Chapter IV · Chapter 4

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading A deep, brooding shadow was on her heart, though she could not see the bird of night from whose wings it had fallen.

not being in a specified place

From this reading The absent one came in at last, and with so much of the old, frank, loving spirit in his voice and manner, that the troubled heart of Mrs. Claire beat with freer pulsations.

the part of the day between noon and evening

From this reading Frequently, during the afternoon, tears had wet her cheek; and when an old friend of her mother's, who lived in the country, and who had come to the city in order to make a few purchases, called to see her, it was with difficulty she could hide her disturbed feelings from observation.

fear resulting from the awareness of danger

From this reading Suddenly she had taken the alarm.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading As on the previous evening, Mrs. Claire was alone for some time later than usual, but now with an anxious, almost fearful looking for her husband's return.

Having no one else present.

From this reading As on the previous evening, Mrs. Claire was alone for some time later than usual, but now with an anxious, almost fearful looking for her husband's return.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading As on the previous evening, Mrs. Claire was alone for some time later than usual, but now with an anxious, almost fearful looking for her husband's return.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading Frequently, during the afternoon, tears had wet her cheek; and when an old friend of her mother's, who lived in the country, and who had come to the city in order to make a few purchases, called to see her, it was with difficulty she could hide her disturbed feelings from observation.

eagerly desirous

From this reading As on the previous evening, Mrs. Claire was alone for some time later than usual, but now with an anxious, almost fearful looking for her husband's return.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading As on the previous evening, Mrs. Claire was alone for some time later than usual, but now with an anxious, almost fearful looking for her husband's return.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The absent one came in at last, and with so much of the old, frank, loving spirit in his voice and manner, that the troubled heart of Mrs. Claire beat with freer pulsations.

come out better in a competition, race, or conflict

From this reading The absent one came in at last, and with so much of the old, frank, loving spirit in his voice and manner, that the troubled heart of Mrs. Claire beat with freer pulsations.

warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings

From this reading A deep, brooding shadow was on her heart, though she could not see the bird of night from whose wings it had fallen.

sitting on eggs so as to hatch them by the warmth of the body

From this reading A deep, brooding shadow was on her heart, though she could not see the bird of night from whose wings it had fallen.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading As on the previous evening, Mrs. Claire was alone for some time later than usual, but now with an anxious, almost fearful looking for her husband's return.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading Frequently, during the afternoon, tears had wet her cheek; and when an old friend of her mother's, who lived in the country, and who had come to the city in order to make a few purchases, called to see her, it was with difficulty she could hide her disturbed feelings from observation.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading The absent one came in at last, and with so much of the old, frank, loving spirit in his voice and manner, that the troubled heart of Mrs. Claire beat with freer pulsations.

either side of the face below the eyes

From this reading Frequently, during the afternoon, tears had wet her cheek; and when an old friend of her mother's, who lived in the country, and who had come to the city in order to make a few purchases, called to see her, it was with difficulty she could hide her disturbed feelings from observation.

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading Frequently, during the afternoon, tears had wet her cheek; and when an old friend of her mother's, who lived in the country, and who had come to the city in order to make a few purchases, called to see her, it was with difficulty she could hide her disturbed feelings from observation.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading As on the previous evening, Mrs. Claire was alone for some time later than usual, but now with an anxious, almost fearful looking for her husband's return.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Frequently, during the afternoon, tears had wet her cheek; and when an old friend of her mother's, who lived in the country, and who had come to the city in order to make a few purchases, called to see her, it was with difficulty she could hide her disturbed feelings from observation.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading A deep, brooding shadow was on her heart, though she could not see the bird of night from whose wings it had fallen.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading Frequently, during the afternoon, tears had wet her cheek; and when an old friend of her mother's, who lived in the country, and who had come to the city in order to make a few purchases, called to see her, it was with difficulty she could hide her disturbed feelings from observation.

relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply

From this reading A deep, brooding shadow was on her heart, though she could not see the bird of night from whose wings it had fallen.

an effort that is inconvenient

From this reading Frequently, during the afternoon, tears had wet her cheek; and when an old friend of her mother's, who lived in the country, and who had come to the city in order to make a few purchases, called to see her, it was with difficulty she could hide her disturbed feelings from observation.

having the place or position changed

From this reading Frequently, during the afternoon, tears had wet her cheek; and when an old friend of her mother's, who lived in the country, and who had come to the city in order to make a few purchases, called to see her, it was with difficulty she could hide her disturbed feelings from observation.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading Frequently, during the afternoon, tears had wet her cheek; and when an old friend of her mother's, who lived in the country, and who had come to the city in order to make a few purchases, called to see her, it was with difficulty she could hide her disturbed feelings from observation.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading As on the previous evening, Mrs. Claire was alone for some time later than usual, but now with an anxious, almost fearful looking for her husband's return.

having dropped by the force of gravity

From this reading A deep, brooding shadow was on her heart, though she could not see the bird of night from whose wings it had fallen.

experiencing or showing fear

From this reading As on the previous evening, Mrs. Claire was alone for some time later than usual, but now with an anxious, almost fearful looking for her husband's return.

emotional or moral sensitivity (especially in relation to personal principles or dignity)

From this reading Frequently, during the afternoon, tears had wet her cheek; and when an old friend of her mother's, who lived in the country, and who had come to the city in order to make a few purchases, called to see her, it was with difficulty she could hide her disturbed feelings from observation.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading Frequently, during the afternoon, tears had wet her cheek; and when an old friend of her mother's, who lived in the country, and who had come to the city in order to make a few purchases, called to see her, it was with difficulty she could hide her disturbed feelings from observation.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading As on the previous evening, Mrs. Claire was alone for some time later than usual, but now with an anxious, almost fearful looking for her husband's return.

characterized by directness in manner or speech; without subtlety or evasion

From this reading The absent one came in at last, and with so much of the old, frank, loving spirit in his voice and manner, that the troubled heart of Mrs. Claire beat with freer pulsations.

comparative of “free” — not limited or hampered; not under compulsion or restraint

From this reading The absent one came in at last, and with so much of the old, frank, loving spirit in his voice and manner, that the troubled heart of Mrs. Claire beat with freer pulsations.

many times at short intervals

From this reading Frequently, during the afternoon, tears had wet her cheek; and when an old friend of her mother's, who lived in the country, and who had come to the city in order to make a few purchases, called to see her, it was with difficulty she could hide her disturbed feelings from observation.

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading Frequently, during the afternoon, tears had wet her cheek; and when an old friend of her mother's, who lived in the country, and who had come to the city in order to make a few purchases, called to see her, it was with difficulty she could hide her disturbed feelings from observation.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading A deep, brooding shadow was on her heart, though she could not see the bird of night from whose wings it had fallen.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading Suddenly she had taken the alarm.

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading A deep, brooding shadow was on her heart, though she could not see the bird of night from whose wings it had fallen.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading As on the previous evening, Mrs. Claire was alone for some time later than usual, but now with an anxious, almost fearful looking for her husband's return.

prevent from being seen or discovered

From this reading Frequently, during the afternoon, tears had wet her cheek; and when an old friend of her mother's, who lived in the country, and who had come to the city in order to make a few purchases, called to see her, it was with difficulty she could hide her disturbed feelings from observation.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading The absent one came in at last, and with so much of the old, frank, loving spirit in his voice and manner, that the troubled heart of Mrs. Claire beat with freer pulsations.

possessive form of “husband” — a married man; a woman's partner in marriage

From this reading As on the previous evening, Mrs. Claire was alone for some time later than usual, but now with an anxious, almost fearful looking for her husband's return.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading Frequently, during the afternoon, tears had wet her cheek; and when an old friend of her mother's, who lived in the country, and who had come to the city in order to make a few purchases, called to see her, it was with difficulty she could hide her disturbed feelings from observation.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading A deep, brooding shadow was on her heart, though she could not see the bird of night from whose wings it had fallen.

immediately past

From this reading The absent one came in at last, and with so much of the old, frank, loving spirit in his voice and manner, that the troubled heart of Mrs. Claire beat with freer pulsations.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading As on the previous evening, Mrs. Claire was alone for some time later than usual, but now with an anxious, almost fearful looking for her husband's return.

past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in

From this reading Frequently, during the afternoon, tears had wet her cheek; and when an old friend of her mother's, who lived in the country, and who had come to the city in order to make a few purchases, called to see her, it was with difficulty she could hide her disturbed feelings from observation.

the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually

From this reading As on the previous evening, Mrs. Claire was alone for some time later than usual, but now with an anxious, almost fearful looking for her husband's return.

feeling or showing love and affection

From this reading The absent one came in at last, and with so much of the old, frank, loving spirit in his voice and manner, that the troubled heart of Mrs. Claire beat with freer pulsations.

engage in

From this reading Frequently, during the afternoon, tears had wet her cheek; and when an old friend of her mother's, who lived in the country, and who had come to the city in order to make a few purchases, called to see her, it was with difficulty she could hide her disturbed feelings from observation.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading The absent one came in at last, and with so much of the old, frank, loving spirit in his voice and manner, that the troubled heart of Mrs. Claire beat with freer pulsations.

possessive form of “mother” — a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading Frequently, during the afternoon, tears had wet her cheek; and when an old friend of her mother's, who lived in the country, and who had come to the city in order to make a few purchases, called to see her, it was with difficulty she could hide her disturbed feelings from observation.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading As on the previous evening, Mrs. Claire was alone for some time later than usual, but now with an anxious, almost fearful looking for her husband's return.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading The absent one came in at last, and with so much of the old, frank, loving spirit in his voice and manner, that the troubled heart of Mrs. Claire beat with freer pulsations.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading A deep, brooding shadow was on her heart, though she could not see the bird of night from whose wings it had fallen.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading A deep, brooding shadow was on her heart, though she could not see the bird of night from whose wings it had fallen.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading As on the previous evening, Mrs. Claire was alone for some time later than usual, but now with an anxious, almost fearful looking for her husband's return.

the act of making and recording a measurement

From this reading Frequently, during the afternoon, tears had wet her cheek; and when an old friend of her mother's, who lived in the country, and who had come to the city in order to make a few purchases, called to see her, it was with difficulty she could hide her disturbed feelings from observation.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A deep, brooding shadow was on her heart, though she could not see the bird of night from whose wings it had fallen.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading Frequently, during the afternoon, tears had wet her cheek; and when an old friend of her mother's, who lived in the country, and who had come to the city in order to make a few purchases, called to see her, it was with difficulty she could hide her disturbed feelings from observation.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading As on the previous evening, Mrs. Claire was alone for some time later than usual, but now with an anxious, almost fearful looking for her husband's return.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The absent one came in at last, and with so much of the old, frank, loving spirit in his voice and manner, that the troubled heart of Mrs. Claire beat with freer pulsations.

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading Frequently, during the afternoon, tears had wet her cheek; and when an old friend of her mother's, who lived in the country, and who had come to the city in order to make a few purchases, called to see her, it was with difficulty she could hide her disturbed feelings from observation.

just preceding something else in time or order

From this reading As on the previous evening, Mrs. Claire was alone for some time later than usual, but now with an anxious, almost fearful looking for her husband's return.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The absent one came in at last, and with so much of the old, frank, loving spirit in his voice and manner, that the troubled heart of Mrs. Claire beat with freer pulsations.

plural of “purchase” — the acquisition of something for payment

From this reading Frequently, during the afternoon, tears had wet her cheek; and when an old friend of her mother's, who lived in the country, and who had come to the city in order to make a few purchases, called to see her, it was with difficulty she could hide her disturbed feelings from observation.

go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading As on the previous evening, Mrs. Claire was alone for some time later than usual, but now with an anxious, almost fearful looking for her husband's return.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading A deep, brooding shadow was on her heart, though she could not see the bird of night from whose wings it had fallen.

A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.

From this reading A deep, brooding shadow was on her heart, though she could not see the bird of night from whose wings it had fallen.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Suddenly she had taken the alarm.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The absent one came in at last, and with so much of the old, frank, loving spirit in his voice and manner, that the troubled heart of Mrs. Claire beat with freer pulsations.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading As on the previous evening, Mrs. Claire was alone for some time later than usual, but now with an anxious, almost fearful looking for her husband's return.

the vital principle or animating force within living things

From this reading The absent one came in at last, and with so much of the old, frank, loving spirit in his voice and manner, that the troubled heart of Mrs. Claire beat with freer pulsations.

happening unexpectedly

From this reading Suddenly she had taken the alarm.

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading Suddenly she had taken the alarm.

the process of shedding tears (usually accompanied by sobs or other inarticulate sounds)

From this reading Frequently, during the afternoon, tears had wet her cheek; and when an old friend of her mother's, who lived in the country, and who had come to the city in order to make a few purchases, called to see her, it was with difficulty she could hide her disturbed feelings from observation.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading As on the previous evening, Mrs. Claire was alone for some time later than usual, but now with an anxious, almost fearful looking for her husband's return.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The absent one came in at last, and with so much of the old, frank, loving spirit in his voice and manner, that the troubled heart of Mrs. Claire beat with freer pulsations.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading As on the previous evening, Mrs. Claire was alone for some time later than usual, but now with an anxious, almost fearful looking for her husband's return.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading A deep, brooding shadow was on her heart, though she could not see the bird of night from whose wings it had fallen.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading As on the previous evening, Mrs. Claire was alone for some time later than usual, but now with an anxious, almost fearful looking for her husband's return.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading Frequently, during the afternoon, tears had wet her cheek; and when an old friend of her mother's, who lived in the country, and who had come to the city in order to make a few purchases, called to see her, it was with difficulty she could hide her disturbed feelings from observation.

characterized by or indicative of distress or affliction or danger or need

From this reading The absent one came in at last, and with so much of the old, frank, loving spirit in his voice and manner, that the troubled heart of Mrs. Claire beat with freer pulsations.

occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure

From this reading As on the previous evening, Mrs. Claire was alone for some time later than usual, but now with an anxious, almost fearful looking for her husband's return.

the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading The absent one came in at last, and with so much of the old, frank, loving spirit in his voice and manner, that the troubled heart of Mrs. Claire beat with freer pulsations.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading As on the previous evening, Mrs. Claire was alone for some time later than usual, but now with an anxious, almost fearful looking for her husband's return.

covered or soaked with a liquid such as water

From this reading Frequently, during the afternoon, tears had wet her cheek; and when an old friend of her mother's, who lived in the country, and who had come to the city in order to make a few purchases, called to see her, it was with difficulty she could hide her disturbed feelings from observation.

at the time that

From this reading Frequently, during the afternoon, tears had wet her cheek; and when an old friend of her mother's, who lived in the country, and who had come to the city in order to make a few purchases, called to see her, it was with difficulty she could hide her disturbed feelings from observation.

which person or people

From this reading Frequently, during the afternoon, tears had wet her cheek; and when an old friend of her mother's, who lived in the country, and who had come to the city in order to make a few purchases, called to see her, it was with difficulty she could hide her disturbed feelings from observation.

belonging to which person

From this reading A deep, brooding shadow was on her heart, though she could not see the bird of night from whose wings it had fallen.

a means of flight or ascent

From this reading A deep, brooding shadow was on her heart, though she could not see the bird of night from whose wings it had fallen.

in the company of; together with

From this reading As on the previous evening, Mrs. Claire was alone for some time later than usual, but now with an anxious, almost fearful looking for her husband's return.