used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading She tried to think what she could do to escape from the toils which had been woven round her--woven with the appropriate phrases that went to the declaring of a father’s blessing, and the frivolous inconsequence of a mother’s acquiescence.
accidentaladjectiveUS /ˌæksəˈdentəl/
happening by chance or unexpectedly or unintentionally
From this reading She looked, as an imprisoned girl might, first to the door then to the windows, as if she had a hope that, by some accidental neglect of precaution on the part of her gaoler a chance might be left for her of escape one way or another.
acquiescencenounUS /ˌækwiˈesəns/
acceptance without protest
From this reading She tried to think what she could do to escape from the toils which had been woven round her--woven with the appropriate phrases that went to the declaring of a father’s blessing, and the frivolous inconsequence of a mother’s acquiescence.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading She felt for a moment as if she were a prisoner in a strong room, with bars across the windows and bolts upon the door.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading She looked, as an imprisoned girl might, first to the door then to the windows, as if she had a hope that, by some accidental neglect of precaution on the part of her gaoler a chance might be left for her of escape one way or another.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading She threw herself upon the sofa in her boudoir and tried to face the situation which presented itself to her.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading She looked, as an imprisoned girl might, first to the door then to the windows, as if she had a hope that, by some accidental neglect of precaution on the part of her gaoler a chance might be left for her of escape one way or another.
appropriateverbUS /əˈproʊpriət/
give or assign a resource to a particular person or cause
From this reading She tried to think what she could do to escape from the toils which had been woven round her--woven with the appropriate phrases that went to the declaring of a father’s blessing, and the frivolous inconsequence of a mother’s acquiescence.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading She felt for a moment as if she were a prisoner in a strong room, with bars across the windows and bolts upon the door.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading She threw back her head and stared at the ceiling.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading She threw back her head and stared at the ceiling.
barsnounUS /bɑːrz/
gymnastic apparatus consisting of two parallel wooden rods supported on uprights
From this reading She felt for a moment as if she were a prisoner in a strong room, with bars across the windows and bolts upon the door.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading She looked, as an imprisoned girl might, first to the door then to the windows, as if she had a hope that, by some accidental neglect of precaution on the part of her gaoler a chance might be left for her of escape one way or another.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading She tried to think what she could do to escape from the toils which had been woven round her--woven with the appropriate phrases that went to the declaring of a father’s blessing, and the frivolous inconsequence of a mother’s acquiescence.
blessingnounUS /ˈblesɪŋ/
the formal act of approving
From this reading She tried to think what she could do to escape from the toils which had been woven round her--woven with the appropriate phrases that went to the declaring of a father’s blessing, and the frivolous inconsequence of a mother’s acquiescence.
boltsnounUS /boʊlts/
plural of “bolt” — a discharge of lightning accompanied by thunder
From this reading She felt for a moment as if she were a prisoner in a strong room, with bars across the windows and bolts upon the door.
boudoirnounUS /ˈbuːdɔɪr/
a lady's bedroom or private sitting room
From this reading She threw herself upon the sofa in her boudoir and tried to face the situation which presented itself to her.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading She looked, as an imprisoned girl might, first to the door then to the windows, as if she had a hope that, by some accidental neglect of precaution on the part of her gaoler a chance might be left for her of escape one way or another.
ceilingnounUS /ˈsiːlɪŋ/
the overhead upper surface of a covered space
From this reading She threw back her head and stared at the ceiling.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading She looked, as an imprisoned girl might, first to the door then to the windows, as if she had a hope that, by some accidental neglect of precaution on the part of her gaoler a chance might be left for her of escape one way or another.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading She tried to think what she could do to escape from the toils which had been woven round her--woven with the appropriate phrases that went to the declaring of a father’s blessing, and the frivolous inconsequence of a mother’s acquiescence.
declaringverbUS /dɪˈklerɪŋ/
-ing form of “declare” — state emphatically and authoritatively
From this reading She tried to think what she could do to escape from the toils which had been woven round her--woven with the appropriate phrases that went to the declaring of a father’s blessing, and the frivolous inconsequence of a mother’s acquiescence.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading She tried to think what she could do to escape from the toils which had been woven round her--woven with the appropriate phrases that went to the declaring of a father’s blessing, and the frivolous inconsequence of a mother’s acquiescence.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading She felt for a moment as if she were a prisoner in a strong room, with bars across the windows and bolts upon the door.
the act of escaping physically
From this reading She tried to think what she could do to escape from the toils which had been woven round her--woven with the appropriate phrases that went to the declaring of a father’s blessing, and the frivolous inconsequence of a mother’s acquiescence.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading She threw herself upon the sofa in her boudoir and tried to face the situation which presented itself to her.
father'snounUS /ˈfɑːðərz/
possessive form of “father” — a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading She tried to think what she could do to escape from the toils which had been woven round her--woven with the appropriate phrases that went to the declaring of a father’s blessing, and the frivolous inconsequence of a mother’s acquiescence.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading She felt for a moment as if she were a prisoner in a strong room, with bars across the windows and bolts upon the door.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading She looked, as an imprisoned girl might, first to the door then to the windows, as if she had a hope that, by some accidental neglect of precaution on the part of her gaoler a chance might be left for her of escape one way or another.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading She felt for a moment as if she were a prisoner in a strong room, with bars across the windows and bolts upon the door.
frivolousadjectiveUS /ˈfrɪvələs/
not serious in content or attitude or behavior
From this reading She tried to think what she could do to escape from the toils which had been woven round her--woven with the appropriate phrases that went to the declaring of a father’s blessing, and the frivolous inconsequence of a mother’s acquiescence.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading She tried to think what she could do to escape from the toils which had been woven round her--woven with the appropriate phrases that went to the declaring of a father’s blessing, and the frivolous inconsequence of a mother’s acquiescence.
gaolernoun
someone who guards prisoners
From this reading She looked, as an imprisoned girl might, first to the door then to the windows, as if she had a hope that, by some accidental neglect of precaution on the part of her gaoler a chance might be left for her of escape one way or another.
a young female
From this reading She looked, as an imprisoned girl might, first to the door then to the windows, as if she had a hope that, by some accidental neglect of precaution on the part of her gaoler a chance might be left for her of escape one way or another.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading She tried to think what she could do to escape from the toils which had been woven round her--woven with the appropriate phrases that went to the declaring of a father’s blessing, and the frivolous inconsequence of a mother’s acquiescence.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading She threw back her head and stared at the ceiling.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading She threw herself upon the sofa in her boudoir and tried to face the situation which presented itself to her.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading She threw herself upon the sofa in her boudoir and tried to face the situation which presented itself to her.
a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading She looked, as an imprisoned girl might, first to the door then to the windows, as if she had a hope that, by some accidental neglect of precaution on the part of her gaoler a chance might be left for her of escape one way or another.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading She felt for a moment as if she were a prisoner in a strong room, with bars across the windows and bolts upon the door.
imprisonedadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈprɪzənd/
being in captivity
From this reading She looked, as an imprisoned girl might, first to the door then to the windows, as if she had a hope that, by some accidental neglect of precaution on the part of her gaoler a chance might be left for her of escape one way or another.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading She threw herself upon the sofa in her boudoir and tried to face the situation which presented itself to her.
inconsequencenoun
having no important effects or influence
From this reading She tried to think what she could do to escape from the toils which had been woven round her--woven with the appropriate phrases that went to the declaring of a father’s blessing, and the frivolous inconsequence of a mother’s acquiescence.
used when the thing doing the action is also its object
From this reading She threw herself upon the sofa in her boudoir and tried to face the situation which presented itself to her.
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading She looked, as an imprisoned girl might, first to the door then to the windows, as if she had a hope that, by some accidental neglect of precaution on the part of her gaoler a chance might be left for her of escape one way or another.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading She looked, as an imprisoned girl might, first to the door then to the windows, as if she had a hope that, by some accidental neglect of precaution on the part of her gaoler a chance might be left for her of escape one way or another.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading She looked, as an imprisoned girl might, first to the door then to the windows, as if she had a hope that, by some accidental neglect of precaution on the part of her gaoler a chance might be left for her of escape one way or another.
a particular point in time
From this reading She felt for a moment as if she were a prisoner in a strong room, with bars across the windows and bolts upon the door.
mother'snounUS /ˈmʌðərz/
possessive form of “mother” — a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading She tried to think what she could do to escape from the toils which had been woven round her--woven with the appropriate phrases that went to the declaring of a father’s blessing, and the frivolous inconsequence of a mother’s acquiescence.
neglectverbUS /nəˈɡlekt/
leave undone or leave out
From this reading She looked, as an imprisoned girl might, first to the door then to the windows, as if she had a hope that, by some accidental neglect of precaution on the part of her gaoler a chance might be left for her of escape one way or another.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading She tried to think what she could do to escape from the toils which had been woven round her--woven with the appropriate phrases that went to the declaring of a father’s blessing, and the frivolous inconsequence of a mother’s acquiescence.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading She looked, as an imprisoned girl might, first to the door then to the windows, as if she had a hope that, by some accidental neglect of precaution on the part of her gaoler a chance might be left for her of escape one way or another.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading She looked, as an imprisoned girl might, first to the door then to the windows, as if she had a hope that, by some accidental neglect of precaution on the part of her gaoler a chance might be left for her of escape one way or another.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading She looked, as an imprisoned girl might, first to the door then to the windows, as if she had a hope that, by some accidental neglect of precaution on the part of her gaoler a chance might be left for her of escape one way or another.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading She looked, as an imprisoned girl might, first to the door then to the windows, as if she had a hope that, by some accidental neglect of precaution on the part of her gaoler a chance might be left for her of escape one way or another.
phrasesnounUS /ˈfreɪzəz/
plural of “phrase” — an expression consisting of one or more words forming a grammatical constituent of a sentence
From this reading She tried to think what she could do to escape from the toils which had been woven round her--woven with the appropriate phrases that went to the declaring of a father’s blessing, and the frivolous inconsequence of a mother’s acquiescence.
precautionnounUS /priˈkɔːʃən/
a precautionary measure warding off impending danger or damage or injury etc.
From this reading She looked, as an imprisoned girl might, first to the door then to the windows, as if she had a hope that, by some accidental neglect of precaution on the part of her gaoler a chance might be left for her of escape one way or another.
past form of “present” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading She threw herself upon the sofa in her boudoir and tried to face the situation which presented itself to her.
a person who is confined; especially a prisoner of war
From this reading She felt for a moment as if she were a prisoner in a strong room, with bars across the windows and bolts upon the door.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading She felt for a moment as if she were a prisoner in a strong room, with bars across the windows and bolts upon the door.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading She tried to think what she could do to escape from the toils which had been woven round her--woven with the appropriate phrases that went to the declaring of a father’s blessing, and the frivolous inconsequence of a mother’s acquiescence.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She threw herself upon the sofa in her boudoir and tried to face the situation which presented itself to her.
the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time
From this reading She threw herself upon the sofa in her boudoir and tried to face the situation which presented itself to her.
sofanounUS /ˈsoʊfə/
an upholstered seat for more than one person
From this reading She threw herself upon the sofa in her boudoir and tried to face the situation which presented itself to her.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading She looked, as an imprisoned girl might, first to the door then to the windows, as if she had a hope that, by some accidental neglect of precaution on the part of her gaoler a chance might be left for her of escape one way or another.
past form of “stare” — look at with fixed eyes
From this reading She threw back her head and stared at the ceiling.
having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading She felt for a moment as if she were a prisoner in a strong room, with bars across the windows and bolts upon the door.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading She tried to think what she could do to escape from the toils which had been woven round her--woven with the appropriate phrases that went to the declaring of a father’s blessing, and the frivolous inconsequence of a mother’s acquiescence.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading She threw herself upon the sofa in her boudoir and tried to face the situation which presented itself to her.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading She looked, as an imprisoned girl might, first to the door then to the windows, as if she had a hope that, by some accidental neglect of precaution on the part of her gaoler a chance might be left for her of escape one way or another.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading She tried to think what she could do to escape from the toils which had been woven round her--woven with the appropriate phrases that went to the declaring of a father’s blessing, and the frivolous inconsequence of a mother’s acquiescence.
inflected form of “throw” — propel through the air
From this reading She threw herself upon the sofa in her boudoir and tried to face the situation which presented itself to her.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading She threw herself upon the sofa in her boudoir and tried to face the situation which presented itself to her.
toilsnounUS /tɔɪlz/
plural of “toil” — productive work (especially physical work done for wages)
From this reading She tried to think what she could do to escape from the toils which had been woven round her--woven with the appropriate phrases that went to the declaring of a father’s blessing, and the frivolous inconsequence of a mother’s acquiescence.
tested and proved useful or correct
From this reading She threw herself upon the sofa in her boudoir and tried to face the situation which presented itself to her.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading She threw herself upon the sofa in her boudoir and tried to face the situation which presented itself to her.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading She looked, as an imprisoned girl might, first to the door then to the windows, as if she had a hope that, by some accidental neglect of precaution on the part of her gaoler a chance might be left for her of escape one way or another.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading She tried to think what she could do to escape from the toils which had been woven round her--woven with the appropriate phrases that went to the declaring of a father’s blessing, and the frivolous inconsequence of a mother’s acquiescence.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading She felt for a moment as if she were a prisoner in a strong room, with bars across the windows and bolts upon the door.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading She tried to think what she could do to escape from the toils which had been woven round her--woven with the appropriate phrases that went to the declaring of a father’s blessing, and the frivolous inconsequence of a mother’s acquiescence.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading She threw herself upon the sofa in her boudoir and tried to face the situation which presented itself to her.
(trademark) an operating system with a graphical user interface
From this reading She felt for a moment as if she were a prisoner in a strong room, with bars across the windows and bolts upon the door.
in the company of; together with
From this reading She tried to think what she could do to escape from the toils which had been woven round her--woven with the appropriate phrases that went to the declaring of a father’s blessing, and the frivolous inconsequence of a mother’s acquiescence.
wovenadjectiveUS /ˈwoʊvən/
made or constructed by interlacing threads or strips of material or other elements into a whole
From this reading She tried to think what she could do to escape from the toils which had been woven round her--woven with the appropriate phrases that went to the declaring of a father’s blessing, and the frivolous inconsequence of a mother’s acquiescence.
