used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading He was prattling pompously of the sunshine in the past, when a sudden heavy shower of hail, falling rather defiantly in spite of his hints, made him lose his temper.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Sir James, looking angrily up at the sky, declared that unless it stopped within half an hour he would write to the _Times_ about it.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Sir James, looking angrily up at the sky, declared that unless it stopped within half an hour he would write to the _Times_ about it.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading In his young days, as he remarked with bitterness, spring was spring, and it didn't thunder and snow in April.
angrilyadverbUS /ˈæŋɡrəli/
with anger
From this reading Sir James, looking angrily up at the sky, declared that unless it stopped within half an hour he would write to the _Times_ about it.
annoyedadjectiveUS /əˈnɔɪd/
aroused to impatience or anger
From this reading THE TWELFTH HOUR Sir James was extremely annoyed with the weather.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Whether or not this threat had any real meteorological influence, there is no doubt that the clouds dispersed rather hastily, the sun hurriedly appeared, and the weather promptly prepared to enable Sir James to venture out, which he did with a gracious wave of the hand to the entire horizon, as though willing to say no more about it.
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Whether or not this threat had any real meteorological influence, there is no doubt that the clouds dispersed rather hastily, the sun hurriedly appeared, and the weather promptly prepared to enable Sir James to venture out, which he did with a gracious wave of the hand to the entire horizon, as though willing to say no more about it.
AprilnounUS /ˈeɪprəl/
the month following March and preceding May
From this reading In his young days, as he remarked with bitterness, spring was spring, and it didn't thunder and snow in April.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading In his young days, as he remarked with bitterness, spring was spring, and it didn't thunder and snow in April.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Sir James, looking angrily up at the sky, declared that unless it stopped within half an hour he would write to the _Times_ about it.
bitternessnounUS /ˈbɪtərnəs/
a feeling of deep and bitter anger and ill-will
From this reading In his young days, as he remarked with bitterness, spring was spring, and it didn't thunder and snow in April.
plural of “cloud” — any collection of particles (e.g., smoke or dust) or gases that is visible
From this reading Whether or not this threat had any real meteorological influence, there is no doubt that the clouds dispersed rather hastily, the sun hurriedly appeared, and the weather promptly prepared to enable Sir James to venture out, which he did with a gracious wave of the hand to the entire horizon, as though willing to say no more about it.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading In his young days, as he remarked with bitterness, spring was spring, and it didn't thunder and snow in April.
made known or openly avowed
From this reading Sir James, looking angrily up at the sky, declared that unless it stopped within half an hour he would write to the _Times_ about it.
defiantlyadverbUS /dɪˈfaɪəntli/
in a rebellious manner
From this reading He was prattling pompously of the sunshine in the past, when a sudden heavy shower of hail, falling rather defiantly in spite of his hints, made him lose his temper.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Whether or not this threat had any real meteorological influence, there is no doubt that the clouds dispersed rather hastily, the sun hurriedly appeared, and the weather promptly prepared to enable Sir James to venture out, which he did with a gracious wave of the hand to the entire horizon, as though willing to say no more about it.
didn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In his young days, as he remarked with bitterness, spring was spring, and it didn't thunder and snow in April.
dispersedadjectiveUS /dɪˈspɜːrst/
distributed or spread over a considerable extent
From this reading Whether or not this threat had any real meteorological influence, there is no doubt that the clouds dispersed rather hastily, the sun hurriedly appeared, and the weather promptly prepared to enable Sir James to venture out, which he did with a gracious wave of the hand to the entire horizon, as though willing to say no more about it.
the state of being unsure of something
From this reading Whether or not this threat had any real meteorological influence, there is no doubt that the clouds dispersed rather hastily, the sun hurriedly appeared, and the weather promptly prepared to enable Sir James to venture out, which he did with a gracious wave of the hand to the entire horizon, as though willing to say no more about it.
enableverbUS /eˈneɪbəl/
render capable or able for some task
From this reading Whether or not this threat had any real meteorological influence, there is no doubt that the clouds dispersed rather hastily, the sun hurriedly appeared, and the weather promptly prepared to enable Sir James to venture out, which he did with a gracious wave of the hand to the entire horizon, as though willing to say no more about it.
constituting the full quantity or extent; complete
From this reading Whether or not this threat had any real meteorological influence, there is no doubt that the clouds dispersed rather hastily, the sun hurriedly appeared, and the weather promptly prepared to enable Sir James to venture out, which he did with a gracious wave of the hand to the entire horizon, as though willing to say no more about it.
to a high degree or extent; favorably or with much respect
From this reading THE TWELFTH HOUR Sir James was extremely annoyed with the weather.
decreasing in amount or degree
From this reading He was prattling pompously of the sunshine in the past, when a sudden heavy shower of hail, falling rather defiantly in spite of his hints, made him lose his temper.
characterized by charm, good taste, and generosity of spirit
From this reading Whether or not this threat had any real meteorological influence, there is no doubt that the clouds dispersed rather hastily, the sun hurriedly appeared, and the weather promptly prepared to enable Sir James to venture out, which he did with a gracious wave of the hand to the entire horizon, as though willing to say no more about it.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Whether or not this threat had any real meteorological influence, there is no doubt that the clouds dispersed rather hastily, the sun hurriedly appeared, and the weather promptly prepared to enable Sir James to venture out, which he did with a gracious wave of the hand to the entire horizon, as though willing to say no more about it.
hailverbUS /heɪl/
praise vociferously
From this reading He was prattling pompously of the sunshine in the past, when a sudden heavy shower of hail, falling rather defiantly in spite of his hints, made him lose his temper.
consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity
From this reading Sir James, looking angrily up at the sky, declared that unless it stopped within half an hour he would write to the _Times_ about it.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading Whether or not this threat had any real meteorological influence, there is no doubt that the clouds dispersed rather hastily, the sun hurriedly appeared, and the weather promptly prepared to enable Sir James to venture out, which he did with a gracious wave of the hand to the entire horizon, as though willing to say no more about it.
in a hurried or hasty manner
From this reading Whether or not this threat had any real meteorological influence, there is no doubt that the clouds dispersed rather hastily, the sun hurriedly appeared, and the weather promptly prepared to enable Sir James to venture out, which he did with a gracious wave of the hand to the entire horizon, as though willing to say no more about it.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading In his young days, as he remarked with bitterness, spring was spring, and it didn't thunder and snow in April.
of comparatively great physical weight or density
From this reading He was prattling pompously of the sunshine in the past, when a sudden heavy shower of hail, falling rather defiantly in spite of his hints, made him lose his temper.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He was prattling pompously of the sunshine in the past, when a sudden heavy shower of hail, falling rather defiantly in spite of his hints, made him lose his temper.
hintsnounUS /hɪnts/
plural of “hint” — an indirect suggestion
From this reading He was prattling pompously of the sunshine in the past, when a sudden heavy shower of hail, falling rather defiantly in spite of his hints, made him lose his temper.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading In his young days, as he remarked with bitterness, spring was spring, and it didn't thunder and snow in April.
the line at which the sky and Earth appear to meet
From this reading Whether or not this threat had any real meteorological influence, there is no doubt that the clouds dispersed rather hastily, the sun hurriedly appeared, and the weather promptly prepared to enable Sir James to venture out, which he did with a gracious wave of the hand to the entire horizon, as though willing to say no more about it.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading THE TWELFTH HOUR Sir James was extremely annoyed with the weather.
hurriedlyadverbUS /ˈhɜːridli/
in a hurried or hasty manner
From this reading Whether or not this threat had any real meteorological influence, there is no doubt that the clouds dispersed rather hastily, the sun hurriedly appeared, and the weather promptly prepared to enable Sir James to venture out, which he did with a gracious wave of the hand to the entire horizon, as though willing to say no more about it.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In his young days, as he remarked with bitterness, spring was spring, and it didn't thunder and snow in April.
a power to affect persons or events especially power based on prestige etc
From this reading Whether or not this threat had any real meteorological influence, there is no doubt that the clouds dispersed rather hastily, the sun hurriedly appeared, and the weather promptly prepared to enable Sir James to venture out, which he did with a gracious wave of the hand to the entire horizon, as though willing to say no more about it.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Whether or not this threat had any real meteorological influence, there is no doubt that the clouds dispersed rather hastily, the sun hurriedly appeared, and the weather promptly prepared to enable Sir James to venture out, which he did with a gracious wave of the hand to the entire horizon, as though willing to say no more about it.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading In his young days, as he remarked with bitterness, spring was spring, and it didn't thunder and snow in April.
a Stuart king of Scotland who married a daughter of Henry VII; when England and France went to war in 1513 he invaded England and died in defeat at Flodden (1473-1513)
From this reading THE TWELFTH HOUR Sir James was extremely annoyed with the weather.
the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually
From this reading Sir James, looking angrily up at the sky, declared that unless it stopped within half an hour he would write to the _Times_ about it.
fail to keep or to maintain; cease to have, either physically or in an abstract sense
From this reading He was prattling pompously of the sunshine in the past, when a sudden heavy shower of hail, falling rather defiantly in spite of his hints, made him lose his temper.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading He was prattling pompously of the sunshine in the past, when a sudden heavy shower of hail, falling rather defiantly in spite of his hints, made him lose his temper.
meteorologicaladjectiveUS /ˌmiːtiɔːrəˈlɑːdʒɪkəl/
of or pertaining to atmospheric phenomena, especially weather and weather conditions
From this reading Whether or not this threat had any real meteorological influence, there is no doubt that the clouds dispersed rather hastily, the sun hurriedly appeared, and the weather promptly prepared to enable Sir James to venture out, which he did with a gracious wave of the hand to the entire horizon, as though willing to say no more about it.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Whether or not this threat had any real meteorological influence, there is no doubt that the clouds dispersed rather hastily, the sun hurriedly appeared, and the weather promptly prepared to enable Sir James to venture out, which he did with a gracious wave of the hand to the entire horizon, as though willing to say no more about it.
not any; not one
From this reading Whether or not this threat had any real meteorological influence, there is no doubt that the clouds dispersed rather hastily, the sun hurriedly appeared, and the weather promptly prepared to enable Sir James to venture out, which he did with a gracious wave of the hand to the entire horizon, as though willing to say no more about it.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Whether or not this threat had any real meteorological influence, there is no doubt that the clouds dispersed rather hastily, the sun hurriedly appeared, and the weather promptly prepared to enable Sir James to venture out, which he did with a gracious wave of the hand to the entire horizon, as though willing to say no more about it.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading He was prattling pompously of the sunshine in the past, when a sudden heavy shower of hail, falling rather defiantly in spite of his hints, made him lose his temper.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Whether or not this threat had any real meteorological influence, there is no doubt that the clouds dispersed rather hastily, the sun hurriedly appeared, and the weather promptly prepared to enable Sir James to venture out, which he did with a gracious wave of the hand to the entire horizon, as though willing to say no more about it.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Whether or not this threat had any real meteorological influence, there is no doubt that the clouds dispersed rather hastily, the sun hurriedly appeared, and the weather promptly prepared to enable Sir James to venture out, which he did with a gracious wave of the hand to the entire horizon, as though willing to say no more about it.
the time that has elapsed
From this reading He was prattling pompously of the sunshine in the past, when a sudden heavy shower of hail, falling rather defiantly in spite of his hints, made him lose his temper.
pompouslyadverb
in a pompous manner
From this reading He was prattling pompously of the sunshine in the past, when a sudden heavy shower of hail, falling rather defiantly in spite of his hints, made him lose his temper.
prattlingverbUS /ˈprætlɪŋ/
-ing form of “prattle” — speak (about unimportant matters) rapidly and incessantly
From this reading He was prattling pompously of the sunshine in the past, when a sudden heavy shower of hail, falling rather defiantly in spite of his hints, made him lose his temper.
made ready or fit or suitable beforehand
From this reading Whether or not this threat had any real meteorological influence, there is no doubt that the clouds dispersed rather hastily, the sun hurriedly appeared, and the weather promptly prepared to enable Sir James to venture out, which he did with a gracious wave of the hand to the entire horizon, as though willing to say no more about it.
promptlyadverbUS /ˈprɑːmptli/
with little or no delay
From this reading Whether or not this threat had any real meteorological influence, there is no doubt that the clouds dispersed rather hastily, the sun hurriedly appeared, and the weather promptly prepared to enable Sir James to venture out, which he did with a gracious wave of the hand to the entire horizon, as though willing to say no more about it.
on the contrary
From this reading He was prattling pompously of the sunshine in the past, when a sudden heavy shower of hail, falling rather defiantly in spite of his hints, made him lose his temper.
being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory
From this reading Whether or not this threat had any real meteorological influence, there is no doubt that the clouds dispersed rather hastily, the sun hurriedly appeared, and the weather promptly prepared to enable Sir James to venture out, which he did with a gracious wave of the hand to the entire horizon, as though willing to say no more about it.
past form of “remark” — make mention of
From this reading In his young days, as he remarked with bitterness, spring was spring, and it didn't thunder and snow in April.
express in words
From this reading Whether or not this threat had any real meteorological influence, there is no doubt that the clouds dispersed rather hastily, the sun hurriedly appeared, and the weather promptly prepared to enable Sir James to venture out, which he did with a gracious wave of the hand to the entire horizon, as though willing to say no more about it.
showernounUS /ˈʃaʊər/
a plumbing fixture that sprays water over you
From this reading He was prattling pompously of the sunshine in the past, when a sudden heavy shower of hail, falling rather defiantly in spite of his hints, made him lose his temper.
term of address for a man
From this reading THE TWELFTH HOUR Sir James was extremely annoyed with the weather.
the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth
From this reading Sir James, looking angrily up at the sky, declared that unless it stopped within half an hour he would write to the _Times_ about it.
precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals
From this reading In his young days, as he remarked with bitterness, spring was spring, and it didn't thunder and snow in April.
feeling a need to see others suffer
From this reading He was prattling pompously of the sunshine in the past, when a sudden heavy shower of hail, falling rather defiantly in spite of his hints, made him lose his temper.
the season of growth
From this reading In his young days, as he remarked with bitterness, spring was spring, and it didn't thunder and snow in April.
(of a nose) blocked
From this reading Sir James, looking angrily up at the sky, declared that unless it stopped within half an hour he would write to the _Times_ about it.
happening without warning or in a short space of time
From this reading He was prattling pompously of the sunshine in the past, when a sudden heavy shower of hail, falling rather defiantly in spite of his hints, made him lose his temper.
the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading Whether or not this threat had any real meteorological influence, there is no doubt that the clouds dispersed rather hastily, the sun hurriedly appeared, and the weather promptly prepared to enable Sir James to venture out, which he did with a gracious wave of the hand to the entire horizon, as though willing to say no more about it.
the rays of the sun
From this reading He was prattling pompously of the sunshine in the past, when a sudden heavy shower of hail, falling rather defiantly in spite of his hints, made him lose his temper.
a sudden outburst of anger
From this reading He was prattling pompously of the sunshine in the past, when a sudden heavy shower of hail, falling rather defiantly in spite of his hints, made him lose his temper.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Sir James, looking angrily up at the sky, declared that unless it stopped within half an hour he would write to the _Times_ about it.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE TWELFTH HOUR Sir James was extremely annoyed with the weather.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Whether or not this threat had any real meteorological influence, there is no doubt that the clouds dispersed rather hastily, the sun hurriedly appeared, and the weather promptly prepared to enable Sir James to venture out, which he did with a gracious wave of the hand to the entire horizon, as though willing to say no more about it.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Whether or not this threat had any real meteorological influence, there is no doubt that the clouds dispersed rather hastily, the sun hurriedly appeared, and the weather promptly prepared to enable Sir James to venture out, which he did with a gracious wave of the hand to the entire horizon, as though willing to say no more about it.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Whether or not this threat had any real meteorological influence, there is no doubt that the clouds dispersed rather hastily, the sun hurriedly appeared, and the weather promptly prepared to enable Sir James to venture out, which he did with a gracious wave of the hand to the entire horizon, as though willing to say no more about it.
threatnounUS /θret/
something that is a source of danger
From this reading Whether or not this threat had any real meteorological influence, there is no doubt that the clouds dispersed rather hastily, the sun hurriedly appeared, and the weather promptly prepared to enable Sir James to venture out, which he did with a gracious wave of the hand to the entire horizon, as though willing to say no more about it.
move fast, noisily, and heavily
From this reading In his young days, as he remarked with bitterness, spring was spring, and it didn't thunder and snow in April.
a more or less definite period of time now or previously present
From this reading Sir James, looking angrily up at the sky, declared that unless it stopped within half an hour he would write to the _Times_ about it.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Sir James, looking angrily up at the sky, declared that unless it stopped within half an hour he would write to the _Times_ about it.
TWELFTHadjectiveUS /twelfθ/
coming next after the eleventh and just before the thirteenth in position
From this reading THE TWELFTH HOUR Sir James was extremely annoyed with the weather.
except if; if not
From this reading Sir James, looking angrily up at the sky, declared that unless it stopped within half an hour he would write to the _Times_ about it.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Sir James, looking angrily up at the sky, declared that unless it stopped within half an hour he would write to the _Times_ about it.
any venturesome undertaking especially one with an uncertain outcome
From this reading Whether or not this threat had any real meteorological influence, there is no doubt that the clouds dispersed rather hastily, the sun hurriedly appeared, and the weather promptly prepared to enable Sir James to venture out, which he did with a gracious wave of the hand to the entire horizon, as though willing to say no more about it.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE TWELFTH HOUR Sir James was extremely annoyed with the weather.
one of a series of ridges that moves across the surface of a liquid (especially across a large body of water)
From this reading Whether or not this threat had any real meteorological influence, there is no doubt that the clouds dispersed rather hastily, the sun hurriedly appeared, and the weather promptly prepared to enable Sir James to venture out, which he did with a gracious wave of the hand to the entire horizon, as though willing to say no more about it.
the atmospheric conditions that comprise the state of the atmosphere in terms of temperature and wind and clouds and precipitation
From this reading THE TWELFTH HOUR Sir James was extremely annoyed with the weather.
at the time that
From this reading He was prattling pompously of the sunshine in the past, when a sudden heavy shower of hail, falling rather defiantly in spite of his hints, made him lose his temper.
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading Whether or not this threat had any real meteorological influence, there is no doubt that the clouds dispersed rather hastily, the sun hurriedly appeared, and the weather promptly prepared to enable Sir James to venture out, which he did with a gracious wave of the hand to the entire horizon, as though willing to say no more about it.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Whether or not this threat had any real meteorological influence, there is no doubt that the clouds dispersed rather hastily, the sun hurriedly appeared, and the weather promptly prepared to enable Sir James to venture out, which he did with a gracious wave of the hand to the entire horizon, as though willing to say no more about it.
disposed or inclined toward
From this reading Whether or not this threat had any real meteorological influence, there is no doubt that the clouds dispersed rather hastily, the sun hurriedly appeared, and the weather promptly prepared to enable Sir James to venture out, which he did with a gracious wave of the hand to the entire horizon, as though willing to say no more about it.
in the company of; together with
From this reading THE TWELFTH HOUR Sir James was extremely annoyed with the weather.
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading Sir James, looking angrily up at the sky, declared that unless it stopped within half an hour he would write to the _Times_ about it.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Sir James, looking angrily up at the sky, declared that unless it stopped within half an hour he would write to the _Times_ about it.
produce a literary work
From this reading Sir James, looking angrily up at the sky, declared that unless it stopped within half an hour he would write to the _Times_ about it.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading In his young days, as he remarked with bitterness, spring was spring, and it didn't thunder and snow in April.
