used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading At first Wilson contrived to ingratiate himself into a good deal of favor among the dalespeople.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading There was an air of mystery about him which the inmates of the house on the Moss did nothing to dissipate.
abundantlyadverbUS /əˈbʌndəntli/
in an abundant manner
From this reading He seemed abundantly grateful for some unexplained benefits received from Ralph.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading There was an air of mystery about him which the inmates of the house on the Moss did nothing to dissipate.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading There was then an insinuating smoothness in his speech, a flattering, almost fawning glibness of tongue, which the simple folks knew no art to withstand.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading At first Wilson contrived to ingratiate himself into a good deal of favor among the dalespeople.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading There was an air of mystery about him which the inmates of the house on the Moss did nothing to dissipate.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Ralph offered no explanation to the gossips of Wythburn of Wilson's identity and belongings; indeed, as time wore on, it could be observed that he showed some uneasiness when questioned about the man.
artauxiliary verbUS /ɑːrt/
an old form of “are”, used with “thou”
From this reading There was then an insinuating smoothness in his speech, a flattering, almost fawning glibness of tongue, which the simple folks knew no art to withstand.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Ralph offered no explanation to the gossips of Wythburn of Wilson's identity and belongings; indeed, as time wore on, it could be observed that he showed some uneasiness when questioned about the man.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading At first Wilson contrived to ingratiate himself into a good deal of favor among the dalespeople.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Ralph offered no explanation to the gossips of Wythburn of Wilson's identity and belongings; indeed, as time wore on, it could be observed that he showed some uneasiness when questioned about the man.
belongingsnounUS /bɪˈlɔːŋɪŋz/
something owned; any tangible or intangible possession that is owned by someone
From this reading Ralph offered no explanation to the gossips of Wythburn of Wilson's identity and belongings; indeed, as time wore on, it could be observed that he showed some uneasiness when questioned about the man.
benefitsnounUS /ˈbenəfɪts/
plural of “benefit” — financial assistance in time of need
From this reading He seemed abundantly grateful for some unexplained benefits received from Ralph.
contrivedadjectiveUS /kənˈtraɪvd/
showing effects of planning or manipulation
From this reading At first Wilson contrived to ingratiate himself into a good deal of favor among the dalespeople.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Ralph offered no explanation to the gossips of Wythburn of Wilson's identity and belongings; indeed, as time wore on, it could be observed that he showed some uneasiness when questioned about the man.
dalespeople
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At first Wilson contrived to ingratiate himself into a good deal of favor among the dalespeople.
act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression
From this reading At first Wilson contrived to ingratiate himself into a good deal of favor among the dalespeople.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading There was an air of mystery about him which the inmates of the house on the Moss did nothing to dissipate.
dissipateverbUS /ˈdɪsəpeɪt/
to cause to separate and go in different directions
From this reading There was an air of mystery about him which the inmates of the house on the Moss did nothing to dissipate.
a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.
From this reading Ralph offered no explanation to the gossips of Wythburn of Wilson's identity and belongings; indeed, as time wore on, it could be observed that he showed some uneasiness when questioned about the man.
promote over another
From this reading At first Wilson contrived to ingratiate himself into a good deal of favor among the dalespeople.
fawningadjectiveUS /ˈfɔːnɪŋ/
attempting to win favor from influential people by flattery
From this reading There was then an insinuating smoothness in his speech, a flattering, almost fawning glibness of tongue, which the simple folks knew no art to withstand.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading At first Wilson contrived to ingratiate himself into a good deal of favor among the dalespeople.
flatteringadjectiveUS /ˈflætərɪŋ/
showing or representing to advantage
From this reading There was then an insinuating smoothness in his speech, a flattering, almost fawning glibness of tongue, which the simple folks knew no art to withstand.
your parents
From this reading There was then an insinuating smoothness in his speech, a flattering, almost fawning glibness of tongue, which the simple folks knew no art to withstand.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading He seemed abundantly grateful for some unexplained benefits received from Ralph.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading He seemed abundantly grateful for some unexplained benefits received from Ralph.
glibnessnoun
a kind of fluent easy superficiality
From this reading There was then an insinuating smoothness in his speech, a flattering, almost fawning glibness of tongue, which the simple folks knew no art to withstand.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading At first Wilson contrived to ingratiate himself into a good deal of favor among the dalespeople.
gossipsnounUS /ˈɡɑːsəps/
plural of “gossip” — light informal conversation for social occasions
From this reading Ralph offered no explanation to the gossips of Wythburn of Wilson's identity and belongings; indeed, as time wore on, it could be observed that he showed some uneasiness when questioned about the man.
feeling or showing gratitude
From this reading He seemed abundantly grateful for some unexplained benefits received from Ralph.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Ralph offered no explanation to the gossips of Wythburn of Wilson's identity and belongings; indeed, as time wore on, it could be observed that he showed some uneasiness when questioned about the man.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading There was an air of mystery about him which the inmates of the house on the Moss did nothing to dissipate.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading At first Wilson contrived to ingratiate himself into a good deal of favor among the dalespeople.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading There was then an insinuating smoothness in his speech, a flattering, almost fawning glibness of tongue, which the simple folks knew no art to withstand.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading There was an air of mystery about him which the inmates of the house on the Moss did nothing to dissipate.
identitynounUS /aɪˈdentɪtiː/
the distinct personality of an individual regarded as a persisting entity
From this reading Ralph offered no explanation to the gossips of Wythburn of Wilson's identity and belongings; indeed, as time wore on, it could be observed that he showed some uneasiness when questioned about the man.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading There was then an insinuating smoothness in his speech, a flattering, almost fawning glibness of tongue, which the simple folks knew no art to withstand.
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading Ralph offered no explanation to the gossips of Wythburn of Wilson's identity and belongings; indeed, as time wore on, it could be observed that he showed some uneasiness when questioned about the man.
ingratiateverbUS /ˌɪŋˈɡreɪʃieɪt/
gain favor with somebody by deliberate efforts
From this reading At first Wilson contrived to ingratiate himself into a good deal of favor among the dalespeople.
inmatesnounUS /ˈɪnmeɪts/
plural of “inmate” — one of several resident of a dwelling (especially someone confined to a prison or hospital)
From this reading There was an air of mystery about him which the inmates of the house on the Moss did nothing to dissipate.
insinuatingadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈsɪnjuːeɪtɪŋ/
calculated to please or gain favor
From this reading There was then an insinuating smoothness in his speech, a flattering, almost fawning glibness of tongue, which the simple folks knew no art to withstand.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading At first Wilson contrived to ingratiate himself into a good deal of favor among the dalespeople.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Ralph offered no explanation to the gossips of Wythburn of Wilson's identity and belongings; indeed, as time wore on, it could be observed that he showed some uneasiness when questioned about the man.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading There was then an insinuating smoothness in his speech, a flattering, almost fawning glibness of tongue, which the simple folks knew no art to withstand.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Ralph offered no explanation to the gossips of Wythburn of Wilson's identity and belongings; indeed, as time wore on, it could be observed that he showed some uneasiness when questioned about the man.
MossnounUS /mɔːs/
tiny leafy-stemmed flowerless plants
From this reading There was an air of mystery about him which the inmates of the house on the Moss did nothing to dissipate.
something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained
From this reading There was an air of mystery about him which the inmates of the house on the Moss did nothing to dissipate.
not any; not one
From this reading Ralph offered no explanation to the gossips of Wythburn of Wilson's identity and belongings; indeed, as time wore on, it could be observed that he showed some uneasiness when questioned about the man.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading There was an air of mystery about him which the inmates of the house on the Moss did nothing to dissipate.
discovered or determined by scientific observation
From this reading Ralph offered no explanation to the gossips of Wythburn of Wilson's identity and belongings; indeed, as time wore on, it could be observed that he showed some uneasiness when questioned about the man.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading There was an air of mystery about him which the inmates of the house on the Moss did nothing to dissipate.
past form of “offer” — make available or accessible, provide or furnish
From this reading Ralph offered no explanation to the gossips of Wythburn of Wilson's identity and belongings; indeed, as time wore on, it could be observed that he showed some uneasiness when questioned about the man.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading There was an air of mystery about him which the inmates of the house on the Moss did nothing to dissipate.
questionedverbUS /ˈkwestʃənd/
past form of “question” — challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of
From this reading Ralph offered no explanation to the gossips of Wythburn of Wilson's identity and belongings; indeed, as time wore on, it could be observed that he showed some uneasiness when questioned about the man.
Ralph
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ralph offered no explanation to the gossips of Wythburn of Wilson's identity and belongings; indeed, as time wore on, it could be observed that he showed some uneasiness when questioned about the man.
conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers
From this reading He seemed abundantly grateful for some unexplained benefits received from Ralph.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading He seemed abundantly grateful for some unexplained benefits received from Ralph.
past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading Ralph offered no explanation to the gossips of Wythburn of Wilson's identity and belongings; indeed, as time wore on, it could be observed that he showed some uneasiness when questioned about the man.
having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved
From this reading There was then an insinuating smoothness in his speech, a flattering, almost fawning glibness of tongue, which the simple folks knew no art to withstand.
smoothnessnounUS /ˈsmuːðnəs/
a texture without roughness; smooth to the touch
From this reading There was then an insinuating smoothness in his speech, a flattering, almost fawning glibness of tongue, which the simple folks knew no art to withstand.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Ralph offered no explanation to the gossips of Wythburn of Wilson's identity and belongings; indeed, as time wore on, it could be observed that he showed some uneasiness when questioned about the man.
the act of delivering a formal spoken communication to an audience
From this reading There was then an insinuating smoothness in his speech, a flattering, almost fawning glibness of tongue, which the simple folks knew no art to withstand.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Ralph offered no explanation to the gossips of Wythburn of Wilson's identity and belongings; indeed, as time wore on, it could be observed that he showed some uneasiness when questioned about the man.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading There was an air of mystery about him which the inmates of the house on the Moss did nothing to dissipate.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading There was then an insinuating smoothness in his speech, a flattering, almost fawning glibness of tongue, which the simple folks knew no art to withstand.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There was an air of mystery about him which the inmates of the house on the Moss did nothing to dissipate.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading Ralph offered no explanation to the gossips of Wythburn of Wilson's identity and belongings; indeed, as time wore on, it could be observed that he showed some uneasiness when questioned about the man.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading There was an air of mystery about him which the inmates of the house on the Moss did nothing to dissipate.
a mobile mass of muscular tissue covered with mucous membrane and located in the oral cavity
From this reading There was then an insinuating smoothness in his speech, a flattering, almost fawning glibness of tongue, which the simple folks knew no art to withstand.
uneasinessnounUS /ˌʌˈniːzinəs/
feelings of anxiety that make you tense and irritable
From this reading Ralph offered no explanation to the gossips of Wythburn of Wilson's identity and belongings; indeed, as time wore on, it could be observed that he showed some uneasiness when questioned about the man.
unexplainedadjectiveUS /ˌʌnɪkˈspleɪnd/
not explained
From this reading He seemed abundantly grateful for some unexplained benefits received from Ralph.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading There was an air of mystery about him which the inmates of the house on the Moss did nothing to dissipate.
at the time that
From this reading Ralph offered no explanation to the gossips of Wythburn of Wilson's identity and belongings; indeed, as time wore on, it could be observed that he showed some uneasiness when questioned about the man.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading There was an air of mystery about him which the inmates of the house on the Moss did nothing to dissipate.
WilsonnounUS /ˈwɪlsən/
author of the first novel by an African American that was published in the United States (1808-1870)
From this reading At first Wilson contrived to ingratiate himself into a good deal of favor among the dalespeople.
Wilson'snounUS /ˈwɪlsənz/
possessive form of “wilson” — author of the first novel by an African American that was published in the United States (1808-1870)
From this reading Ralph offered no explanation to the gossips of Wythburn of Wilson's identity and belongings; indeed, as time wore on, it could be observed that he showed some uneasiness when questioned about the man.
withstandverbUS /wɪθˈstænd/
resist or confront with resistance
From this reading There was then an insinuating smoothness in his speech, a flattering, almost fawning glibness of tongue, which the simple folks knew no art to withstand.
inflected form of “wear” — be dressed in
From this reading Ralph offered no explanation to the gossips of Wythburn of Wilson's identity and belongings; indeed, as time wore on, it could be observed that he showed some uneasiness when questioned about the man.
Wythburn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ralph offered no explanation to the gossips of Wythburn of Wilson's identity and belongings; indeed, as time wore on, it could be observed that he showed some uneasiness when questioned about the man.
