used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading He had not committed the discourtesy of leaving Lady Garnett's note unanswered; on the contrary, he had answered it both promptly and--as it seemed to him--well, in a letter which was certainly diplomatic, suggesting as it did--at least, to Mary Masters, to whom it had been shown--that he was on the point of an immediate flight South.
agreementnounUS /əˈɡriːmənt/
the statement (oral or written) of an exchange of promises
From this reading She had, at this time less than ever, the mode of persons who wear their hearts upon their sleeves; her mask of half-cynical good-humour was constantly up; and she met the girl's hinted interrogations--for directly the nature of their uneasiness, by a sort of tacit agreement, was not alluded to--with the same smiling indifference, the same air of bland reassurance which she brought to the discussion of a sauce or an _entremet_ at one of those select little dinner-parties on which she piqued herself, and which latterly had been more incessant and more select than ever.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading She had, at this time less than ever, the mode of persons who wear their hearts upon their sleeves; her mask of half-cynical good-humour was constantly up; and she met the girl's hinted interrogations--for directly the nature of their uneasiness, by a sort of tacit agreement, was not alluded to--with the same smiling indifference, the same air of bland reassurance which she brought to the discussion of a sauce or an _entremet_ at one of those select little dinner-parties on which she piqued herself, and which latterly had been more incessant and more select than ever.
alludedverbUS /əˈluːdɪd/
past form of “allude” — make a more or less disguised reference to
From this reading She had, at this time less than ever, the mode of persons who wear their hearts upon their sleeves; her mask of half-cynical good-humour was constantly up; and she met the girl's hinted interrogations--for directly the nature of their uneasiness, by a sort of tacit agreement, was not alluded to--with the same smiling indifference, the same air of bland reassurance which she brought to the discussion of a sauce or an _entremet_ at one of those select little dinner-parties on which she piqued herself, and which latterly had been more incessant and more select than ever.
ambiguousadjectiveUS /æmˈbɪɡjuːəs/
open to two or more interpretations; or of uncertain nature or significance; or (often) intended to mislead
From this reading Whether the elder lady was equally deceived by his ambiguous phrases, it was not so easy to declare.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading He had not committed the discourtesy of leaving Lady Garnett's note unanswered; on the contrary, he had answered it both promptly and--as it seemed to him--well, in a letter which was certainly diplomatic, suggesting as it did--at least, to Mary Masters, to whom it had been shown--that he was on the point of an immediate flight South.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading If Philip Rainham's name, during that long, hard winter and ungracious spring--near the close of which he turned his face, with the least little sigh of regret, to the wall--was not often mentioned in the house in Parton Street, at whose door he had formerly knocked so often, it must not be supposed that by its occupants it had been in any way forgotten.
past form of “answer” — react verbally
From this reading He had not committed the discourtesy of leaving Lady Garnett's note unanswered; on the contrary, he had answered it both promptly and--as it seemed to him--well, in a letter which was certainly diplomatic, suggesting as it did--at least, to Mary Masters, to whom it had been shown--that he was on the point of an immediate flight South.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading If Philip Rainham's name, during that long, hard winter and ungracious spring--near the close of which he turned his face, with the least little sigh of regret, to the wall--was not often mentioned in the house in Parton Street, at whose door he had formerly knocked so often, it must not be supposed that by its occupants it had been in any way forgotten.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading He had not committed the discourtesy of leaving Lady Garnett's note unanswered; on the contrary, he had answered it both promptly and--as it seemed to him--well, in a letter which was certainly diplomatic, suggesting as it did--at least, to Mary Masters, to whom it had been shown--that he was on the point of an immediate flight South.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading If Philip Rainham's name, during that long, hard winter and ungracious spring--near the close of which he turned his face, with the least little sigh of regret, to the wall--was not often mentioned in the house in Parton Street, at whose door he had formerly knocked so often, it must not be supposed that by its occupants it had been in any way forgotten.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading If Philip Rainham's name, during that long, hard winter and ungracious spring--near the close of which he turned his face, with the least little sigh of regret, to the wall--was not often mentioned in the house in Parton Street, at whose door he had formerly knocked so often, it must not be supposed that by its occupants it had been in any way forgotten.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading If Philip Rainham's name, during that long, hard winter and ungracious spring--near the close of which he turned his face, with the least little sigh of regret, to the wall--was not often mentioned in the house in Parton Street, at whose door he had formerly knocked so often, it must not be supposed that by its occupants it had been in any way forgotten.
blandadjectiveUS /blænd/
lacking taste or flavor or tang
From this reading She had, at this time less than ever, the mode of persons who wear their hearts upon their sleeves; her mask of half-cynical good-humour was constantly up; and she met the girl's hinted interrogations--for directly the nature of their uneasiness, by a sort of tacit agreement, was not alluded to--with the same smiling indifference, the same air of bland reassurance which she brought to the discussion of a sauce or an _entremet_ at one of those select little dinner-parties on which she piqued herself, and which latterly had been more incessant and more select than ever.
the two together, not just one
From this reading He had not committed the discourtesy of leaving Lady Garnett's note unanswered; on the contrary, he had answered it both promptly and--as it seemed to him--well, in a letter which was certainly diplomatic, suggesting as it did--at least, to Mary Masters, to whom it had been shown--that he was on the point of an immediate flight South.
inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading She had, at this time less than ever, the mode of persons who wear their hearts upon their sleeves; her mask of half-cynical good-humour was constantly up; and she met the girl's hinted interrogations--for directly the nature of their uneasiness, by a sort of tacit agreement, was not alluded to--with the same smiling indifference, the same air of bland reassurance which she brought to the discussion of a sauce or an _entremet_ at one of those select little dinner-parties on which she piqued herself, and which latterly had been more incessant and more select than ever.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading If Philip Rainham's name, during that long, hard winter and ungracious spring--near the close of which he turned his face, with the least little sigh of regret, to the wall--was not often mentioned in the house in Parton Street, at whose door he had formerly knocked so often, it must not be supposed that by its occupants it had been in any way forgotten.
definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)
From this reading He had not committed the discourtesy of leaving Lady Garnett's note unanswered; on the contrary, he had answered it both promptly and--as it seemed to him--well, in a letter which was certainly diplomatic, suggesting as it did--at least, to Mary Masters, to whom it had been shown--that he was on the point of an immediate flight South.
being full of or promoting cheer; having or showing good spirits
From this reading Only on Mary's sensitive ear something in the elaborately cheerful tone in which she mentioned their vanished friend would occasionally jar.
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading If Philip Rainham's name, during that long, hard winter and ungracious spring--near the close of which he turned his face, with the least little sigh of regret, to the wall--was not often mentioned in the house in Parton Street, at whose door he had formerly knocked so often, it must not be supposed that by its occupants it had been in any way forgotten.
bound or obligated, as under a pledge to a particular cause, action, or attitude
From this reading He had not committed the discourtesy of leaving Lady Garnett's note unanswered; on the contrary, he had answered it both promptly and--as it seemed to him--well, in a letter which was certainly diplomatic, suggesting as it did--at least, to Mary Masters, to whom it had been shown--that he was on the point of an immediate flight South.
without variation or change, in every case
From this reading She had, at this time less than ever, the mode of persons who wear their hearts upon their sleeves; her mask of half-cynical good-humour was constantly up; and she met the girl's hinted interrogations--for directly the nature of their uneasiness, by a sort of tacit agreement, was not alluded to--with the same smiling indifference, the same air of bland reassurance which she brought to the discussion of a sauce or an _entremet_ at one of those select little dinner-parties on which she piqued herself, and which latterly had been more incessant and more select than ever.
very opposed in nature or character or purpose
From this reading He had not committed the discourtesy of leaving Lady Garnett's note unanswered; on the contrary, he had answered it both promptly and--as it seemed to him--well, in a letter which was certainly diplomatic, suggesting as it did--at least, to Mary Masters, to whom it had been shown--that he was on the point of an immediate flight South.
past form of “deceive” — be false to; be dishonest with
From this reading Whether the elder lady was equally deceived by his ambiguous phrases, it was not so easy to declare.
state emphatically and authoritatively
From this reading Whether the elder lady was equally deceived by his ambiguous phrases, it was not so easy to declare.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading He had not committed the discourtesy of leaving Lady Garnett's note unanswered; on the contrary, he had answered it both promptly and--as it seemed to him--well, in a letter which was certainly diplomatic, suggesting as it did--at least, to Mary Masters, to whom it had been shown--that he was on the point of an immediate flight South.
dinner-parties
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She had, at this time less than ever, the mode of persons who wear their hearts upon their sleeves; her mask of half-cynical good-humour was constantly up; and she met the girl's hinted interrogations--for directly the nature of their uneasiness, by a sort of tacit agreement, was not alluded to--with the same smiling indifference, the same air of bland reassurance which she brought to the discussion of a sauce or an _entremet_ at one of those select little dinner-parties on which she piqued herself, and which latterly had been more incessant and more select than ever.
diplomaticadjectiveUS /ˌdɪpləˈmætɪk/
relating to or characteristic of diplomacy
From this reading He had not committed the discourtesy of leaving Lady Garnett's note unanswered; on the contrary, he had answered it both promptly and--as it seemed to him--well, in a letter which was certainly diplomatic, suggesting as it did--at least, to Mary Masters, to whom it had been shown--that he was on the point of an immediate flight South.
without deviation
From this reading She had, at this time less than ever, the mode of persons who wear their hearts upon their sleeves; her mask of half-cynical good-humour was constantly up; and she met the girl's hinted interrogations--for directly the nature of their uneasiness, by a sort of tacit agreement, was not alluded to--with the same smiling indifference, the same air of bland reassurance which she brought to the discussion of a sauce or an _entremet_ at one of those select little dinner-parties on which she piqued herself, and which latterly had been more incessant and more select than ever.
discourtesynoun
an expression of lack of respect
From this reading He had not committed the discourtesy of leaving Lady Garnett's note unanswered; on the contrary, he had answered it both promptly and--as it seemed to him--well, in a letter which was certainly diplomatic, suggesting as it did--at least, to Mary Masters, to whom it had been shown--that he was on the point of an immediate flight South.
an extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic
From this reading She had, at this time less than ever, the mode of persons who wear their hearts upon their sleeves; her mask of half-cynical good-humour was constantly up; and she met the girl's hinted interrogations--for directly the nature of their uneasiness, by a sort of tacit agreement, was not alluded to--with the same smiling indifference, the same air of bland reassurance which she brought to the discussion of a sauce or an _entremet_ at one of those select little dinner-parties on which she piqued herself, and which latterly had been more incessant and more select than ever.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading If Philip Rainham's name, during that long, hard winter and ungracious spring--near the close of which he turned his face, with the least little sigh of regret, to the wall--was not often mentioned in the house in Parton Street, at whose door he had formerly knocked so often, it must not be supposed that by its occupants it had been in any way forgotten.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading If Philip Rainham's name, during that long, hard winter and ungracious spring--near the close of which he turned his face, with the least little sigh of regret, to the wall--was not often mentioned in the house in Parton Street, at whose door he had formerly knocked so often, it must not be supposed that by its occupants it had been in any way forgotten.
the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium
From this reading Only on Mary's sensitive ear something in the elaborately cheerful tone in which she mentioned their vanished friend would occasionally jar.
posing no difficulty; requiring little effort
From this reading Whether the elder lady was equally deceived by his ambiguous phrases, it was not so easy to declare.
elaboratelyadverbUS /ɪˈlæbrətli/
with elaboration
From this reading Only on Mary's sensitive ear something in the elaborately cheerful tone in which she mentioned their vanished friend would occasionally jar.
a person who is older than you are
From this reading Whether the elder lady was equally deceived by his ambiguous phrases, it was not so easy to declare.
entremet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She had, at this time less than ever, the mode of persons who wear their hearts upon their sleeves; her mask of half-cynical good-humour was constantly up; and she met the girl's hinted interrogations--for directly the nature of their uneasiness, by a sort of tacit agreement, was not alluded to--with the same smiling indifference, the same air of bland reassurance which she brought to the discussion of a sauce or an _entremet_ at one of those select little dinner-parties on which she piqued herself, and which latterly had been more incessant and more select than ever.
to the same degree (often followed by “as”)
From this reading Whether the elder lady was equally deceived by his ambiguous phrases, it was not so easy to declare.
at any time
From this reading She had, at this time less than ever, the mode of persons who wear their hearts upon their sleeves; her mask of half-cynical good-humour was constantly up; and she met the girl's hinted interrogations--for directly the nature of their uneasiness, by a sort of tacit agreement, was not alluded to--with the same smiling indifference, the same air of bland reassurance which she brought to the discussion of a sauce or an _entremet_ at one of those select little dinner-parties on which she piqued herself, and which latterly had been more incessant and more select than ever.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading If Philip Rainham's name, during that long, hard winter and ungracious spring--near the close of which he turned his face, with the least little sigh of regret, to the wall--was not often mentioned in the house in Parton Street, at whose door he had formerly knocked so often, it must not be supposed that by its occupants it had been in any way forgotten.
a formation of aircraft in flight
From this reading He had not committed the discourtesy of leaving Lady Garnett's note unanswered; on the contrary, he had answered it both promptly and--as it seemed to him--well, in a letter which was certainly diplomatic, suggesting as it did--at least, to Mary Masters, to whom it had been shown--that he was on the point of an immediate flight South.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading She had, at this time less than ever, the mode of persons who wear their hearts upon their sleeves; her mask of half-cynical good-humour was constantly up; and she met the girl's hinted interrogations--for directly the nature of their uneasiness, by a sort of tacit agreement, was not alluded to--with the same smiling indifference, the same air of bland reassurance which she brought to the discussion of a sauce or an _entremet_ at one of those select little dinner-parties on which she piqued herself, and which latterly had been more incessant and more select than ever.
Not remembered; lapsed from memory.
From this reading If Philip Rainham's name, during that long, hard winter and ungracious spring--near the close of which he turned his face, with the least little sigh of regret, to the wall--was not often mentioned in the house in Parton Street, at whose door he had formerly knocked so often, it must not be supposed that by its occupants it had been in any way forgotten.
at a previous time
From this reading If Philip Rainham's name, during that long, hard winter and ungracious spring--near the close of which he turned his face, with the least little sigh of regret, to the wall--was not often mentioned in the house in Parton Street, at whose door he had formerly knocked so often, it must not be supposed that by its occupants it had been in any way forgotten.
a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading Only on Mary's sensitive ear something in the elaborately cheerful tone in which she mentioned their vanished friend would occasionally jar.
Garnett's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had not committed the discourtesy of leaving Lady Garnett's note unanswered; on the contrary, he had answered it both promptly and--as it seemed to him--well, in a letter which was certainly diplomatic, suggesting as it did--at least, to Mary Masters, to whom it had been shown--that he was on the point of an immediate flight South.
girl'snounUS /ɡɜːrlz/
possessive form of “girl” — a young female
From this reading She had, at this time less than ever, the mode of persons who wear their hearts upon their sleeves; her mask of half-cynical good-humour was constantly up; and she met the girl's hinted interrogations--for directly the nature of their uneasiness, by a sort of tacit agreement, was not alluded to--with the same smiling indifference, the same air of bland reassurance which she brought to the discussion of a sauce or an _entremet_ at one of those select little dinner-parties on which she piqued herself, and which latterly had been more incessant and more select than ever.
good-humour
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She had, at this time less than ever, the mode of persons who wear their hearts upon their sleeves; her mask of half-cynical good-humour was constantly up; and she met the girl's hinted interrogations--for directly the nature of their uneasiness, by a sort of tacit agreement, was not alluded to--with the same smiling indifference, the same air of bland reassurance which she brought to the discussion of a sauce or an _entremet_ at one of those select little dinner-parties on which she piqued herself, and which latterly had been more incessant and more select than ever.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading If Philip Rainham's name, during that long, hard winter and ungracious spring--near the close of which he turned his face, with the least little sigh of regret, to the wall--was not often mentioned in the house in Parton Street, at whose door he had formerly knocked so often, it must not be supposed that by its occupants it had been in any way forgotten.
half-cynical
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She had, at this time less than ever, the mode of persons who wear their hearts upon their sleeves; her mask of half-cynical good-humour was constantly up; and she met the girl's hinted interrogations--for directly the nature of their uneasiness, by a sort of tacit agreement, was not alluded to--with the same smiling indifference, the same air of bland reassurance which she brought to the discussion of a sauce or an _entremet_ at one of those select little dinner-parties on which she piqued herself, and which latterly had been more incessant and more select than ever.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading If Philip Rainham's name, during that long, hard winter and ungracious spring--near the close of which he turned his face, with the least little sigh of regret, to the wall--was not often mentioned in the house in Parton Street, at whose door he had formerly knocked so often, it must not be supposed that by its occupants it had been in any way forgotten.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading If Philip Rainham's name, during that long, hard winter and ungracious spring--near the close of which he turned his face, with the least little sigh of regret, to the wall--was not often mentioned in the house in Parton Street, at whose door he had formerly knocked so often, it must not be supposed that by its occupants it had been in any way forgotten.
a form of whist in which players avoid winning tricks containing hearts or the queen of spades
From this reading She had, at this time less than ever, the mode of persons who wear their hearts upon their sleeves; her mask of half-cynical good-humour was constantly up; and she met the girl's hinted interrogations--for directly the nature of their uneasiness, by a sort of tacit agreement, was not alluded to--with the same smiling indifference, the same air of bland reassurance which she brought to the discussion of a sauce or an _entremet_ at one of those select little dinner-parties on which she piqued herself, and which latterly had been more incessant and more select than ever.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading She had, at this time less than ever, the mode of persons who wear their hearts upon their sleeves; her mask of half-cynical good-humour was constantly up; and she met the girl's hinted interrogations--for directly the nature of their uneasiness, by a sort of tacit agreement, was not alluded to--with the same smiling indifference, the same air of bland reassurance which she brought to the discussion of a sauce or an _entremet_ at one of those select little dinner-parties on which she piqued herself, and which latterly had been more incessant and more select than ever.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading She had, at this time less than ever, the mode of persons who wear their hearts upon their sleeves; her mask of half-cynical good-humour was constantly up; and she met the girl's hinted interrogations--for directly the nature of their uneasiness, by a sort of tacit agreement, was not alluded to--with the same smiling indifference, the same air of bland reassurance which she brought to the discussion of a sauce or an _entremet_ at one of those select little dinner-parties on which she piqued herself, and which latterly had been more incessant and more select than ever.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He had not committed the discourtesy of leaving Lady Garnett's note unanswered; on the contrary, he had answered it both promptly and--as it seemed to him--well, in a letter which was certainly diplomatic, suggesting as it did--at least, to Mary Masters, to whom it had been shown--that he was on the point of an immediate flight South.
hintedverbUS /ˈhɪntəd/
past form of “hint” — drop a hint; intimate by a hint
From this reading She had, at this time less than ever, the mode of persons who wear their hearts upon their sleeves; her mask of half-cynical good-humour was constantly up; and she met the girl's hinted interrogations--for directly the nature of their uneasiness, by a sort of tacit agreement, was not alluded to--with the same smiling indifference, the same air of bland reassurance which she brought to the discussion of a sauce or an _entremet_ at one of those select little dinner-parties on which she piqued herself, and which latterly had been more incessant and more select than ever.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading If Philip Rainham's name, during that long, hard winter and ungracious spring--near the close of which he turned his face, with the least little sigh of regret, to the wall--was not often mentioned in the house in Parton Street, at whose door he had formerly knocked so often, it must not be supposed that by its occupants it had been in any way forgotten.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading If Philip Rainham's name, during that long, hard winter and ungracious spring--near the close of which he turned his face, with the least little sigh of regret, to the wall--was not often mentioned in the house in Parton Street, at whose door he had formerly knocked so often, it must not be supposed that by its occupants it had been in any way forgotten.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading If Philip Rainham's name, during that long, hard winter and ungracious spring--near the close of which he turned his face, with the least little sigh of regret, to the wall--was not often mentioned in the house in Parton Street, at whose door he had formerly knocked so often, it must not be supposed that by its occupants it had been in any way forgotten.
of the present time and place
From this reading He had not committed the discourtesy of leaving Lady Garnett's note unanswered; on the contrary, he had answered it both promptly and--as it seemed to him--well, in a letter which was certainly diplomatic, suggesting as it did--at least, to Mary Masters, to whom it had been shown--that he was on the point of an immediate flight South.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading If Philip Rainham's name, during that long, hard winter and ungracious spring--near the close of which he turned his face, with the least little sigh of regret, to the wall--was not often mentioned in the house in Parton Street, at whose door he had formerly knocked so often, it must not be supposed that by its occupants it had been in any way forgotten.
incessantadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈsesənt/
uninterrupted in time and indefinitely long continuing
From this reading She had, at this time less than ever, the mode of persons who wear their hearts upon their sleeves; her mask of half-cynical good-humour was constantly up; and she met the girl's hinted interrogations--for directly the nature of their uneasiness, by a sort of tacit agreement, was not alluded to--with the same smiling indifference, the same air of bland reassurance which she brought to the discussion of a sauce or an _entremet_ at one of those select little dinner-parties on which she piqued herself, and which latterly had been more incessant and more select than ever.
unbiased impartial unconcern
From this reading She had, at this time less than ever, the mode of persons who wear their hearts upon their sleeves; her mask of half-cynical good-humour was constantly up; and she met the girl's hinted interrogations--for directly the nature of their uneasiness, by a sort of tacit agreement, was not alluded to--with the same smiling indifference, the same air of bland reassurance which she brought to the discussion of a sauce or an _entremet_ at one of those select little dinner-parties on which she piqued herself, and which latterly had been more incessant and more select than ever.
interrogationsnounUS /ˌɪnterəˈɡeɪʃənz/
plural of “interrogation” — a sentence of inquiry that asks for a reply
From this reading She had, at this time less than ever, the mode of persons who wear their hearts upon their sleeves; her mask of half-cynical good-humour was constantly up; and she met the girl's hinted interrogations--for directly the nature of their uneasiness, by a sort of tacit agreement, was not alluded to--with the same smiling indifference, the same air of bland reassurance which she brought to the discussion of a sauce or an _entremet_ at one of those select little dinner-parties on which she piqued herself, and which latterly had been more incessant and more select than ever.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading If Philip Rainham's name, during that long, hard winter and ungracious spring--near the close of which he turned his face, with the least little sigh of regret, to the wall--was not often mentioned in the house in Parton Street, at whose door he had formerly knocked so often, it must not be supposed that by its occupants it had been in any way forgotten.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading If Philip Rainham's name, during that long, hard winter and ungracious spring--near the close of which he turned his face, with the least little sigh of regret, to the wall--was not often mentioned in the house in Parton Street, at whose door he had formerly knocked so often, it must not be supposed that by its occupants it had been in any way forgotten.
jarverbUS /dʒɑːr/
be incompatible; be or come into conflict
From this reading Only on Mary's sensitive ear something in the elaborately cheerful tone in which she mentioned their vanished friend would occasionally jar.
past form of “knock” — deliver a sharp blow or push
From this reading If Philip Rainham's name, during that long, hard winter and ungracious spring--near the close of which he turned his face, with the least little sigh of regret, to the wall--was not often mentioned in the house in Parton Street, at whose door he had formerly knocked so often, it must not be supposed that by its occupants it had been in any way forgotten.
a polite name for any woman
From this reading He had not committed the discourtesy of leaving Lady Garnett's note unanswered; on the contrary, he had answered it both promptly and--as it seemed to him--well, in a letter which was certainly diplomatic, suggesting as it did--at least, to Mary Masters, to whom it had been shown--that he was on the point of an immediate flight South.
latterlyadverb
in the recent past
From this reading She had, at this time less than ever, the mode of persons who wear their hearts upon their sleeves; her mask of half-cynical good-humour was constantly up; and she met the girl's hinted interrogations--for directly the nature of their uneasiness, by a sort of tacit agreement, was not alluded to--with the same smiling indifference, the same air of bland reassurance which she brought to the discussion of a sauce or an _entremet_ at one of those select little dinner-parties on which she piqued herself, and which latterly had been more incessant and more select than ever.
the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree
From this reading If Philip Rainham's name, during that long, hard winter and ungracious spring--near the close of which he turned his face, with the least little sigh of regret, to the wall--was not often mentioned in the house in Parton Street, at whose door he had formerly knocked so often, it must not be supposed that by its occupants it had been in any way forgotten.
the act of departing
From this reading He had not committed the discourtesy of leaving Lady Garnett's note unanswered; on the contrary, he had answered it both promptly and--as it seemed to him--well, in a letter which was certainly diplomatic, suggesting as it did--at least, to Mary Masters, to whom it had been shown--that he was on the point of an immediate flight South.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading She had, at this time less than ever, the mode of persons who wear their hearts upon their sleeves; her mask of half-cynical good-humour was constantly up; and she met the girl's hinted interrogations--for directly the nature of their uneasiness, by a sort of tacit agreement, was not alluded to--with the same smiling indifference, the same air of bland reassurance which she brought to the discussion of a sauce or an _entremet_ at one of those select little dinner-parties on which she piqued herself, and which latterly had been more incessant and more select than ever.
a written message addressed to a person or organization
From this reading He had not committed the discourtesy of leaving Lady Garnett's note unanswered; on the contrary, he had answered it both promptly and--as it seemed to him--well, in a letter which was certainly diplomatic, suggesting as it did--at least, to Mary Masters, to whom it had been shown--that he was on the point of an immediate flight South.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading If Philip Rainham's name, during that long, hard winter and ungracious spring--near the close of which he turned his face, with the least little sigh of regret, to the wall--was not often mentioned in the house in Parton Street, at whose door he had formerly knocked so often, it must not be supposed that by its occupants it had been in any way forgotten.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading If Philip Rainham's name, during that long, hard winter and ungracious spring--near the close of which he turned his face, with the least little sigh of regret, to the wall--was not often mentioned in the house in Parton Street, at whose door he had formerly knocked so often, it must not be supposed that by its occupants it had been in any way forgotten.
the mother of Jesus; Christians refer to her as the Virgin Mary; she is especially honored by Roman Catholics
From this reading He had not committed the discourtesy of leaving Lady Garnett's note unanswered; on the contrary, he had answered it both promptly and--as it seemed to him--well, in a letter which was certainly diplomatic, suggesting as it did--at least, to Mary Masters, to whom it had been shown--that he was on the point of an immediate flight South.
Mary'snounUS /ˈmeriz/
possessive form of “mary” — the mother of Jesus; Christians refer to her as the Virgin Mary; she is especially honored by Roman Catholics
From this reading Only on Mary's sensitive ear something in the elaborately cheerful tone in which she mentioned their vanished friend would occasionally jar.
maskverbUS /mæsk/
hide under a false appearance
From this reading She had, at this time less than ever, the mode of persons who wear their hearts upon their sleeves; her mask of half-cynical good-humour was constantly up; and she met the girl's hinted interrogations--for directly the nature of their uneasiness, by a sort of tacit agreement, was not alluded to--with the same smiling indifference, the same air of bland reassurance which she brought to the discussion of a sauce or an _entremet_ at one of those select little dinner-parties on which she piqued herself, and which latterly had been more incessant and more select than ever.
United States poet (1869-1950)
From this reading He had not committed the discourtesy of leaving Lady Garnett's note unanswered; on the contrary, he had answered it both promptly and--as it seemed to him--well, in a letter which was certainly diplomatic, suggesting as it did--at least, to Mary Masters, to whom it had been shown--that he was on the point of an immediate flight South.
past form of “mention” — make reference to
From this reading If Philip Rainham's name, during that long, hard winter and ungracious spring--near the close of which he turned his face, with the least little sigh of regret, to the wall--was not often mentioned in the house in Parton Street, at whose door he had formerly knocked so often, it must not be supposed that by its occupants it had been in any way forgotten.
inflected form of “meet” — come together
From this reading She had, at this time less than ever, the mode of persons who wear their hearts upon their sleeves; her mask of half-cynical good-humour was constantly up; and she met the girl's hinted interrogations--for directly the nature of their uneasiness, by a sort of tacit agreement, was not alluded to--with the same smiling indifference, the same air of bland reassurance which she brought to the discussion of a sauce or an _entremet_ at one of those select little dinner-parties on which she piqued herself, and which latterly had been more incessant and more select than ever.
modenounUS /moʊd/
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading She had, at this time less than ever, the mode of persons who wear their hearts upon their sleeves; her mask of half-cynical good-humour was constantly up; and she met the girl's hinted interrogations--for directly the nature of their uneasiness, by a sort of tacit agreement, was not alluded to--with the same smiling indifference, the same air of bland reassurance which she brought to the discussion of a sauce or an _entremet_ at one of those select little dinner-parties on which she piqued herself, and which latterly had been more incessant and more select than ever.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading She had, at this time less than ever, the mode of persons who wear their hearts upon their sleeves; her mask of half-cynical good-humour was constantly up; and she met the girl's hinted interrogations--for directly the nature of their uneasiness, by a sort of tacit agreement, was not alluded to--with the same smiling indifference, the same air of bland reassurance which she brought to the discussion of a sauce or an _entremet_ at one of those select little dinner-parties on which she piqued herself, and which latterly had been more incessant and more select than ever.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading If Philip Rainham's name, during that long, hard winter and ungracious spring--near the close of which he turned his face, with the least little sigh of regret, to the wall--was not often mentioned in the house in Parton Street, at whose door he had formerly knocked so often, it must not be supposed that by its occupants it had been in any way forgotten.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading If Philip Rainham's name, during that long, hard winter and ungracious spring--near the close of which he turned his face, with the least little sigh of regret, to the wall--was not often mentioned in the house in Parton Street, at whose door he had formerly knocked so often, it must not be supposed that by its occupants it had been in any way forgotten.
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading She had, at this time less than ever, the mode of persons who wear their hearts upon their sleeves; her mask of half-cynical good-humour was constantly up; and she met the girl's hinted interrogations--for directly the nature of their uneasiness, by a sort of tacit agreement, was not alluded to--with the same smiling indifference, the same air of bland reassurance which she brought to the discussion of a sauce or an _entremet_ at one of those select little dinner-parties on which she piqued herself, and which latterly had been more incessant and more select than ever.
near in time or place or relationship
From this reading If Philip Rainham's name, during that long, hard winter and ungracious spring--near the close of which he turned his face, with the least little sigh of regret, to the wall--was not often mentioned in the house in Parton Street, at whose door he had formerly knocked so often, it must not be supposed that by its occupants it had been in any way forgotten.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading If Philip Rainham's name, during that long, hard winter and ungracious spring--near the close of which he turned his face, with the least little sigh of regret, to the wall--was not often mentioned in the house in Parton Street, at whose door he had formerly knocked so often, it must not be supposed that by its occupants it had been in any way forgotten.
a brief written record
From this reading He had not committed the discourtesy of leaving Lady Garnett's note unanswered; on the contrary, he had answered it both promptly and--as it seemed to him--well, in a letter which was certainly diplomatic, suggesting as it did--at least, to Mary Masters, to whom it had been shown--that he was on the point of an immediate flight South.
sporadically and infrequently
From this reading Only on Mary's sensitive ear something in the elaborately cheerful tone in which she mentioned their vanished friend would occasionally jar.
occupantsnounUS /ˈɑːkjəpənts/
plural of “occupant” — someone who lives at a particular place for a prolonged period or who was born there
From this reading If Philip Rainham's name, during that long, hard winter and ungracious spring--near the close of which he turned his face, with the least little sigh of regret, to the wall--was not often mentioned in the house in Parton Street, at whose door he had formerly knocked so often, it must not be supposed that by its occupants it had been in any way forgotten.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading If Philip Rainham's name, during that long, hard winter and ungracious spring--near the close of which he turned his face, with the least little sigh of regret, to the wall--was not often mentioned in the house in Parton Street, at whose door he had formerly knocked so often, it must not be supposed that by its occupants it had been in any way forgotten.
many times at short intervals
From this reading If Philip Rainham's name, during that long, hard winter and ungracious spring--near the close of which he turned his face, with the least little sigh of regret, to the wall--was not often mentioned in the house in Parton Street, at whose door he had formerly knocked so often, it must not be supposed that by its occupants it had been in any way forgotten.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading He had not committed the discourtesy of leaving Lady Garnett's note unanswered; on the contrary, he had answered it both promptly and--as it seemed to him--well, in a letter which was certainly diplomatic, suggesting as it did--at least, to Mary Masters, to whom it had been shown--that he was on the point of an immediate flight South.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading She had, at this time less than ever, the mode of persons who wear their hearts upon their sleeves; her mask of half-cynical good-humour was constantly up; and she met the girl's hinted interrogations--for directly the nature of their uneasiness, by a sort of tacit agreement, was not alluded to--with the same smiling indifference, the same air of bland reassurance which she brought to the discussion of a sauce or an _entremet_ at one of those select little dinner-parties on which she piqued herself, and which latterly had been more incessant and more select than ever.
and nothing more
From this reading Only on Mary's sensitive ear something in the elaborately cheerful tone in which she mentioned their vanished friend would occasionally jar.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading She had, at this time less than ever, the mode of persons who wear their hearts upon their sleeves; her mask of half-cynical good-humour was constantly up; and she met the girl's hinted interrogations--for directly the nature of their uneasiness, by a sort of tacit agreement, was not alluded to--with the same smiling indifference, the same air of bland reassurance which she brought to the discussion of a sauce or an _entremet_ at one of those select little dinner-parties on which she piqued herself, and which latterly had been more incessant and more select than ever.
Parton
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If Philip Rainham's name, during that long, hard winter and ungracious spring--near the close of which he turned his face, with the least little sigh of regret, to the wall--was not often mentioned in the house in Parton Street, at whose door he had formerly knocked so often, it must not be supposed that by its occupants it had been in any way forgotten.
plural of “person” — a human being
From this reading She had, at this time less than ever, the mode of persons who wear their hearts upon their sleeves; her mask of half-cynical good-humour was constantly up; and she met the girl's hinted interrogations--for directly the nature of their uneasiness, by a sort of tacit agreement, was not alluded to--with the same smiling indifference, the same air of bland reassurance which she brought to the discussion of a sauce or an _entremet_ at one of those select little dinner-parties on which she piqued herself, and which latterly had been more incessant and more select than ever.
Englishman and husband of Elizabeth II (born 1921)
From this reading If Philip Rainham's name, during that long, hard winter and ungracious spring--near the close of which he turned his face, with the least little sigh of regret, to the wall--was not often mentioned in the house in Parton Street, at whose door he had formerly knocked so often, it must not be supposed that by its occupants it had been in any way forgotten.
phrasesnounUS /ˈfreɪzəz/
plural of “phrase” — an expression consisting of one or more words forming a grammatical constituent of a sentence
From this reading Whether the elder lady was equally deceived by his ambiguous phrases, it was not so easy to declare.
piquedverbUS /piːkt/
past form of “pique” — cause to feel resentment or indignation
From this reading She had, at this time less than ever, the mode of persons who wear their hearts upon their sleeves; her mask of half-cynical good-humour was constantly up; and she met the girl's hinted interrogations--for directly the nature of their uneasiness, by a sort of tacit agreement, was not alluded to--with the same smiling indifference, the same air of bland reassurance which she brought to the discussion of a sauce or an _entremet_ at one of those select little dinner-parties on which she piqued herself, and which latterly had been more incessant and more select than ever.
a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading He had not committed the discourtesy of leaving Lady Garnett's note unanswered; on the contrary, he had answered it both promptly and--as it seemed to him--well, in a letter which was certainly diplomatic, suggesting as it did--at least, to Mary Masters, to whom it had been shown--that he was on the point of an immediate flight South.
promptlyadverbUS /ˈprɑːmptli/
with little or no delay
From this reading He had not committed the discourtesy of leaving Lady Garnett's note unanswered; on the contrary, he had answered it both promptly and--as it seemed to him--well, in a letter which was certainly diplomatic, suggesting as it did--at least, to Mary Masters, to whom it had been shown--that he was on the point of an immediate flight South.
Rainham's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If Philip Rainham's name, during that long, hard winter and ungracious spring--near the close of which he turned his face, with the least little sigh of regret, to the wall--was not often mentioned in the house in Parton Street, at whose door he had formerly knocked so often, it must not be supposed that by its occupants it had been in any way forgotten.
reassurancenounUS /ˌriːəˈʃʊrəns/
the act of reassuring; restoring someone's confidence
From this reading She had, at this time less than ever, the mode of persons who wear their hearts upon their sleeves; her mask of half-cynical good-humour was constantly up; and she met the girl's hinted interrogations--for directly the nature of their uneasiness, by a sort of tacit agreement, was not alluded to--with the same smiling indifference, the same air of bland reassurance which she brought to the discussion of a sauce or an _entremet_ at one of those select little dinner-parties on which she piqued herself, and which latterly had been more incessant and more select than ever.
feel remorse for; feel sorry for; be contrite about
From this reading If Philip Rainham's name, during that long, hard winter and ungracious spring--near the close of which he turned his face, with the least little sigh of regret, to the wall--was not often mentioned in the house in Parton Street, at whose door he had formerly knocked so often, it must not be supposed that by its occupants it had been in any way forgotten.
Identical; not different.
From this reading She had, at this time less than ever, the mode of persons who wear their hearts upon their sleeves; her mask of half-cynical good-humour was constantly up; and she met the girl's hinted interrogations--for directly the nature of their uneasiness, by a sort of tacit agreement, was not alluded to--with the same smiling indifference, the same air of bland reassurance which she brought to the discussion of a sauce or an _entremet_ at one of those select little dinner-parties on which she piqued herself, and which latterly had been more incessant and more select than ever.
saucenounUS /sɔːs/
flavorful relish or dressing or topping served as an accompaniment to food
From this reading She had, at this time less than ever, the mode of persons who wear their hearts upon their sleeves; her mask of half-cynical good-humour was constantly up; and she met the girl's hinted interrogations--for directly the nature of their uneasiness, by a sort of tacit agreement, was not alluded to--with the same smiling indifference, the same air of bland reassurance which she brought to the discussion of a sauce or an _entremet_ at one of those select little dinner-parties on which she piqued herself, and which latterly had been more incessant and more select than ever.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading He had not committed the discourtesy of leaving Lady Garnett's note unanswered; on the contrary, he had answered it both promptly and--as it seemed to him--well, in a letter which was certainly diplomatic, suggesting as it did--at least, to Mary Masters, to whom it had been shown--that he was on the point of an immediate flight South.
selectadjectiveUS /səˈlekt/
of superior grade
From this reading She had, at this time less than ever, the mode of persons who wear their hearts upon their sleeves; her mask of half-cynical good-humour was constantly up; and she met the girl's hinted interrogations--for directly the nature of their uneasiness, by a sort of tacit agreement, was not alluded to--with the same smiling indifference, the same air of bland reassurance which she brought to the discussion of a sauce or an _entremet_ at one of those select little dinner-parties on which she piqued herself, and which latterly had been more incessant and more select than ever.
sensitiveadjectiveUS /ˈsensətɪv/
responsive to physical stimuli
From this reading Only on Mary's sensitive ear something in the elaborately cheerful tone in which she mentioned their vanished friend would occasionally jar.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She had, at this time less than ever, the mode of persons who wear their hearts upon their sleeves; her mask of half-cynical good-humour was constantly up; and she met the girl's hinted interrogations--for directly the nature of their uneasiness, by a sort of tacit agreement, was not alluded to--with the same smiling indifference, the same air of bland reassurance which she brought to the discussion of a sauce or an _entremet_ at one of those select little dinner-parties on which she piqued herself, and which latterly had been more incessant and more select than ever.
inflected form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading He had not committed the discourtesy of leaving Lady Garnett's note unanswered; on the contrary, he had answered it both promptly and--as it seemed to him--well, in a letter which was certainly diplomatic, suggesting as it did--at least, to Mary Masters, to whom it had been shown--that he was on the point of an immediate flight South.
heave or utter a sigh; breathe deeply and heavily
From this reading If Philip Rainham's name, during that long, hard winter and ungracious spring--near the close of which he turned his face, with the least little sigh of regret, to the wall--was not often mentioned in the house in Parton Street, at whose door he had formerly knocked so often, it must not be supposed that by its occupants it had been in any way forgotten.
sleevesnounUS /sliːvz/
plural of “sleeve” — the part of a garment that is attached at the armhole and that provides a cloth covering for the arm
From this reading She had, at this time less than ever, the mode of persons who wear their hearts upon their sleeves; her mask of half-cynical good-humour was constantly up; and she met the girl's hinted interrogations--for directly the nature of their uneasiness, by a sort of tacit agreement, was not alluded to--with the same smiling indifference, the same air of bland reassurance which she brought to the discussion of a sauce or an _entremet_ at one of those select little dinner-parties on which she piqued herself, and which latterly had been more incessant and more select than ever.
a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement
From this reading She had, at this time less than ever, the mode of persons who wear their hearts upon their sleeves; her mask of half-cynical good-humour was constantly up; and she met the girl's hinted interrogations--for directly the nature of their uneasiness, by a sort of tacit agreement, was not alluded to--with the same smiling indifference, the same air of bland reassurance which she brought to the discussion of a sauce or an _entremet_ at one of those select little dinner-parties on which she piqued herself, and which latterly had been more incessant and more select than ever.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading If Philip Rainham's name, during that long, hard winter and ungracious spring--near the close of which he turned his face, with the least little sigh of regret, to the wall--was not often mentioned in the house in Parton Street, at whose door he had formerly knocked so often, it must not be supposed that by its occupants it had been in any way forgotten.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading Only on Mary's sensitive ear something in the elaborately cheerful tone in which she mentioned their vanished friend would occasionally jar.
a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading She had, at this time less than ever, the mode of persons who wear their hearts upon their sleeves; her mask of half-cynical good-humour was constantly up; and she met the girl's hinted interrogations--for directly the nature of their uneasiness, by a sort of tacit agreement, was not alluded to--with the same smiling indifference, the same air of bland reassurance which she brought to the discussion of a sauce or an _entremet_ at one of those select little dinner-parties on which she piqued herself, and which latterly had been more incessant and more select than ever.
the region of the United States lying to the south of the Mason-Dixon line
From this reading He had not committed the discourtesy of leaving Lady Garnett's note unanswered; on the contrary, he had answered it both promptly and--as it seemed to him--well, in a letter which was certainly diplomatic, suggesting as it did--at least, to Mary Masters, to whom it had been shown--that he was on the point of an immediate flight South.
the season of growth
From this reading If Philip Rainham's name, during that long, hard winter and ungracious spring--near the close of which he turned his face, with the least little sigh of regret, to the wall--was not often mentioned in the house in Parton Street, at whose door he had formerly knocked so often, it must not be supposed that by its occupants it had been in any way forgotten.
a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading If Philip Rainham's name, during that long, hard winter and ungracious spring--near the close of which he turned his face, with the least little sigh of regret, to the wall--was not often mentioned in the house in Parton Street, at whose door he had formerly knocked so often, it must not be supposed that by its occupants it had been in any way forgotten.
suggestingverbUS /səˈdʒestɪŋ/
-ing form of “suggest” — make a proposal, declare a plan for something
From this reading He had not committed the discourtesy of leaving Lady Garnett's note unanswered; on the contrary, he had answered it both promptly and--as it seemed to him--well, in a letter which was certainly diplomatic, suggesting as it did--at least, to Mary Masters, to whom it had been shown--that he was on the point of an immediate flight South.
required or under orders
From this reading If Philip Rainham's name, during that long, hard winter and ungracious spring--near the close of which he turned his face, with the least little sigh of regret, to the wall--was not often mentioned in the house in Parton Street, at whose door he had formerly knocked so often, it must not be supposed that by its occupants it had been in any way forgotten.
tacitadjectiveUS /ˈtæsɪt/
implied by or inferred from actions or statements
From this reading She had, at this time less than ever, the mode of persons who wear their hearts upon their sleeves; her mask of half-cynical good-humour was constantly up; and she met the girl's hinted interrogations--for directly the nature of their uneasiness, by a sort of tacit agreement, was not alluded to--with the same smiling indifference, the same air of bland reassurance which she brought to the discussion of a sauce or an _entremet_ at one of those select little dinner-parties on which she piqued herself, and which latterly had been more incessant and more select than ever.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading She had, at this time less than ever, the mode of persons who wear their hearts upon their sleeves; her mask of half-cynical good-humour was constantly up; and she met the girl's hinted interrogations--for directly the nature of their uneasiness, by a sort of tacit agreement, was not alluded to--with the same smiling indifference, the same air of bland reassurance which she brought to the discussion of a sauce or an _entremet_ at one of those select little dinner-parties on which she piqued herself, and which latterly had been more incessant and more select than ever.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading If Philip Rainham's name, during that long, hard winter and ungracious spring--near the close of which he turned his face, with the least little sigh of regret, to the wall--was not often mentioned in the house in Parton Street, at whose door he had formerly knocked so often, it must not be supposed that by its occupants it had been in any way forgotten.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading If Philip Rainham's name, during that long, hard winter and ungracious spring--near the close of which he turned his face, with the least little sigh of regret, to the wall--was not often mentioned in the house in Parton Street, at whose door he had formerly knocked so often, it must not be supposed that by its occupants it had been in any way forgotten.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading She had, at this time less than ever, the mode of persons who wear their hearts upon their sleeves; her mask of half-cynical good-humour was constantly up; and she met the girl's hinted interrogations--for directly the nature of their uneasiness, by a sort of tacit agreement, was not alluded to--with the same smiling indifference, the same air of bland reassurance which she brought to the discussion of a sauce or an _entremet_ at one of those select little dinner-parties on which she piqued herself, and which latterly had been more incessant and more select than ever.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading She had, at this time less than ever, the mode of persons who wear their hearts upon their sleeves; her mask of half-cynical good-humour was constantly up; and she met the girl's hinted interrogations--for directly the nature of their uneasiness, by a sort of tacit agreement, was not alluded to--with the same smiling indifference, the same air of bland reassurance which she brought to the discussion of a sauce or an _entremet_ at one of those select little dinner-parties on which she piqued herself, and which latterly had been more incessant and more select than ever.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading She had, at this time less than ever, the mode of persons who wear their hearts upon their sleeves; her mask of half-cynical good-humour was constantly up; and she met the girl's hinted interrogations--for directly the nature of their uneasiness, by a sort of tacit agreement, was not alluded to--with the same smiling indifference, the same air of bland reassurance which she brought to the discussion of a sauce or an _entremet_ at one of those select little dinner-parties on which she piqued herself, and which latterly had been more incessant and more select than ever.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading She had, at this time less than ever, the mode of persons who wear their hearts upon their sleeves; her mask of half-cynical good-humour was constantly up; and she met the girl's hinted interrogations--for directly the nature of their uneasiness, by a sort of tacit agreement, was not alluded to--with the same smiling indifference, the same air of bland reassurance which she brought to the discussion of a sauce or an _entremet_ at one of those select little dinner-parties on which she piqued herself, and which latterly had been more incessant and more select than ever.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading If Philip Rainham's name, during that long, hard winter and ungracious spring--near the close of which he turned his face, with the least little sigh of regret, to the wall--was not often mentioned in the house in Parton Street, at whose door he had formerly knocked so often, it must not be supposed that by its occupants it had been in any way forgotten.
the quality of a person's voice
From this reading Only on Mary's sensitive ear something in the elaborately cheerful tone in which she mentioned their vanished friend would occasionally jar.
moved around an axis or center
From this reading If Philip Rainham's name, during that long, hard winter and ungracious spring--near the close of which he turned his face, with the least little sigh of regret, to the wall--was not often mentioned in the house in Parton Street, at whose door he had formerly knocked so often, it must not be supposed that by its occupants it had been in any way forgotten.
unansweredadjectiveUS /ˌʌˈnænsərd/
not returned in kind
From this reading He had not committed the discourtesy of leaving Lady Garnett's note unanswered; on the contrary, he had answered it both promptly and--as it seemed to him--well, in a letter which was certainly diplomatic, suggesting as it did--at least, to Mary Masters, to whom it had been shown--that he was on the point of an immediate flight South.
uneasinessnounUS /ˌʌˈniːzinəs/
feelings of anxiety that make you tense and irritable
From this reading She had, at this time less than ever, the mode of persons who wear their hearts upon their sleeves; her mask of half-cynical good-humour was constantly up; and she met the girl's hinted interrogations--for directly the nature of their uneasiness, by a sort of tacit agreement, was not alluded to--with the same smiling indifference, the same air of bland reassurance which she brought to the discussion of a sauce or an _entremet_ at one of those select little dinner-parties on which she piqued herself, and which latterly had been more incessant and more select than ever.
ungraciousadjective
lacking charm and good taste
From this reading If Philip Rainham's name, during that long, hard winter and ungracious spring--near the close of which he turned his face, with the least little sigh of regret, to the wall--was not often mentioned in the house in Parton Street, at whose door he had formerly knocked so often, it must not be supposed that by its occupants it had been in any way forgotten.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading She had, at this time less than ever, the mode of persons who wear their hearts upon their sleeves; her mask of half-cynical good-humour was constantly up; and she met the girl's hinted interrogations--for directly the nature of their uneasiness, by a sort of tacit agreement, was not alluded to--with the same smiling indifference, the same air of bland reassurance which she brought to the discussion of a sauce or an _entremet_ at one of those select little dinner-parties on which she piqued herself, and which latterly had been more incessant and more select than ever.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading She had, at this time less than ever, the mode of persons who wear their hearts upon their sleeves; her mask of half-cynical good-humour was constantly up; and she met the girl's hinted interrogations--for directly the nature of their uneasiness, by a sort of tacit agreement, was not alluded to--with the same smiling indifference, the same air of bland reassurance which she brought to the discussion of a sauce or an _entremet_ at one of those select little dinner-parties on which she piqued herself, and which latterly had been more incessant and more select than ever.
having passed out of existence
From this reading Only on Mary's sensitive ear something in the elaborately cheerful tone in which she mentioned their vanished friend would occasionally jar.
an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure
From this reading If Philip Rainham's name, during that long, hard winter and ungracious spring--near the close of which he turned his face, with the least little sigh of regret, to the wall--was not often mentioned in the house in Parton Street, at whose door he had formerly knocked so often, it must not be supposed that by its occupants it had been in any way forgotten.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading If Philip Rainham's name, during that long, hard winter and ungracious spring--near the close of which he turned his face, with the least little sigh of regret, to the wall--was not often mentioned in the house in Parton Street, at whose door he had formerly knocked so often, it must not be supposed that by its occupants it had been in any way forgotten.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading If Philip Rainham's name, during that long, hard winter and ungracious spring--near the close of which he turned his face, with the least little sigh of regret, to the wall--was not often mentioned in the house in Parton Street, at whose door he had formerly knocked so often, it must not be supposed that by its occupants it had been in any way forgotten.
be dressed in
From this reading She had, at this time less than ever, the mode of persons who wear their hearts upon their sleeves; her mask of half-cynical good-humour was constantly up; and she met the girl's hinted interrogations--for directly the nature of their uneasiness, by a sort of tacit agreement, was not alluded to--with the same smiling indifference, the same air of bland reassurance which she brought to the discussion of a sauce or an _entremet_ at one of those select little dinner-parties on which she piqued herself, and which latterly had been more incessant and more select than ever.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading He had not committed the discourtesy of leaving Lady Garnett's note unanswered; on the contrary, he had answered it both promptly and--as it seemed to him--well, in a letter which was certainly diplomatic, suggesting as it did--at least, to Mary Masters, to whom it had been shown--that he was on the point of an immediate flight South.
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading Whether the elder lady was equally deceived by his ambiguous phrases, it was not so easy to declare.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading If Philip Rainham's name, during that long, hard winter and ungracious spring--near the close of which he turned his face, with the least little sigh of regret, to the wall--was not often mentioned in the house in Parton Street, at whose door he had formerly knocked so often, it must not be supposed that by its occupants it had been in any way forgotten.
which person or people
From this reading She had, at this time less than ever, the mode of persons who wear their hearts upon their sleeves; her mask of half-cynical good-humour was constantly up; and she met the girl's hinted interrogations--for directly the nature of their uneasiness, by a sort of tacit agreement, was not alluded to--with the same smiling indifference, the same air of bland reassurance which she brought to the discussion of a sauce or an _entremet_ at one of those select little dinner-parties on which she piqued herself, and which latterly had been more incessant and more select than ever.
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He had not committed the discourtesy of leaving Lady Garnett's note unanswered; on the contrary, he had answered it both promptly and--as it seemed to him--well, in a letter which was certainly diplomatic, suggesting as it did--at least, to Mary Masters, to whom it had been shown--that he was on the point of an immediate flight South.
belonging to which person
From this reading If Philip Rainham's name, during that long, hard winter and ungracious spring--near the close of which he turned his face, with the least little sigh of regret, to the wall--was not often mentioned in the house in Parton Street, at whose door he had formerly knocked so often, it must not be supposed that by its occupants it had been in any way forgotten.
the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox
From this reading If Philip Rainham's name, during that long, hard winter and ungracious spring--near the close of which he turned his face, with the least little sigh of regret, to the wall--was not often mentioned in the house in Parton Street, at whose door he had formerly knocked so often, it must not be supposed that by its occupants it had been in any way forgotten.
in the company of; together with
From this reading If Philip Rainham's name, during that long, hard winter and ungracious spring--near the close of which he turned his face, with the least little sigh of regret, to the wall--was not often mentioned in the house in Parton Street, at whose door he had formerly knocked so often, it must not be supposed that by its occupants it had been in any way forgotten.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Only on Mary's sensitive ear something in the elaborately cheerful tone in which she mentioned their vanished friend would occasionally jar.
