used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading CAUGHT IN THE ACT "Hold on, Thad," continued Hugh, as he put a restraining hand on the shoulder of his more impulsive chum, "we've got to be careful, or else he'll learn how we're meaning to spy on him.
commonly used or practiced; usual
From this reading "He's headed straight for the building, Hugh!" breathed the other, as he complied with the directions given by the one whom he was accustomed to look upon in the light of a leader.
perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
From this reading CAUGHT IN THE ACT "Hold on, Thad," continued Hugh, as he put a restraining hand on the shoulder of his more impulsive chum, "we've got to be careful, or else he'll learn how we're meaning to spy on him.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Bend over, and do the grand sneak act."
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading CAUGHT IN THE ACT "Hold on, Thad," continued Hugh, as he put a restraining hand on the shoulder of his more impulsive chum, "we've got to be careful, or else he'll learn how we're meaning to spy on him.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading CAUGHT IN THE ACT "Hold on, Thad," continued Hugh, as he put a restraining hand on the shoulder of his more impulsive chum, "we've got to be careful, or else he'll learn how we're meaning to spy on him.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading "That's right, and I guess he's meaning to crawl inside, if only he can find a window that's been left unfastened.
BendverbUS /bend/
form a curve
From this reading Bend over, and do the grand sneak act."
uttered without voice
From this reading "He's headed straight for the building, Hugh!" breathed the other, as he complied with the directions given by the one whom he was accustomed to look upon in the light of a leader.
a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place
From this reading "He's headed straight for the building, Hugh!" breathed the other, as he complied with the directions given by the one whom he was accustomed to look upon in the light of a leader.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading "He's headed straight for the building, Hugh!" breathed the other, as he complied with the directions given by the one whom he was accustomed to look upon in the light of a leader.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading "That's right, and I guess he's meaning to crawl inside, if only he can find a window that's been left unfastened.
exercising caution or showing care or attention
From this reading CAUGHT IN THE ACT "Hold on, Thad," continued Hugh, as he put a restraining hand on the shoulder of his more impulsive chum, "we've got to be careful, or else he'll learn how we're meaning to spy on him.
inflected form of “catch” — discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state
From this reading CAUGHT IN THE ACT "Hold on, Thad," continued Hugh, as he put a restraining hand on the shoulder of his more impulsive chum, "we've got to be careful, or else he'll learn how we're meaning to spy on him.
chumnounUS /tʃʌm/
a close friend who accompanies his buddies in their activities
From this reading CAUGHT IN THE ACT "Hold on, Thad," continued Hugh, as he put a restraining hand on the shoulder of his more impulsive chum, "we've got to be careful, or else he'll learn how we're meaning to spy on him.
compliedverbUS /kəmˈplaɪd/
inflected form of “comply” — act in accordance with someone's rules, commands, or wishes
From this reading "He's headed straight for the building, Hugh!" breathed the other, as he complied with the directions given by the one whom he was accustomed to look upon in the light of a leader.
without stop or interruption
From this reading CAUGHT IN THE ACT "Hold on, Thad," continued Hugh, as he put a restraining hand on the shoulder of his more impulsive chum, "we've got to be careful, or else he'll learn how we're meaning to spy on him.
crawlverbUS /krɔːl/
move slowly; in the case of people or animals with the body near the ground
From this reading "That's right, and I guess he's meaning to crawl inside, if only he can find a window that's been left unfastened.
plural of “direction” — a line leading to a place or point
From this reading "He's headed straight for the building, Hugh!" breathed the other, as he complied with the directions given by the one whom he was accustomed to look upon in the light of a leader.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading Bend over, and do the grand sneak act."
else
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CAUGHT IN THE ACT "Hold on, Thad," continued Hugh, as he put a restraining hand on the shoulder of his more impulsive chum, "we've got to be careful, or else he'll learn how we're meaning to spy on him.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading "That's right, and I guess he's meaning to crawl inside, if only he can find a window that's been left unfastened.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading "He's headed straight for the building, Hugh!" breathed the other, as he complied with the directions given by the one whom he was accustomed to look upon in the light of a leader.
givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/
acknowledged as a supposition
From this reading "He's headed straight for the building, Hugh!" breathed the other, as he complied with the directions given by the one whom he was accustomed to look upon in the light of a leader.
inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading CAUGHT IN THE ACT "Hold on, Thad," continued Hugh, as he put a restraining hand on the shoulder of his more impulsive chum, "we've got to be careful, or else he'll learn how we're meaning to spy on him.
of behavior that is impressive and ambitious in scale or scope
From this reading Bend over, and do the grand sneak act."
expect, believe, or suppose
From this reading "That's right, and I guess he's meaning to crawl inside, if only he can find a window that's been left unfastened.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading CAUGHT IN THE ACT "Hold on, Thad," continued Hugh, as he put a restraining hand on the shoulder of his more impulsive chum, "we've got to be careful, or else he'll learn how we're meaning to spy on him.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading CAUGHT IN THE ACT "Hold on, Thad," continued Hugh, as he put a restraining hand on the shoulder of his more impulsive chum, "we've got to be careful, or else he'll learn how we're meaning to spy on him.
he'll
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CAUGHT IN THE ACT "Hold on, Thad," continued Hugh, as he put a restraining hand on the shoulder of his more impulsive chum, "we've got to be careful, or else he'll learn how we're meaning to spy on him.
He's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "He's headed straight for the building, Hugh!" breathed the other, as he complied with the directions given by the one whom he was accustomed to look upon in the light of a leader.
headedadjectiveUS /ˈhedəd/
having a heading or course in a certain direction
From this reading "He's headed straight for the building, Hugh!" breathed the other, as he complied with the directions given by the one whom he was accustomed to look upon in the light of a leader.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading CAUGHT IN THE ACT "Hold on, Thad," continued Hugh, as he put a restraining hand on the shoulder of his more impulsive chum, "we've got to be careful, or else he'll learn how we're meaning to spy on him.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading CAUGHT IN THE ACT "Hold on, Thad," continued Hugh, as he put a restraining hand on the shoulder of his more impulsive chum, "we've got to be careful, or else he'll learn how we're meaning to spy on him.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading CAUGHT IN THE ACT "Hold on, Thad," continued Hugh, as he put a restraining hand on the shoulder of his more impulsive chum, "we've got to be careful, or else he'll learn how we're meaning to spy on him.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CAUGHT IN THE ACT "Hold on, Thad," continued Hugh, as he put a restraining hand on the shoulder of his more impulsive chum, "we've got to be careful, or else he'll learn how we're meaning to spy on him.
Hugh
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CAUGHT IN THE ACT "Hold on, Thad," continued Hugh, as he put a restraining hand on the shoulder of his more impulsive chum, "we've got to be careful, or else he'll learn how we're meaning to spy on him.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "That's right, and I guess he's meaning to crawl inside, if only he can find a window that's been left unfastened.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading "That's right, and I guess he's meaning to crawl inside, if only he can find a window that's been left unfastened.
impulsiveadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpʌlsɪv/
proceeding from natural feeling or impulse without external stimulus
From this reading CAUGHT IN THE ACT "Hold on, Thad," continued Hugh, as he put a restraining hand on the shoulder of his more impulsive chum, "we've got to be careful, or else he'll learn how we're meaning to spy on him.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading CAUGHT IN THE ACT "Hold on, Thad," continued Hugh, as he put a restraining hand on the shoulder of his more impulsive chum, "we've got to be careful, or else he'll learn how we're meaning to spy on him.
relating to or being on the side closer to the center or within a defined space
From this reading "That's right, and I guess he's meaning to crawl inside, if only he can find a window that's been left unfastened.
a person who rules or guides or inspires others
From this reading "He's headed straight for the building, Hugh!" breathed the other, as he complied with the directions given by the one whom he was accustomed to look upon in the light of a leader.
gain knowledge or skills
From this reading CAUGHT IN THE ACT "Hold on, Thad," continued Hugh, as he put a restraining hand on the shoulder of his more impulsive chum, "we've got to be careful, or else he'll learn how we're meaning to spy on him.
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 "That's right, and I guess he's meaning to crawl inside, if only he can find a window that's been left unfastened.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading "He's headed straight for the building, Hugh!" breathed the other, as he complied with the directions given by the one whom he was accustomed to look upon in the light of a leader.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading "He's headed straight for the building, Hugh!" breathed the other, as he complied with the directions given by the one whom he was accustomed to look upon in the light of a leader.
the message that is intended or expressed or signified
From this reading CAUGHT IN THE ACT "Hold on, Thad," continued Hugh, as he put a restraining hand on the shoulder of his more impulsive chum, "we've got to be careful, or else he'll learn how we're meaning to spy on him.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading CAUGHT IN THE ACT "Hold on, Thad," continued Hugh, as he put a restraining hand on the shoulder of his more impulsive chum, "we've got to be careful, or else he'll learn how we're meaning to spy on him.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Steady now, Thad; he's stopped under one right now!"
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading CAUGHT IN THE ACT "Hold on, Thad," continued Hugh, as he put a restraining hand on the shoulder of his more impulsive chum, "we've got to be careful, or else he'll learn how we're meaning to spy on him.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading CAUGHT IN THE ACT "Hold on, Thad," continued Hugh, as he put a restraining hand on the shoulder of his more impulsive chum, "we've got to be careful, or else he'll learn how we're meaning to spy on him.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading "He's headed straight for the building, Hugh!" breathed the other, as he complied with the directions given by the one whom he was accustomed to look upon in the light of a leader.
and nothing more
From this reading "That's right, and I guess he's meaning to crawl inside, if only he can find a window that's been left unfastened.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading CAUGHT IN THE ACT "Hold on, Thad," continued Hugh, as he put a restraining hand on the shoulder of his more impulsive chum, "we've got to be careful, or else he'll learn how we're meaning to spy on him.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading "He's headed straight for the building, Hugh!" breathed the other, as he complied with the directions given by the one whom he was accustomed to look upon in the light of a leader.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Bend over, and do the grand sneak act."
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading CAUGHT IN THE ACT "Hold on, Thad," continued Hugh, as he put a restraining hand on the shoulder of his more impulsive chum, "we've got to be careful, or else he'll learn how we're meaning to spy on him.
restrainingverbUS /riˈstreɪnɪŋ/
-ing form of “restrain” — to close within bounds, or otherwise limit or deprive of free movement
From this reading CAUGHT IN THE ACT "Hold on, Thad," continued Hugh, as he put a restraining hand on the shoulder of his more impulsive chum, "we've got to be careful, or else he'll learn how we're meaning to spy on him.
precisely, exactly
From this reading "That's right, and I guess he's meaning to crawl inside, if only he can find a window that's been left unfastened.
lift onto one's shoulders
From this reading CAUGHT IN THE ACT "Hold on, Thad," continued Hugh, as he put a restraining hand on the shoulder of his more impulsive chum, "we've got to be careful, or else he'll learn how we're meaning to spy on him.
sneakverbUS /sniːk/
to go stealthily or furtively
From this reading Bend over, and do the grand sneak act."
spyverbUS /spaɪ/
catch sight of
From this reading CAUGHT IN THE ACT "Hold on, Thad," continued Hugh, as he put a restraining hand on the shoulder of his more impulsive chum, "we've got to be careful, or else he'll learn how we're meaning to spy on him.
make steady
From this reading Steady now, Thad; he's stopped under one right now!"
(of a nose) blocked
From this reading Steady now, Thad; he's stopped under one right now!"
successive (without a break)
From this reading "He's headed straight for the building, Hugh!" breathed the other, as he complied with the directions given by the one whom he was accustomed to look upon in the light of a leader.
Thad
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CAUGHT IN THE ACT "Hold on, Thad," continued Hugh, as he put a restraining hand on the shoulder of his more impulsive chum, "we've got to be careful, or else he'll learn how we're meaning to spy on him.
That's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "That's right, and I guess he's meaning to crawl inside, if only he can find a window that's been left unfastened.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading CAUGHT IN THE ACT "Hold on, Thad," continued Hugh, as he put a restraining hand on the shoulder of his more impulsive chum, "we've got to be careful, or else he'll learn how we're meaning to spy on him.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading CAUGHT IN THE ACT "Hold on, Thad," continued Hugh, as he put a restraining hand on the shoulder of his more impulsive chum, "we've got to be careful, or else he'll learn how we're meaning to spy on him.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading Steady now, Thad; he's stopped under one right now!"
unfastenedadjective
not closed or secured
From this reading "That's right, and I guess he's meaning to crawl inside, if only he can find a window that's been left unfastened.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading "He's headed straight for the building, Hugh!" breathed the other, as he complied with the directions given by the one whom he was accustomed to look upon in the light of a leader.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "He's headed straight for the building, Hugh!" breathed the other, as he complied with the directions given by the one whom he was accustomed to look upon in the light of a leader.
we're
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CAUGHT IN THE ACT "Hold on, Thad," continued Hugh, as he put a restraining hand on the shoulder of his more impulsive chum, "we've got to be careful, or else he'll learn how we're meaning to spy on him.
we've
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CAUGHT IN THE ACT "Hold on, Thad," continued Hugh, as he put a restraining hand on the shoulder of his more impulsive chum, "we've got to be careful, or else he'll learn how we're meaning to spy on him.
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading "He's headed straight for the building, Hugh!" breathed the other, as he complied with the directions given by the one whom he was accustomed to look upon in the light of a leader.
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 "That's right, and I guess he's meaning to crawl inside, if only he can find a window that's been left unfastened.
in the company of; together with
From this reading "He's headed straight for the building, Hugh!" breathed the other, as he complied with the directions given by the one whom he was accustomed to look upon in the light of a leader.
