used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading DISCUSSION OF A SHADOW Alan, as he looked confusedly and blankly at her, made no attempt to answer the question she had asked, or to explain.
Alan
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading DISCUSSION OF A SHADOW Alan, as he looked confusedly and blankly at her, made no attempt to answer the question she had asked, or to explain.
(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 For the moment, as he fought to realize what she had said and its meaning for himself, all his thought was lost in mere dismay, in the denial and checking of what he had been feeling as he entered the house.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading DISCUSSION OF A SHADOW Alan, as he looked confusedly and blankly at her, made no attempt to answer the question she had asked, or to explain.
react verbally
From this reading DISCUSSION OF A SHADOW Alan, as he looked confusedly and blankly at her, made no attempt to answer the question she had asked, or to explain.
appreciateverbUS /əˈpriːʃieɪt/
recognize with gratitude; be grateful for
From this reading She seemed to appreciate, without understanding except through her feelings, that--for some reason--answer was difficult and dismaying for him.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading DISCUSSION OF A SHADOW Alan, as he looked confusedly and blankly at her, made no attempt to answer the question she had asked, or to explain.
past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading DISCUSSION OF A SHADOW Alan, as he looked confusedly and blankly at her, made no attempt to answer the question she had asked, or to explain.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading DISCUSSION OF A SHADOW Alan, as he looked confusedly and blankly at her, made no attempt to answer the question she had asked, or to explain.
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading DISCUSSION OF A SHADOW Alan, as he looked confusedly and blankly at her, made no attempt to answer the question she had asked, or to explain.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading For the moment, as he fought to realize what she had said and its meaning for himself, all his thought was lost in mere dismay, in the denial and checking of what he had been feeling as he entered the house.
blanklyadverbUS /ˈblæŋkli/
in a blank and uncomprehending manner
From this reading DISCUSSION OF A SHADOW Alan, as he looked confusedly and blankly at her, made no attempt to answer the question she had asked, or to explain.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading She plainly took it in that way; but she did not seem offended; it was sympathy, rather, that she showed.
checkingverbUS /ˈtʃekɪŋ/
-ing form of “check” — examine so as to determine accuracy, quality, or condition
From this reading For the moment, as he fought to realize what she had said and its meaning for himself, all his thought was lost in mere dismay, in the denial and checking of what he had been feeling as he entered the house.
confusedlyadverb
in a confused manner
From this reading DISCUSSION OF A SHADOW Alan, as he looked confusedly and blankly at her, made no attempt to answer the question she had asked, or to explain.
disorder resulting from a failure to behave predictably
From this reading His silence and confusion, he knew, must seem to Constance Sherrill unwillingness to answer her; for she did not suspect that he was unable to answer her.
ConstancenounUS /ˈkɑːnstəns/
a lake in southeastern Germany on the northern side of the Swiss Alps; forms part of the Rhine River
From this reading His silence and confusion, he knew, must seem to Constance Sherrill unwillingness to answer her; for she did not suspect that he was unable to answer her.
denialnounUS /dɪˈnaɪəl/
the act of refusing to comply (as with a request)
From this reading For the moment, as he fought to realize what she had said and its meaning for himself, all his thought was lost in mere dismay, in the denial and checking of what he had been feeling as he entered the house.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading His silence and confusion, he knew, must seem to Constance Sherrill unwillingness to answer her; for she did not suspect that he was unable to answer her.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading She seemed to appreciate, without understanding except through her feelings, that--for some reason--answer was difficult and dismaying for him.
an extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic
From this reading DISCUSSION OF A SHADOW Alan, as he looked confusedly and blankly at her, made no attempt to answer the question she had asked, or to explain.
dismaynounUS /dɪˈsmeɪ/
the feeling of despair in the face of obstacles
From this reading For the moment, as he fought to realize what she had said and its meaning for himself, all his thought was lost in mere dismay, in the denial and checking of what he had been feeling as he entered the house.
dismayingadjectiveUS /dɪˈsmeɪɪŋ/
causing consternation
From this reading She seemed to appreciate, without understanding except through her feelings, that--for some reason--answer was difficult and dismaying for him.
past form of “enter” — to come or go into
From this reading For the moment, as he fought to realize what she had said and its meaning for himself, all his thought was lost in mere dismay, in the denial and checking of what he had been feeling as he entered the house.
apart from; not including
From this reading She seemed to appreciate, without understanding except through her feelings, that--for some reason--answer was difficult and dismaying for him.
make plain and comprehensible
From this reading DISCUSSION OF A SHADOW Alan, as he looked confusedly and blankly at her, made no attempt to answer the question she had asked, or to explain.
the experiencing of affective and emotional states
From this reading For the moment, as he fought to realize what she had said and its meaning for himself, all his thought was lost in mere dismay, in the denial and checking of what he had been feeling as he entered the house.
emotional or moral sensitivity (especially in relation to personal principles or dignity)
From this reading She seemed to appreciate, without understanding except through her feelings, that--for some reason--answer was difficult and dismaying for him.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading For the moment, as he fought to realize what she had said and its meaning for himself, all his thought was lost in mere dismay, in the denial and checking of what he had been feeling as he entered the house.
inflected form of “fight” — be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight
From this reading For the moment, as he fought to realize what she had said and its meaning for himself, all his thought was lost in mere dismay, in the denial and checking of what he had been feeling as he entered the house.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading DISCUSSION OF A SHADOW Alan, as he looked confusedly and blankly at her, made no attempt to answer the question she had asked, or to explain.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading DISCUSSION OF A SHADOW Alan, as he looked confusedly and blankly at her, made no attempt to answer the question she had asked, or to explain.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading DISCUSSION OF A SHADOW Alan, as he looked confusedly and blankly at her, made no attempt to answer the question she had asked, or to explain.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading She seemed to appreciate, without understanding except through her feelings, that--for some reason--answer was difficult and dismaying for him.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading For the moment, as he fought to realize what she had said and its meaning for himself, all his thought was lost in mere dismay, in the denial and checking of what he had been feeling as he entered the house.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading For the moment, as he fought to realize what she had said and its meaning for himself, all his thought was lost in mere dismay, in the denial and checking of what he had been feeling as he entered the house.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading For the moment, as he fought to realize what she had said and its meaning for himself, all his thought was lost in mere dismay, in the denial and checking of what he had been feeling as he entered the house.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading For the moment, as he fought to realize what she had said and its meaning for himself, all his thought was lost in mere dismay, in the denial and checking of what he had been feeling as he entered the house.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading She plainly took it in that way; but she did not seem offended; it was sympathy, rather, that she showed.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading For the moment, as he fought to realize what she had said and its meaning for himself, all his thought was lost in mere dismay, in the denial and checking of what he had been feeling as he entered the house.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading His silence and confusion, he knew, must seem to Constance Sherrill unwillingness to answer her; for she did not suspect that he was unable to answer her.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading DISCUSSION OF A SHADOW Alan, as he looked confusedly and blankly at her, made no attempt to answer the question she had asked, or to explain.
no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered
From this reading For the moment, as he fought to realize what she had said and its meaning for himself, all his thought was lost in mere dismay, in the denial and checking of what he had been feeling as he entered the house.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading DISCUSSION OF A SHADOW Alan, as he looked confusedly and blankly at her, made no attempt to answer the question she had asked, or to explain.
the message that is intended or expressed or signified
From this reading For the moment, as he fought to realize what she had said and its meaning for himself, all his thought was lost in mere dismay, in the denial and checking of what he had been feeling as he entered the house.
being nothing more than specified
From this reading For the moment, as he fought to realize what she had said and its meaning for himself, all his thought was lost in mere dismay, in the denial and checking of what he had been feeling as he entered the house.
a particular point in time
From this reading For the moment, as he fought to realize what she had said and its meaning for himself, all his thought was lost in mere dismay, in the denial and checking of what he had been feeling as he entered the house.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading His silence and confusion, he knew, must seem to Constance Sherrill unwillingness to answer her; for she did not suspect that he was unable to answer her.
not any; not one
From this reading DISCUSSION OF A SHADOW Alan, as he looked confusedly and blankly at her, made no attempt to answer the question she had asked, or to explain.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading His silence and confusion, he knew, must seem to Constance Sherrill unwillingness to answer her; for she did not suspect that he was unable to answer her.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading DISCUSSION OF A SHADOW Alan, as he looked confusedly and blankly at her, made no attempt to answer the question she had asked, or to explain.
offendedadjectiveUS /əˈfendəd/
emotionally hurt or upset or annoyed
From this reading She plainly took it in that way; but she did not seem offended; it was sympathy, rather, that she showed.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading DISCUSSION OF A SHADOW Alan, as he looked confusedly and blankly at her, made no attempt to answer the question she had asked, or to explain.
unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)
From this reading She plainly took it in that way; but she did not seem offended; it was sympathy, rather, that she showed.
challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of
From this reading DISCUSSION OF A SHADOW Alan, as he looked confusedly and blankly at her, made no attempt to answer the question she had asked, or to explain.
on the contrary
From this reading She plainly took it in that way; but she did not seem offended; it was sympathy, rather, that she showed.
be fully aware or cognizant of
From this reading For the moment, as he fought to realize what she had said and its meaning for himself, all his thought was lost in mere dismay, in the denial and checking of what he had been feeling as he entered the house.
a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading She seemed to appreciate, without understanding except through her feelings, that--for some reason--answer was difficult and dismaying for him.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading For the moment, as he fought to realize what she had said and its meaning for himself, all his thought was lost in mere dismay, in the denial and checking of what he had been feeling as he entered the house.
give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading His silence and confusion, he knew, must seem to Constance Sherrill unwillingness to answer her; for she did not suspect that he was unable to answer her.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading She seemed to appreciate, without understanding except through her feelings, that--for some reason--answer was difficult and dismaying for him.
A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.
From this reading DISCUSSION OF A SHADOW Alan, as he looked confusedly and blankly at her, made no attempt to answer the question she had asked, or to explain.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading DISCUSSION OF A SHADOW Alan, as he looked confusedly and blankly at her, made no attempt to answer the question she had asked, or to explain.
Sherrill
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His silence and confusion, he knew, must seem to Constance Sherrill unwillingness to answer her; for she did not suspect that he was unable to answer her.
past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading She plainly took it in that way; but she did not seem offended; it was sympathy, rather, that she showed.
Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.
From this reading His silence and confusion, he knew, must seem to Constance Sherrill unwillingness to answer her; for she did not suspect that he was unable to answer her.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading She seemed to appreciate, without understanding except through her feelings, that--for some reason--answer was difficult and dismaying for him.
imagine to be the case or true or probable
From this reading His silence and confusion, he knew, must seem to Constance Sherrill unwillingness to answer her; for she did not suspect that he was unable to answer her.
an inclination to support or be loyal to or to agree with an opinion
From this reading She plainly took it in that way; but she did not seem offended; it was sympathy, rather, that she showed.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading His silence and confusion, he knew, must seem to Constance Sherrill unwillingness to answer her; for she did not suspect that he was unable to answer her.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading DISCUSSION OF A SHADOW Alan, as he looked confusedly and blankly at her, made no attempt to answer the question she had asked, or to explain.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading For the moment, as he fought to realize what she had said and its meaning for himself, all his thought was lost in mere dismay, in the denial and checking of what he had been feeling as he entered the house.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading She seemed to appreciate, without understanding except through her feelings, that--for some reason--answer was difficult and dismaying for him.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading DISCUSSION OF A SHADOW Alan, as he looked confusedly and blankly at her, made no attempt to answer the question she had asked, or to explain.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading She plainly took it in that way; but she did not seem offended; it was sympathy, rather, that she showed.
(usually followed by “to”) not having the necessary means or skill or know-how
From this reading His silence and confusion, he knew, must seem to Constance Sherrill unwillingness to answer her; for she did not suspect that he was unable to answer her.
the cognitive condition of someone who understands
From this reading She seemed to appreciate, without understanding except through her feelings, that--for some reason--answer was difficult and dismaying for him.
unwillingnessnounUS /ənˈwɪlɪŋnɪs/
the trait of being unwilling
From this reading His silence and confusion, he knew, must seem to Constance Sherrill unwillingness to answer her; for she did not suspect that he was unable to answer her.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading For the moment, as he fought to realize what she had said and its meaning for himself, all his thought was lost in mere dismay, in the denial and checking of what he had been feeling as he entered the house.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading She plainly took it in that way; but she did not seem offended; it was sympathy, rather, that she showed.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading For the moment, as he fought to realize what she had said and its meaning for himself, all his thought was lost in mere dismay, in the denial and checking of what he had been feeling as he entered the house.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading She seemed to appreciate, without understanding except through her feelings, that--for some reason--answer was difficult and dismaying for him.
