used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE SPY Wrayson found himself a few minutes later alone with the Baron, who, with some solemnity, rose and took the chair opposite to him.
aloneadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/
Having no one else present.
From this reading THE SPY Wrayson found himself a few minutes later alone with the Baron, who, with some solemnity, rose and took the chair opposite to him.
in addition
From this reading He did not, however, open any topic of conversation, and Wrayson, embarrassed in his choice of subjects by the fact that any remark he could make might sound like an attempt at gratifying his curiosity, remained also silent.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading He did not, however, open any topic of conversation, and Wrayson, embarrassed in his choice of subjects by the fact that any remark he could make might sound like an attempt at gratifying his curiosity, remained also silent.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE SPY Wrayson found himself a few minutes later alone with the Baron, who, with some solemnity, rose and took the chair opposite to him.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading He did not, however, open any topic of conversation, and Wrayson, embarrassed in his choice of subjects by the fact that any remark he could make might sound like an attempt at gratifying his curiosity, remained also silent.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Conversation between them, however, languished, for the Baron spoke only in monosyllables, and his attitude gave Wrayson the idea that he viewed his presence at the chateâu with disfavour.
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading He did not, however, open any topic of conversation, and Wrayson, embarrassed in his choice of subjects by the fact that any remark he could make might sound like an attempt at gratifying his curiosity, remained also silent.
a complex mental state involving beliefs and feelings and values and dispositions to act in certain ways
From this reading Conversation between them, however, languished, for the Baron spoke only in monosyllables, and his attitude gave Wrayson the idea that he viewed his presence at the chateâu with disfavour.
a nobleman (in various countries) of varying rank
From this reading THE SPY Wrayson found himself a few minutes later alone with the Baron, who, with some solemnity, rose and took the chair opposite to him.
inflected form of “beg” — call upon in supplication; entreat
From this reading With stiff punctiliousness, he begged Wrayson to try some wonderful Burgundy, and passed a box of cigarettes.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading Conversation between them, however, languished, for the Baron spoke only in monosyllables, and his attitude gave Wrayson the idea that he viewed his presence at the chateâu with disfavour.
a (usually rectangular) container; may have a lid
From this reading With stiff punctiliousness, he begged Wrayson to try some wonderful Burgundy, and passed a box of cigarettes.
BurgundynounUS /ˈbɜːrɡəndi/
a former province of eastern France that is famous for its wines
From this reading With stiff punctiliousness, he begged Wrayson to try some wonderful Burgundy, and passed a box of cigarettes.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading He did not, however, open any topic of conversation, and Wrayson, embarrassed in his choice of subjects by the fact that any remark he could make might sound like an attempt at gratifying his curiosity, remained also silent.
a seat for one person, with a support for the back
From this reading THE SPY Wrayson found himself a few minutes later alone with the Baron, who, with some solemnity, rose and took the chair opposite to him.
chateâu
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Conversation between them, however, languished, for the Baron spoke only in monosyllables, and his attitude gave Wrayson the idea that he viewed his presence at the chateâu with disfavour.
the person or thing chosen or selected
From this reading He did not, however, open any topic of conversation, and Wrayson, embarrassed in his choice of subjects by the fact that any remark he could make might sound like an attempt at gratifying his curiosity, remained also silent.
cigarettesnounUS /ˌsɪɡərˈets/
plural of “cigarette” — finely ground tobacco wrapped in paper; for smoking
From this reading With stiff punctiliousness, he begged Wrayson to try some wonderful Burgundy, and passed a box of cigarettes.
the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.
From this reading Conversation between them, however, languished, for the Baron spoke only in monosyllables, and his attitude gave Wrayson the idea that he viewed his presence at the chateâu with disfavour.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading He did not, however, open any topic of conversation, and Wrayson, embarrassed in his choice of subjects by the fact that any remark he could make might sound like an attempt at gratifying his curiosity, remained also silent.
a state in which you want to learn more about something
From this reading He did not, however, open any topic of conversation, and Wrayson, embarrassed in his choice of subjects by the fact that any remark he could make might sound like an attempt at gratifying his curiosity, remained also silent.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading He did not, however, open any topic of conversation, and Wrayson, embarrassed in his choice of subjects by the fact that any remark he could make might sound like an attempt at gratifying his curiosity, remained also silent.
disfavournoun
the state of being out of favor
From this reading Conversation between them, however, languished, for the Baron spoke only in monosyllables, and his attitude gave Wrayson the idea that he viewed his presence at the chateâu with disfavour.
embarrassedadjectiveUS /ɪmˈberəst/
feeling or caused to feel ill at ease or self-conscious or ashamed
From this reading He did not, however, open any topic of conversation, and Wrayson, embarrassed in his choice of subjects by the fact that any remark he could make might sound like an attempt at gratifying his curiosity, remained also silent.
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading He did not, however, open any topic of conversation, and Wrayson, embarrassed in his choice of subjects by the fact that any remark he could make might sound like an attempt at gratifying his curiosity, remained also silent.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading THE SPY Wrayson found himself a few minutes later alone with the Baron, who, with some solemnity, rose and took the chair opposite to him.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Conversation between them, however, languished, for the Baron spoke only in monosyllables, and his attitude gave Wrayson the idea that he viewed his presence at the chateâu with disfavour.
set up or found
From this reading THE SPY Wrayson found himself a few minutes later alone with the Baron, who, with some solemnity, rose and took the chair opposite to him.
inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading Conversation between them, however, languished, for the Baron spoke only in monosyllables, and his attitude gave Wrayson the idea that he viewed his presence at the chateâu with disfavour.
gratifyingadjectiveUS /ˈɡrætəfaɪɪŋ/
pleasing to the mind or feeling
From this reading He did not, however, open any topic of conversation, and Wrayson, embarrassed in his choice of subjects by the fact that any remark he could make might sound like an attempt at gratifying his curiosity, remained also silent.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Conversation between them, however, languished, for the Baron spoke only in monosyllables, and his attitude gave Wrayson the idea that he viewed his presence at the chateâu with disfavour.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading THE SPY Wrayson found himself a few minutes later alone with the Baron, who, with some solemnity, rose and took the chair opposite to him.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading THE SPY Wrayson found himself a few minutes later alone with the Baron, who, with some solemnity, rose and took the chair opposite to him.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Conversation between them, however, languished, for the Baron spoke only in monosyllables, and his attitude gave Wrayson the idea that he viewed his presence at the chateâu with disfavour.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading Conversation between them, however, languished, for the Baron spoke only in monosyllables, and his attitude gave Wrayson the idea that he viewed his presence at the chateâu with disfavour.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading Conversation between them, however, languished, for the Baron spoke only in monosyllables, and his attitude gave Wrayson the idea that he viewed his presence at the chateâu with disfavour.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Conversation between them, however, languished, for the Baron spoke only in monosyllables, and his attitude gave Wrayson the idea that he viewed his presence at the chateâu with disfavour.
languishedverbUS /ˈlæŋɡwɪʃt/
past form of “languish” — lose vigor, health, or flesh, as through grief
From this reading Conversation between them, however, languished, for the Baron spoke only in monosyllables, and his attitude gave Wrayson the idea that he viewed his presence at the chateâu with disfavour.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading THE SPY Wrayson found himself a few minutes later alone with the Baron, who, with some solemnity, rose and took the chair opposite to him.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading He did not, however, open any topic of conversation, and Wrayson, embarrassed in his choice of subjects by the fact that any remark he could make might sound like an attempt at gratifying his curiosity, remained also silent.
engage in
From this reading He did not, however, open any topic of conversation, and Wrayson, embarrassed in his choice of subjects by the fact that any remark he could make might sound like an attempt at gratifying his curiosity, remained also silent.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading He did not, however, open any topic of conversation, and Wrayson, embarrassed in his choice of subjects by the fact that any remark he could make might sound like an attempt at gratifying his curiosity, remained also silent.
a written account of what transpired at a meeting
From this reading THE SPY Wrayson found himself a few minutes later alone with the Baron, who, with some solemnity, rose and took the chair opposite to him.
monosyllables
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Conversation between them, however, languished, for the Baron spoke only in monosyllables, and his attitude gave Wrayson the idea that he viewed his presence at the chateâu with disfavour.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading He did not, however, open any topic of conversation, and Wrayson, embarrassed in his choice of subjects by the fact that any remark he could make might sound like an attempt at gratifying his curiosity, remained also silent.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading With stiff punctiliousness, he begged Wrayson to try some wonderful Burgundy, and passed a box of cigarettes.
and nothing more
From this reading Conversation between them, however, languished, for the Baron spoke only in monosyllables, and his attitude gave Wrayson the idea that he viewed his presence at the chateâu with disfavour.
To move from a closed position.
From this reading He did not, however, open any topic of conversation, and Wrayson, embarrassed in his choice of subjects by the fact that any remark he could make might sound like an attempt at gratifying his curiosity, remained also silent.
being directly across from each other; facing
From this reading THE SPY Wrayson found himself a few minutes later alone with the Baron, who, with some solemnity, rose and took the chair opposite to him.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading With stiff punctiliousness, he begged Wrayson to try some wonderful Burgundy, and passed a box of cigarettes.
the state of being present; current existence
From this reading Conversation between them, however, languished, for the Baron spoke only in monosyllables, and his attitude gave Wrayson the idea that he viewed his presence at the chateâu with disfavour.
punctiliousnessnoun
strict attention to minute details
From this reading With stiff punctiliousness, he begged Wrayson to try some wonderful Burgundy, and passed a box of cigarettes.
past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading He did not, however, open any topic of conversation, and Wrayson, embarrassed in his choice of subjects by the fact that any remark he could make might sound like an attempt at gratifying his curiosity, remained also silent.
a statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief or adds information
From this reading He did not, however, open any topic of conversation, and Wrayson, embarrassed in his choice of subjects by the fact that any remark he could make might sound like an attempt at gratifying his curiosity, remained also silent.
any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses
From this reading THE SPY Wrayson found himself a few minutes later alone with the Baron, who, with some solemnity, rose and took the chair opposite to him.
marked by absence of sound
From this reading He did not, however, open any topic of conversation, and Wrayson, embarrassed in his choice of subjects by the fact that any remark he could make might sound like an attempt at gratifying his curiosity, remained also silent.
solemnitynounUS /səˈlemnəti/
a trait of dignified seriousness
From this reading THE SPY Wrayson found himself a few minutes later alone with the Baron, who, with some solemnity, rose and took the chair opposite to him.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading THE SPY Wrayson found himself a few minutes later alone with the Baron, who, with some solemnity, rose and took the chair opposite to him.
the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading He did not, however, open any topic of conversation, and Wrayson, embarrassed in his choice of subjects by the fact that any remark he could make might sound like an attempt at gratifying his curiosity, remained also silent.
support consisting of a radial member of a wheel joining the hub to the rim
From this reading Conversation between them, however, languished, for the Baron spoke only in monosyllables, and his attitude gave Wrayson the idea that he viewed his presence at the chateâu with disfavour.
SPYverbUS /spaɪ/
catch sight of
From this reading THE SPY Wrayson found himself a few minutes later alone with the Baron, who, with some solemnity, rose and took the chair opposite to him.
not moving or operating freely
From this reading With stiff punctiliousness, he begged Wrayson to try some wonderful Burgundy, and passed a box of cigarettes.
plural of “subject” — the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading He did not, however, open any topic of conversation, and Wrayson, embarrassed in his choice of subjects by the fact that any remark he could make might sound like an attempt at gratifying his curiosity, remained also silent.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Conversation between them, however, languished, for the Baron spoke only in monosyllables, and his attitude gave Wrayson the idea that he viewed his presence at the chateâu with disfavour.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE SPY Wrayson found himself a few minutes later alone with the Baron, who, with some solemnity, rose and took the chair opposite to him.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Conversation between them, however, languished, for the Baron spoke only in monosyllables, and his attitude gave Wrayson the idea that he viewed his presence at the chateâu with disfavour.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE SPY Wrayson found himself a few minutes later alone with the Baron, who, with some solemnity, rose and took the chair opposite to him.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading THE SPY Wrayson found himself a few minutes later alone with the Baron, who, with some solemnity, rose and took the chair opposite to him.
topicnounUS /ˈtɑːpɪk/
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading He did not, however, open any topic of conversation, and Wrayson, embarrassed in his choice of subjects by the fact that any remark he could make might sound like an attempt at gratifying his curiosity, remained also silent.
make an effort or attempt
From this reading With stiff punctiliousness, he begged Wrayson to try some wonderful Burgundy, and passed a box of cigarettes.
precisely as stated
From this reading In a very few minutes the Baron rose.
viewedverbUS /vjuːd/
past form of “view” — deem to be
From this reading Conversation between them, however, languished, for the Baron spoke only in monosyllables, and his attitude gave Wrayson the idea that he viewed his presence at the chateâu with disfavour.
which person or people
From this reading THE SPY Wrayson found himself a few minutes later alone with the Baron, who, with some solemnity, rose and took the chair opposite to him.
in the company of; together with
From this reading THE SPY Wrayson found himself a few minutes later alone with the Baron, who, with some solemnity, rose and took the chair opposite to him.
extraordinarily good or great; used especially as intensifiers
From this reading With stiff punctiliousness, he begged Wrayson to try some wonderful Burgundy, and passed a box of cigarettes.
Wrayson
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SPY Wrayson found himself a few minutes later alone with the Baron, who, with some solemnity, rose and took the chair opposite to him.
