used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading I had done my errand and was going home; but I was scarcely contented to return so soon, and would have walked a mile or two with pleasure.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading When I came to the paved alley, by St. Benet's, which was the nearest way to our house, I paused a moment in uncertainty, thinking where I should go--but just as I was about to return in the opposite direction, I started to hear Mr. Osborne's voice behind me.
alleynounUS /ˈæli/
a narrow street with walls on both sides
From this reading When I came to the paved alley, by St. Benet's, which was the nearest way to our house, I paused a moment in uncertainty, thinking where I should go--but just as I was about to return in the opposite direction, I started to hear Mr. Osborne's voice behind me.
aloneadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/
Having no one else present.
From this reading I turned round--Mr. Osborne was not alone--standing a little apart from him, out of regard to his meeting with me, was the young man who had so strangely interested me at the party.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading I had done my errand and was going home; but I was scarcely contented to return so soon, and would have walked a mile or two with pleasure.
separated or at a distance in place or position or time
From this reading I turned round--Mr. Osborne was not alone--standing a little apart from him, out of regard to his meeting with me, was the young man who had so strangely interested me at the party.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading When I came to the paved alley, by St. Benet's, which was the nearest way to our house, I paused a moment in uncertainty, thinking where I should go--but just as I was about to return in the opposite direction, I started to hear Mr. Osborne's voice behind me.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading "Running away, Hester?--nay, I want you at home to-day; come back and tell me how your father is."
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading "Running away, Hester?--nay, I want you at home to-day; come back and tell me how your father is."
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading "Running away, Hester?--nay, I want you at home to-day; come back and tell me how your father is."
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading When I came to the paved alley, by St. Benet's, which was the nearest way to our house, I paused a moment in uncertainty, thinking where I should go--but just as I was about to return in the opposite direction, I started to hear Mr. Osborne's voice behind me.
Benet'snounUS /ˈbenəts/
possessive form of “benet” — United States poet; brother of William Rose Benet (1898-1943)
From this reading When I came to the paved alley, by St. Benet's, which was the nearest way to our house, I paused a moment in uncertainty, thinking where I should go--but just as I was about to return in the opposite direction, I started to hear Mr. Osborne's voice behind me.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading I had done my errand and was going home; but I was scarcely contented to return so soon, and would have walked a mile or two with pleasure.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading When I came to the paved alley, by St. Benet's, which was the nearest way to our house, I paused a moment in uncertainty, thinking where I should go--but just as I was about to return in the opposite direction, I started to hear Mr. Osborne's voice behind me.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading When I came to the paved alley, by St. Benet's, which was the nearest way to our house, I paused a moment in uncertainty, thinking where I should go--but just as I was about to return in the opposite direction, I started to hear Mr. Osborne's voice behind me.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading "Running away, Hester?--nay, I want you at home to-day; come back and tell me how your father is."
contentedadjectiveUS /kənˈtentəd/
satisfied or showing satisfaction with things as they are
From this reading I had done my errand and was going home; but I was scarcely contented to return so soon, and would have walked a mile or two with pleasure.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading I glanced at him involuntarily, and so did he at me; but we had no warrant for knowing each other, and I drew apart as he did, as if by instinct.
a line leading to a place or point
From this reading When I came to the paved alley, by St. Benet's, which was the nearest way to our house, I paused a moment in uncertainty, thinking where I should go--but just as I was about to return in the opposite direction, I started to hear Mr. Osborne's voice behind me.
having finished or arrived at completion
From this reading I had done my errand and was going home; but I was scarcely contented to return so soon, and would have walked a mile or two with pleasure.
United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)
From this reading I glanced at him involuntarily, and so did he at me; but we had no warrant for knowing each other, and I drew apart as he did, as if by instinct.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading I glanced at him involuntarily, and so did he at me; but we had no warrant for knowing each other, and I drew apart as he did, as if by instinct.
errandnounUS /ˈerənd/
a short trip that is taken in the performance of a necessary task or mission
From this reading I had done my errand and was going home; but I was scarcely contented to return so soon, and would have walked a mile or two with pleasure.
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading "Running away, Hester?--nay, I want you at home to-day; come back and tell me how your father is."
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading I glanced at him involuntarily, and so did he at me; but we had no warrant for knowing each other, and I drew apart as he did, as if by instinct.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading I turned round--Mr. Osborne was not alone--standing a little apart from him, out of regard to his meeting with me, was the young man who had so strangely interested me at the party.
past form of “glance” — throw a glance at; take a brief look at
From this reading I glanced at him involuntarily, and so did he at me; but we had no warrant for knowing each other, and I drew apart as he did, as if by instinct.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading When I came to the paved alley, by St. Benet's, which was the nearest way to our house, I paused a moment in uncertainty, thinking where I should go--but just as I was about to return in the opposite direction, I started to hear Mr. Osborne's voice behind me.
the act of departing
From this reading I had done my errand and was going home; but I was scarcely contented to return so soon, and would have walked a mile or two with pleasure.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading I had done my errand and was going home; but I was scarcely contented to return so soon, and would have walked a mile or two with pleasure.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading I had done my errand and was going home; but I was scarcely contented to return so soon, and would have walked a mile or two with pleasure.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading I glanced at him involuntarily, and so did he at me; but we had no warrant for knowing each other, and I drew apart as he did, as if by instinct.
perceive (sound) via the auditory sense
From this reading When I came to the paved alley, by St. Benet's, which was the nearest way to our house, I paused a moment in uncertainty, thinking where I should go--but just as I was about to return in the opposite direction, I started to hear Mr. Osborne's voice behind me.
Hester
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Running away, Hester?--nay, I want you at home to-day; come back and tell me how your father is."
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading I turned round--Mr. Osborne was not alone--standing a little apart from him, out of regard to his meeting with me, was the young man who had so strangely interested me at the party.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading I turned round--Mr. Osborne was not alone--standing a little apart from him, out of regard to his meeting with me, was the young man who had so strangely interested me at the party.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading I had done my errand and was going home; but I was scarcely contented to return so soon, and would have walked a mile or two with pleasure.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading When I came to the paved alley, by St. Benet's, which was the nearest way to our house, I paused a moment in uncertainty, thinking where I should go--but just as I was about to return in the opposite direction, I started to hear Mr. Osborne's voice behind me.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Running away, Hester?--nay, I want you at home to-day; come back and tell me how your father is."
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading I had done my errand and was going home; but I was scarcely contented to return so soon, and would have walked a mile or two with pleasure.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading I glanced at him involuntarily, and so did he at me; but we had no warrant for knowing each other, and I drew apart as he did, as if by instinct.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading When I came to the paved alley, by St. Benet's, which was the nearest way to our house, I paused a moment in uncertainty, thinking where I should go--but just as I was about to return in the opposite direction, I started to hear Mr. Osborne's voice behind me.
inborn pattern of behavior often responsive to specific stimuli
From this reading I glanced at him involuntarily, and so did he at me; but we had no warrant for knowing each other, and I drew apart as he did, as if by instinct.
having or showing interest; especially curiosity or fascination or concern
From this reading I turned round--Mr. Osborne was not alone--standing a little apart from him, out of regard to his meeting with me, was the young man who had so strangely interested me at the party.
involuntarilyadverbUS /ˌɪnvoʊˈlʌntərɪli/
against your will
From this reading I glanced at him involuntarily, and so did he at me; but we had no warrant for knowing each other, and I drew apart as he did, as if by instinct.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "Running away, Hester?--nay, I want you at home to-day; come back and tell me how your father is."
and nothing more
From this reading When I came to the paved alley, by St. Benet's, which was the nearest way to our house, I paused a moment in uncertainty, thinking where I should go--but just as I was about to return in the opposite direction, I started to hear Mr. Osborne's voice behind me.
evidencing the possession of inside information
From this reading I glanced at him involuntarily, and so did he at me; but we had no warrant for knowing each other, and I drew apart as he did, as if by instinct.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading I turned round--Mr. Osborne was not alone--standing a little apart from him, out of regard to his meeting with me, was the young man who had so strangely interested me at the party.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading I turned round--Mr. Osborne was not alone--standing a little apart from him, out of regard to his meeting with me, was the young man who had so strangely interested me at the party.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading When I came to the paved alley, by St. Benet's, which was the nearest way to our house, I paused a moment in uncertainty, thinking where I should go--but just as I was about to return in the opposite direction, I started to hear Mr. Osborne's voice behind me.
a formally arranged gathering
From this reading I turned round--Mr. Osborne was not alone--standing a little apart from him, out of regard to his meeting with me, was the young man who had so strangely interested me at the party.
a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters
From this reading I had done my errand and was going home; but I was scarcely contented to return so soon, and would have walked a mile or two with pleasure.
a particular point in time
From this reading When I came to the paved alley, by St. Benet's, which was the nearest way to our house, I paused a moment in uncertainty, thinking where I should go--but just as I was about to return in the opposite direction, I started to hear Mr. Osborne's voice behind me.
a form of address for a man
From this reading When I came to the paved alley, by St. Benet's, which was the nearest way to our house, I paused a moment in uncertainty, thinking where I should go--but just as I was about to return in the opposite direction, I started to hear Mr. Osborne's voice behind me.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading I had done my errand and was going home; but I was scarcely contented to return so soon, and would have walked a mile or two with pleasure.
an old word for “no”
From this reading "Running away, Hester?--nay, I want you at home to-day; come back and tell me how your father is."
(superlative of “near” or “close”) within the shortest distance
From this reading When I came to the paved alley, by St. Benet's, which was the nearest way to our house, I paused a moment in uncertainty, thinking where I should go--but just as I was about to return in the opposite direction, I started to hear Mr. Osborne's voice behind me.
not any; not one
From this reading I glanced at him involuntarily, and so did he at me; but we had no warrant for knowing each other, and I drew apart as he did, as if by instinct.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading I turned round--Mr. Osborne was not alone--standing a little apart from him, out of regard to his meeting with me, was the young man who had so strangely interested me at the party.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading I turned round--Mr. Osborne was not alone--standing a little apart from him, out of regard to his meeting with me, was the young man who had so strangely interested me at the party.
being directly across from each other; facing
From this reading When I came to the paved alley, by St. Benet's, which was the nearest way to our house, I paused a moment in uncertainty, thinking where I should go--but just as I was about to return in the opposite direction, I started to hear Mr. Osborne's voice behind me.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading I had done my errand and was going home; but I was scarcely contented to return so soon, and would have walked a mile or two with pleasure.
OsbornenounUS /ˈɔːzbɔːrn/
English playwright (1929-1994)
From this reading I turned round--Mr. Osborne was not alone--standing a little apart from him, out of regard to his meeting with me, was the young man who had so strangely interested me at the party.
Osborne'snounUS /ˈɔːzbɔːrnz/
possessive form of “osborne” — English playwright (1929-1994)
From this reading When I came to the paved alley, by St. Benet's, which was the nearest way to our house, I paused a moment in uncertainty, thinking where I should go--but just as I was about to return in the opposite direction, I started to hear Mr. Osborne's voice behind me.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading I glanced at him involuntarily, and so did he at me; but we had no warrant for knowing each other, and I drew apart as he did, as if by instinct.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading When I came to the paved alley, by St. Benet's, which was the nearest way to our house, I paused a moment in uncertainty, thinking where I should go--but just as I was about to return in the opposite direction, I started to hear Mr. Osborne's voice behind me.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading I turned round--Mr. Osborne was not alone--standing a little apart from him, out of regard to his meeting with me, was the young man who had so strangely interested me at the party.
an organization to gain political power
From this reading I turned round--Mr. Osborne was not alone--standing a little apart from him, out of regard to his meeting with me, was the young man who had so strangely interested me at the party.
past form of “pause” — interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing
From this reading When I came to the paved alley, by St. Benet's, which was the nearest way to our house, I paused a moment in uncertainty, thinking where I should go--but just as I was about to return in the opposite direction, I started to hear Mr. Osborne's voice behind me.
pavedadjectiveUS /peɪvd/
covered with a firm surface
From this reading When I came to the paved alley, by St. Benet's, which was the nearest way to our house, I paused a moment in uncertainty, thinking where I should go--but just as I was about to return in the opposite direction, I started to hear Mr. Osborne's voice behind me.
a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience
From this reading I had done my errand and was going home; but I was scarcely contented to return so soon, and would have walked a mile or two with pleasure.
(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point
From this reading I turned round--Mr. Osborne was not alone--standing a little apart from him, out of regard to his meeting with me, was the young man who had so strangely interested me at the party.
go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading I had done my errand and was going home; but I was scarcely contented to return so soon, and would have walked a mile or two with pleasure.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading I turned round--Mr. Osborne was not alone--standing a little apart from him, out of regard to his meeting with me, was the young man who had so strangely interested me at the party.
(of fluids) moving or issuing in a stream
From this reading "Running away, Hester?--nay, I want you at home to-day; come back and tell me how your father is."
only a very short time before
From this reading I had done my errand and was going home; but I was scarcely contented to return so soon, and would have walked a mile or two with pleasure.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading When I came to the paved alley, by St. Benet's, which was the nearest way to our house, I paused a moment in uncertainty, thinking where I should go--but just as I was about to return in the opposite direction, I started to hear Mr. Osborne's voice behind me.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading I had done my errand and was going home; but I was scarcely contented to return so soon, and would have walked a mile or two with pleasure.
in the near future
From this reading I had done my errand and was going home; but I was scarcely contented to return so soon, and would have walked a mile or two with pleasure.
St
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When I came to the paved alley, by St. Benet's, which was the nearest way to our house, I paused a moment in uncertainty, thinking where I should go--but just as I was about to return in the opposite direction, I started to hear Mr. Osborne's voice behind me.
having a supporting base
From this reading I turned round--Mr. Osborne was not alone--standing a little apart from him, out of regard to his meeting with me, was the young man who had so strangely interested me at the party.
past form of “start” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading When I came to the paved alley, by St. Benet's, which was the nearest way to our house, I paused a moment in uncertainty, thinking where I should go--but just as I was about to return in the opposite direction, I started to hear Mr. Osborne's voice behind me.
in a strange manner
From this reading I turned round--Mr. Osborne was not alone--standing a little apart from him, out of regard to his meeting with me, was the young man who had so strangely interested me at the party.
express in words
From this reading "Running away, Hester?--nay, I want you at home to-day; come back and tell me how your father is."
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading When I came to the paved alley, by St. Benet's, which was the nearest way to our house, I paused a moment in uncertainty, thinking where I should go--but just as I was about to return in the opposite direction, I started to hear Mr. Osborne's voice behind me.
the process of using your mind to consider something carefully
From this reading When I came to the paved alley, by St. Benet's, which was the nearest way to our house, I paused a moment in uncertainty, thinking where I should go--but just as I was about to return in the opposite direction, I started to hear Mr. Osborne's voice behind me.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading I had done my errand and was going home; but I was scarcely contented to return so soon, and would have walked a mile or two with pleasure.
to-day
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Running away, Hester?--nay, I want you at home to-day; come back and tell me how your father is."
moved around an axis or center
From this reading I turned round--Mr. Osborne was not alone--standing a little apart from him, out of regard to his meeting with me, was the young man who had so strangely interested me at the party.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading I had done my errand and was going home; but I was scarcely contented to return so soon, and would have walked a mile or two with pleasure.
uncertaintynounUS /ənˈsɜːrtənti/
being unsettled or in doubt or dependent on chance
From this reading When I came to the paved alley, by St. Benet's, which was the nearest way to our house, I paused a moment in uncertainty, thinking where I should go--but just as I was about to return in the opposite direction, I started to hear Mr. Osborne's voice behind me.
the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading When I came to the paved alley, by St. Benet's, which was the nearest way to our house, I paused a moment in uncertainty, thinking where I should go--but just as I was about to return in the opposite direction, I started to hear Mr. Osborne's voice behind me.
past form of “walk” — use one's feet to advance; advance by steps
From this reading I had done my errand and was going home; but I was scarcely contented to return so soon, and would have walked a mile or two with pleasure.
feel or have a desire for; want strongly
From this reading "Running away, Hester?--nay, I want you at home to-day; come back and tell me how your father is."
warrantnounUS /ˈwɔːrənt/
a writ from a court commanding police to perform specified acts
From this reading I glanced at him involuntarily, and so did he at me; but we had no warrant for knowing each other, and I drew apart as he did, as if by instinct.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading I had done my errand and was going home; but I was scarcely contented to return so soon, and would have walked a mile or two with pleasure.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading When I came to the paved alley, by St. Benet's, which was the nearest way to our house, I paused a moment in uncertainty, thinking where I should go--but just as I was about to return in the opposite direction, I started to hear Mr. Osborne's voice behind me.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading I glanced at him involuntarily, and so did he at me; but we had no warrant for knowing each other, and I drew apart as he did, as if by instinct.
at the time that
From this reading When I came to the paved alley, by St. Benet's, which was the nearest way to our house, I paused a moment in uncertainty, thinking where I should go--but just as I was about to return in the opposite direction, I started to hear Mr. Osborne's voice behind me.
in or at the place that
From this reading When I came to the paved alley, by St. Benet's, which was the nearest way to our house, I paused a moment in uncertainty, thinking where I should go--but just as I was about to return in the opposite direction, I started to hear Mr. Osborne's voice behind me.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading When I came to the paved alley, by St. Benet's, which was the nearest way to our house, I paused a moment in uncertainty, thinking where I should go--but just as I was about to return in the opposite direction, I started to hear Mr. Osborne's voice behind me.
which person or people
From this reading I turned round--Mr. Osborne was not alone--standing a little apart from him, out of regard to his meeting with me, was the young man who had so strangely interested me at the party.
in the company of; together with
From this reading I had done my errand and was going home; but I was scarcely contented to return so soon, and would have walked a mile or two with pleasure.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading I had done my errand and was going home; but I was scarcely contented to return so soon, and would have walked a mile or two with pleasure.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "Running away, Hester?--nay, I want you at home to-day; come back and tell me how your father is."
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading I turned round--Mr. Osborne was not alone--standing a little apart from him, out of regard to his meeting with me, was the young man who had so strangely interested me at the party.
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "Running away, Hester?--nay, I want you at home to-day; come back and tell me how your father is."
