used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading If, as was believed, or rather hoped, Nellie had fallen asleep in the woods, they were liable to pass within a dozen feet of where she lay without discovering the fact.
ALARMINGadjectiveUS /əˈlɑːrmɪŋ/
frightening because of an awareness of danger
From this reading AN ALARMING DISCOVERY.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading This view, at the worst, was a favorable one, and behind it rose the phantoms that caused all to shudder with a dread which they dared not utter.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading AN ALARMING DISCOVERY.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading This view, at the worst, was a favorable one, and behind it rose the phantoms that caused all to shudder with a dread which they dared not utter.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading If, as was believed, or rather hoped, Nellie had fallen asleep in the woods, they were liable to pass within a dozen feet of where she lay without discovering the fact.
in a state of sleep
From this reading If, as was believed, or rather hoped, Nellie had fallen asleep in the woods, they were liable to pass within a dozen feet of where she lay without discovering the fact.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading This view, at the worst, was a favorable one, and behind it rose the phantoms that caused all to shudder with a dread which they dared not utter.
aroused or activated
From this reading Should they call to her, or should Nick emit his resounding signal whistle, she might be awakened, provided only such a brief space separated them, but the chances were scarcely one in a thousand that they would be so fortunate.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Should they call to her, or should Nick emit his resounding signal whistle, she might be awakened, provided only such a brief space separated them, but the chances were scarcely one in a thousand that they would be so fortunate.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading By this time the searching party began to realize the difficulties in the path of their success.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading This view, at the worst, was a favorable one, and behind it rose the phantoms that caused all to shudder with a dread which they dared not utter.
past form of “believe” — accept as true; take to be true
From this reading If, as was believed, or rather hoped, Nellie had fallen asleep in the woods, they were liable to pass within a dozen feet of where she lay without discovering the fact.
of short duration or distance
From this reading Should they call to her, or should Nick emit his resounding signal whistle, she might be awakened, provided only such a brief space separated them, but the chances were scarcely one in a thousand that they would be so fortunate.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Should they call to her, or should Nick emit his resounding signal whistle, she might be awakened, provided only such a brief space separated them, but the chances were scarcely one in a thousand that they would be so fortunate.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading By this time the searching party began to realize the difficulties in the path of their success.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading Should they call to her, or should Nick emit his resounding signal whistle, she might be awakened, provided only such a brief space separated them, but the chances were scarcely one in a thousand that they would be so fortunate.
past form of “cause” — give rise to; cause to happen or occur, not always intentionally
From this reading This view, at the worst, was a favorable one, and behind it rose the phantoms that caused all to shudder with a dread which they dared not utter.
chancesnounUS /ˈtʃænsəz/
plural of “chance” — a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading Should they call to her, or should Nick emit his resounding signal whistle, she might be awakened, provided only such a brief space separated them, but the chances were scarcely one in a thousand that they would be so fortunate.
past form of “dare” — take upon oneself; act presumptuously, without permission
From this reading This view, at the worst, was a favorable one, and behind it rose the phantoms that caused all to shudder with a dread which they dared not utter.
plural of “difficulty” — an effort that is inconvenient
From this reading By this time the searching party began to realize the difficulties in the path of their success.
discoveringverbUS /dɪˈskʌvərɪŋ/
-ing form of “discover” — discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of
From this reading If, as was believed, or rather hoped, Nellie had fallen asleep in the woods, they were liable to pass within a dozen feet of where she lay without discovering the fact.
the act of discovering something
From this reading AN ALARMING DISCOVERY.
the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one
From this reading If, as was believed, or rather hoped, Nellie had fallen asleep in the woods, they were liable to pass within a dozen feet of where she lay without discovering the fact.
fearful expectation or anticipation
From this reading This view, at the worst, was a favorable one, and behind it rose the phantoms that caused all to shudder with a dread which they dared not utter.
emitverbUS /ɪˈmɪt/
expel (gases or odors)
From this reading Should they call to her, or should Nick emit his resounding signal whistle, she might be awakened, provided only such a brief space separated them, but the chances were scarcely one in a thousand that they would be so fortunate.
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading If, as was believed, or rather hoped, Nellie had fallen asleep in the woods, they were liable to pass within a dozen feet of where she lay without discovering the fact.
having dropped by the force of gravity
From this reading If, as was believed, or rather hoped, Nellie had fallen asleep in the woods, they were liable to pass within a dozen feet of where she lay without discovering the fact.
favorableadjectiveUS /ˈfeɪvərəbəl/
encouraging or approving or pleasing
From this reading This view, at the worst, was a favorable one, and behind it rose the phantoms that caused all to shudder with a dread which they dared not utter.
plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading If, as was believed, or rather hoped, Nellie had fallen asleep in the woods, they were liable to pass within a dozen feet of where she lay without discovering the fact.
having unexpected good fortune
From this reading Should they call to her, or should Nick emit his resounding signal whistle, she might be awakened, provided only such a brief space separated them, but the chances were scarcely one in a thousand that they would be so fortunate.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading If, as was believed, or rather hoped, Nellie had fallen asleep in the woods, they were liable to pass within a dozen feet of where she lay without discovering the fact.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Should they call to her, or should Nick emit his resounding signal whistle, she might be awakened, provided only such a brief space separated them, but the chances were scarcely one in a thousand that they would be so fortunate.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Should they call to her, or should Nick emit his resounding signal whistle, she might be awakened, provided only such a brief space separated them, but the chances were scarcely one in a thousand that they would be so fortunate.
past form of “hope” — expect and wish
From this reading If, as was believed, or rather hoped, Nellie had fallen asleep in the woods, they were liable to pass within a dozen feet of where she lay without discovering the fact.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading If, as was believed, or rather hoped, Nellie had fallen asleep in the woods, they were liable to pass within a dozen feet of where she lay without discovering the fact.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading By this time the searching party began to realize the difficulties in the path of their success.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading This view, at the worst, was a favorable one, and behind it rose the phantoms that caused all to shudder with a dread which they dared not utter.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading If, as was believed, or rather hoped, Nellie had fallen asleep in the woods, they were liable to pass within a dozen feet of where she lay without discovering the fact.
liableadjectiveUS /ˈlaɪəbəl/
at risk of or subject to experiencing something usually unpleasant
From this reading If, as was believed, or rather hoped, Nellie had fallen asleep in the woods, they were liable to pass within a dozen feet of where she lay without discovering the fact.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Should they call to her, or should Nick emit his resounding signal whistle, she might be awakened, provided only such a brief space separated them, but the chances were scarcely one in a thousand that they would be so fortunate.
Nellie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If, as was believed, or rather hoped, Nellie had fallen asleep in the woods, they were liable to pass within a dozen feet of where she lay without discovering the fact.
NickverbUS /nɪk/
cut slightly, with a razor
From this reading Should they call to her, or should Nick emit his resounding signal whistle, she might be awakened, provided only such a brief space separated them, but the chances were scarcely one in a thousand that they would be so fortunate.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading This view, at the worst, was a favorable one, and behind it rose the phantoms that caused all to shudder with a dread which they dared not utter.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading By this time the searching party began to realize the difficulties in the path of their success.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Should they call to her, or should Nick emit his resounding signal whistle, she might be awakened, provided only such a brief space separated them, but the chances were scarcely one in a thousand that they would be so fortunate.
and nothing more
From this reading Should they call to her, or should Nick emit his resounding signal whistle, she might be awakened, provided only such a brief space separated them, but the chances were scarcely one in a thousand that they would be so fortunate.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading If, as was believed, or rather hoped, Nellie had fallen asleep in the woods, they were liable to pass within a dozen feet of where she lay without discovering the fact.
an organization to gain political power
From this reading By this time the searching party began to realize the difficulties in the path of their success.
go across or through
From this reading If, as was believed, or rather hoped, Nellie had fallen asleep in the woods, they were liable to pass within a dozen feet of where she lay without discovering the fact.
a course of conduct
From this reading By this time the searching party began to realize the difficulties in the path of their success.
phantomsnounUS /ˈfæntəmz/
plural of “phantom” — a ghostly appearing figure
From this reading This view, at the worst, was a favorable one, and behind it rose the phantoms that caused all to shudder with a dread which they dared not utter.
past form of “provide” — give something useful or necessary to
From this reading Should they call to her, or should Nick emit his resounding signal whistle, she might be awakened, provided only such a brief space separated them, but the chances were scarcely one in a thousand that they would be so fortunate.
on the contrary
From this reading If, as was believed, or rather hoped, Nellie had fallen asleep in the woods, they were liable to pass within a dozen feet of where she lay without discovering the fact.
be fully aware or cognizant of
From this reading By this time the searching party began to realize the difficulties in the path of their success.
resoundingadjectiveUS /riˈsaʊndɪŋ/
characterized by resonance
From this reading Should they call to her, or should Nick emit his resounding signal whistle, she might be awakened, provided only such a brief space separated them, but the chances were scarcely one in a thousand that they would be so fortunate.
any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses
From this reading This view, at the worst, was a favorable one, and behind it rose the phantoms that caused all to shudder with a dread which they dared not utter.
only a very short time before
From this reading Should they call to her, or should Nick emit his resounding signal whistle, she might be awakened, provided only such a brief space separated them, but the chances were scarcely one in a thousand that they would be so fortunate.
searchingadjectiveUS /ˈsɜːrtʃɪŋ/
diligent and thorough in inquiry or investigation
From this reading By this time the searching party began to realize the difficulties in the path of their success.
being or feeling set or kept apart from others
From this reading Should they call to her, or should Nick emit his resounding signal whistle, she might be awakened, provided only such a brief space separated them, but the chances were scarcely one in a thousand that they would be so fortunate.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading If, as was believed, or rather hoped, Nellie had fallen asleep in the woods, they were liable to pass within a dozen feet of where she lay without discovering the fact.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading Should they call to her, or should Nick emit his resounding signal whistle, she might be awakened, provided only such a brief space separated them, but the chances were scarcely one in a thousand that they would be so fortunate.
shudderverbUS /ˈʃʌdər/
shake, as from cold
From this reading This view, at the worst, was a favorable one, and behind it rose the phantoms that caused all to shudder with a dread which they dared not utter.
any nonverbal action or gesture that encodes a message
From this reading Should they call to her, or should Nick emit his resounding signal whistle, she might be awakened, provided only such a brief space separated them, but the chances were scarcely one in a thousand that they would be so fortunate.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Should they call to her, or should Nick emit his resounding signal whistle, she might be awakened, provided only such a brief space separated them, but the chances were scarcely one in a thousand that they would be so fortunate.
the unlimited expanse in which everything is located
From this reading Should they call to her, or should Nick emit his resounding signal whistle, she might be awakened, provided only such a brief space separated them, but the chances were scarcely one in a thousand that they would be so fortunate.
an event that accomplishes its intended purpose
From this reading By this time the searching party began to realize the difficulties in the path of their success.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Should they call to her, or should Nick emit his resounding signal whistle, she might be awakened, provided only such a brief space separated them, but the chances were scarcely one in a thousand that they would be so fortunate.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Should they call to her, or should Nick emit his resounding signal whistle, she might be awakened, provided only such a brief space separated them, but the chances were scarcely one in a thousand that they would be so fortunate.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading By this time the searching party began to realize the difficulties in the path of their success.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading By this time the searching party began to realize the difficulties in the path of their success.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Should they call to her, or should Nick emit his resounding signal whistle, she might be awakened, provided only such a brief space separated them, but the chances were scarcely one in a thousand that they would be so fortunate.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading If, as was believed, or rather hoped, Nellie had fallen asleep in the woods, they were liable to pass within a dozen feet of where she lay without discovering the fact.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading By this time the searching party began to realize the difficulties in the path of their success.
the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100
From this reading Should they call to her, or should Nick emit his resounding signal whistle, she might be awakened, provided only such a brief space separated them, but the chances were scarcely one in a thousand that they would be so fortunate.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading By this time the searching party began to realize the difficulties in the path of their success.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading By this time the searching party began to realize the difficulties in the path of their success.
articulate; either verbally or with a cry, shout, or noise
From this reading This view, at the worst, was a favorable one, and behind it rose the phantoms that caused all to shudder with a dread which they dared not utter.
a way of regarding situations or topics etc.
From this reading This view, at the worst, was a favorable one, and behind it rose the phantoms that caused all to shudder with a dread which they dared not utter.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading If, as was believed, or rather hoped, Nellie had fallen asleep in the woods, they were liable to pass within a dozen feet of where she lay without discovering the fact.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading If, as was believed, or rather hoped, Nellie had fallen asleep in the woods, they were liable to pass within a dozen feet of where she lay without discovering the fact.
in or at the place that
From this reading If, as was believed, or rather hoped, Nellie had fallen asleep in the woods, they were liable to pass within a dozen feet of where she lay without discovering the fact.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading This view, at the worst, was a favorable one, and behind it rose the phantoms that caused all to shudder with a dread which they dared not utter.
whistleverbUS /ˈwɪsəl/
make whistling sounds
From this reading Should they call to her, or should Nick emit his resounding signal whistle, she might be awakened, provided only such a brief space separated them, but the chances were scarcely one in a thousand that they would be so fortunate.
in the company of; together with
From this reading This view, at the worst, was a favorable one, and behind it rose the phantoms that caused all to shudder with a dread which they dared not utter.
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading If, as was believed, or rather hoped, Nellie had fallen asleep in the woods, they were liable to pass within a dozen feet of where she lay without discovering the fact.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading If, as was believed, or rather hoped, Nellie had fallen asleep in the woods, they were liable to pass within a dozen feet of where she lay without discovering the fact.
the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area
From this reading If, as was believed, or rather hoped, Nellie had fallen asleep in the woods, they were liable to pass within a dozen feet of where she lay without discovering the fact.
the least favorable outcome
From this reading This view, at the worst, was a favorable one, and behind it rose the phantoms that caused all to shudder with a dread which they dared not utter.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Should they call to her, or should Nick emit his resounding signal whistle, she might be awakened, provided only such a brief space separated them, but the chances were scarcely one in a thousand that they would be so fortunate.
