used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Mr. Cameron paid him a short visit, and briskly and efficiently expressed his gratitude.
matters of personal concern
From this reading McKay was one of those who dropped in frequently to discuss the affairs of the camp in short, jerky sentences, which alternated with the puffs from his stubby black pipe.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading At least this was the way in which Loring characterized it to himself, after his departure.
alternatedverbUS /ˈɔːltərneɪtɪd/
past form of “alternate” — go back and forth; swing back and forth between two states or conditions
From this reading McKay was one of those who dropped in frequently to discuss the affairs of the camp in short, jerky sentences, which alternated with the puffs from his stubby black pipe.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Mr. Cameron paid him a short visit, and briskly and efficiently expressed his gratitude.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading At least this was the way in which Loring characterized it to himself, after his departure.
being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light
From this reading McKay was one of those who dropped in frequently to discuss the affairs of the camp in short, jerky sentences, which alternated with the puffs from his stubby black pipe.
brisklyadverbUS /ˈbrɪskli/
in a brisk manner
From this reading Mr. Cameron paid him a short visit, and briskly and efficiently expressed his gratitude.
callersnounUS /ˈkɔːlərz/
plural of “caller” — a social or business visitor
From this reading During his convalescence, Stephen had many callers.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading From motives of kindness, most of the foremen and men from the office force came in to see him; from motives of self-interest, the visits were generally repeated, for Loring combined a drollness, a vein of narrative, and a wide range of experiences.
Cameron
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Cameron paid him a short visit, and briskly and efficiently expressed his gratitude.
temporary living quarters specially built by the army for soldiers
From this reading McKay was one of those who dropped in frequently to discuss the affairs of the camp in short, jerky sentences, which alternated with the puffs from his stubby black pipe.
characterizedverbUS /ˈkerəktəraɪzd/
past form of “characterize” — describe or portray the character or the qualities or peculiarities of
From this reading At least this was the way in which Loring characterized it to himself, after his departure.
combinedadjectiveUS /kəmˈbaɪnd/
made or joined or united into one
From this reading From motives of kindness, most of the foremen and men from the office force came in to see him; from motives of self-interest, the visits were generally repeated, for Loring combined a drollness, a vein of narrative, and a wide range of experiences.
convalescencenounUS /ˌkɑːnvəˈlesəns/
gradual healing (through rest) after sickness or injury
From this reading During his convalescence, Stephen had many callers.
the act of departing
From this reading At least this was the way in which Loring characterized it to himself, after his departure.
discussverbUS /dɪˈskʌs/
to consider or examine in speech or writing
From this reading McKay was one of those who dropped in frequently to discuss the affairs of the camp in short, jerky sentences, which alternated with the puffs from his stubby black pipe.
drollness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading From motives of kindness, most of the foremen and men from the office force came in to see him; from motives of self-interest, the visits were generally repeated, for Loring combined a drollness, a vein of narrative, and a wide range of experiences.
inflected form of “drop” — let fall to the ground
From this reading McKay was one of those who dropped in frequently to discuss the affairs of the camp in short, jerky sentences, which alternated with the puffs from his stubby black pipe.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading During his convalescence, Stephen had many callers.
efficientlyadverbUS /ɪˈfɪʃəntli/
with efficiency; in an efficient manner
From this reading Mr. Cameron paid him a short visit, and briskly and efficiently expressed his gratitude.
experiencesnounUS /ɪkˈspɪriənsɪz/
plural of “experience” — the accumulation of knowledge or skill that results from direct participation in events or activities
From this reading From motives of kindness, most of the foremen and men from the office force came in to see him; from motives of self-interest, the visits were generally repeated, for Loring combined a drollness, a vein of narrative, and a wide range of experiences.
communicated in words
From this reading Mr. Cameron paid him a short visit, and briskly and efficiently expressed his gratitude.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading From motives of kindness, most of the foremen and men from the office force came in to see him; from motives of self-interest, the visits were generally repeated, for Loring combined a drollness, a vein of narrative, and a wide range of experiences.
a powerful effect or influence
From this reading From motives of kindness, most of the foremen and men from the office force came in to see him; from motives of self-interest, the visits were generally repeated, for Loring combined a drollness, a vein of narrative, and a wide range of experiences.
foremennounUS /ˈfɔːrmən/
plural of “foreman” — a person who exercises control over workers
From this reading From motives of kindness, most of the foremen and men from the office force came in to see him; from motives of self-interest, the visits were generally repeated, for Loring combined a drollness, a vein of narrative, and a wide range of experiences.
many times at short intervals
From this reading McKay was one of those who dropped in frequently to discuss the affairs of the camp in short, jerky sentences, which alternated with the puffs from his stubby black pipe.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading From motives of kindness, most of the foremen and men from the office force came in to see him; from motives of self-interest, the visits were generally repeated, for Loring combined a drollness, a vein of narrative, and a wide range of experiences.
usually; as a rule
From this reading From motives of kindness, most of the foremen and men from the office force came in to see him; from motives of self-interest, the visits were generally repeated, for Loring combined a drollness, a vein of narrative, and a wide range of experiences.
a feeling of thankfulness and appreciation
From this reading Mr. Cameron paid him a short visit, and briskly and efficiently expressed his gratitude.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading During his convalescence, Stephen had many callers.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Mr. Cameron paid him a short visit, and briskly and efficiently expressed his gratitude.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading At least this was the way in which Loring characterized it to himself, after his departure.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading During his convalescence, Stephen had many callers.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading At least this was the way in which Loring characterized it to himself, after his departure.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading At least this was the way in which Loring characterized it to himself, after his departure.
jerkyadjectiveUS /ˈdʒɜːrki/
lacking a steady rhythm
From this reading McKay was one of those who dropped in frequently to discuss the affairs of the camp in short, jerky sentences, which alternated with the puffs from his stubby black pipe.
the quality of being warmhearted and considerate and humane and sympathetic
From this reading From motives of kindness, most of the foremen and men from the office force came in to see him; from motives of self-interest, the visits were generally repeated, for Loring combined a drollness, a vein of narrative, and a wide range of experiences.
the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree
From this reading At least this was the way in which Loring characterized it to himself, after his departure.
Loring
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At least this was the way in which Loring characterized it to himself, after his departure.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading During his convalescence, Stephen had many callers.
McKay
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading McKay was one of those who dropped in frequently to discuss the affairs of the camp in short, jerky sentences, which alternated with the puffs from his stubby black pipe.
the force of workers available
From this reading From motives of kindness, most of the foremen and men from the office force came in to see him; from motives of self-interest, the visits were generally repeated, for Loring combined a drollness, a vein of narrative, and a wide range of experiences.
used to form the superlative
From this reading From motives of kindness, most of the foremen and men from the office force came in to see him; from motives of self-interest, the visits were generally repeated, for Loring combined a drollness, a vein of narrative, and a wide range of experiences.
motivesnounUS /ˈmoʊtɪvz/
plural of “motive” — the psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal; the reason for the action; that which gives purpose and direction to behavior
From this reading From motives of kindness, most of the foremen and men from the office force came in to see him; from motives of self-interest, the visits were generally repeated, for Loring combined a drollness, a vein of narrative, and a wide range of experiences.
a form of address for a man
From this reading Mr. Cameron paid him a short visit, and briskly and efficiently expressed his gratitude.
narrativenounUS /ˈnærətɪv/
a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading From motives of kindness, most of the foremen and men from the office force came in to see him; from motives of self-interest, the visits were generally repeated, for Loring combined a drollness, a vein of narrative, and a wide range of experiences.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading From motives of kindness, most of the foremen and men from the office force came in to see him; from motives of self-interest, the visits were generally repeated, for Loring combined a drollness, a vein of narrative, and a wide range of experiences.
place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed
From this reading From motives of kindness, most of the foremen and men from the office force came in to see him; from motives of self-interest, the visits were generally repeated, for Loring combined a drollness, a vein of narrative, and a wide range of experiences.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading McKay was one of those who dropped in frequently to discuss the affairs of the camp in short, jerky sentences, which alternated with the puffs from his stubby black pipe.
marked by the reception of pay
From this reading Mr. Cameron paid him a short visit, and briskly and efficiently expressed his gratitude.
a tube with a small bowl at one end; used for smoking tobacco
From this reading McKay was one of those who dropped in frequently to discuss the affairs of the camp in short, jerky sentences, which alternated with the puffs from his stubby black pipe.
puffsnounUS /pʌfs/
plural of “puff” — a short light gust of air
From this reading McKay was one of those who dropped in frequently to discuss the affairs of the camp in short, jerky sentences, which alternated with the puffs from his stubby black pipe.
an area in which something acts or operates or has power or control: "the range of a supersonic jet"
From this reading From motives of kindness, most of the foremen and men from the office force came in to see him; from motives of self-interest, the visits were generally repeated, for Loring combined a drollness, a vein of narrative, and a wide range of experiences.
recurring again and again
From this reading From motives of kindness, most of the foremen and men from the office force came in to see him; from motives of self-interest, the visits were generally repeated, for Loring combined a drollness, a vein of narrative, and a wide range of experiences.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading From motives of kindness, most of the foremen and men from the office force came in to see him; from motives of self-interest, the visits were generally repeated, for Loring combined a drollness, a vein of narrative, and a wide range of experiences.
self-interestnounUS /ˈselˈfɪntrəst/
taking advantage of opportunities without regard for the consequences for others
From this reading From motives of kindness, most of the foremen and men from the office force came in to see him; from motives of self-interest, the visits were generally repeated, for Loring combined a drollness, a vein of narrative, and a wide range of experiences.
sentencesnounUS /ˈsentənsəz/
plural of “sentence” — a string of words satisfying the grammatical rules of a language
From this reading McKay was one of those who dropped in frequently to discuss the affairs of the camp in short, jerky sentences, which alternated with the puffs from his stubby black pipe.
primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration
From this reading Mr. Cameron paid him a short visit, and briskly and efficiently expressed his gratitude.
StephennounUS /ˈstiːvən/
English writer (1832-1904)
From this reading During his convalescence, Stephen had many callers.
stubbyadjectiveUS /ˈstʌbi/
short and blunt
From this reading McKay was one of those who dropped in frequently to discuss the affairs of the camp in short, jerky sentences, which alternated with the puffs from his stubby black pipe.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading At least this was the way in which Loring characterized it to himself, after his departure.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading At least this was the way in which Loring characterized it to himself, after his departure.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading McKay was one of those who dropped in frequently to discuss the affairs of the camp in short, jerky sentences, which alternated with the puffs from his stubby black pipe.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading At least this was the way in which Loring characterized it to himself, after his departure.
veinnounUS /veɪn/
a blood vessel that carries blood from the capillaries toward the heart
From this reading From motives of kindness, most of the foremen and men from the office force came in to see him; from motives of self-interest, the visits were generally repeated, for Loring combined a drollness, a vein of narrative, and a wide range of experiences.
go to see a place, as for entertainment
From this reading Mr. Cameron paid him a short visit, and briskly and efficiently expressed his gratitude.
visitsnounUS /ˈvɪzɪts/
plural of “visit” — the act of going to see some person or place or thing for a short time
From this reading From motives of kindness, most of the foremen and men from the office force came in to see him; from motives of self-interest, the visits were generally repeated, for Loring combined a drollness, a vein of narrative, and a wide range of experiences.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading At least this was the way in which Loring characterized it to himself, after his departure.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading At least this was the way in which Loring characterized it to himself, after his departure.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading From motives of kindness, most of the foremen and men from the office force came in to see him; from motives of self-interest, the visits were generally repeated, for Loring combined a drollness, a vein of narrative, and a wide range of experiences.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading At least this was the way in which Loring characterized it to himself, after his departure.
which person or people
From this reading McKay was one of those who dropped in frequently to discuss the affairs of the camp in short, jerky sentences, which alternated with the puffs from his stubby black pipe.
having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other
From this reading From motives of kindness, most of the foremen and men from the office force came in to see him; from motives of self-interest, the visits were generally repeated, for Loring combined a drollness, a vein of narrative, and a wide range of experiences.
in the company of; together with
From this reading McKay was one of those who dropped in frequently to discuss the affairs of the camp in short, jerky sentences, which alternated with the puffs from his stubby black pipe.
