used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Hardy paused, considered for a moment the glowing end of his cigarette, and finally looked up gravely; there was a slight hesitation, almost an embarrassment, in his manner.
(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 "I don't want you chaps to imagine anything wrong; it was all very nebulous and indefinite, you understand--Mrs. Whitney was a wonderful woman.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading Hardy paused, considered for a moment the glowing end of his cigarette, and finally looked up gravely; there was a slight hesitation, almost an embarrassment, in his manner.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Hardy paused, considered for a moment the glowing end of his cigarette, and finally looked up gravely; there was a slight hesitation, almost an embarrassment, in his manner.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Hardy paused, considered for a moment the glowing end of his cigarette, and finally looked up gravely; there was a slight hesitation, almost an embarrassment, in his manner.
any thing at all
From this reading "I don't want you chaps to imagine anything wrong; it was all very nebulous and indefinite, you understand--Mrs. Whitney was a wonderful woman.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading I wouldn't mention the matter at all if it wasn't necessary for the point of my story; in fact, it is the point of my story.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading But there was a man there--one of the young engineers--and quite suddenly I discovered that he was in love with Mrs. Whitney, and I think--I never could be quite sure, but I think she was in love with him.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading "I don't exactly know how to put it," he began.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But there was a man there--one of the young engineers--and quite suddenly I discovered that he was in love with Mrs. Whitney, and I think--I never could be quite sure, but I think she was in love with him.
chapsnounUS /tʃæps/
plural of “chap” — a boy or man
From this reading "I don't want you chaps to imagine anything wrong; it was all very nebulous and indefinite, you understand--Mrs. Whitney was a wonderful woman.
cigarettenounUS /ˌsɪɡərˈet/
finely ground tobacco wrapped in paper; for smoking
From this reading Hardy paused, considered for a moment the glowing end of his cigarette, and finally looked up gravely; there was a slight hesitation, almost an embarrassment, in his manner.
carefully weighed
From this reading Hardy paused, considered for a moment the glowing end of his cigarette, and finally looked up gravely; there was a slight hesitation, almost an embarrassment, in his manner.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading But there was a man there--one of the young engineers--and quite suddenly I discovered that he was in love with Mrs. Whitney, and I think--I never could be quite sure, but I think she was in love with him.
discovered or determined by scientific observation
From this reading But there was a man there--one of the young engineers--and quite suddenly I discovered that he was in love with Mrs. Whitney, and I think--I never could be quite sure, but I think she was in love with him.
don't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I don't exactly know how to put it," he began.
embarrassmentnounUS /ɪmˈberəsmənt/
the shame you feel when your inadequacy or guilt is made public
From this reading Hardy paused, considered for a moment the glowing end of his cigarette, and finally looked up gravely; there was a slight hesitation, almost an embarrassment, in his manner.
either extremity of something that has length
From this reading Hardy paused, considered for a moment the glowing end of his cigarette, and finally looked up gravely; there was a slight hesitation, almost an embarrassment, in his manner.
engineersnounUS /ˈendʒəˈnɪrz/
plural of “engineer” — a person who uses scientific knowledge to solve practical problems
From this reading But there was a man there--one of the young engineers--and quite suddenly I discovered that he was in love with Mrs. Whitney, and I think--I never could be quite sure, but I think she was in love with him.
indicating exactness or preciseness
From this reading "I don't exactly know how to put it," he began.
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading I wouldn't mention the matter at all if it wasn't necessary for the point of my story; in fact, it is the point of my story.
after an unspecified period of time or an especially long delay
From this reading Hardy paused, considered for a moment the glowing end of his cigarette, and finally looked up gravely; there was a slight hesitation, almost an embarrassment, in his manner.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Hardy paused, considered for a moment the glowing end of his cigarette, and finally looked up gravely; there was a slight hesitation, almost an embarrassment, in his manner.
glowingadjectiveUS /ˈɡloʊɪŋ/
highly enthusiastic
From this reading Hardy paused, considered for a moment the glowing end of his cigarette, and finally looked up gravely; there was a slight hesitation, almost an embarrassment, in his manner.
in a grave and sober manner
From this reading Hardy paused, considered for a moment the glowing end of his cigarette, and finally looked up gravely; there was a slight hesitation, almost an embarrassment, in his manner.
HardyadjectiveUS /ˈhɑːrdi/
having rugged physical strength; inured to fatigue or hardships
From this reading Hardy paused, considered for a moment the glowing end of his cigarette, and finally looked up gravely; there was a slight hesitation, almost an embarrassment, in his manner.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "I don't exactly know how to put it," he began.
indecision in speech or action
From this reading Hardy paused, considered for a moment the glowing end of his cigarette, and finally looked up gravely; there was a slight hesitation, almost an embarrassment, in his manner.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading But there was a man there--one of the young engineers--and quite suddenly I discovered that he was in love with Mrs. Whitney, and I think--I never could be quite sure, but I think she was in love with him.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Hardy paused, considered for a moment the glowing end of his cigarette, and finally looked up gravely; there was a slight hesitation, almost an embarrassment, in his manner.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I don't exactly know how to put it," he began.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "I don't exactly know how to put it," he began.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading I wouldn't mention the matter at all if it wasn't necessary for the point of my story; in fact, it is the point of my story.
form a mental image of something that is not present or that is not the case
From this reading "I don't want you chaps to imagine anything wrong; it was all very nebulous and indefinite, you understand--Mrs. Whitney was a wonderful woman.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Hardy paused, considered for a moment the glowing end of his cigarette, and finally looked up gravely; there was a slight hesitation, almost an embarrassment, in his manner.
indefiniteadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈdefənət/
vague or not clearly defined or stated
From this reading "I don't want you chaps to imagine anything wrong; it was all very nebulous and indefinite, you understand--Mrs. Whitney was a wonderful woman.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading I wouldn't mention the matter at all if it wasn't necessary for the point of my story; in fact, it is the point of my story.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading "I don't exactly know how to put it," he began.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading "I don't exactly know how to put it," he began.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading Hardy paused, considered for a moment the glowing end of his cigarette, and finally looked up gravely; there was a slight hesitation, almost an embarrassment, in his manner.
a strong positive emotion of regard and affection
From this reading But there was a man there--one of the young engineers--and quite suddenly I discovered that he was in love with Mrs. Whitney, and I think--I never could be quite sure, but I think she was in love with him.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading But there was a man there--one of the young engineers--and quite suddenly I discovered that he was in love with Mrs. Whitney, and I think--I never could be quite sure, but I think she was in love with him.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Hardy paused, considered for a moment the glowing end of his cigarette, and finally looked up gravely; there was a slight hesitation, almost an embarrassment, in his manner.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading I wouldn't mention the matter at all if it wasn't necessary for the point of my story; in fact, it is the point of my story.
make reference to
From this reading I wouldn't mention the matter at all if it wasn't necessary for the point of my story; in fact, it is the point of my story.
a particular point in time
From this reading Hardy paused, considered for a moment the glowing end of his cigarette, and finally looked up gravely; there was a slight hesitation, almost an embarrassment, in his manner.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading "I don't want you chaps to imagine anything wrong; it was all very nebulous and indefinite, you understand--Mrs. Whitney was a wonderful woman.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading I wouldn't mention the matter at all if it wasn't necessary for the point of my story; in fact, it is the point of my story.
nebulousadjectiveUS /ˈnebjələs/
lacking definite form or limits
From this reading "I don't want you chaps to imagine anything wrong; it was all very nebulous and indefinite, you understand--Mrs. Whitney was a wonderful woman.
absolutely essential
From this reading I wouldn't mention the matter at all if it wasn't necessary for the point of my story; in fact, it is the point of my story.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading But there was a man there--one of the young engineers--and quite suddenly I discovered that he was in love with Mrs. Whitney, and I think--I never could be quite sure, but I think she was in love with him.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Hardy paused, considered for a moment the glowing end of his cigarette, and finally looked up gravely; there was a slight hesitation, almost an embarrassment, in his manner.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading But there was a man there--one of the young engineers--and quite suddenly I discovered that he was in love with Mrs. Whitney, and I think--I never could be quite sure, but I think she was in love with him.
past form of “pause” — interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing
From this reading Hardy paused, considered for a moment the glowing end of his cigarette, and finally looked up gravely; there was a slight hesitation, almost an embarrassment, in his manner.
a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading I wouldn't mention the matter at all if it wasn't necessary for the point of my story; in fact, it is the point of my story.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading "I don't exactly know how to put it," he began.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading But there was a man there--one of the young engineers--and quite suddenly I discovered that he was in love with Mrs. Whitney, and I think--I never could be quite sure, but I think she was in love with him.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading But there was a man there--one of the young engineers--and quite suddenly I discovered that he was in love with Mrs. Whitney, and I think--I never could be quite sure, but I think she was in love with him.
a deliberate discourteous act (usually as an expression of anger or disapproval)
From this reading Hardy paused, considered for a moment the glowing end of his cigarette, and finally looked up gravely; there was a slight hesitation, almost an embarrassment, in his manner.
a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading I wouldn't mention the matter at all if it wasn't necessary for the point of my story; in fact, it is the point of my story.
happening unexpectedly
From this reading But there was a man there--one of the young engineers--and quite suddenly I discovered that he was in love with Mrs. Whitney, and I think--I never could be quite sure, but I think she was in love with him.
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading But there was a man there--one of the young engineers--and quite suddenly I discovered that he was in love with Mrs. Whitney, and I think--I never could be quite sure, but I think she was in love with him.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading But there was a man there--one of the young engineers--and quite suddenly I discovered that he was in love with Mrs. Whitney, and I think--I never could be quite sure, but I think she was in love with him.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Hardy paused, considered for a moment the glowing end of his cigarette, and finally looked up gravely; there was a slight hesitation, almost an embarrassment, in his manner.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Hardy paused, considered for a moment the glowing end of his cigarette, and finally looked up gravely; there was a slight hesitation, almost an embarrassment, in his manner.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading But there was a man there--one of the young engineers--and quite suddenly I discovered that he was in love with Mrs. Whitney, and I think--I never could be quite sure, but I think she was in love with him.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading "I don't exactly know how to put it," he began.
know and comprehend the nature or meaning of
From this reading "I don't want you chaps to imagine anything wrong; it was all very nebulous and indefinite, you understand--Mrs. Whitney was a wonderful woman.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Hardy paused, considered for a moment the glowing end of his cigarette, and finally looked up gravely; there was a slight hesitation, almost an embarrassment, in his manner.
precisely as stated
From this reading "I don't want you chaps to imagine anything wrong; it was all very nebulous and indefinite, you understand--Mrs. Whitney was a wonderful woman.
feel or have a desire for; want strongly
From this reading "I don't want you chaps to imagine anything wrong; it was all very nebulous and indefinite, you understand--Mrs. Whitney was a wonderful woman.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Hardy paused, considered for a moment the glowing end of his cigarette, and finally looked up gravely; there was a slight hesitation, almost an embarrassment, in his manner.
wasn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I wouldn't mention the matter at all if it wasn't necessary for the point of my story; in fact, it is the point of my story.
WhitneynounUS /ˈwɪtni/
United States inventor of the mechanical cotton gin (1765-1825)
From this reading "I don't want you chaps to imagine anything wrong; it was all very nebulous and indefinite, you understand--Mrs. Whitney was a wonderful woman.
in the company of; together with
From this reading But there was a man there--one of the young engineers--and quite suddenly I discovered that he was in love with Mrs. Whitney, and I think--I never could be quite sure, but I think she was in love with him.
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading "I don't want you chaps to imagine anything wrong; it was all very nebulous and indefinite, you understand--Mrs. Whitney was a wonderful woman.
extraordinarily good or great; used especially as intensifiers
From this reading "I don't want you chaps to imagine anything wrong; it was all very nebulous and indefinite, you understand--Mrs. Whitney was a wonderful woman.
wouldn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I wouldn't mention the matter at all if it wasn't necessary for the point of my story; in fact, it is the point of my story.
not correct; not in conformity with fact or truth
From this reading "I don't want you chaps to imagine anything wrong; it was all very nebulous and indefinite, you understand--Mrs. Whitney was a wonderful woman.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "I don't want you chaps to imagine anything wrong; it was all very nebulous and indefinite, you understand--Mrs. Whitney was a wonderful woman.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading But there was a man there--one of the young engineers--and quite suddenly I discovered that he was in love with Mrs. Whitney, and I think--I never could be quite sure, but I think she was in love with him.
