used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading NEXT morning John Steele was startled to receive a rather peremptory message from Colonel Beck requesting him to call at once at his residence.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading He was evidently perturbed about something, and after requesting his caller to sit down, himself paced up and down the room two or three times with a shade of perplexity on his brow.
absent-minded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Colonel greeted him with what might be termed absent-minded friendliness.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading He was evidently perturbed about something, and after requesting his caller to sit down, himself paced up and down the room two or three times with a shade of perplexity on his brow.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The young man instantly obeyed, and mounted the steps with some trepidation, wondering whether Sadie had made a confidant of her uncle, and fearing that the uncle’s designs for his niece excluded a division superintendent from any discussion regarding her future.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading The young man instantly obeyed, and mounted the steps with some trepidation, wondering whether Sadie had made a confidant of her uncle, and fearing that the uncle’s designs for his niece excluded a division superintendent from any discussion regarding her future.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading NEXT morning John Steele was startled to receive a rather peremptory message from Colonel Beck requesting him to call at once at his residence.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading He was shown into the Colonel’s study, a large room on the first floor at the back of the house.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The Colonel greeted him with what might be termed absent-minded friendliness.
BecknounUS /bek/
a beckoning gesture
From this reading NEXT morning John Steele was startled to receive a rather peremptory message from Colonel Beck requesting him to call at once at his residence.
the part of the face above the eyes
From this reading He was evidently perturbed about something, and after requesting his caller to sit down, himself paced up and down the room two or three times with a shade of perplexity on his brow.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading NEXT morning John Steele was startled to receive a rather peremptory message from Colonel Beck requesting him to call at once at his residence.
callernounUS /ˈkɔːlər/
a social or business visitor
From this reading He was evidently perturbed about something, and after requesting his caller to sit down, himself paced up and down the room two or three times with a shade of perplexity on his brow.
a commissioned military officer in the United States Army or Air Force or Marines who ranks above a lieutenant colonel and below a brigadier general
From this reading NEXT morning John Steele was startled to receive a rather peremptory message from Colonel Beck requesting him to call at once at his residence.
Colonel'snounUS /ˈkɜːrnəlz/
possessive form of “colonel” — a commissioned military officer in the United States Army or Air Force or Marines who ranks above a lieutenant colonel and below a brigadier general
From this reading He was shown into the Colonel’s study, a large room on the first floor at the back of the house.
confidantnounUS /ˈkɑːnfədɑːnt/
someone to whom private matters are confided
From this reading The young man instantly obeyed, and mounted the steps with some trepidation, wondering whether Sadie had made a confidant of her uncle, and fearing that the uncle’s designs for his niece excluded a division superintendent from any discussion regarding her future.
designsnounUS /dɪˈzaɪnz/
plural of “design” — the act of working out the form of something (as by making a sketch or outline or plan)
From this reading The young man instantly obeyed, and mounted the steps with some trepidation, wondering whether Sadie had made a confidant of her uncle, and fearing that the uncle’s designs for his niece excluded a division superintendent from any discussion regarding her future.
discussionnounUS /dɪˈskʌʃən/
an extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic
From this reading The young man instantly obeyed, and mounted the steps with some trepidation, wondering whether Sadie had made a confidant of her uncle, and fearing that the uncle’s designs for his niece excluded a division superintendent from any discussion regarding her future.
divisionnounUS /dɪˈvɪʒən/
an army unit large enough to sustain combat
From this reading The young man instantly obeyed, and mounted the steps with some trepidation, wondering whether Sadie had made a confidant of her uncle, and fearing that the uncle’s designs for his niece excluded a division superintendent from any discussion regarding her future.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading He was evidently perturbed about something, and after requesting his caller to sit down, himself paced up and down the room two or three times with a shade of perplexity on his brow.
unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)
From this reading He was evidently perturbed about something, and after requesting his caller to sit down, himself paced up and down the room two or three times with a shade of perplexity on his brow.
excludedverbUS /ɪkˈskluːdəd/
past form of “exclude” — prevent from being included or considered or accepted
From this reading The young man instantly obeyed, and mounted the steps with some trepidation, wondering whether Sadie had made a confidant of her uncle, and fearing that the uncle’s designs for his niece excluded a division superintendent from any discussion regarding her future.
fearingverbUS /ˈfɪrɪŋ/
-ing form of “fear” — be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
From this reading The young man instantly obeyed, and mounted the steps with some trepidation, wondering whether Sadie had made a confidant of her uncle, and fearing that the uncle’s designs for his niece excluded a division superintendent from any discussion regarding her future.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading He was shown into the Colonel’s study, a large room on the first floor at the back of the house.
the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)
From this reading He was shown into the Colonel’s study, a large room on the first floor at the back of the house.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The young man instantly obeyed, and mounted the steps with some trepidation, wondering whether Sadie had made a confidant of her uncle, and fearing that the uncle’s designs for his niece excluded a division superintendent from any discussion regarding her future.
friendlinessnounUS /ˈfrendlinɪs/
a feeling of liking for another person; enjoyment in their company
From this reading The Colonel greeted him with what might be termed absent-minded friendliness.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading NEXT morning John Steele was startled to receive a rather peremptory message from Colonel Beck requesting him to call at once at his residence.
yet to be or coming
From this reading The young man instantly obeyed, and mounted the steps with some trepidation, wondering whether Sadie had made a confidant of her uncle, and fearing that the uncle’s designs for his niece excluded a division superintendent from any discussion regarding her future.
past form of “greet” — express greetings upon meeting someone
From this reading The Colonel greeted him with what might be termed absent-minded friendliness.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The young man instantly obeyed, and mounted the steps with some trepidation, wondering whether Sadie had made a confidant of her uncle, and fearing that the uncle’s designs for his niece excluded a division superintendent from any discussion regarding her future.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He was shown into the Colonel’s study, a large room on the first floor at the back of the house.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading The young man instantly obeyed, and mounted the steps with some trepidation, wondering whether Sadie had made a confidant of her uncle, and fearing that the uncle’s designs for his niece excluded a division superintendent from any discussion regarding her future.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading NEXT morning John Steele was startled to receive a rather peremptory message from Colonel Beck requesting him to call at once at his residence.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading He was evidently perturbed about something, and after requesting his caller to sit down, himself paced up and down the room two or three times with a shade of perplexity on his brow.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading NEXT morning John Steele was startled to receive a rather peremptory message from Colonel Beck requesting him to call at once at his residence.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading He was shown into the Colonel’s study, a large room on the first floor at the back of the house.
without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening
From this reading The young man instantly obeyed, and mounted the steps with some trepidation, wondering whether Sadie had made a confidant of her uncle, and fearing that the uncle’s designs for his niece excluded a division superintendent from any discussion regarding her future.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading He was shown into the Colonel’s study, a large room on the first floor at the back of the house.
a room or building equipped with one or more toilets
From this reading NEXT morning John Steele was startled to receive a rather peremptory message from Colonel Beck requesting him to call at once at his residence.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading He was shown into the Colonel’s study, a large room on the first floor at the back of the house.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading The young man instantly obeyed, and mounted the steps with some trepidation, wondering whether Sadie had made a confidant of her uncle, and fearing that the uncle’s designs for his niece excluded a division superintendent from any discussion regarding her future.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading The young man instantly obeyed, and mounted the steps with some trepidation, wondering whether Sadie had made a confidant of her uncle, and fearing that the uncle’s designs for his niece excluded a division superintendent from any discussion regarding her future.
a communication (usually brief) that is written or spoken or signaled
From this reading NEXT morning John Steele was startled to receive a rather peremptory message from Colonel Beck requesting him to call at once at his residence.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading The Colonel greeted him with what might be termed absent-minded friendliness.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading NEXT morning John Steele was startled to receive a rather peremptory message from Colonel Beck requesting him to call at once at his residence.
assembled for use; especially by being attached to a support
From this reading The young man instantly obeyed, and mounted the steps with some trepidation, wondering whether Sadie had made a confidant of her uncle, and fearing that the uncle’s designs for his niece excluded a division superintendent from any discussion regarding her future.
immediately following in time or order
From this reading NEXT morning John Steele was startled to receive a rather peremptory message from Colonel Beck requesting him to call at once at his residence.
niecenounUS /niːs/
a daughter of your brother or sister
From this reading The young man instantly obeyed, and mounted the steps with some trepidation, wondering whether Sadie had made a confidant of her uncle, and fearing that the uncle’s designs for his niece excluded a division superintendent from any discussion regarding her future.
past form of “obey” — be obedient to
From this reading The young man instantly obeyed, and mounted the steps with some trepidation, wondering whether Sadie had made a confidant of her uncle, and fearing that the uncle’s designs for his niece excluded a division superintendent from any discussion regarding her future.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The young man instantly obeyed, and mounted the steps with some trepidation, wondering whether Sadie had made a confidant of her uncle, and fearing that the uncle’s designs for his niece excluded a division superintendent from any discussion regarding her future.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading He was shown into the Colonel’s study, a large room on the first floor at the back of the house.
on one occasion
From this reading NEXT morning John Steele was startled to receive a rather peremptory message from Colonel Beck requesting him to call at once at his residence.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading He was evidently perturbed about something, and after requesting his caller to sit down, himself paced up and down the room two or three times with a shade of perplexity on his brow.
pacedverbUS /peɪst/
past form of “pace” — walk with slow or fast paces
From this reading He was evidently perturbed about something, and after requesting his caller to sit down, himself paced up and down the room two or three times with a shade of perplexity on his brow.
peremptoryadjectiveUS /pərˈemptəri/
offensively self-assured or given to exercising usually unwarranted power
From this reading NEXT morning John Steele was startled to receive a rather peremptory message from Colonel Beck requesting him to call at once at his residence.
perplexitynounUS /pərˈpleksəti/
trouble or confusion resulting from complexity
From this reading He was evidently perturbed about something, and after requesting his caller to sit down, himself paced up and down the room two or three times with a shade of perplexity on his brow.
perturbedadjectiveUS /pərˈtɜːrbd/
thrown into a state of agitated confusion; (“rattled” is an informal term)
From this reading He was evidently perturbed about something, and after requesting his caller to sit down, himself paced up and down the room two or three times with a shade of perplexity on his brow.
on the contrary
From this reading NEXT morning John Steele was startled to receive a rather peremptory message from Colonel Beck requesting him to call at once at his residence.
get something; come into possession of
From this reading NEXT morning John Steele was startled to receive a rather peremptory message from Colonel Beck requesting him to call at once at his residence.
-ing form of “regard” — deem to be
From this reading The young man instantly obeyed, and mounted the steps with some trepidation, wondering whether Sadie had made a confidant of her uncle, and fearing that the uncle’s designs for his niece excluded a division superintendent from any discussion regarding her future.
requestingverbUS /rɪˈkwestɪŋ/
-ing form of “request” — express the need or desire for
From this reading NEXT morning John Steele was startled to receive a rather peremptory message from Colonel Beck requesting him to call at once at his residence.
residencenounUS /ˈrezɪdəns/
any address at which you dwell more than temporarily
From this reading NEXT morning John Steele was startled to receive a rather peremptory message from Colonel Beck requesting him to call at once at his residence.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading He was shown into the Colonel’s study, a large room on the first floor at the back of the house.
Sadie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The young man instantly obeyed, and mounted the steps with some trepidation, wondering whether Sadie had made a confidant of her uncle, and fearing that the uncle’s designs for his niece excluded a division superintendent from any discussion regarding her future.
relative darkness caused by light rays being intercepted by an opaque body
From this reading He was evidently perturbed about something, and after requesting his caller to sit down, himself paced up and down the room two or three times with a shade of perplexity on his brow.
inflected form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading He was shown into the Colonel’s study, a large room on the first floor at the back of the house.
be seated
From this reading He was evidently perturbed about something, and after requesting his caller to sit down, himself paced up and down the room two or three times with a shade of perplexity on his brow.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading The young man instantly obeyed, and mounted the steps with some trepidation, wondering whether Sadie had made a confidant of her uncle, and fearing that the uncle’s designs for his niece excluded a division superintendent from any discussion regarding her future.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading He was evidently perturbed about something, and after requesting his caller to sit down, himself paced up and down the room two or three times with a shade of perplexity on his brow.
excited by sudden surprise or alarm and making a quick involuntary movement
From this reading NEXT morning John Steele was startled to receive a rather peremptory message from Colonel Beck requesting him to call at once at his residence.
SteelenounUS /stiːl/
English writer (1672-1729)
From this reading NEXT morning John Steele was startled to receive a rather peremptory message from Colonel Beck requesting him to call at once at his residence.
a flight of stairs or a flight of steps
From this reading The young man instantly obeyed, and mounted the steps with some trepidation, wondering whether Sadie had made a confidant of her uncle, and fearing that the uncle’s designs for his niece excluded a division superintendent from any discussion regarding her future.
a detailed critical inspection
From this reading He was shown into the Colonel’s study, a large room on the first floor at the back of the house.
superintendentnounUS /ˌsuːpərənˈtendənt/
a person who directs and manages an organization
From this reading The young man instantly obeyed, and mounted the steps with some trepidation, wondering whether Sadie had made a confidant of her uncle, and fearing that the uncle’s designs for his niece excluded a division superintendent from any discussion regarding her future.
termedverbUS /tɜːrmd/
past form of “term” — name formally or designate with a term
From this reading The Colonel greeted him with what might be termed absent-minded friendliness.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The young man instantly obeyed, and mounted the steps with some trepidation, wondering whether Sadie had made a confidant of her uncle, and fearing that the uncle’s designs for his niece excluded a division superintendent from any discussion regarding her future.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The young man instantly obeyed, and mounted the steps with some trepidation, wondering whether Sadie had made a confidant of her uncle, and fearing that the uncle’s designs for his niece excluded a division superintendent from any discussion regarding her future.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading He was evidently perturbed about something, and after requesting his caller to sit down, himself paced up and down the room two or three times with a shade of perplexity on his brow.
a more or less definite period of time now or previously present
From this reading He was evidently perturbed about something, and after requesting his caller to sit down, himself paced up and down the room two or three times with a shade of perplexity on his brow.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading NEXT morning John Steele was startled to receive a rather peremptory message from Colonel Beck requesting him to call at once at his residence.
trepidationnounUS /ˌtrepɪˈdeɪʃən/
a feeling of alarm or dread
From this reading The young man instantly obeyed, and mounted the steps with some trepidation, wondering whether Sadie had made a confidant of her uncle, and fearing that the uncle’s designs for his niece excluded a division superintendent from any discussion regarding her future.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading He was evidently perturbed about something, and after requesting his caller to sit down, himself paced up and down the room two or three times with a shade of perplexity on his brow.
the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt
From this reading The young man instantly obeyed, and mounted the steps with some trepidation, wondering whether Sadie had made a confidant of her uncle, and fearing that the uncle’s designs for his niece excluded a division superintendent from any discussion regarding her future.
uncle'snounUS /ˈʌŋkəlz/
possessive form of “uncle” — the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt
From this reading The young man instantly obeyed, and mounted the steps with some trepidation, wondering whether Sadie had made a confidant of her uncle, and fearing that the uncle’s designs for his niece excluded a division superintendent from any discussion regarding her future.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading He was evidently perturbed about something, and after requesting his caller to sit down, himself paced up and down the room two or three times with a shade of perplexity on his brow.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading NEXT morning John Steele was startled to receive a rather peremptory message from Colonel Beck requesting him to call at once at his residence.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading The Colonel greeted him with what might be termed absent-minded friendliness.
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading The young man instantly obeyed, and mounted the steps with some trepidation, wondering whether Sadie had made a confidant of her uncle, and fearing that the uncle’s designs for his niece excluded a division superintendent from any discussion regarding her future.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The young man instantly obeyed, and mounted the steps with some trepidation, wondering whether Sadie had made a confidant of her uncle, and fearing that the uncle’s designs for his niece excluded a division superintendent from any discussion regarding her future.
showing curiosity
From this reading The young man instantly obeyed, and mounted the steps with some trepidation, wondering whether Sadie had made a confidant of her uncle, and fearing that the uncle’s designs for his niece excluded a division superintendent from any discussion regarding her future.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading The young man instantly obeyed, and mounted the steps with some trepidation, wondering whether Sadie had made a confidant of her uncle, and fearing that the uncle’s designs for his niece excluded a division superintendent from any discussion regarding her future.
