used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading On the third floor of a house in Delahay Street there used to be a room which was at once sitting-room and "workshop."
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading A blue plate here and there over the mirror, the shabby arm-chair on the hearth, and a modest collection of books on the wall, gave it an air of home.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading A blue plate here and there over the mirror, the shabby arm-chair on the hearth, and a modest collection of books on the wall, gave it an air of home.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading On the third floor of a house in Delahay Street there used to be a room which was at once sitting-room and "workshop."
anticipatedadjectiveUS /ænˈtɪsəpeɪtɪd/
expected hopefully
From this reading A man familiar with that interior had just entered the passage, and as he began to ascend the stairs a smile of anticipated welcome softened the rigidity of his face.
arm-chair
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A blue plate here and there over the mirror, the shabby arm-chair on the hearth, and a modest collection of books on the wall, gave it an air of home.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading A man familiar with that interior had just entered the passage, and as he began to ascend the stairs a smile of anticipated welcome softened the rigidity of his face.
ascendverbUS /əˈsend/
travel up
From this reading A man familiar with that interior had just entered the passage, and as he began to ascend the stairs a smile of anticipated welcome softened the rigidity of his face.
assertedadjectiveUS /əˈsɜːrtɪd/
confidently declared to be so
From this reading He was a tall, loosely-built man, who was generally credited with five more years than the two-and-thirty he had really seen; a man who, a physiognomist would have asserted, formed few friendships and was a stanch friend.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading On the third floor of a house in Delahay Street there used to be a room which was at once sitting-room and "workshop."
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading On the third floor of a house in Delahay Street there used to be a room which was at once sitting-room and "workshop."
earlier than; in front of
From this reading The long white table, littered with plans and paints, before the window, and a theodolite in the corner, showed that it served for office too.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading A man familiar with that interior had just entered the passage, and as he began to ascend the stairs a smile of anticipated welcome softened the rigidity of his face.
of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky
From this reading A blue plate here and there over the mirror, the shabby arm-chair on the hearth, and a modest collection of books on the wall, gave it an air of home.
Bound written or printed works.
From this reading A blue plate here and there over the mirror, the shabby arm-chair on the hearth, and a modest collection of books on the wall, gave it an air of home.
collectionnounUS /kəˈlekʃən/
several things grouped together or considered as a whole
From this reading A blue plate here and there over the mirror, the shabby arm-chair on the hearth, and a modest collection of books on the wall, gave it an air of home.
a place off to the side of an area
From this reading The long white table, littered with plans and paints, before the window, and a theodolite in the corner, showed that it served for office too.
creditedadjectiveUS /ˈkredətəd/
(usually followed by “to”) given credit for
From this reading He was a tall, loosely-built man, who was generally credited with five more years than the two-and-thirty he had really seen; a man who, a physiognomist would have asserted, formed few friendships and was a stanch friend.
Delahay
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the third floor of a house in Delahay Street there used to be a room which was at once sitting-room and "workshop."
past form of “enter” — to come or go into
From this reading A man familiar with that interior had just entered the passage, and as he began to ascend the stairs a smile of anticipated welcome softened the rigidity of his face.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading A man familiar with that interior had just entered the passage, and as he began to ascend the stairs a smile of anticipated welcome softened the rigidity of his face.
well known or easily recognized
From this reading A man familiar with that interior had just entered the passage, and as he began to ascend the stairs a smile of anticipated welcome softened the rigidity of his face.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading He was a tall, loosely-built man, who was generally credited with five more years than the two-and-thirty he had really seen; a man who, a physiognomist would have asserted, formed few friendships and was a stanch friend.
the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one
From this reading He was a tall, loosely-built man, who was generally credited with five more years than the two-and-thirty he had really seen; a man who, a physiognomist would have asserted, formed few friendships and was a stanch friend.
the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)
From this reading On the third floor of a house in Delahay Street there used to be a room which was at once sitting-room and "workshop."
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The long white table, littered with plans and paints, before the window, and a theodolite in the corner, showed that it served for office too.
having or given a form or shape
From this reading He was a tall, loosely-built man, who was generally credited with five more years than the two-and-thirty he had really seen; a man who, a physiognomist would have asserted, formed few friendships and was a stanch friend.
a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading He was a tall, loosely-built man, who was generally credited with five more years than the two-and-thirty he had really seen; a man who, a physiognomist would have asserted, formed few friendships and was a stanch friend.
friendshipsnounUS /ˈfrendʃɪps/
plural of “friendship” — the state of being friends (or friendly)
From this reading He was a tall, loosely-built man, who was generally credited with five more years than the two-and-thirty he had really seen; a man who, a physiognomist would have asserted, formed few friendships and was a stanch friend.
inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading A blue plate here and there over the mirror, the shabby arm-chair on the hearth, and a modest collection of books on the wall, gave it an air of home.
usually; as a rule
From this reading He was a tall, loosely-built man, who was generally credited with five more years than the two-and-thirty he had really seen; a man who, a physiognomist would have asserted, formed few friendships and was a stanch friend.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading A man familiar with that interior had just entered the passage, and as he began to ascend the stairs a smile of anticipated welcome softened the rigidity of his face.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading He was a tall, loosely-built man, who was generally credited with five more years than the two-and-thirty he had really seen; a man who, a physiognomist would have asserted, formed few friendships and was a stanch friend.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading A man familiar with that interior had just entered the passage, and as he began to ascend the stairs a smile of anticipated welcome softened the rigidity of his face.
hearthnounUS /hɑːrθ/
an open recess in a wall at the base of a chimney where a fire can be built
From this reading A blue plate here and there over the mirror, the shabby arm-chair on the hearth, and a modest collection of books on the wall, gave it an air of home.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading A blue plate here and there over the mirror, the shabby arm-chair on the hearth, and a modest collection of books on the wall, gave it an air of home.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading A man familiar with that interior had just entered the passage, and as he began to ascend the stairs a smile of anticipated welcome softened the rigidity of his face.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading A blue plate here and there over the mirror, the shabby arm-chair on the hearth, and a modest collection of books on the wall, gave it an air of home.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading On the third floor of a house in Delahay Street there used to be a room which was at once sitting-room and "workshop."
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading On the third floor of a house in Delahay Street there used to be a room which was at once sitting-room and "workshop."
interioradjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈtɪriər/
situated within or suitable for inside a building
From this reading A man familiar with that interior had just entered the passage, and as he began to ascend the stairs a smile of anticipated welcome softened the rigidity of his face.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading A blue plate here and there over the mirror, the shabby arm-chair on the hearth, and a modest collection of books on the wall, gave it an air of home.
and nothing more
From this reading A man familiar with that interior had just entered the passage, and as he began to ascend the stairs a smile of anticipated welcome softened the rigidity of his face.
litteredadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtərd/
filled or scattered with a disorderly accumulation of objects or rubbish
From this reading The long white table, littered with plans and paints, before the window, and a theodolite in the corner, showed that it served for office too.
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 The long white table, littered with plans and paints, before the window, and a theodolite in the corner, showed that it served for office too.
loosely-built
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was a tall, loosely-built man, who was generally credited with five more years than the two-and-thirty he had really seen; a man who, a physiognomist would have asserted, formed few friendships and was a stanch friend.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading A man familiar with that interior had just entered the passage, and as he began to ascend the stairs a smile of anticipated welcome softened the rigidity of his face.
mirrornounUS /ˈmɪrər/
polished surface that forms images by reflecting light
From this reading A blue plate here and there over the mirror, the shabby arm-chair on the hearth, and a modest collection of books on the wall, gave it an air of home.
modestadjectiveUS /ˈmɑːdəst/
marked by simplicity; having a humble opinion of yourself
From this reading A blue plate here and there over the mirror, the shabby arm-chair on the hearth, and a modest collection of books on the wall, gave it an air of home.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading He was a tall, loosely-built man, who was generally credited with five more years than the two-and-thirty he had really seen; a man who, a physiognomist would have asserted, formed few friendships and was a stanch friend.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading On the third floor of a house in Delahay Street there used to be a room which was at once sitting-room and "workshop."
place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed
From this reading The long white table, littered with plans and paints, before the window, and a theodolite in the corner, showed that it served for office too.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading On the third floor of a house in Delahay Street there used to be a room which was at once sitting-room and "workshop."
on one occasion
From this reading On the third floor of a house in Delahay Street there used to be a room which was at once sitting-room and "workshop."
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading A blue plate here and there over the mirror, the shabby arm-chair on the hearth, and a modest collection of books on the wall, gave it an air of home.
paintsnounUS /peɪnts/
plural of “paint” — a substance used as a coating to protect or decorate a surface (especially a mixture of pigment suspended in a liquid); dries to form a hard coating
From this reading The long white table, littered with plans and paints, before the window, and a theodolite in the corner, showed that it served for office too.
the act of passing from one state or place to the next
From this reading A man familiar with that interior had just entered the passage, and as he began to ascend the stairs a smile of anticipated welcome softened the rigidity of his face.
physiognomist
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was a tall, loosely-built man, who was generally credited with five more years than the two-and-thirty he had really seen; a man who, a physiognomist would have asserted, formed few friendships and was a stanch friend.
plural of “plan” — a series of steps to be carried out or goals to be accomplished
From this reading The long white table, littered with plans and paints, before the window, and a theodolite in the corner, showed that it served for office too.
(baseball) base consisting of a rubber slab where the batter stands; it must be touched by a base runner in order to score
From this reading A blue plate here and there over the mirror, the shabby arm-chair on the hearth, and a modest collection of books on the wall, gave it an air of home.
in accordance with truth or fact or reality
From this reading He was a tall, loosely-built man, who was generally credited with five more years than the two-and-thirty he had really seen; a man who, a physiognomist would have asserted, formed few friendships and was a stanch friend.
rigiditynounUS /rɪˈdʒɪdəti/
the physical property of being stiff and resisting bending
From this reading A man familiar with that interior had just entered the passage, and as he began to ascend the stairs a smile of anticipated welcome softened the rigidity of his face.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading On the third floor of a house in Delahay Street there used to be a room which was at once sitting-room and "workshop."
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading He was a tall, loosely-built man, who was generally credited with five more years than the two-and-thirty he had really seen; a man who, a physiognomist would have asserted, formed few friendships and was a stanch friend.
past form of “serve” — serve a purpose, role, or function
From this reading The long white table, littered with plans and paints, before the window, and a theodolite in the corner, showed that it served for office too.
shabbyadjectiveUS /ˈʃæbi/
showing signs of wear and tear
From this reading A blue plate here and there over the mirror, the shabby arm-chair on the hearth, and a modest collection of books on the wall, gave it an air of home.
past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading The long white table, littered with plans and paints, before the window, and a theodolite in the corner, showed that it served for office too.
sitting-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the third floor of a house in Delahay Street there used to be a room which was at once sitting-room and "workshop."
change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure
From this reading A man familiar with that interior had just entered the passage, and as he began to ascend the stairs a smile of anticipated welcome softened the rigidity of his face.
softenedadjectiveUS /ˈsɔːfənd/
toned down
From this reading A man familiar with that interior had just entered the passage, and as he began to ascend the stairs a smile of anticipated welcome softened the rigidity of his face.
a flight of stairs or a flight of steps
From this reading A man familiar with that interior had just entered the passage, and as he began to ascend the stairs a smile of anticipated welcome softened the rigidity of his face.
stanchverbUS /stæntʃ/
stop the flow of a liquid
From this reading He was a tall, loosely-built man, who was generally credited with five more years than the two-and-thirty he had really seen; a man who, a physiognomist would have asserted, formed few friendships and was a stanch friend.
a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading On the third floor of a house in Delahay Street there used to be a room which was at once sitting-room and "workshop."
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading The long white table, littered with plans and paints, before the window, and a theodolite in the corner, showed that it served for office too.
great in vertical dimension; high in stature
From this reading He was a tall, loosely-built man, who was generally credited with five more years than the two-and-thirty he had really seen; a man who, a physiognomist would have asserted, formed few friendships and was a stanch friend.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading He was a tall, loosely-built man, who was generally credited with five more years than the two-and-thirty he had really seen; a man who, a physiognomist would have asserted, formed few friendships and was a stanch friend.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The long white table, littered with plans and paints, before the window, and a theodolite in the corner, showed that it served for office too.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading On the third floor of a house in Delahay Street there used to be a room which was at once sitting-room and "workshop."
theodolitenoun
a surveying instrument for measuring horizontal and vertical angles, consisting of a small telescope mounted on a tripod
From this reading The long white table, littered with plans and paints, before the window, and a theodolite in the corner, showed that it served for office too.
in or at that place or location
From this reading On the third floor of a house in Delahay Street there used to be a room which was at once sitting-room and "workshop."
one of three equal parts of a divisible whole
From this reading On the third floor of a house in Delahay Street there used to be a room which was at once sitting-room and "workshop."
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading On the third floor of a house in Delahay Street there used to be a room which was at once sitting-room and "workshop."
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading The long white table, littered with plans and paints, before the window, and a theodolite in the corner, showed that it served for office too.
two-and-thirty
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was a tall, loosely-built man, who was generally credited with five more years than the two-and-thirty he had really seen; a man who, a physiognomist would have asserted, formed few friendships and was a stanch friend.
employed in accomplishing something
From this reading On the third floor of a house in Delahay Street there used to be a room which was at once sitting-room and "workshop."
an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure
From this reading A blue plate here and there over the mirror, the shabby arm-chair on the hearth, and a modest collection of books on the wall, gave it an air of home.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading On the third floor of a house in Delahay Street there used to be a room which was at once sitting-room and "workshop."
accept gladly
From this reading A man familiar with that interior had just entered the passage, and as he began to ascend the stairs a smile of anticipated welcome softened the rigidity of his face.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading On the third floor of a house in Delahay Street there used to be a room which was at once sitting-room and "workshop."
a Caucasian
From this reading The long white table, littered with plans and paints, before the window, and a theodolite in the corner, showed that it served for office too.
which person or people
From this reading He was a tall, loosely-built man, who was generally credited with five more years than the two-and-thirty he had really seen; a man who, a physiognomist would have asserted, formed few friendships and was a stanch friend.
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 The long white table, littered with plans and paints, before the window, and a theodolite in the corner, showed that it served for office too.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The long white table, littered with plans and paints, before the window, and a theodolite in the corner, showed that it served for office too.
workshopnounUS /ˈwɜːrkʃɑːp/
small workplace where handcrafts or manufacturing are done
From this reading On the third floor of a house in Delahay Street there used to be a room which was at once sitting-room and "workshop."
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading He was a tall, loosely-built man, who was generally credited with five more years than the two-and-thirty he had really seen; a man who, a physiognomist would have asserted, formed few friendships and was a stanch friend.
a late time of life
From this reading He was a tall, loosely-built man, who was generally credited with five more years than the two-and-thirty he had really seen; a man who, a physiognomist would have asserted, formed few friendships and was a stanch friend.
