used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Recovering quickly from the first boyish startle of fear oozing like a cool breeze blowing up the back of his neck, he saw that the church door was ajar.
commonly used or practiced; usual
From this reading By cautiously adding another inch to the aperture he could see the interior of the building, its outlines taking shape when his eyes had become accustomed to darkness relieved only by the small fan-light over the door.
addingverbUS /ˈædɪŋ/
-ing form of “add” — make an addition (to); join or combine or unite with others; increase the quality, quantity, size or scope of
From this reading By cautiously adding another inch to the aperture he could see the interior of the building, its outlines taking shape when his eyes had become accustomed to darkness relieved only by the small fan-light over the door.
ajaradjectiveUS /əˈdʒɑːr/
slightly open
From this reading Recovering quickly from the first boyish startle of fear oozing like a cool breeze blowing up the back of his neck, he saw that the church door was ajar.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Tom recognized the voice and withdrew quickly.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading By cautiously adding another inch to the aperture he could see the interior of the building, its outlines taking shape when his eyes had become accustomed to darkness relieved only by the small fan-light over the door.
aperturenounUS /ˈæpərtʃər/
a device that controls amount of light admitted
From this reading By cautiously adding another inch to the aperture he could see the interior of the building, its outlines taking shape when his eyes had become accustomed to darkness relieved only by the small fan-light over the door.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading Recovering quickly from the first boyish startle of fear oozing like a cool breeze blowing up the back of his neck, he saw that the church door was ajar.
enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading By cautiously adding another inch to the aperture he could see the interior of the building, its outlines taking shape when his eyes had become accustomed to darkness relieved only by the small fan-light over the door.
blowingnounUS /ˈbloʊɪŋ/
processing that involves blowing a gas
From this reading Recovering quickly from the first boyish startle of fear oozing like a cool breeze blowing up the back of his neck, he saw that the church door was ajar.
boyishadjectiveUS /ˈbɔɪɪʃ/
befitting or characteristic of a young boy
From this reading Recovering quickly from the first boyish startle of fear oozing like a cool breeze blowing up the back of his neck, he saw that the church door was ajar.
a slight wind (usually refreshing)
From this reading Recovering quickly from the first boyish startle of fear oozing like a cool breeze blowing up the back of his neck, he saw that the church door was ajar.
a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place
From this reading By cautiously adding another inch to the aperture he could see the interior of the building, its outlines taking shape when his eyes had become accustomed to darkness relieved only by the small fan-light over the door.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading By cautiously adding another inch to the aperture he could see the interior of the building, its outlines taking shape when his eyes had become accustomed to darkness relieved only by the small fan-light over the door.
cautiouslyadverbUS /ˈkɔːʃəsli/
as if with kid gloves; with caution or prudence or tact
From this reading By cautiously adding another inch to the aperture he could see the interior of the building, its outlines taking shape when his eyes had become accustomed to darkness relieved only by the small fan-light over the door.
one of the groups of Christians who have their own beliefs and forms of worship
From this reading He was rising from his seat on the church step when he heard sounds like muffled groans.
past form of “clasp” — hold firmly and tightly
From this reading Some one was in the church: a man, kneeling, with clasped hands uplifted, in the open space fronting the rude pulpit.
neither warm nor very cold; giving relief from heat
From this reading Recovering quickly from the first boyish startle of fear oozing like a cool breeze blowing up the back of his neck, he saw that the church door was ajar.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading By cautiously adding another inch to the aperture he could see the interior of the building, its outlines taking shape when his eyes had become accustomed to darkness relieved only by the small fan-light over the door.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading By cautiously adding another inch to the aperture he could see the interior of the building, its outlines taking shape when his eyes had become accustomed to darkness relieved only by the small fan-light over the door.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading Recovering quickly from the first boyish startle of fear oozing like a cool breeze blowing up the back of his neck, he saw that the church door was ajar.
opinion or judgment
From this reading By cautiously adding another inch to the aperture he could see the interior of the building, its outlines taking shape when his eyes had become accustomed to darkness relieved only by the small fan-light over the door.
fan-light
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By cautiously adding another inch to the aperture he could see the interior of the building, its outlines taking shape when his eyes had become accustomed to darkness relieved only by the small fan-light over the door.
be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
From this reading Recovering quickly from the first boyish startle of fear oozing like a cool breeze blowing up the back of his neck, he saw that the church door was ajar.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading Recovering quickly from the first boyish startle of fear oozing like a cool breeze blowing up the back of his neck, he saw that the church door was ajar.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading He was rising from his seat on the church step when he heard sounds like muffled groans.
frontingverbUS /ˈfrʌntɪŋ/
-ing form of “front” — be oriented in a certain direction, often with respect to another reference point; be opposite to
From this reading Some one was in the church: a man, kneeling, with clasped hands uplifted, in the open space fronting the rude pulpit.
groansnounUS /ɡroʊnz/
plural of “groan” — an utterance expressing pain or disapproval
From this reading He was rising from his seat on the church step when he heard sounds like muffled groans.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading By cautiously adding another inch to the aperture he could see the interior of the building, its outlines taking shape when his eyes had become accustomed to darkness relieved only by the small fan-light over the door.
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading Some one was in the church: a man, kneeling, with clasped hands uplifted, in the open space fronting the rude pulpit.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He was rising from his seat on the church step when he heard sounds like muffled groans.
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading He was rising from his seat on the church step when he heard sounds like muffled groans.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading He was rising from his seat on the church step when he heard sounds like muffled groans.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Some one was in the church: a man, kneeling, with clasped hands uplifted, in the open space fronting the rude pulpit.
inchnounUS /ɪntʃ/
a unit of length equal to one twelfth of a foot
From this reading By cautiously adding another inch to the aperture he could see the interior of the building, its outlines taking shape when his eyes had become accustomed to darkness relieved only by the small fan-light over the door.
interioradjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈtɪriər/
situated within or suitable for inside a building
From this reading By cautiously adding another inch to the aperture he could see the interior of the building, its outlines taking shape when his eyes had become accustomed to darkness relieved only by the small fan-light over the door.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading By cautiously adding another inch to the aperture he could see the interior of the building, its outlines taking shape when his eyes had become accustomed to darkness relieved only by the small fan-light over the door.
kneelingnounUS /ˈniːlɪŋ/
supporting yourself on your knees
From this reading Some one was in the church: a man, kneeling, with clasped hands uplifted, in the open space fronting the rude pulpit.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading He was rising from his seat on the church step when he heard sounds like muffled groans.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Some one was in the church: a man, kneeling, with clasped hands uplifted, in the open space fronting the rude pulpit.
muffledadjectiveUS /ˈmʌfəld/
being or made softer or less loud or clear
From this reading He was rising from his seat on the church step when he heard sounds like muffled groans.
the part of an organism (human or animal) that connects the head to the rest of the body
From this reading Recovering quickly from the first boyish startle of fear oozing like a cool breeze blowing up the back of his neck, he saw that the church door was ajar.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Recovering quickly from the first boyish startle of fear oozing like a cool breeze blowing up the back of his neck, he saw that the church door was ajar.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading He was rising from his seat on the church step when he heard sounds like muffled groans.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Some one was in the church: a man, kneeling, with clasped hands uplifted, in the open space fronting the rude pulpit.
and nothing more
From this reading By cautiously adding another inch to the aperture he could see the interior of the building, its outlines taking shape when his eyes had become accustomed to darkness relieved only by the small fan-light over the door.
oozingnounUS /ˈuːzɪŋ/
the process of seeping
From this reading Recovering quickly from the first boyish startle of fear oozing like a cool breeze blowing up the back of his neck, he saw that the church door was ajar.
To move from a closed position.
From this reading Some one was in the church: a man, kneeling, with clasped hands uplifted, in the open space fronting the rude pulpit.
outlinesnounUS /ˈaʊtlaɪnz/
plural of “outline” — the line that appears to bound an object
From this reading By cautiously adding another inch to the aperture he could see the interior of the building, its outlines taking shape when his eyes had become accustomed to darkness relieved only by the small fan-light over the door.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading By cautiously adding another inch to the aperture he could see the interior of the building, its outlines taking shape when his eyes had become accustomed to darkness relieved only by the small fan-light over the door.
pulpitnounUS /ˈpʊlpɪt/
a platform raised above the surrounding level to give prominence to the person on it
From this reading Some one was in the church: a man, kneeling, with clasped hands uplifted, in the open space fronting the rude pulpit.
with speed
From this reading Recovering quickly from the first boyish startle of fear oozing like a cool breeze blowing up the back of his neck, he saw that the church door was ajar.
generally approved or compelling recognition
From this reading Tom recognized the voice and withdrew quickly.
RecoveringadjectiveUS /rəˈkʌvərɪŋ/
returning to health after illness or debility
From this reading Recovering quickly from the first boyish startle of fear oozing like a cool breeze blowing up the back of his neck, he saw that the church door was ajar.
(of pain or sorrow) made easier to bear
From this reading By cautiously adding another inch to the aperture he could see the interior of the building, its outlines taking shape when his eyes had become accustomed to darkness relieved only by the small fan-light over the door.
advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status
From this reading He was rising from his seat on the church step when he heard sounds like muffled groans.
socially incorrect in behavior
From this reading Some one was in the church: a man, kneeling, with clasped hands uplifted, in the open space fronting the rude pulpit.
cut with a saw
From this reading Recovering quickly from the first boyish startle of fear oozing like a cool breeze blowing up the back of his neck, he saw that the church door was ajar.
a space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or on a train or airplane)
From this reading He was rising from his seat on the church step when he heard sounds like muffled groans.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading By cautiously adding another inch to the aperture he could see the interior of the building, its outlines taking shape when his eyes had become accustomed to darkness relieved only by the small fan-light over the door.
any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline)
From this reading By cautiously adding another inch to the aperture he could see the interior of the building, its outlines taking shape when his eyes had become accustomed to darkness relieved only by the small fan-light over the door.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading By cautiously adding another inch to the aperture he could see the interior of the building, its outlines taking shape when his eyes had become accustomed to darkness relieved only by the small fan-light over the door.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Some one was in the church: a man, kneeling, with clasped hands uplifted, in the open space fronting the rude pulpit.
plural of “sound” — the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading He was rising from his seat on the church step when he heard sounds like muffled groans.
the unlimited expanse in which everything is located
From this reading Some one was in the church: a man, kneeling, with clasped hands uplifted, in the open space fronting the rude pulpit.
startleverbUS /ˈstɑːrtəl/
to stimulate to action
From this reading Recovering quickly from the first boyish startle of fear oozing like a cool breeze blowing up the back of his neck, he saw that the church door was ajar.
any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal
From this reading He was rising from his seat on the church step when he heard sounds like muffled groans.
the act of someone who picks up or takes something
From this reading By cautiously adding another inch to the aperture he could see the interior of the building, its outlines taking shape when his eyes had become accustomed to darkness relieved only by the small fan-light over the door.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Recovering quickly from the first boyish startle of fear oozing like a cool breeze blowing up the back of his neck, he saw that the church door was ajar.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading He was rising from his seat on the church step when he heard sounds like muffled groans.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading By cautiously adding another inch to the aperture he could see the interior of the building, its outlines taking shape when his eyes had become accustomed to darkness relieved only by the small fan-light over the door.
male cat
From this reading Tom recognized the voice and withdrew quickly.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Recovering quickly from the first boyish startle of fear oozing like a cool breeze blowing up the back of his neck, he saw that the church door was ajar.
upliftedadjectiveUS /ˈʌplɪftɪd/
exalted emotionally especially with pride
From this reading Some one was in the church: a man, kneeling, with clasped hands uplifted, in the open space fronting the rude pulpit.
the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading Tom recognized the voice and withdrew quickly.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He was rising from his seat on the church step when he heard sounds like muffled groans.
at the time that
From this reading He was rising from his seat on the church step when he heard sounds like muffled groans.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Some one was in the church: a man, kneeling, with clasped hands uplifted, in the open space fronting the rude pulpit.
withdrewverbUS /wɪθˈdruː/
inflected form of “withdraw” — pull back or move away or backward
From this reading Tom recognized the voice and withdrew quickly.
