used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading But the figure, being comparatively in the open, was discernible and Tom, by concentrating his eyes upon it, satisfied himself beyond a doubt that it was a human form--that of a German soldier, he felt sure.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading He tried to distinguish the bright spot on the cap or helmet, but it was not visible now, and he thought the man must have turned about.
completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers
From this reading THE DANCE WITH DEATH The boys were thoroughly frightened, but they stood absolutely motionless and silent and Tom, at least, retained his presence of mind.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading They were not close enough together to communicate with each other, nor could they more than distinguish each other's forms pressed against the dark tree trunks.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE DANCE WITH DEATH The boys were thoroughly frightened, but they stood absolutely motionless and silent and Tom, at least, retained his presence of mind.
from appearances alone
From this reading Thanks to his stealth and dexterity, they were apparently undiscovered.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading THE DANCE WITH DEATH The boys were thoroughly frightened, but they stood absolutely motionless and silent and Tom, at least, retained his presence of mind.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading But the figure, being comparatively in the open, was discernible and Tom, by concentrating his eyes upon it, satisfied himself beyond a doubt that it was a human form--that of a German soldier, he felt sure.
on the far side of; further than
From this reading But the figure, being comparatively in the open, was discernible and Tom, by concentrating his eyes upon it, satisfied himself beyond a doubt that it was a human form--that of a German soldier, he felt sure.
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading THE DANCE WITH DEATH The boys were thoroughly frightened, but they stood absolutely motionless and silent and Tom, at least, retained his presence of mind.
emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts
From this reading He tried to distinguish the bright spot on the cap or helmet, but it was not visible now, and he thought the man must have turned about.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading THE DANCE WITH DEATH The boys were thoroughly frightened, but they stood absolutely motionless and silent and Tom, at least, retained his presence of mind.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading But the figure, being comparatively in the open, was discernible and Tom, by concentrating his eyes upon it, satisfied himself beyond a doubt that it was a human form--that of a German soldier, he felt sure.
a tight-fitting headdress
From this reading He tried to distinguish the bright spot on the cap or helmet, but it was not visible now, and he thought the man must have turned about.
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading They were not close enough together to communicate with each other, nor could they more than distinguish each other's forms pressed against the dark tree trunks.
communicateverbUS /kəˈmjuːnəkeɪt/
transmit information
From this reading They were not close enough together to communicate with each other, nor could they more than distinguish each other's forms pressed against the dark tree trunks.
comparativelyadverbUS /kəmˈperətɪvli/
in a relative manner; by comparison to something else
From this reading But the figure, being comparatively in the open, was discernible and Tom, by concentrating his eyes upon it, satisfied himself beyond a doubt that it was a human form--that of a German soldier, he felt sure.
concentratingverbUS /ˈkɑːnsəntreɪtɪŋ/
-ing form of “concentrate” — make denser, stronger, or purer
From this reading But the figure, being comparatively in the open, was discernible and Tom, by concentrating his eyes upon it, satisfied himself beyond a doubt that it was a human form--that of a German soldier, he felt sure.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading They were not close enough together to communicate with each other, nor could they more than distinguish each other's forms pressed against the dark tree trunks.
an artistic form of nonverbal communication
From this reading THE DANCE WITH DEATH The boys were thoroughly frightened, but they stood absolutely motionless and silent and Tom, at least, retained his presence of mind.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading They were not close enough together to communicate with each other, nor could they more than distinguish each other's forms pressed against the dark tree trunks.
the event of dying or departure from life
From this reading THE DANCE WITH DEATH The boys were thoroughly frightened, but they stood absolutely motionless and silent and Tom, at least, retained his presence of mind.
dexteritynounUS /dekˈsterəti/
adroitness in using the hands
From this reading Thanks to his stealth and dexterity, they were apparently undiscovered.
discernibleadjectiveUS /dɪˈsɜːrnəbəl/
perceptible by the senses or intellect
From this reading But the figure, being comparatively in the open, was discernible and Tom, by concentrating his eyes upon it, satisfied himself beyond a doubt that it was a human form--that of a German soldier, he felt sure.
distinguishverbUS /dɪˈstɪŋɡwɪʃ/
mark as different
From this reading They were not close enough together to communicate with each other, nor could they more than distinguish each other's forms pressed against the dark tree trunks.
the state of being unsure of something
From this reading But the figure, being comparatively in the open, was discernible and Tom, by concentrating his eyes upon it, satisfied himself beyond a doubt that it was a human form--that of a German soldier, he felt sure.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading They were not close enough together to communicate with each other, nor could they more than distinguish each other's forms pressed against the dark tree trunks.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading They were not close enough together to communicate with each other, nor could they more than distinguish each other's forms pressed against the dark tree trunks.
opinion or judgment
From this reading But the figure, being comparatively in the open, was discernible and Tom, by concentrating his eyes upon it, satisfied himself beyond a doubt that it was a human form--that of a German soldier, he felt sure.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading But the figure, being comparatively in the open, was discernible and Tom, by concentrating his eyes upon it, satisfied himself beyond a doubt that it was a human form--that of a German soldier, he felt sure.
a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading But the figure, being comparatively in the open, was discernible and Tom, by concentrating his eyes upon it, satisfied himself beyond a doubt that it was a human form--that of a German soldier, he felt sure.
the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something
From this reading But the figure, being comparatively in the open, was discernible and Tom, by concentrating his eyes upon it, satisfied himself beyond a doubt that it was a human form--that of a German soldier, he felt sure.
plural of “form” — the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something
From this reading They were not close enough together to communicate with each other, nor could they more than distinguish each other's forms pressed against the dark tree trunks.
made afraid
From this reading THE DANCE WITH DEATH The boys were thoroughly frightened, but they stood absolutely motionless and silent and Tom, at least, retained his presence of mind.
a person of German nationality
From this reading But the figure, being comparatively in the open, was discernible and Tom, by concentrating his eyes upon it, satisfied himself beyond a doubt that it was a human form--that of a German soldier, he felt sure.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading He tried to distinguish the bright spot on the cap or helmet, but it was not visible now, and he thought the man must have turned about.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading But the figure, being comparatively in the open, was discernible and Tom, by concentrating his eyes upon it, satisfied himself beyond a doubt that it was a human form--that of a German soldier, he felt sure.
helmetnounUS /ˈhelmət/
armor plate that protects the head
From this reading He tried to distinguish the bright spot on the cap or helmet, but it was not visible now, and he thought the man must have turned about.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading But the figure, being comparatively in the open, was discernible and Tom, by concentrating his eyes upon it, satisfied himself beyond a doubt that it was a human form--that of a German soldier, he felt sure.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading THE DANCE WITH DEATH The boys were thoroughly frightened, but they stood absolutely motionless and silent and Tom, at least, retained his presence of mind.
humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading But the figure, being comparatively in the open, was discernible and Tom, by concentrating his eyes upon it, satisfied himself beyond a doubt that it was a human form--that of a German soldier, he felt sure.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading But the figure, being comparatively in the open, was discernible and Tom, by concentrating his eyes upon it, satisfied himself beyond a doubt that it was a human form--that of a German soldier, he felt sure.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading But the figure, being comparatively in the open, was discernible and Tom, by concentrating his eyes upon it, satisfied himself beyond a doubt that it was a human form--that of a German soldier, he felt sure.
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 THE DANCE WITH DEATH The boys were thoroughly frightened, but they stood absolutely motionless and silent and Tom, at least, retained his presence of mind.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading He tried to distinguish the bright spot on the cap or helmet, but it was not visible now, and he thought the man must have turned about.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading THE DANCE WITH DEATH The boys were thoroughly frightened, but they stood absolutely motionless and silent and Tom, at least, retained his presence of mind.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading They were not close enough together to communicate with each other, nor could they more than distinguish each other's forms pressed against the dark tree trunks.
not in physical motion
From this reading THE DANCE WITH DEATH The boys were thoroughly frightened, but they stood absolutely motionless and silent and Tom, at least, retained his presence of mind.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading He tried to distinguish the bright spot on the cap or helmet, but it was not visible now, and he thought the man must have turned about.
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading They were not close enough together to communicate with each other, nor could they more than distinguish each other's forms pressed against the dark tree trunks.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading They were not close enough together to communicate with each other, nor could they more than distinguish each other's forms pressed against the dark tree trunks.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading He tried to distinguish the bright spot on the cap or helmet, but it was not visible now, and he thought the man must have turned about.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE DANCE WITH DEATH The boys were thoroughly frightened, but they stood absolutely motionless and silent and Tom, at least, retained his presence of mind.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading He tried to distinguish the bright spot on the cap or helmet, but it was not visible now, and he thought the man must have turned about.
To move from a closed position.
From this reading But the figure, being comparatively in the open, was discernible and Tom, by concentrating his eyes upon it, satisfied himself beyond a doubt that it was a human form--that of a German soldier, he felt sure.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading He tried to distinguish the bright spot on the cap or helmet, but it was not visible now, and he thought the man must have turned about.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading They were not close enough together to communicate with each other, nor could they more than distinguish each other's forms pressed against the dark tree trunks.
other's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were not close enough together to communicate with each other, nor could they more than distinguish each other's forms pressed against the dark tree trunks.
the state of being present; current existence
From this reading THE DANCE WITH DEATH The boys were thoroughly frightened, but they stood absolutely motionless and silent and Tom, at least, retained his presence of mind.
compacted by ironing
From this reading They were not close enough together to communicate with each other, nor could they more than distinguish each other's forms pressed against the dark tree trunks.
retainedadjectiveUS /rɪˈteɪnd/
continued in your keeping or use or memory
From this reading THE DANCE WITH DEATH The boys were thoroughly frightened, but they stood absolutely motionless and silent and Tom, at least, retained his presence of mind.
filled with satisfaction
From this reading But the figure, being comparatively in the open, was discernible and Tom, by concentrating his eyes upon it, satisfied himself beyond a doubt that it was a human form--that of a German soldier, he felt sure.
marked by absence of sound
From this reading THE DANCE WITH DEATH The boys were thoroughly frightened, but they stood absolutely motionless and silent and Tom, at least, retained his presence of mind.
an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army
From this reading But the figure, being comparatively in the open, was discernible and Tom, by concentrating his eyes upon it, satisfied himself beyond a doubt that it was a human form--that of a German soldier, he felt sure.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading He tried to distinguish the bright spot on the cap or helmet, but it was not visible now, and he thought the man must have turned about.
stealthnounUS /stelθ/
avoiding detection by moving carefully
From this reading Thanks to his stealth and dexterity, they were apparently undiscovered.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading THE DANCE WITH DEATH The boys were thoroughly frightened, but they stood absolutely motionless and silent and Tom, at least, retained his presence of mind.
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading But the figure, being comparatively in the open, was discernible and Tom, by concentrating his eyes upon it, satisfied himself beyond a doubt that it was a human form--that of a German soldier, he felt sure.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading They were not close enough together to communicate with each other, nor could they more than distinguish each other's forms pressed against the dark tree trunks.
an acknowledgment of appreciation
From this reading Thanks to his stealth and dexterity, they were apparently undiscovered.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading But the figure, being comparatively in the open, was discernible and Tom, by concentrating his eyes upon it, satisfied himself beyond a doubt that it was a human form--that of a German soldier, he felt sure.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE DANCE WITH DEATH The boys were thoroughly frightened, but they stood absolutely motionless and silent and Tom, at least, retained his presence of mind.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading THE DANCE WITH DEATH The boys were thoroughly frightened, but they stood absolutely motionless and silent and Tom, at least, retained his presence of mind.
in an exhaustive manner
From this reading THE DANCE WITH DEATH The boys were thoroughly frightened, but they stood absolutely motionless and silent and Tom, at least, retained his presence of mind.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading He tried to distinguish the bright spot on the cap or helmet, but it was not visible now, and he thought the man must have turned about.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading They were not close enough together to communicate with each other, nor could they more than distinguish each other's forms pressed against the dark tree trunks.
in contact with each other or in proximity
From this reading They were not close enough together to communicate with each other, nor could they more than distinguish each other's forms pressed against the dark tree trunks.
male cat
From this reading THE DANCE WITH DEATH The boys were thoroughly frightened, but they stood absolutely motionless and silent and Tom, at least, retained his presence of mind.
a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms
From this reading They were not close enough together to communicate with each other, nor could they more than distinguish each other's forms pressed against the dark tree trunks.
tested and proved useful or correct
From this reading He tried to distinguish the bright spot on the cap or helmet, but it was not visible now, and he thought the man must have turned about.
trunksnounUS /trʌŋks/
(used in the plural) trousers that end at or above the knee
From this reading They were not close enough together to communicate with each other, nor could they more than distinguish each other's forms pressed against the dark tree trunks.
moved around an axis or center
From this reading He tried to distinguish the bright spot on the cap or helmet, but it was not visible now, and he thought the man must have turned about.
undiscoveredadjectiveUS /ˌʌndɪˈskʌvərd/
not discovered
From this reading Thanks to his stealth and dexterity, they were apparently undiscovered.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading But the figure, being comparatively in the open, was discernible and Tom, by concentrating his eyes upon it, satisfied himself beyond a doubt that it was a human form--that of a German soldier, he felt sure.
capable of being seen; or open to easy view
From this reading He tried to distinguish the bright spot on the cap or helmet, but it was not visible now, and he thought the man must have turned about.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading But the figure, being comparatively in the open, was discernible and Tom, by concentrating his eyes upon it, satisfied himself beyond a doubt that it was a human form--that of a German soldier, he felt sure.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading THE DANCE WITH DEATH The boys were thoroughly frightened, but they stood absolutely motionless and silent and Tom, at least, retained his presence of mind.
in the company of; together with
From this reading THE DANCE WITH DEATH The boys were thoroughly frightened, but they stood absolutely motionless and silent and Tom, at least, retained his presence of mind.
