used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading But when they entered the room in which sat the British general who was responsible for the retreat, as they guessed, they saw a quiet-faced man with smiling eyes, who listened attentively to the reports of the officers who were constantly hurrying up to him, spoke a word or two in answer, and turned, imperturbably, to the next comer.
perfect or complete or pure
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED CHANCE The first impression they had of General Smith-Derrien was of his absolute calmness.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED CHANCE The first impression they had of General Smith-Derrien was of his absolute calmness.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading But when they entered the room in which sat the British general who was responsible for the retreat, as they guessed, they saw a quiet-faced man with smiling eyes, who listened attentively to the reports of the officers who were constantly hurrying up to him, spoke a word or two in answer, and turned, imperturbably, to the next comer.
react verbally
From this reading But when they entered the room in which sat the British general who was responsible for the retreat, as they guessed, they saw a quiet-faced man with smiling eyes, who listened attentively to the reports of the officers who were constantly hurrying up to him, spoke a word or two in answer, and turned, imperturbably, to the next comer.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading But when they entered the room in which sat the British general who was responsible for the retreat, as they guessed, they saw a quiet-faced man with smiling eyes, who listened attentively to the reports of the officers who were constantly hurrying up to him, spoke a word or two in answer, and turned, imperturbably, to the next comer.
attentivelyadverbUS /əˈtentɪvli/
with attention; in an attentive manner
From this reading But when they entered the room in which sat the British general who was responsible for the retreat, as they guessed, they saw a quiet-faced man with smiling eyes, who listened attentively to the reports of the officers who were constantly hurrying up to him, spoke a word or two in answer, and turned, imperturbably, to the next comer.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The major had been excited when he heard the report of the German infantry in the woods.
the people of Great Britain
From this reading But when they entered the room in which sat the British general who was responsible for the retreat, as they guessed, they saw a quiet-faced man with smiling eyes, who listened attentively to the reports of the officers who were constantly hurrying up to him, spoke a word or two in answer, and turned, imperturbably, to the next comer.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But when they entered the room in which sat the British general who was responsible for the retreat, as they guessed, they saw a quiet-faced man with smiling eyes, who listened attentively to the reports of the officers who were constantly hurrying up to him, spoke a word or two in answer, and turned, imperturbably, to the next comer.
calmnessnounUS /ˈkɑːmnəs/
steadiness of mind under stress
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED CHANCE The first impression they had of General Smith-Derrien was of his absolute calmness.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED CHANCE The first impression they had of General Smith-Derrien was of his absolute calmness.
comernounUS /ˈkʌmər/
someone with a promising future
From this reading But when they entered the room in which sat the British general who was responsible for the retreat, as they guessed, they saw a quiet-faced man with smiling eyes, who listened attentively to the reports of the officers who were constantly hurrying up to him, spoke a word or two in answer, and turned, imperturbably, to the next comer.
without variation or change, in every case
From this reading But when they entered the room in which sat the British general who was responsible for the retreat, as they guessed, they saw a quiet-faced man with smiling eyes, who listened attentively to the reports of the officers who were constantly hurrying up to him, spoke a word or two in answer, and turned, imperturbably, to the next comer.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading Their guide left them near the door.
past form of “enter” — to come or go into
From this reading But when they entered the room in which sat the British general who was responsible for the retreat, as they guessed, they saw a quiet-faced man with smiling eyes, who listened attentively to the reports of the officers who were constantly hurrying up to him, spoke a word or two in answer, and turned, imperturbably, to the next comer.
(of persons) excessively affected by emotion
From this reading The major had been excited when he heard the report of the German infantry in the woods.
opinion or judgment
From this reading But when they entered the room in which sat the British general who was responsible for the retreat, as they guessed, they saw a quiet-faced man with smiling eyes, who listened attentively to the reports of the officers who were constantly hurrying up to him, spoke a word or two in answer, and turned, imperturbably, to the next comer.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED CHANCE The first impression they had of General Smith-Derrien was of his absolute calmness.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading But when they entered the room in which sat the British general who was responsible for the retreat, as they guessed, they saw a quiet-faced man with smiling eyes, who listened attentively to the reports of the officers who were constantly hurrying up to him, spoke a word or two in answer, and turned, imperturbably, to the next comer.
applying to all or most members of a category or group
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED CHANCE The first impression they had of General Smith-Derrien was of his absolute calmness.
a person of German nationality
From this reading The major had been excited when he heard the report of the German infantry in the woods.
past form of “guess” — expect, believe, or suppose
From this reading But when they entered the room in which sat the British general who was responsible for the retreat, as they guessed, they saw a quiet-faced man with smiling eyes, who listened attentively to the reports of the officers who were constantly hurrying up to him, spoke a word or two in answer, and turned, imperturbably, to the next comer.
someone employed to conduct others
From this reading Their guide left them near the door.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED CHANCE The first impression they had of General Smith-Derrien was of his absolute calmness.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The major had been excited when he heard the report of the German infantry in the woods.
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading The major had been excited when he heard the report of the German infantry in the woods.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading "Wait a minute here," he said.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading But when they entered the room in which sat the British general who was responsible for the retreat, as they guessed, they saw a quiet-faced man with smiling eyes, who listened attentively to the reports of the officers who were constantly hurrying up to him, spoke a word or two in answer, and turned, imperturbably, to the next comer.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED CHANCE The first impression they had of General Smith-Derrien was of his absolute calmness.
hurryingadjectiveUS /ˈhɜːriɪŋ/
moving with great haste
From this reading But when they entered the room in which sat the British general who was responsible for the retreat, as they guessed, they saw a quiet-faced man with smiling eyes, who listened attentively to the reports of the officers who were constantly hurrying up to him, spoke a word or two in answer, and turned, imperturbably, to the next comer.
imperturbably
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But when they entered the room in which sat the British general who was responsible for the retreat, as they guessed, they saw a quiet-faced man with smiling eyes, who listened attentively to the reports of the officers who were constantly hurrying up to him, spoke a word or two in answer, and turned, imperturbably, to the next comer.
a vague idea in which some confidence is placed
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED CHANCE The first impression they had of General Smith-Derrien was of his absolute calmness.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The major had been excited when he heard the report of the German infantry in the woods.
infantrynounUS /ˈɪnfəntri/
an army unit consisting of soldiers who fight on foot
From this reading The major had been excited when he heard the report of the German infantry in the woods.
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading Their guide left them near the door.
past form of “listen” — hear with intention
From this reading But when they entered the room in which sat the British general who was responsible for the retreat, as they guessed, they saw a quiet-faced man with smiling eyes, who listened attentively to the reports of the officers who were constantly hurrying up to him, spoke a word or two in answer, and turned, imperturbably, to the next comer.
majoradjectiveUS /ˈmeɪdʒər/
of greater importance or stature or rank
From this reading The major had been excited when he heard the report of the German infantry in the woods.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading But when they entered the room in which sat the British general who was responsible for the retreat, as they guessed, they saw a quiet-faced man with smiling eyes, who listened attentively to the reports of the officers who were constantly hurrying up to him, spoke a word or two in answer, and turned, imperturbably, to the next comer.
a unit of time equal to 60 seconds or 1/60th of an hour
From this reading "Wait a minute here," he said.
near in time or place or relationship
From this reading Their guide left them near the door.
immediately following in time or order
From this reading But when they entered the room in which sat the British general who was responsible for the retreat, as they guessed, they saw a quiet-faced man with smiling eyes, who listened attentively to the reports of the officers who were constantly hurrying up to him, spoke a word or two in answer, and turned, imperturbably, to the next comer.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED CHANCE The first impression they had of General Smith-Derrien was of his absolute calmness.
plural of “officer” — any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command
From this reading But when they entered the room in which sat the British general who was responsible for the retreat, as they guessed, they saw a quiet-faced man with smiling eyes, who listened attentively to the reports of the officers who were constantly hurrying up to him, spoke a word or two in answer, and turned, imperturbably, to the next comer.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading But when they entered the room in which sat the British general who was responsible for the retreat, as they guessed, they saw a quiet-faced man with smiling eyes, who listened attentively to the reports of the officers who were constantly hurrying up to him, spoke a word or two in answer, and turned, imperturbably, to the next comer.
quiet-faced
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But when they entered the room in which sat the British general who was responsible for the retreat, as they guessed, they saw a quiet-faced man with smiling eyes, who listened attentively to the reports of the officers who were constantly hurrying up to him, spoke a word or two in answer, and turned, imperturbably, to the next comer.
to give an account or representation of in words
From this reading The major had been excited when he heard the report of the German infantry in the woods.
reportsnounUS /rɪˈpɔːrts/
plural of “report” — a written document describing the findings of some individual or group
From this reading But when they entered the room in which sat the British general who was responsible for the retreat, as they guessed, they saw a quiet-faced man with smiling eyes, who listened attentively to the reports of the officers who were constantly hurrying up to him, spoke a word or two in answer, and turned, imperturbably, to the next comer.
responsibleadjectiveUS /riˈspɑːnsəbəl/
worthy of or requiring responsibility or trust; or held accountable
From this reading But when they entered the room in which sat the British general who was responsible for the retreat, as they guessed, they saw a quiet-faced man with smiling eyes, who listened attentively to the reports of the officers who were constantly hurrying up to him, spoke a word or two in answer, and turned, imperturbably, to the next comer.
(military) withdrawal of troops to a more favorable position to escape the enemy's superior forces or after a defeat
From this reading But when they entered the room in which sat the British general who was responsible for the retreat, as they guessed, they saw a quiet-faced man with smiling eyes, who listened attentively to the reports of the officers who were constantly hurrying up to him, spoke a word or two in answer, and turned, imperturbably, to the next comer.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading But when they entered the room in which sat the British general who was responsible for the retreat, as they guessed, they saw a quiet-faced man with smiling eyes, who listened attentively to the reports of the officers who were constantly hurrying up to him, spoke a word or two in answer, and turned, imperturbably, to the next comer.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading "Wait a minute here," he said.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading But when they entered the room in which sat the British general who was responsible for the retreat, as they guessed, they saw a quiet-faced man with smiling eyes, who listened attentively to the reports of the officers who were constantly hurrying up to him, spoke a word or two in answer, and turned, imperturbably, to the next comer.
cut with a saw
From this reading But when they entered the room in which sat the British general who was responsible for the retreat, as they guessed, they saw a quiet-faced man with smiling eyes, who listened attentively to the reports of the officers who were constantly hurrying up to him, spoke a word or two in answer, and turned, imperturbably, to the next comer.
a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement
From this reading But when they entered the room in which sat the British general who was responsible for the retreat, as they guessed, they saw a quiet-faced man with smiling eyes, who listened attentively to the reports of the officers who were constantly hurrying up to him, spoke a word or two in answer, and turned, imperturbably, to the next comer.
Smith-Derrien
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED CHANCE The first impression they had of General Smith-Derrien was of his absolute calmness.
support consisting of a radial member of a wheel joining the hub to the rim
From this reading But when they entered the room in which sat the British general who was responsible for the retreat, as they guessed, they saw a quiet-faced man with smiling eyes, who listened attentively to the reports of the officers who were constantly hurrying up to him, spoke a word or two in answer, and turned, imperturbably, to the next comer.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED CHANCE The first impression they had of General Smith-Derrien was of his absolute calmness.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Their guide left them near the door.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Their guide left them near the door.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED CHANCE The first impression they had of General Smith-Derrien was of his absolute calmness.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading But when they entered the room in which sat the British general who was responsible for the retreat, as they guessed, they saw a quiet-faced man with smiling eyes, who listened attentively to the reports of the officers who were constantly hurrying up to him, spoke a word or two in answer, and turned, imperturbably, to the next comer.
moved around an axis or center
From this reading But when they entered the room in which sat the British general who was responsible for the retreat, as they guessed, they saw a quiet-faced man with smiling eyes, who listened attentively to the reports of the officers who were constantly hurrying up to him, spoke a word or two in answer, and turned, imperturbably, to the next comer.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading But when they entered the room in which sat the British general who was responsible for the retreat, as they guessed, they saw a quiet-faced man with smiling eyes, who listened attentively to the reports of the officers who were constantly hurrying up to him, spoke a word or two in answer, and turned, imperturbably, to the next comer.
not expected or anticipated
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED CHANCE The first impression they had of General Smith-Derrien was of his absolute calmness.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading But when they entered the room in which sat the British general who was responsible for the retreat, as they guessed, they saw a quiet-faced man with smiling eyes, who listened attentively to the reports of the officers who were constantly hurrying up to him, spoke a word or two in answer, and turned, imperturbably, to the next comer.
stay in one place and anticipate or expect something
From this reading "Wait a minute here," he said.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED CHANCE The first impression they had of General Smith-Derrien was of his absolute calmness.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading But when they entered the room in which sat the British general who was responsible for the retreat, as they guessed, they saw a quiet-faced man with smiling eyes, who listened attentively to the reports of the officers who were constantly hurrying up to him, spoke a word or two in answer, and turned, imperturbably, to the next comer.
at the time that
From this reading The major had been excited when he heard the report of the German infantry in the woods.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading But when they entered the room in which sat the British general who was responsible for the retreat, as they guessed, they saw a quiet-faced man with smiling eyes, who listened attentively to the reports of the officers who were constantly hurrying up to him, spoke a word or two in answer, and turned, imperturbably, to the next comer.
which person or people
From this reading But when they entered the room in which sat the British general who was responsible for the retreat, as they guessed, they saw a quiet-faced man with smiling eyes, who listened attentively to the reports of the officers who were constantly hurrying up to him, spoke a word or two in answer, and turned, imperturbably, to the next comer.
in the company of; together with
From this reading But when they entered the room in which sat the British general who was responsible for the retreat, as they guessed, they saw a quiet-faced man with smiling eyes, who listened attentively to the reports of the officers who were constantly hurrying up to him, spoke a word or two in answer, and turned, imperturbably, to the next comer.
the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area
From this reading The major had been excited when he heard the report of the German infantry in the woods.
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
From this reading But when they entered the room in which sat the British general who was responsible for the retreat, as they guessed, they saw a quiet-faced man with smiling eyes, who listened attentively to the reports of the officers who were constantly hurrying up to him, spoke a word or two in answer, and turned, imperturbably, to the next comer.
