used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The story spread that the scene in the Studio had been nothing but a bit of inspired impromptu acting, to which the coincidence of the storm had lent a touch of unexpected conviction where, otherwise, all would have ended in a laugh and a round or two of amused applause.
the performance of a part or role in a drama
From this reading The story spread that the scene in the Studio had been nothing but a bit of inspired impromptu acting, to which the coincidence of the storm had lent a touch of unexpected conviction where, otherwise, all would have ended in a laugh and a round or two of amused applause.
(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 The story spread that the scene in the Studio had been nothing but a bit of inspired impromptu acting, to which the coincidence of the storm had lent a touch of unexpected conviction where, otherwise, all would have ended in a laugh and a round or two of amused applause.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading The spreading of an undesirable story, thus, was to a great extent prevented, its discussion remaining confined, chiefly, among the few startled witnesses.
pleasantly occupied
From this reading The story spread that the scene in the Studio had been nothing but a bit of inspired impromptu acting, to which the coincidence of the storm had lent a touch of unexpected conviction where, otherwise, all would have ended in a laugh and a round or two of amused applause.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The spreading of an undesirable story, thus, was to a great extent prevented, its discussion remaining confined, chiefly, among the few startled witnesses.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Khilkoff, Edward Fillery and Paul Devonham, between them, it seems, were wise in their generation.
applausenounUS /əˈplɔːz/
a demonstration of approval by clapping the hands together
From this reading The story spread that the scene in the Studio had been nothing but a bit of inspired impromptu acting, to which the coincidence of the storm had lent a touch of unexpected conviction where, otherwise, all would have ended in a laugh and a round or two of amused applause.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading They were not to be so easily deprived of their treasured privilege.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The story spread that the scene in the Studio had been nothing but a bit of inspired impromptu acting, to which the coincidence of the storm had lent a touch of unexpected conviction where, otherwise, all would have ended in a laugh and a round or two of amused applause.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading Khilkoff, Edward Fillery and Paul Devonham, between them, it seems, were wise in their generation.
a small piece or quantity of something
From this reading The story spread that the scene in the Studio had been nothing but a bit of inspired impromptu acting, to which the coincidence of the storm had lent a touch of unexpected conviction where, otherwise, all would have ended in a laugh and a round or two of amused applause.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The story spread that the scene in the Studio had been nothing but a bit of inspired impromptu acting, to which the coincidence of the storm had lent a touch of unexpected conviction where, otherwise, all would have ended in a laugh and a round or two of amused applause.
chieflyadverbUS /ˈtʃiːfli/
for the most part
From this reading The spreading of an undesirable story, thus, was to a great extent prevented, its discussion remaining confined, chiefly, among the few startled witnesses.
coincidencenounUS /koʊˈɪnsɪdəns/
an event that might have been arranged although it was really accidental
From this reading The story spread that the scene in the Studio had been nothing but a bit of inspired impromptu acting, to which the coincidence of the storm had lent a touch of unexpected conviction where, otherwise, all would have ended in a laugh and a round or two of amused applause.
confinedadjectiveUS /kənˈfaɪnd/
not invading healthy tissue
From this reading The spreading of an undesirable story, thus, was to a great extent prevented, its discussion remaining confined, chiefly, among the few startled witnesses.
an unshakable belief in something without need for proof or evidence
From this reading The story spread that the scene in the Studio had been nothing but a bit of inspired impromptu acting, to which the coincidence of the storm had lent a touch of unexpected conviction where, otherwise, all would have ended in a laugh and a round or two of amused applause.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading Yet the Prometheans, of course, knew a supernatural occurrence when they saw one.
deprivedadjectiveUS /dɪˈpraɪvd/
marked by deprivation especially of the necessities of life or healthful environmental influences
From this reading They were not to be so easily deprived of their treasured privilege.
Devonham
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Khilkoff, Edward Fillery and Paul Devonham, between them, it seems, were wise in their generation.
discussionnounUS /dɪˈskʌʃən/
an extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic
From this reading The spreading of an undesirable story, thus, was to a great extent prevented, its discussion remaining confined, chiefly, among the few startled witnesses.
with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)
From this reading They were not to be so easily deprived of their treasured privilege.
King of England and Ireland in 1936; his marriage to Wallis Warfield Simpson created a constitutional crisis leading to his abdication (1894-1972)
From this reading Khilkoff, Edward Fillery and Paul Devonham, between them, it seems, were wise in their generation.
endedadjectiveUS /ˈendəd/
having come or been brought to a conclusion
From this reading The story spread that the scene in the Studio had been nothing but a bit of inspired impromptu acting, to which the coincidence of the storm had lent a touch of unexpected conviction where, otherwise, all would have ended in a laugh and a round or two of amused applause.
the point or degree to which something extends
From this reading The spreading of an undesirable story, thus, was to a great extent prevented, its discussion remaining confined, chiefly, among the few startled witnesses.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading The spreading of an undesirable story, thus, was to a great extent prevented, its discussion remaining confined, chiefly, among the few startled witnesses.
Fillery
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Khilkoff, Edward Fillery and Paul Devonham, between them, it seems, were wise in their generation.
generationnounUS /ˌdʒenərˈeɪʃən/
all the people living at the same time or of approximately the same age
From this reading Khilkoff, Edward Fillery and Paul Devonham, between them, it seems, were wise in their generation.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading The spreading of an undesirable story, thus, was to a great extent prevented, its discussion remaining confined, chiefly, among the few startled witnesses.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The story spread that the scene in the Studio had been nothing but a bit of inspired impromptu acting, to which the coincidence of the storm had lent a touch of unexpected conviction where, otherwise, all would have ended in a laugh and a round or two of amused applause.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading The story spread that the scene in the Studio had been nothing but a bit of inspired impromptu acting, to which the coincidence of the storm had lent a touch of unexpected conviction where, otherwise, all would have ended in a laugh and a round or two of amused applause.
impromptunounUS /ˌɪmˈprɑːmptuː/
an extemporaneous speech or remark
From this reading The story spread that the scene in the Studio had been nothing but a bit of inspired impromptu acting, to which the coincidence of the storm had lent a touch of unexpected conviction where, otherwise, all would have ended in a laugh and a round or two of amused applause.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Khilkoff, Edward Fillery and Paul Devonham, between them, it seems, were wise in their generation.
inspiredadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈspaɪərd/
being of such surpassing excellence as to suggest inspiration by the gods
From this reading The story spread that the scene in the Studio had been nothing but a bit of inspired impromptu acting, to which the coincidence of the storm had lent a touch of unexpected conviction where, otherwise, all would have ended in a laugh and a round or two of amused applause.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Khilkoff, Edward Fillery and Paul Devonham, between them, it seems, were wise in their generation.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading The spreading of an undesirable story, thus, was to a great extent prevented, its discussion remaining confined, chiefly, among the few startled witnesses.
Khilkoff
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Khilkoff, Edward Fillery and Paul Devonham, between them, it seems, were wise in their generation.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading Yet the Prometheans, of course, knew a supernatural occurrence when they saw one.
the sound of laughing
From this reading The story spread that the scene in the Studio had been nothing but a bit of inspired impromptu acting, to which the coincidence of the storm had lent a touch of unexpected conviction where, otherwise, all would have ended in a laugh and a round or two of amused applause.
lentnounUS /lent/
a period of 40 weekdays from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday
From this reading The story spread that the scene in the Studio had been nothing but a bit of inspired impromptu acting, to which the coincidence of the storm had lent a touch of unexpected conviction where, otherwise, all would have ended in a laugh and a round or two of amused applause.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading They were not to be so easily deprived of their treasured privilege.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading The story spread that the scene in the Studio had been nothing but a bit of inspired impromptu acting, to which the coincidence of the storm had lent a touch of unexpected conviction where, otherwise, all would have ended in a laugh and a round or two of amused applause.
occurrencenounUS /əˈkɜːrəns/
an event that happens
From this reading Yet the Prometheans, of course, knew a supernatural occurrence when they saw one.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The story spread that the scene in the Studio had been nothing but a bit of inspired impromptu acting, to which the coincidence of the storm had lent a touch of unexpected conviction where, otherwise, all would have ended in a laugh and a round or two of amused applause.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Yet the Prometheans, of course, knew a supernatural occurrence when they saw one.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading The story spread that the scene in the Studio had been nothing but a bit of inspired impromptu acting, to which the coincidence of the storm had lent a touch of unexpected conviction where, otherwise, all would have ended in a laugh and a round or two of amused applause.
in other respects or ways
From this reading The story spread that the scene in the Studio had been nothing but a bit of inspired impromptu acting, to which the coincidence of the storm had lent a touch of unexpected conviction where, otherwise, all would have ended in a laugh and a round or two of amused applause.
United States feminist (1885-1977)
From this reading Khilkoff, Edward Fillery and Paul Devonham, between them, it seems, were wise in their generation.
preventedverbUS /prɪˈventɪd/
past form of “prevent” — keep from happening or arising; make impossible
From this reading The spreading of an undesirable story, thus, was to a great extent prevented, its discussion remaining confined, chiefly, among the few startled witnesses.
privilegenounUS /ˈprɪvlədʒ/
a special advantage or immunity or benefit not enjoyed by all
From this reading They were not to be so easily deprived of their treasured privilege.
Prometheans
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Yet the Prometheans, of course, knew a supernatural occurrence when they saw one.
not used up
From this reading The spreading of an undesirable story, thus, was to a great extent prevented, its discussion remaining confined, chiefly, among the few startled witnesses.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading The story spread that the scene in the Studio had been nothing but a bit of inspired impromptu acting, to which the coincidence of the storm had lent a touch of unexpected conviction where, otherwise, all would have ended in a laugh and a round or two of amused applause.
cut with a saw
From this reading Yet the Prometheans, of course, knew a supernatural occurrence when they saw one.
the place where some action occurs
From this reading The story spread that the scene in the Studio had been nothing but a bit of inspired impromptu acting, to which the coincidence of the storm had lent a touch of unexpected conviction where, otherwise, all would have ended in a laugh and a round or two of amused applause.
third-person singular of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Khilkoff, Edward Fillery and Paul Devonham, between them, it seems, were wise in their generation.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading They were not to be so easily deprived of their treasured privilege.
distribute or disperse widely
From this reading The story spread that the scene in the Studio had been nothing but a bit of inspired impromptu acting, to which the coincidence of the storm had lent a touch of unexpected conviction where, otherwise, all would have ended in a laugh and a round or two of amused applause.
spreadingnounUS /ˈspredɪŋ/
process or result of distributing or extending over a wide expanse of space
From this reading The spreading of an undesirable story, thus, was to a great extent prevented, its discussion remaining confined, chiefly, among the few startled witnesses.
excited by sudden surprise or alarm and making a quick involuntary movement
From this reading The spreading of an undesirable story, thus, was to a great extent prevented, its discussion remaining confined, chiefly, among the few startled witnesses.
behave violently, as if in state of a great anger
From this reading The story spread that the scene in the Studio had been nothing but a bit of inspired impromptu acting, to which the coincidence of the storm had lent a touch of unexpected conviction where, otherwise, all would have ended in a laugh and a round or two of amused applause.
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 The story spread that the scene in the Studio had been nothing but a bit of inspired impromptu acting, to which the coincidence of the storm had lent a touch of unexpected conviction where, otherwise, all would have ended in a laugh and a round or two of amused applause.
StudionounUS /ˈstuːdioʊ/
workplace for the teaching or practice of an art
From this reading The story spread that the scene in the Studio had been nothing but a bit of inspired impromptu acting, to which the coincidence of the storm had lent a touch of unexpected conviction where, otherwise, all would have ended in a laugh and a round or two of amused applause.
supernaturalnounUS /ˌsuːpərˈnætʃərəl/
supernatural forces and events and beings collectively
From this reading Yet the Prometheans, of course, knew a supernatural occurrence when they saw one.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The story spread that the scene in the Studio had been nothing but a bit of inspired impromptu acting, to which the coincidence of the storm had lent a touch of unexpected conviction where, otherwise, all would have ended in a laugh and a round or two of amused applause.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The story spread that the scene in the Studio had been nothing but a bit of inspired impromptu acting, to which the coincidence of the storm had lent a touch of unexpected conviction where, otherwise, all would have ended in a laugh and a round or two of amused applause.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Khilkoff, Edward Fillery and Paul Devonham, between them, it seems, were wise in their generation.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Khilkoff, Edward Fillery and Paul Devonham, between them, it seems, were wise in their generation.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Yet the Prometheans, of course, knew a supernatural occurrence when they saw one.
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
From this reading The spreading of an undesirable story, thus, was to a great extent prevented, its discussion remaining confined, chiefly, among the few startled witnesses.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The story spread that the scene in the Studio had been nothing but a bit of inspired impromptu acting, to which the coincidence of the storm had lent a touch of unexpected conviction where, otherwise, all would have ended in a laugh and a round or two of amused applause.
make physical contact with, come in contact with
From this reading The story spread that the scene in the Studio had been nothing but a bit of inspired impromptu acting, to which the coincidence of the storm had lent a touch of unexpected conviction where, otherwise, all would have ended in a laugh and a round or two of amused applause.
treasuredadjectiveUS /ˈtreʒərd/
characterized by feeling or showing fond affection for
From this reading They were not to be so easily deprived of their treasured privilege.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading The story spread that the scene in the Studio had been nothing but a bit of inspired impromptu acting, to which the coincidence of the storm had lent a touch of unexpected conviction where, otherwise, all would have ended in a laugh and a round or two of amused applause.
undesirableadjectiveUS /ˌʌndɪˈzaɪrəbəl/
not wanted
From this reading The spreading of an undesirable story, thus, was to a great extent prevented, its discussion remaining confined, chiefly, among the few startled witnesses.
not expected or anticipated
From this reading The story spread that the scene in the Studio had been nothing but a bit of inspired impromptu acting, to which the coincidence of the storm had lent a touch of unexpected conviction where, otherwise, all would have ended in a laugh and a round or two of amused applause.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The spreading of an undesirable story, thus, was to a great extent prevented, its discussion remaining confined, chiefly, among the few startled witnesses.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Khilkoff, Edward Fillery and Paul Devonham, between them, it seems, were wise in their generation.
at the time that
From this reading Yet the Prometheans, of course, knew a supernatural occurrence when they saw one.
in or at the place that
From this reading The story spread that the scene in the Studio had been nothing but a bit of inspired impromptu acting, to which the coincidence of the storm had lent a touch of unexpected conviction where, otherwise, all would have ended in a laugh and a round or two of amused applause.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The story spread that the scene in the Studio had been nothing but a bit of inspired impromptu acting, to which the coincidence of the storm had lent a touch of unexpected conviction where, otherwise, all would have ended in a laugh and a round or two of amused applause.
having or prompted by wisdom or discernment
From this reading Khilkoff, Edward Fillery and Paul Devonham, between them, it seems, were wise in their generation.
witnessesnounUS /ˈwɪtnəsəz/
plural of “witness” — someone who sees an event and reports what happened
From this reading The spreading of an undesirable story, thus, was to a great extent prevented, its discussion remaining confined, chiefly, among the few startled witnesses.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading The story spread that the scene in the Studio had been nothing but a bit of inspired impromptu acting, to which the coincidence of the storm had lent a touch of unexpected conviction where, otherwise, all would have ended in a laugh and a round or two of amused applause.
but in spite of that
From this reading Yet the Prometheans, of course, knew a supernatural occurrence when they saw one.
