used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading TERRIBLE SHOCK Herbert arose much earlier than usual the next morning, for he had a keen appreciation of the important character of the work that lay before him.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He had hardly finished his breakfast when there was a ring at the door and the landlady brought up a card which bore upon its glazed surface the simple inscription “M. Short.”
appreciationnounUS /əˌpriːʃiˈeɪʃən/
understanding of the nature or meaning or quality or magnitude of something
From this reading TERRIBLE SHOCK Herbert arose much earlier than usual the next morning, for he had a keen appreciation of the important character of the work that lay before him.
inflected form of “arise” — come into existence; take on form or shape
From this reading TERRIBLE SHOCK Herbert arose much earlier than usual the next morning, for he had a keen appreciation of the important character of the work that lay before him.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading He had hardly finished his breakfast when there was a ring at the door and the landlady brought up a card which bore upon its glazed surface the simple inscription “M. Short.”
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Herbert wondered who this could be, but directed that he be sent up to his room at once.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading TERRIBLE SHOCK Herbert arose much earlier than usual the next morning, for he had a keen appreciation of the important character of the work that lay before him.
cause to be bored
From this reading He had hardly finished his breakfast when there was a ring at the door and the landlady brought up a card which bore upon its glazed surface the simple inscription “M. Short.”
eat an early morning meal
From this reading He had hardly finished his breakfast when there was a ring at the door and the landlady brought up a card which bore upon its glazed surface the simple inscription “M. Short.”
inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading He had hardly finished his breakfast when there was a ring at the door and the landlady brought up a card which bore upon its glazed surface the simple inscription “M. Short.”
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Herbert wondered who this could be, but directed that he be sent up to his room at once.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading “Well, Mr. Short,” said Herbert, “what can I do for you?”
one of a set of small pieces of stiff paper marked in various ways and used for playing games or for telling fortunes
From this reading He had hardly finished his breakfast when there was a ring at the door and the landlady brought up a card which bore upon its glazed surface the simple inscription “M. Short.”
an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)
From this reading TERRIBLE SHOCK Herbert arose much earlier than usual the next morning, for he had a keen appreciation of the important character of the work that lay before him.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Herbert wondered who this could be, but directed that he be sent up to his room at once.
the appearance conveyed by a person's face
From this reading A few minutes later he was greeting a short-set, stockily-built man, with sharp eyes and a sad expression of countenance.
(often used in combination) having a specified direction
From this reading Herbert wondered who this could be, but directed that he be sent up to his room at once.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading “Well, Mr. Short,” said Herbert, “what can I do for you?”
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading He had hardly finished his breakfast when there was a ring at the door and the landlady brought up a card which bore upon its glazed surface the simple inscription “M. Short.”
earlier in time; previously
From this reading TERRIBLE SHOCK Herbert arose much earlier than usual the next morning, for he had a keen appreciation of the important character of the work that lay before him.
the feelings expressed on a person's face
From this reading A few minutes later he was greeting a short-set, stockily-built man, with sharp eyes and a sad expression of countenance.
opinion or judgment
From this reading A few minutes later he was greeting a short-set, stockily-built man, with sharp eyes and a sad expression of countenance.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading A few minutes later he was greeting a short-set, stockily-built man, with sharp eyes and a sad expression of countenance.
(of materials or goods) brought to the desired final state
From this reading He had hardly finished his breakfast when there was a ring at the door and the landlady brought up a card which bore upon its glazed surface the simple inscription “M. Short.”
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading TERRIBLE SHOCK Herbert arose much earlier than usual the next morning, for he had a keen appreciation of the important character of the work that lay before him.
glazedadjectiveUS /ɡleɪzd/
(used of eyes) lacking liveliness
From this reading He had hardly finished his breakfast when there was a ring at the door and the landlady brought up a card which bore upon its glazed surface the simple inscription “M. Short.”
greetingnounUS /ˈɡriːtɪŋ/
(usually plural) an acknowledgment or expression of good will (especially on meeting)
From this reading A few minutes later he was greeting a short-set, stockily-built man, with sharp eyes and a sad expression of countenance.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading TERRIBLE SHOCK Herbert arose much earlier than usual the next morning, for he had a keen appreciation of the important character of the work that lay before him.
only a very short time before
From this reading He had hardly finished his breakfast when there was a ring at the door and the landlady brought up a card which bore upon its glazed surface the simple inscription “M. Short.”
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading TERRIBLE SHOCK Herbert arose much earlier than usual the next morning, for he had a keen appreciation of the important character of the work that lay before him.
HerbertnounUS /ˈhɜːrbərt/
United States musician and composer and conductor noted for his comic operas (1859-1924)
From this reading TERRIBLE SHOCK Herbert arose much earlier than usual the next morning, for he had a keen appreciation of the important character of the work that lay before him.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading TERRIBLE SHOCK Herbert arose much earlier than usual the next morning, for he had a keen appreciation of the important character of the work that lay before him.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading He had hardly finished his breakfast when there was a ring at the door and the landlady brought up a card which bore upon its glazed surface the simple inscription “M. Short.”
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading “Well, Mr. Short,” said Herbert, “what can I do for you?”
of great significance or value
From this reading TERRIBLE SHOCK Herbert arose much earlier than usual the next morning, for he had a keen appreciation of the important character of the work that lay before him.
inscriptionnounUS /ˌɪnˈskrɪpʃən/
letters inscribed (especially words engraved or carved) on something
From this reading He had hardly finished his breakfast when there was a ring at the door and the landlady brought up a card which bore upon its glazed surface the simple inscription “M. Short.”
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading He had hardly finished his breakfast when there was a ring at the door and the landlady brought up a card which bore upon its glazed surface the simple inscription “M. Short.”
having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions
From this reading TERRIBLE SHOCK Herbert arose much earlier than usual the next morning, for he had a keen appreciation of the important character of the work that lay before him.
landladynounUS /ˈlændleɪdi/
a landlord who is a woman
From this reading He had hardly finished his breakfast when there was a ring at the door and the landlady brought up a card which bore upon its glazed surface the simple inscription “M. Short.”
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading A few minutes later he was greeting a short-set, stockily-built man, with sharp eyes and a sad expression of countenance.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading TERRIBLE SHOCK Herbert arose much earlier than usual the next morning, for he had a keen appreciation of the important character of the work that lay before him.
the basic unit of length adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites (approximately 1.094 yards)
From this reading He had hardly finished his breakfast when there was a ring at the door and the landlady brought up a card which bore upon its glazed surface the simple inscription “M. Short.”
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading A few minutes later he was greeting a short-set, stockily-built man, with sharp eyes and a sad expression of countenance.
a written account of what transpired at a meeting
From this reading A few minutes later he was greeting a short-set, stockily-built man, with sharp eyes and a sad expression of countenance.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading TERRIBLE SHOCK Herbert arose much earlier than usual the next morning, for he had a keen appreciation of the important character of the work that lay before him.
a form of address for a man
From this reading “Well, Mr. Short,” said Herbert, “what can I do for you?”
to a great degree or extent
From this reading TERRIBLE SHOCK Herbert arose much earlier than usual the next morning, for he had a keen appreciation of the important character of the work that lay before him.
immediately following in time or order
From this reading TERRIBLE SHOCK Herbert arose much earlier than usual the next morning, for he had a keen appreciation of the important character of the work that lay before him.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading TERRIBLE SHOCK Herbert arose much earlier than usual the next morning, for he had a keen appreciation of the important character of the work that lay before him.
on one occasion
From this reading Herbert wondered who this could be, but directed that he be sent up to his room at once.
sound loudly and sonorously
From this reading He had hardly finished his breakfast when there was a ring at the door and the landlady brought up a card which bore upon its glazed surface the simple inscription “M. Short.”
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading Herbert wondered who this could be, but directed that he be sent up to his room at once.
experiencing or showing sorrow or unhappiness
From this reading A few minutes later he was greeting a short-set, stockily-built man, with sharp eyes and a sad expression of countenance.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading “Well, Mr. Short,” said Herbert, “what can I do for you?”
100 senti equal 1 kroon in Estonia
From this reading Herbert wondered who this could be, but directed that he be sent up to his room at once.
(of something seen or heard) clearly defined
From this reading A few minutes later he was greeting a short-set, stockily-built man, with sharp eyes and a sad expression of countenance.
the feeling of distress and disbelief that you have when something bad happens accidentally
From this reading TERRIBLE SHOCK Herbert arose much earlier than usual the next morning, for he had a keen appreciation of the important character of the work that lay before him.
primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration
From this reading He had hardly finished his breakfast when there was a ring at the door and the landlady brought up a card which bore upon its glazed surface the simple inscription “M. Short.”
short-set
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A few minutes later he was greeting a short-set, stockily-built man, with sharp eyes and a sad expression of countenance.
having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved
From this reading He had hardly finished his breakfast when there was a ring at the door and the landlady brought up a card which bore upon its glazed surface the simple inscription “M. Short.”
stockily-built
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A few minutes later he was greeting a short-set, stockily-built man, with sharp eyes and a sad expression of countenance.
the outer boundary of an artifact or a material layer constituting or resembling such a boundary
From this reading He had hardly finished his breakfast when there was a ring at the door and the landlady brought up a card which bore upon its glazed surface the simple inscription “M. Short.”
causing fear or dread or terror
From this reading TERRIBLE SHOCK Herbert arose much earlier than usual the next morning, for he had a keen appreciation of the important character of the work that lay before him.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading TERRIBLE SHOCK Herbert arose much earlier than usual the next morning, for he had a keen appreciation of the important character of the work that lay before him.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading TERRIBLE SHOCK Herbert arose much earlier than usual the next morning, for he had a keen appreciation of the important character of the work that lay before him.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading TERRIBLE SHOCK Herbert arose much earlier than usual the next morning, for he had a keen appreciation of the important character of the work that lay before him.
in or at that place or location
From this reading He had hardly finished his breakfast when there was a ring at the door and the landlady brought up a card which bore upon its glazed surface the simple inscription “M. Short.”
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Herbert wondered who this could be, but directed that he be sent up to his room at once.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Herbert wondered who this could be, but directed that he be sent up to his room at once.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading He had hardly finished his breakfast when there was a ring at the door and the landlady brought up a card which bore upon its glazed surface the simple inscription “M. Short.”
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading He had hardly finished his breakfast when there was a ring at the door and the landlady brought up a card which bore upon its glazed surface the simple inscription “M. Short.”
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading TERRIBLE SHOCK Herbert arose much earlier than usual the next morning, for he had a keen appreciation of the important character of the work that lay before him.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He had hardly finished his breakfast when there was a ring at the door and the landlady brought up a card which bore upon its glazed surface the simple inscription “M. Short.”
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading “Well, Mr. Short,” said Herbert, “what can I do for you?”
used to ask for information about something
From this reading “Well, Mr. Short,” said Herbert, “what can I do for you?”
at the time that
From this reading He had hardly finished his breakfast when there was a ring at the door and the landlady brought up a card which bore upon its glazed surface the simple inscription “M. Short.”
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading He had hardly finished his breakfast when there was a ring at the door and the landlady brought up a card which bore upon its glazed surface the simple inscription “M. Short.”
which person or people
From this reading Herbert wondered who this could be, but directed that he be sent up to his room at once.
in the company of; together with
From this reading A few minutes later he was greeting a short-set, stockily-built man, with sharp eyes and a sad expression of countenance.
past form of “wonder” — have a wish or desire to know something
From this reading Herbert wondered who this could be, but directed that he be sent up to his room at once.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading TERRIBLE SHOCK Herbert arose much earlier than usual the next morning, for he had a keen appreciation of the important character of the work that lay before him.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “Well, Mr. Short,” said Herbert, “what can I do for you?”
