used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading In a few minutes after they were first heard, their cries rose around the camp on all sides, so near and so loud as to be positively disagreeable--even without considering the nature of the brutes that uttered them.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading In a few minutes after they were first heard, their cries rose around the camp on all sides, so near and so loud as to be positively disagreeable--even without considering the nature of the brutes that uttered them.
experiencing a sudden sense of danger
From this reading Instead of being alarmed, and springing from their beds, they lay still and listened--not dreading any attack from the noisy creatures.
(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 In a few minutes after they were first heard, their cries rose around the camp on all sides, so near and so loud as to be positively disagreeable--even without considering the nature of the brutes that uttered them.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Instead of being alarmed, and springing from their beds, they lay still and listened--not dreading any attack from the noisy creatures.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Instead of being alarmed, and springing from their beds, they lay still and listened--not dreading any attack from the noisy creatures.
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading But the hyenas and jackals upon this occasion appeared to be both numerous and bold.
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading In a few minutes after they were first heard, their cries rose around the camp on all sides, so near and so loud as to be positively disagreeable--even without considering the nature of the brutes that uttered them.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading In a few minutes after they were first heard, their cries rose around the camp on all sides, so near and so loud as to be positively disagreeable--even without considering the nature of the brutes that uttered them.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading At last they came so close, that it was impossible to look in any direction without seeing a pair of green or red eyes gleaming under the light of the fires!
(military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons)
From this reading Instead of being alarmed, and springing from their beds, they lay still and listened--not dreading any attack from the noisy creatures.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading But the hyenas and jackals upon this occasion appeared to be both numerous and bold.
plural of “beast” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading Von Bloom and the children slept in the wagon; Swartboy and Totty upon the ground--but these lay close to the fires, and therefore did not fear wild beasts of any kind.
bedsnounUS /bedz/
plural of “bed” — a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
From this reading Instead of being alarmed, and springing from their beds, they lay still and listened--not dreading any attack from the noisy creatures.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading Instead of being alarmed, and springing from their beds, they lay still and listened--not dreading any attack from the noisy creatures.
BloomnounUS /bluːm/
the organic process of bearing flowers
From this reading Von Bloom and the children slept in the wagon; Swartboy and Totty upon the ground--but these lay close to the fires, and therefore did not fear wild beasts of any kind.
fearless and daring
From this reading But the hyenas and jackals upon this occasion appeared to be both numerous and bold.
the two together, not just one
From this reading But the hyenas and jackals upon this occasion appeared to be both numerous and bold.
brutes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In a few minutes after they were first heard, their cries rose around the camp on all sides, so near and so loud as to be positively disagreeable--even without considering the nature of the brutes that uttered them.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Von Bloom and the children slept in the wagon; Swartboy and Totty upon the ground--but these lay close to the fires, and therefore did not fear wild beasts of any kind.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading At last they came so close, that it was impossible to look in any direction without seeing a pair of green or red eyes gleaming under the light of the fires!
temporary living quarters specially built by the army for soldiers
From this reading In a few minutes after they were first heard, their cries rose around the camp on all sides, so near and so loud as to be positively disagreeable--even without considering the nature of the brutes that uttered them.
plural of “child” — a young person of either sex
From this reading Von Bloom and the children slept in the wagon; Swartboy and Totty upon the ground--but these lay close to the fires, and therefore did not fear wild beasts of any kind.
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading Von Bloom and the children slept in the wagon; Swartboy and Totty upon the ground--but these lay close to the fires, and therefore did not fear wild beasts of any kind.
-ing form of “consider” — deem to be
From this reading In a few minutes after they were first heard, their cries rose around the camp on all sides, so near and so loud as to be positively disagreeable--even without considering the nature of the brutes that uttered them.
plural of “creature” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading Instead of being alarmed, and springing from their beds, they lay still and listened--not dreading any attack from the noisy creatures.
plural of “cry” — a loud utterance; often in protest or opposition
From this reading In a few minutes after they were first heard, their cries rose around the camp on all sides, so near and so loud as to be positively disagreeable--even without considering the nature of the brutes that uttered them.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Von Bloom and the children slept in the wagon; Swartboy and Totty upon the ground--but these lay close to the fires, and therefore did not fear wild beasts of any kind.
a line leading to a place or point
From this reading At last they came so close, that it was impossible to look in any direction without seeing a pair of green or red eyes gleaming under the light of the fires!
disagreeableadjectiveUS /ˌdɪsəˈɡriːəbəl/
not to your liking
From this reading In a few minutes after they were first heard, their cries rose around the camp on all sides, so near and so loud as to be positively disagreeable--even without considering the nature of the brutes that uttered them.
dreadingverbUS /ˈdredɪŋ/
-ing form of “dread” — be afraid or scared of; be frightened of
From this reading Instead of being alarmed, and springing from their beds, they lay still and listened--not dreading any attack from the noisy creatures.
divisible by two
From this reading In a few minutes after they were first heard, their cries rose around the camp on all sides, so near and so loud as to be positively disagreeable--even without considering the nature of the brutes that uttered them.
opinion or judgment
From this reading At last they came so close, that it was impossible to look in any direction without seeing a pair of green or red eyes gleaming under the light of the fires!
be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
From this reading Von Bloom and the children slept in the wagon; Swartboy and Totty upon the ground--but these lay close to the fires, and therefore did not fear wild beasts of any kind.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading In a few minutes after they were first heard, their cries rose around the camp on all sides, so near and so loud as to be positively disagreeable--even without considering the nature of the brutes that uttered them.
firesnounUS /ˈfaɪərz/
plural of “fire” — the event of something burning (often destructive)
From this reading Von Bloom and the children slept in the wagon; Swartboy and Totty upon the ground--but these lay close to the fires, and therefore did not fear wild beasts of any kind.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading In a few minutes after they were first heard, their cries rose around the camp on all sides, so near and so loud as to be positively disagreeable--even without considering the nature of the brutes that uttered them.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Instead of being alarmed, and springing from their beds, they lay still and listened--not dreading any attack from the noisy creatures.
gleamingnounUS /ˈɡliːmɪŋ/
a flash of light (especially reflected light)
From this reading At last they came so close, that it was impossible to look in any direction without seeing a pair of green or red eyes gleaming under the light of the fires!
green color or pigment; resembling the color of growing grass
From this reading At last they came so close, that it was impossible to look in any direction without seeing a pair of green or red eyes gleaming under the light of the fires!
the solid part of the earth's surface
From this reading Von Bloom and the children slept in the wagon; Swartboy and Totty upon the ground--but these lay close to the fires, and therefore did not fear wild beasts of any kind.
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading In a few minutes after they were first heard, their cries rose around the camp on all sides, so near and so loud as to be positively disagreeable--even without considering the nature of the brutes that uttered them.
hyenasnounUS /haɪˈiːnəz/
plural of “hyena” — doglike nocturnal mammal of Africa and southern Asia that feeds chiefly on carrion
From this reading But the hyenas and jackals upon this occasion appeared to be both numerous and bold.
not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with
From this reading At last they came so close, that it was impossible to look in any direction without seeing a pair of green or red eyes gleaming under the light of the fires!
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Von Bloom and the children slept in the wagon; Swartboy and Totty upon the ground--but these lay close to the fires, and therefore did not fear wild beasts of any kind.
in place of, or as an alternative to
From this reading Instead of being alarmed, and springing from their beds, they lay still and listened--not dreading any attack from the noisy creatures.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading At last they came so close, that it was impossible to look in any direction without seeing a pair of green or red eyes gleaming under the light of the fires!
jackals
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But the hyenas and jackals upon this occasion appeared to be both numerous and bold.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading Von Bloom and the children slept in the wagon; Swartboy and Totty upon the ground--but these lay close to the fires, and therefore did not fear wild beasts of any kind.
immediately past
From this reading At last they came so close, that it was impossible to look in any direction without seeing a pair of green or red eyes gleaming under the light of the fires!
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading Instead of being alarmed, and springing from their beds, they lay still and listened--not dreading any attack from the noisy creatures.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading At last they came so close, that it was impossible to look in any direction without seeing a pair of green or red eyes gleaming under the light of the fires!
past form of “listen” — hear with intention
From this reading Instead of being alarmed, and springing from their beds, they lay still and listened--not dreading any attack from the noisy creatures.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading At last they came so close, that it was impossible to look in any direction without seeing a pair of green or red eyes gleaming under the light of the fires!
characterized by or producing sound of great volume or intensity
From this reading In a few minutes after they were first heard, their cries rose around the camp on all sides, so near and so loud as to be positively disagreeable--even without considering the nature of the brutes that uttered them.
a written account of what transpired at a meeting
From this reading In a few minutes after they were first heard, their cries rose around the camp on all sides, so near and so loud as to be positively disagreeable--even without considering the nature of the brutes that uttered them.
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading In a few minutes after they were first heard, their cries rose around the camp on all sides, so near and so loud as to be positively disagreeable--even without considering the nature of the brutes that uttered them.
near in time or place or relationship
From this reading In a few minutes after they were first heard, their cries rose around the camp on all sides, so near and so loud as to be positively disagreeable--even without considering the nature of the brutes that uttered them.
noisyadjectiveUS /ˈnɔɪzi/
full of or characterized by loud and nonmusical sounds
From this reading Instead of being alarmed, and springing from their beds, they lay still and listened--not dreading any attack from the noisy creatures.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Instead of being alarmed, and springing from their beds, they lay still and listened--not dreading any attack from the noisy creatures.
amounting to a large indefinite number
From this reading But the hyenas and jackals upon this occasion appeared to be both numerous and bold.
an event that occurs at a critical time
From this reading But the hyenas and jackals upon this occasion appeared to be both numerous and bold.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Instead of being alarmed, and springing from their beds, they lay still and listened--not dreading any attack from the noisy creatures.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading In a few minutes after they were first heard, their cries rose around the camp on all sides, so near and so loud as to be positively disagreeable--even without considering the nature of the brutes that uttered them.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading At last they came so close, that it was impossible to look in any direction without seeing a pair of green or red eyes gleaming under the light of the fires!
a set of two similar things considered as a unit
From this reading At last they came so close, that it was impossible to look in any direction without seeing a pair of green or red eyes gleaming under the light of the fires!
positivelyadverbUS /ˈpɑːzətɪvli/
extremely
From this reading In a few minutes after they were first heard, their cries rose around the camp on all sides, so near and so loud as to be positively disagreeable--even without considering the nature of the brutes that uttered them.
red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood
From this reading At last they came so close, that it was impossible to look in any direction without seeing a pair of green or red eyes gleaming under the light of the fires!
any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses
From this reading In a few minutes after they were first heard, their cries rose around the camp on all sides, so near and so loud as to be positively disagreeable--even without considering the nature of the brutes that uttered them.
perception by means of the eyes
From this reading At last they came so close, that it was impossible to look in any direction without seeing a pair of green or red eyes gleaming under the light of the fires!
plural of “side” — a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading In a few minutes after they were first heard, their cries rose around the camp on all sides, so near and so loud as to be positively disagreeable--even without considering the nature of the brutes that uttered them.
inflected form of “sleep” — be asleep
From this reading Von Bloom and the children slept in the wagon; Swartboy and Totty upon the ground--but these lay close to the fires, and therefore did not fear wild beasts of any kind.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading In a few minutes after they were first heard, their cries rose around the camp on all sides, so near and so loud as to be positively disagreeable--even without considering the nature of the brutes that uttered them.
springingverbUS /ˈsprɪŋɪŋ/
-ing form of “spring” — move forward by leaps and bounds
From this reading Instead of being alarmed, and springing from their beds, they lay still and listened--not dreading any attack from the noisy creatures.
not in physical motion
From this reading Instead of being alarmed, and springing from their beds, they lay still and listened--not dreading any attack from the noisy creatures.
Swartboy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Von Bloom and the children slept in the wagon; Swartboy and Totty upon the ground--but these lay close to the fires, and therefore did not fear wild beasts of any kind.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading In a few minutes after they were first heard, their cries rose around the camp on all sides, so near and so loud as to be positively disagreeable--even without considering the nature of the brutes that uttered them.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Instead of being alarmed, and springing from their beds, they lay still and listened--not dreading any attack from the noisy creatures.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Instead of being alarmed, and springing from their beds, they lay still and listened--not dreading any attack from the noisy creatures.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading In a few minutes after they were first heard, their cries rose around the camp on all sides, so near and so loud as to be positively disagreeable--even without considering the nature of the brutes that uttered them.
for that reason; as a result
From this reading Von Bloom and the children slept in the wagon; Swartboy and Totty upon the ground--but these lay close to the fires, and therefore did not fear wild beasts of any kind.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading Von Bloom and the children slept in the wagon; Swartboy and Totty upon the ground--but these lay close to the fires, and therefore did not fear wild beasts of any kind.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Instead of being alarmed, and springing from their beds, they lay still and listened--not dreading any attack from the noisy creatures.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading But the hyenas and jackals upon this occasion appeared to be both numerous and bold.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Von Bloom and the children slept in the wagon; Swartboy and Totty upon the ground--but these lay close to the fires, and therefore did not fear wild beasts of any kind.
Totty
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Von Bloom and the children slept in the wagon; Swartboy and Totty upon the ground--but these lay close to the fires, and therefore did not fear wild beasts of any kind.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading At last they came so close, that it was impossible to look in any direction without seeing a pair of green or red eyes gleaming under the light of the fires!
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Von Bloom and the children slept in the wagon; Swartboy and Totty upon the ground--but these lay close to the fires, and therefore did not fear wild beasts of any kind.
communicated in words
From this reading In a few minutes after they were first heard, their cries rose around the camp on all sides, so near and so loud as to be positively disagreeable--even without considering the nature of the brutes that uttered them.
Von
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Von Bloom and the children slept in the wagon; Swartboy and Totty upon the ground--but these lay close to the fires, and therefore did not fear wild beasts of any kind.
wagonnounUS /ˈwæɡən/
any of various kinds of wheeled vehicles drawn by an animal or a tractor
From this reading Von Bloom and the children slept in the wagon; Swartboy and Totty upon the ground--but these lay close to the fires, and therefore did not fear wild beasts of any kind.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading At last they came so close, that it was impossible to look in any direction without seeing a pair of green or red eyes gleaming under the light of the fires!
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading In a few minutes after they were first heard, their cries rose around the camp on all sides, so near and so loud as to be positively disagreeable--even without considering the nature of the brutes that uttered them.
marked by extreme lack of restraint or control
From this reading Von Bloom and the children slept in the wagon; Swartboy and Totty upon the ground--but these lay close to the fires, and therefore did not fear wild beasts of any kind.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading In a few minutes after they were first heard, their cries rose around the camp on all sides, so near and so loud as to be positively disagreeable--even without considering the nature of the brutes that uttered them.
