used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading She was safe in her dim corner, and thought little of being seen; she was only a poor girl in sore trouble, with her head sunk in her hands, who could not in any way concern a stranger.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading She noticed, then, in a dull way, the light echo of their sound among the arches overhead.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading There came the sound of footsteps up the nave: it might be the old verger in his rusty gown, or some sightseer stopping here and there to read an inscription.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading There came the sound of footsteps up the nave: it might be the old verger in his rusty gown, or some sightseer stopping here and there to read an inscription.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading She was safe in her dim corner, and thought little of being seen; she was only a poor girl in sore trouble, with her head sunk in her hands, who could not in any way concern a stranger.
archesnounUS /ˈɑːrtʃəz/
plural of “arch” — a curved shape in the vertical plane that spans an opening
From this reading She noticed, then, in a dull way, the light echo of their sound among the arches overhead.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading There came the sound of footsteps up the nave: it might be the old verger in his rusty gown, or some sightseer stopping here and there to read an inscription.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading She was safe in her dim corner, and thought little of being seen; she was only a poor girl in sore trouble, with her head sunk in her hands, who could not in any way concern a stranger.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The wandering footsteps stopped near by, instead of going on and entering the choir.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading There came the sound of footsteps up the nave: it might be the old verger in his rusty gown, or some sightseer stopping here and there to read an inscription.
choirnounUS /ˈkwaɪər/
a chorus that sings as part of a religious ceremony
From this reading The wandering footsteps stopped near by, instead of going on and entering the choir.
belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public
From this reading Poor Mary’s tears would have their way: to one of her deep nature weeping was sad enough in itself; to cry for sorrow’s sake was no common sorrow.
something that interests you because it is important or affects you
From this reading She was safe in her dim corner, and thought little of being seen; she was only a poor girl in sore trouble, with her head sunk in her hands, who could not in any way concern a stranger.
a place off to the side of an area
From this reading She was safe in her dim corner, and thought little of being seen; she was only a poor girl in sore trouble, with her head sunk in her hands, who could not in any way concern a stranger.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading She was safe in her dim corner, and thought little of being seen; she was only a poor girl in sore trouble, with her head sunk in her hands, who could not in any way concern a stranger.
utter a sudden loud cry
From this reading Poor Mary’s tears would have their way: to one of her deep nature weeping was sad enough in itself; to cry for sorrow’s sake was no common sorrow.
relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply
From this reading Poor Mary’s tears would have their way: to one of her deep nature weeping was sad enough in itself; to cry for sorrow’s sake was no common sorrow.
lacking in light; not bright or harsh
From this reading She was safe in her dim corner, and thought little of being seen; she was only a poor girl in sore trouble, with her head sunk in her hands, who could not in any way concern a stranger.
lacking in liveliness or animation
From this reading She noticed, then, in a dull way, the light echo of their sound among the arches overhead.
echoverbUS /ˈekoʊ/
to say again or imitate
From this reading She noticed, then, in a dull way, the light echo of their sound among the arches overhead.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading Poor Mary’s tears would have their way: to one of her deep nature weeping was sad enough in itself; to cry for sorrow’s sake was no common sorrow.
a movement into or inward
From this reading The wandering footsteps stopped near by, instead of going on and entering the choir.
plural of “footstep” — the sound of a step of someone walking
From this reading There came the sound of footsteps up the nave: it might be the old verger in his rusty gown, or some sightseer stopping here and there to read an inscription.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Poor Mary’s tears would have their way: to one of her deep nature weeping was sad enough in itself; to cry for sorrow’s sake was no common sorrow.
a young female
From this reading She was safe in her dim corner, and thought little of being seen; she was only a poor girl in sore trouble, with her head sunk in her hands, who could not in any way concern a stranger.
the act of departing
From this reading The wandering footsteps stopped near by, instead of going on and entering the choir.
a woman's dress, usually with a close-fitting bodice and a long flared skirt, often worn on formal occasions
From this reading There came the sound of footsteps up the nave: it might be the old verger in his rusty gown, or some sightseer stopping here and there to read an inscription.
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading She was safe in her dim corner, and thought little of being seen; she was only a poor girl in sore trouble, with her head sunk in her hands, who could not in any way concern a stranger.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Poor Mary’s tears would have their way: to one of her deep nature weeping was sad enough in itself; to cry for sorrow’s sake was no common sorrow.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading She was safe in her dim corner, and thought little of being seen; she was only a poor girl in sore trouble, with her head sunk in her hands, who could not in any way concern a stranger.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Poor Mary’s tears would have their way: to one of her deep nature weeping was sad enough in itself; to cry for sorrow’s sake was no common sorrow.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading There came the sound of footsteps up the nave: it might be the old verger in his rusty gown, or some sightseer stopping here and there to read an inscription.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading There came the sound of footsteps up the nave: it might be the old verger in his rusty gown, or some sightseer stopping here and there to read an inscription.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading There came the sound of footsteps up the nave: it might be the old verger in his rusty gown, or some sightseer stopping here and there to read an inscription.
inscriptionnounUS /ˌɪnˈskrɪpʃən/
letters inscribed (especially words engraved or carved) on something
From this reading There came the sound of footsteps up the nave: it might be the old verger in his rusty gown, or some sightseer stopping here and there to read an inscription.
in place of, or as an alternative to
From this reading The wandering footsteps stopped near by, instead of going on and entering the choir.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading There came the sound of footsteps up the nave: it might be the old verger in his rusty gown, or some sightseer stopping here and there to read an inscription.
used when the thing doing the action is also its object
From this reading Poor Mary’s tears would have their way: to one of her deep nature weeping was sad enough in itself; to cry for sorrow’s sake was no common sorrow.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading She noticed, then, in a dull way, the light echo of their sound among the arches overhead.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading She was safe in her dim corner, and thought little of being seen; she was only a poor girl in sore trouble, with her head sunk in her hands, who could not in any way concern a stranger.
Mary'snounUS /ˈmeriz/
possessive form of “mary” — the mother of Jesus; Christians refer to her as the Virgin Mary; she is especially honored by Roman Catholics
From this reading Poor Mary’s tears would have their way: to one of her deep nature weeping was sad enough in itself; to cry for sorrow’s sake was no common sorrow.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading There came the sound of footsteps up the nave: it might be the old verger in his rusty gown, or some sightseer stopping here and there to read an inscription.
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading Poor Mary’s tears would have their way: to one of her deep nature weeping was sad enough in itself; to cry for sorrow’s sake was no common sorrow.
navenounUS /neɪv/
the central area of a church
From this reading There came the sound of footsteps up the nave: it might be the old verger in his rusty gown, or some sightseer stopping here and there to read an inscription.
near in time or place or relationship
From this reading The wandering footsteps stopped near by, instead of going on and entering the choir.
not any; not one
From this reading Poor Mary’s tears would have their way: to one of her deep nature weeping was sad enough in itself; to cry for sorrow’s sake was no common sorrow.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading She was safe in her dim corner, and thought little of being seen; she was only a poor girl in sore trouble, with her head sunk in her hands, who could not in any way concern a stranger.
being perceived or observed
From this reading She noticed, then, in a dull way, the light echo of their sound among the arches overhead.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading There came the sound of footsteps up the nave: it might be the old verger in his rusty gown, or some sightseer stopping here and there to read an inscription.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading There came the sound of footsteps up the nave: it might be the old verger in his rusty gown, or some sightseer stopping here and there to read an inscription.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The wandering footsteps stopped near by, instead of going on and entering the choir.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Poor Mary’s tears would have their way: to one of her deep nature weeping was sad enough in itself; to cry for sorrow’s sake was no common sorrow.
and nothing more
From this reading She was safe in her dim corner, and thought little of being seen; she was only a poor girl in sore trouble, with her head sunk in her hands, who could not in any way concern a stranger.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading There came the sound of footsteps up the nave: it might be the old verger in his rusty gown, or some sightseer stopping here and there to read an inscription.
overheadadverbUS /ˈoʊvərˈhed/
above your head; in the sky
From this reading She noticed, then, in a dull way, the light echo of their sound among the arches overhead.
deserving or inciting pity
From this reading Poor Mary’s tears would have their way: to one of her deep nature weeping was sad enough in itself; to cry for sorrow’s sake was no common sorrow.
interpret something that is written or printed
From this reading There came the sound of footsteps up the nave: it might be the old verger in his rusty gown, or some sightseer stopping here and there to read an inscription.
rustyadjectiveUS /ˈrʌsti/
covered with or consisting of rust
From this reading There came the sound of footsteps up the nave: it might be the old verger in his rusty gown, or some sightseer stopping here and there to read an inscription.
experiencing or showing sorrow or unhappiness
From this reading Poor Mary’s tears would have their way: to one of her deep nature weeping was sad enough in itself; to cry for sorrow’s sake was no common sorrow.
free from danger or the risk of harm
From this reading She was safe in her dim corner, and thought little of being seen; she was only a poor girl in sore trouble, with her head sunk in her hands, who could not in any way concern a stranger.
a reason for wanting something done
From this reading Poor Mary’s tears would have their way: to one of her deep nature weeping was sad enough in itself; to cry for sorrow’s sake was no common sorrow.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading She was safe in her dim corner, and thought little of being seen; she was only a poor girl in sore trouble, with her head sunk in her hands, who could not in any way concern a stranger.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She was safe in her dim corner, and thought little of being seen; she was only a poor girl in sore trouble, with her head sunk in her hands, who could not in any way concern a stranger.
sightseernounUS /ˈsaɪtˈsiːər/
a tourist who is visiting sights of interest
From this reading There came the sound of footsteps up the nave: it might be the old verger in his rusty gown, or some sightseer stopping here and there to read an inscription.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading There came the sound of footsteps up the nave: it might be the old verger in his rusty gown, or some sightseer stopping here and there to read an inscription.
hurting
From this reading She was safe in her dim corner, and thought little of being seen; she was only a poor girl in sore trouble, with her head sunk in her hands, who could not in any way concern a stranger.
an emotion of great sadness associated with loss or bereavement
From this reading Poor Mary’s tears would have their way: to one of her deep nature weeping was sad enough in itself; to cry for sorrow’s sake was no common sorrow.
sorrow's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Poor Mary’s tears would have their way: to one of her deep nature weeping was sad enough in itself; to cry for sorrow’s sake was no common sorrow.
the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading There came the sound of footsteps up the nave: it might be the old verger in his rusty gown, or some sightseer stopping here and there to read an inscription.
(of a nose) blocked
From this reading The wandering footsteps stopped near by, instead of going on and entering the choir.
fastener consisting of a narrow strip of welded metal used to join steel members
From this reading There came the sound of footsteps up the nave: it might be the old verger in his rusty gown, or some sightseer stopping here and there to read an inscription.
anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found
From this reading She was safe in her dim corner, and thought little of being seen; she was only a poor girl in sore trouble, with her head sunk in her hands, who could not in any way concern a stranger.
sunkadjectiveUS /sʌŋk/
doomed to extinction
From this reading She was safe in her dim corner, and thought little of being seen; she was only a poor girl in sore trouble, with her head sunk in her hands, who could not in any way concern a stranger.
the process of shedding tears (usually accompanied by sobs or other inarticulate sounds)
From this reading Poor Mary’s tears would have their way: to one of her deep nature weeping was sad enough in itself; to cry for sorrow’s sake was no common sorrow.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading There came the sound of footsteps up the nave: it might be the old verger in his rusty gown, or some sightseer stopping here and there to read an inscription.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Poor Mary’s tears would have their way: to one of her deep nature weeping was sad enough in itself; to cry for sorrow’s sake was no common sorrow.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading She noticed, then, in a dull way, the light echo of their sound among the arches overhead.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There came the sound of footsteps up the nave: it might be the old verger in his rusty gown, or some sightseer stopping here and there to read an inscription.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading She was safe in her dim corner, and thought little of being seen; she was only a poor girl in sore trouble, with her head sunk in her hands, who could not in any way concern a stranger.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading There came the sound of footsteps up the nave: it might be the old verger in his rusty gown, or some sightseer stopping here and there to read an inscription.
a source of difficulty
From this reading She was safe in her dim corner, and thought little of being seen; she was only a poor girl in sore trouble, with her head sunk in her hands, who could not in any way concern a stranger.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading There came the sound of footsteps up the nave: it might be the old verger in his rusty gown, or some sightseer stopping here and there to read an inscription.
vergernoun
a church officer who takes care of the interior of the building and acts as an attendant (carries the verge) during ceremonies
From this reading There came the sound of footsteps up the nave: it might be the old verger in his rusty gown, or some sightseer stopping here and there to read an inscription.
migratory
From this reading The wandering footsteps stopped near by, instead of going on and entering the choir.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Poor Mary’s tears would have their way: to one of her deep nature weeping was sad enough in itself; to cry for sorrow’s sake was no common sorrow.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Poor Mary’s tears would have their way: to one of her deep nature weeping was sad enough in itself; to cry for sorrow’s sake was no common sorrow.
showing sorrow
From this reading Poor Mary’s tears would have their way: to one of her deep nature weeping was sad enough in itself; to cry for sorrow’s sake was no common sorrow.
which person or people
From this reading She was safe in her dim corner, and thought little of being seen; she was only a poor girl in sore trouble, with her head sunk in her hands, who could not in any way concern a stranger.
in the company of; together with
From this reading She was safe in her dim corner, and thought little of being seen; she was only a poor girl in sore trouble, with her head sunk in her hands, who could not in any way concern a stranger.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Poor Mary’s tears would have their way: to one of her deep nature weeping was sad enough in itself; to cry for sorrow’s sake was no common sorrow.
