Definitions by jafje

Eaves 

Part of roof: The part of a roof that projects beyond the wall that supports it.

When it started to rain, the animals took shelter underneath the eaves.

Eaves by Jafje April 5, 2007

Respite 

1. Brief interval of rest: A brief period of rest and recovery between periods of exertion or after something disagreeable.

2. Delay: A temporary delay.

3. Law reprieve: A temporary stay of execution of a criminal.

The woman was given some days of respite, she didn't have to work for some days after what happened.

Respite by Jafje April 5, 2007

Obscure 

1. Hard to understand: Difficult to understand because of not being fully or clearly expressed.

2. Indistinct: Not able to be seen or heard distinctly.

3. Unimportant or unknown: not important or well-known.

4. Known to few people: Unknown to most people, e.g. because of being hidden or remote.

5. Dim: dark, shadowy, or clouded.

1. An obscure passage in the manuscript.
2. Its outlines are obscure, but the object seems roughly cigar-shaped.
3. An obscure portrait painter.
4. An obscure object.
5. An obscure corner of the hall.

Obscure by Jafje April 5, 2007

Oppressive

1. Dominating harshly: Imposing a harsh or cruel form of domination.

2. Highly stressful: Exerting a worrying, troubling, or burdensome pressure on somebody.

3. Stifling: So hot and humid as to make people feel tired, irritable, or sluggish.

An oppressive regime.

Oppressive by Jafje April 5, 2007

Sombre 

1. Dark and gloomy: Lacking light or brightness and producing a dull, dark, or melancholy atmosphere.

2. Dark in color: Having a color or tone that is dark, dull, or suitable for a serious mood or occasion.

3. Serious and melancholy: Marked by or conveying strict seriousness combined with sadness or a troubled state of mind.

NOTE: Sombre is the American version of the word 'Somber'. Somber is Canadian and UK spelling.

A sombre song, depressing and without variety.

Sombre by Jafje April 5, 2007

Somber 

1. Dark and gloomy: Lacking light or brightness and producing a dull, dark, or melancholy atmosphere.

2. Dark in color: Having a color or tone that is dark, dull, or suitable for a serious mood or occasion.

3. Serious and melancholy: Marked by or conveying strict seriousness combined with sadness or a troubled state of mind.

NOTE: Somber is the Canadian and UK spelling of this word. The American version is 'sombre'. The word originated from the Dutch word 'somber', which means about the same.

A somber song, depressing and without variety.

Somber by Jafje April 5, 2007

Immobile 

1. Motionless: without moving.

2. Incapable of motion: Unable to move or be moved.

He stood perfectly immobile for a few seconds.

Immobile by Jafje April 5, 2007