used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading She sat listening for the return of Burke and Guy while her companion chatted cheerfully of a thousand things which might have interested her at any other time but to which now she gave but fitful attention.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading He was in the midst of telling her about the draw for the great diamond at Brennerstadt and how the tickets had been reduced from monkeys to ponies because the monkeys were too shy, when there came the sound for which she waited--a hand upon the window-catch and the swirl of sand blown in by the draught as it opened.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading For an instant her look met Burke's as he stood in the aperture, then swiftly travelled to the man with him.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE HERO The wind went down somewhat at sunset and Sylvia realized with relief that the worst was over.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading She sat listening for the return of Burke and Guy while her companion chatted cheerfully of a thousand things which might have interested her at any other time but to which now she gave but fitful attention.
aperturenounUS /ˈæpərtʃər/
a device that controls amount of light admitted
From this reading For an instant her look met Burke's as he stood in the aperture, then swiftly travelled to the man with him.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading He was in the midst of telling her about the draw for the great diamond at Brennerstadt and how the tickets had been reduced from monkeys to ponies because the monkeys were too shy, when there came the sound for which she waited--a hand upon the window-catch and the swirl of sand blown in by the draught as it opened.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading THE HERO The wind went down somewhat at sunset and Sylvia realized with relief that the worst was over.
the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others
From this reading She sat listening for the return of Burke and Guy while her companion chatted cheerfully of a thousand things which might have interested her at any other time but to which now she gave but fitful attention.
for the reason that
From this reading He was in the midst of telling her about the draw for the great diamond at Brennerstadt and how the tickets had been reduced from monkeys to ponies because the monkeys were too shy, when there came the sound for which she waited--a hand upon the window-catch and the swirl of sand blown in by the draught as it opened.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading He was in the midst of telling her about the draw for the great diamond at Brennerstadt and how the tickets had been reduced from monkeys to ponies because the monkeys were too shy, when there came the sound for which she waited--a hand upon the window-catch and the swirl of sand blown in by the draught as it opened.
blownadjectiveUS /bloʊn/
being moved or acted upon by moving air or vapor
From this reading He was in the midst of telling her about the draw for the great diamond at Brennerstadt and how the tickets had been reduced from monkeys to ponies because the monkeys were too shy, when there came the sound for which she waited--a hand upon the window-catch and the swirl of sand blown in by the draught as it opened.
Brennerstadt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was in the midst of telling her about the draw for the great diamond at Brennerstadt and how the tickets had been reduced from monkeys to ponies because the monkeys were too shy, when there came the sound for which she waited--a hand upon the window-catch and the swirl of sand blown in by the draught as it opened.
BurkenounUS /bɜːrk/
British statesman famous for his oratory; pleaded the cause of the American colonists in British Parliament and defended the parliamentary system (1729-1797)
From this reading She sat listening for the return of Burke and Guy while her companion chatted cheerfully of a thousand things which might have interested her at any other time but to which now she gave but fitful attention.
Burke'snounUS /bɜːrks/
possessive form of “burke” — British statesman famous for his oratory; pleaded the cause of the American colonists in British Parliament and defended the parliamentary system (1729-1797)
From this reading For an instant her look met Burke's as he stood in the aperture, then swiftly travelled to the man with him.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading She sat listening for the return of Burke and Guy while her companion chatted cheerfully of a thousand things which might have interested her at any other time but to which now she gave but fitful attention.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading He was in the midst of telling her about the draw for the great diamond at Brennerstadt and how the tickets had been reduced from monkeys to ponies because the monkeys were too shy, when there came the sound for which she waited--a hand upon the window-catch and the swirl of sand blown in by the draught as it opened.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading He was in the midst of telling her about the draw for the great diamond at Brennerstadt and how the tickets had been reduced from monkeys to ponies because the monkeys were too shy, when there came the sound for which she waited--a hand upon the window-catch and the swirl of sand blown in by the draught as it opened.
stick of wax with a wick in the middle
From this reading She was up in a moment, guarding the candle and looking out over it with eager, half-dazzled eyes.
chattedverbUS /ˈtʃætəd/
inflected form of “chat” — talk socially without exchanging too much information
From this reading She sat listening for the return of Burke and Guy while her companion chatted cheerfully of a thousand things which might have interested her at any other time but to which now she gave but fitful attention.
cheerfullyadverbUS /ˈtʃɪrfəli/
in a cheerful manner
From this reading She sat listening for the return of Burke and Guy while her companion chatted cheerfully of a thousand things which might have interested her at any other time but to which now she gave but fitful attention.
a friend who is frequently in the company of another
From this reading She sat listening for the return of Burke and Guy while her companion chatted cheerfully of a thousand things which might have interested her at any other time but to which now she gave but fitful attention.
diamondnounUS /ˈdaɪmənd/
a transparent piece of diamond that has been cut and polished and is valued as a precious gem
From this reading He was in the midst of telling her about the draw for the great diamond at Brennerstadt and how the tickets had been reduced from monkeys to ponies because the monkeys were too shy, when there came the sound for which she waited--a hand upon the window-catch and the swirl of sand blown in by the draught as it opened.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading THE HERO The wind went down somewhat at sunset and Sylvia realized with relief that the worst was over.
draughtnounUS /dræft/
a serving of drink (usually alcoholic) drawn from a keg
From this reading He was in the midst of telling her about the draw for the great diamond at Brennerstadt and how the tickets had been reduced from monkeys to ponies because the monkeys were too shy, when there came the sound for which she waited--a hand upon the window-catch and the swirl of sand blown in by the draught as it opened.
cause to move by pulling
From this reading He was in the midst of telling her about the draw for the great diamond at Brennerstadt and how the tickets had been reduced from monkeys to ponies because the monkeys were too shy, when there came the sound for which she waited--a hand upon the window-catch and the swirl of sand blown in by the draught as it opened.
eageradjectiveUS /ˈiːɡər/
having or showing keen interest or intense desire or impatient expectancy
From this reading She was up in a moment, guarding the candle and looking out over it with eager, half-dazzled eyes.
opinion or judgment
From this reading She was up in a moment, guarding the candle and looking out over it with eager, half-dazzled eyes.
fitfuladjectiveUS /ˈfɪtfəl/
occurring in spells and often abruptly
From this reading She sat listening for the return of Burke and Guy while her companion chatted cheerfully of a thousand things which might have interested her at any other time but to which now she gave but fitful attention.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading She sat listening for the return of Burke and Guy while her companion chatted cheerfully of a thousand things which might have interested her at any other time but to which now she gave but fitful attention.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading He was in the midst of telling her about the draw for the great diamond at Brennerstadt and how the tickets had been reduced from monkeys to ponies because the monkeys were too shy, when there came the sound for which she waited--a hand upon the window-catch and the swirl of sand blown in by the draught as it opened.
inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading She sat listening for the return of Burke and Guy while her companion chatted cheerfully of a thousand things which might have interested her at any other time but to which now she gave but fitful attention.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading He was in the midst of telling her about the draw for the great diamond at Brennerstadt and how the tickets had been reduced from monkeys to ponies because the monkeys were too shy, when there came the sound for which she waited--a hand upon the window-catch and the swirl of sand blown in by the draught as it opened.
guardingverbUS /ˈɡɑːrdɪŋ/
-ing form of “guard” — to keep watch over
From this reading She was up in a moment, guarding the candle and looking out over it with eager, half-dazzled eyes.
GuynounUS /ɡaɪ/
an informal term for a youth or man
From this reading She sat listening for the return of Burke and Guy while her companion chatted cheerfully of a thousand things which might have interested her at any other time but to which now she gave but fitful attention.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading He was in the midst of telling her about the draw for the great diamond at Brennerstadt and how the tickets had been reduced from monkeys to ponies because the monkeys were too shy, when there came the sound for which she waited--a hand upon the window-catch and the swirl of sand blown in by the draught as it opened.
half-dazzled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was up in a moment, guarding the candle and looking out over it with eager, half-dazzled eyes.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading He was in the midst of telling her about the draw for the great diamond at Brennerstadt and how the tickets had been reduced from monkeys to ponies because the monkeys were too shy, when there came the sound for which she waited--a hand upon the window-catch and the swirl of sand blown in by the draught as it opened.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading She sat listening for the return of Burke and Guy while her companion chatted cheerfully of a thousand things which might have interested her at any other time but to which now she gave but fitful attention.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He was in the midst of telling her about the draw for the great diamond at Brennerstadt and how the tickets had been reduced from monkeys to ponies because the monkeys were too shy, when there came the sound for which she waited--a hand upon the window-catch and the swirl of sand blown in by the draught as it opened.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading She sat listening for the return of Burke and Guy while her companion chatted cheerfully of a thousand things which might have interested her at any other time but to which now she gave but fitful attention.
a man distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength
From this reading THE HERO The wind went down somewhat at sunset and Sylvia realized with relief that the worst was over.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading For an instant her look met Burke's as he stood in the aperture, then swiftly travelled to the man with him.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was in the midst of telling her about the draw for the great diamond at Brennerstadt and how the tickets had been reduced from monkeys to ponies because the monkeys were too shy, when there came the sound for which she waited--a hand upon the window-catch and the swirl of sand blown in by the draught as it opened.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading He was in the midst of telling her about the draw for the great diamond at Brennerstadt and how the tickets had been reduced from monkeys to ponies because the monkeys were too shy, when there came the sound for which she waited--a hand upon the window-catch and the swirl of sand blown in by the draught as it opened.
a very short time (as the time it takes the eye to blink or the heart to beat)
From this reading For an instant her look met Burke's as he stood in the aperture, then swiftly travelled to the man with him.
having or showing interest; especially curiosity or fascination or concern
From this reading She sat listening for the return of Burke and Guy while her companion chatted cheerfully of a thousand things which might have interested her at any other time but to which now she gave but fitful attention.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading He was in the midst of telling her about the draw for the great diamond at Brennerstadt and how the tickets had been reduced from monkeys to ponies because the monkeys were too shy, when there came the sound for which she waited--a hand upon the window-catch and the swirl of sand blown in by the draught as it opened.
the act of hearing attentively
From this reading She sat listening for the return of Burke and Guy while her companion chatted cheerfully of a thousand things which might have interested her at any other time but to which now she gave but fitful attention.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading For an instant her look met Burke's as he stood in the aperture, then swiftly travelled to the man with him.
the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually
From this reading She was up in a moment, guarding the candle and looking out over it with eager, half-dazzled eyes.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading For an instant her look met Burke's as he stood in the aperture, then swiftly travelled to the man with him.
inflected form of “meet” — come together
From this reading For an instant her look met Burke's as he stood in the aperture, then swiftly travelled to the man with him.
the location of something surrounded by other things
From this reading He was in the midst of telling her about the draw for the great diamond at Brennerstadt and how the tickets had been reduced from monkeys to ponies because the monkeys were too shy, when there came the sound for which she waited--a hand upon the window-catch and the swirl of sand blown in by the draught as it opened.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading She sat listening for the return of Burke and Guy while her companion chatted cheerfully of a thousand things which might have interested her at any other time but to which now she gave but fitful attention.
a particular point in time
From this reading She was up in a moment, guarding the candle and looking out over it with eager, half-dazzled eyes.
monkeysnounUS /ˈmʌŋkiz/
plural of “monkey” — any of various long-tailed primates (excluding the prosimians)
From this reading He was in the midst of telling her about the draw for the great diamond at Brennerstadt and how the tickets had been reduced from monkeys to ponies because the monkeys were too shy, when there came the sound for which she waited--a hand upon the window-catch and the swirl of sand blown in by the draught as it opened.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading She sat listening for the return of Burke and Guy while her companion chatted cheerfully of a thousand things which might have interested her at any other time but to which now she gave but fitful attention.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading She sat listening for the return of Burke and Guy while her companion chatted cheerfully of a thousand things which might have interested her at any other time but to which now she gave but fitful attention.
used of mouth or eyes
From this reading He was in the midst of telling her about the draw for the great diamond at Brennerstadt and how the tickets had been reduced from monkeys to ponies because the monkeys were too shy, when there came the sound for which she waited--a hand upon the window-catch and the swirl of sand blown in by the draught as it opened.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading She sat listening for the return of Burke and Guy while her companion chatted cheerfully of a thousand things which might have interested her at any other time but to which now she gave but fitful attention.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading She was up in a moment, guarding the candle and looking out over it with eager, half-dazzled eyes.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading THE HERO The wind went down somewhat at sunset and Sylvia realized with relief that the worst was over.
poniesnounUS /ˈpoʊniz/
plural of “pony” — a range horse of the western United States
From this reading He was in the midst of telling her about the draw for the great diamond at Brennerstadt and how the tickets had been reduced from monkeys to ponies because the monkeys were too shy, when there came the sound for which she waited--a hand upon the window-catch and the swirl of sand blown in by the draught as it opened.
successfully completed or brought to an end
From this reading THE HERO The wind went down somewhat at sunset and Sylvia realized with relief that the worst was over.
reducedadjectiveUS /rəˈduːst/
made less in size or amount or degree
From this reading He was in the midst of telling her about the draw for the great diamond at Brennerstadt and how the tickets had been reduced from monkeys to ponies because the monkeys were too shy, when there came the sound for which she waited--a hand upon the window-catch and the swirl of sand blown in by the draught as it opened.
the feeling that comes when something burdensome is removed or reduced
From this reading THE HERO The wind went down somewhat at sunset and Sylvia realized with relief that the worst was over.
go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading She sat listening for the return of Burke and Guy while her companion chatted cheerfully of a thousand things which might have interested her at any other time but to which now she gave but fitful attention.
a loose material consisting of grains of rock or coral
From this reading He was in the midst of telling her about the draw for the great diamond at Brennerstadt and how the tickets had been reduced from monkeys to ponies because the monkeys were too shy, when there came the sound for which she waited--a hand upon the window-catch and the swirl of sand blown in by the draught as it opened.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading She sat listening for the return of Burke and Guy while her companion chatted cheerfully of a thousand things which might have interested her at any other time but to which now she gave but fitful attention.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She sat listening for the return of Burke and Guy while her companion chatted cheerfully of a thousand things which might have interested her at any other time but to which now she gave but fitful attention.
shyverbUS /ʃaɪ/
start suddenly, as from fright
From this reading He was in the midst of telling her about the draw for the great diamond at Brennerstadt and how the tickets had been reduced from monkeys to ponies because the monkeys were too shy, when there came the sound for which she waited--a hand upon the window-catch and the swirl of sand blown in by the draught as it opened.
to a small degree or extent
From this reading THE HERO The wind went down somewhat at sunset and Sylvia realized with relief that the worst was over.
the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading He was in the midst of telling her about the draw for the great diamond at Brennerstadt and how the tickets had been reduced from monkeys to ponies because the monkeys were too shy, when there came the sound for which she waited--a hand upon the window-catch and the swirl of sand blown in by the draught as it opened.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading For an instant her look met Burke's as he stood in the aperture, then swiftly travelled to the man with him.
the time in the evening at which the sun begins to fall below the horizon
From this reading THE HERO The wind went down somewhat at sunset and Sylvia realized with relief that the worst was over.
in a swift manner
From this reading For an instant her look met Burke's as he stood in the aperture, then swiftly travelled to the man with him.
swirlverbUS /swɜːrl/
turn in a twisting or spinning motion
From this reading He was in the midst of telling her about the draw for the great diamond at Brennerstadt and how the tickets had been reduced from monkeys to ponies because the monkeys were too shy, when there came the sound for which she waited--a hand upon the window-catch and the swirl of sand blown in by the draught as it opened.
Sylvia
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE HERO The wind went down somewhat at sunset and Sylvia realized with relief that the worst was over.
disclosing unintentionally something concealed
From this reading He was in the midst of telling her about the draw for the great diamond at Brennerstadt and how the tickets had been reduced from monkeys to ponies because the monkeys were too shy, when there came the sound for which she waited--a hand upon the window-catch and the swirl of sand blown in by the draught as it opened.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading THE HERO The wind went down somewhat at sunset and Sylvia realized with relief that the worst was over.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE HERO The wind went down somewhat at sunset and Sylvia realized with relief that the worst was over.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading For an instant her look met Burke's as he stood in the aperture, then swiftly travelled to the man with him.
in or at that place or location
From this reading He was in the midst of telling her about the draw for the great diamond at Brennerstadt and how the tickets had been reduced from monkeys to ponies because the monkeys were too shy, when there came the sound for which she waited--a hand upon the window-catch and the swirl of sand blown in by the draught as it opened.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading She sat listening for the return of Burke and Guy while her companion chatted cheerfully of a thousand things which might have interested her at any other time but to which now she gave but fitful attention.
the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100
From this reading She sat listening for the return of Burke and Guy while her companion chatted cheerfully of a thousand things which might have interested her at any other time but to which now she gave but fitful attention.
ticketsnounUS /ˈtɪkəts/
plural of “ticket” — a commercial document showing that the holder is entitled to something (as to ride on public transportation or to enter a public entertainment)
From this reading He was in the midst of telling her about the draw for the great diamond at Brennerstadt and how the tickets had been reduced from monkeys to ponies because the monkeys were too shy, when there came the sound for which she waited--a hand upon the window-catch and the swirl of sand blown in by the draught as it opened.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading She sat listening for the return of Burke and Guy while her companion chatted cheerfully of a thousand things which might have interested her at any other time but to which now she gave but fitful attention.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading She sat listening for the return of Burke and Guy while her companion chatted cheerfully of a thousand things which might have interested her at any other time but to which now she gave but fitful attention.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading He was in the midst of telling her about the draw for the great diamond at Brennerstadt and how the tickets had been reduced from monkeys to ponies because the monkeys were too shy, when there came the sound for which she waited--a hand upon the window-catch and the swirl of sand blown in by the draught as it opened.
travelledadjectiveUS /ˈtrævəld/
familiar with many parts of the world
From this reading For an instant her look met Burke's as he stood in the aperture, then swiftly travelled to the man with him.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading She was up in a moment, guarding the candle and looking out over it with eager, half-dazzled eyes.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading He was in the midst of telling her about the draw for the great diamond at Brennerstadt and how the tickets had been reduced from monkeys to ponies because the monkeys were too shy, when there came the sound for which she waited--a hand upon the window-catch and the swirl of sand blown in by the draught as it opened.
past form of “wait” — stay in one place and anticipate or expect something
From this reading He was in the midst of telling her about the draw for the great diamond at Brennerstadt and how the tickets had been reduced from monkeys to ponies because the monkeys were too shy, when there came the sound for which she waited--a hand upon the window-catch and the swirl of sand blown in by the draught as it opened.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE HERO The wind went down somewhat at sunset and Sylvia realized with relief that the worst was over.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading THE HERO The wind went down somewhat at sunset and Sylvia realized with relief that the worst was over.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading He was in the midst of telling her about the draw for the great diamond at Brennerstadt and how the tickets had been reduced from monkeys to ponies because the monkeys were too shy, when there came the sound for which she waited--a hand upon the window-catch and the swirl of sand blown in by the draught as it opened.
at the time that
From this reading He was in the midst of telling her about the draw for the great diamond at Brennerstadt and how the tickets had been reduced from monkeys to ponies because the monkeys were too shy, when there came the sound for which she waited--a hand upon the window-catch and the swirl of sand blown in by the draught as it opened.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading She sat listening for the return of Burke and Guy while her companion chatted cheerfully of a thousand things which might have interested her at any other time but to which now she gave but fitful attention.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading She sat listening for the return of Burke and Guy while her companion chatted cheerfully of a thousand things which might have interested her at any other time but to which now she gave but fitful attention.
air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading THE HERO The wind went down somewhat at sunset and Sylvia realized with relief that the worst was over.
window-catch
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was in the midst of telling her about the draw for the great diamond at Brennerstadt and how the tickets had been reduced from monkeys to ponies because the monkeys were too shy, when there came the sound for which she waited--a hand upon the window-catch and the swirl of sand blown in by the draught as it opened.
in the company of; together with
From this reading THE HERO The wind went down somewhat at sunset and Sylvia realized with relief that the worst was over.
the least favorable outcome
From this reading THE HERO The wind went down somewhat at sunset and Sylvia realized with relief that the worst was over.
