Chapter XII · Chapter 12

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading My sudden movements caused the top-heavy tower to sway slightly for a few moments, giving me quite the scare, for I didn't realize what it was at first.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading I waited reluctantly with my ear against the door until his footsteps could no longer be heard, and then waited for fifteen minutes more, listening carefully for any noises.

Having no one else present.

From this reading There were none, and once I had convinced myself that I was completely alone, I dashed swiftly up the stairs and jumped onto the couch.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading I waited reluctantly with my ear against the door until his footsteps could no longer be heard, and then waited for fifteen minutes more, listening carefully for any noises.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading I waited reluctantly with my ear against the door until his footsteps could no longer be heard, and then waited for fifteen minutes more, listening carefully for any noises.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading My sudden movements caused the top-heavy tower to sway slightly for a few moments, giving me quite the scare, for I didn't realize what it was at first.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading I waited reluctantly with my ear against the door until his footsteps could no longer be heard, and then waited for fifteen minutes more, listening carefully for any noises.

exhale hard

From this reading But then my pilot's instinct kicked in and I mentally calculated the height and width of the tower and the mass of the dome that rested upon it, and came to the conclusion that it was stable, for while a swift movement caused it to sway, it would take a prolonged and deliberate pendulum-like motion to cause any real damage, and even the fiercest wind would not upset it, for it would only blow in a single direction at a time, and only a rocking motion must be feared.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But then my pilot's instinct kicked in and I mentally calculated the height and width of the tower and the mass of the dome that rested upon it, and came to the conclusion that it was stable, for while a swift movement caused it to sway, it would take a prolonged and deliberate pendulum-like motion to cause any real damage, and even the fiercest wind would not upset it, for it would only blow in a single direction at a time, and only a rocking motion must be feared.

carefully thought out in advance

From this reading But then my pilot's instinct kicked in and I mentally calculated the height and width of the tower and the mass of the dome that rested upon it, and came to the conclusion that it was stable, for while a swift movement caused it to sway, it would take a prolonged and deliberate pendulum-like motion to cause any real damage, and even the fiercest wind would not upset it, for it would only blow in a single direction at a time, and only a rocking motion must be feared.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading But then my pilot's instinct kicked in and I mentally calculated the height and width of the tower and the mass of the dome that rested upon it, and came to the conclusion that it was stable, for while a swift movement caused it to sway, it would take a prolonged and deliberate pendulum-like motion to cause any real damage, and even the fiercest wind would not upset it, for it would only blow in a single direction at a time, and only a rocking motion must be feared.

taking care or paying attention

From this reading I waited reluctantly with my ear against the door until his footsteps could no longer be heard, and then waited for fifteen minutes more, listening carefully for any noises.

events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something

From this reading But then my pilot's instinct kicked in and I mentally calculated the height and width of the tower and the mass of the dome that rested upon it, and came to the conclusion that it was stable, for while a swift movement caused it to sway, it would take a prolonged and deliberate pendulum-like motion to cause any real damage, and even the fiercest wind would not upset it, for it would only blow in a single direction at a time, and only a rocking motion must be feared.

past form of “cause” — give rise to; cause to happen or occur, not always intentionally

From this reading My sudden movements caused the top-heavy tower to sway slightly for a few moments, giving me quite the scare, for I didn't realize what it was at first.

a covering designed to be worn on a person's body

From this reading Confident once more of my safety, I took the rolled piece of paper from the folds of my clothing and opened it carefully.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading There were none, and once I had convinced myself that I was completely alone, I dashed swiftly up the stairs and jumped onto the couch.

a position or opinion or judgment reached after consideration

From this reading But then my pilot's instinct kicked in and I mentally calculated the height and width of the tower and the mass of the dome that rested upon it, and came to the conclusion that it was stable, for while a swift movement caused it to sway, it would take a prolonged and deliberate pendulum-like motion to cause any real damage, and even the fiercest wind would not upset it, for it would only blow in a single direction at a time, and only a rocking motion must be feared.

having or marked by confidence or assurance

From this reading Confident once more of my safety, I took the rolled piece of paper from the folds of my clothing and opened it carefully.

persuaded of; very sure

From this reading There were none, and once I had convinced myself that I was completely alone, I dashed swiftly up the stairs and jumped onto the couch.

an upholstered seat for more than one person

From this reading There were none, and once I had convinced myself that I was completely alone, I dashed swiftly up the stairs and jumped onto the couch.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading I waited reluctantly with my ear against the door until his footsteps could no longer be heard, and then waited for fifteen minutes more, listening carefully for any noises.

the occurrence of a change for the worse

From this reading But then my pilot's instinct kicked in and I mentally calculated the height and width of the tower and the mass of the dome that rested upon it, and came to the conclusion that it was stable, for while a swift movement caused it to sway, it would take a prolonged and deliberate pendulum-like motion to cause any real damage, and even the fiercest wind would not upset it, for it would only blow in a single direction at a time, and only a rocking motion must be feared.

having gaps or spaces

From this reading There were none, and once I had convinced myself that I was completely alone, I dashed swiftly up the stairs and jumped onto the couch.

carefully thought out in advance

From this reading But then my pilot's instinct kicked in and I mentally calculated the height and width of the tower and the mass of the dome that rested upon it, and came to the conclusion that it was stable, for while a swift movement caused it to sway, it would take a prolonged and deliberate pendulum-like motion to cause any real damage, and even the fiercest wind would not upset it, for it would only blow in a single direction at a time, and only a rocking motion must be feared.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading My sudden movements caused the top-heavy tower to sway slightly for a few moments, giving me quite the scare, for I didn't realize what it was at first.

a line leading to a place or point

From this reading But then my pilot's instinct kicked in and I mentally calculated the height and width of the tower and the mass of the dome that rested upon it, and came to the conclusion that it was stable, for while a swift movement caused it to sway, it would take a prolonged and deliberate pendulum-like motion to cause any real damage, and even the fiercest wind would not upset it, for it would only blow in a single direction at a time, and only a rocking motion must be feared.

a concave shape whose distinguishing characteristic is that the concavity faces downward

From this reading But then my pilot's instinct kicked in and I mentally calculated the height and width of the tower and the mass of the dome that rested upon it, and came to the conclusion that it was stable, for while a swift movement caused it to sway, it would take a prolonged and deliberate pendulum-like motion to cause any real damage, and even the fiercest wind would not upset it, for it would only blow in a single direction at a time, and only a rocking motion must be feared.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading I waited reluctantly with my ear against the door until his footsteps could no longer be heard, and then waited for fifteen minutes more, listening carefully for any noises.

the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium

From this reading I waited reluctantly with my ear against the door until his footsteps could no longer be heard, and then waited for fifteen minutes more, listening carefully for any noises.

divisible by two

From this reading But then my pilot's instinct kicked in and I mentally calculated the height and width of the tower and the mass of the dome that rested upon it, and came to the conclusion that it was stable, for while a swift movement caused it to sway, it would take a prolonged and deliberate pendulum-like motion to cause any real damage, and even the fiercest wind would not upset it, for it would only blow in a single direction at a time, and only a rocking motion must be feared.

past form of “fear” — be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading But then my pilot's instinct kicked in and I mentally calculated the height and width of the tower and the mass of the dome that rested upon it, and came to the conclusion that it was stable, for while a swift movement caused it to sway, it would take a prolonged and deliberate pendulum-like motion to cause any real damage, and even the fiercest wind would not upset it, for it would only blow in a single direction at a time, and only a rocking motion must be feared.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading My sudden movements caused the top-heavy tower to sway slightly for a few moments, giving me quite the scare, for I didn't realize what it was at first.

superlative of “fierce” — marked by extreme and violent energy

From this reading But then my pilot's instinct kicked in and I mentally calculated the height and width of the tower and the mass of the dome that rested upon it, and came to the conclusion that it was stable, for while a swift movement caused it to sway, it would take a prolonged and deliberate pendulum-like motion to cause any real damage, and even the fiercest wind would not upset it, for it would only blow in a single direction at a time, and only a rocking motion must be feared.

the cardinal number that is the sum of fourteen and one

From this reading I waited reluctantly with my ear against the door until his footsteps could no longer be heard, and then waited for fifteen minutes more, listening carefully for any noises.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading My sudden movements caused the top-heavy tower to sway slightly for a few moments, giving me quite the scare, for I didn't realize what it was at first.

plural of “fold” — an angular or rounded shape made by folding

From this reading Confident once more of my safety, I took the rolled piece of paper from the folds of my clothing and opened it carefully.

plural of “footstep” — the sound of a step of someone walking

From this reading I waited reluctantly with my ear against the door until his footsteps could no longer be heard, and then waited for fifteen minutes more, listening carefully for any noises.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading I waited reluctantly with my ear against the door until his footsteps could no longer be heard, and then waited for fifteen minutes more, listening carefully for any noises.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Confident once more of my safety, I took the rolled piece of paper from the folds of my clothing and opened it carefully.

the act of giving

From this reading My sudden movements caused the top-heavy tower to sway slightly for a few moments, giving me quite the scare, for I didn't realize what it was at first.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading There were none, and once I had convinced myself that I was completely alone, I dashed swiftly up the stairs and jumped onto the couch.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading I waited reluctantly with my ear against the door until his footsteps could no longer be heard, and then waited for fifteen minutes more, listening carefully for any noises.

the vertical dimension of extension; distance from the base of something to the top

From this reading But then my pilot's instinct kicked in and I mentally calculated the height and width of the tower and the mass of the dome that rested upon it, and came to the conclusion that it was stable, for while a swift movement caused it to sway, it would take a prolonged and deliberate pendulum-like motion to cause any real damage, and even the fiercest wind would not upset it, for it would only blow in a single direction at a time, and only a rocking motion must be feared.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading I waited reluctantly with my ear against the door until his footsteps could no longer be heard, and then waited for fifteen minutes more, listening carefully for any noises.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading I waited reluctantly with my ear against the door until his footsteps could no longer be heard, and then waited for fifteen minutes more, listening carefully for any noises.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading But then my pilot's instinct kicked in and I mentally calculated the height and width of the tower and the mass of the dome that rested upon it, and came to the conclusion that it was stable, for while a swift movement caused it to sway, it would take a prolonged and deliberate pendulum-like motion to cause any real damage, and even the fiercest wind would not upset it, for it would only blow in a single direction at a time, and only a rocking motion must be feared.

inborn pattern of behavior often responsive to specific stimuli

From this reading But then my pilot's instinct kicked in and I mentally calculated the height and width of the tower and the mass of the dome that rested upon it, and came to the conclusion that it was stable, for while a swift movement caused it to sway, it would take a prolonged and deliberate pendulum-like motion to cause any real damage, and even the fiercest wind would not upset it, for it would only blow in a single direction at a time, and only a rocking motion must be feared.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading My sudden movements caused the top-heavy tower to sway slightly for a few moments, giving me quite the scare, for I didn't realize what it was at first.

past form of “jump” — move forward by leaps and bounds

From this reading There were none, and once I had convinced myself that I was completely alone, I dashed swiftly up the stairs and jumped onto the couch.

past form of “kick” — drive or propel with the foot

From this reading But then my pilot's instinct kicked in and I mentally calculated the height and width of the tower and the mass of the dome that rested upon it, and came to the conclusion that it was stable, for while a swift movement caused it to sway, it would take a prolonged and deliberate pendulum-like motion to cause any real damage, and even the fiercest wind would not upset it, for it would only blow in a single direction at a time, and only a rocking motion must be feared.

the act of hearing attentively

From this reading I waited reluctantly with my ear against the door until his footsteps could no longer be heard, and then waited for fifteen minutes more, listening carefully for any noises.

for more time

From this reading I waited reluctantly with my ear against the door until his footsteps could no longer be heard, and then waited for fifteen minutes more, listening carefully for any noises.

the property of a body that causes it to have weight in a gravitational field

From this reading But then my pilot's instinct kicked in and I mentally calculated the height and width of the tower and the mass of the dome that rested upon it, and came to the conclusion that it was stable, for while a swift movement caused it to sway, it would take a prolonged and deliberate pendulum-like motion to cause any real damage, and even the fiercest wind would not upset it, for it would only blow in a single direction at a time, and only a rocking motion must be feared.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading My sudden movements caused the top-heavy tower to sway slightly for a few moments, giving me quite the scare, for I didn't realize what it was at first.

in your mind

From this reading But then my pilot's instinct kicked in and I mentally calculated the height and width of the tower and the mass of the dome that rested upon it, and came to the conclusion that it was stable, for while a swift movement caused it to sway, it would take a prolonged and deliberate pendulum-like motion to cause any real damage, and even the fiercest wind would not upset it, for it would only blow in a single direction at a time, and only a rocking motion must be feared.

a written account of what transpired at a meeting

From this reading I waited reluctantly with my ear against the door until his footsteps could no longer be heard, and then waited for fifteen minutes more, listening carefully for any noises.

plural of “moment” — a particular point in time

From this reading My sudden movements caused the top-heavy tower to sway slightly for a few moments, giving me quite the scare, for I didn't realize what it was at first.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading I waited reluctantly with my ear against the door until his footsteps could no longer be heard, and then waited for fifteen minutes more, listening carefully for any noises.

the use of movements (especially of the hands) to communicate familiar or prearranged signals

From this reading But then my pilot's instinct kicked in and I mentally calculated the height and width of the tower and the mass of the dome that rested upon it, and came to the conclusion that it was stable, for while a swift movement caused it to sway, it would take a prolonged and deliberate pendulum-like motion to cause any real damage, and even the fiercest wind would not upset it, for it would only blow in a single direction at a time, and only a rocking motion must be feared.

a change of position that does not entail a change of location

From this reading But then my pilot's instinct kicked in and I mentally calculated the height and width of the tower and the mass of the dome that rested upon it, and came to the conclusion that it was stable, for while a swift movement caused it to sway, it would take a prolonged and deliberate pendulum-like motion to cause any real damage, and even the fiercest wind would not upset it, for it would only blow in a single direction at a time, and only a rocking motion must be feared.

plural of “movement” — a change of position that does not entail a change of location

From this reading My sudden movements caused the top-heavy tower to sway slightly for a few moments, giving me quite the scare, for I didn't realize what it was at first.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading But then my pilot's instinct kicked in and I mentally calculated the height and width of the tower and the mass of the dome that rested upon it, and came to the conclusion that it was stable, for while a swift movement caused it to sway, it would take a prolonged and deliberate pendulum-like motion to cause any real damage, and even the fiercest wind would not upset it, for it would only blow in a single direction at a time, and only a rocking motion must be feared.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading I waited reluctantly with my ear against the door until his footsteps could no longer be heard, and then waited for fifteen minutes more, listening carefully for any noises.

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading There were none, and once I had convinced myself that I was completely alone, I dashed swiftly up the stairs and jumped onto the couch.

not any; not one

From this reading I waited reluctantly with my ear against the door until his footsteps could no longer be heard, and then waited for fifteen minutes more, listening carefully for any noises.

plural of “noise” — sound of any kind (especially unintelligible or dissonant sound)

From this reading I waited reluctantly with my ear against the door until his footsteps could no longer be heard, and then waited for fifteen minutes more, listening carefully for any noises.

not one, and not any

From this reading There were none, and once I had convinced myself that I was completely alone, I dashed swiftly up the stairs and jumped onto the couch.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading But then my pilot's instinct kicked in and I mentally calculated the height and width of the tower and the mass of the dome that rested upon it, and came to the conclusion that it was stable, for while a swift movement caused it to sway, it would take a prolonged and deliberate pendulum-like motion to cause any real damage, and even the fiercest wind would not upset it, for it would only blow in a single direction at a time, and only a rocking motion must be feared.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading But then my pilot's instinct kicked in and I mentally calculated the height and width of the tower and the mass of the dome that rested upon it, and came to the conclusion that it was stable, for while a swift movement caused it to sway, it would take a prolonged and deliberate pendulum-like motion to cause any real damage, and even the fiercest wind would not upset it, for it would only blow in a single direction at a time, and only a rocking motion must be feared.

on one occasion

From this reading There were none, and once I had convinced myself that I was completely alone, I dashed swiftly up the stairs and jumped onto the couch.

and nothing more

From this reading But then my pilot's instinct kicked in and I mentally calculated the height and width of the tower and the mass of the dome that rested upon it, and came to the conclusion that it was stable, for while a swift movement caused it to sway, it would take a prolonged and deliberate pendulum-like motion to cause any real damage, and even the fiercest wind would not upset it, for it would only blow in a single direction at a time, and only a rocking motion must be feared.

moving to a position on a surface

From this reading There were none, and once I had convinced myself that I was completely alone, I dashed swiftly up the stairs and jumped onto the couch.

used of mouth or eyes

From this reading Confident once more of my safety, I took the rolled piece of paper from the folds of my clothing and opened it carefully.

a material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses

From this reading Confident once more of my safety, I took the rolled piece of paper from the folds of my clothing and opened it carefully.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading But then my pilot's instinct kicked in and I mentally calculated the height and width of the tower and the mass of the dome that rested upon it, and came to the conclusion that it was stable, for while a swift movement caused it to sway, it would take a prolonged and deliberate pendulum-like motion to cause any real damage, and even the fiercest wind would not upset it, for it would only blow in a single direction at a time, and only a rocking motion must be feared.

a separate part of a whole

From this reading Confident once more of my safety, I took the rolled piece of paper from the folds of my clothing and opened it carefully.

possessive form of “pilot” — someone who is licensed to operate an aircraft in flight

From this reading But then my pilot's instinct kicked in and I mentally calculated the height and width of the tower and the mass of the dome that rested upon it, and came to the conclusion that it was stable, for while a swift movement caused it to sway, it would take a prolonged and deliberate pendulum-like motion to cause any real damage, and even the fiercest wind would not upset it, for it would only blow in a single direction at a time, and only a rocking motion must be feared.

relatively long in duration; tediously protracted

From this reading But then my pilot's instinct kicked in and I mentally calculated the height and width of the tower and the mass of the dome that rested upon it, and came to the conclusion that it was stable, for while a swift movement caused it to sway, it would take a prolonged and deliberate pendulum-like motion to cause any real damage, and even the fiercest wind would not upset it, for it would only blow in a single direction at a time, and only a rocking motion must be feared.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading My sudden movements caused the top-heavy tower to sway slightly for a few moments, giving me quite the scare, for I didn't realize what it was at first.

being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory

From this reading But then my pilot's instinct kicked in and I mentally calculated the height and width of the tower and the mass of the dome that rested upon it, and came to the conclusion that it was stable, for while a swift movement caused it to sway, it would take a prolonged and deliberate pendulum-like motion to cause any real damage, and even the fiercest wind would not upset it, for it would only blow in a single direction at a time, and only a rocking motion must be feared.

be fully aware or cognizant of

From this reading My sudden movements caused the top-heavy tower to sway slightly for a few moments, giving me quite the scare, for I didn't realize what it was at first.

with reluctance

From this reading I waited reluctantly with my ear against the door until his footsteps could no longer be heard, and then waited for fifteen minutes more, listening carefully for any noises.

not tired; refreshed as by sleeping or relaxing

From this reading But then my pilot's instinct kicked in and I mentally calculated the height and width of the tower and the mass of the dome that rested upon it, and came to the conclusion that it was stable, for while a swift movement caused it to sway, it would take a prolonged and deliberate pendulum-like motion to cause any real damage, and even the fiercest wind would not upset it, for it would only blow in a single direction at a time, and only a rocking motion must be feared.

-ing form of “rock” — move back and forth or sideways

From this reading But then my pilot's instinct kicked in and I mentally calculated the height and width of the tower and the mass of the dome that rested upon it, and came to the conclusion that it was stable, for while a swift movement caused it to sway, it would take a prolonged and deliberate pendulum-like motion to cause any real damage, and even the fiercest wind would not upset it, for it would only blow in a single direction at a time, and only a rocking motion must be feared.

especially of petals or leaves in bud; having margins rolled inward

From this reading Confident once more of my safety, I took the rolled piece of paper from the folds of my clothing and opened it carefully.

the state of being certain that adverse effects will not be caused by some agent under defined conditions

From this reading Confident once more of my safety, I took the rolled piece of paper from the folds of my clothing and opened it carefully.

cause fear in

From this reading My sudden movements caused the top-heavy tower to sway slightly for a few moments, giving me quite the scare, for I didn't realize what it was at first.

being or characteristic of a single thing or person

From this reading But then my pilot's instinct kicked in and I mentally calculated the height and width of the tower and the mass of the dome that rested upon it, and came to the conclusion that it was stable, for while a swift movement caused it to sway, it would take a prolonged and deliberate pendulum-like motion to cause any real damage, and even the fiercest wind would not upset it, for it would only blow in a single direction at a time, and only a rocking motion must be feared.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading My sudden movements caused the top-heavy tower to sway slightly for a few moments, giving me quite the scare, for I didn't realize what it was at first.

resistant to change of position or condition

From this reading But then my pilot's instinct kicked in and I mentally calculated the height and width of the tower and the mass of the dome that rested upon it, and came to the conclusion that it was stable, for while a swift movement caused it to sway, it would take a prolonged and deliberate pendulum-like motion to cause any real damage, and even the fiercest wind would not upset it, for it would only blow in a single direction at a time, and only a rocking motion must be feared.

a flight of stairs or a flight of steps

From this reading There were none, and once I had convinced myself that I was completely alone, I dashed swiftly up the stairs and jumped onto the couch.

happening without warning or in a short space of time

From this reading My sudden movements caused the top-heavy tower to sway slightly for a few moments, giving me quite the scare, for I didn't realize what it was at first.

move back and forth or sideways

From this reading My sudden movements caused the top-heavy tower to sway slightly for a few moments, giving me quite the scare, for I didn't realize what it was at first.

moving very fast

From this reading But then my pilot's instinct kicked in and I mentally calculated the height and width of the tower and the mass of the dome that rested upon it, and came to the conclusion that it was stable, for while a swift movement caused it to sway, it would take a prolonged and deliberate pendulum-like motion to cause any real damage, and even the fiercest wind would not upset it, for it would only blow in a single direction at a time, and only a rocking motion must be feared.

in a swift manner

From this reading There were none, and once I had convinced myself that I was completely alone, I dashed swiftly up the stairs and jumped onto the couch.

carry out

From this reading But then my pilot's instinct kicked in and I mentally calculated the height and width of the tower and the mass of the dome that rested upon it, and came to the conclusion that it was stable, for while a swift movement caused it to sway, it would take a prolonged and deliberate pendulum-like motion to cause any real damage, and even the fiercest wind would not upset it, for it would only blow in a single direction at a time, and only a rocking motion must be feared.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading There were none, and once I had convinced myself that I was completely alone, I dashed swiftly up the stairs and jumped onto the couch.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading I waited reluctantly with my ear against the door until his footsteps could no longer be heard, and then waited for fifteen minutes more, listening carefully for any noises.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading I waited reluctantly with my ear against the door until his footsteps could no longer be heard, and then waited for fifteen minutes more, listening carefully for any noises.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There were none, and once I had convinced myself that I was completely alone, I dashed swiftly up the stairs and jumped onto the couch.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading But then my pilot's instinct kicked in and I mentally calculated the height and width of the tower and the mass of the dome that rested upon it, and came to the conclusion that it was stable, for while a swift movement caused it to sway, it would take a prolonged and deliberate pendulum-like motion to cause any real damage, and even the fiercest wind would not upset it, for it would only blow in a single direction at a time, and only a rocking motion must be feared.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading My sudden movements caused the top-heavy tower to sway slightly for a few moments, giving me quite the scare, for I didn't realize what it was at first.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading Confident once more of my safety, I took the rolled piece of paper from the folds of my clothing and opened it carefully.

unstable by being overloaded at the top

From this reading My sudden movements caused the top-heavy tower to sway slightly for a few moments, giving me quite the scare, for I didn't realize what it was at first.

a structure taller than its diameter; can stand alone or be attached to a larger building

From this reading My sudden movements caused the top-heavy tower to sway slightly for a few moments, giving me quite the scare, for I didn't realize what it was at first.

up to a particular time

From this reading I waited reluctantly with my ear against the door until his footsteps could no longer be heard, and then waited for fifteen minutes more, listening carefully for any noises.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading There were none, and once I had convinced myself that I was completely alone, I dashed swiftly up the stairs and jumped onto the couch.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading But then my pilot's instinct kicked in and I mentally calculated the height and width of the tower and the mass of the dome that rested upon it, and came to the conclusion that it was stable, for while a swift movement caused it to sway, it would take a prolonged and deliberate pendulum-like motion to cause any real damage, and even the fiercest wind would not upset it, for it would only blow in a single direction at a time, and only a rocking motion must be feared.

disturb the balance or stability of

From this reading But then my pilot's instinct kicked in and I mentally calculated the height and width of the tower and the mass of the dome that rested upon it, and came to the conclusion that it was stable, for while a swift movement caused it to sway, it would take a prolonged and deliberate pendulum-like motion to cause any real damage, and even the fiercest wind would not upset it, for it would only blow in a single direction at a time, and only a rocking motion must be feared.

past form of “wait” — stay in one place and anticipate or expect something

From this reading I waited reluctantly with my ear against the door until his footsteps could no longer be heard, and then waited for fifteen minutes more, listening carefully for any noises.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading There were none, and once I had convinced myself that I was completely alone, I dashed swiftly up the stairs and jumped onto the couch.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading There were none, and once I had convinced myself that I was completely alone, I dashed swiftly up the stairs and jumped onto the couch.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading My sudden movements caused the top-heavy tower to sway slightly for a few moments, giving me quite the scare, for I didn't realize what it was at first.

during the time that

From this reading But then my pilot's instinct kicked in and I mentally calculated the height and width of the tower and the mass of the dome that rested upon it, and came to the conclusion that it was stable, for while a swift movement caused it to sway, it would take a prolonged and deliberate pendulum-like motion to cause any real damage, and even the fiercest wind would not upset it, for it would only blow in a single direction at a time, and only a rocking motion must be feared.

the extent of something from side to side

From this reading But then my pilot's instinct kicked in and I mentally calculated the height and width of the tower and the mass of the dome that rested upon it, and came to the conclusion that it was stable, for while a swift movement caused it to sway, it would take a prolonged and deliberate pendulum-like motion to cause any real damage, and even the fiercest wind would not upset it, for it would only blow in a single direction at a time, and only a rocking motion must be feared.

air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading But then my pilot's instinct kicked in and I mentally calculated the height and width of the tower and the mass of the dome that rested upon it, and came to the conclusion that it was stable, for while a swift movement caused it to sway, it would take a prolonged and deliberate pendulum-like motion to cause any real damage, and even the fiercest wind would not upset it, for it would only blow in a single direction at a time, and only a rocking motion must be feared.

in the company of; together with

From this reading I waited reluctantly with my ear against the door until his footsteps could no longer be heard, and then waited for fifteen minutes more, listening carefully for any noises.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading But then my pilot's instinct kicked in and I mentally calculated the height and width of the tower and the mass of the dome that rested upon it, and came to the conclusion that it was stable, for while a swift movement caused it to sway, it would take a prolonged and deliberate pendulum-like motion to cause any real damage, and even the fiercest wind would not upset it, for it would only blow in a single direction at a time, and only a rocking motion must be feared.