used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Although Lee was happy, she had a hard fight with an attack of tearful repining.
a positive feeling of liking
From this reading Surrounded all her life with demonstrative affection, each homecoming after a brief holiday an event of rejoicing and elaborate preparation, this chill casual entrance into a huge historic pile--apparently uninhabited, and as homelike as a prison--flooded her spirits with an icy rush.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading Surrounded all her life with demonstrative affection, each homecoming after a brief holiday an event of rejoicing and elaborate preparation, this chill casual entrance into a huge historic pile--apparently uninhabited, and as homelike as a prison--flooded her spirits with an icy rush.
(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 Surrounded all her life with demonstrative affection, each homecoming after a brief holiday an event of rejoicing and elaborate preparation, this chill casual entrance into a huge historic pile--apparently uninhabited, and as homelike as a prison--flooded her spirits with an icy rush.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Although Lee was happy, she had a hard fight with an attack of tearful repining.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Although Lee was happy, she had a hard fight with an attack of tearful repining.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Surrounded all her life with demonstrative affection, each homecoming after a brief holiday an event of rejoicing and elaborate preparation, this chill casual entrance into a huge historic pile--apparently uninhabited, and as homelike as a prison--flooded her spirits with an icy rush.
from appearances alone
From this reading Surrounded all her life with demonstrative affection, each homecoming after a brief holiday an event of rejoicing and elaborate preparation, this chill casual entrance into a huge historic pile--apparently uninhabited, and as homelike as a prison--flooded her spirits with an icy rush.
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading The domestic machinery appeared to run with the precision of an expensive eight-day clock.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Surrounded all her life with demonstrative affection, each homecoming after a brief holiday an event of rejoicing and elaborate preparation, this chill casual entrance into a huge historic pile--apparently uninhabited, and as homelike as a prison--flooded her spirits with an icy rush.
associatesnounUS /əˈsoʊsiəts/
plural of “associate” — a person who joins with others in some activity or endeavor
From this reading Were her future associates equally automatic?
(military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons)
From this reading Although Lee was happy, she had a hard fight with an attack of tearful repining.
automaticadjectiveUS /ˌɔːtəˈmætɪk/
operating with minimal human intervention; independent of external control
From this reading Were her future associates equally automatic?
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Cecil, who had been so close to her, seemed to have mounted to a niche in the grey staircase, and turned to stone.
of short duration or distance
From this reading Surrounded all her life with demonstrative affection, each homecoming after a brief holiday an event of rejoicing and elaborate preparation, this chill casual entrance into a huge historic pile--apparently uninhabited, and as homelike as a prison--flooded her spirits with an icy rush.
casualadjectiveUS /ˈkæʒəwəl/
marked by blithe unconcern
From this reading Surrounded all her life with demonstrative affection, each homecoming after a brief holiday an event of rejoicing and elaborate preparation, this chill casual entrance into a huge historic pile--apparently uninhabited, and as homelike as a prison--flooded her spirits with an icy rush.
Cecil
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Cecil, who had been so close to her, seemed to have mounted to a niche in the grey staircase, and turned to stone.
chillnounUS /tʃɪl/
coldness due to a cold environment
From this reading Surrounded all her life with demonstrative affection, each homecoming after a brief holiday an event of rejoicing and elaborate preparation, this chill casual entrance into a huge historic pile--apparently uninhabited, and as homelike as a prison--flooded her spirits with an icy rush.
a timepiece that shows the time of day
From this reading The domestic machinery appeared to run with the precision of an expensive eight-day clock.
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading Cecil, who had been so close to her, seemed to have mounted to a niche in the grey staircase, and turned to stone.
demonstrativenounUS /dɪˈmɑːnstrətɪv/
a pronoun that points out an intended referent
From this reading Surrounded all her life with demonstrative affection, each homecoming after a brief holiday an event of rejoicing and elaborate preparation, this chill casual entrance into a huge historic pile--apparently uninhabited, and as homelike as a prison--flooded her spirits with an icy rush.
of concern to or concerning the internal affairs of a nation
From this reading The domestic machinery appeared to run with the precision of an expensive eight-day clock.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading Surrounded all her life with demonstrative affection, each homecoming after a brief holiday an event of rejoicing and elaborate preparation, this chill casual entrance into a huge historic pile--apparently uninhabited, and as homelike as a prison--flooded her spirits with an icy rush.
eight-dayadjective
lasting for eight days
From this reading The domestic machinery appeared to run with the precision of an expensive eight-day clock.
elaborateadjectiveUS /ɪˈlæbrət/
marked by complexity and richness of detail
From this reading Surrounded all her life with demonstrative affection, each homecoming after a brief holiday an event of rejoicing and elaborate preparation, this chill casual entrance into a huge historic pile--apparently uninhabited, and as homelike as a prison--flooded her spirits with an icy rush.
something that provides access (to get in or get out)
From this reading Surrounded all her life with demonstrative affection, each homecoming after a brief holiday an event of rejoicing and elaborate preparation, this chill casual entrance into a huge historic pile--apparently uninhabited, and as homelike as a prison--flooded her spirits with an icy rush.
to the same degree (often followed by “as”)
From this reading Were her future associates equally automatic?
something that happens at a given place and time
From this reading Surrounded all her life with demonstrative affection, each homecoming after a brief holiday an event of rejoicing and elaborate preparation, this chill casual entrance into a huge historic pile--apparently uninhabited, and as homelike as a prison--flooded her spirits with an icy rush.
expensiveadjectiveUS /ɪkˈspensɪv/
high in price or charging high prices
From this reading The domestic machinery appeared to run with the precision of an expensive eight-day clock.
be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight
From this reading Although Lee was happy, she had a hard fight with an attack of tearful repining.
floodedadjectiveUS /ˈflʌdəd/
covered with water
From this reading Surrounded all her life with demonstrative affection, each homecoming after a brief holiday an event of rejoicing and elaborate preparation, this chill casual entrance into a huge historic pile--apparently uninhabited, and as homelike as a prison--flooded her spirits with an icy rush.
yet to be or coming
From this reading Were her future associates equally automatic?
of an achromatic color of any lightness intermediate between the extremes of white and black
From this reading Cecil, who had been so close to her, seemed to have mounted to a niche in the grey staircase, and turned to stone.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Although Lee was happy, she had a hard fight with an attack of tearful repining.
enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure
From this reading Although Lee was happy, she had a hard fight with an attack of tearful repining.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading Although Lee was happy, she had a hard fight with an attack of tearful repining.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Cecil, who had been so close to her, seemed to have mounted to a niche in the grey staircase, and turned to stone.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Surrounded all her life with demonstrative affection, each homecoming after a brief holiday an event of rejoicing and elaborate preparation, this chill casual entrance into a huge historic pile--apparently uninhabited, and as homelike as a prison--flooded her spirits with an icy rush.
historicadjectiveUS /hɪˈstɔːrɪk/
belonging to the past; of what is important or famous in the past
From this reading Surrounded all her life with demonstrative affection, each homecoming after a brief holiday an event of rejoicing and elaborate preparation, this chill casual entrance into a huge historic pile--apparently uninhabited, and as homelike as a prison--flooded her spirits with an icy rush.
holidaynounUS /ˈhɑːlədeɪ/
leisure time away from work devoted to rest or pleasure
From this reading Surrounded all her life with demonstrative affection, each homecoming after a brief holiday an event of rejoicing and elaborate preparation, this chill casual entrance into a huge historic pile--apparently uninhabited, and as homelike as a prison--flooded her spirits with an icy rush.
homecomingnounUS /ˈhoʊmkʌmɪŋ/
an annual school or university reunion for graduates
From this reading Surrounded all her life with demonstrative affection, each homecoming after a brief holiday an event of rejoicing and elaborate preparation, this chill casual entrance into a huge historic pile--apparently uninhabited, and as homelike as a prison--flooded her spirits with an icy rush.
homelikeadjectiveUS /ˈhoʊmlaɪk/
having a feeling of home; cozy and comfortable
From this reading Surrounded all her life with demonstrative affection, each homecoming after a brief holiday an event of rejoicing and elaborate preparation, this chill casual entrance into a huge historic pile--apparently uninhabited, and as homelike as a prison--flooded her spirits with an icy rush.
unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope
From this reading Surrounded all her life with demonstrative affection, each homecoming after a brief holiday an event of rejoicing and elaborate preparation, this chill casual entrance into a huge historic pile--apparently uninhabited, and as homelike as a prison--flooded her spirits with an icy rush.
icyadjectiveUS /ˈaɪsi/
devoid of warmth and cordiality; expressive of unfriendliness or disdain
From this reading Surrounded all her life with demonstrative affection, each homecoming after a brief holiday an event of rejoicing and elaborate preparation, this chill casual entrance into a huge historic pile--apparently uninhabited, and as homelike as a prison--flooded her spirits with an icy rush.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Cecil, who had been so close to her, seemed to have mounted to a niche in the grey staircase, and turned to stone.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Surrounded all her life with demonstrative affection, each homecoming after a brief holiday an event of rejoicing and elaborate preparation, this chill casual entrance into a huge historic pile--apparently uninhabited, and as homelike as a prison--flooded her spirits with an icy rush.
United States filmmaker whose works explore the richness of black culture in America (born in 1957)
From this reading Although Lee was happy, she had a hard fight with an attack of tearful repining.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Surrounded all her life with demonstrative affection, each homecoming after a brief holiday an event of rejoicing and elaborate preparation, this chill casual entrance into a huge historic pile--apparently uninhabited, and as homelike as a prison--flooded her spirits with an icy rush.
machinerynounUS /məˈʃiːnəri/
machines or machine systems collectively
From this reading The domestic machinery appeared to run with the precision of an expensive eight-day clock.
assembled for use; especially by being attached to a support
From this reading Cecil, who had been so close to her, seemed to have mounted to a niche in the grey staircase, and turned to stone.
nichenounUS /nɪtʃ/
a position particularly well suited to the person who occupies it
From this reading Cecil, who had been so close to her, seemed to have mounted to a niche in the grey staircase, and turned to stone.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Although Lee was happy, she had a hard fight with an attack of tearful repining.
a collection of objects laid on top of each other
From this reading Surrounded all her life with demonstrative affection, each homecoming after a brief holiday an event of rejoicing and elaborate preparation, this chill casual entrance into a huge historic pile--apparently uninhabited, and as homelike as a prison--flooded her spirits with an icy rush.
precisionnounUS /priˈsɪʒən/
the quality of being reproducible in amount or performance
From this reading The domestic machinery appeared to run with the precision of an expensive eight-day clock.
preparationnounUS /ˌprepərˈeɪʃən/
the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose
From this reading Surrounded all her life with demonstrative affection, each homecoming after a brief holiday an event of rejoicing and elaborate preparation, this chill casual entrance into a huge historic pile--apparently uninhabited, and as homelike as a prison--flooded her spirits with an icy rush.
a correctional institution where persons are confined while on trial or for punishment
From this reading Surrounded all her life with demonstrative affection, each homecoming after a brief holiday an event of rejoicing and elaborate preparation, this chill casual entrance into a huge historic pile--apparently uninhabited, and as homelike as a prison--flooded her spirits with an icy rush.
rejoicingnounUS /rɪˈdʒɔɪsɪŋ/
a feeling of great happiness
From this reading Surrounded all her life with demonstrative affection, each homecoming after a brief holiday an event of rejoicing and elaborate preparation, this chill casual entrance into a huge historic pile--apparently uninhabited, and as homelike as a prison--flooded her spirits with an icy rush.
repining
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Although Lee was happy, she had a hard fight with an attack of tearful repining.
move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading The domestic machinery appeared to run with the precision of an expensive eight-day clock.
move hurridly
From this reading Surrounded all her life with demonstrative affection, each homecoming after a brief holiday an event of rejoicing and elaborate preparation, this chill casual entrance into a huge historic pile--apparently uninhabited, and as homelike as a prison--flooded her spirits with an icy rush.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Cecil, who had been so close to her, seemed to have mounted to a niche in the grey staircase, and turned to stone.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Although Lee was happy, she had a hard fight with an attack of tearful repining.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Cecil, who had been so close to her, seemed to have mounted to a niche in the grey staircase, and turned to stone.
an alcoholic beverage that is distilled rather than fermented
From this reading Surrounded all her life with demonstrative affection, each homecoming after a brief holiday an event of rejoicing and elaborate preparation, this chill casual entrance into a huge historic pile--apparently uninhabited, and as homelike as a prison--flooded her spirits with an icy rush.
staircasenounUS /ˈsterkeɪs/
a way of access (upward and downward) consisting of a set of steps
From this reading Cecil, who had been so close to her, seemed to have mounted to a niche in the grey staircase, and turned to stone.
a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter
From this reading Cecil, who had been so close to her, seemed to have mounted to a niche in the grey staircase, and turned to stone.
confined on all sides
From this reading Surrounded all her life with demonstrative affection, each homecoming after a brief holiday an event of rejoicing and elaborate preparation, this chill casual entrance into a huge historic pile--apparently uninhabited, and as homelike as a prison--flooded her spirits with an icy rush.
tearfuladjectiveUS /ˈtɪrfəl/
filled with or marked by tears
From this reading Although Lee was happy, she had a hard fight with an attack of tearful repining.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Cecil, who had been so close to her, seemed to have mounted to a niche in the grey staircase, and turned to stone.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Surrounded all her life with demonstrative affection, each homecoming after a brief holiday an event of rejoicing and elaborate preparation, this chill casual entrance into a huge historic pile--apparently uninhabited, and as homelike as a prison--flooded her spirits with an icy rush.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Cecil, who had been so close to her, seemed to have mounted to a niche in the grey staircase, and turned to stone.
moved around an axis or center
From this reading Cecil, who had been so close to her, seemed to have mounted to a niche in the grey staircase, and turned to stone.
uninhabitedadjectiveUS /ˌʌnɪnˈhæbətɪd/
not having inhabitants; not lived in
From this reading Surrounded all her life with demonstrative affection, each homecoming after a brief holiday an event of rejoicing and elaborate preparation, this chill casual entrance into a huge historic pile--apparently uninhabited, and as homelike as a prison--flooded her spirits with an icy rush.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Although Lee was happy, she had a hard fight with an attack of tearful repining.
Wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Were her future associates equally automatic?
which person or people
From this reading Cecil, who had been so close to her, seemed to have mounted to a niche in the grey staircase, and turned to stone.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Although Lee was happy, she had a hard fight with an attack of tearful repining.
