used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading It had not been, as she now recognized, merely a desire to justify Clarence Weston in the eyes of his English relatives, for she had felt reasonably sure that this was a thing beyond accomplishment while he remained a railroad-hand or a bush chopper.
accomplishmentnounUS /əˈkɑːmplɪʃmənt/
the action of accomplishing something
From this reading It had not been, as she now recognized, merely a desire to justify Clarence Weston in the eyes of his English relatives, for she had felt reasonably sure that this was a thing beyond accomplishment while he remained a railroad-hand or a bush chopper.
the part of the day between noon and evening
From this reading She was thinking of that afternoon at Scarthwaite, and wondering, as she had done somewhat frequently since then, what had impelled her to speak in that impulsive fashion.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The motor purred and clicked smoothly, slinging bright beams of light in front of it as it twisted eel-like through the traffic.
Arabella
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The glass that would have sheltered Ida from the cool night breeze was down, but she scarcely noticed the roar of the city or the presence of Arabella and Mrs. Kinnaird.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The motor purred and clicked smoothly, slinging bright beams of light in front of it as it twisted eel-like through the traffic.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading She was thinking of that afternoon at Scarthwaite, and wondering, as she had done somewhat frequently since then, what had impelled her to speak in that impulsive fashion.
beamsnounUS /biːmz/
plural of “beam” — a signal transmitted along a narrow path; guides airplane pilots in darkness or bad weather
From this reading The motor purred and clicked smoothly, slinging bright beams of light in front of it as it twisted eel-like through the traffic.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading It had not been, as she now recognized, merely a desire to justify Clarence Weston in the eyes of his English relatives, for she had felt reasonably sure that this was a thing beyond accomplishment while he remained a railroad-hand or a bush chopper.
on the far side of; further than
From this reading It had not been, as she now recognized, merely a desire to justify Clarence Weston in the eyes of his English relatives, for she had felt reasonably sure that this was a thing beyond accomplishment while he remained a railroad-hand or a bush chopper.
a slight wind (usually refreshing)
From this reading The glass that would have sheltered Ida from the cool night breeze was down, but she scarcely noticed the roar of the city or the presence of Arabella and Mrs. Kinnaird.
emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts
From this reading The motor purred and clicked smoothly, slinging bright beams of light in front of it as it twisted eel-like through the traffic.
bushnounUS /bʊʃ/
a low woody perennial plant usually having several major stems
From this reading It had not been, as she now recognized, merely a desire to justify Clarence Weston in the eyes of his English relatives, for she had felt reasonably sure that this was a thing beyond accomplishment while he remained a railroad-hand or a bush chopper.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The glass that would have sheltered Ida from the cool night breeze was down, but she scarcely noticed the roar of the city or the presence of Arabella and Mrs. Kinnaird.
inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body
From this reading ILLUMINATION It was three or four months later when Ida was carried swiftly westward through the London streets toward twelve o'clock one night.
choppernounUS /ˈtʃɑːpər/
a grounder that bounces high in the air
From this reading It had not been, as she now recognized, merely a desire to justify Clarence Weston in the eyes of his English relatives, for she had felt reasonably sure that this was a thing beyond accomplishment while he remained a railroad-hand or a bush chopper.
a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts
From this reading The glass that would have sheltered Ida from the cool night breeze was down, but she scarcely noticed the roar of the city or the presence of Arabella and Mrs. Kinnaird.
ClarencenounUS /ˈklerəns/
a closed carriage with four wheels and seats for four passengers
From this reading It had not been, as she now recognized, merely a desire to justify Clarence Weston in the eyes of his English relatives, for she had felt reasonably sure that this was a thing beyond accomplishment while he remained a railroad-hand or a bush chopper.
clickedverbUS /klɪkt/
past form of “click” — move or strike with a noise
From this reading The motor purred and clicked smoothly, slinging bright beams of light in front of it as it twisted eel-like through the traffic.
neither warm nor very cold; giving relief from heat
From this reading The glass that would have sheltered Ida from the cool night breeze was down, but she scarcely noticed the roar of the city or the presence of Arabella and Mrs. Kinnaird.
the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state
From this reading It had not been, as she now recognized, merely a desire to justify Clarence Weston in the eyes of his English relatives, for she had felt reasonably sure that this was a thing beyond accomplishment while he remained a railroad-hand or a bush chopper.
having finished or arrived at completion
From this reading She was thinking of that afternoon at Scarthwaite, and wondering, as she had done somewhat frequently since then, what had impelled her to speak in that impulsive fashion.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading The glass that would have sheltered Ida from the cool night breeze was down, but she scarcely noticed the roar of the city or the presence of Arabella and Mrs. Kinnaird.
eel-like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The motor purred and clicked smoothly, slinging bright beams of light in front of it as it twisted eel-like through the traffic.
an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries
From this reading It had not been, as she now recognized, merely a desire to justify Clarence Weston in the eyes of his English relatives, for she had felt reasonably sure that this was a thing beyond accomplishment while he remained a railroad-hand or a bush chopper.
opinion or judgment
From this reading It had not been, as she now recognized, merely a desire to justify Clarence Weston in the eyes of his English relatives, for she had felt reasonably sure that this was a thing beyond accomplishment while he remained a railroad-hand or a bush chopper.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading She was thinking of that afternoon at Scarthwaite, and wondering, as she had done somewhat frequently since then, what had impelled her to speak in that impulsive fashion.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading It had not been, as she now recognized, merely a desire to justify Clarence Weston in the eyes of his English relatives, for she had felt reasonably sure that this was a thing beyond accomplishment while he remained a railroad-hand or a bush chopper.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It had not been, as she now recognized, merely a desire to justify Clarence Weston in the eyes of his English relatives, for she had felt reasonably sure that this was a thing beyond accomplishment while he remained a railroad-hand or a bush chopper.
the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
From this reading ILLUMINATION It was three or four months later when Ida was carried swiftly westward through the London streets toward twelve o'clock one night.
many times at short intervals
From this reading She was thinking of that afternoon at Scarthwaite, and wondering, as she had done somewhat frequently since then, what had impelled her to speak in that impulsive fashion.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The glass that would have sheltered Ida from the cool night breeze was down, but she scarcely noticed the roar of the city or the presence of Arabella and Mrs. Kinnaird.
the side that is forward or prominent
From this reading The motor purred and clicked smoothly, slinging bright beams of light in front of it as it twisted eel-like through the traffic.
a brittle transparent solid with irregular atomic structure
From this reading The glass that would have sheltered Ida from the cool night breeze was down, but she scarcely noticed the roar of the city or the presence of Arabella and Mrs. Kinnaird.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading She was thinking of that afternoon at Scarthwaite, and wondering, as she had done somewhat frequently since then, what had impelled her to speak in that impulsive fashion.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading The glass that would have sheltered Ida from the cool night breeze was down, but she scarcely noticed the roar of the city or the presence of Arabella and Mrs. Kinnaird.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading It had not been, as she now recognized, merely a desire to justify Clarence Weston in the eyes of his English relatives, for she had felt reasonably sure that this was a thing beyond accomplishment while he remained a railroad-hand or a bush chopper.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading She was thinking of that afternoon at Scarthwaite, and wondering, as she had done somewhat frequently since then, what had impelled her to speak in that impulsive fashion.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading It had not been, as she now recognized, merely a desire to justify Clarence Weston in the eyes of his English relatives, for she had felt reasonably sure that this was a thing beyond accomplishment while he remained a railroad-hand or a bush chopper.
IdanounUS /ˈaɪdə/
an agency of the United Nations affiliated with the World Bank
From this reading ILLUMINATION It was three or four months later when Ida was carried swiftly westward through the London streets toward twelve o'clock one night.
ILLUMINATIONnounUS /ˌɪluːməˈneɪʃən/
a condition of spiritual awareness; divine illumination
From this reading ILLUMINATION It was three or four months later when Ida was carried swiftly westward through the London streets toward twelve o'clock one night.
impelledadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpeld/
urged or forced to action through moral pressure
From this reading She was thinking of that afternoon at Scarthwaite, and wondering, as she had done somewhat frequently since then, what had impelled her to speak in that impulsive fashion.
impulsiveadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpʌlsɪv/
proceeding from natural feeling or impulse without external stimulus
From this reading She was thinking of that afternoon at Scarthwaite, and wondering, as she had done somewhat frequently since then, what had impelled her to speak in that impulsive fashion.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The motor purred and clicked smoothly, slinging bright beams of light in front of it as it twisted eel-like through the traffic.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading ILLUMINATION It was three or four months later when Ida was carried swiftly westward through the London streets toward twelve o'clock one night.
justifyverbUS /ˈdʒʌstəfaɪ/
show to be right by providing justification or proof
From this reading It had not been, as she now recognized, merely a desire to justify Clarence Weston in the eyes of his English relatives, for she had felt reasonably sure that this was a thing beyond accomplishment while he remained a railroad-hand or a bush chopper.
Kinnaird
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The glass that would have sheltered Ida from the cool night breeze was down, but she scarcely noticed the roar of the city or the presence of Arabella and Mrs. Kinnaird.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading ILLUMINATION It was three or four months later when Ida was carried swiftly westward through the London streets toward twelve o'clock one night.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading The motor purred and clicked smoothly, slinging bright beams of light in front of it as it twisted eel-like through the traffic.
the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center
From this reading ILLUMINATION It was three or four months later when Ida was carried swiftly westward through the London streets toward twelve o'clock one night.
and nothing more
From this reading It had not been, as she now recognized, merely a desire to justify Clarence Weston in the eyes of his English relatives, for she had felt reasonably sure that this was a thing beyond accomplishment while he remained a railroad-hand or a bush chopper.
plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year
From this reading ILLUMINATION It was three or four months later when Ida was carried swiftly westward through the London streets toward twelve o'clock one night.
motornounUS /ˈmoʊtər/
machine that converts other forms of energy into mechanical energy and so imparts motion
From this reading The motor purred and clicked smoothly, slinging bright beams of light in front of it as it twisted eel-like through the traffic.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading The glass that would have sheltered Ida from the cool night breeze was down, but she scarcely noticed the roar of the city or the presence of Arabella and Mrs. Kinnaird.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading ILLUMINATION It was three or four months later when Ida was carried swiftly westward through the London streets toward twelve o'clock one night.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading It had not been, as she now recognized, merely a desire to justify Clarence Weston in the eyes of his English relatives, for she had felt reasonably sure that this was a thing beyond accomplishment while he remained a railroad-hand or a bush chopper.
being perceived or observed
From this reading The glass that would have sheltered Ida from the cool night breeze was down, but she scarcely noticed the roar of the city or the presence of Arabella and Mrs. Kinnaird.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading It had not been, as she now recognized, merely a desire to justify Clarence Weston in the eyes of his English relatives, for she had felt reasonably sure that this was a thing beyond accomplishment while he remained a railroad-hand or a bush chopper.
o'clockadverbUS /əˈklɑːk/
according to the clock
From this reading ILLUMINATION It was three or four months later when Ida was carried swiftly westward through the London streets toward twelve o'clock one night.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The motor purred and clicked smoothly, slinging bright beams of light in front of it as it twisted eel-like through the traffic.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading ILLUMINATION It was three or four months later when Ida was carried swiftly westward through the London streets toward twelve o'clock one night.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading ILLUMINATION It was three or four months later when Ida was carried swiftly westward through the London streets toward twelve o'clock one night.
the state of being present; current existence
From this reading The glass that would have sheltered Ida from the cool night breeze was down, but she scarcely noticed the roar of the city or the presence of Arabella and Mrs. Kinnaird.
purred
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The motor purred and clicked smoothly, slinging bright beams of light in front of it as it twisted eel-like through the traffic.
railroad-hand
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It had not been, as she now recognized, merely a desire to justify Clarence Weston in the eyes of his English relatives, for she had felt reasonably sure that this was a thing beyond accomplishment while he remained a railroad-hand or a bush chopper.
reasonablyadverbUS /ˈriːzənəbli/
to certain extent or degree
From this reading It had not been, as she now recognized, merely a desire to justify Clarence Weston in the eyes of his English relatives, for she had felt reasonably sure that this was a thing beyond accomplishment while he remained a railroad-hand or a bush chopper.
generally approved or compelling recognition
From this reading It had not been, as she now recognized, merely a desire to justify Clarence Weston in the eyes of his English relatives, for she had felt reasonably sure that this was a thing beyond accomplishment while he remained a railroad-hand or a bush chopper.
relativesnounUS /ˈrelətɪvz/
plural of “relative” — a person related by blood or marriage
From this reading It had not been, as she now recognized, merely a desire to justify Clarence Weston in the eyes of his English relatives, for she had felt reasonably sure that this was a thing beyond accomplishment while he remained a railroad-hand or a bush chopper.
past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading It had not been, as she now recognized, merely a desire to justify Clarence Weston in the eyes of his English relatives, for she had felt reasonably sure that this was a thing beyond accomplishment while he remained a railroad-hand or a bush chopper.
make a loud noise, as of wind, water, or vehicles
From this reading The glass that would have sheltered Ida from the cool night breeze was down, but she scarcely noticed the roar of the city or the presence of Arabella and Mrs. Kinnaird.
only a very short time before
From this reading The glass that would have sheltered Ida from the cool night breeze was down, but she scarcely noticed the roar of the city or the presence of Arabella and Mrs. Kinnaird.
Scarthwaite
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was thinking of that afternoon at Scarthwaite, and wondering, as she had done somewhat frequently since then, what had impelled her to speak in that impulsive fashion.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The glass that would have sheltered Ida from the cool night breeze was down, but she scarcely noticed the roar of the city or the presence of Arabella and Mrs. Kinnaird.
shelteredadjectiveUS /ˈʃeltərd/
protected from danger or bad weather
From this reading The glass that would have sheltered Ida from the cool night breeze was down, but she scarcely noticed the roar of the city or the presence of Arabella and Mrs. Kinnaird.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading She was thinking of that afternoon at Scarthwaite, and wondering, as she had done somewhat frequently since then, what had impelled her to speak in that impulsive fashion.
slingingnounUS /ˈslɪŋɪŋ/
throwing with a wide motion (as if with a sling)
From this reading The motor purred and clicked smoothly, slinging bright beams of light in front of it as it twisted eel-like through the traffic.
smoothlyadverbUS /ˈsmuːðli/
with no problems or difficulties
From this reading The motor purred and clicked smoothly, slinging bright beams of light in front of it as it twisted eel-like through the traffic.
to a small degree or extent
From this reading She was thinking of that afternoon at Scarthwaite, and wondering, as she had done somewhat frequently since then, what had impelled her to speak in that impulsive fashion.
express in speech
From this reading She was thinking of that afternoon at Scarthwaite, and wondering, as she had done somewhat frequently since then, what had impelled her to speak in that impulsive fashion.
plural of “street” — a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading ILLUMINATION It was three or four months later when Ida was carried swiftly westward through the London streets toward twelve o'clock one night.
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading It had not been, as she now recognized, merely a desire to justify Clarence Weston in the eyes of his English relatives, for she had felt reasonably sure that this was a thing beyond accomplishment while he remained a railroad-hand or a bush chopper.
in a swift manner
From this reading ILLUMINATION It was three or four months later when Ida was carried swiftly westward through the London streets toward twelve o'clock one night.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The glass that would have sheltered Ida from the cool night breeze was down, but she scarcely noticed the roar of the city or the presence of Arabella and Mrs. Kinnaird.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading ILLUMINATION It was three or four months later when Ida was carried swiftly westward through the London streets toward twelve o'clock one night.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading She was thinking of that afternoon at Scarthwaite, and wondering, as she had done somewhat frequently since then, what had impelled her to speak in that impulsive fashion.
a special situation
From this reading It had not been, as she now recognized, merely a desire to justify Clarence Weston in the eyes of his English relatives, for she had felt reasonably sure that this was a thing beyond accomplishment while he remained a railroad-hand or a bush chopper.
the process of using your mind to consider something carefully
From this reading She was thinking of that afternoon at Scarthwaite, and wondering, as she had done somewhat frequently since then, what had impelled her to speak in that impulsive fashion.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading It had not been, as she now recognized, merely a desire to justify Clarence Weston in the eyes of his English relatives, for she had felt reasonably sure that this was a thing beyond accomplishment while he remained a railroad-hand or a bush chopper.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading ILLUMINATION It was three or four months later when Ida was carried swiftly westward through the London streets toward twelve o'clock one night.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading ILLUMINATION It was three or four months later when Ida was carried swiftly westward through the London streets toward twelve o'clock one night.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading She was thinking of that afternoon at Scarthwaite, and wondering, as she had done somewhat frequently since then, what had impelled her to speak in that impulsive fashion.
towardprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrd/
in the direction of
From this reading ILLUMINATION It was three or four months later when Ida was carried swiftly westward through the London streets toward twelve o'clock one night.
trafficnounUS /ˈtræfɪk/
the aggregation of things (pedestrians or vehicles) coming and going in a particular locality during a specified period of time
From this reading The motor purred and clicked smoothly, slinging bright beams of light in front of it as it twisted eel-like through the traffic.
the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one
From this reading ILLUMINATION It was three or four months later when Ida was carried swiftly westward through the London streets toward twelve o'clock one night.
twistedadjectiveUS /ˈtwɪstɪd/
having an intended meaning altered or misrepresented
From this reading The motor purred and clicked smoothly, slinging bright beams of light in front of it as it twisted eel-like through the traffic.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading ILLUMINATION It was three or four months later when Ida was carried swiftly westward through the London streets toward twelve o'clock one night.
WestonnounUS /ˈwestən/
United States photographer(1886-1958)
From this reading It had not been, as she now recognized, merely a desire to justify Clarence Weston in the eyes of his English relatives, for she had felt reasonably sure that this was a thing beyond accomplishment while he remained a railroad-hand or a bush chopper.
westwardadverbUS /ˈwestwərd/
toward the west
From this reading ILLUMINATION It was three or four months later when Ida was carried swiftly westward through the London streets toward twelve o'clock one night.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading She was thinking of that afternoon at Scarthwaite, and wondering, as she had done somewhat frequently since then, what had impelled her to speak in that impulsive fashion.
at the time that
From this reading ILLUMINATION It was three or four months later when Ida was carried swiftly westward through the London streets toward twelve o'clock one night.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading It had not been, as she now recognized, merely a desire to justify Clarence Weston in the eyes of his English relatives, for she had felt reasonably sure that this was a thing beyond accomplishment while he remained a railroad-hand or a bush chopper.
showing curiosity
From this reading She was thinking of that afternoon at Scarthwaite, and wondering, as she had done somewhat frequently since then, what had impelled her to speak in that impulsive fashion.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading The glass that would have sheltered Ida from the cool night breeze was down, but she scarcely noticed the roar of the city or the presence of Arabella and Mrs. Kinnaird.
