used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The sun, as I have said, was sinking among the western clouds with a melancholy glare; Captain Fairfield was pacing slowly to and fro upon the broad terrace that extends, with a carved balustrade, and many a stone flower-pot, along the rear of the old house.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading The crows were winging their way home, and the air was vocal with their faint cawings high above the gray roof, and the summits of the mighty trees, now glowing in that transitory light.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading The crows were winging their way home, and the air was vocal with their faint cawings high above the gray roof, and the summits of the mighty trees, now glowing in that transitory light.
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading The sun, as I have said, was sinking among the western clouds with a melancholy glare; Captain Fairfield was pacing slowly to and fro upon the broad terrace that extends, with a carved balustrade, and many a stone flower-pot, along the rear of the old house.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading The sun, as I have said, was sinking among the western clouds with a melancholy glare; Captain Fairfield was pacing slowly to and fro upon the broad terrace that extends, with a carved balustrade, and many a stone flower-pot, along the rear of the old house.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The sun, as I have said, was sinking among the western clouds with a melancholy glare; Captain Fairfield was pacing slowly to and fro upon the broad terrace that extends, with a carved balustrade, and many a stone flower-pot, along the rear of the old house.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading “Is there any good in bidding him good-bye?” hesitated the Captain.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The sun, as I have said, was sinking among the western clouds with a melancholy glare; Captain Fairfield was pacing slowly to and fro upon the broad terrace that extends, with a carved balustrade, and many a stone flower-pot, along the rear of the old house.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading He was thinking of descending the terrace steps at the further end, and as he mounted his horse, leaving his valedictory message with the man who held it.
balustradenoun
a railing at the side of a staircase or balcony to prevent people from falling
From this reading The sun, as I have said, was sinking among the western clouds with a melancholy glare; Captain Fairfield was pacing slowly to and fro upon the broad terrace that extends, with a carved balustrade, and many a stone flower-pot, along the rear of the old house.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading His horse was ready saddled, and his portmanteau and other trifling effects had been despatched some hours before.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading His horse was ready saddled, and his portmanteau and other trifling effects had been despatched some hours before.
biddingnounUS /ˈbɪdɪŋ/
an authoritative direction or instruction to do something
From this reading “Is there any good in bidding him good-bye?” hesitated the Captain.
having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other
From this reading The sun, as I have said, was sinking among the western clouds with a melancholy glare; Captain Fairfield was pacing slowly to and fro upon the broad terrace that extends, with a carved balustrade, and many a stone flower-pot, along the rear of the old house.
an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading The sun, as I have said, was sinking among the western clouds with a melancholy glare; Captain Fairfield was pacing slowly to and fro upon the broad terrace that extends, with a carved balustrade, and many a stone flower-pot, along the rear of the old house.
carvedadjectiveUS /kɑːrvd/
made for or formed by carving (“carven” is archaic or literary)
From this reading The sun, as I have said, was sinking among the western clouds with a melancholy glare; Captain Fairfield was pacing slowly to and fro upon the broad terrace that extends, with a carved balustrade, and many a stone flower-pot, along the rear of the old house.
cawings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The crows were winging their way home, and the air was vocal with their faint cawings high above the gray roof, and the summits of the mighty trees, now glowing in that transitory light.
plural of “cloud” — any collection of particles (e.g., smoke or dust) or gases that is visible
From this reading The sun, as I have said, was sinking among the western clouds with a melancholy glare; Captain Fairfield was pacing slowly to and fro upon the broad terrace that extends, with a carved balustrade, and many a stone flower-pot, along the rear of the old house.
crowsnounUS /kroʊz/
plural of “crow” — black birds having a raucous call
From this reading The crows were winging their way home, and the air was vocal with their faint cawings high above the gray roof, and the summits of the mighty trees, now glowing in that transitory light.
descendingadjectiveUS /dɪˈsendɪŋ/
coming down or downward
From this reading He was thinking of descending the terrace steps at the further end, and as he mounted his horse, leaving his valedictory message with the man who held it.
despatched
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His horse was ready saddled, and his portmanteau and other trifling effects had been despatched some hours before.
effectsnounUS /ɪˈfekts/
property of a personal character that is portable but not used in business
From this reading His horse was ready saddled, and his portmanteau and other trifling effects had been despatched some hours before.
either extremity of something that has length
From this reading He was thinking of descending the terrace steps at the further end, and as he mounted his horse, leaving his valedictory message with the man who held it.
extendsverbUS /ɪkˈstendz/
third-person singular of “extend” — extend in scope or range or area
From this reading The sun, as I have said, was sinking among the western clouds with a melancholy glare; Captain Fairfield was pacing slowly to and fro upon the broad terrace that extends, with a carved balustrade, and many a stone flower-pot, along the rear of the old house.
deficient in magnitude; barely perceptible; lacking clarity or brightness or loudness etc
From this reading The crows were winging their way home, and the air was vocal with their faint cawings high above the gray roof, and the summits of the mighty trees, now glowing in that transitory light.
Fairfield
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sun, as I have said, was sinking among the western clouds with a melancholy glare; Captain Fairfield was pacing slowly to and fro upon the broad terrace that extends, with a carved balustrade, and many a stone flower-pot, along the rear of the old house.
flower-pot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sun, as I have said, was sinking among the western clouds with a melancholy glare; Captain Fairfield was pacing slowly to and fro upon the broad terrace that extends, with a carved balustrade, and many a stone flower-pot, along the rear of the old house.
fro
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sun, as I have said, was sinking among the western clouds with a melancholy glare; Captain Fairfield was pacing slowly to and fro upon the broad terrace that extends, with a carved balustrade, and many a stone flower-pot, along the rear of the old house.
to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)
From this reading He was thinking of descending the terrace steps at the further end, and as he mounted his horse, leaving his valedictory message with the man who held it.
glarenounUS /ɡler/
a light within the field of vision that is brighter than the brightness to which the eyes are adapted
From this reading The sun, as I have said, was sinking among the western clouds with a melancholy glare; Captain Fairfield was pacing slowly to and fro upon the broad terrace that extends, with a carved balustrade, and many a stone flower-pot, along the rear of the old house.
glowingadjectiveUS /ˈɡloʊɪŋ/
highly enthusiastic
From this reading The crows were winging their way home, and the air was vocal with their faint cawings high above the gray roof, and the summits of the mighty trees, now glowing in that transitory light.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading “Is there any good in bidding him good-bye?” hesitated the Captain.
good-byenounUS /ɡɪdˈbaɪ/
a farewell remark
From this reading “Is there any good in bidding him good-bye?” hesitated the Captain.
a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black
From this reading The crows were winging their way home, and the air was vocal with their faint cawings high above the gray roof, and the summits of the mighty trees, now glowing in that transitory light.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading His horse was ready saddled, and his portmanteau and other trifling effects had been despatched some hours before.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading The sun, as I have said, was sinking among the western clouds with a melancholy glare; Captain Fairfield was pacing slowly to and fro upon the broad terrace that extends, with a carved balustrade, and many a stone flower-pot, along the rear of the old house.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He was thinking of descending the terrace steps at the further end, and as he mounted his horse, leaving his valedictory message with the man who held it.
occupied or in the control of; often used in combination
From this reading He was thinking of descending the terrace steps at the further end, and as he mounted his horse, leaving his valedictory message with the man who held it.
past form of “hesitate” — pause or hold back in uncertainty or unwillingness
From this reading “Is there any good in bidding him good-bye?” hesitated the Captain.
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading The crows were winging their way home, and the air was vocal with their faint cawings high above the gray roof, and the summits of the mighty trees, now glowing in that transitory light.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading “Is there any good in bidding him good-bye?” hesitated the Captain.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading His horse was ready saddled, and his portmanteau and other trifling effects had been despatched some hours before.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading The crows were winging their way home, and the air was vocal with their faint cawings high above the gray roof, and the summits of the mighty trees, now glowing in that transitory light.
solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times
From this reading His horse was ready saddled, and his portmanteau and other trifling effects had been despatched some hours before.
a period of time assigned for work
From this reading His horse was ready saddled, and his portmanteau and other trifling effects had been despatched some hours before.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading The sun, as I have said, was sinking among the western clouds with a melancholy glare; Captain Fairfield was pacing slowly to and fro upon the broad terrace that extends, with a carved balustrade, and many a stone flower-pot, along the rear of the old house.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading The sun, as I have said, was sinking among the western clouds with a melancholy glare; Captain Fairfield was pacing slowly to and fro upon the broad terrace that extends, with a carved balustrade, and many a stone flower-pot, along the rear of the old house.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The crows were winging their way home, and the air was vocal with their faint cawings high above the gray roof, and the summits of the mighty trees, now glowing in that transitory light.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “Is there any good in bidding him good-bye?” hesitated the Captain.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading He was thinking of descending the terrace steps at the further end, and as he mounted his horse, leaving his valedictory message with the man who held it.
the act of departing
From this reading He was thinking of descending the terrace steps at the further end, and as he mounted his horse, leaving his valedictory message with the man who held it.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading The crows were winging their way home, and the air was vocal with their faint cawings high above the gray roof, and the summits of the mighty trees, now glowing in that transitory light.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading He was thinking of descending the terrace steps at the further end, and as he mounted his horse, leaving his valedictory message with the man who held it.
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 The sun, as I have said, was sinking among the western clouds with a melancholy glare; Captain Fairfield was pacing slowly to and fro upon the broad terrace that extends, with a carved balustrade, and many a stone flower-pot, along the rear of the old house.
a feeling of thoughtful sadness
From this reading The sun, as I have said, was sinking among the western clouds with a melancholy glare; Captain Fairfield was pacing slowly to and fro upon the broad terrace that extends, with a carved balustrade, and many a stone flower-pot, along the rear of the old house.
a communication (usually brief) that is written or spoken or signaled
From this reading He was thinking of descending the terrace steps at the further end, and as he mounted his horse, leaving his valedictory message with the man who held it.
having or showing great strength or force or intensity
From this reading The crows were winging their way home, and the air was vocal with their faint cawings high above the gray roof, and the summits of the mighty trees, now glowing in that transitory light.
assembled for use; especially by being attached to a support
From this reading He was thinking of descending the terrace steps at the further end, and as he mounted his horse, leaving his valedictory message with the man who held it.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading The crows were winging their way home, and the air was vocal with their faint cawings high above the gray roof, and the summits of the mighty trees, now glowing in that transitory light.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The sun, as I have said, was sinking among the western clouds with a melancholy glare; Captain Fairfield was pacing slowly to and fro upon the broad terrace that extends, with a carved balustrade, and many a stone flower-pot, along the rear of the old house.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading The sun, as I have said, was sinking among the western clouds with a melancholy glare; Captain Fairfield was pacing slowly to and fro upon the broad terrace that extends, with a carved balustrade, and many a stone flower-pot, along the rear of the old house.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading His horse was ready saddled, and his portmanteau and other trifling effects had been despatched some hours before.
pacingnounUS /ˈpeɪsɪŋ/
(music) the speed at which a composition is to be played
From this reading The sun, as I have said, was sinking among the western clouds with a melancholy glare; Captain Fairfield was pacing slowly to and fro upon the broad terrace that extends, with a carved balustrade, and many a stone flower-pot, along the rear of the old house.
portmanteaunounUS /ˈpɔːrtmɑːntoʊ/
a new word formed by joining two others and combining their meanings
From this reading His horse was ready saddled, and his portmanteau and other trifling effects had been despatched some hours before.
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading His horse was ready saddled, and his portmanteau and other trifling effects had been despatched some hours before.
the back of a military formation or procession
From this reading The sun, as I have said, was sinking among the western clouds with a melancholy glare; Captain Fairfield was pacing slowly to and fro upon the broad terrace that extends, with a carved balustrade, and many a stone flower-pot, along the rear of the old house.
a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building
From this reading The crows were winging their way home, and the air was vocal with their faint cawings high above the gray roof, and the summits of the mighty trees, now glowing in that transitory light.
saddledadjectiveUS /ˈsædəld/
having a saddle on or being mounted on a saddled animal
From this reading His horse was ready saddled, and his portmanteau and other trifling effects had been despatched some hours before.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading The sun, as I have said, was sinking among the western clouds with a melancholy glare; Captain Fairfield was pacing slowly to and fro upon the broad terrace that extends, with a carved balustrade, and many a stone flower-pot, along the rear of the old house.
sinkingnounUS /ˈsɪŋkɪŋ/
a descent as through liquid (especially through water)
From this reading The sun, as I have said, was sinking among the western clouds with a melancholy glare; Captain Fairfield was pacing slowly to and fro upon the broad terrace that extends, with a carved balustrade, and many a stone flower-pot, along the rear of the old house.
without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)
From this reading The sun, as I have said, was sinking among the western clouds with a melancholy glare; Captain Fairfield was pacing slowly to and fro upon the broad terrace that extends, with a carved balustrade, and many a stone flower-pot, along the rear of the old house.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading His horse was ready saddled, and his portmanteau and other trifling effects had been despatched some hours before.
a flight of stairs or a flight of steps
From this reading He was thinking of descending the terrace steps at the further end, and as he mounted his horse, leaving his valedictory message with the man who held it.
a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter
From this reading The sun, as I have said, was sinking among the western clouds with a melancholy glare; Captain Fairfield was pacing slowly to and fro upon the broad terrace that extends, with a carved balustrade, and many a stone flower-pot, along the rear of the old house.
summitsnounUS /ˈsʌmɪts/
plural of “summit” — the highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development
From this reading The crows were winging their way home, and the air was vocal with their faint cawings high above the gray roof, and the summits of the mighty trees, now glowing in that transitory light.
the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading The sun, as I have said, was sinking among the western clouds with a melancholy glare; Captain Fairfield was pacing slowly to and fro upon the broad terrace that extends, with a carved balustrade, and many a stone flower-pot, along the rear of the old house.
terracenounUS /ˈterəs/
usually paved outdoor area adjoining a residence
From this reading The sun, as I have said, was sinking among the western clouds with a melancholy glare; Captain Fairfield was pacing slowly to and fro upon the broad terrace that extends, with a carved balustrade, and many a stone flower-pot, along the rear of the old house.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The sun, as I have said, was sinking among the western clouds with a melancholy glare; Captain Fairfield was pacing slowly to and fro upon the broad terrace that extends, with a carved balustrade, and many a stone flower-pot, along the rear of the old house.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The sun, as I have said, was sinking among the western clouds with a melancholy glare; Captain Fairfield was pacing slowly to and fro upon the broad terrace that extends, with a carved balustrade, and many a stone flower-pot, along the rear of the old house.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The crows were winging their way home, and the air was vocal with their faint cawings high above the gray roof, and the summits of the mighty trees, now glowing in that transitory light.
in or at that place or location
From this reading “Is there any good in bidding him good-bye?” hesitated the Captain.
the process of using your mind to consider something carefully
From this reading He was thinking of descending the terrace steps at the further end, and as he mounted his horse, leaving his valedictory message with the man who held it.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The sun, as I have said, was sinking among the western clouds with a melancholy glare; Captain Fairfield was pacing slowly to and fro upon the broad terrace that extends, with a carved balustrade, and many a stone flower-pot, along the rear of the old house.
transitoryadjectiveUS /ˈtrænzətɔːri/
lasting a very short time
From this reading The crows were winging their way home, and the air was vocal with their faint cawings high above the gray roof, and the summits of the mighty trees, now glowing in that transitory light.
plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms
From this reading The crows were winging their way home, and the air was vocal with their faint cawings high above the gray roof, and the summits of the mighty trees, now glowing in that transitory light.
triflingnounUS /ˈtraɪflɪŋ/
the deliberate act of delaying and playing instead of working
From this reading His horse was ready saddled, and his portmanteau and other trifling effects had been despatched some hours before.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading The sun, as I have said, was sinking among the western clouds with a melancholy glare; Captain Fairfield was pacing slowly to and fro upon the broad terrace that extends, with a carved balustrade, and many a stone flower-pot, along the rear of the old house.
valedictoryadjectiveUS /ˌvæləˈdɪktəri/
of or relating to an occasion or expression of farewell
From this reading He was thinking of descending the terrace steps at the further end, and as he mounted his horse, leaving his valedictory message with the man who held it.
vocaladjectiveUS /ˈvoʊkəl/
relating to or designed for or using the singing voice
From this reading The crows were winging their way home, and the air was vocal with their faint cawings high above the gray roof, and the summits of the mighty trees, now glowing in that transitory light.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The sun, as I have said, was sinking among the western clouds with a melancholy glare; Captain Fairfield was pacing slowly to and fro upon the broad terrace that extends, with a carved balustrade, and many a stone flower-pot, along the rear of the old house.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading The crows were winging their way home, and the air was vocal with their faint cawings high above the gray roof, and the summits of the mighty trees, now glowing in that transitory light.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The crows were winging their way home, and the air was vocal with their faint cawings high above the gray roof, and the summits of the mighty trees, now glowing in that transitory light.
relating to or characteristic of the western parts of the world or the West as opposed to the eastern or oriental parts
From this reading The sun, as I have said, was sinking among the western clouds with a melancholy glare; Captain Fairfield was pacing slowly to and fro upon the broad terrace that extends, with a carved balustrade, and many a stone flower-pot, along the rear of the old house.
which person or people
From this reading He was thinking of descending the terrace steps at the further end, and as he mounted his horse, leaving his valedictory message with the man who held it.
wingingverbUS /ˈwɪŋɪŋ/
-ing form of “wing” — travel through the air; be airborne
From this reading The crows were winging their way home, and the air was vocal with their faint cawings high above the gray roof, and the summits of the mighty trees, now glowing in that transitory light.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The sun, as I have said, was sinking among the western clouds with a melancholy glare; Captain Fairfield was pacing slowly to and fro upon the broad terrace that extends, with a carved balustrade, and many a stone flower-pot, along the rear of the old house.
