used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading County festivities took place; and the importance of the young ladies at the Deane was not a better established fact than their popularity.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading He visited at the Deane with tranquil regularity, he played croquet imperturbably; only that he now watched Eleanor's balls, and was as confident she would "croquet" everybody as he had formerly been free from doubt about Gertrude's prowess; he rehearsed his speeches, and uttered them with entire self-possession.
matters of personal concern
From this reading Some time passed away, after the memorable fête which had celebrated the majority of Miss Meriton Baldwin of the Deane, during which, to an uninitiated observer, the aspect of affairs in that splendid and well-regulated mansion remained unchanged.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading Some time passed away, after the memorable fête which had celebrated the majority of Miss Meriton Baldwin of the Deane, during which, to an uninitiated observer, the aspect of affairs in that splendid and well-regulated mansion remained unchanged.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Some time passed away, after the memorable fête which had celebrated the majority of Miss Meriton Baldwin of the Deane, during which, to an uninitiated observer, the aspect of affairs in that splendid and well-regulated mansion remained unchanged.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Some time passed away, after the memorable fête which had celebrated the majority of Miss Meriton Baldwin of the Deane, during which, to an uninitiated observer, the aspect of affairs in that splendid and well-regulated mansion remained unchanged.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading He visited at the Deane with tranquil regularity, he played croquet imperturbably; only that he now watched Eleanor's balls, and was as confident she would "croquet" everybody as he had formerly been free from doubt about Gertrude's prowess; he rehearsed his speeches, and uttered them with entire self-possession.
a distinct feature or element in a problem
From this reading Some time passed away, after the memorable fête which had celebrated the majority of Miss Meriton Baldwin of the Deane, during which, to an uninitiated observer, the aspect of affairs in that splendid and well-regulated mansion remained unchanged.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading County festivities took place; and the importance of the young ladies at the Deane was not a better established fact than their popularity.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Some time passed away, after the memorable fête which had celebrated the majority of Miss Meriton Baldwin of the Deane, during which, to an uninitiated observer, the aspect of affairs in that splendid and well-regulated mansion remained unchanged.
BaldwinnounUS /ˈbɔːldwən/
United States author who was an outspoken critic of racism (1924-1987)
From this reading Some time passed away, after the memorable fête which had celebrated the majority of Miss Meriton Baldwin of the Deane, during which, to an uninitiated observer, the aspect of affairs in that splendid and well-regulated mansion remained unchanged.
ballsnounUS /bɔːlz/
plural of “ball” — round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games
From this reading He visited at the Deane with tranquil regularity, he played croquet imperturbably; only that he now watched Eleanor's balls, and was as confident she would "croquet" everybody as he had formerly been free from doubt about Gertrude's prowess; he rehearsed his speeches, and uttered them with entire self-possession.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading He visited at the Deane with tranquil regularity, he played croquet imperturbably; only that he now watched Eleanor's balls, and was as confident she would "croquet" everybody as he had formerly been free from doubt about Gertrude's prowess; he rehearsed his speeches, and uttered them with entire self-possession.
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading County festivities took place; and the importance of the young ladies at the Deane was not a better established fact than their popularity.
celebratedadjectiveUS /ˈseləbreɪtɪd/
widely known and esteemed
From this reading Some time passed away, after the memorable fête which had celebrated the majority of Miss Meriton Baldwin of the Deane, during which, to an uninitiated observer, the aspect of affairs in that splendid and well-regulated mansion remained unchanged.
comicadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːmɪk/
arousing or provoking laughter
From this reading With the comic seriousness which distinguished him, the Honourable Matthew Dort had "gone in for Nelly."
confidentadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːnfədənt/
having or marked by confidence or assurance
From this reading He visited at the Deane with tranquil regularity, he played croquet imperturbably; only that he now watched Eleanor's balls, and was as confident she would "croquet" everybody as he had formerly been free from doubt about Gertrude's prowess; he rehearsed his speeches, and uttered them with entire self-possession.
(United Kingdom) a region created by territorial division for the purpose of local government
From this reading County festivities took place; and the importance of the young ladies at the Deane was not a better established fact than their popularity.
croquetverbUS /kroʊˈkeɪ/
drive away by hitting with one's ball
From this reading He visited at the Deane with tranquil regularity, he played croquet imperturbably; only that he now watched Eleanor's balls, and was as confident she would "croquet" everybody as he had formerly been free from doubt about Gertrude's prowess; he rehearsed his speeches, and uttered them with entire self-possession.
Deane
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Some time passed away, after the memorable fête which had celebrated the majority of Miss Meriton Baldwin of the Deane, during which, to an uninitiated observer, the aspect of affairs in that splendid and well-regulated mansion remained unchanged.
(used of persons) standing above others in character or attainment or reputation
From this reading With the comic seriousness which distinguished him, the Honourable Matthew Dort had "gone in for Nelly."
Dort
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading With the comic seriousness which distinguished him, the Honourable Matthew Dort had "gone in for Nelly."
the state of being unsure of something
From this reading He visited at the Deane with tranquil regularity, he played croquet imperturbably; only that he now watched Eleanor's balls, and was as confident she would "croquet" everybody as he had formerly been free from doubt about Gertrude's prowess; he rehearsed his speeches, and uttered them with entire self-possession.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading Some time passed away, after the memorable fête which had celebrated the majority of Miss Meriton Baldwin of the Deane, during which, to an uninitiated observer, the aspect of affairs in that splendid and well-regulated mansion remained unchanged.
Eleanor's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He visited at the Deane with tranquil regularity, he played croquet imperturbably; only that he now watched Eleanor's balls, and was as confident she would "croquet" everybody as he had formerly been free from doubt about Gertrude's prowess; he rehearsed his speeches, and uttered them with entire self-possession.
constituting the full quantity or extent; complete
From this reading He visited at the Deane with tranquil regularity, he played croquet imperturbably; only that he now watched Eleanor's balls, and was as confident she would "croquet" everybody as he had formerly been free from doubt about Gertrude's prowess; he rehearsed his speeches, and uttered them with entire self-possession.
brought about or set up or accepted; especially long established
From this reading County festivities took place; and the importance of the young ladies at the Deane was not a better established fact than their popularity.
every person
From this reading He visited at the Deane with tranquil regularity, he played croquet imperturbably; only that he now watched Eleanor's balls, and was as confident she would "croquet" everybody as he had formerly been free from doubt about Gertrude's prowess; he rehearsed his speeches, and uttered them with entire self-possession.
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading County festivities took place; and the importance of the young ladies at the Deane was not a better established fact than their popularity.
festivitiesnounUS /feˈstɪvətiz/
plural of “festivity” — any joyous diversion
From this reading County festivities took place; and the importance of the young ladies at the Deane was not a better established fact than their popularity.
FIRSTadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading THE FIRST MOVES IN THE GAME.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading With the comic seriousness which distinguished him, the Honourable Matthew Dort had "gone in for Nelly."
formerlyadverbUS /ˈfɔːrmərli/
at a previous time
From this reading He visited at the Deane with tranquil regularity, he played croquet imperturbably; only that he now watched Eleanor's balls, and was as confident she would "croquet" everybody as he had formerly been free from doubt about Gertrude's prowess; he rehearsed his speeches, and uttered them with entire self-possession.
grant freedom to; free from confinement
From this reading He visited at the Deane with tranquil regularity, he played croquet imperturbably; only that he now watched Eleanor's balls, and was as confident she would "croquet" everybody as he had formerly been free from doubt about Gertrude's prowess; he rehearsed his speeches, and uttered them with entire self-possession.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading He visited at the Deane with tranquil regularity, he played croquet imperturbably; only that he now watched Eleanor's balls, and was as confident she would "croquet" everybody as he had formerly been free from doubt about Gertrude's prowess; he rehearsed his speeches, and uttered them with entire self-possession.
fête
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Some time passed away, after the memorable fête which had celebrated the majority of Miss Meriton Baldwin of the Deane, during which, to an uninitiated observer, the aspect of affairs in that splendid and well-regulated mansion remained unchanged.
a contest with rules to determine a winner
From this reading THE FIRST MOVES IN THE GAME.
Gertrude's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He visited at the Deane with tranquil regularity, he played croquet imperturbably; only that he now watched Eleanor's balls, and was as confident she would "croquet" everybody as he had formerly been free from doubt about Gertrude's prowess; he rehearsed his speeches, and uttered them with entire self-possession.
destroyed or killed
From this reading With the comic seriousness which distinguished him, the Honourable Matthew Dort had "gone in for Nelly."
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Some time passed away, after the memorable fête which had celebrated the majority of Miss Meriton Baldwin of the Deane, during which, to an uninitiated observer, the aspect of affairs in that splendid and well-regulated mansion remained unchanged.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He visited at the Deane with tranquil regularity, he played croquet imperturbably; only that he now watched Eleanor's balls, and was as confident she would "croquet" everybody as he had formerly been free from doubt about Gertrude's prowess; he rehearsed his speeches, and uttered them with entire self-possession.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading With the comic seriousness which distinguished him, the Honourable Matthew Dort had "gone in for Nelly."
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading He visited at the Deane with tranquil regularity, he played croquet imperturbably; only that he now watched Eleanor's balls, and was as confident she would "croquet" everybody as he had formerly been free from doubt about Gertrude's prowess; he rehearsed his speeches, and uttered them with entire self-possession.
HonourableadjectiveUS /ˈɑːnərəbəl/
worthy of being honored; entitled to honor and respect
From this reading With the comic seriousness which distinguished him, the Honourable Matthew Dort had "gone in for Nelly."
imperturbably
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He visited at the Deane with tranquil regularity, he played croquet imperturbably; only that he now watched Eleanor's balls, and was as confident she would "croquet" everybody as he had formerly been free from doubt about Gertrude's prowess; he rehearsed his speeches, and uttered them with entire self-possession.
the quality of being important and worthy of note
From this reading County festivities took place; and the importance of the young ladies at the Deane was not a better established fact than their popularity.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE FIRST MOVES IN THE GAME.
plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman
From this reading County festivities took place; and the importance of the young ladies at the Deane was not a better established fact than their popularity.
majoritynounUS /məˈdʒɔːrəti/
the property resulting from being or relating to the greater in number of two parts; the main part
From this reading Some time passed away, after the memorable fête which had celebrated the majority of Miss Meriton Baldwin of the Deane, during which, to an uninitiated observer, the aspect of affairs in that splendid and well-regulated mansion remained unchanged.
mansionnounUS /ˈmænʃən/
(astrology) one of 12 equal areas into which the zodiac is divided
From this reading Some time passed away, after the memorable fête which had celebrated the majority of Miss Meriton Baldwin of the Deane, during which, to an uninitiated observer, the aspect of affairs in that splendid and well-regulated mansion remained unchanged.
MatthewnounUS /ˈmæθjuː/
(New Testament) disciple of Jesus; traditionally considered to be the author of the first Gospel
From this reading With the comic seriousness which distinguished him, the Honourable Matthew Dort had "gone in for Nelly."
memorableadjectiveUS /ˈmemərəbəl/
worth remembering
From this reading Some time passed away, after the memorable fête which had celebrated the majority of Miss Meriton Baldwin of the Deane, during which, to an uninitiated observer, the aspect of affairs in that splendid and well-regulated mansion remained unchanged.
Meriton
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Some time passed away, after the memorable fête which had celebrated the majority of Miss Meriton Baldwin of the Deane, during which, to an uninitiated observer, the aspect of affairs in that splendid and well-regulated mansion remained unchanged.
fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind
From this reading Some time passed away, after the memorable fête which had celebrated the majority of Miss Meriton Baldwin of the Deane, during which, to an uninitiated observer, the aspect of affairs in that splendid and well-regulated mansion remained unchanged.
MOVESnounUS /muːvz/
plural of “move” — the act of deciding to do something
From this reading THE FIRST MOVES IN THE GAME.
Nelly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading With the comic seriousness which distinguished him, the Honourable Matthew Dort had "gone in for Nelly."
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading County festivities took place; and the importance of the young ladies at the Deane was not a better established fact than their popularity.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading He visited at the Deane with tranquil regularity, he played croquet imperturbably; only that he now watched Eleanor's balls, and was as confident she would "croquet" everybody as he had formerly been free from doubt about Gertrude's prowess; he rehearsed his speeches, and uttered them with entire self-possession.
observernounUS /əbˈzɜːrvər/
a person who becomes aware (of things or events) through the senses
From this reading Some time passed away, after the memorable fête which had celebrated the majority of Miss Meriton Baldwin of the Deane, during which, to an uninitiated observer, the aspect of affairs in that splendid and well-regulated mansion remained unchanged.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Some time passed away, after the memorable fête which had celebrated the majority of Miss Meriton Baldwin of the Deane, during which, to an uninitiated observer, the aspect of affairs in that splendid and well-regulated mansion remained unchanged.
and nothing more
From this reading He visited at the Deane with tranquil regularity, he played croquet imperturbably; only that he now watched Eleanor's balls, and was as confident she would "croquet" everybody as he had formerly been free from doubt about Gertrude's prowess; he rehearsed his speeches, and uttered them with entire self-possession.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading Some time passed away, after the memorable fête which had celebrated the majority of Miss Meriton Baldwin of the Deane, during which, to an uninitiated observer, the aspect of affairs in that splendid and well-regulated mansion remained unchanged.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading County festivities took place; and the importance of the young ladies at the Deane was not a better established fact than their popularity.
(of games) engaged in
From this reading He visited at the Deane with tranquil regularity, he played croquet imperturbably; only that he now watched Eleanor's balls, and was as confident she would "croquet" everybody as he had formerly been free from doubt about Gertrude's prowess; he rehearsed his speeches, and uttered them with entire self-possession.
popularitynounUS /ˌpɑːpjəˈlerəti/
the quality of being widely admired or accepted or sought after
From this reading County festivities took place; and the importance of the young ladies at the Deane was not a better established fact than their popularity.
prowessnounUS /ˈpraʊəs/
a superior skill that you can learn by study and practice and observation
From this reading He visited at the Deane with tranquil regularity, he played croquet imperturbably; only that he now watched Eleanor's balls, and was as confident she would "croquet" everybody as he had formerly been free from doubt about Gertrude's prowess; he rehearsed his speeches, and uttered them with entire self-possession.
regularitynounUS /ˌreɡjəˈlerəti/
a property of polygons: the property of having equal sides and equal angles
From this reading He visited at the Deane with tranquil regularity, he played croquet imperturbably; only that he now watched Eleanor's balls, and was as confident she would "croquet" everybody as he had formerly been free from doubt about Gertrude's prowess; he rehearsed his speeches, and uttered them with entire self-possession.
rehearsedverbUS /riˈhɜːrst/
past form of “rehearse” — engage in a rehearsal
From this reading He visited at the Deane with tranquil regularity, he played croquet imperturbably; only that he now watched Eleanor's balls, and was as confident she would "croquet" everybody as he had formerly been free from doubt about Gertrude's prowess; he rehearsed his speeches, and uttered them with entire self-possession.
past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading Some time passed away, after the memorable fête which had celebrated the majority of Miss Meriton Baldwin of the Deane, during which, to an uninitiated observer, the aspect of affairs in that splendid and well-regulated mansion remained unchanged.
self-possessionnoun
the trait of resolutely controlling your own behavior
From this reading He visited at the Deane with tranquil regularity, he played croquet imperturbably; only that he now watched Eleanor's balls, and was as confident she would "croquet" everybody as he had formerly been free from doubt about Gertrude's prowess; he rehearsed his speeches, and uttered them with entire self-possession.
seriousnessnounUS /ˈsɪriəsnəs/
an earnest and sincere feeling
From this reading With the comic seriousness which distinguished him, the Honourable Matthew Dort had "gone in for Nelly."
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He visited at the Deane with tranquil regularity, he played croquet imperturbably; only that he now watched Eleanor's balls, and was as confident she would "croquet" everybody as he had formerly been free from doubt about Gertrude's prowess; he rehearsed his speeches, and uttered them with entire self-possession.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Some time passed away, after the memorable fête which had celebrated the majority of Miss Meriton Baldwin of the Deane, during which, to an uninitiated observer, the aspect of affairs in that splendid and well-regulated mansion remained unchanged.
speechesnounUS /ˈspiːtʃəz/
plural of “speech” — the act of delivering a formal spoken communication to an audience
From this reading He visited at the Deane with tranquil regularity, he played croquet imperturbably; only that he now watched Eleanor's balls, and was as confident she would "croquet" everybody as he had formerly been free from doubt about Gertrude's prowess; he rehearsed his speeches, and uttered them with entire self-possession.
having great beauty and splendor
From this reading Some time passed away, after the memorable fête which had celebrated the majority of Miss Meriton Baldwin of the Deane, during which, to an uninitiated observer, the aspect of affairs in that splendid and well-regulated mansion remained unchanged.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading County festivities took place; and the importance of the young ladies at the Deane was not a better established fact than their popularity.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Some time passed away, after the memorable fête which had celebrated the majority of Miss Meriton Baldwin of the Deane, during which, to an uninitiated observer, the aspect of affairs in that splendid and well-regulated mansion remained unchanged.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE FIRST MOVES IN THE GAME.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading County festivities took place; and the importance of the young ladies at the Deane was not a better established fact than their popularity.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading He visited at the Deane with tranquil regularity, he played croquet imperturbably; only that he now watched Eleanor's balls, and was as confident she would "croquet" everybody as he had formerly been free from doubt about Gertrude's prowess; he rehearsed his speeches, and uttered them with entire self-possession.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading Some time passed away, after the memorable fête which had celebrated the majority of Miss Meriton Baldwin of the Deane, during which, to an uninitiated observer, the aspect of affairs in that splendid and well-regulated mansion remained unchanged.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Some time passed away, after the memorable fête which had celebrated the majority of Miss Meriton Baldwin of the Deane, during which, to an uninitiated observer, the aspect of affairs in that splendid and well-regulated mansion remained unchanged.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading County festivities took place; and the importance of the young ladies at the Deane was not a better established fact than their popularity.
tranquiladjectiveUS /ˈtræŋkwəl/
(of a body of water) free from disturbance by heavy waves
From this reading He visited at the Deane with tranquil regularity, he played croquet imperturbably; only that he now watched Eleanor's balls, and was as confident she would "croquet" everybody as he had formerly been free from doubt about Gertrude's prowess; he rehearsed his speeches, and uttered them with entire self-possession.
unchangedadjectiveUS /ənˈtʃeɪndʒd/
not made or become different
From this reading Some time passed away, after the memorable fête which had celebrated the majority of Miss Meriton Baldwin of the Deane, during which, to an uninitiated observer, the aspect of affairs in that splendid and well-regulated mansion remained unchanged.
uninitiatedadjectiveUS /ˌʌnɪˈnɪʃieɪtɪd/
not initiated; deficient in relevant experience
From this reading Some time passed away, after the memorable fête which had celebrated the majority of Miss Meriton Baldwin of the Deane, during which, to an uninitiated observer, the aspect of affairs in that splendid and well-regulated mansion remained unchanged.
communicated in words
From this reading He visited at the Deane with tranquil regularity, he played croquet imperturbably; only that he now watched Eleanor's balls, and was as confident she would "croquet" everybody as he had formerly been free from doubt about Gertrude's prowess; he rehearsed his speeches, and uttered them with entire self-possession.
past form of “visit” — go to see a place, as for entertainment
From this reading He visited at the Deane with tranquil regularity, he played croquet imperturbably; only that he now watched Eleanor's balls, and was as confident she would "croquet" everybody as he had formerly been free from doubt about Gertrude's prowess; he rehearsed his speeches, and uttered them with entire self-possession.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading County festivities took place; and the importance of the young ladies at the Deane was not a better established fact than their popularity.
past form of “watch” — look attentively
From this reading He visited at the Deane with tranquil regularity, he played croquet imperturbably; only that he now watched Eleanor's balls, and was as confident she would "croquet" everybody as he had formerly been free from doubt about Gertrude's prowess; he rehearsed his speeches, and uttered them with entire self-possession.
well-regulated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Some time passed away, after the memorable fête which had celebrated the majority of Miss Meriton Baldwin of the Deane, during which, to an uninitiated observer, the aspect of affairs in that splendid and well-regulated mansion remained unchanged.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Some time passed away, after the memorable fête which had celebrated the majority of Miss Meriton Baldwin of the Deane, during which, to an uninitiated observer, the aspect of affairs in that splendid and well-regulated mansion remained unchanged.
in the company of; together with
From this reading With the comic seriousness which distinguished him, the Honourable Matthew Dort had "gone in for Nelly."
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading He visited at the Deane with tranquil regularity, he played croquet imperturbably; only that he now watched Eleanor's balls, and was as confident she would "croquet" everybody as he had formerly been free from doubt about Gertrude's prowess; he rehearsed his speeches, and uttered them with entire self-possession.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading County festivities took place; and the importance of the young ladies at the Deane was not a better established fact than their popularity.
