used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Her eyes were unnaturally bright, her expression seemed to have borrowed something of that wistful earnestness of one of the earlier Madonnas, seeking with pathetic strenuousness to discover the germs of a truth which was as yet unborn.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading TALK OF TREASURE SHIPS In the twilight of the long spring evening, Ruth sat waiting in the bare room which had been Arnold's habitation during these days of his struggle against poverty.
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading Already the color which the sunshine had brought seemed to have been drained from her cheeks.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The clouds, which hung low over the other side of the river, were tinged with an unusual coloring, smoke-stained as they hovered over the chimneys.
Arnold'snounUS /ˈɑːrnəldz/
possessive form of “arnold” — English poet and literary critic (1822-1888)
From this reading TALK OF TREASURE SHIPS In the twilight of the long spring evening, Ruth sat waiting in the bare room which had been Arnold's habitation during these days of his struggle against poverty.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading She was sitting on the couch, drawn up as usual to the window, her elbows upon her knees, her hands supporting her delicate, thoughtful face.
completely unclothed
From this reading TALK OF TREASURE SHIPS In the twilight of the long spring evening, Ruth sat waiting in the bare room which had been Arnold's habitation during these days of his struggle against poverty.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading TALK OF TREASURE SHIPS In the twilight of the long spring evening, Ruth sat waiting in the bare room which had been Arnold's habitation during these days of his struggle against poverty.
borrowedverbUS /ˈbɑːroʊd/
past form of “borrow” — get temporarily
From this reading Her eyes were unnaturally bright, her expression seemed to have borrowed something of that wistful earnestness of one of the earlier Madonnas, seeking with pathetic strenuousness to discover the germs of a truth which was as yet unborn.
emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts
From this reading Her eyes were unnaturally bright, her expression seemed to have borrowed something of that wistful earnestness of one of the earlier Madonnas, seeking with pathetic strenuousness to discover the germs of a truth which was as yet unborn.
inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading Already the color which the sunshine had brought seemed to have been drained from her cheeks.
plural of “cheek” — either side of the face below the eyes
From this reading Already the color which the sunshine had brought seemed to have been drained from her cheeks.
chimneysnounUS /ˈtʃɪmniz/
plural of “chimney” — a vertical flue that provides a path through which smoke from a fire is carried away through the wall or roof of a building
From this reading The clouds, which hung low over the other side of the river, were tinged with an unusual coloring, smoke-stained as they hovered over the chimneys.
plural of “cloud” — any collection of particles (e.g., smoke or dust) or gases that is visible
From this reading The clouds, which hung low over the other side of the river, were tinged with an unusual coloring, smoke-stained as they hovered over the chimneys.
a visual attribute of things that results from the light they emit or transmit or reflect
From this reading Already the color which the sunshine had brought seemed to have been drained from her cheeks.
coloringnounUS /ˈkʌlərɪŋ/
a digestible substance used to give color to food
From this reading The clouds, which hung low over the other side of the river, were tinged with an unusual coloring, smoke-stained as they hovered over the chimneys.
couchnounUS /kaʊtʃ/
an upholstered seat for more than one person
From this reading She was sitting on the couch, drawn up as usual to the window, her elbows upon her knees, her hands supporting her delicate, thoughtful face.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading TALK OF TREASURE SHIPS In the twilight of the long spring evening, Ruth sat waiting in the bare room which had been Arnold's habitation during these days of his struggle against poverty.
exquisitely fine and subtle and pleasing; susceptible to injury
From this reading She was sitting on the couch, drawn up as usual to the window, her elbows upon her knees, her hands supporting her delicate, thoughtful face.
discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of
From this reading Her eyes were unnaturally bright, her expression seemed to have borrowed something of that wistful earnestness of one of the earlier Madonnas, seeking with pathetic strenuousness to discover the germs of a truth which was as yet unborn.
drainedadjectiveUS /dreɪnd/
emptied or exhausted of (as by drawing off e.g. water or other liquid)
From this reading Already the color which the sunshine had brought seemed to have been drained from her cheeks.
showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering
From this reading She was sitting on the couch, drawn up as usual to the window, her elbows upon her knees, her hands supporting her delicate, thoughtful face.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading TALK OF TREASURE SHIPS In the twilight of the long spring evening, Ruth sat waiting in the bare room which had been Arnold's habitation during these days of his struggle against poverty.
earlier in time; previously
From this reading Her eyes were unnaturally bright, her expression seemed to have borrowed something of that wistful earnestness of one of the earlier Madonnas, seeking with pathetic strenuousness to discover the germs of a truth which was as yet unborn.
earnestnessnounUS /ˈɜːrnəstnəs/
an earnest and sincere feeling
From this reading Her eyes were unnaturally bright, her expression seemed to have borrowed something of that wistful earnestness of one of the earlier Madonnas, seeking with pathetic strenuousness to discover the germs of a truth which was as yet unborn.
elbowsnounUS /ˈelboʊz/
plural of “elbow” — hinge joint between the forearm and upper arm and the corresponding joint in the forelimb of a quadruped
From this reading She was sitting on the couch, drawn up as usual to the window, her elbows upon her knees, her hands supporting her delicate, thoughtful face.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading TALK OF TREASURE SHIPS In the twilight of the long spring evening, Ruth sat waiting in the bare room which had been Arnold's habitation during these days of his struggle against poverty.
the feelings expressed on a person's face
From this reading Her eyes were unnaturally bright, her expression seemed to have borrowed something of that wistful earnestness of one of the earlier Madonnas, seeking with pathetic strenuousness to discover the germs of a truth which was as yet unborn.
opinion or judgment
From this reading Her eyes were unnaturally bright, her expression seemed to have borrowed something of that wistful earnestness of one of the earlier Madonnas, seeking with pathetic strenuousness to discover the germs of a truth which was as yet unborn.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading She was sitting on the couch, drawn up as usual to the window, her elbows upon her knees, her hands supporting her delicate, thoughtful face.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Already the color which the sunshine had brought seemed to have been drained from her cheeks.
germsnounUS /dʒɜːrmz/
plural of “germ” — anything that provides inspiration for later work
From this reading Her eyes were unnaturally bright, her expression seemed to have borrowed something of that wistful earnestness of one of the earlier Madonnas, seeking with pathetic strenuousness to discover the germs of a truth which was as yet unborn.
habitationnounUS /ˌhæbəˈteɪʃən/
the native habitat or home of an animal or plant
From this reading TALK OF TREASURE SHIPS In the twilight of the long spring evening, Ruth sat waiting in the bare room which had been Arnold's habitation during these days of his struggle against poverty.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading TALK OF TREASURE SHIPS In the twilight of the long spring evening, Ruth sat waiting in the bare room which had been Arnold's habitation during these days of his struggle against poverty.
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading She was sitting on the couch, drawn up as usual to the window, her elbows upon her knees, her hands supporting her delicate, thoughtful face.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Already the color which the sunshine had brought seemed to have been drained from her cheeks.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading She was sitting on the couch, drawn up as usual to the window, her elbows upon her knees, her hands supporting her delicate, thoughtful face.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading TALK OF TREASURE SHIPS In the twilight of the long spring evening, Ruth sat waiting in the bare room which had been Arnold's habitation during these days of his struggle against poverty.
hoveredverbUS /ˈhʌvərd/
past form of “hover” — be undecided about something; waver between conflicting positions or courses of action
From this reading The clouds, which hung low over the other side of the river, were tinged with an unusual coloring, smoke-stained as they hovered over the chimneys.
inflected form of “hang” — be suspended or hanging
From this reading The clouds, which hung low over the other side of the river, were tinged with an unusual coloring, smoke-stained as they hovered over the chimneys.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading TALK OF TREASURE SHIPS In the twilight of the long spring evening, Ruth sat waiting in the bare room which had been Arnold's habitation during these days of his struggle against poverty.
plural of “knee” — hinge joint in the human leg connecting the tibia and fibula with the femur and protected in front by the patella
From this reading She was sitting on the couch, drawn up as usual to the window, her elbows upon her knees, her hands supporting her delicate, thoughtful face.
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 TALK OF TREASURE SHIPS In the twilight of the long spring evening, Ruth sat waiting in the bare room which had been Arnold's habitation during these days of his struggle against poverty.
less than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading The clouds, which hung low over the other side of the river, were tinged with an unusual coloring, smoke-stained as they hovered over the chimneys.
Madonnas
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her eyes were unnaturally bright, her expression seemed to have borrowed something of that wistful earnestness of one of the earlier Madonnas, seeking with pathetic strenuousness to discover the germs of a truth which was as yet unborn.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading TALK OF TREASURE SHIPS In the twilight of the long spring evening, Ruth sat waiting in the bare room which had been Arnold's habitation during these days of his struggle against poverty.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading She was sitting on the couch, drawn up as usual to the window, her elbows upon her knees, her hands supporting her delicate, thoughtful face.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Her eyes were unnaturally bright, her expression seemed to have borrowed something of that wistful earnestness of one of the earlier Madonnas, seeking with pathetic strenuousness to discover the germs of a truth which was as yet unborn.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading The clouds, which hung low over the other side of the river, were tinged with an unusual coloring, smoke-stained as they hovered over the chimneys.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading The clouds, which hung low over the other side of the river, were tinged with an unusual coloring, smoke-stained as they hovered over the chimneys.
patheticadjectiveUS /pəˈθetɪk/
deserving or inciting pity
From this reading Her eyes were unnaturally bright, her expression seemed to have borrowed something of that wistful earnestness of one of the earlier Madonnas, seeking with pathetic strenuousness to discover the germs of a truth which was as yet unborn.
the state of having little or no money and few or no material possessions
From this reading TALK OF TREASURE SHIPS In the twilight of the long spring evening, Ruth sat waiting in the bare room which had been Arnold's habitation during these days of his struggle against poverty.
a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)
From this reading The clouds, which hung low over the other side of the river, were tinged with an unusual coloring, smoke-stained as they hovered over the chimneys.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading TALK OF TREASURE SHIPS In the twilight of the long spring evening, Ruth sat waiting in the bare room which had been Arnold's habitation during these days of his struggle against poverty.
United States professional baseball player famous for hitting home runs (1895-1948)
From this reading TALK OF TREASURE SHIPS In the twilight of the long spring evening, Ruth sat waiting in the bare room which had been Arnold's habitation during these days of his struggle against poverty.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading TALK OF TREASURE SHIPS In the twilight of the long spring evening, Ruth sat waiting in the bare room which had been Arnold's habitation during these days of his struggle against poverty.
the act of searching for something
From this reading Her eyes were unnaturally bright, her expression seemed to have borrowed something of that wistful earnestness of one of the earlier Madonnas, seeking with pathetic strenuousness to discover the germs of a truth which was as yet unborn.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Already the color which the sunshine had brought seemed to have been drained from her cheeks.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She was sitting on the couch, drawn up as usual to the window, her elbows upon her knees, her hands supporting her delicate, thoughtful face.
plural of “ship” — a vessel that carries passengers or freight
From this reading TALK OF TREASURE SHIPS In the twilight of the long spring evening, Ruth sat waiting in the bare room which had been Arnold's habitation during these days of his struggle against poverty.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading The clouds, which hung low over the other side of the river, were tinged with an unusual coloring, smoke-stained as they hovered over the chimneys.
(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)
From this reading She was sitting on the couch, drawn up as usual to the window, her elbows upon her knees, her hands supporting her delicate, thoughtful face.
smoke-stained
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The clouds, which hung low over the other side of the river, were tinged with an unusual coloring, smoke-stained as they hovered over the chimneys.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading Her eyes were unnaturally bright, her expression seemed to have borrowed something of that wistful earnestness of one of the earlier Madonnas, seeking with pathetic strenuousness to discover the germs of a truth which was as yet unborn.
the season of growth
From this reading TALK OF TREASURE SHIPS In the twilight of the long spring evening, Ruth sat waiting in the bare room which had been Arnold's habitation during these days of his struggle against poverty.
strenuousnessnoun
extreme effortfulness
From this reading Her eyes were unnaturally bright, her expression seemed to have borrowed something of that wistful earnestness of one of the earlier Madonnas, seeking with pathetic strenuousness to discover the germs of a truth which was as yet unborn.
make a strenuous or labored effort
From this reading TALK OF TREASURE SHIPS In the twilight of the long spring evening, Ruth sat waiting in the bare room which had been Arnold's habitation during these days of his struggle against poverty.
the rays of the sun
From this reading Already the color which the sunshine had brought seemed to have been drained from her cheeks.
supportingadjectiveUS /səˈpɔːrtɪŋ/
furnishing support and encouragement
From this reading She was sitting on the couch, drawn up as usual to the window, her elbows upon her knees, her hands supporting her delicate, thoughtful face.
exchange thoughts; talk with
From this reading TALK OF TREASURE SHIPS In the twilight of the long spring evening, Ruth sat waiting in the bare room which had been Arnold's habitation during these days of his struggle against poverty.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Her eyes were unnaturally bright, her expression seemed to have borrowed something of that wistful earnestness of one of the earlier Madonnas, seeking with pathetic strenuousness to discover the germs of a truth which was as yet unborn.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading TALK OF TREASURE SHIPS In the twilight of the long spring evening, Ruth sat waiting in the bare room which had been Arnold's habitation during these days of his struggle against poverty.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading TALK OF TREASURE SHIPS In the twilight of the long spring evening, Ruth sat waiting in the bare room which had been Arnold's habitation during these days of his struggle against poverty.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The clouds, which hung low over the other side of the river, were tinged with an unusual coloring, smoke-stained as they hovered over the chimneys.
thoughtfuladjectiveUS /ˈθɔːtfəl/
having intellectual depth
From this reading She was sitting on the couch, drawn up as usual to the window, her elbows upon her knees, her hands supporting her delicate, thoughtful face.
tingedverbUS /tɪŋd/
past form of “tinge” — affect as in thought or feeling
From this reading The clouds, which hung low over the other side of the river, were tinged with an unusual coloring, smoke-stained as they hovered over the chimneys.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading She was sitting on the couch, drawn up as usual to the window, her elbows upon her knees, her hands supporting her delicate, thoughtful face.
accumulated wealth in the form of money or jewels etc.
From this reading TALK OF TREASURE SHIPS In the twilight of the long spring evening, Ruth sat waiting in the bare room which had been Arnold's habitation during these days of his struggle against poverty.
a fact that has been verified
From this reading Her eyes were unnaturally bright, her expression seemed to have borrowed something of that wistful earnestness of one of the earlier Madonnas, seeking with pathetic strenuousness to discover the germs of a truth which was as yet unborn.
the time of day immediately following sunset
From this reading TALK OF TREASURE SHIPS In the twilight of the long spring evening, Ruth sat waiting in the bare room which had been Arnold's habitation during these days of his struggle against poverty.
unbornadjectiveUS /ˈʌnˈbɔːrn/
not yet brought into existence
From this reading Her eyes were unnaturally bright, her expression seemed to have borrowed something of that wistful earnestness of one of the earlier Madonnas, seeking with pathetic strenuousness to discover the germs of a truth which was as yet unborn.
unnaturallyadverbUS /ənˈnætʃərəli/
in an unnatural way
From this reading Her eyes were unnaturally bright, her expression seemed to have borrowed something of that wistful earnestness of one of the earlier Madonnas, seeking with pathetic strenuousness to discover the germs of a truth which was as yet unborn.
not usual or common or ordinary
From this reading The clouds, which hung low over the other side of the river, were tinged with an unusual coloring, smoke-stained as they hovered over the chimneys.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading She was sitting on the couch, drawn up as usual to the window, her elbows upon her knees, her hands supporting her delicate, thoughtful face.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading She was sitting on the couch, drawn up as usual to the window, her elbows upon her knees, her hands supporting her delicate, thoughtful face.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading She was sitting on the couch, drawn up as usual to the window, her elbows upon her knees, her hands supporting her delicate, thoughtful face.
the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something)
From this reading TALK OF TREASURE SHIPS In the twilight of the long spring evening, Ruth sat waiting in the bare room which had been Arnold's habitation during these days of his struggle against poverty.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading She was sitting on the couch, drawn up as usual to the window, her elbows upon her knees, her hands supporting her delicate, thoughtful face.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Her eyes were unnaturally bright, her expression seemed to have borrowed something of that wistful earnestness of one of the earlier Madonnas, seeking with pathetic strenuousness to discover the germs of a truth which was as yet unborn.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading TALK OF TREASURE SHIPS In the twilight of the long spring evening, Ruth sat waiting in the bare room which had been Arnold's habitation during these days of his struggle against poverty.
a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air
From this reading She was sitting on the couch, drawn up as usual to the window, her elbows upon her knees, her hands supporting her delicate, thoughtful face.
wistfuladjectiveUS /ˈwɪstfəl/
showing pensive sadness
From this reading Her eyes were unnaturally bright, her expression seemed to have borrowed something of that wistful earnestness of one of the earlier Madonnas, seeking with pathetic strenuousness to discover the germs of a truth which was as yet unborn.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Her eyes were unnaturally bright, her expression seemed to have borrowed something of that wistful earnestness of one of the earlier Madonnas, seeking with pathetic strenuousness to discover the germs of a truth which was as yet unborn.
but in spite of that
From this reading Her eyes were unnaturally bright, her expression seemed to have borrowed something of that wistful earnestness of one of the earlier Madonnas, seeking with pathetic strenuousness to discover the germs of a truth which was as yet unborn.
