used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A week had passed since his departure for St. Louis, and a considerable accumulation of mail was absorbing his attention.
absorbingadjectiveUS /əbˈzɔːrbɪŋ/
capable of arousing and holding the attention
From this reading A week had passed since his departure for St. Louis, and a considerable accumulation of mail was absorbing his attention.
accumulationnounUS /əˌkjuːmjəˈleɪʃən/
an increase by natural growth or addition
From this reading A week had passed since his departure for St. Louis, and a considerable accumulation of mail was absorbing his attention.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading It was Sunday, and the measured patter of the raindrops on the window-panes seemed to forebode a cheerless day, while the dismal light, almost obscured by the lowering clouds and heavy window draperies, produced an air of gloom intensified, perhaps, by the unusual chill of the summer atmosphere.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading It was Sunday, and the measured patter of the raindrops on the window-panes seemed to forebode a cheerless day, while the dismal light, almost obscured by the lowering clouds and heavy window draperies, produced an air of gloom intensified, perhaps, by the unusual chill of the summer atmosphere.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading He had arrived home that morning on an early train, and not caring to awake his wife had gone into the library to look over his letters.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A week had passed since his departure for St. Louis, and a considerable accumulation of mail was absorbing his attention.
past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress
From this reading He had arrived home that morning on an early train, and not caring to awake his wife had gone into the library to look over his letters.
a particular environment or surrounding influence
From this reading It was Sunday, and the measured patter of the raindrops on the window-panes seemed to forebode a cheerless day, while the dismal light, almost obscured by the lowering clouds and heavy window draperies, produced an air of gloom intensified, perhaps, by the unusual chill of the summer atmosphere.
the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others
From this reading A week had passed since his departure for St. Louis, and a considerable accumulation of mail was absorbing his attention.
awakeadjectiveUS /əˈweɪk/
not in a state of sleep; completely conscious
From this reading He had arrived home that morning on an early train, and not caring to awake his wife had gone into the library to look over his letters.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading It was Sunday, and the measured patter of the raindrops on the window-panes seemed to forebode a cheerless day, while the dismal light, almost obscured by the lowering clouds and heavy window draperies, produced an air of gloom intensified, perhaps, by the unusual chill of the summer atmosphere.
caringnounUS /ˈkerɪŋ/
a loving feeling
From this reading He had arrived home that morning on an early train, and not caring to awake his wife had gone into the library to look over his letters.
cheerlessadjective
causing sad feelings of gloom and inadequacy
From this reading It was Sunday, and the measured patter of the raindrops on the window-panes seemed to forebode a cheerless day, while the dismal light, almost obscured by the lowering clouds and heavy window draperies, produced an air of gloom intensified, perhaps, by the unusual chill of the summer atmosphere.
chillnounUS /tʃɪl/
coldness due to a cold environment
From this reading It was Sunday, and the measured patter of the raindrops on the window-panes seemed to forebode a cheerless day, while the dismal light, almost obscured by the lowering clouds and heavy window draperies, produced an air of gloom intensified, perhaps, by the unusual chill of the summer atmosphere.
plural of “cloud” — any collection of particles (e.g., smoke or dust) or gases that is visible
From this reading It was Sunday, and the measured patter of the raindrops on the window-panes seemed to forebode a cheerless day, while the dismal light, almost obscured by the lowering clouds and heavy window draperies, produced an air of gloom intensified, perhaps, by the unusual chill of the summer atmosphere.
large or relatively large in number or amount or extent or degree
From this reading A week had passed since his departure for St. Louis, and a considerable accumulation of mail was absorbing his attention.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading It was Sunday, and the measured patter of the raindrops on the window-panes seemed to forebode a cheerless day, while the dismal light, almost obscured by the lowering clouds and heavy window draperies, produced an air of gloom intensified, perhaps, by the unusual chill of the summer atmosphere.
the act of departing
From this reading A week had passed since his departure for St. Louis, and a considerable accumulation of mail was absorbing his attention.
dismaladjectiveUS /ˈdɪzməl/
causing dejection
From this reading It was Sunday, and the measured patter of the raindrops on the window-panes seemed to forebode a cheerless day, while the dismal light, almost obscured by the lowering clouds and heavy window draperies, produced an air of gloom intensified, perhaps, by the unusual chill of the summer atmosphere.
draperiesnounUS /ˈdreɪpəriz/
plural of “drapery” — hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)
From this reading It was Sunday, and the measured patter of the raindrops on the window-panes seemed to forebode a cheerless day, while the dismal light, almost obscured by the lowering clouds and heavy window draperies, produced an air of gloom intensified, perhaps, by the unusual chill of the summer atmosphere.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading He had arrived home that morning on an early train, and not caring to awake his wife had gone into the library to look over his letters.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading A week had passed since his departure for St. Louis, and a considerable accumulation of mail was absorbing his attention.
forebodeverbUS /fɔːrˈboʊd/
make a prediction about; tell in advance
From this reading It was Sunday, and the measured patter of the raindrops on the window-panes seemed to forebode a cheerless day, while the dismal light, almost obscured by the lowering clouds and heavy window draperies, produced an air of gloom intensified, perhaps, by the unusual chill of the summer atmosphere.
a state of partial or total darkness
From this reading It was Sunday, and the measured patter of the raindrops on the window-panes seemed to forebode a cheerless day, while the dismal light, almost obscured by the lowering clouds and heavy window draperies, produced an air of gloom intensified, perhaps, by the unusual chill of the summer atmosphere.
destroyed or killed
From this reading He had arrived home that morning on an early train, and not caring to awake his wife had gone into the library to look over his letters.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading A week had passed since his departure for St. Louis, and a considerable accumulation of mail was absorbing his attention.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He had arrived home that morning on an early train, and not caring to awake his wife had gone into the library to look over his letters.
of comparatively great physical weight or density
From this reading It was Sunday, and the measured patter of the raindrops on the window-panes seemed to forebode a cheerless day, while the dismal light, almost obscured by the lowering clouds and heavy window draperies, produced an air of gloom intensified, perhaps, by the unusual chill of the summer atmosphere.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading A week had passed since his departure for St. Louis, and a considerable accumulation of mail was absorbing his attention.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading He had arrived home that morning on an early train, and not caring to awake his wife had gone into the library to look over his letters.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading IN THE LIBRARY.
intensifiedadjectiveUS /ɪnˈtensəfaɪd/
made more intense
From this reading It was Sunday, and the measured patter of the raindrops on the window-panes seemed to forebode a cheerless day, while the dismal light, almost obscured by the lowering clouds and heavy window draperies, produced an air of gloom intensified, perhaps, by the unusual chill of the summer atmosphere.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading He had arrived home that morning on an early train, and not caring to awake his wife had gone into the library to look over his letters.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was Sunday, and the measured patter of the raindrops on the window-panes seemed to forebode a cheerless day, while the dismal light, almost obscured by the lowering clouds and heavy window draperies, produced an air of gloom intensified, perhaps, by the unusual chill of the summer atmosphere.
the literary culture
From this reading He had arrived home that morning on an early train, and not caring to awake his wife had gone into the library to look over his letters.
a room where books are kept
From this reading IN THE LIBRARY.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading It was Sunday, and the measured patter of the raindrops on the window-panes seemed to forebode a cheerless day, while the dismal light, almost obscured by the lowering clouds and heavy window draperies, produced an air of gloom intensified, perhaps, by the unusual chill of the summer atmosphere.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading He had arrived home that morning on an early train, and not caring to awake his wife had gone into the library to look over his letters.
United States prizefighter who was world heavyweight champion for 12 years (1914-1981)
From this reading A week had passed since his departure for St. Louis, and a considerable accumulation of mail was absorbing his attention.
loweringadjectiveUS /ˈloʊərɪŋ/
darkened by clouds
From this reading It was Sunday, and the measured patter of the raindrops on the window-panes seemed to forebode a cheerless day, while the dismal light, almost obscured by the lowering clouds and heavy window draperies, produced an air of gloom intensified, perhaps, by the unusual chill of the summer atmosphere.
mailnounUS /meɪl/
the bags of letters and packages that are transported by the postal service
From this reading A week had passed since his departure for St. Louis, and a considerable accumulation of mail was absorbing his attention.
measuredadjectiveUS /ˈmeʒərd/
having notes of fixed rhythmic value
From this reading It was Sunday, and the measured patter of the raindrops on the window-panes seemed to forebode a cheerless day, while the dismal light, almost obscured by the lowering clouds and heavy window draperies, produced an air of gloom intensified, perhaps, by the unusual chill of the summer atmosphere.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading He had arrived home that morning on an early train, and not caring to awake his wife had gone into the library to look over his letters.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading He had arrived home that morning on an early train, and not caring to awake his wife had gone into the library to look over his letters.
obscuredverbUS /əbsˈkjʊrd/
past form of “obscure” — make less visible or unclear
From this reading It was Sunday, and the measured patter of the raindrops on the window-panes seemed to forebode a cheerless day, while the dismal light, almost obscured by the lowering clouds and heavy window draperies, produced an air of gloom intensified, perhaps, by the unusual chill of the summer atmosphere.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A week had passed since his departure for St. Louis, and a considerable accumulation of mail was absorbing his attention.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading He had arrived home that morning on an early train, and not caring to awake his wife had gone into the library to look over his letters.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading He had arrived home that morning on an early train, and not caring to awake his wife had gone into the library to look over his letters.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading A week had passed since his departure for St. Louis, and a considerable accumulation of mail was absorbing his attention.
patternounUS /ˈpætər/
plausible glib talk (especially useful to a salesperson)
From this reading It was Sunday, and the measured patter of the raindrops on the window-panes seemed to forebode a cheerless day, while the dismal light, almost obscured by the lowering clouds and heavy window draperies, produced an air of gloom intensified, perhaps, by the unusual chill of the summer atmosphere.
by chance
From this reading It was Sunday, and the measured patter of the raindrops on the window-panes seemed to forebode a cheerless day, while the dismal light, almost obscured by the lowering clouds and heavy window draperies, produced an air of gloom intensified, perhaps, by the unusual chill of the summer atmosphere.
past form of “produce” — bring forth or yield
From this reading It was Sunday, and the measured patter of the raindrops on the window-panes seemed to forebode a cheerless day, while the dismal light, almost obscured by the lowering clouds and heavy window draperies, produced an air of gloom intensified, perhaps, by the unusual chill of the summer atmosphere.
raindropsnounUS /ˈreɪndrɑːps/
plural of “raindrop” — a drop of rain
From this reading It was Sunday, and the measured patter of the raindrops on the window-panes seemed to forebode a cheerless day, while the dismal light, almost obscured by the lowering clouds and heavy window draperies, produced an air of gloom intensified, perhaps, by the unusual chill of the summer atmosphere.
RoswellnounUS /ˈrɑːswel/
a town in southeast New Mexico
From this reading Roswell Sanderson was in the library writing.
Sanderson
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Roswell Sanderson was in the library writing.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading It was Sunday, and the measured patter of the raindrops on the window-panes seemed to forebode a cheerless day, while the dismal light, almost obscured by the lowering clouds and heavy window draperies, produced an air of gloom intensified, perhaps, by the unusual chill of the summer atmosphere.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading A week had passed since his departure for St. Louis, and a considerable accumulation of mail was absorbing his attention.
St
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A week had passed since his departure for St. Louis, and a considerable accumulation of mail was absorbing his attention.
the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox
From this reading It was Sunday, and the measured patter of the raindrops on the window-panes seemed to forebode a cheerless day, while the dismal light, almost obscured by the lowering clouds and heavy window draperies, produced an air of gloom intensified, perhaps, by the unusual chill of the summer atmosphere.
first day of the week; observed as a day of rest and worship by most Christians
From this reading It was Sunday, and the measured patter of the raindrops on the window-panes seemed to forebode a cheerless day, while the dismal light, almost obscured by the lowering clouds and heavy window draperies, produced an air of gloom intensified, perhaps, by the unusual chill of the summer atmosphere.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading He had arrived home that morning on an early train, and not caring to awake his wife had gone into the library to look over his letters.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading IN THE LIBRARY.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading He had arrived home that morning on an early train, and not caring to awake his wife had gone into the library to look over his letters.
create by training and teaching
From this reading He had arrived home that morning on an early train, and not caring to awake his wife had gone into the library to look over his letters.
not usual or common or ordinary
From this reading It was Sunday, and the measured patter of the raindrops on the window-panes seemed to forebode a cheerless day, while the dismal light, almost obscured by the lowering clouds and heavy window draperies, produced an air of gloom intensified, perhaps, by the unusual chill of the summer atmosphere.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Roswell Sanderson was in the library writing.
any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading A week had passed since his departure for St. Louis, and a considerable accumulation of mail was absorbing his attention.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading It was Sunday, and the measured patter of the raindrops on the window-panes seemed to forebode a cheerless day, while the dismal light, almost obscured by the lowering clouds and heavy window draperies, produced an air of gloom intensified, perhaps, by the unusual chill of the summer atmosphere.
a married woman; a man's partner in marriage
From this reading He had arrived home that morning on an early train, and not caring to awake his wife had gone into the library to look over his letters.
a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air
From this reading It was Sunday, and the measured patter of the raindrops on the window-panes seemed to forebode a cheerless day, while the dismal light, almost obscured by the lowering clouds and heavy window draperies, produced an air of gloom intensified, perhaps, by the unusual chill of the summer atmosphere.
window-panes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was Sunday, and the measured patter of the raindrops on the window-panes seemed to forebode a cheerless day, while the dismal light, almost obscured by the lowering clouds and heavy window draperies, produced an air of gloom intensified, perhaps, by the unusual chill of the summer atmosphere.
the act of creating written works
From this reading Roswell Sanderson was in the library writing.
