used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading SHADOW The preparations that must inevitably precede a departure for an indefinite length of time kept Avery from dwelling overmuch on what had passed on that gusty afternoon when she had taken shelter in the doctor's house.
consider or hold as true
From this reading It seemed that he had accepted her answer just as she had meant him to accept it, and that he had nothing more to say.
generally approved or compelling recognition
From this reading It seemed that he had accepted her answer just as she had meant him to accept it, and that he had nothing more to say.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading No word from him had reached her since that daring letter written nearly three months before, just after his departure.
the part of the day between noon and evening
From this reading SHADOW The preparations that must inevitably precede a departure for an indefinite length of time kept Avery from dwelling overmuch on what had passed on that gusty afternoon when she had taken shelter in the doctor's house.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading SHADOW The preparations that must inevitably precede a departure for an indefinite length of time kept Avery from dwelling overmuch on what had passed on that gusty afternoon when she had taken shelter in the doctor's house.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading For some reason into which she did not enter she was firmly resolved to exclude him from her mind, and she welcomed the many occupations that kept her thoughts engrossed.
react verbally
From this reading It seemed that he had accepted her answer just as she had meant him to accept it, and that he had nothing more to say.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading It seemed that he had accepted her answer just as she had meant him to accept it, and that he had nothing more to say.
past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading Whether or not she believed the rumour concerning Piers she scarcely asked herself.
Avery
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SHADOW The preparations that must inevitably precede a departure for an indefinite length of time kept Avery from dwelling overmuch on what had passed on that gusty afternoon when she had taken shelter in the doctor's house.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading No word from him had reached her since that daring letter written nearly three months before, just after his departure.
past form of “believe” — accept as true; take to be true
From this reading Whether or not she believed the rumour concerning Piers she scarcely asked herself.
-ing form of “concern” — be relevant to
From this reading Whether or not she believed the rumour concerning Piers she scarcely asked herself.
daringnounUS /ˈderɪŋ/
a challenge to do something dangerous or foolhardy
From this reading No word from him had reached her since that daring letter written nearly three months before, just after his departure.
the act of departing
From this reading SHADOW The preparations that must inevitably precede a departure for an indefinite length of time kept Avery from dwelling overmuch on what had passed on that gusty afternoon when she had taken shelter in the doctor's house.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading For some reason into which she did not enter she was firmly resolved to exclude him from her mind, and she welcomed the many occupations that kept her thoughts engrossed.
doctor'snounUS /ˈdɑːktərz/
possessive form of “doctor” — a licensed medical practitioner
From this reading SHADOW The preparations that must inevitably precede a departure for an indefinite length of time kept Avery from dwelling overmuch on what had passed on that gusty afternoon when she had taken shelter in the doctor's house.
dwellingnounUS /ˈdwelɪŋ/
housing that someone is living in
From this reading SHADOW The preparations that must inevitably precede a departure for an indefinite length of time kept Avery from dwelling overmuch on what had passed on that gusty afternoon when she had taken shelter in the doctor's house.
engrossedadjectiveUS /ɪnˈɡroʊst/
giving or marked by complete attention to
From this reading For some reason into which she did not enter she was firmly resolved to exclude him from her mind, and she welcomed the many occupations that kept her thoughts engrossed.
to come or go into
From this reading For some reason into which she did not enter she was firmly resolved to exclude him from her mind, and she welcomed the many occupations that kept her thoughts engrossed.
excludeverbUS /ɪkˈskluːd/
prevent from being included or considered or accepted
From this reading For some reason into which she did not enter she was firmly resolved to exclude him from her mind, and she welcomed the many occupations that kept her thoughts engrossed.
with resolute determination
From this reading For some reason into which she did not enter she was firmly resolved to exclude him from her mind, and she welcomed the many occupations that kept her thoughts engrossed.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading SHADOW The preparations that must inevitably precede a departure for an indefinite length of time kept Avery from dwelling overmuch on what had passed on that gusty afternoon when she had taken shelter in the doctor's house.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading SHADOW The preparations that must inevitably precede a departure for an indefinite length of time kept Avery from dwelling overmuch on what had passed on that gusty afternoon when she had taken shelter in the doctor's house.
gustyadjectiveUS /ˈɡʌsti/
blowing in puffs or short intermittent blasts
From this reading SHADOW The preparations that must inevitably precede a departure for an indefinite length of time kept Avery from dwelling overmuch on what had passed on that gusty afternoon when she had taken shelter in the doctor's house.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading SHADOW The preparations that must inevitably precede a departure for an indefinite length of time kept Avery from dwelling overmuch on what had passed on that gusty afternoon when she had taken shelter in the doctor's house.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading It seemed that he had accepted her answer just as she had meant him to accept it, and that he had nothing more to say.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading For some reason into which she did not enter she was firmly resolved to exclude him from her mind, and she welcomed the many occupations that kept her thoughts engrossed.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading Whether or not she believed the rumour concerning Piers she scarcely asked herself.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading For some reason into which she did not enter she was firmly resolved to exclude him from her mind, and she welcomed the many occupations that kept her thoughts engrossed.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading No word from him had reached her since that daring letter written nearly three months before, just after his departure.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading SHADOW The preparations that must inevitably precede a departure for an indefinite length of time kept Avery from dwelling overmuch on what had passed on that gusty afternoon when she had taken shelter in the doctor's house.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading SHADOW The preparations that must inevitably precede a departure for an indefinite length of time kept Avery from dwelling overmuch on what had passed on that gusty afternoon when she had taken shelter in the doctor's house.
indefiniteadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈdefənət/
vague or not clearly defined or stated
From this reading SHADOW The preparations that must inevitably precede a departure for an indefinite length of time kept Avery from dwelling overmuch on what had passed on that gusty afternoon when she had taken shelter in the doctor's house.
inevitablyadverbUS /ˌɪˈnevətəbli/
in such a manner as could not be otherwise
From this reading SHADOW The preparations that must inevitably precede a departure for an indefinite length of time kept Avery from dwelling overmuch on what had passed on that gusty afternoon when she had taken shelter in the doctor's house.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading For some reason into which she did not enter she was firmly resolved to exclude him from her mind, and she welcomed the many occupations that kept her thoughts engrossed.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It seemed that he had accepted her answer just as she had meant him to accept it, and that he had nothing more to say.
and nothing more
From this reading No word from him had reached her since that daring letter written nearly three months before, just after his departure.
(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
From this reading SHADOW The preparations that must inevitably precede a departure for an indefinite length of time kept Avery from dwelling overmuch on what had passed on that gusty afternoon when she had taken shelter in the doctor's house.
the linear extent in space from one end to the other; the longest dimension of something that is fixed in place
From this reading SHADOW The preparations that must inevitably precede a departure for an indefinite length of time kept Avery from dwelling overmuch on what had passed on that gusty afternoon when she had taken shelter in the doctor's house.
a written message addressed to a person or organization
From this reading No word from him had reached her since that daring letter written nearly three months before, just after his departure.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading For some reason into which she did not enter she was firmly resolved to exclude him from her mind, and she welcomed the many occupations that kept her thoughts engrossed.
inflected form of “mean” — mean or intend to express or convey
From this reading It seemed that he had accepted her answer just as she had meant him to accept it, and that he had nothing more to say.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading For some reason into which she did not enter she was firmly resolved to exclude him from her mind, and she welcomed the many occupations that kept her thoughts engrossed.
plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year
From this reading No word from him had reached her since that daring letter written nearly three months before, just after his departure.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading It seemed that he had accepted her answer just as she had meant him to accept it, and that he had nothing more to say.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading SHADOW The preparations that must inevitably precede a departure for an indefinite length of time kept Avery from dwelling overmuch on what had passed on that gusty afternoon when she had taken shelter in the doctor's house.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading No word from him had reached her since that daring letter written nearly three months before, just after his departure.
not any; not one
From this reading No word from him had reached her since that daring letter written nearly three months before, just after his departure.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Whether or not she believed the rumour concerning Piers she scarcely asked herself.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading It seemed that he had accepted her answer just as she had meant him to accept it, and that he had nothing more to say.
occupationsnounUS /ˌɑːkjəˈpeɪʃənz/
plural of “occupation” — the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money
From this reading For some reason into which she did not enter she was firmly resolved to exclude him from her mind, and she welcomed the many occupations that kept her thoughts engrossed.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading SHADOW The preparations that must inevitably precede a departure for an indefinite length of time kept Avery from dwelling overmuch on what had passed on that gusty afternoon when she had taken shelter in the doctor's house.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading SHADOW The preparations that must inevitably precede a departure for an indefinite length of time kept Avery from dwelling overmuch on what had passed on that gusty afternoon when she had taken shelter in the doctor's house.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Whether or not she believed the rumour concerning Piers she scarcely asked herself.
overmuchnoun
a quantity that is more than what is appropriate
From this reading SHADOW The preparations that must inevitably precede a departure for an indefinite length of time kept Avery from dwelling overmuch on what had passed on that gusty afternoon when she had taken shelter in the doctor's house.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading SHADOW The preparations that must inevitably precede a departure for an indefinite length of time kept Avery from dwelling overmuch on what had passed on that gusty afternoon when she had taken shelter in the doctor's house.
PiersnounUS /pɪrz/
plural of “pier” — a platform built out from the shore into the water and supported by piles; provides access to ships and boats
From this reading Whether or not she believed the rumour concerning Piers she scarcely asked herself.
precedeverbUS /prɪˈsiːd/
be earlier in time; go back further
From this reading SHADOW The preparations that must inevitably precede a departure for an indefinite length of time kept Avery from dwelling overmuch on what had passed on that gusty afternoon when she had taken shelter in the doctor's house.
preparationsnounUS /ˌprepərˈeɪʃənz/
plural of “preparation” — the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose
From this reading SHADOW The preparations that must inevitably precede a departure for an indefinite length of time kept Avery from dwelling overmuch on what had passed on that gusty afternoon when she had taken shelter in the doctor's house.
past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading No word from him had reached her since that daring letter written nearly three months before, just after his departure.
a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading For some reason into which she did not enter she was firmly resolved to exclude him from her mind, and she welcomed the many occupations that kept her thoughts engrossed.
determined
From this reading For some reason into which she did not enter she was firmly resolved to exclude him from her mind, and she welcomed the many occupations that kept her thoughts engrossed.
rumournounUS /ˈruːmər/
gossip (usually a mixture of truth and untruth) passed around by word of mouth
From this reading Whether or not she believed the rumour concerning Piers she scarcely asked herself.
express in words
From this reading It seemed that he had accepted her answer just as she had meant him to accept it, and that he had nothing more to say.
only a very short time before
From this reading Whether or not she believed the rumour concerning Piers she scarcely asked herself.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading It seemed that he had accepted her answer just as she had meant him to accept it, and that he had nothing more to say.
A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.
From this reading SHADOW The preparations that must inevitably precede a departure for an indefinite length of time kept Avery from dwelling overmuch on what had passed on that gusty afternoon when she had taken shelter in the doctor's house.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading SHADOW The preparations that must inevitably precede a departure for an indefinite length of time kept Avery from dwelling overmuch on what had passed on that gusty afternoon when she had taken shelter in the doctor's house.
a structure that provides privacy and protection from danger
From this reading SHADOW The preparations that must inevitably precede a departure for an indefinite length of time kept Avery from dwelling overmuch on what had passed on that gusty afternoon when she had taken shelter in the doctor's house.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading No word from him had reached her since that daring letter written nearly three months before, just after his departure.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading For some reason into which she did not enter she was firmly resolved to exclude him from her mind, and she welcomed the many occupations that kept her thoughts engrossed.
takenadjectiveUS /ˈteɪkən/
understood in a certain way; made sense of
From this reading SHADOW The preparations that must inevitably precede a departure for an indefinite length of time kept Avery from dwelling overmuch on what had passed on that gusty afternoon when she had taken shelter in the doctor's house.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading SHADOW The preparations that must inevitably precede a departure for an indefinite length of time kept Avery from dwelling overmuch on what had passed on that gusty afternoon when she had taken shelter in the doctor's house.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading SHADOW The preparations that must inevitably precede a departure for an indefinite length of time kept Avery from dwelling overmuch on what had passed on that gusty afternoon when she had taken shelter in the doctor's house.
plural of “thought” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading For some reason into which she did not enter she was firmly resolved to exclude him from her mind, and she welcomed the many occupations that kept her thoughts engrossed.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading No word from him had reached her since that daring letter written nearly three months before, just after his departure.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading SHADOW The preparations that must inevitably precede a departure for an indefinite length of time kept Avery from dwelling overmuch on what had passed on that gusty afternoon when she had taken shelter in the doctor's house.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading For some reason into which she did not enter she was firmly resolved to exclude him from her mind, and she welcomed the many occupations that kept her thoughts engrossed.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading For some reason into which she did not enter she was firmly resolved to exclude him from her mind, and she welcomed the many occupations that kept her thoughts engrossed.
welcomedverbUS /ˈwelkəmd/
past form of “welcome” — accept gladly
From this reading For some reason into which she did not enter she was firmly resolved to exclude him from her mind, and she welcomed the many occupations that kept her thoughts engrossed.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading SHADOW The preparations that must inevitably precede a departure for an indefinite length of time kept Avery from dwelling overmuch on what had passed on that gusty afternoon when she had taken shelter in the doctor's house.
at the time that
From this reading SHADOW The preparations that must inevitably precede a departure for an indefinite length of time kept Avery from dwelling overmuch on what had passed on that gusty afternoon when she had taken shelter in the doctor's house.
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading Whether or not she believed the rumour concerning Piers she scarcely asked herself.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading For some reason into which she did not enter she was firmly resolved to exclude him from her mind, and she welcomed the many occupations that kept her thoughts engrossed.
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
From this reading No word from him had reached her since that daring letter written nearly three months before, just after his departure.
set down in writing in any of various ways
From this reading No word from him had reached her since that daring letter written nearly three months before, just after his departure.
