used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED DISMISSAL The shades had been drawn closely to exclude the sun, and, for a moment after he first crossed the threshold of the library, West was unable to distinguish any occupant.
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading He heard Sexton silently close the door behind him, but it was not until she moved slightly that he was able to perceive her presence directly across from where he stood.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading He heard Sexton silently close the door behind him, but it was not until she moved slightly that he was able to perceive her presence directly across from where he stood.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED DISMISSAL The shades had been drawn closely to exclude the sun, and, for a moment after he first crossed the threshold of the library, West was unable to distinguish any occupant.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED DISMISSAL The shades had been drawn closely to exclude the sun, and, for a moment after he first crossed the threshold of the library, West was unable to distinguish any occupant.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED DISMISSAL The shades had been drawn closely to exclude the sun, and, for a moment after he first crossed the threshold of the library, West was unable to distinguish any occupant.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED DISMISSAL The shades had been drawn closely to exclude the sun, and, for a moment after he first crossed the threshold of the library, West was unable to distinguish any occupant.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED DISMISSAL The shades had been drawn closely to exclude the sun, and, for a moment after he first crossed the threshold of the library, West was unable to distinguish any occupant.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading He heard Sexton silently close the door behind him, but it was not until she moved slightly that he was able to perceive her presence directly across from where he stood.
lacking funds
From this reading Her voice broke the silence.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading He heard Sexton silently close the door behind him, but it was not until she moved slightly that he was able to perceive her presence directly across from where he stood.
an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading "You will find a seat next to the window, Captain," she said quietly.
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading He heard Sexton silently close the door behind him, but it was not until she moved slightly that he was able to perceive her presence directly across from where he stood.
in a close relation or position in time or space
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED DISMISSAL The shades had been drawn closely to exclude the sun, and, for a moment after he first crossed the threshold of the library, West was unable to distinguish any occupant.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading "It was very good of you to come."
placed crosswise
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED DISMISSAL The shades had been drawn closely to exclude the sun, and, for a moment after he first crossed the threshold of the library, West was unable to distinguish any occupant.
without deviation
From this reading He heard Sexton silently close the door behind him, but it was not until she moved slightly that he was able to perceive her presence directly across from where he stood.
DISMISSALnounUS /dɪˈsmɪsəl/
a judgment disposing of the matter without a trial
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED DISMISSAL The shades had been drawn closely to exclude the sun, and, for a moment after he first crossed the threshold of the library, West was unable to distinguish any occupant.
distinguishverbUS /dɪˈstɪŋɡwɪʃ/
mark as different
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED DISMISSAL The shades had been drawn closely to exclude the sun, and, for a moment after he first crossed the threshold of the library, West was unable to distinguish any occupant.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading He heard Sexton silently close the door behind him, but it was not until she moved slightly that he was able to perceive her presence directly across from where he stood.
showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED DISMISSAL The shades had been drawn closely to exclude the sun, and, for a moment after he first crossed the threshold of the library, West was unable to distinguish any occupant.
excludeverbUS /ɪkˈskluːd/
prevent from being included or considered or accepted
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED DISMISSAL The shades had been drawn closely to exclude the sun, and, for a moment after he first crossed the threshold of the library, West was unable to distinguish any occupant.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading "You will find a seat next to the window, Captain," she said quietly.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED DISMISSAL The shades had been drawn closely to exclude the sun, and, for a moment after he first crossed the threshold of the library, West was unable to distinguish any occupant.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED DISMISSAL The shades had been drawn closely to exclude the sun, and, for a moment after he first crossed the threshold of the library, West was unable to distinguish any occupant.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading He heard Sexton silently close the door behind him, but it was not until she moved slightly that he was able to perceive her presence directly across from where he stood.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading "It was very good of you to come."
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED DISMISSAL The shades had been drawn closely to exclude the sun, and, for a moment after he first crossed the threshold of the library, West was unable to distinguish any occupant.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED DISMISSAL The shades had been drawn closely to exclude the sun, and, for a moment after he first crossed the threshold of the library, West was unable to distinguish any occupant.
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading He heard Sexton silently close the door behind him, but it was not until she moved slightly that he was able to perceive her presence directly across from where he stood.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading He heard Sexton silently close the door behind him, but it was not until she moved slightly that he was able to perceive her presence directly across from where he stood.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He heard Sexton silently close the door behind him, but it was not until she moved slightly that he was able to perceive her presence directly across from where he stood.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading He heard Sexton silently close the door behind him, but it was not until she moved slightly that he was able to perceive her presence directly across from where he stood.
a room where books are kept
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED DISMISSAL The shades had been drawn closely to exclude the sun, and, for a moment after he first crossed the threshold of the library, West was unable to distinguish any occupant.
a particular point in time
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED DISMISSAL The shades had been drawn closely to exclude the sun, and, for a moment after he first crossed the threshold of the library, West was unable to distinguish any occupant.
being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion
From this reading He heard Sexton silently close the door behind him, but it was not until she moved slightly that he was able to perceive her presence directly across from where he stood.
immediately following in time or order
From this reading "You will find a seat next to the window, Captain," she said quietly.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading He heard Sexton silently close the door behind him, but it was not until she moved slightly that he was able to perceive her presence directly across from where he stood.
occupantnounUS /ˈɑːkjəpənt/
someone who lives at a particular place for a prolonged period or who was born there
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED DISMISSAL The shades had been drawn closely to exclude the sun, and, for a moment after he first crossed the threshold of the library, West was unable to distinguish any occupant.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED DISMISSAL The shades had been drawn closely to exclude the sun, and, for a moment after he first crossed the threshold of the library, West was unable to distinguish any occupant.
to become aware of through the senses
From this reading He heard Sexton silently close the door behind him, but it was not until she moved slightly that he was able to perceive her presence directly across from where he stood.
the state of being present; current existence
From this reading He heard Sexton silently close the door behind him, but it was not until she moved slightly that he was able to perceive her presence directly across from where he stood.
with low volume
From this reading "You will find a seat next to the window, Captain," she said quietly.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading "You will find a seat next to the window, Captain," she said quietly.
a space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or on a train or airplane)
From this reading "You will find a seat next to the window, Captain," she said quietly.
SextonnounUS /ˈsekstən/
United States poet (1928-1974)
From this reading He heard Sexton silently close the door behind him, but it was not until she moved slightly that he was able to perceive her presence directly across from where he stood.
shadesnounUS /ʃeɪdz/
(plural) something that reminds you of someone or something
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED DISMISSAL The shades had been drawn closely to exclude the sun, and, for a moment after he first crossed the threshold of the library, West was unable to distinguish any occupant.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He heard Sexton silently close the door behind him, but it was not until she moved slightly that he was able to perceive her presence directly across from where he stood.
Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.
From this reading Her voice broke the silence.
without speaking
From this reading He heard Sexton silently close the door behind him, but it was not until she moved slightly that he was able to perceive her presence directly across from where he stood.
to a small degree or extent
From this reading He heard Sexton silently close the door behind him, but it was not until she moved slightly that he was able to perceive her presence directly across from where he stood.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading He heard Sexton silently close the door behind him, but it was not until she moved slightly that he was able to perceive her presence directly across from where he stood.
the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED DISMISSAL The shades had been drawn closely to exclude the sun, and, for a moment after he first crossed the threshold of the library, West was unable to distinguish any occupant.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading He heard Sexton silently close the door behind him, but it was not until she moved slightly that he was able to perceive her presence directly across from where he stood.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED DISMISSAL The shades had been drawn closely to exclude the sun, and, for a moment after he first crossed the threshold of the library, West was unable to distinguish any occupant.
thresholdnounUS /ˈθreʃoʊld/
the starting point for a new state or experience
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED DISMISSAL The shades had been drawn closely to exclude the sun, and, for a moment after he first crossed the threshold of the library, West was unable to distinguish any occupant.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED DISMISSAL The shades had been drawn closely to exclude the sun, and, for a moment after he first crossed the threshold of the library, West was unable to distinguish any occupant.
(usually followed by “to”) not having the necessary means or skill or know-how
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED DISMISSAL The shades had been drawn closely to exclude the sun, and, for a moment after he first crossed the threshold of the library, West was unable to distinguish any occupant.
not expected or anticipated
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED DISMISSAL The shades had been drawn closely to exclude the sun, and, for a moment after he first crossed the threshold of the library, West was unable to distinguish any occupant.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading He heard Sexton silently close the door behind him, but it was not until she moved slightly that he was able to perceive her presence directly across from where he stood.
precisely as stated
From this reading "It was very good of you to come."
the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading Her voice broke the silence.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED DISMISSAL The shades had been drawn closely to exclude the sun, and, for a moment after he first crossed the threshold of the library, West was unable to distinguish any occupant.
the countries of (originally) Europe and (now including) North America and South America
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED DISMISSAL The shades had been drawn closely to exclude the sun, and, for a moment after he first crossed the threshold of the library, West was unable to distinguish any occupant.
in or at the place that
From this reading He heard Sexton silently close the door behind him, but it was not until she moved slightly that he was able to perceive her presence directly across from where he stood.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading "You will find a seat next to the window, Captain," she said quietly.
a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air
From this reading "You will find a seat next to the window, Captain," she said quietly.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "You will find a seat next to the window, Captain," she said quietly.
