used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading You will come to terms with a ghost within two minutes of its appearance, and it had scarcely taken that time for Mac Cann and his daughter to become one with the visitors.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading The remarkable thing about astonishment is that it can only last for an instant.
aloneadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/
Having no one else present.
From this reading It needed alone that the angels should proclaim their quality for the situation to arrange itself naturally.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The remarkable thing about astonishment is that it can only last for an instant.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading You will come to terms with a ghost within two minutes of its appearance, and it had scarcely taken that time for Mac Cann and his daughter to become one with the visitors.
angelsnounUS /ˈeɪndʒəlz/
plural of “angel” — spiritual being attendant upon God
From this reading It needed alone that the angels should proclaim their quality for the situation to arrange itself naturally.
any thing at all
From this reading If the surprisor and the surprisee are mutually astonished, then, indeed, there is a tangle out of which anything may emerge, for two explanations are necessary at the one moment, and two explanations can no more hold the same position in time than two bodies can occupy the same lodgment in space.
outward or visible aspect of a person or thing
From this reading You will come to terms with a ghost within two minutes of its appearance, and it had scarcely taken that time for Mac Cann and his daughter to become one with the visitors.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading If the surprisor and the surprisee are mutually astonished, then, indeed, there is a tangle out of which anything may emerge, for two explanations are necessary at the one moment, and two explanations can no more hold the same position in time than two bodies can occupy the same lodgment in space.
arrangeverbUS /ərˈeɪndʒ/
put into a proper or systematic order
From this reading It needed alone that the angels should proclaim their quality for the situation to arrange itself naturally.
filled with the emotional impact of overwhelming surprise or shock
From this reading If the surprisor and the surprisee are mutually astonished, then, indeed, there is a tangle out of which anything may emerge, for two explanations are necessary at the one moment, and two explanations can no more hold the same position in time than two bodies can occupy the same lodgment in space.
the feeling that accompanies something extremely surprising
From this reading The remarkable thing about astonishment is that it can only last for an instant.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading If the surprisor and the surprisee are mutually astonished, then, indeed, there is a tangle out of which anything may emerge, for two explanations are necessary at the one moment, and two explanations can no more hold the same position in time than two bodies can occupy the same lodgment in space.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading No person can be surprised for more than that time.
enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading You will come to terms with a ghost within two minutes of its appearance, and it had scarcely taken that time for Mac Cann and his daughter to become one with the visitors.
plural of “body” — the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)
From this reading If the surprisor and the surprisee are mutually astonished, then, indeed, there is a tangle out of which anything may emerge, for two explanations are necessary at the one moment, and two explanations can no more hold the same position in time than two bodies can occupy the same lodgment in space.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading The remarkable thing about astonishment is that it can only last for an instant.
Cann
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You will come to terms with a ghost within two minutes of its appearance, and it had scarcely taken that time for Mac Cann and his daughter to become one with the visitors.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading You will come to terms with a ghost within two minutes of its appearance, and it had scarcely taken that time for Mac Cann and his daughter to become one with the visitors.
a female human offspring
From this reading You will come to terms with a ghost within two minutes of its appearance, and it had scarcely taken that time for Mac Cann and his daughter to become one with the visitors.
emergeverbUS /ɪˈmɜːrdʒ/
come out into view, as from concealment
From this reading If the surprisor and the surprisee are mutually astonished, then, indeed, there is a tangle out of which anything may emerge, for two explanations are necessary at the one moment, and two explanations can no more hold the same position in time than two bodies can occupy the same lodgment in space.
explanationsnounUS /ˌekspləˈneɪʃənz/
plural of “explanation” — a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.
From this reading If the surprisor and the surprisee are mutually astonished, then, indeed, there is a tangle out of which anything may emerge, for two explanations are necessary at the one moment, and two explanations can no more hold the same position in time than two bodies can occupy the same lodgment in space.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The remarkable thing about astonishment is that it can only last for an instant.
a mental representation of some haunting experience
From this reading You will come to terms with a ghost within two minutes of its appearance, and it had scarcely taken that time for Mac Cann and his daughter to become one with the visitors.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading You will come to terms with a ghost within two minutes of its appearance, and it had scarcely taken that time for Mac Cann and his daughter to become one with the visitors.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading You will come to terms with a ghost within two minutes of its appearance, and it had scarcely taken that time for Mac Cann and his daughter to become one with the visitors.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading If the surprisor and the surprisee are mutually astonished, then, indeed, there is a tangle out of which anything may emerge, for two explanations are necessary at the one moment, and two explanations can no more hold the same position in time than two bodies can occupy the same lodgment in space.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading If the surprisor and the surprisee are mutually astonished, then, indeed, there is a tangle out of which anything may emerge, for two explanations are necessary at the one moment, and two explanations can no more hold the same position in time than two bodies can occupy the same lodgment in space.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading If the surprisor and the surprisee are mutually astonished, then, indeed, there is a tangle out of which anything may emerge, for two explanations are necessary at the one moment, and two explanations can no more hold the same position in time than two bodies can occupy the same lodgment in space.
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading If the surprisor and the surprisee are mutually astonished, then, indeed, there is a tangle out of which anything may emerge, for two explanations are necessary at the one moment, and two explanations can no more hold the same position in time than two bodies can occupy the same lodgment in space.
a very short time (as the time it takes the eye to blink or the heart to beat)
From this reading The remarkable thing about astonishment is that it can only last for an instant.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The remarkable thing about astonishment is that it can only last for an instant.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The remarkable thing about astonishment is that it can only last for an instant.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading You will come to terms with a ghost within two minutes of its appearance, and it had scarcely taken that time for Mac Cann and his daughter to become one with the visitors.
used when the thing doing the action is also its object
From this reading It needed alone that the angels should proclaim their quality for the situation to arrange itself naturally.
immediately past
From this reading The remarkable thing about astonishment is that it can only last for an instant.
lodgmentnoun
bringing a charge or accusation against someone
From this reading If the surprisor and the surprisee are mutually astonished, then, indeed, there is a tangle out of which anything may emerge, for two explanations are necessary at the one moment, and two explanations can no more hold the same position in time than two bodies can occupy the same lodgment in space.
MacnounUS /mæk/
a waterproof raincoat made of rubberized fabric
From this reading You will come to terms with a ghost within two minutes of its appearance, and it had scarcely taken that time for Mac Cann and his daughter to become one with the visitors.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading If the surprisor and the surprisee are mutually astonished, then, indeed, there is a tangle out of which anything may emerge, for two explanations are necessary at the one moment, and two explanations can no more hold the same position in time than two bodies can occupy the same lodgment in space.
a written account of what transpired at a meeting
From this reading You will come to terms with a ghost within two minutes of its appearance, and it had scarcely taken that time for Mac Cann and his daughter to become one with the visitors.
a particular point in time
From this reading If the surprisor and the surprisee are mutually astonished, then, indeed, there is a tangle out of which anything may emerge, for two explanations are necessary at the one moment, and two explanations can no more hold the same position in time than two bodies can occupy the same lodgment in space.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading No person can be surprised for more than that time.
mutuallyadverbUS /ˈmjuːtʃuːəli/
in a mutual or shared manner
From this reading If the surprisor and the surprisee are mutually astonished, then, indeed, there is a tangle out of which anything may emerge, for two explanations are necessary at the one moment, and two explanations can no more hold the same position in time than two bodies can occupy the same lodgment in space.
as might be expected
From this reading It needed alone that the angels should proclaim their quality for the situation to arrange itself naturally.
absolutely essential
From this reading If the surprisor and the surprisee are mutually astonished, then, indeed, there is a tangle out of which anything may emerge, for two explanations are necessary at the one moment, and two explanations can no more hold the same position in time than two bodies can occupy the same lodgment in space.
necessary for relief or supply
From this reading It needed alone that the angels should proclaim their quality for the situation to arrange itself naturally.
not any; not one
From this reading No person can be surprised for more than that time.
occupyverbUS /ˈɑːkjəpaɪ/
keep busy with
From this reading If the surprisor and the surprisee are mutually astonished, then, indeed, there is a tangle out of which anything may emerge, for two explanations are necessary at the one moment, and two explanations can no more hold the same position in time than two bodies can occupy the same lodgment in space.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading You will come to terms with a ghost within two minutes of its appearance, and it had scarcely taken that time for Mac Cann and his daughter to become one with the visitors.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading You will come to terms with a ghost within two minutes of its appearance, and it had scarcely taken that time for Mac Cann and his daughter to become one with the visitors.
and nothing more
From this reading The remarkable thing about astonishment is that it can only last for an instant.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading If the surprisor and the surprisee are mutually astonished, then, indeed, there is a tangle out of which anything may emerge, for two explanations are necessary at the one moment, and two explanations can no more hold the same position in time than two bodies can occupy the same lodgment in space.
a human being
From this reading No person can be surprised for more than that time.
the particular portion of space occupied by something
From this reading If the surprisor and the surprisee are mutually astonished, then, indeed, there is a tangle out of which anything may emerge, for two explanations are necessary at the one moment, and two explanations can no more hold the same position in time than two bodies can occupy the same lodgment in space.
proclaimverbUS /proʊˈkleɪm/
declare formally; declare someone to be something; of titles
From this reading It needed alone that the angels should proclaim their quality for the situation to arrange itself naturally.
an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone
From this reading It needed alone that the angels should proclaim their quality for the situation to arrange itself naturally.
unusual or striking
From this reading The remarkable thing about astonishment is that it can only last for an instant.
Identical; not different.
From this reading If the surprisor and the surprisee are mutually astonished, then, indeed, there is a tangle out of which anything may emerge, for two explanations are necessary at the one moment, and two explanations can no more hold the same position in time than two bodies can occupy the same lodgment in space.
only a very short time before
From this reading You will come to terms with a ghost within two minutes of its appearance, and it had scarcely taken that time for Mac Cann and his daughter to become one with the visitors.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading It needed alone that the angels should proclaim their quality for the situation to arrange itself naturally.
the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time
From this reading It needed alone that the angels should proclaim their quality for the situation to arrange itself naturally.
the unlimited expanse in which everything is located
From this reading If the surprisor and the surprisee are mutually astonished, then, indeed, there is a tangle out of which anything may emerge, for two explanations are necessary at the one moment, and two explanations can no more hold the same position in time than two bodies can occupy the same lodgment in space.
taken unawares or suddenly and feeling wonder or astonishment
From this reading No person can be surprised for more than that time.
surprisee
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If the surprisor and the surprisee are mutually astonished, then, indeed, there is a tangle out of which anything may emerge, for two explanations are necessary at the one moment, and two explanations can no more hold the same position in time than two bodies can occupy the same lodgment in space.
surprisor
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If the surprisor and the surprisee are mutually astonished, then, indeed, there is a tangle out of which anything may emerge, for two explanations are necessary at the one moment, and two explanations can no more hold the same position in time than two bodies can occupy the same lodgment in space.
takenadjectiveUS /ˈteɪkən/
understood in a certain way; made sense of
From this reading You will come to terms with a ghost within two minutes of its appearance, and it had scarcely taken that time for Mac Cann and his daughter to become one with the visitors.
tanglenounUS /ˈtæŋɡəl/
a twisted and tangled mass that is highly interwoven
From this reading If the surprisor and the surprisee are mutually astonished, then, indeed, there is a tangle out of which anything may emerge, for two explanations are necessary at the one moment, and two explanations can no more hold the same position in time than two bodies can occupy the same lodgment in space.
status with respect to the relations between people or groups
From this reading You will come to terms with a ghost within two minutes of its appearance, and it had scarcely taken that time for Mac Cann and his daughter to become one with the visitors.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading No person can be surprised for more than that time.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The remarkable thing about astonishment is that it can only last for an instant.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The remarkable thing about astonishment is that it can only last for an instant.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading It needed alone that the angels should proclaim their quality for the situation to arrange itself naturally.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading If the surprisor and the surprisee are mutually astonished, then, indeed, there is a tangle out of which anything may emerge, for two explanations are necessary at the one moment, and two explanations can no more hold the same position in time than two bodies can occupy the same lodgment in space.
in or at that place or location
From this reading If the surprisor and the surprisee are mutually astonished, then, indeed, there is a tangle out of which anything may emerge, for two explanations are necessary at the one moment, and two explanations can no more hold the same position in time than two bodies can occupy the same lodgment in space.
a special situation
From this reading The remarkable thing about astonishment is that it can only last for an instant.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading No person can be surprised for more than that time.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading You will come to terms with a ghost within two minutes of its appearance, and it had scarcely taken that time for Mac Cann and his daughter to become one with the visitors.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading You will come to terms with a ghost within two minutes of its appearance, and it had scarcely taken that time for Mac Cann and his daughter to become one with the visitors.
plural of “visitor” — someone who visits
From this reading You will come to terms with a ghost within two minutes of its appearance, and it had scarcely taken that time for Mac Cann and his daughter to become one with the visitors.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading If the surprisor and the surprisee are mutually astonished, then, indeed, there is a tangle out of which anything may emerge, for two explanations are necessary at the one moment, and two explanations can no more hold the same position in time than two bodies can occupy the same lodgment in space.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading You will come to terms with a ghost within two minutes of its appearance, and it had scarcely taken that time for Mac Cann and his daughter to become one with the visitors.
in the company of; together with
From this reading You will come to terms with a ghost within two minutes of its appearance, and it had scarcely taken that time for Mac Cann and his daughter to become one with the visitors.
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading You will come to terms with a ghost within two minutes of its appearance, and it had scarcely taken that time for Mac Cann and his daughter to become one with the visitors.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading You will come to terms with a ghost within two minutes of its appearance, and it had scarcely taken that time for Mac Cann and his daughter to become one with the visitors.
