used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading GRIGGS GETS AN ORDER At eight o'clock Laurie found Doris sitting under the shade of a reading-lamp in her studio, deep in the pages of a sophisticated French novel and radiating an almost oppressive atmosphere of well-being.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading GRIGGS GETS AN ORDER At eight o'clock Laurie found Doris sitting under the shade of a reading-lamp in her studio, deep in the pages of a sophisticated French novel and radiating an almost oppressive atmosphere of well-being.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading GRIGGS GETS AN ORDER At eight o'clock Laurie found Doris sitting under the shade of a reading-lamp in her studio, deep in the pages of a sophisticated French novel and radiating an almost oppressive atmosphere of well-being.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading GRIGGS GETS AN ORDER At eight o'clock Laurie found Doris sitting under the shade of a reading-lamp in her studio, deep in the pages of a sophisticated French novel and radiating an almost oppressive atmosphere of well-being.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading But he returned her half-serious, half-mocking smile with one as enigmatic, shook hands with grave formality, and surveyed with mild interest a modest heap of bank-notes of small denominations that lay on the table, catching the room's high lights.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading GRIGGS GETS AN ORDER At eight o'clock Laurie found Doris sitting under the shade of a reading-lamp in her studio, deep in the pages of a sophisticated French novel and radiating an almost oppressive atmosphere of well-being.
a particular environment or surrounding influence
From this reading GRIGGS GETS AN ORDER At eight o'clock Laurie found Doris sitting under the shade of a reading-lamp in her studio, deep in the pages of a sophisticated French novel and radiating an almost oppressive atmosphere of well-being.
bank-notes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But he returned her half-serious, half-mocking smile with one as enigmatic, shook hands with grave formality, and surveyed with mild interest a modest heap of bank-notes of small denominations that lay on the table, catching the room's high lights.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But he returned her half-serious, half-mocking smile with one as enigmatic, shook hands with grave formality, and surveyed with mild interest a modest heap of bank-notes of small denominations that lay on the table, catching the room's high lights.
catchingnounUS /ˈkætʃɪŋ/
(baseball) playing the position of catcher on a baseball team
From this reading But he returned her half-serious, half-mocking smile with one as enigmatic, shook hands with grave formality, and surveyed with mild interest a modest heap of bank-notes of small denominations that lay on the table, catching the room's high lights.
complacentlyadverbUS /kəmˈpleɪsəntli/
in a self-satisfied manner
From this reading Following his glance, Doris nodded complacently.
relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply
From this reading GRIGGS GETS AN ORDER At eight o'clock Laurie found Doris sitting under the shade of a reading-lamp in her studio, deep in the pages of a sophisticated French novel and radiating an almost oppressive atmosphere of well-being.
denominationsnounUS /dɪˌnɔːməˈneɪʃənz/
plural of “denomination” — a group of religious congregations having its own organization and a distinctive faith
From this reading But he returned her half-serious, half-mocking smile with one as enigmatic, shook hands with grave formality, and surveyed with mild interest a modest heap of bank-notes of small denominations that lay on the table, catching the room's high lights.
DorisnounUS /ˈdɔːrəs/
(Greek mythology) wife of Nereus and mother of the Nereids
From this reading GRIGGS GETS AN ORDER At eight o'clock Laurie found Doris sitting under the shade of a reading-lamp in her studio, deep in the pages of a sophisticated French novel and radiating an almost oppressive atmosphere of well-being.
being one more than seven
From this reading GRIGGS GETS AN ORDER At eight o'clock Laurie found Doris sitting under the shade of a reading-lamp in her studio, deep in the pages of a sophisticated French novel and radiating an almost oppressive atmosphere of well-being.
enigmaticadjectiveUS /ˌenɪɡˈmætɪk/
not clear to the understanding
From this reading But he returned her half-serious, half-mocking smile with one as enigmatic, shook hands with grave formality, and surveyed with mild interest a modest heap of bank-notes of small denominations that lay on the table, catching the room's high lights.
about to be mentioned or specified
From this reading Following his glance, Doris nodded complacently.
formalitynounUS /fɔːrˈmæləti/
a requirement of etiquette or custom
From this reading But he returned her half-serious, half-mocking smile with one as enigmatic, shook hands with grave formality, and surveyed with mild interest a modest heap of bank-notes of small denominations that lay on the table, catching the room's high lights.
set up or found
From this reading GRIGGS GETS AN ORDER At eight o'clock Laurie found Doris sitting under the shade of a reading-lamp in her studio, deep in the pages of a sophisticated French novel and radiating an almost oppressive atmosphere of well-being.
the Romance language spoken in France and in countries colonized by France
From this reading GRIGGS GETS AN ORDER At eight o'clock Laurie found Doris sitting under the shade of a reading-lamp in her studio, deep in the pages of a sophisticated French novel and radiating an almost oppressive atmosphere of well-being.
plural of “get” — a return on a shot that seemed impossible to reach and would normally have resulted in a point for the opponent
From this reading GRIGGS GETS AN ORDER At eight o'clock Laurie found Doris sitting under the shade of a reading-lamp in her studio, deep in the pages of a sophisticated French novel and radiating an almost oppressive atmosphere of well-being.
throw a glance at; take a brief look at
From this reading Following his glance, Doris nodded complacently.
death of a person
From this reading But he returned her half-serious, half-mocking smile with one as enigmatic, shook hands with grave formality, and surveyed with mild interest a modest heap of bank-notes of small denominations that lay on the table, catching the room's high lights.
GRIGGS
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading GRIGGS GETS AN ORDER At eight o'clock Laurie found Doris sitting under the shade of a reading-lamp in her studio, deep in the pages of a sophisticated French novel and radiating an almost oppressive atmosphere of well-being.
half-mocking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But he returned her half-serious, half-mocking smile with one as enigmatic, shook hands with grave formality, and surveyed with mild interest a modest heap of bank-notes of small denominations that lay on the table, catching the room's high lights.
half-serious
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But he returned her half-serious, half-mocking smile with one as enigmatic, shook hands with grave formality, and surveyed with mild interest a modest heap of bank-notes of small denominations that lay on the table, catching the room's high lights.
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading But he returned her half-serious, half-mocking smile with one as enigmatic, shook hands with grave formality, and surveyed with mild interest a modest heap of bank-notes of small denominations that lay on the table, catching the room's high lights.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Subconsciously, he resented this.
a collection of objects laid on top of each other
From this reading But he returned her half-serious, half-mocking smile with one as enigmatic, shook hands with grave formality, and surveyed with mild interest a modest heap of bank-notes of small denominations that lay on the table, catching the room's high lights.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading GRIGGS GETS AN ORDER At eight o'clock Laurie found Doris sitting under the shade of a reading-lamp in her studio, deep in the pages of a sophisticated French novel and radiating an almost oppressive atmosphere of well-being.
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading But he returned her half-serious, half-mocking smile with one as enigmatic, shook hands with grave formality, and surveyed with mild interest a modest heap of bank-notes of small denominations that lay on the table, catching the room's high lights.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading His mood was keyed to tragedy.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading GRIGGS GETS AN ORDER At eight o'clock Laurie found Doris sitting under the shade of a reading-lamp in her studio, deep in the pages of a sophisticated French novel and radiating an almost oppressive atmosphere of well-being.
a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
From this reading But he returned her half-serious, half-mocking smile with one as enigmatic, shook hands with grave formality, and surveyed with mild interest a modest heap of bank-notes of small denominations that lay on the table, catching the room's high lights.
keyedadjectiveUS /kiːd/
fitted with or secured by a key
From this reading His mood was keyed to tragedy.
Laurie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading GRIGGS GETS AN ORDER At eight o'clock Laurie found Doris sitting under the shade of a reading-lamp in her studio, deep in the pages of a sophisticated French novel and radiating an almost oppressive atmosphere of well-being.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading But he returned her half-serious, half-mocking smile with one as enigmatic, shook hands with grave formality, and surveyed with mild interest a modest heap of bank-notes of small denominations that lay on the table, catching the room's high lights.
plural of “light” — (physics) electromagnetic radiation that can produce a visual sensation
From this reading But he returned her half-serious, half-mocking smile with one as enigmatic, shook hands with grave formality, and surveyed with mild interest a modest heap of bank-notes of small denominations that lay on the table, catching the room's high lights.
mildadjectiveUS /maɪld/
moderate in type or degree or effect or force; far from extreme
From this reading But he returned her half-serious, half-mocking smile with one as enigmatic, shook hands with grave formality, and surveyed with mild interest a modest heap of bank-notes of small denominations that lay on the table, catching the room's high lights.
marked by simplicity; having a humble opinion of yourself
From this reading But he returned her half-serious, half-mocking smile with one as enigmatic, shook hands with grave formality, and surveyed with mild interest a modest heap of bank-notes of small denominations that lay on the table, catching the room's high lights.
a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling
From this reading His mood was keyed to tragedy.
inflected form of “nod” — express or signify by nodding
From this reading Following his glance, Doris nodded complacently.
novelnounUS /ˈnɑːvəl/
an extended fictional work in prose; usually in the form of a story
From this reading GRIGGS GETS AN ORDER At eight o'clock Laurie found Doris sitting under the shade of a reading-lamp in her studio, deep in the pages of a sophisticated French novel and radiating an almost oppressive atmosphere of well-being.
o'clockadverbUS /əˈklɑːk/
according to the clock
From this reading GRIGGS GETS AN ORDER At eight o'clock Laurie found Doris sitting under the shade of a reading-lamp in her studio, deep in the pages of a sophisticated French novel and radiating an almost oppressive atmosphere of well-being.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading GRIGGS GETS AN ORDER At eight o'clock Laurie found Doris sitting under the shade of a reading-lamp in her studio, deep in the pages of a sophisticated French novel and radiating an almost oppressive atmosphere of well-being.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading But he returned her half-serious, half-mocking smile with one as enigmatic, shook hands with grave formality, and surveyed with mild interest a modest heap of bank-notes of small denominations that lay on the table, catching the room's high lights.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading But he returned her half-serious, half-mocking smile with one as enigmatic, shook hands with grave formality, and surveyed with mild interest a modest heap of bank-notes of small denominations that lay on the table, catching the room's high lights.
oppressiveadjectiveUS /əˈpresɪv/
weighing heavily on the senses or spirit
From this reading GRIGGS GETS AN ORDER At eight o'clock Laurie found Doris sitting under the shade of a reading-lamp in her studio, deep in the pages of a sophisticated French novel and radiating an almost oppressive atmosphere of well-being.
(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading GRIGGS GETS AN ORDER At eight o'clock Laurie found Doris sitting under the shade of a reading-lamp in her studio, deep in the pages of a sophisticated French novel and radiating an almost oppressive atmosphere of well-being.
plural of “page” — one side of one leaf (of a book or magazine or newspaper or letter etc.) or the written or pictorial matter it contains
From this reading GRIGGS GETS AN ORDER At eight o'clock Laurie found Doris sitting under the shade of a reading-lamp in her studio, deep in the pages of a sophisticated French novel and radiating an almost oppressive atmosphere of well-being.
radiatingadjectiveUS /ˈreɪdieɪtɪŋ/
diverging from a common point
From this reading GRIGGS GETS AN ORDER At eight o'clock Laurie found Doris sitting under the shade of a reading-lamp in her studio, deep in the pages of a sophisticated French novel and radiating an almost oppressive atmosphere of well-being.
reading-lamp
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading GRIGGS GETS AN ORDER At eight o'clock Laurie found Doris sitting under the shade of a reading-lamp in her studio, deep in the pages of a sophisticated French novel and radiating an almost oppressive atmosphere of well-being.
resentedverbUS /riˈzentɪd/
past form of “resent” — feel bitter or indignant about
From this reading Subconsciously, he resented this.
past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading But he returned her half-serious, half-mocking smile with one as enigmatic, shook hands with grave formality, and surveyed with mild interest a modest heap of bank-notes of small denominations that lay on the table, catching the room's high lights.
room'snounUS /ruːmz/
possessive form of “room” — an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading But he returned her half-serious, half-mocking smile with one as enigmatic, shook hands with grave formality, and surveyed with mild interest a modest heap of bank-notes of small denominations that lay on the table, catching the room's high lights.
relative darkness caused by light rays being intercepted by an opaque body
From this reading GRIGGS GETS AN ORDER At eight o'clock Laurie found Doris sitting under the shade of a reading-lamp in her studio, deep in the pages of a sophisticated French novel and radiating an almost oppressive atmosphere of well-being.
a disassembled barrel; the parts packed for storage or shipment
From this reading But he returned her half-serious, half-mocking smile with one as enigmatic, shook hands with grave formality, and surveyed with mild interest a modest heap of bank-notes of small denominations that lay on the table, catching the room's high lights.
(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)
From this reading GRIGGS GETS AN ORDER At eight o'clock Laurie found Doris sitting under the shade of a reading-lamp in her studio, deep in the pages of a sophisticated French novel and radiating an almost oppressive atmosphere of well-being.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading But he returned her half-serious, half-mocking smile with one as enigmatic, shook hands with grave formality, and surveyed with mild interest a modest heap of bank-notes of small denominations that lay on the table, catching the room's high lights.
change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure
From this reading But he returned her half-serious, half-mocking smile with one as enigmatic, shook hands with grave formality, and surveyed with mild interest a modest heap of bank-notes of small denominations that lay on the table, catching the room's high lights.
sophisticatedadjectiveUS /səˈfɪstəkeɪtɪd/
having or appealing to those having worldly knowledge and refinement and savoir-faire
From this reading GRIGGS GETS AN ORDER At eight o'clock Laurie found Doris sitting under the shade of a reading-lamp in her studio, deep in the pages of a sophisticated French novel and radiating an almost oppressive atmosphere of well-being.
studionounUS /ˈstuːdioʊ/
workplace for the teaching or practice of an art
From this reading GRIGGS GETS AN ORDER At eight o'clock Laurie found Doris sitting under the shade of a reading-lamp in her studio, deep in the pages of a sophisticated French novel and radiating an almost oppressive atmosphere of well-being.
SubconsciouslyadverbUS /səbˈkɑːnʃəsli/
from the subconscious mind
From this reading Subconsciously, he resented this.
surveyedverbUS /sərˈveɪd/
past form of “survey” — consider in a comprehensive way
From this reading But he returned her half-serious, half-mocking smile with one as enigmatic, shook hands with grave formality, and surveyed with mild interest a modest heap of bank-notes of small denominations that lay on the table, catching the room's high lights.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading But he returned her half-serious, half-mocking smile with one as enigmatic, shook hands with grave formality, and surveyed with mild interest a modest heap of bank-notes of small denominations that lay on the table, catching the room's high lights.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading But he returned her half-serious, half-mocking smile with one as enigmatic, shook hands with grave formality, and surveyed with mild interest a modest heap of bank-notes of small denominations that lay on the table, catching the room's high lights.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading GRIGGS GETS AN ORDER At eight o'clock Laurie found Doris sitting under the shade of a reading-lamp in her studio, deep in the pages of a sophisticated French novel and radiating an almost oppressive atmosphere of well-being.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Subconsciously, he resented this.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading His mood was keyed to tragedy.
tragedynounUS /ˈtrædʒədi/
an event resulting in great loss and misfortune
From this reading His mood was keyed to tragedy.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading GRIGGS GETS AN ORDER At eight o'clock Laurie found Doris sitting under the shade of a reading-lamp in her studio, deep in the pages of a sophisticated French novel and radiating an almost oppressive atmosphere of well-being.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading His mood was keyed to tragedy.
well-beingnounUS /ˌwelˈbiːɪŋ/
a contented state of being happy and healthy and prosperous
From this reading GRIGGS GETS AN ORDER At eight o'clock Laurie found Doris sitting under the shade of a reading-lamp in her studio, deep in the pages of a sophisticated French novel and radiating an almost oppressive atmosphere of well-being.
in the company of; together with
From this reading But he returned her half-serious, half-mocking smile with one as enigmatic, shook hands with grave formality, and surveyed with mild interest a modest heap of bank-notes of small denominations that lay on the table, catching the room's high lights.
