used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading There he stood on the high ground above the houses, the man who had prophesied the end of the world, while beneath them tumbled the waves of a sea where they had never seen sea water before!
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading There could be no doubt about the depth of the impression which the strange figure and his unusual garb produced upon the people.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading There he stood on the high ground above the houses, the man who had prophesied the end of the world, while beneath them tumbled the waves of a sea where they had never seen sea water before!
(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 Was this the beginning of the end of all? they asked themselves.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading There could be no doubt about the depth of the impression which the strange figure and his unusual garb produced upon the people.
past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading Was this the beginning of the end of all? they asked themselves.
a distinct feature or element in a problem
From this reading The occurrence, being so far outside their experience, had about it the elements of the supernatural--the aspect of a miracle.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading There could be no doubt about the depth of the impression which the strange figure and his unusual garb produced upon the people.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading To these people the daily ebb and flow of the tide, ever going on before their eyes, was the type of a regularity that nothing could change; and never once had the water been forced, even under the influence of the strongest gale from the southwest, beyond the summit of the shingle-heap--never until this day.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading There he stood on the high ground above the houses, the man who had prophesied the end of the world, while beneath them tumbled the waves of a sea where they had never seen sea water before!
the event consisting of the start of something
From this reading Was this the beginning of the end of all? they asked themselves.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading The occurrence, being so far outside their experience, had about it the elements of the supernatural--the aspect of a miracle.
Directly under; in or to a lower position than.
From this reading There he stood on the high ground above the houses, the man who had prophesied the end of the world, while beneath them tumbled the waves of a sea where they had never seen sea water before!
on the far side of; further than
From this reading To these people the daily ebb and flow of the tide, ever going on before their eyes, was the type of a regularity that nothing could change; and never once had the water been forced, even under the influence of the strongest gale from the southwest, beyond the summit of the shingle-heap--never until this day.
cause to change; make different; cause a transformation
From this reading To these people the daily ebb and flow of the tide, ever going on before their eyes, was the type of a regularity that nothing could change; and never once had the water been forced, even under the influence of the strongest gale from the southwest, beyond the summit of the shingle-heap--never until this day.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading There could be no doubt about the depth of the impression which the strange figure and his unusual garb produced upon the people.
every day; without missing a day
From this reading To these people the daily ebb and flow of the tide, ever going on before their eyes, was the type of a regularity that nothing could change; and never once had the water been forced, even under the influence of the strongest gale from the southwest, beyond the summit of the shingle-heap--never until this day.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading To these people the daily ebb and flow of the tide, ever going on before their eyes, was the type of a regularity that nothing could change; and never once had the water been forced, even under the influence of the strongest gale from the southwest, beyond the summit of the shingle-heap--never until this day.
depthnounUS /depθ/
the extent downward or backward or inward
From this reading There could be no doubt about the depth of the impression which the strange figure and his unusual garb produced upon the people.
the state of being unsure of something
From this reading There could be no doubt about the depth of the impression which the strange figure and his unusual garb produced upon the people.
ebbverbUS /eb/
flow back or recede
From this reading To these people the daily ebb and flow of the tide, ever going on before their eyes, was the type of a regularity that nothing could change; and never once had the water been forced, even under the influence of the strongest gale from the southwest, beyond the summit of the shingle-heap--never until this day.
elementsnounUS /ˈeləmənts/
violent or severe weather (viewed as caused by the action of the four elements)
From this reading The occurrence, being so far outside their experience, had about it the elements of the supernatural--the aspect of a miracle.
either extremity of something that has length
From this reading There he stood on the high ground above the houses, the man who had prophesied the end of the world, while beneath them tumbled the waves of a sea where they had never seen sea water before!
divisible by two
From this reading To these people the daily ebb and flow of the tide, ever going on before their eyes, was the type of a regularity that nothing could change; and never once had the water been forced, even under the influence of the strongest gale from the southwest, beyond the summit of the shingle-heap--never until this day.
at any time
From this reading To these people the daily ebb and flow of the tide, ever going on before their eyes, was the type of a regularity that nothing could change; and never once had the water been forced, even under the influence of the strongest gale from the southwest, beyond the summit of the shingle-heap--never until this day.
undergo or live through a difficult experience
From this reading The occurrence, being so far outside their experience, had about it the elements of the supernatural--the aspect of a miracle.
opinion or judgment
From this reading To these people the daily ebb and flow of the tide, ever going on before their eyes, was the type of a regularity that nothing could change; and never once had the water been forced, even under the influence of the strongest gale from the southwest, beyond the summit of the shingle-heap--never until this day.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading The occurrence, being so far outside their experience, had about it the elements of the supernatural--the aspect of a miracle.
a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading There could be no doubt about the depth of the impression which the strange figure and his unusual garb produced upon the people.
flownounUS /floʊ/
the motion characteristic of fluids (liquids or gases)
From this reading To these people the daily ebb and flow of the tide, ever going on before their eyes, was the type of a regularity that nothing could change; and never once had the water been forced, even under the influence of the strongest gale from the southwest, beyond the summit of the shingle-heap--never until this day.
produced by or subjected to forcing
From this reading To these people the daily ebb and flow of the tide, ever going on before their eyes, was the type of a regularity that nothing could change; and never once had the water been forced, even under the influence of the strongest gale from the southwest, beyond the summit of the shingle-heap--never until this day.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading To these people the daily ebb and flow of the tide, ever going on before their eyes, was the type of a regularity that nothing could change; and never once had the water been forced, even under the influence of the strongest gale from the southwest, beyond the summit of the shingle-heap--never until this day.
galenounUS /ɡeɪl/
a strong wind moving 45-90 knots; force 7 to 10 on Beaufort scale
From this reading To these people the daily ebb and flow of the tide, ever going on before their eyes, was the type of a regularity that nothing could change; and never once had the water been forced, even under the influence of the strongest gale from the southwest, beyond the summit of the shingle-heap--never until this day.
garbnounUS /ɡɑːrb/
clothing of a distinctive style or for a particular occasion
From this reading There could be no doubt about the depth of the impression which the strange figure and his unusual garb produced upon the people.
the act of departing
From this reading To these people the daily ebb and flow of the tide, ever going on before their eyes, was the type of a regularity that nothing could change; and never once had the water been forced, even under the influence of the strongest gale from the southwest, beyond the summit of the shingle-heap--never until this day.
the solid part of the earth's surface
From this reading There he stood on the high ground above the houses, the man who had prophesied the end of the world, while beneath them tumbled the waves of a sea where they had never seen sea water before!
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading There he stood on the high ground above the houses, the man who had prophesied the end of the world, while beneath them tumbled the waves of a sea where they had never seen sea water before!
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading There he stood on the high ground above the houses, the man who had prophesied the end of the world, while beneath them tumbled the waves of a sea where they had never seen sea water before!
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading There he stood on the high ground above the houses, the man who had prophesied the end of the world, while beneath them tumbled the waves of a sea where they had never seen sea water before!
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading There could be no doubt about the depth of the impression which the strange figure and his unusual garb produced upon the people.
plural of “house” — a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading There he stood on the high ground above the houses, the man who had prophesied the end of the world, while beneath them tumbled the waves of a sea where they had never seen sea water before!
a vague idea in which some confidence is placed
From this reading There could be no doubt about the depth of the impression which the strange figure and his unusual garb produced upon the people.
a power to affect persons or events especially power based on prestige etc
From this reading To these people the daily ebb and flow of the tide, ever going on before their eyes, was the type of a regularity that nothing could change; and never once had the water been forced, even under the influence of the strongest gale from the southwest, beyond the summit of the shingle-heap--never until this day.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The occurrence, being so far outside their experience, had about it the elements of the supernatural--the aspect of a miracle.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading There he stood on the high ground above the houses, the man who had prophesied the end of the world, while beneath them tumbled the waves of a sea where they had never seen sea water before!
miraclenounUS /ˈmɪrəkəl/
any amazing or wonderful occurrence
From this reading The occurrence, being so far outside their experience, had about it the elements of the supernatural--the aspect of a miracle.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading There he stood on the high ground above the houses, the man who had prophesied the end of the world, while beneath them tumbled the waves of a sea where they had never seen sea water before!
not any; not one
From this reading There could be no doubt about the depth of the impression which the strange figure and his unusual garb produced upon the people.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading To these people the daily ebb and flow of the tide, ever going on before their eyes, was the type of a regularity that nothing could change; and never once had the water been forced, even under the influence of the strongest gale from the southwest, beyond the summit of the shingle-heap--never until this day.
occurrencenounUS /əˈkɜːrəns/
an event that happens
From this reading The occurrence, being so far outside their experience, had about it the elements of the supernatural--the aspect of a miracle.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading There could be no doubt about the depth of the impression which the strange figure and his unusual garb produced upon the people.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading There he stood on the high ground above the houses, the man who had prophesied the end of the world, while beneath them tumbled the waves of a sea where they had never seen sea water before!
on one occasion
From this reading To these people the daily ebb and flow of the tide, ever going on before their eyes, was the type of a regularity that nothing could change; and never once had the water been forced, even under the influence of the strongest gale from the southwest, beyond the summit of the shingle-heap--never until this day.
relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit
From this reading The occurrence, being so far outside their experience, had about it the elements of the supernatural--the aspect of a miracle.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading There could be no doubt about the depth of the impression which the strange figure and his unusual garb produced upon the people.
past form of “produce” — bring forth or yield
From this reading There could be no doubt about the depth of the impression which the strange figure and his unusual garb produced upon the people.
prophesiedverbUS /ˈprɑːfəsaɪd/
inflected form of “prophesy” — predict or reveal through, or as if through, divine inspiration
From this reading There he stood on the high ground above the houses, the man who had prophesied the end of the world, while beneath them tumbled the waves of a sea where they had never seen sea water before!
regularitynounUS /ˌreɡjəˈlerəti/
a property of polygons: the property of having equal sides and equal angles
From this reading To these people the daily ebb and flow of the tide, ever going on before their eyes, was the type of a regularity that nothing could change; and never once had the water been forced, even under the influence of the strongest gale from the southwest, beyond the summit of the shingle-heap--never until this day.
a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
From this reading There he stood on the high ground above the houses, the man who had prophesied the end of the world, while beneath them tumbled the waves of a sea where they had never seen sea water before!
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading There he stood on the high ground above the houses, the man who had prophesied the end of the world, while beneath them tumbled the waves of a sea where they had never seen sea water before!
shingle-heap
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To these people the daily ebb and flow of the tide, ever going on before their eyes, was the type of a regularity that nothing could change; and never once had the water been forced, even under the influence of the strongest gale from the southwest, beyond the summit of the shingle-heap--never until this day.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading The occurrence, being so far outside their experience, had about it the elements of the supernatural--the aspect of a miracle.
southwestnounUS /ˌsaʊˈθwest/
the compass point midway between south and west; at 225 degrees
From this reading To these people the daily ebb and flow of the tide, ever going on before their eyes, was the type of a regularity that nothing could change; and never once had the water been forced, even under the influence of the strongest gale from the southwest, beyond the summit of the shingle-heap--never until this day.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading There he stood on the high ground above the houses, the man who had prophesied the end of the world, while beneath them tumbled the waves of a sea where they had never seen sea water before!
being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
From this reading There could be no doubt about the depth of the impression which the strange figure and his unusual garb produced upon the people.
strongestadjectiveUS /ˈstrɔːŋɡəst/
superlative of “strong” — having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading To these people the daily ebb and flow of the tide, ever going on before their eyes, was the type of a regularity that nothing could change; and never once had the water been forced, even under the influence of the strongest gale from the southwest, beyond the summit of the shingle-heap--never until this day.
summitnounUS /ˈsʌmət/
the highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development
From this reading To these people the daily ebb and flow of the tide, ever going on before their eyes, was the type of a regularity that nothing could change; and never once had the water been forced, even under the influence of the strongest gale from the southwest, beyond the summit of the shingle-heap--never until this day.
supernaturalnounUS /ˌsuːpərˈnætʃərəl/
supernatural forces and events and beings collectively
From this reading The occurrence, being so far outside their experience, had about it the elements of the supernatural--the aspect of a miracle.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading To these people the daily ebb and flow of the tide, ever going on before their eyes, was the type of a regularity that nothing could change; and never once had the water been forced, even under the influence of the strongest gale from the southwest, beyond the summit of the shingle-heap--never until this day.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading There could be no doubt about the depth of the impression which the strange figure and his unusual garb produced upon the people.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The occurrence, being so far outside their experience, had about it the elements of the supernatural--the aspect of a miracle.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading There he stood on the high ground above the houses, the man who had prophesied the end of the world, while beneath them tumbled the waves of a sea where they had never seen sea water before!
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading Was this the beginning of the end of all? they asked themselves.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There could be no doubt about the depth of the impression which the strange figure and his unusual garb produced upon the people.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading To these people the daily ebb and flow of the tide, ever going on before their eyes, was the type of a regularity that nothing could change; and never once had the water been forced, even under the influence of the strongest gale from the southwest, beyond the summit of the shingle-heap--never until this day.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading There he stood on the high ground above the houses, the man who had prophesied the end of the world, while beneath them tumbled the waves of a sea where they had never seen sea water before!
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Was this the beginning of the end of all? they asked themselves.
the periodic rise and fall of the sea level under the gravitational pull of the moon
From this reading To these people the daily ebb and flow of the tide, ever going on before their eyes, was the type of a regularity that nothing could change; and never once had the water been forced, even under the influence of the strongest gale from the southwest, beyond the summit of the shingle-heap--never until this day.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading To these people the daily ebb and flow of the tide, ever going on before their eyes, was the type of a regularity that nothing could change; and never once had the water been forced, even under the influence of the strongest gale from the southwest, beyond the summit of the shingle-heap--never until this day.
tumbledverbUS /ˈtʌmbəld/
past form of “tumble” — fall down, as if collapsing
From this reading There he stood on the high ground above the houses, the man who had prophesied the end of the world, while beneath them tumbled the waves of a sea where they had never seen sea water before!
a subdivision of a particular kind of thing
From this reading To these people the daily ebb and flow of the tide, ever going on before their eyes, was the type of a regularity that nothing could change; and never once had the water been forced, even under the influence of the strongest gale from the southwest, beyond the summit of the shingle-heap--never until this day.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading To these people the daily ebb and flow of the tide, ever going on before their eyes, was the type of a regularity that nothing could change; and never once had the water been forced, even under the influence of the strongest gale from the southwest, beyond the summit of the shingle-heap--never until this day.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading To these people the daily ebb and flow of the tide, ever going on before their eyes, was the type of a regularity that nothing could change; and never once had the water been forced, even under the influence of the strongest gale from the southwest, beyond the summit of the shingle-heap--never until this day.
not usual or common or ordinary
From this reading There could be no doubt about the depth of the impression which the strange figure and his unusual garb produced upon the people.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading There could be no doubt about the depth of the impression which the strange figure and his unusual garb produced upon the people.
Wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Was this the beginning of the end of all? they asked themselves.
binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent
From this reading There he stood on the high ground above the houses, the man who had prophesied the end of the world, while beneath them tumbled the waves of a sea where they had never seen sea water before!
plural of “wave” — one of a series of ridges that moves across the surface of a liquid (especially across a large body of water)
From this reading There he stood on the high ground above the houses, the man who had prophesied the end of the world, while beneath them tumbled the waves of a sea where they had never seen sea water before!
in or at the place that
From this reading There he stood on the high ground above the houses, the man who had prophesied the end of the world, while beneath them tumbled the waves of a sea where they had never seen sea water before!
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading There could be no doubt about the depth of the impression which the strange figure and his unusual garb produced upon the people.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading There he stood on the high ground above the houses, the man who had prophesied the end of the world, while beneath them tumbled the waves of a sea where they had never seen sea water before!
which person or people
From this reading There he stood on the high ground above the houses, the man who had prophesied the end of the world, while beneath them tumbled the waves of a sea where they had never seen sea water before!
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading There he stood on the high ground above the houses, the man who had prophesied the end of the world, while beneath them tumbled the waves of a sea where they had never seen sea water before!
