Chapter VI

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading As a rule Mrs. Darrow was not very hospitable--unless there was something to be gained from the exercise of such hospitality.

past form of “afford” — be able to spare or give up

From this reading She revelled in the afternoon tea, because it cost little--a few spoonfuls of "Lipton" and some slices of thin bread and butter--and afforded ample opportunity for that small talk, which was the essence of her life, since it enabled her to keep _au fait_ with her neighbours' delinquencies.

the part of the day between noon and evening

From this reading She revelled in the afternoon tea, because it cost little--a few spoonfuls of "Lipton" and some slices of thin bread and butter--and afforded ample opportunity for that small talk, which was the essence of her life, since it enabled her to keep _au fait_ with her neighbours' delinquencies.

more than enough in size or scope or capacity

From this reading She revelled in the afternoon tea, because it cost little--a few spoonfuls of "Lipton" and some slices of thin bread and butter--and afforded ample opportunity for that small talk, which was the essence of her life, since it enabled her to keep _au fait_ with her neighbours' delinquencies.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading She revelled in the afternoon tea, because it cost little--a few spoonfuls of "Lipton" and some slices of thin bread and butter--and afforded ample opportunity for that small talk, which was the essence of her life, since it enabled her to keep _au fait_ with her neighbours' delinquencies.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading She had been known to go so far as a hot luncheon for certain high and mighty people whom it suited her book to conciliate; but never by any chance had she been known to give a dinner.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading As a rule Mrs. Darrow was not very hospitable--unless there was something to be gained from the exercise of such hospitality.

a soft yellow malleable ductile (trivalent and univalent) metallic element; occurs mainly as nuggets in rocks and alluvial deposits; does not react with most chemicals but is attacked by chlorine and aqua regia

From this reading She revelled in the afternoon tea, because it cost little--a few spoonfuls of "Lipton" and some slices of thin bread and butter--and afforded ample opportunity for that small talk, which was the essence of her life, since it enabled her to keep _au fait_ with her neighbours' delinquencies.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading BARTON'S VISITOR.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading As a rule Mrs. Darrow was not very hospitable--unless there was something to be gained from the exercise of such hospitality.

for the reason that

From this reading She revelled in the afternoon tea, because it cost little--a few spoonfuls of "Lipton" and some slices of thin bread and butter--and afforded ample opportunity for that small talk, which was the essence of her life, since it enabled her to keep _au fait_ with her neighbours' delinquencies.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading She had been known to go so far as a hot luncheon for certain high and mighty people whom it suited her book to conciliate; but never by any chance had she been known to give a dinner.

a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)

From this reading She had been known to go so far as a hot luncheon for certain high and mighty people whom it suited her book to conciliate; but never by any chance had she been known to give a dinner.

food made from dough of flour or meal and usually raised with yeast or baking powder and then baked

From this reading She revelled in the afternoon tea, because it cost little--a few spoonfuls of "Lipton" and some slices of thin bread and butter--and afforded ample opportunity for that small talk, which was the essence of her life, since it enabled her to keep _au fait_ with her neighbours' delinquencies.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading She had been known to go so far as a hot luncheon for certain high and mighty people whom it suited her book to conciliate; but never by any chance had she been known to give a dinner.

an edible emulsion of fat globules made by churning milk or cream; for cooking and table use

From this reading She revelled in the afternoon tea, because it cost little--a few spoonfuls of "Lipton" and some slices of thin bread and butter--and afforded ample opportunity for that small talk, which was the essence of her life, since it enabled her to keep _au fait_ with her neighbours' delinquencies.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading She had been known to go so far as a hot luncheon for certain high and mighty people whom it suited her book to conciliate; but never by any chance had she been known to give a dinner.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading She had been known to go so far as a hot luncheon for certain high and mighty people whom it suited her book to conciliate; but never by any chance had she been known to give a dinner.

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading She had been known to go so far as a hot luncheon for certain high and mighty people whom it suited her book to conciliate; but never by any chance had she been known to give a dinner.

cause to be more favorably inclined; gain the good will of

From this reading She had been known to go so far as a hot luncheon for certain high and mighty people whom it suited her book to conciliate; but never by any chance had she been known to give a dinner.

the total spent for goods or services including money and time and labor

From this reading She revelled in the afternoon tea, because it cost little--a few spoonfuls of "Lipton" and some slices of thin bread and butter--and afforded ample opportunity for that small talk, which was the essence of her life, since it enabled her to keep _au fait_ with her neighbours' delinquencies.

United States lawyer famous for his defense of lost causes (1857-1938)

From this reading As a rule Mrs. Darrow was not very hospitable--unless there was something to be gained from the exercise of such hospitality.

plural of “delinquency” — nonpayment of a debt when due

From this reading She revelled in the afternoon tea, because it cost little--a few spoonfuls of "Lipton" and some slices of thin bread and butter--and afforded ample opportunity for that small talk, which was the essence of her life, since it enabled her to keep _au fait_ with her neighbours' delinquencies.

the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday

From this reading She had been known to go so far as a hot luncheon for certain high and mighty people whom it suited her book to conciliate; but never by any chance had she been known to give a dinner.

past form of “enable” — render capable or able for some task

From this reading She revelled in the afternoon tea, because it cost little--a few spoonfuls of "Lipton" and some slices of thin bread and butter--and afforded ample opportunity for that small talk, which was the essence of her life, since it enabled her to keep _au fait_ with her neighbours' delinquencies.

the choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience

From this reading She revelled in the afternoon tea, because it cost little--a few spoonfuls of "Lipton" and some slices of thin bread and butter--and afforded ample opportunity for that small talk, which was the essence of her life, since it enabled her to keep _au fait_ with her neighbours' delinquencies.

the activity of exerting your muscles in various ways to keep fit

From this reading As a rule Mrs. Darrow was not very hospitable--unless there was something to be gained from the exercise of such hospitality.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading She revelled in the afternoon tea, because it cost little--a few spoonfuls of "Lipton" and some slices of thin bread and butter--and afforded ample opportunity for that small talk, which was the essence of her life, since it enabled her to keep _au fait_ with her neighbours' delinquencies.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading She had been known to go so far as a hot luncheon for certain high and mighty people whom it suited her book to conciliate; but never by any chance had she been known to give a dinner.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading She revelled in the afternoon tea, because it cost little--a few spoonfuls of "Lipton" and some slices of thin bread and butter--and afforded ample opportunity for that small talk, which was the essence of her life, since it enabled her to keep _au fait_ with her neighbours' delinquencies.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading She revelled in the afternoon tea, because it cost little--a few spoonfuls of "Lipton" and some slices of thin bread and butter--and afforded ample opportunity for that small talk, which was the essence of her life, since it enabled her to keep _au fait_ with her neighbours' delinquencies.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading As a rule Mrs. Darrow was not very hospitable--unless there was something to be gained from the exercise of such hospitality.

past form of “gain” — obtain

From this reading As a rule Mrs. Darrow was not very hospitable--unless there was something to be gained from the exercise of such hospitality.

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading She had been known to go so far as a hot luncheon for certain high and mighty people whom it suited her book to conciliate; but never by any chance had she been known to give a dinner.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading She had been known to go so far as a hot luncheon for certain high and mighty people whom it suited her book to conciliate; but never by any chance had she been known to give a dinner.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading She had been known to go so far as a hot luncheon for certain high and mighty people whom it suited her book to conciliate; but never by any chance had she been known to give a dinner.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading She revelled in the afternoon tea, because it cost little--a few spoonfuls of "Lipton" and some slices of thin bread and butter--and afforded ample opportunity for that small talk, which was the essence of her life, since it enabled her to keep _au fait_ with her neighbours' delinquencies.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading She had been known to go so far as a hot luncheon for certain high and mighty people whom it suited her book to conciliate; but never by any chance had she been known to give a dinner.

favorable to life and growth

From this reading As a rule Mrs. Darrow was not very hospitable--unless there was something to be gained from the exercise of such hospitality.

kindness in welcoming guests or strangers

From this reading As a rule Mrs. Darrow was not very hospitable--unless there was something to be gained from the exercise of such hospitality.

used of physical heat; having a high or higher than desirable temperature or giving off heat or feeling or causing a sensation of heat or burning

From this reading She had been known to go so far as a hot luncheon for certain high and mighty people whom it suited her book to conciliate; but never by any chance had she been known to give a dinner.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading She revelled in the afternoon tea, because it cost little--a few spoonfuls of "Lipton" and some slices of thin bread and butter--and afforded ample opportunity for that small talk, which was the essence of her life, since it enabled her to keep _au fait_ with her neighbours' delinquencies.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading She revelled in the afternoon tea, because it cost little--a few spoonfuls of "Lipton" and some slices of thin bread and butter--and afforded ample opportunity for that small talk, which was the essence of her life, since it enabled her to keep _au fait_ with her neighbours' delinquencies.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading She revelled in the afternoon tea, because it cost little--a few spoonfuls of "Lipton" and some slices of thin bread and butter--and afforded ample opportunity for that small talk, which was the essence of her life, since it enabled her to keep _au fait_ with her neighbours' delinquencies.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading She had been known to go so far as a hot luncheon for certain high and mighty people whom it suited her book to conciliate; but never by any chance had she been known to give a dinner.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading She revelled in the afternoon tea, because it cost little--a few spoonfuls of "Lipton" and some slices of thin bread and butter--and afforded ample opportunity for that small talk, which was the essence of her life, since it enabled her to keep _au fait_ with her neighbours' delinquencies.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading She revelled in the afternoon tea, because it cost little--a few spoonfuls of "Lipton" and some slices of thin bread and butter--and afforded ample opportunity for that small talk, which was the essence of her life, since it enabled her to keep _au fait_ with her neighbours' delinquencies.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading She revelled in the afternoon tea, because it cost little--a few spoonfuls of "Lipton" and some slices of thin bread and butter--and afforded ample opportunity for that small talk, which was the essence of her life, since it enabled her to keep _au fait_ with her neighbours' delinquencies.

a midday meal

From this reading She had been known to go so far as a hot luncheon for certain high and mighty people whom it suited her book to conciliate; but never by any chance had she been known to give a dinner.

having or showing great strength or force or intensity

From this reading She had been known to go so far as a hot luncheon for certain high and mighty people whom it suited her book to conciliate; but never by any chance had she been known to give a dinner.

a form of address for a man

From this reading MR.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading As a rule Mrs. Darrow was not very hospitable--unless there was something to be gained from the exercise of such hospitality.

plural of “neighbour” — a person who lives (or is located) near another

From this reading She revelled in the afternoon tea, because it cost little--a few spoonfuls of "Lipton" and some slices of thin bread and butter--and afforded ample opportunity for that small talk, which was the essence of her life, since it enabled her to keep _au fait_ with her neighbours' delinquencies.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading She had been known to go so far as a hot luncheon for certain high and mighty people whom it suited her book to conciliate; but never by any chance had she been known to give a dinner.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading As a rule Mrs. Darrow was not very hospitable--unless there was something to be gained from the exercise of such hospitality.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading As a rule Mrs. Darrow was not very hospitable--unless there was something to be gained from the exercise of such hospitality.

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading She revelled in the afternoon tea, because it cost little--a few spoonfuls of "Lipton" and some slices of thin bread and butter--and afforded ample opportunity for that small talk, which was the essence of her life, since it enabled her to keep _au fait_ with her neighbours' delinquencies.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading She had been known to go so far as a hot luncheon for certain high and mighty people whom it suited her book to conciliate; but never by any chance had she been known to give a dinner.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading She revelled in the afternoon tea, because it cost little--a few spoonfuls of "Lipton" and some slices of thin bread and butter--and afforded ample opportunity for that small talk, which was the essence of her life, since it enabled her to keep _au fait_ with her neighbours' delinquencies.

a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior

From this reading As a rule Mrs. Darrow was not very hospitable--unless there was something to be gained from the exercise of such hospitality.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading She revelled in the afternoon tea, because it cost little--a few spoonfuls of "Lipton" and some slices of thin bread and butter--and afforded ample opportunity for that small talk, which was the essence of her life, since it enabled her to keep _au fait_ with her neighbours' delinquencies.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading She revelled in the afternoon tea, because it cost little--a few spoonfuls of "Lipton" and some slices of thin bread and butter--and afforded ample opportunity for that small talk, which was the essence of her life, since it enabled her to keep _au fait_ with her neighbours' delinquencies.

plural of “slice” — a share of something

From this reading She revelled in the afternoon tea, because it cost little--a few spoonfuls of "Lipton" and some slices of thin bread and butter--and afforded ample opportunity for that small talk, which was the essence of her life, since it enabled her to keep _au fait_ with her neighbours' delinquencies.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading She revelled in the afternoon tea, because it cost little--a few spoonfuls of "Lipton" and some slices of thin bread and butter--and afforded ample opportunity for that small talk, which was the essence of her life, since it enabled her to keep _au fait_ with her neighbours' delinquencies.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading She had been known to go so far as a hot luncheon for certain high and mighty people whom it suited her book to conciliate; but never by any chance had she been known to give a dinner.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading She revelled in the afternoon tea, because it cost little--a few spoonfuls of "Lipton" and some slices of thin bread and butter--and afforded ample opportunity for that small talk, which was the essence of her life, since it enabled her to keep _au fait_ with her neighbours' delinquencies.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading As a rule Mrs. Darrow was not very hospitable--unless there was something to be gained from the exercise of such hospitality.

plural of “spoonful” — as much as a spoon will hold

From this reading She revelled in the afternoon tea, because it cost little--a few spoonfuls of "Lipton" and some slices of thin bread and butter--and afforded ample opportunity for that small talk, which was the essence of her life, since it enabled her to keep _au fait_ with her neighbours' delinquencies.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading As a rule Mrs. Darrow was not very hospitable--unless there was something to be gained from the exercise of such hospitality.

meant or adapted for an occasion or use

From this reading She had been known to go so far as a hot luncheon for certain high and mighty people whom it suited her book to conciliate; but never by any chance had she been known to give a dinner.

exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading She revelled in the afternoon tea, because it cost little--a few spoonfuls of "Lipton" and some slices of thin bread and butter--and afforded ample opportunity for that small talk, which was the essence of her life, since it enabled her to keep _au fait_ with her neighbours' delinquencies.

a beverage made by steeping tea leaves in water

From this reading She revelled in the afternoon tea, because it cost little--a few spoonfuls of "Lipton" and some slices of thin bread and butter--and afforded ample opportunity for that small talk, which was the essence of her life, since it enabled her to keep _au fait_ with her neighbours' delinquencies.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading She revelled in the afternoon tea, because it cost little--a few spoonfuls of "Lipton" and some slices of thin bread and butter--and afforded ample opportunity for that small talk, which was the essence of her life, since it enabled her to keep _au fait_ with her neighbours' delinquencies.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading As a rule Mrs. Darrow was not very hospitable--unless there was something to be gained from the exercise of such hospitality.

in or at that place or location

From this reading As a rule Mrs. Darrow was not very hospitable--unless there was something to be gained from the exercise of such hospitality.

Having little thickness or extent.

From this reading She revelled in the afternoon tea, because it cost little--a few spoonfuls of "Lipton" and some slices of thin bread and butter--and afforded ample opportunity for that small talk, which was the essence of her life, since it enabled her to keep _au fait_ with her neighbours' delinquencies.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading As a rule Mrs. Darrow was not very hospitable--unless there was something to be gained from the exercise of such hospitality.

except if; if not

From this reading As a rule Mrs. Darrow was not very hospitable--unless there was something to be gained from the exercise of such hospitality.

precisely as stated

From this reading As a rule Mrs. Darrow was not very hospitable--unless there was something to be gained from the exercise of such hospitality.

someone who visits

From this reading BARTON'S VISITOR.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading As a rule Mrs. Darrow was not very hospitable--unless there was something to be gained from the exercise of such hospitality.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading She revelled in the afternoon tea, because it cost little--a few spoonfuls of "Lipton" and some slices of thin bread and butter--and afforded ample opportunity for that small talk, which was the essence of her life, since it enabled her to keep _au fait_ with her neighbours' delinquencies.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading She had been known to go so far as a hot luncheon for certain high and mighty people whom it suited her book to conciliate; but never by any chance had she been known to give a dinner.

in the company of; together with

From this reading She revelled in the afternoon tea, because it cost little--a few spoonfuls of "Lipton" and some slices of thin bread and butter--and afforded ample opportunity for that small talk, which was the essence of her life, since it enabled her to keep _au fait_ with her neighbours' delinquencies.