used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading When Captain Shirril told his wife that she and the servant were likely to find something to engage their attention above stairs, he spoke more in jest than earnest, but the remark served to prove the adage that many a truth is spoken at such times.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading When Captain Shirril told his wife that she and the servant were likely to find something to engage their attention above stairs, he spoke more in jest than earnest, but the remark served to prove the adage that many a truth is spoken at such times.
accompanyingadjectiveUS /əˈkʌmpəniɪŋ/
occurring with or following as a consequence
From this reading Mrs. Shirril walked quietly through the larger apartment, without coming upon anything to attract notice, after which she went to her own room, Dinah accompanying her all the way.
adagenounUS /ˈædədʒ/
a condensed but memorable saying embodying some important fact of experience that is taken as true by many people
From this reading When Captain Shirril told his wife that she and the servant were likely to find something to engage their attention above stairs, he spoke more in jest than earnest, but the remark served to prove the adage that many a truth is spoken at such times.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading Mrs. Shirril walked quietly through the larger apartment, without coming upon anything to attract notice, after which she went to her own room, Dinah accompanying her all the way.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading Mrs. Shirril walked quietly through the larger apartment, without coming upon anything to attract notice, after which she went to her own room, Dinah accompanying her all the way.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading When Captain Shirril told his wife that she and the servant were likely to find something to engage their attention above stairs, he spoke more in jest than earnest, but the remark served to prove the adage that many a truth is spoken at such times.
any thing at all
From this reading Mrs. Shirril walked quietly through the larger apartment, without coming upon anything to attract notice, after which she went to her own room, Dinah accompanying her all the way.
a suite of rooms usually on one floor of an apartment house
From this reading Mrs. Shirril walked quietly through the larger apartment, without coming upon anything to attract notice, after which she went to her own room, Dinah accompanying her all the way.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Of course, the upper part of the house was in as deep gloom as the lower portion, and the women took good care in passing the windows lest some stray shot should reach them.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading When Captain Shirril told his wife that she and the servant were likely to find something to engage their attention above stairs, he spoke more in jest than earnest, but the remark served to prove the adage that many a truth is spoken at such times.
the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others
From this reading When Captain Shirril told his wife that she and the servant were likely to find something to engage their attention above stairs, he spoke more in jest than earnest, but the remark served to prove the adage that many a truth is spoken at such times.
attractverbUS /əˈtrækt/
direct toward itself or oneself by means of some psychological power or physical attributes
From this reading Mrs. Shirril walked quietly through the larger apartment, without coming upon anything to attract notice, after which she went to her own room, Dinah accompanying her all the way.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading They needed no light, for every inch of space had long been familiar.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading When Captain Shirril told his wife that she and the servant were likely to find something to engage their attention above stairs, he spoke more in jest than earnest, but the remark served to prove the adage that many a truth is spoken at such times.
an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading When Captain Shirril told his wife that she and the servant were likely to find something to engage their attention above stairs, he spoke more in jest than earnest, but the remark served to prove the adage that many a truth is spoken at such times.
the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something
From this reading Of course, the upper part of the house was in as deep gloom as the lower portion, and the women took good care in passing the windows lest some stray shot should reach them.
the act of drawing spatially closer to something
From this reading Mrs. Shirril walked quietly through the larger apartment, without coming upon anything to attract notice, after which she went to her own room, Dinah accompanying her all the way.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading Of course, the upper part of the house was in as deep gloom as the lower portion, and the women took good care in passing the windows lest some stray shot should reach them.
relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply
From this reading Of course, the upper part of the house was in as deep gloom as the lower portion, and the women took good care in passing the windows lest some stray shot should reach them.
Dinah
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Shirril walked quietly through the larger apartment, without coming upon anything to attract notice, after which she went to her own room, Dinah accompanying her all the way.
DINAH'S
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading DINAH'S DISCOVERY.
the act of discovering something
From this reading DINAH'S DISCOVERY.
characterized by a firm and humorless belief in the validity of your opinions
From this reading When Captain Shirril told his wife that she and the servant were likely to find something to engage their attention above stairs, he spoke more in jest than earnest, but the remark served to prove the adage that many a truth is spoken at such times.
engageverbUS /enˈɡeɪdʒ/
carry out or participate in an activity; be involved in
From this reading When Captain Shirril told his wife that she and the servant were likely to find something to engage their attention above stairs, he spoke more in jest than earnest, but the remark served to prove the adage that many a truth is spoken at such times.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading They needed no light, for every inch of space had long been familiar.
well known or easily recognized
From this reading They needed no light, for every inch of space had long been familiar.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading When Captain Shirril told his wife that she and the servant were likely to find something to engage their attention above stairs, he spoke more in jest than earnest, but the remark served to prove the adage that many a truth is spoken at such times.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading They needed no light, for every inch of space had long been familiar.
a state of partial or total darkness
From this reading Of course, the upper part of the house was in as deep gloom as the lower portion, and the women took good care in passing the windows lest some stray shot should reach them.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading Of course, the upper part of the house was in as deep gloom as the lower portion, and the women took good care in passing the windows lest some stray shot should reach them.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading They needed no light, for every inch of space had long been familiar.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading When Captain Shirril told his wife that she and the servant were likely to find something to engage their attention above stairs, he spoke more in jest than earnest, but the remark served to prove the adage that many a truth is spoken at such times.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Mrs. Shirril walked quietly through the larger apartment, without coming upon anything to attract notice, after which she went to her own room, Dinah accompanying her all the way.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading When Captain Shirril told his wife that she and the servant were likely to find something to engage their attention above stairs, he spoke more in jest than earnest, but the remark served to prove the adage that many a truth is spoken at such times.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading Of course, the upper part of the house was in as deep gloom as the lower portion, and the women took good care in passing the windows lest some stray shot should reach them.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading When Captain Shirril told his wife that she and the servant were likely to find something to engage their attention above stairs, he spoke more in jest than earnest, but the remark served to prove the adage that many a truth is spoken at such times.
a unit of length equal to one twelfth of a foot
From this reading They needed no light, for every inch of space had long been familiar.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading When Captain Shirril told his wife that she and the servant were likely to find something to engage their attention above stairs, he spoke more in jest than earnest, but the remark served to prove the adage that many a truth is spoken at such times.
a humorous anecdote or remark intended to provoke laughter
From this reading When Captain Shirril told his wife that she and the servant were likely to find something to engage their attention above stairs, he spoke more in jest than earnest, but the remark served to prove the adage that many a truth is spoken at such times.
large or big relative to something else
From this reading Mrs. Shirril walked quietly through the larger apartment, without coming upon anything to attract notice, after which she went to her own room, Dinah accompanying her all the way.
in order that something should not happen
From this reading Of course, the upper part of the house was in as deep gloom as the lower portion, and the women took good care in passing the windows lest some stray shot should reach them.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading They needed no light, for every inch of space had long been familiar.
has a good chance of being the case or of coming about
From this reading When Captain Shirril told his wife that she and the servant were likely to find something to engage their attention above stairs, he spoke more in jest than earnest, but the remark served to prove the adage that many a truth is spoken at such times.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading They needed no light, for every inch of space had long been familiar.
move something or somebody to a lower position
From this reading Of course, the upper part of the house was in as deep gloom as the lower portion, and the women took good care in passing the windows lest some stray shot should reach them.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading When Captain Shirril told his wife that she and the servant were likely to find something to engage their attention above stairs, he spoke more in jest than earnest, but the remark served to prove the adage that many a truth is spoken at such times.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading When Captain Shirril told his wife that she and the servant were likely to find something to engage their attention above stairs, he spoke more in jest than earnest, but the remark served to prove the adage that many a truth is spoken at such times.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading Mrs. Shirril walked quietly through the larger apartment, without coming upon anything to attract notice, after which she went to her own room, Dinah accompanying her all the way.
necessary for relief or supply
From this reading They needed no light, for every inch of space had long been familiar.
not any; not one
From this reading They needed no light, for every inch of space had long been familiar.
an announcement containing information about an event
From this reading Mrs. Shirril walked quietly through the larger apartment, without coming upon anything to attract notice, after which she went to her own room, Dinah accompanying her all the way.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Of course, the upper part of the house was in as deep gloom as the lower portion, and the women took good care in passing the windows lest some stray shot should reach them.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading Mrs. Shirril walked quietly through the larger apartment, without coming upon anything to attract notice, after which she went to her own room, Dinah accompanying her all the way.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading Of course, the upper part of the house was in as deep gloom as the lower portion, and the women took good care in passing the windows lest some stray shot should reach them.
(American football) a play that involves one player throwing the ball to a teammate
From this reading Of course, the upper part of the house was in as deep gloom as the lower portion, and the women took good care in passing the windows lest some stray shot should reach them.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading Of course, the upper part of the house was in as deep gloom as the lower portion, and the women took good care in passing the windows lest some stray shot should reach them.
be shown or be found to be
From this reading When Captain Shirril told his wife that she and the servant were likely to find something to engage their attention above stairs, he spoke more in jest than earnest, but the remark served to prove the adage that many a truth is spoken at such times.
with low volume
From this reading Mrs. Shirril walked quietly through the larger apartment, without coming upon anything to attract notice, after which she went to her own room, Dinah accompanying her all the way.
reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading Of course, the upper part of the house was in as deep gloom as the lower portion, and the women took good care in passing the windows lest some stray shot should reach them.
a statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief or adds information
From this reading When Captain Shirril told his wife that she and the servant were likely to find something to engage their attention above stairs, he spoke more in jest than earnest, but the remark served to prove the adage that many a truth is spoken at such times.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading Mrs. Shirril walked quietly through the larger apartment, without coming upon anything to attract notice, after which she went to her own room, Dinah accompanying her all the way.
a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)
From this reading When Captain Shirril told his wife that she and the servant were likely to find something to engage their attention above stairs, he spoke more in jest than earnest, but the remark served to prove the adage that many a truth is spoken at such times.
past form of “serve” — serve a purpose, role, or function
From this reading When Captain Shirril told his wife that she and the servant were likely to find something to engage their attention above stairs, he spoke more in jest than earnest, but the remark served to prove the adage that many a truth is spoken at such times.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading When Captain Shirril told his wife that she and the servant were likely to find something to engage their attention above stairs, he spoke more in jest than earnest, but the remark served to prove the adage that many a truth is spoken at such times.
Shirril
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Captain Shirril told his wife that she and the servant were likely to find something to engage their attention above stairs, he spoke more in jest than earnest, but the remark served to prove the adage that many a truth is spoken at such times.
the act of firing a projectile
From this reading Of course, the upper part of the house was in as deep gloom as the lower portion, and the women took good care in passing the windows lest some stray shot should reach them.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading Of course, the upper part of the house was in as deep gloom as the lower portion, and the women took good care in passing the windows lest some stray shot should reach them.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Of course, the upper part of the house was in as deep gloom as the lower portion, and the women took good care in passing the windows lest some stray shot should reach them.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading When Captain Shirril told his wife that she and the servant were likely to find something to engage their attention above stairs, he spoke more in jest than earnest, but the remark served to prove the adage that many a truth is spoken at such times.
the unlimited expanse in which everything is located
From this reading They needed no light, for every inch of space had long been familiar.
support consisting of a radial member of a wheel joining the hub to the rim
From this reading When Captain Shirril told his wife that she and the servant were likely to find something to engage their attention above stairs, he spoke more in jest than earnest, but the remark served to prove the adage that many a truth is spoken at such times.
uttered through the medium of speech or characterized by speech; sometimes used in combination
From this reading When Captain Shirril told his wife that she and the servant were likely to find something to engage their attention above stairs, he spoke more in jest than earnest, but the remark served to prove the adage that many a truth is spoken at such times.
a flight of stairs or a flight of steps
From this reading When Captain Shirril told his wife that she and the servant were likely to find something to engage their attention above stairs, he spoke more in jest than earnest, but the remark served to prove the adage that many a truth is spoken at such times.
strayverbUS /streɪ/
move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment
From this reading Of course, the upper part of the house was in as deep gloom as the lower portion, and the women took good care in passing the windows lest some stray shot should reach them.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading When Captain Shirril told his wife that she and the servant were likely to find something to engage their attention above stairs, he spoke more in jest than earnest, but the remark served to prove the adage that many a truth is spoken at such times.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading When Captain Shirril told his wife that she and the servant were likely to find something to engage their attention above stairs, he spoke more in jest than earnest, but the remark served to prove the adage that many a truth is spoken at such times.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading When Captain Shirril told his wife that she and the servant were likely to find something to engage their attention above stairs, he spoke more in jest than earnest, but the remark served to prove the adage that many a truth is spoken at such times.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading When Captain Shirril told his wife that she and the servant were likely to find something to engage their attention above stairs, he spoke more in jest than earnest, but the remark served to prove the adage that many a truth is spoken at such times.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading When Captain Shirril told his wife that she and the servant were likely to find something to engage their attention above stairs, he spoke more in jest than earnest, but the remark served to prove the adage that many a truth is spoken at such times.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Of course, the upper part of the house was in as deep gloom as the lower portion, and the women took good care in passing the windows lest some stray shot should reach them.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They needed no light, for every inch of space had long been familiar.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading Mrs. Shirril walked quietly through the larger apartment, without coming upon anything to attract notice, after which she went to her own room, Dinah accompanying her all the way.
a more or less definite period of time now or previously present
From this reading When Captain Shirril told his wife that she and the servant were likely to find something to engage their attention above stairs, he spoke more in jest than earnest, but the remark served to prove the adage that many a truth is spoken at such times.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading When Captain Shirril told his wife that she and the servant were likely to find something to engage their attention above stairs, he spoke more in jest than earnest, but the remark served to prove the adage that many a truth is spoken at such times.
inflected form of “tell” — express in words
From this reading When Captain Shirril told his wife that she and the servant were likely to find something to engage their attention above stairs, he spoke more in jest than earnest, but the remark served to prove the adage that many a truth is spoken at such times.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading Of course, the upper part of the house was in as deep gloom as the lower portion, and the women took good care in passing the windows lest some stray shot should reach them.
a fact that has been verified
From this reading When Captain Shirril told his wife that she and the servant were likely to find something to engage their attention above stairs, he spoke more in jest than earnest, but the remark served to prove the adage that many a truth is spoken at such times.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Mrs. Shirril walked quietly through the larger apartment, without coming upon anything to attract notice, after which she went to her own room, Dinah accompanying her all the way.
the topmost one of two
From this reading Of course, the upper part of the house was in as deep gloom as the lower portion, and the women took good care in passing the windows lest some stray shot should reach them.
past form of “walk” — use one's feet to advance; advance by steps
From this reading Mrs. Shirril walked quietly through the larger apartment, without coming upon anything to attract notice, after which she went to her own room, Dinah accompanying her all the way.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Of course, the upper part of the house was in as deep gloom as the lower portion, and the women took good care in passing the windows lest some stray shot should reach them.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Mrs. Shirril walked quietly through the larger apartment, without coming upon anything to attract notice, after which she went to her own room, Dinah accompanying her all the way.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Mrs. Shirril walked quietly through the larger apartment, without coming upon anything to attract notice, after which she went to her own room, Dinah accompanying her all the way.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading When Captain Shirril told his wife that she and the servant were likely to find something to engage their attention above stairs, he spoke more in jest than earnest, but the remark served to prove the adage that many a truth is spoken at such times.
at the time that
From this reading When Captain Shirril told his wife that she and the servant were likely to find something to engage their attention above stairs, he spoke more in jest than earnest, but the remark served to prove the adage that many a truth is spoken at such times.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Mrs. Shirril walked quietly through the larger apartment, without coming upon anything to attract notice, after which she went to her own room, Dinah accompanying her all the way.
a married woman; a man's partner in marriage
From this reading When Captain Shirril told his wife that she and the servant were likely to find something to engage their attention above stairs, he spoke more in jest than earnest, but the remark served to prove the adage that many a truth is spoken at such times.
(trademark) an operating system with a graphical user interface
From this reading Of course, the upper part of the house was in as deep gloom as the lower portion, and the women took good care in passing the windows lest some stray shot should reach them.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading Mrs. Shirril walked quietly through the larger apartment, without coming upon anything to attract notice, after which she went to her own room, Dinah accompanying her all the way.
plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading Of course, the upper part of the house was in as deep gloom as the lower portion, and the women took good care in passing the windows lest some stray shot should reach them.
