used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading When the chuckling Tim told his sister the secret as he paused to kiss her good-night at the head of the stairs, he did not dream that she would reveal it to their father; but, before he could exact a promise, she emitted the truth, despite his attempts to place his hand over her mouth.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading But the parent was given more to think about.
(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 He was pleasant to both the next morning at breakfast and made no reference to the matter that was in the minds of all.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Then she darted off, and, humiliated and chagrined, he went to his own room.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading When the chuckling Tim told his sister the secret as he paused to kiss her good-night at the head of the stairs, he did not dream that she would reveal it to their father; but, before he could exact a promise, she emitted the truth, despite his attempts to place his hand over her mouth.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading When the chuckling Tim told his sister the secret as he paused to kiss her good-night at the head of the stairs, he did not dream that she would reveal it to their father; but, before he could exact a promise, she emitted the truth, despite his attempts to place his hand over her mouth.
attemptsnounUS /əˈtempts/
plural of “attempt” — earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading When the chuckling Tim told his sister the secret as he paused to kiss her good-night at the head of the stairs, he did not dream that she would reveal it to their father; but, before he could exact a promise, she emitted the truth, despite his attempts to place his hand over her mouth.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading When the chuckling Tim told his sister the secret as he paused to kiss her good-night at the head of the stairs, he did not dream that she would reveal it to their father; but, before he could exact a promise, she emitted the truth, despite his attempts to place his hand over her mouth.
the two together, not just one
From this reading He was pleasant to both the next morning at breakfast and made no reference to the matter that was in the minds of all.
eat an early morning meal
From this reading He was pleasant to both the next morning at breakfast and made no reference to the matter that was in the minds of all.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading When the chuckling Tim told his sister the secret as he paused to kiss her good-night at the head of the stairs, he did not dream that she would reveal it to their father; but, before he could exact a promise, she emitted the truth, despite his attempts to place his hand over her mouth.
chagrinedadjectiveUS /ʃəˈɡrɪnd/
feeling or caused to feel ill at ease or self-conscious or ashamed
From this reading Then she darted off, and, humiliated and chagrined, he went to his own room.
chucklingverbUS /ˈtʃʌklɪŋ/
-ing form of “chuckle” — laugh quietly or with restraint
From this reading When the chuckling Tim told his sister the secret as he paused to kiss her good-night at the head of the stairs, he did not dream that she would reveal it to their father; but, before he could exact a promise, she emitted the truth, despite his attempts to place his hand over her mouth.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading When the chuckling Tim told his sister the secret as he paused to kiss her good-night at the head of the stairs, he did not dream that she would reveal it to their father; but, before he could exact a promise, she emitted the truth, despite his attempts to place his hand over her mouth.
dartedverbUS /ˈdɑːrtɪd/
past form of “dart” — move along rapidly and lightly; skim or dart
From this reading Then she darted off, and, humiliated and chagrined, he went to his own room.
despiteprepositionUS /dɪˈspaɪt/
although something is true; in spite of
From this reading When the chuckling Tim told his sister the secret as he paused to kiss her good-night at the head of the stairs, he did not dream that she would reveal it to their father; but, before he could exact a promise, she emitted the truth, despite his attempts to place his hand over her mouth.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading When the chuckling Tim told his sister the secret as he paused to kiss her good-night at the head of the stairs, he did not dream that she would reveal it to their father; but, before he could exact a promise, she emitted the truth, despite his attempts to place his hand over her mouth.
A series of thoughts, images, or emotions during sleep.
From this reading When the chuckling Tim told his sister the secret as he paused to kiss her good-night at the head of the stairs, he did not dream that she would reveal it to their father; but, before he could exact a promise, she emitted the truth, despite his attempts to place his hand over her mouth.
emittedverbUS /ɪˈmɪtəd/
inflected form of “emit” — expel (gases or odors)
From this reading When the chuckling Tim told his sister the secret as he paused to kiss her good-night at the head of the stairs, he did not dream that she would reveal it to their father; but, before he could exact a promise, she emitted the truth, despite his attempts to place his hand over her mouth.
exactadjectiveUS /ɪɡˈzækt/
Strictly particular and correct.
From this reading When the chuckling Tim told his sister the secret as he paused to kiss her good-night at the head of the stairs, he did not dream that she would reveal it to their father; but, before he could exact a promise, she emitted the truth, despite his attempts to place his hand over her mouth.
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading When the chuckling Tim told his sister the secret as he paused to kiss her good-night at the head of the stairs, he did not dream that she would reveal it to their father; but, before he could exact a promise, she emitted the truth, despite his attempts to place his hand over her mouth.
(of materials or goods) brought to the desired final state
From this reading Just as the meal was finished, he remarked:
givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/
acknowledged as a supposition
From this reading But the parent was given more to think about.
good-night
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When the chuckling Tim told his sister the secret as he paused to kiss her good-night at the head of the stairs, he did not dream that she would reveal it to their father; but, before he could exact a promise, she emitted the truth, despite his attempts to place his hand over her mouth.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading When the chuckling Tim told his sister the secret as he paused to kiss her good-night at the head of the stairs, he did not dream that she would reveal it to their father; but, before he could exact a promise, she emitted the truth, despite his attempts to place his hand over her mouth.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading When the chuckling Tim told his sister the secret as he paused to kiss her good-night at the head of the stairs, he did not dream that she would reveal it to their father; but, before he could exact a promise, she emitted the truth, despite his attempts to place his hand over her mouth.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading When the chuckling Tim told his sister the secret as he paused to kiss her good-night at the head of the stairs, he did not dream that she would reveal it to their father; but, before he could exact a promise, she emitted the truth, despite his attempts to place his hand over her mouth.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading When the chuckling Tim told his sister the secret as he paused to kiss her good-night at the head of the stairs, he did not dream that she would reveal it to their father; but, before he could exact a promise, she emitted the truth, despite his attempts to place his hand over her mouth.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading When the chuckling Tim told his sister the secret as he paused to kiss her good-night at the head of the stairs, he did not dream that she would reveal it to their father; but, before he could exact a promise, she emitted the truth, despite his attempts to place his hand over her mouth.
humiliatedadjectiveUS /hjuːˈmɪlieɪtɪd/
subdued or brought low in condition or status
From this reading Then she darted off, and, humiliated and chagrined, he went to his own room.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading He was pleasant to both the next morning at breakfast and made no reference to the matter that was in the minds of all.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading When the chuckling Tim told his sister the secret as he paused to kiss her good-night at the head of the stairs, he did not dream that she would reveal it to their father; but, before he could exact a promise, she emitted the truth, despite his attempts to place his hand over her mouth.
and nothing more
From this reading Just as the meal was finished, he remarked:
the act of caressing with the lips (or an instance thereof)
From this reading When the chuckling Tim told his sister the secret as he paused to kiss her good-night at the head of the stairs, he did not dream that she would reveal it to their father; but, before he could exact a promise, she emitted the truth, despite his attempts to place his hand over her mouth.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading He was pleasant to both the next morning at breakfast and made no reference to the matter that was in the minds of all.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading He was pleasant to both the next morning at breakfast and made no reference to the matter that was in the minds of all.
the food served and eaten at one time
From this reading Just as the meal was finished, he remarked:
plural of “mind” — that which is responsible for one's thoughts, feelings, and conscious brain functions; the seat of the faculty of reason
From this reading He was pleasant to both the next morning at breakfast and made no reference to the matter that was in the minds of all.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading But the parent was given more to think about.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading He was pleasant to both the next morning at breakfast and made no reference to the matter that was in the minds of all.
the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge
From this reading When the chuckling Tim told his sister the secret as he paused to kiss her good-night at the head of the stairs, he did not dream that she would reveal it to their father; but, before he could exact a promise, she emitted the truth, despite his attempts to place his hand over her mouth.
immediately following in time or order
From this reading He was pleasant to both the next morning at breakfast and made no reference to the matter that was in the minds of all.
not any; not one
From this reading He was pleasant to both the next morning at breakfast and made no reference to the matter that was in the minds of all.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading When the chuckling Tim told his sister the secret as he paused to kiss her good-night at the head of the stairs, he did not dream that she would reveal it to their father; but, before he could exact a promise, she emitted the truth, despite his attempts to place his hand over her mouth.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading When the chuckling Tim told his sister the secret as he paused to kiss her good-night at the head of the stairs, he did not dream that she would reveal it to their father; but, before he could exact a promise, she emitted the truth, despite his attempts to place his hand over her mouth.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Then she darted off, and, humiliated and chagrined, he went to his own room.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading When the chuckling Tim told his sister the secret as he paused to kiss her good-night at the head of the stairs, he did not dream that she would reveal it to their father; but, before he could exact a promise, she emitted the truth, despite his attempts to place his hand over her mouth.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading Then she darted off, and, humiliated and chagrined, he went to his own room.
parentnounUS /ˈperənt/
a father or mother; one who begets or one who gives birth to or nurtures and raises a child; a relative who plays the role of guardian
From this reading But the parent was given more to think about.
past form of “pause” — interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing
From this reading When the chuckling Tim told his sister the secret as he paused to kiss her good-night at the head of the stairs, he did not dream that she would reveal it to their father; but, before he could exact a promise, she emitted the truth, despite his attempts to place his hand over her mouth.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading When the chuckling Tim told his sister the secret as he paused to kiss her good-night at the head of the stairs, he did not dream that she would reveal it to their father; but, before he could exact a promise, she emitted the truth, despite his attempts to place his hand over her mouth.
affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings
From this reading He was pleasant to both the next morning at breakfast and made no reference to the matter that was in the minds of all.
make a promise or commitment
From this reading When the chuckling Tim told his sister the secret as he paused to kiss her good-night at the head of the stairs, he did not dream that she would reveal it to their father; but, before he could exact a promise, she emitted the truth, despite his attempts to place his hand over her mouth.
referencenounUS /ˈrefərəns/
a remark that calls attention to something or someone
From this reading He was pleasant to both the next morning at breakfast and made no reference to the matter that was in the minds of all.
past form of “remark” — make mention of
From this reading Just as the meal was finished, he remarked:
revealverbUS /rɪˈviːl/
make visible
From this reading When the chuckling Tim told his sister the secret as he paused to kiss her good-night at the head of the stairs, he did not dream that she would reveal it to their father; but, before he could exact a promise, she emitted the truth, despite his attempts to place his hand over her mouth.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading Then she darted off, and, humiliated and chagrined, he went to his own room.
Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.
From this reading When the chuckling Tim told his sister the secret as he paused to kiss her good-night at the head of the stairs, he did not dream that she would reveal it to their father; but, before he could exact a promise, she emitted the truth, despite his attempts to place his hand over her mouth.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading When the chuckling Tim told his sister the secret as he paused to kiss her good-night at the head of the stairs, he did not dream that she would reveal it to their father; but, before he could exact a promise, she emitted the truth, despite his attempts to place his hand over her mouth.
a female person who has the same parents as another person
From this reading When the chuckling Tim told his sister the secret as he paused to kiss her good-night at the head of the stairs, he did not dream that she would reveal it to their father; but, before he could exact a promise, she emitted the truth, despite his attempts to place his hand over her mouth.
a flight of stairs or a flight of steps
From this reading When the chuckling Tim told his sister the secret as he paused to kiss her good-night at the head of the stairs, he did not dream that she would reveal it to their father; but, before he could exact a promise, she emitted the truth, despite his attempts to place his hand over her mouth.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading When the chuckling Tim told his sister the secret as he paused to kiss her good-night at the head of the stairs, he did not dream that she would reveal it to their father; but, before he could exact a promise, she emitted the truth, despite his attempts to place his hand over her mouth.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading When the chuckling Tim told his sister the secret as he paused to kiss her good-night at the head of the stairs, he did not dream that she would reveal it to their father; but, before he could exact a promise, she emitted the truth, despite his attempts to place his hand over her mouth.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading When the chuckling Tim told his sister the secret as he paused to kiss her good-night at the head of the stairs, he did not dream that she would reveal it to their father; but, before he could exact a promise, she emitted the truth, despite his attempts to place his hand over her mouth.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Then she darted off, and, humiliated and chagrined, he went to his own room.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading But the parent was given more to think about.
Tim
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When the chuckling Tim told his sister the secret as he paused to kiss her good-night at the head of the stairs, he did not dream that she would reveal it to their father; but, before he could exact a promise, she emitted the truth, despite his attempts to place his hand over her mouth.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading When the chuckling Tim told his sister the secret as he paused to kiss her good-night at the head of the stairs, he did not dream that she would reveal it to their father; but, before he could exact a promise, she emitted the truth, despite his attempts to place his hand over her mouth.
inflected form of “tell” — express in words
From this reading When the chuckling Tim told his sister the secret as he paused to kiss her good-night at the head of the stairs, he did not dream that she would reveal it to their father; but, before he could exact a promise, she emitted the truth, despite his attempts to place his hand over her mouth.
a fact that has been verified
From this reading When the chuckling Tim told his sister the secret as he paused to kiss her good-night at the head of the stairs, he did not dream that she would reveal it to their father; but, before he could exact a promise, she emitted the truth, despite his attempts to place his hand over her mouth.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading But the parent was given more to think about.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Then she darted off, and, humiliated and chagrined, he went to his own room.
at the time that
From this reading When the chuckling Tim told his sister the secret as he paused to kiss her good-night at the head of the stairs, he did not dream that she would reveal it to their father; but, before he could exact a promise, she emitted the truth, despite his attempts to place his hand over her mouth.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading When the chuckling Tim told his sister the secret as he paused to kiss her good-night at the head of the stairs, he did not dream that she would reveal it to their father; but, before he could exact a promise, she emitted the truth, despite his attempts to place his hand over her mouth.
