used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The next moment he found himself returning a stiff, icy bow from his uncle's widow, a half-embarrassed greeting from Mrs. Carroll, and shaking hands with the beautiful Lora, who gave him a shy yet perfectly self-possessed welcome and referred to his visit to the country two years before in a pretty, _naive_ way, showing that she remembered him perfectly; although, as she averred, she was little more than a child at the time.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading They sat down, and he and Miss Carroll had the talk mostly to themselves, though now and then his glance strayed from her bright, vivacious countenance to the sad, white face of the young widow sitting beside her mother on the sofa, the dark lashes shading her colorless cheeks, a sorrowful droop about her beautiful lips as if her thoughts dwelt on some mournful theme.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading Howard had heard people say that she looked ill and pale since Mr. St. John's death, and that after all she must have cared for him a little.
(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 Howard had heard people say that she looked ill and pale since Mr. St. John's death, and that after all she must have cared for him a little.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading The next moment he found himself returning a stiff, icy bow from his uncle's widow, a half-embarrassed greeting from Mrs. Carroll, and shaking hands with the beautiful Lora, who gave him a shy yet perfectly self-possessed welcome and referred to his visit to the country two years before in a pretty, _naive_ way, showing that she remembered him perfectly; although, as she averred, she was little more than a child at the time.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The door swung slowly open, and the gray-haired old servitor whom Howard could remember from childhood, took his card and disappeared down the hallway.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The next moment he found himself returning a stiff, icy bow from his uncle's widow, a half-embarrassed greeting from Mrs. Carroll, and shaking hands with the beautiful Lora, who gave him a shy yet perfectly self-possessed welcome and referred to his visit to the country two years before in a pretty, _naive_ way, showing that she remembered him perfectly; although, as she averred, she was little more than a child at the time.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The next moment he found himself returning a stiff, icy bow from his uncle's widow, a half-embarrassed greeting from Mrs. Carroll, and shaking hands with the beautiful Lora, who gave him a shy yet perfectly self-possessed welcome and referred to his visit to the country two years before in a pretty, _naive_ way, showing that she remembered him perfectly; although, as she averred, she was little more than a child at the time.
averred
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The next moment he found himself returning a stiff, icy bow from his uncle's widow, a half-embarrassed greeting from Mrs. Carroll, and shaking hands with the beautiful Lora, who gave him a shy yet perfectly self-possessed welcome and referred to his visit to the country two years before in a pretty, _naive_ way, showing that she remembered him perfectly; although, as she averred, she was little more than a child at the time.
delighting the senses or exciting intellectual or emotional admiration
From this reading The next moment he found himself returning a stiff, icy bow from his uncle's widow, a half-embarrassed greeting from Mrs. Carroll, and shaking hands with the beautiful Lora, who gave him a shy yet perfectly self-possessed welcome and referred to his visit to the country two years before in a pretty, _naive_ way, showing that she remembered him perfectly; although, as she averred, she was little more than a child at the time.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading The next moment he found himself returning a stiff, icy bow from his uncle's widow, a half-embarrassed greeting from Mrs. Carroll, and shaking hands with the beautiful Lora, who gave him a shy yet perfectly self-possessed welcome and referred to his visit to the country two years before in a pretty, _naive_ way, showing that she remembered him perfectly; although, as she averred, she was little more than a child at the time.
next to; at the side of
From this reading They sat down, and he and Miss Carroll had the talk mostly to themselves, though now and then his glance strayed from her bright, vivacious countenance to the sad, white face of the young widow sitting beside her mother on the sofa, the dark lashes shading her colorless cheeks, a sorrowful droop about her beautiful lips as if her thoughts dwelt on some mournful theme.
a knot with two loops and loose ends; used to tie shoelaces
From this reading The next moment he found himself returning a stiff, icy bow from his uncle's widow, a half-embarrassed greeting from Mrs. Carroll, and shaking hands with the beautiful Lora, who gave him a shy yet perfectly self-possessed welcome and referred to his visit to the country two years before in a pretty, _naive_ way, showing that she remembered him perfectly; although, as she averred, she was little more than a child at the time.
emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts
From this reading They sat down, and he and Miss Carroll had the talk mostly to themselves, though now and then his glance strayed from her bright, vivacious countenance to the sad, white face of the young widow sitting beside her mother on the sofa, the dark lashes shading her colorless cheeks, a sorrowful droop about her beautiful lips as if her thoughts dwelt on some mournful theme.
one of a set of small pieces of stiff paper marked in various ways and used for playing games or for telling fortunes
From this reading The door swung slowly open, and the gray-haired old servitor whom Howard could remember from childhood, took his card and disappeared down the hallway.
past form of “care” — feel concern or interest
From this reading Howard had heard people say that she looked ill and pale since Mr. St. John's death, and that after all she must have cared for him a little.
CarrollnounUS /ˈkærəl/
English author; Charles Dodgson was an Oxford don of mathematics who is remembered for the children's stories he wrote under the pen name Lewis Carroll (1832-1898)
From this reading The next moment he found himself returning a stiff, icy bow from his uncle's widow, a half-embarrassed greeting from Mrs. Carroll, and shaking hands with the beautiful Lora, who gave him a shy yet perfectly self-possessed welcome and referred to his visit to the country two years before in a pretty, _naive_ way, showing that she remembered him perfectly; although, as she averred, she was little more than a child at the time.
plural of “cheek” — either side of the face below the eyes
From this reading They sat down, and he and Miss Carroll had the talk mostly to themselves, though now and then his glance strayed from her bright, vivacious countenance to the sad, white face of the young widow sitting beside her mother on the sofa, the dark lashes shading her colorless cheeks, a sorrowful droop about her beautiful lips as if her thoughts dwelt on some mournful theme.
a young person of either sex
From this reading The next moment he found himself returning a stiff, icy bow from his uncle's widow, a half-embarrassed greeting from Mrs. Carroll, and shaking hands with the beautiful Lora, who gave him a shy yet perfectly self-possessed welcome and referred to his visit to the country two years before in a pretty, _naive_ way, showing that she remembered him perfectly; although, as she averred, she was little more than a child at the time.
childhoodnounUS /ˈtʃaɪldhʊd/
the time of person's life when they are a child
From this reading The door swung slowly open, and the gray-haired old servitor whom Howard could remember from childhood, took his card and disappeared down the hallway.
colorlessadjectiveUS /ˈkʌlərləs/
lacking in variety and interest
From this reading They sat down, and he and Miss Carroll had the talk mostly to themselves, though now and then his glance strayed from her bright, vivacious countenance to the sad, white face of the young widow sitting beside her mother on the sofa, the dark lashes shading her colorless cheeks, a sorrowful droop about her beautiful lips as if her thoughts dwelt on some mournful theme.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading The door swung slowly open, and the gray-haired old servitor whom Howard could remember from childhood, took his card and disappeared down the hallway.
the appearance conveyed by a person's face
From this reading They sat down, and he and Miss Carroll had the talk mostly to themselves, though now and then his glance strayed from her bright, vivacious countenance to the sad, white face of the young widow sitting beside her mother on the sofa, the dark lashes shading her colorless cheeks, a sorrowful droop about her beautiful lips as if her thoughts dwelt on some mournful theme.
a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading The next moment he found himself returning a stiff, icy bow from his uncle's widow, a half-embarrassed greeting from Mrs. Carroll, and shaking hands with the beautiful Lora, who gave him a shy yet perfectly self-possessed welcome and referred to his visit to the country two years before in a pretty, _naive_ way, showing that she remembered him perfectly; although, as she averred, she was little more than a child at the time.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading They sat down, and he and Miss Carroll had the talk mostly to themselves, though now and then his glance strayed from her bright, vivacious countenance to the sad, white face of the young widow sitting beside her mother on the sofa, the dark lashes shading her colorless cheeks, a sorrowful droop about her beautiful lips as if her thoughts dwelt on some mournful theme.
the event of dying or departure from life
From this reading Howard had heard people say that she looked ill and pale since Mr. St. John's death, and that after all she must have cared for him a little.
past form of “disappear” — get lost, as without warning or explanation
From this reading The door swung slowly open, and the gray-haired old servitor whom Howard could remember from childhood, took his card and disappeared down the hallway.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading The door swung slowly open, and the gray-haired old servitor whom Howard could remember from childhood, took his card and disappeared down the hallway.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading The door swung slowly open, and the gray-haired old servitor whom Howard could remember from childhood, took his card and disappeared down the hallway.
drawing-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Presently he returned, and informed the young man that the ladies would receive him; and Howard, half regretting, when too late, the hasty impulse that had prompted him enter, was ushered into the drawing-room.
droopverbUS /druːp/
droop, sink, or settle from or as if from pressure or loss of tautness
From this reading They sat down, and he and Miss Carroll had the talk mostly to themselves, though now and then his glance strayed from her bright, vivacious countenance to the sad, white face of the young widow sitting beside her mother on the sofa, the dark lashes shading her colorless cheeks, a sorrowful droop about her beautiful lips as if her thoughts dwelt on some mournful theme.
dweltverbUS /dwelt/
inflected form of “dwell” — think moodily or anxiously about something
From this reading They sat down, and he and Miss Carroll had the talk mostly to themselves, though now and then his glance strayed from her bright, vivacious countenance to the sad, white face of the young widow sitting beside her mother on the sofa, the dark lashes shading her colorless cheeks, a sorrowful droop about her beautiful lips as if her thoughts dwelt on some mournful theme.
to come or go into
From this reading Presently he returned, and informed the young man that the ladies would receive him; and Howard, half regretting, when too late, the hasty impulse that had prompted him enter, was ushered into the drawing-room.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading They sat down, and he and Miss Carroll had the talk mostly to themselves, though now and then his glance strayed from her bright, vivacious countenance to the sad, white face of the young widow sitting beside her mother on the sofa, the dark lashes shading her colorless cheeks, a sorrowful droop about her beautiful lips as if her thoughts dwelt on some mournful theme.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Howard had heard people say that she looked ill and pale since Mr. St. John's death, and that after all she must have cared for him a little.
set up or found
From this reading The next moment he found himself returning a stiff, icy bow from his uncle's widow, a half-embarrassed greeting from Mrs. Carroll, and shaking hands with the beautiful Lora, who gave him a shy yet perfectly self-possessed welcome and referred to his visit to the country two years before in a pretty, _naive_ way, showing that she remembered him perfectly; although, as she averred, she was little more than a child at the time.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The door swung slowly open, and the gray-haired old servitor whom Howard could remember from childhood, took his card and disappeared down the hallway.
inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading The next moment he found himself returning a stiff, icy bow from his uncle's widow, a half-embarrassed greeting from Mrs. Carroll, and shaking hands with the beautiful Lora, who gave him a shy yet perfectly self-possessed welcome and referred to his visit to the country two years before in a pretty, _naive_ way, showing that she remembered him perfectly; although, as she averred, she was little more than a child at the time.
throw a glance at; take a brief look at
From this reading They sat down, and he and Miss Carroll had the talk mostly to themselves, though now and then his glance strayed from her bright, vivacious countenance to the sad, white face of the young widow sitting beside her mother on the sofa, the dark lashes shading her colorless cheeks, a sorrowful droop about her beautiful lips as if her thoughts dwelt on some mournful theme.
gray-hairedadjective
showing characteristics of age, especially having grey or white hair
From this reading The door swung slowly open, and the gray-haired old servitor whom Howard could remember from childhood, took his card and disappeared down the hallway.
greetingnounUS /ˈɡriːtɪŋ/
(usually plural) an acknowledgment or expression of good will (especially on meeting)
From this reading The next moment he found himself returning a stiff, icy bow from his uncle's widow, a half-embarrassed greeting from Mrs. Carroll, and shaking hands with the beautiful Lora, who gave him a shy yet perfectly self-possessed welcome and referred to his visit to the country two years before in a pretty, _naive_ way, showing that she remembered him perfectly; although, as she averred, she was little more than a child at the time.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Presently he returned, and informed the young man that the ladies would receive him; and Howard, half regretting, when too late, the hasty impulse that had prompted him enter, was ushered into the drawing-room.
consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity
From this reading Presently he returned, and informed the young man that the ladies would receive him; and Howard, half regretting, when too late, the hasty impulse that had prompted him enter, was ushered into the drawing-room.
half-embarrassed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The next moment he found himself returning a stiff, icy bow from his uncle's widow, a half-embarrassed greeting from Mrs. Carroll, and shaking hands with the beautiful Lora, who gave him a shy yet perfectly self-possessed welcome and referred to his visit to the country two years before in a pretty, _naive_ way, showing that she remembered him perfectly; although, as she averred, she was little more than a child at the time.
hallwaynounUS /ˈhɔːlweɪ/
an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open
From this reading The door swung slowly open, and the gray-haired old servitor whom Howard could remember from childhood, took his card and disappeared down the hallway.
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading The next moment he found himself returning a stiff, icy bow from his uncle's widow, a half-embarrassed greeting from Mrs. Carroll, and shaking hands with the beautiful Lora, who gave him a shy yet perfectly self-possessed welcome and referred to his visit to the country two years before in a pretty, _naive_ way, showing that she remembered him perfectly; although, as she averred, she was little more than a child at the time.
hastyadjectiveUS /ˈheɪsti/
excessively quick
From this reading Presently he returned, and informed the young man that the ladies would receive him; and Howard, half regretting, when too late, the hasty impulse that had prompted him enter, was ushered into the drawing-room.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Howard had heard people say that she looked ill and pale since Mr. St. John's death, and that after all she must have cared for him a little.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Presently he returned, and informed the young man that the ladies would receive him; and Howard, half regretting, when too late, the hasty impulse that had prompted him enter, was ushered into the drawing-room.
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading Howard had heard people say that she looked ill and pale since Mr. St. John's death, and that after all she must have cared for him a little.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading They sat down, and he and Miss Carroll had the talk mostly to themselves, though now and then his glance strayed from her bright, vivacious countenance to the sad, white face of the young widow sitting beside her mother on the sofa, the dark lashes shading her colorless cheeks, a sorrowful droop about her beautiful lips as if her thoughts dwelt on some mournful theme.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Presently he returned, and informed the young man that the ladies would receive him; and Howard, half regretting, when too late, the hasty impulse that had prompted him enter, was ushered into the drawing-room.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading The next moment he found himself returning a stiff, icy bow from his uncle's widow, a half-embarrassed greeting from Mrs. Carroll, and shaking hands with the beautiful Lora, who gave him a shy yet perfectly self-possessed welcome and referred to his visit to the country two years before in a pretty, _naive_ way, showing that she remembered him perfectly; although, as she averred, she was little more than a child at the time.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The door swung slowly open, and the gray-haired old servitor whom Howard could remember from childhood, took his card and disappeared down the hallway.
HowardnounUS /ˈhaʊərd/
English actor of stage and screen (1893-1943)
From this reading The door swung slowly open, and the gray-haired old servitor whom Howard could remember from childhood, took his card and disappeared down the hallway.
icyadjectiveUS /ˈaɪsi/
devoid of warmth and cordiality; expressive of unfriendliness or disdain
From this reading The next moment he found himself returning a stiff, icy bow from his uncle's widow, a half-embarrassed greeting from Mrs. Carroll, and shaking hands with the beautiful Lora, who gave him a shy yet perfectly self-possessed welcome and referred to his visit to the country two years before in a pretty, _naive_ way, showing that she remembered him perfectly; although, as she averred, she was little more than a child at the time.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading They sat down, and he and Miss Carroll had the talk mostly to themselves, though now and then his glance strayed from her bright, vivacious countenance to the sad, white face of the young widow sitting beside her mother on the sofa, the dark lashes shading her colorless cheeks, a sorrowful droop about her beautiful lips as if her thoughts dwelt on some mournful theme.
affected by an impairment of normal physical or mental function
From this reading Howard had heard people say that she looked ill and pale since Mr. St. John's death, and that after all she must have cared for him a little.
an instinctive motive
From this reading Presently he returned, and informed the young man that the ladies would receive him; and Howard, half regretting, when too late, the hasty impulse that had prompted him enter, was ushered into the drawing-room.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The next moment he found himself returning a stiff, icy bow from his uncle's widow, a half-embarrassed greeting from Mrs. Carroll, and shaking hands with the beautiful Lora, who gave him a shy yet perfectly self-possessed welcome and referred to his visit to the country two years before in a pretty, _naive_ way, showing that she remembered him perfectly; although, as she averred, she was little more than a child at the time.
having much knowledge or education
From this reading Presently he returned, and informed the young man that the ladies would receive him; and Howard, half regretting, when too late, the hasty impulse that had prompted him enter, was ushered into the drawing-room.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Presently he returned, and informed the young man that the ladies would receive him; and Howard, half regretting, when too late, the hasty impulse that had prompted him enter, was ushered into the drawing-room.
John'snounUS /dʒɑːnz/
possessive form of “john” — a room or building equipped with one or more toilets
From this reading Howard had heard people say that she looked ill and pale since Mr. St. John's death, and that after all she must have cared for him a little.
plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman
From this reading Presently he returned, and informed the young man that the ladies would receive him; and Howard, half regretting, when too late, the hasty impulse that had prompted him enter, was ushered into the drawing-room.
lashesnounUS /ˈlæʃɪz/
plural of “lash” — any of the short curved hairs that grow from the edges of the eyelids
From this reading They sat down, and he and Miss Carroll had the talk mostly to themselves, though now and then his glance strayed from her bright, vivacious countenance to the sad, white face of the young widow sitting beside her mother on the sofa, the dark lashes shading her colorless cheeks, a sorrowful droop about her beautiful lips as if her thoughts dwelt on some mournful theme.
being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time
From this reading Presently he returned, and informed the young man that the ladies would receive him; and Howard, half regretting, when too late, the hasty impulse that had prompted him enter, was ushered into the drawing-room.
plural of “lip” — either of two fleshy folds of tissue that surround the mouth and play a role in speaking
From this reading They sat down, and he and Miss Carroll had the talk mostly to themselves, though now and then his glance strayed from her bright, vivacious countenance to the sad, white face of the young widow sitting beside her mother on the sofa, the dark lashes shading her colorless cheeks, a sorrowful droop about her beautiful lips as if her thoughts dwelt on some mournful theme.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The next moment he found himself returning a stiff, icy bow from his uncle's widow, a half-embarrassed greeting from Mrs. Carroll, and shaking hands with the beautiful Lora, who gave him a shy yet perfectly self-possessed welcome and referred to his visit to the country two years before in a pretty, _naive_ way, showing that she remembered him perfectly; although, as she averred, she was little more than a child at the time.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading Howard had heard people say that she looked ill and pale since Mr. St. John's death, and that after all she must have cared for him a little.
Lora
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The next moment he found himself returning a stiff, icy bow from his uncle's widow, a half-embarrassed greeting from Mrs. Carroll, and shaking hands with the beautiful Lora, who gave him a shy yet perfectly self-possessed welcome and referred to his visit to the country two years before in a pretty, _naive_ way, showing that she remembered him perfectly; although, as she averred, she was little more than a child at the time.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Presently he returned, and informed the young man that the ladies would receive him; and Howard, half regretting, when too late, the hasty impulse that had prompted him enter, was ushered into the drawing-room.
fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind
From this reading They sat down, and he and Miss Carroll had the talk mostly to themselves, though now and then his glance strayed from her bright, vivacious countenance to the sad, white face of the young widow sitting beside her mother on the sofa, the dark lashes shading her colorless cheeks, a sorrowful droop about her beautiful lips as if her thoughts dwelt on some mournful theme.
a particular point in time
From this reading The next moment he found himself returning a stiff, icy bow from his uncle's widow, a half-embarrassed greeting from Mrs. Carroll, and shaking hands with the beautiful Lora, who gave him a shy yet perfectly self-possessed welcome and referred to his visit to the country two years before in a pretty, _naive_ way, showing that she remembered him perfectly; although, as she averred, she was little more than a child at the time.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading The next moment he found himself returning a stiff, icy bow from his uncle's widow, a half-embarrassed greeting from Mrs. Carroll, and shaking hands with the beautiful Lora, who gave him a shy yet perfectly self-possessed welcome and referred to his visit to the country two years before in a pretty, _naive_ way, showing that she remembered him perfectly; although, as she averred, she was little more than a child at the time.
mostlyadverbUS /ˈmoʊstli/
in large part; mainly or chiefly
From this reading They sat down, and he and Miss Carroll had the talk mostly to themselves, though now and then his glance strayed from her bright, vivacious countenance to the sad, white face of the young widow sitting beside her mother on the sofa, the dark lashes shading her colorless cheeks, a sorrowful droop about her beautiful lips as if her thoughts dwelt on some mournful theme.
a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading They sat down, and he and Miss Carroll had the talk mostly to themselves, though now and then his glance strayed from her bright, vivacious countenance to the sad, white face of the young widow sitting beside her mother on the sofa, the dark lashes shading her colorless cheeks, a sorrowful droop about her beautiful lips as if her thoughts dwelt on some mournful theme.
mournfuladjectiveUS /ˈmɔːrnfəl/
expressing sorrow
From this reading They sat down, and he and Miss Carroll had the talk mostly to themselves, though now and then his glance strayed from her bright, vivacious countenance to the sad, white face of the young widow sitting beside her mother on the sofa, the dark lashes shading her colorless cheeks, a sorrowful droop about her beautiful lips as if her thoughts dwelt on some mournful theme.
a form of address for a man
From this reading Howard had heard people say that she looked ill and pale since Mr. St. John's death, and that after all she must have cared for him a little.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading The next moment he found himself returning a stiff, icy bow from his uncle's widow, a half-embarrassed greeting from Mrs. Carroll, and shaking hands with the beautiful Lora, who gave him a shy yet perfectly self-possessed welcome and referred to his visit to the country two years before in a pretty, _naive_ way, showing that she remembered him perfectly; although, as she averred, she was little more than a child at the time.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading Howard had heard people say that she looked ill and pale since Mr. St. John's death, and that after all she must have cared for him a little.
naiveadjectiveUS /ˌnaɪˈiːv/
marked by or showing unaffected simplicity and lack of guile or worldly experience
From this reading The next moment he found himself returning a stiff, icy bow from his uncle's widow, a half-embarrassed greeting from Mrs. Carroll, and shaking hands with the beautiful Lora, who gave him a shy yet perfectly self-possessed welcome and referred to his visit to the country two years before in a pretty, _naive_ way, showing that she remembered him perfectly; although, as she averred, she was little more than a child at the time.
immediately following in time or order
From this reading The next moment he found himself returning a stiff, icy bow from his uncle's widow, a half-embarrassed greeting from Mrs. Carroll, and shaking hands with the beautiful Lora, who gave him a shy yet perfectly self-possessed welcome and referred to his visit to the country two years before in a pretty, _naive_ way, showing that she remembered him perfectly; although, as she averred, she was little more than a child at the time.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading They sat down, and he and Miss Carroll had the talk mostly to themselves, though now and then his glance strayed from her bright, vivacious countenance to the sad, white face of the young widow sitting beside her mother on the sofa, the dark lashes shading her colorless cheeks, a sorrowful droop about her beautiful lips as if her thoughts dwelt on some mournful theme.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading They sat down, and he and Miss Carroll had the talk mostly to themselves, though now and then his glance strayed from her bright, vivacious countenance to the sad, white face of the young widow sitting beside her mother on the sofa, the dark lashes shading her colorless cheeks, a sorrowful droop about her beautiful lips as if her thoughts dwelt on some mournful theme.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading The door swung slowly open, and the gray-haired old servitor whom Howard could remember from childhood, took his card and disappeared down the hallway.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading They sat down, and he and Miss Carroll had the talk mostly to themselves, though now and then his glance strayed from her bright, vivacious countenance to the sad, white face of the young widow sitting beside her mother on the sofa, the dark lashes shading her colorless cheeks, a sorrowful droop about her beautiful lips as if her thoughts dwelt on some mournful theme.
To move from a closed position.
From this reading The door swung slowly open, and the gray-haired old servitor whom Howard could remember from childhood, took his card and disappeared down the hallway.
very light colored; highly diluted with white
From this reading Howard had heard people say that she looked ill and pale since Mr. St. John's death, and that after all she must have cared for him a little.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading Howard had heard people say that she looked ill and pale since Mr. St. John's death, and that after all she must have cared for him a little.
completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers
From this reading The next moment he found himself returning a stiff, icy bow from his uncle's widow, a half-embarrassed greeting from Mrs. Carroll, and shaking hands with the beautiful Lora, who gave him a shy yet perfectly self-possessed welcome and referred to his visit to the country two years before in a pretty, _naive_ way, showing that she remembered him perfectly; although, as she averred, she was little more than a child at the time.
in the near future
From this reading Presently he returned, and informed the young man that the ladies would receive him; and Howard, half regretting, when too late, the hasty impulse that had prompted him enter, was ushered into the drawing-room.
pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing
From this reading The next moment he found himself returning a stiff, icy bow from his uncle's widow, a half-embarrassed greeting from Mrs. Carroll, and shaking hands with the beautiful Lora, who gave him a shy yet perfectly self-possessed welcome and referred to his visit to the country two years before in a pretty, _naive_ way, showing that she remembered him perfectly; although, as she averred, she was little more than a child at the time.
promptedverbUS /ˈprɑːmptɪd/
past form of “prompt” — give an incentive for action
From this reading Presently he returned, and informed the young man that the ladies would receive him; and Howard, half regretting, when too late, the hasty impulse that had prompted him enter, was ushered into the drawing-room.
get something; come into possession of
From this reading Presently he returned, and informed the young man that the ladies would receive him; and Howard, half regretting, when too late, the hasty impulse that had prompted him enter, was ushered into the drawing-room.
referredverbUS /rəˈfɜːrd/
inflected form of “refer” — make reference to
From this reading The next moment he found himself returning a stiff, icy bow from his uncle's widow, a half-embarrassed greeting from Mrs. Carroll, and shaking hands with the beautiful Lora, who gave him a shy yet perfectly self-possessed welcome and referred to his visit to the country two years before in a pretty, _naive_ way, showing that she remembered him perfectly; although, as she averred, she was little more than a child at the time.
regrettingverbUS /rɪˈɡretɪŋ/
inflected form of “regret” — feel remorse for; feel sorry for; be contrite about
From this reading Presently he returned, and informed the young man that the ladies would receive him; and Howard, half regretting, when too late, the hasty impulse that had prompted him enter, was ushered into the drawing-room.
To recall to mind.
From this reading The door swung slowly open, and the gray-haired old servitor whom Howard could remember from childhood, took his card and disappeared down the hallway.
past form of “remember” — recall knowledge from memory; have a recollection
From this reading The next moment he found himself returning a stiff, icy bow from his uncle's widow, a half-embarrassed greeting from Mrs. Carroll, and shaking hands with the beautiful Lora, who gave him a shy yet perfectly self-possessed welcome and referred to his visit to the country two years before in a pretty, _naive_ way, showing that she remembered him perfectly; although, as she averred, she was little more than a child at the time.
past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading Presently he returned, and informed the young man that the ladies would receive him; and Howard, half regretting, when too late, the hasty impulse that had prompted him enter, was ushered into the drawing-room.
tending to return to an earlier state
From this reading The next moment he found himself returning a stiff, icy bow from his uncle's widow, a half-embarrassed greeting from Mrs. Carroll, and shaking hands with the beautiful Lora, who gave him a shy yet perfectly self-possessed welcome and referred to his visit to the country two years before in a pretty, _naive_ way, showing that she remembered him perfectly; although, as she averred, she was little more than a child at the time.
experiencing or showing sorrow or unhappiness
From this reading They sat down, and he and Miss Carroll had the talk mostly to themselves, though now and then his glance strayed from her bright, vivacious countenance to the sad, white face of the young widow sitting beside her mother on the sofa, the dark lashes shading her colorless cheeks, a sorrowful droop about her beautiful lips as if her thoughts dwelt on some mournful theme.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading They sat down, and he and Miss Carroll had the talk mostly to themselves, though now and then his glance strayed from her bright, vivacious countenance to the sad, white face of the young widow sitting beside her mother on the sofa, the dark lashes shading her colorless cheeks, a sorrowful droop about her beautiful lips as if her thoughts dwelt on some mournful theme.
express in words
From this reading Howard had heard people say that she looked ill and pale since Mr. St. John's death, and that after all she must have cared for him a little.
self-possessedadjective
in full control of your faculties
From this reading The next moment he found himself returning a stiff, icy bow from his uncle's widow, a half-embarrassed greeting from Mrs. Carroll, and shaking hands with the beautiful Lora, who gave him a shy yet perfectly self-possessed welcome and referred to his visit to the country two years before in a pretty, _naive_ way, showing that she remembered him perfectly; although, as she averred, she was little more than a child at the time.
servitornoun
someone who performs the duties of an attendant for someone else
From this reading The door swung slowly open, and the gray-haired old servitor whom Howard could remember from childhood, took his card and disappeared down the hallway.
shadingnounUS /ˈʃeɪdɪŋ/
graded markings that indicate light or shaded areas in a drawing or painting
From this reading They sat down, and he and Miss Carroll had the talk mostly to themselves, though now and then his glance strayed from her bright, vivacious countenance to the sad, white face of the young widow sitting beside her mother on the sofa, the dark lashes shading her colorless cheeks, a sorrowful droop about her beautiful lips as if her thoughts dwelt on some mournful theme.
the act of causing something to move up and down (or back and forth) with quick movements
From this reading The next moment he found himself returning a stiff, icy bow from his uncle's widow, a half-embarrassed greeting from Mrs. Carroll, and shaking hands with the beautiful Lora, who gave him a shy yet perfectly self-possessed welcome and referred to his visit to the country two years before in a pretty, _naive_ way, showing that she remembered him perfectly; although, as she averred, she was little more than a child at the time.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The next moment he found himself returning a stiff, icy bow from his uncle's widow, a half-embarrassed greeting from Mrs. Carroll, and shaking hands with the beautiful Lora, who gave him a shy yet perfectly self-possessed welcome and referred to his visit to the country two years before in a pretty, _naive_ way, showing that she remembered him perfectly; although, as she averred, she was little more than a child at the time.
the display of a motion picture
From this reading The next moment he found himself returning a stiff, icy bow from his uncle's widow, a half-embarrassed greeting from Mrs. Carroll, and shaking hands with the beautiful Lora, who gave him a shy yet perfectly self-possessed welcome and referred to his visit to the country two years before in a pretty, _naive_ way, showing that she remembered him perfectly; although, as she averred, she was little more than a child at the time.
shyverbUS /ʃaɪ/
start suddenly, as from fright
From this reading The next moment he found himself returning a stiff, icy bow from his uncle's widow, a half-embarrassed greeting from Mrs. Carroll, and shaking hands with the beautiful Lora, who gave him a shy yet perfectly self-possessed welcome and referred to his visit to the country two years before in a pretty, _naive_ way, showing that she remembered him perfectly; although, as she averred, she was little more than a child at the time.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading Howard had heard people say that she looked ill and pale since Mr. St. John's death, and that after all she must have cared for him a little.
(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)
From this reading They sat down, and he and Miss Carroll had the talk mostly to themselves, though now and then his glance strayed from her bright, vivacious countenance to the sad, white face of the young widow sitting beside her mother on the sofa, the dark lashes shading her colorless cheeks, a sorrowful droop about her beautiful lips as if her thoughts dwelt on some mournful theme.
without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)
From this reading The door swung slowly open, and the gray-haired old servitor whom Howard could remember from childhood, took his card and disappeared down the hallway.
sofanounUS /ˈsoʊfə/
an upholstered seat for more than one person
From this reading They sat down, and he and Miss Carroll had the talk mostly to themselves, though now and then his glance strayed from her bright, vivacious countenance to the sad, white face of the young widow sitting beside her mother on the sofa, the dark lashes shading her colorless cheeks, a sorrowful droop about her beautiful lips as if her thoughts dwelt on some mournful theme.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading They sat down, and he and Miss Carroll had the talk mostly to themselves, though now and then his glance strayed from her bright, vivacious countenance to the sad, white face of the young widow sitting beside her mother on the sofa, the dark lashes shading her colorless cheeks, a sorrowful droop about her beautiful lips as if her thoughts dwelt on some mournful theme.
sorrowfuladjectiveUS /ˈsɑːroʊfəl/
experiencing or marked by or expressing sorrow especially that associated with irreparable loss
From this reading They sat down, and he and Miss Carroll had the talk mostly to themselves, though now and then his glance strayed from her bright, vivacious countenance to the sad, white face of the young widow sitting beside her mother on the sofa, the dark lashes shading her colorless cheeks, a sorrowful droop about her beautiful lips as if her thoughts dwelt on some mournful theme.
St
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Howard had heard people say that she looked ill and pale since Mr. St. John's death, and that after all she must have cared for him a little.
not moving or operating freely
From this reading The next moment he found himself returning a stiff, icy bow from his uncle's widow, a half-embarrassed greeting from Mrs. Carroll, and shaking hands with the beautiful Lora, who gave him a shy yet perfectly self-possessed welcome and referred to his visit to the country two years before in a pretty, _naive_ way, showing that she remembered him perfectly; although, as she averred, she was little more than a child at the time.
strayedverbUS /streɪd/
past form of “stray” — move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment
From this reading They sat down, and he and Miss Carroll had the talk mostly to themselves, though now and then his glance strayed from her bright, vivacious countenance to the sad, white face of the young widow sitting beside her mother on the sofa, the dark lashes shading her colorless cheeks, a sorrowful droop about her beautiful lips as if her thoughts dwelt on some mournful theme.
inflected form of “swing” — move in a curve or arc, usually with the intent of hitting
From this reading The door swung slowly open, and the gray-haired old servitor whom Howard could remember from childhood, took his card and disappeared down the hallway.
exchange thoughts; talk with
From this reading They sat down, and he and Miss Carroll had the talk mostly to themselves, though now and then his glance strayed from her bright, vivacious countenance to the sad, white face of the young widow sitting beside her mother on the sofa, the dark lashes shading her colorless cheeks, a sorrowful droop about her beautiful lips as if her thoughts dwelt on some mournful theme.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading The next moment he found himself returning a stiff, icy bow from his uncle's widow, a half-embarrassed greeting from Mrs. Carroll, and shaking hands with the beautiful Lora, who gave him a shy yet perfectly self-possessed welcome and referred to his visit to the country two years before in a pretty, _naive_ way, showing that she remembered him perfectly; although, as she averred, she was little more than a child at the time.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Presently he returned, and informed the young man that the ladies would receive him; and Howard, half regretting, when too late, the hasty impulse that had prompted him enter, was ushered into the drawing-room.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The door swung slowly open, and the gray-haired old servitor whom Howard could remember from childhood, took his card and disappeared down the hallway.
themenounUS /θiːm/
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading They sat down, and he and Miss Carroll had the talk mostly to themselves, though now and then his glance strayed from her bright, vivacious countenance to the sad, white face of the young widow sitting beside her mother on the sofa, the dark lashes shading her colorless cheeks, a sorrowful droop about her beautiful lips as if her thoughts dwelt on some mournful theme.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading They sat down, and he and Miss Carroll had the talk mostly to themselves, though now and then his glance strayed from her bright, vivacious countenance to the sad, white face of the young widow sitting beside her mother on the sofa, the dark lashes shading her colorless cheeks, a sorrowful droop about her beautiful lips as if her thoughts dwelt on some mournful theme.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading They sat down, and he and Miss Carroll had the talk mostly to themselves, though now and then his glance strayed from her bright, vivacious countenance to the sad, white face of the young widow sitting beside her mother on the sofa, the dark lashes shading her colorless cheeks, a sorrowful droop about her beautiful lips as if her thoughts dwelt on some mournful theme.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They sat down, and he and Miss Carroll had the talk mostly to themselves, though now and then his glance strayed from her bright, vivacious countenance to the sad, white face of the young widow sitting beside her mother on the sofa, the dark lashes shading her colorless cheeks, a sorrowful droop about her beautiful lips as if her thoughts dwelt on some mournful theme.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading They sat down, and he and Miss Carroll had the talk mostly to themselves, though now and then his glance strayed from her bright, vivacious countenance to the sad, white face of the young widow sitting beside her mother on the sofa, the dark lashes shading her colorless cheeks, a sorrowful droop about her beautiful lips as if her thoughts dwelt on some mournful theme.
plural of “thought” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading They sat down, and he and Miss Carroll had the talk mostly to themselves, though now and then his glance strayed from her bright, vivacious countenance to the sad, white face of the young widow sitting beside her mother on the sofa, the dark lashes shading her colorless cheeks, a sorrowful droop about her beautiful lips as if her thoughts dwelt on some mournful theme.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading The next moment he found himself returning a stiff, icy bow from his uncle's widow, a half-embarrassed greeting from Mrs. Carroll, and shaking hands with the beautiful Lora, who gave him a shy yet perfectly self-possessed welcome and referred to his visit to the country two years before in a pretty, _naive_ way, showing that she remembered him perfectly; although, as she averred, she was little more than a child at the time.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The next moment he found himself returning a stiff, icy bow from his uncle's widow, a half-embarrassed greeting from Mrs. Carroll, and shaking hands with the beautiful Lora, who gave him a shy yet perfectly self-possessed welcome and referred to his visit to the country two years before in a pretty, _naive_ way, showing that she remembered him perfectly; although, as she averred, she was little more than a child at the time.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading Presently he returned, and informed the young man that the ladies would receive him; and Howard, half regretting, when too late, the hasty impulse that had prompted him enter, was ushered into the drawing-room.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading The door swung slowly open, and the gray-haired old servitor whom Howard could remember from childhood, took his card and disappeared down the hallway.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading The next moment he found himself returning a stiff, icy bow from his uncle's widow, a half-embarrassed greeting from Mrs. Carroll, and shaking hands with the beautiful Lora, who gave him a shy yet perfectly self-possessed welcome and referred to his visit to the country two years before in a pretty, _naive_ way, showing that she remembered him perfectly; although, as she averred, she was little more than a child at the time.
uncle'snounUS /ˈʌŋkəlz/
possessive form of “uncle” — the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt
From this reading The next moment he found himself returning a stiff, icy bow from his uncle's widow, a half-embarrassed greeting from Mrs. Carroll, and shaking hands with the beautiful Lora, who gave him a shy yet perfectly self-possessed welcome and referred to his visit to the country two years before in a pretty, _naive_ way, showing that she remembered him perfectly; although, as she averred, she was little more than a child at the time.
usheredverbUS /ˈʌʃərd/
past form of “usher” — take (someone) to their seats, as in theaters or auditoriums
From this reading Presently he returned, and informed the young man that the ladies would receive him; and Howard, half regretting, when too late, the hasty impulse that had prompted him enter, was ushered into the drawing-room.
go to see a place, as for entertainment
From this reading The next moment he found himself returning a stiff, icy bow from his uncle's widow, a half-embarrassed greeting from Mrs. Carroll, and shaking hands with the beautiful Lora, who gave him a shy yet perfectly self-possessed welcome and referred to his visit to the country two years before in a pretty, _naive_ way, showing that she remembered him perfectly; although, as she averred, she was little more than a child at the time.
vivaciousadjectiveUS /vəˈveɪʃəs/
vigorous and animated
From this reading They sat down, and he and Miss Carroll had the talk mostly to themselves, though now and then his glance strayed from her bright, vivacious countenance to the sad, white face of the young widow sitting beside her mother on the sofa, the dark lashes shading her colorless cheeks, a sorrowful droop about her beautiful lips as if her thoughts dwelt on some mournful theme.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Presently he returned, and informed the young man that the ladies would receive him; and Howard, half regretting, when too late, the hasty impulse that had prompted him enter, was ushered into the drawing-room.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading The next moment he found himself returning a stiff, icy bow from his uncle's widow, a half-embarrassed greeting from Mrs. Carroll, and shaking hands with the beautiful Lora, who gave him a shy yet perfectly self-possessed welcome and referred to his visit to the country two years before in a pretty, _naive_ way, showing that she remembered him perfectly; although, as she averred, she was little more than a child at the time.
accept gladly
From this reading The next moment he found himself returning a stiff, icy bow from his uncle's widow, a half-embarrassed greeting from Mrs. Carroll, and shaking hands with the beautiful Lora, who gave him a shy yet perfectly self-possessed welcome and referred to his visit to the country two years before in a pretty, _naive_ way, showing that she remembered him perfectly; although, as she averred, she was little more than a child at the time.
at the time that
From this reading Presently he returned, and informed the young man that the ladies would receive him; and Howard, half regretting, when too late, the hasty impulse that had prompted him enter, was ushered into the drawing-room.
a Caucasian
From this reading They sat down, and he and Miss Carroll had the talk mostly to themselves, though now and then his glance strayed from her bright, vivacious countenance to the sad, white face of the young widow sitting beside her mother on the sofa, the dark lashes shading her colorless cheeks, a sorrowful droop about her beautiful lips as if her thoughts dwelt on some mournful theme.
which person or people
From this reading The next moment he found himself returning a stiff, icy bow from his uncle's widow, a half-embarrassed greeting from Mrs. Carroll, and shaking hands with the beautiful Lora, who gave him a shy yet perfectly self-possessed welcome and referred to his visit to the country two years before in a pretty, _naive_ way, showing that she remembered him perfectly; although, as she averred, she was little more than a child at the time.
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The door swung slowly open, and the gray-haired old servitor whom Howard could remember from childhood, took his card and disappeared down the hallway.
a woman whose husband is dead especially one who has not remarried
From this reading The next moment he found himself returning a stiff, icy bow from his uncle's widow, a half-embarrassed greeting from Mrs. Carroll, and shaking hands with the beautiful Lora, who gave him a shy yet perfectly self-possessed welcome and referred to his visit to the country two years before in a pretty, _naive_ way, showing that she remembered him perfectly; although, as she averred, she was little more than a child at the time.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The next moment he found himself returning a stiff, icy bow from his uncle's widow, a half-embarrassed greeting from Mrs. Carroll, and shaking hands with the beautiful Lora, who gave him a shy yet perfectly self-possessed welcome and referred to his visit to the country two years before in a pretty, _naive_ way, showing that she remembered him perfectly; although, as she averred, she was little more than a child at the time.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Presently he returned, and informed the young man that the ladies would receive him; and Howard, half regretting, when too late, the hasty impulse that had prompted him enter, was ushered into the drawing-room.
a late time of life
From this reading The next moment he found himself returning a stiff, icy bow from his uncle's widow, a half-embarrassed greeting from Mrs. Carroll, and shaking hands with the beautiful Lora, who gave him a shy yet perfectly self-possessed welcome and referred to his visit to the country two years before in a pretty, _naive_ way, showing that she remembered him perfectly; although, as she averred, she was little more than a child at the time.
but in spite of that
From this reading The next moment he found himself returning a stiff, icy bow from his uncle's widow, a half-embarrassed greeting from Mrs. Carroll, and shaking hands with the beautiful Lora, who gave him a shy yet perfectly self-possessed welcome and referred to his visit to the country two years before in a pretty, _naive_ way, showing that she remembered him perfectly; although, as she averred, she was little more than a child at the time.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading Presently he returned, and informed the young man that the ladies would receive him; and Howard, half regretting, when too late, the hasty impulse that had prompted him enter, was ushered into the drawing-room.
