that was ashy and furtive, as though associated with crime.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The fireplace confronted him with its extinct embers; the spread supper-table, whereon stood the two full glasses of untasted wine, now flat and filmy; her vacated seat and his own; the other articles of furniture, with their eternal look of not being able to help it, their intolerable inquiry what was to be done?
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading The fireplace confronted him with its extinct embers; the spread supper-table, whereon stood the two full glasses of untasted wine, now flat and filmy; her vacated seat and his own; the other articles of furniture, with their eternal look of not being able to help it, their intolerable inquiry what was to be done?
untastedadjective
still full
From this reading The fireplace confronted him with its extinct embers; the spread supper-table, whereon stood the two full glasses of untasted wine, now flat and filmy; her vacated seat and his own; the other articles of furniture, with their eternal look of not being able to help it, their intolerable inquiry what was to be done?
vacatedverbUS /veɪˈkeɪtɪd/
past form of “vacate” — leave (a job, post, or position) voluntarily
From this reading The fireplace confronted him with its extinct embers; the spread supper-table, whereon stood the two full glasses of untasted wine, now flat and filmy; her vacated seat and his own; the other articles of furniture, with their eternal look of not being able to help it, their intolerable inquiry what was to be done?
plural of “want” — a state of extreme poverty
From this reading He remembered that it would be the neighbouring cottager’s wife, who was to minister to their wants while they remained here.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Clare arose in the light of a dawn that was ashy and furtive, as though associated with crime.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading The fireplace confronted him with its extinct embers; the spread supper-table, whereon stood the two full glasses of untasted wine, now flat and filmy; her vacated seat and his own; the other articles of furniture, with their eternal look of not being able to help it, their intolerable inquiry what was to be done?
whereon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The fireplace confronted him with its extinct embers; the spread supper-table, whereon stood the two full glasses of untasted wine, now flat and filmy; her vacated seat and his own; the other articles of furniture, with their eternal look of not being able to help it, their intolerable inquiry what was to be done?
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading He remembered that it would be the neighbouring cottager’s wife, who was to minister to their wants while they remained here.
which person or people
From this reading He remembered that it would be the neighbouring cottager’s wife, who was to minister to their wants while they remained here.
a married woman; a man's partner in marriage
From this reading He remembered that it would be the neighbouring cottager’s wife, who was to minister to their wants while they remained here.
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 The presence of a third person in the house would be extremely awkward just now, and, being already dressed, he opened the window and informed her that they could manage to shift for themselves that morning.
fermented juice (of grapes especially)
From this reading The fireplace confronted him with its extinct embers; the spread supper-table, whereon stood the two full glasses of untasted wine, now flat and filmy; her vacated seat and his own; the other articles of furniture, with their eternal look of not being able to help it, their intolerable inquiry what was to be done?
in the company of; together with
From this reading Clare arose in the light of a dawn that was ashy and furtive, as though associated with crime.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading He remembered that it would be the neighbouring cottager’s wife, who was to minister to their wants while they remained here.
