used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading For a moment Violet stood irresolute.
(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 It seemed wrong for her to obey the instructions of Mrs. Yorke’s servant and visit the mysterious chamber all alone; but then she knew that old Betty was a confidential servant, that she had served Mrs. Yorke faithfully for years, and that she knew much concerning the private history of the Yorkes.
aloneadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/
Having no one else present.
From this reading It seemed wrong for her to obey the instructions of Mrs. Yorke’s servant and visit the mysterious chamber all alone; but then she knew that old Betty was a confidential servant, that she had served Mrs. Yorke faithfully for years, and that she knew much concerning the private history of the Yorkes.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It seemed wrong for her to obey the instructions of Mrs. Yorke’s servant and visit the mysterious chamber all alone; but then she knew that old Betty was a confidential servant, that she had served Mrs. Yorke faithfully for years, and that she knew much concerning the private history of the Yorkes.
clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
From this reading But that Betty had some object in impressing upon Violet the desirability of visiting the east chamber, was only too apparent.
Betty
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It seemed wrong for her to obey the instructions of Mrs. Yorke’s servant and visit the mysterious chamber all alone; but then she knew that old Betty was a confidential servant, that she had served Mrs. Yorke faithfully for years, and that she knew much concerning the private history of the Yorkes.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading It seemed wrong for her to obey the instructions of Mrs. Yorke’s servant and visit the mysterious chamber all alone; but then she knew that old Betty was a confidential servant, that she had served Mrs. Yorke faithfully for years, and that she knew much concerning the private history of the Yorkes.
a natural or artificial enclosed space
From this reading IN THE EAST CHAMBER.
-ing form of “concern” — be relevant to
From this reading It seemed wrong for her to obey the instructions of Mrs. Yorke’s servant and visit the mysterious chamber all alone; but then she knew that old Betty was a confidential servant, that she had served Mrs. Yorke faithfully for years, and that she knew much concerning the private history of the Yorkes.
confidentialadjectiveUS /ˌkɑːnfəˈdenʃəl/
entrusted with private information and the confidence of another
From this reading It seemed wrong for her to obey the instructions of Mrs. Yorke’s servant and visit the mysterious chamber all alone; but then she knew that old Betty was a confidential servant, that she had served Mrs. Yorke faithfully for years, and that she knew much concerning the private history of the Yorkes.
desirabilitynounUS /dɪˌzaɪrəˈbɪlɪti/
the quality of being worthy of desiring
From this reading But that Betty had some object in impressing upon Violet the desirability of visiting the east chamber, was only too apparent.
the cardinal compass point that is at 90 degrees
From this reading IN THE EAST CHAMBER.
faithfullyadverbUS /ˈfeɪθfəli/
in a faithful manner
From this reading It seemed wrong for her to obey the instructions of Mrs. Yorke’s servant and visit the mysterious chamber all alone; but then she knew that old Betty was a confidential servant, that she had served Mrs. Yorke faithfully for years, and that she knew much concerning the private history of the Yorkes.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading For a moment Violet stood irresolute.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It seemed wrong for her to obey the instructions of Mrs. Yorke’s servant and visit the mysterious chamber all alone; but then she knew that old Betty was a confidential servant, that she had served Mrs. Yorke faithfully for years, and that she knew much concerning the private history of the Yorkes.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading It seemed wrong for her to obey the instructions of Mrs. Yorke’s servant and visit the mysterious chamber all alone; but then she knew that old Betty was a confidential servant, that she had served Mrs. Yorke faithfully for years, and that she knew much concerning the private history of the Yorkes.
the aggregate of past events
From this reading It seemed wrong for her to obey the instructions of Mrs. Yorke’s servant and visit the mysterious chamber all alone; but then she knew that old Betty was a confidential servant, that she had served Mrs. Yorke faithfully for years, and that she knew much concerning the private history of the Yorkes.
impressingverbUS /ˌɪmˈpresɪŋ/
-ing form of “impress” — have an emotional or cognitive impact upon
From this reading But that Betty had some object in impressing upon Violet the desirability of visiting the east chamber, was only too apparent.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading IN THE EAST CHAMBER.
instructionsnounUS /ˌɪnˈstrʌkʃənz/
a manual usually accompanying a technical device and explaining how to install or operate it
From this reading It seemed wrong for her to obey the instructions of Mrs. Yorke’s servant and visit the mysterious chamber all alone; but then she knew that old Betty was a confidential servant, that she had served Mrs. Yorke faithfully for years, and that she knew much concerning the private history of the Yorkes.
irresoluteadjective
uncertain how to act or proceed
From this reading For a moment Violet stood irresolute.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It seemed wrong for her to obey the instructions of Mrs. Yorke’s servant and visit the mysterious chamber all alone; but then she knew that old Betty was a confidential servant, that she had served Mrs. Yorke faithfully for years, and that she knew much concerning the private history of the Yorkes.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading It seemed wrong for her to obey the instructions of Mrs. Yorke’s servant and visit the mysterious chamber all alone; but then she knew that old Betty was a confidential servant, that she had served Mrs. Yorke faithfully for years, and that she knew much concerning the private history of the Yorkes.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading Violet stood turning the question over in her mind for some moments.
a particular point in time
From this reading For a moment Violet stood irresolute.
plural of “moment” — a particular point in time
From this reading Violet stood turning the question over in her mind for some moments.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading It seemed wrong for her to obey the instructions of Mrs. Yorke’s servant and visit the mysterious chamber all alone; but then she knew that old Betty was a confidential servant, that she had served Mrs. Yorke faithfully for years, and that she knew much concerning the private history of the Yorkes.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading It seemed wrong for her to obey the instructions of Mrs. Yorke’s servant and visit the mysterious chamber all alone; but then she knew that old Betty was a confidential servant, that she had served Mrs. Yorke faithfully for years, and that she knew much concerning the private history of the Yorkes.
of an obscure nature
From this reading It seemed wrong for her to obey the instructions of Mrs. Yorke’s servant and visit the mysterious chamber all alone; but then she knew that old Betty was a confidential servant, that she had served Mrs. Yorke faithfully for years, and that she knew much concerning the private history of the Yorkes.
be obedient to
From this reading It seemed wrong for her to obey the instructions of Mrs. Yorke’s servant and visit the mysterious chamber all alone; but then she knew that old Betty was a confidential servant, that she had served Mrs. Yorke faithfully for years, and that she knew much concerning the private history of the Yorkes.
a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow
From this reading But that Betty had some object in impressing upon Violet the desirability of visiting the east chamber, was only too apparent.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It seemed wrong for her to obey the instructions of Mrs. Yorke’s servant and visit the mysterious chamber all alone; but then she knew that old Betty was a confidential servant, that she had served Mrs. Yorke faithfully for years, and that she knew much concerning the private history of the Yorkes.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading It seemed wrong for her to obey the instructions of Mrs. Yorke’s servant and visit the mysterious chamber all alone; but then she knew that old Betty was a confidential servant, that she had served Mrs. Yorke faithfully for years, and that she knew much concerning the private history of the Yorkes.
and nothing more
From this reading But that Betty had some object in impressing upon Violet the desirability of visiting the east chamber, was only too apparent.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Violet stood turning the question over in her mind for some moments.
confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy
From this reading It seemed wrong for her to obey the instructions of Mrs. Yorke’s servant and visit the mysterious chamber all alone; but then she knew that old Betty was a confidential servant, that she had served Mrs. Yorke faithfully for years, and that she knew much concerning the private history of the Yorkes.
challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of
From this reading Violet stood turning the question over in her mind for some moments.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading It seemed wrong for her to obey the instructions of Mrs. Yorke’s servant and visit the mysterious chamber all alone; but then she knew that old Betty was a confidential servant, that she had served Mrs. Yorke faithfully for years, and that she knew much concerning the private history of the Yorkes.
a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)
From this reading It seemed wrong for her to obey the instructions of Mrs. Yorke’s servant and visit the mysterious chamber all alone; but then she knew that old Betty was a confidential servant, that she had served Mrs. Yorke faithfully for years, and that she knew much concerning the private history of the Yorkes.
past form of “serve” — serve a purpose, role, or function
From this reading It seemed wrong for her to obey the instructions of Mrs. Yorke’s servant and visit the mysterious chamber all alone; but then she knew that old Betty was a confidential servant, that she had served Mrs. Yorke faithfully for years, and that she knew much concerning the private history of the Yorkes.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading It seemed wrong for her to obey the instructions of Mrs. Yorke’s servant and visit the mysterious chamber all alone; but then she knew that old Betty was a confidential servant, that she had served Mrs. Yorke faithfully for years, and that she knew much concerning the private history of the Yorkes.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading But that Betty had some object in impressing upon Violet the desirability of visiting the east chamber, was only too apparent.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading For a moment Violet stood irresolute.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It seemed wrong for her to obey the instructions of Mrs. Yorke’s servant and visit the mysterious chamber all alone; but then she knew that old Betty was a confidential servant, that she had served Mrs. Yorke faithfully for years, and that she knew much concerning the private history of the Yorkes.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading IN THE EAST CHAMBER.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading It seemed wrong for her to obey the instructions of Mrs. Yorke’s servant and visit the mysterious chamber all alone; but then she knew that old Betty was a confidential servant, that she had served Mrs. Yorke faithfully for years, and that she knew much concerning the private history of the Yorkes.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It seemed wrong for her to obey the instructions of Mrs. Yorke’s servant and visit the mysterious chamber all alone; but then she knew that old Betty was a confidential servant, that she had served Mrs. Yorke faithfully for years, and that she knew much concerning the private history of the Yorkes.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading But that Betty had some object in impressing upon Violet the desirability of visiting the east chamber, was only too apparent.
the act of changing or reversing the direction of the course
From this reading Violet stood turning the question over in her mind for some moments.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading But that Betty had some object in impressing upon Violet the desirability of visiting the east chamber, was only too apparent.
VioletnounUS /ˈvaɪəlɪt/
any of numerous low-growing violas with small flowers
From this reading For a moment Violet stood irresolute.
go to see a place, as for entertainment
From this reading It seemed wrong for her to obey the instructions of Mrs. Yorke’s servant and visit the mysterious chamber all alone; but then she knew that old Betty was a confidential servant, that she had served Mrs. Yorke faithfully for years, and that she knew much concerning the private history of the Yorkes.
visitingnounUS /ˈvɪzɪtɪŋ/
the activity of making visits
From this reading But that Betty had some object in impressing upon Violet the desirability of visiting the east chamber, was only too apparent.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It seemed wrong for her to obey the instructions of Mrs. Yorke’s servant and visit the mysterious chamber all alone; but then she knew that old Betty was a confidential servant, that she had served Mrs. Yorke faithfully for years, and that she knew much concerning the private history of the Yorkes.
not correct; not in conformity with fact or truth
From this reading It seemed wrong for her to obey the instructions of Mrs. Yorke’s servant and visit the mysterious chamber all alone; but then she knew that old Betty was a confidential servant, that she had served Mrs. Yorke faithfully for years, and that she knew much concerning the private history of the Yorkes.
a late time of life
From this reading It seemed wrong for her to obey the instructions of Mrs. Yorke’s servant and visit the mysterious chamber all alone; but then she knew that old Betty was a confidential servant, that she had served Mrs. Yorke faithfully for years, and that she knew much concerning the private history of the Yorkes.
Yorke
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It seemed wrong for her to obey the instructions of Mrs. Yorke’s servant and visit the mysterious chamber all alone; but then she knew that old Betty was a confidential servant, that she had served Mrs. Yorke faithfully for years, and that she knew much concerning the private history of the Yorkes.
Yorke's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It seemed wrong for her to obey the instructions of Mrs. Yorke’s servant and visit the mysterious chamber all alone; but then she knew that old Betty was a confidential servant, that she had served Mrs. Yorke faithfully for years, and that she knew much concerning the private history of the Yorkes.
Yorkes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It seemed wrong for her to obey the instructions of Mrs. Yorke’s servant and visit the mysterious chamber all alone; but then she knew that old Betty was a confidential servant, that she had served Mrs. Yorke faithfully for years, and that she knew much concerning the private history of the Yorkes.
