used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A French chambermaid, who has served in Paris, in the houses of the nobility, the bourgeois, and professional people, finally enters the service of a rich couple living in the country, and there begins to keep a diary.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading In describing the events of her daily life and the people about her, she is frequently reminded of episodes in her past, and digresses to relate them.
(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 has been described by a French critic as "an attempt to show that nearly all the masters are low-lived wretches, and that nearly all the servants are as near like them as they know how to be."
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading It has been described by a French critic as "an attempt to show that nearly all the masters are low-lived wretches, and that nearly all the servants are as near like them as they know how to be."
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A French chambermaid, who has served in Paris, in the houses of the nobility, the bourgeois, and professional people, finally enters the service of a rich couple living in the country, and there begins to keep a diary.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading It has been described by a French critic as "an attempt to show that nearly all the masters are low-lived wretches, and that nearly all the servants are as near like them as they know how to be."
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading It has been described by a French critic as "an attempt to show that nearly all the masters are low-lived wretches, and that nearly all the servants are as near like them as they know how to be."
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading It has been described by a French critic as "an attempt to show that nearly all the masters are low-lived wretches, and that nearly all the servants are as near like them as they know how to be."
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading It has been described by a French critic as "an attempt to show that nearly all the masters are low-lived wretches, and that nearly all the servants are as near like them as they know how to be."
third-person singular of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading Thus her diary becomes a piquant panorama of social life and institutions.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading It has been described by a French critic as "an attempt to show that nearly all the masters are low-lived wretches, and that nearly all the servants are as near like them as they know how to be."
beginsnounUS /bɪˈɡɪnz/
plural of “begin” — Israeli statesman (born in Russia) who (as prime minister of Israel) negotiated a peace treaty with Anwar Sadat (then the president of Egypt) (1913-1992)
From this reading A French chambermaid, who has served in Paris, in the houses of the nobility, the bourgeois, and professional people, finally enters the service of a rich couple living in the country, and there begins to keep a diary.
bitternessnounUS /ˈbɪtərnəs/
a feeling of deep and bitter anger and ill-will
From this reading It is a terrific social exposure, a grim social satire, crammed with humor, bitterness, and truth.
bourgeoisadjectiveUS /bʊrʒˈwɑː/
(according to Marxist thought) being of the property-owning class and exploitive of the working class
From this reading A French chambermaid, who has served in Paris, in the houses of the nobility, the bourgeois, and professional people, finally enters the service of a rich couple living in the country, and there begins to keep a diary.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading It has been described by a French critic as "an attempt to show that nearly all the masters are low-lived wretches, and that nearly all the servants are as near like them as they know how to be."
chambermaidnoun
a maid who is employed to clean and care for bedrooms (now primarily in hotels)
From this reading A French chambermaid, who has served in Paris, in the houses of the nobility, the bourgeois, and professional people, finally enters the service of a rich couple living in the country, and there begins to keep a diary.
a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading A French chambermaid, who has served in Paris, in the houses of the nobility, the bourgeois, and professional people, finally enters the service of a rich couple living in the country, and there begins to keep a diary.
a pair who associate with one another
From this reading A French chambermaid, who has served in Paris, in the houses of the nobility, the bourgeois, and professional people, finally enters the service of a rich couple living in the country, and there begins to keep a diary.
crammedverbUS /kræmd/
inflected form of “cram” — crowd or pack to capacity
From this reading It is a terrific social exposure, a grim social satire, crammed with humor, bitterness, and truth.
criticnounUS /ˈkrɪtɪk/
a person who is professionally engaged in the analysis and interpretation of works of art
From this reading It has been described by a French critic as "an attempt to show that nearly all the masters are low-lived wretches, and that nearly all the servants are as near like them as they know how to be."
every day; without missing a day
From this reading In describing the events of her daily life and the people about her, she is frequently reminded of episodes in her past, and digresses to relate them.
represented in words especially with sharpness and detail
From this reading It has been described by a French critic as "an attempt to show that nearly all the masters are low-lived wretches, and that nearly all the servants are as near like them as they know how to be."
describingverbUS /dɪˈskraɪbɪŋ/
-ing form of “describe” — give a description of
From this reading In describing the events of her daily life and the people about her, she is frequently reminded of episodes in her past, and digresses to relate them.
diarynounUS /ˈdaɪəri/
a daily written record of (usually personal) experiences and observations
From this reading A French chambermaid, who has served in Paris, in the houses of the nobility, the bourgeois, and professional people, finally enters the service of a rich couple living in the country, and there begins to keep a diary.
digressesverbUS /daɪˈɡresɪz/
third-person singular of “digress” — lose clarity or turn aside especially from the main subject of attention or course of argument in writing, thinking, or speaking
From this reading In describing the events of her daily life and the people about her, she is frequently reminded of episodes in her past, and digresses to relate them.
entersverbUS /ˈentərz/
third-person singular of “enter” — to come or go into
From this reading A French chambermaid, who has served in Paris, in the houses of the nobility, the bourgeois, and professional people, finally enters the service of a rich couple living in the country, and there begins to keep a diary.
episodesnounUS /ˈepəsoʊdz/
plural of “episode” — a happening that is distinctive in a series of related events
From this reading In describing the events of her daily life and the people about her, she is frequently reminded of episodes in her past, and digresses to relate them.
plural of “event” — something that happens at a given place and time
From this reading In describing the events of her daily life and the people about her, she is frequently reminded of episodes in her past, and digresses to relate them.
exposurenounUS /ɪkˈspoʊʒər/
vulnerability to the elements; to the action of heat or cold or wind or rain
From this reading It is a terrific social exposure, a grim social satire, crammed with humor, bitterness, and truth.
after an unspecified period of time or an especially long delay
From this reading A French chambermaid, who has served in Paris, in the houses of the nobility, the bourgeois, and professional people, finally enters the service of a rich couple living in the country, and there begins to keep a diary.
the Romance language spoken in France and in countries colonized by France
From this reading A French chambermaid, who has served in Paris, in the houses of the nobility, the bourgeois, and professional people, finally enters the service of a rich couple living in the country, and there begins to keep a diary.
many times at short intervals
From this reading In describing the events of her daily life and the people about her, she is frequently reminded of episodes in her past, and digresses to relate them.
not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty
From this reading It is a terrific social exposure, a grim social satire, crammed with humor, bitterness, and truth.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A French chambermaid, who has served in Paris, in the houses of the nobility, the bourgeois, and professional people, finally enters the service of a rich couple living in the country, and there begins to keep a diary.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading In describing the events of her daily life and the people about her, she is frequently reminded of episodes in her past, and digresses to relate them.
plural of “house” — a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading A French chambermaid, who has served in Paris, in the houses of the nobility, the bourgeois, and professional people, finally enters the service of a rich couple living in the country, and there begins to keep a diary.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It has been described by a French critic as "an attempt to show that nearly all the masters are low-lived wretches, and that nearly all the servants are as near like them as they know how to be."
humornounUS /ˈhjuːmər/
a message whose ingenuity or verbal skill or incongruity has the power to evoke laughter
From this reading It is a terrific social exposure, a grim social satire, crammed with humor, bitterness, and truth.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A French chambermaid, who has served in Paris, in the houses of the nobility, the bourgeois, and professional people, finally enters the service of a rich couple living in the country, and there begins to keep a diary.
institutionsnounUS /ˌɪnstɪˈtuːʃənz/
plural of “institution” — an organization founded and united for a specific purpose
From this reading Thus her diary becomes a piquant panorama of social life and institutions.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading In describing the events of her daily life and the people about her, she is frequently reminded of episodes in her past, and digresses to relate them.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It is a terrific social exposure, a grim social satire, crammed with humor, bitterness, and truth.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading A French chambermaid, who has served in Paris, in the houses of the nobility, the bourgeois, and professional people, finally enters the service of a rich couple living in the country, and there begins to keep a diary.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading It has been described by a French critic as "an attempt to show that nearly all the masters are low-lived wretches, and that nearly all the servants are as near like them as they know how to be."
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading In describing the events of her daily life and the people about her, she is frequently reminded of episodes in her past, and digresses to relate them.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading It has been described by a French critic as "an attempt to show that nearly all the masters are low-lived wretches, and that nearly all the servants are as near like them as they know how to be."
the experience of being alive; the course of human events and activities
From this reading A French chambermaid, who has served in Paris, in the houses of the nobility, the bourgeois, and professional people, finally enters the service of a rich couple living in the country, and there begins to keep a diary.
low-lived
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It has been described by a French critic as "an attempt to show that nearly all the masters are low-lived wretches, and that nearly all the servants are as near like them as they know how to be."
mastersnounUS /ˈmæstərz/
United States poet (1869-1950)
From this reading It has been described by a French critic as "an attempt to show that nearly all the masters are low-lived wretches, and that nearly all the servants are as near like them as they know how to be."
near in time or place or relationship
From this reading It has been described by a French critic as "an attempt to show that nearly all the masters are low-lived wretches, and that nearly all the servants are as near like them as they know how to be."
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading It has been described by a French critic as "an attempt to show that nearly all the masters are low-lived wretches, and that nearly all the servants are as near like them as they know how to be."
nobilitynounUS /noʊˈbɪləti/
a privileged class holding hereditary titles
From this reading A French chambermaid, who has served in Paris, in the houses of the nobility, the bourgeois, and professional people, finally enters the service of a rich couple living in the country, and there begins to keep a diary.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A French chambermaid, who has served in Paris, in the houses of the nobility, the bourgeois, and professional people, finally enters the service of a rich couple living in the country, and there begins to keep a diary.
panoramanounUS /ˌpænərˈæmə/
the visual percept of a region
From this reading Thus her diary becomes a piquant panorama of social life and institutions.
the capital and largest city of France; and international center of culture and commerce
From this reading A French chambermaid, who has served in Paris, in the houses of the nobility, the bourgeois, and professional people, finally enters the service of a rich couple living in the country, and there begins to keep a diary.
the time that has elapsed
From this reading In describing the events of her daily life and the people about her, she is frequently reminded of episodes in her past, and digresses to relate them.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading A French chambermaid, who has served in Paris, in the houses of the nobility, the bourgeois, and professional people, finally enters the service of a rich couple living in the country, and there begins to keep a diary.
piquantadjectiveUS /ˈpiːkənt/
having an agreeably pungent taste
From this reading Thus her diary becomes a piquant panorama of social life and institutions.
professionaladjectiveUS /prəˈfeʃənəl/
engaged in a profession or engaging in as a profession or means of livelihood
From this reading A French chambermaid, who has served in Paris, in the houses of the nobility, the bourgeois, and professional people, finally enters the service of a rich couple living in the country, and there begins to keep a diary.
relateverbUS /rɪˈleɪt/
make a logical or causal connection
From this reading In describing the events of her daily life and the people about her, she is frequently reminded of episodes in her past, and digresses to relate them.
past form of “remind” — put in the mind of someone
From this reading In describing the events of her daily life and the people about her, she is frequently reminded of episodes in her past, and digresses to relate them.
possessing material wealth
From this reading A French chambermaid, who has served in Paris, in the houses of the nobility, the bourgeois, and professional people, finally enters the service of a rich couple living in the country, and there begins to keep a diary.
satirenounUS /ˈsætaɪər/
witty language used to convey insults or scorn
From this reading It is a terrific social exposure, a grim social satire, crammed with humor, bitterness, and truth.
plural of “servant” — a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)
From this reading It has been described by a French critic as "an attempt to show that nearly all the masters are low-lived wretches, and that nearly all the servants are as near like them as they know how to be."
past form of “serve” — serve a purpose, role, or function
From this reading A French chambermaid, who has served in Paris, in the houses of the nobility, the bourgeois, and professional people, finally enters the service of a rich couple living in the country, and there begins to keep a diary.
work done by one person or group that benefits another
From this reading A French chambermaid, who has served in Paris, in the houses of the nobility, the bourgeois, and professional people, finally enters the service of a rich couple living in the country, and there begins to keep a diary.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading In describing the events of her daily life and the people about her, she is frequently reminded of episodes in her past, and digresses to relate them.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading It has been described by a French critic as "an attempt to show that nearly all the masters are low-lived wretches, and that nearly all the servants are as near like them as they know how to be."
relating to human society and its members
From this reading Thus her diary becomes a piquant panorama of social life and institutions.
terrificadjectiveUS /tərˈɪfɪk/
very great or intense
From this reading It is a terrific social exposure, a grim social satire, crammed with humor, bitterness, and truth.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It has been described by a French critic as "an attempt to show that nearly all the masters are low-lived wretches, and that nearly all the servants are as near like them as they know how to be."
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A French chambermaid, who has served in Paris, in the houses of the nobility, the bourgeois, and professional people, finally enters the service of a rich couple living in the country, and there begins to keep a diary.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading In describing the events of her daily life and the people about her, she is frequently reminded of episodes in her past, and digresses to relate them.
in or at that place or location
From this reading A French chambermaid, who has served in Paris, in the houses of the nobility, the bourgeois, and professional people, finally enters the service of a rich couple living in the country, and there begins to keep a diary.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading It has been described by a French critic as "an attempt to show that nearly all the masters are low-lived wretches, and that nearly all the servants are as near like them as they know how to be."
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
From this reading Thus her diary becomes a piquant panorama of social life and institutions.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A French chambermaid, who has served in Paris, in the houses of the nobility, the bourgeois, and professional people, finally enters the service of a rich couple living in the country, and there begins to keep a diary.
a fact that has been verified
From this reading It is a terrific social exposure, a grim social satire, crammed with humor, bitterness, and truth.
which person or people
From this reading A French chambermaid, who has served in Paris, in the houses of the nobility, the bourgeois, and professional people, finally enters the service of a rich couple living in the country, and there begins to keep a diary.
in the company of; together with
From this reading It is a terrific social exposure, a grim social satire, crammed with humor, bitterness, and truth.
wretches
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It has been described by a French critic as "an attempt to show that nearly all the masters are low-lived wretches, and that nearly all the servants are as near like them as they know how to be."
