used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A CONFESSION Because of her absorption in Miss Finch's engrossing problem, Agatha gave the travelers of the household less of her attention on their return that afternoon than those rather spoiled individuals had reason to expect.
absorptionnounUS /əbˈzɔːrpʃən/
(chemistry) a process in which one substance permeates another; a fluid permeates or is dissolved by a liquid or solid
From this reading A CONFESSION Because of her absorption in Miss Finch's engrossing problem, Agatha gave the travelers of the household less of her attention on their return that afternoon than those rather spoiled individuals had reason to expect.
the part of the day between noon and evening
From this reading A CONFESSION Because of her absorption in Miss Finch's engrossing problem, Agatha gave the travelers of the household less of her attention on their return that afternoon than those rather spoiled individuals had reason to expect.
Agatha
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A CONFESSION Because of her absorption in Miss Finch's engrossing problem, Agatha gave the travelers of the household less of her attention on their return that afternoon than those rather spoiled individuals had reason to expect.
amissadjectiveUS /əˈmɪs/
not functioning properly
From this reading Not till the following morning when she read Forbes a letter from Julia, even more egotistic than the average communication of that self-centered young woman, did Agatha realize that something was amiss with her boarder.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He seemed tired and low-spirited, disinclined to conversation, in decided contrast to Howard, who was bubbling over with items of interest relating to their brief trip.
the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others
From this reading A CONFESSION Because of her absorption in Miss Finch's engrossing problem, Agatha gave the travelers of the household less of her attention on their return that afternoon than those rather spoiled individuals had reason to expect.
averageadjectiveUS /ˈævərɪdʒ/
approximating the statistical norm or average or expected value
From this reading Not till the following morning when she read Forbes a letter from Julia, even more egotistic than the average communication of that self-centered young woman, did Agatha realize that something was amiss with her boarder.
for the reason that
From this reading A CONFESSION Because of her absorption in Miss Finch's engrossing problem, Agatha gave the travelers of the household less of her attention on their return that afternoon than those rather spoiled individuals had reason to expect.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Clearly the jaunt had been too much for the convalescent's strength.
boardernounUS /ˈbɔːrdər/
a tenant in someone's house
From this reading Not till the following morning when she read Forbes a letter from Julia, even more egotistic than the average communication of that self-centered young woman, did Agatha realize that something was amiss with her boarder.
of short duration or distance
From this reading He seemed tired and low-spirited, disinclined to conversation, in decided contrast to Howard, who was bubbling over with items of interest relating to their brief trip.
bubblingadjectiveUS /ˈbʌbəlɪŋ/
emitting or filled with bubbles as from carbonation or fermentation
From this reading He seemed tired and low-spirited, disinclined to conversation, in decided contrast to Howard, who was bubbling over with items of interest relating to their brief trip.
without doubt or question
From this reading Clearly the jaunt had been too much for the convalescent's strength.
communicationnounUS /kəˌmjuːnəˈkeɪʃən/
the activity of communicating; the activity of conveying information
From this reading Not till the following morning when she read Forbes a letter from Julia, even more egotistic than the average communication of that self-centered young woman, did Agatha realize that something was amiss with her boarder.
CONFESSIONnounUS /kənˈfeʃən/
an admission of misdeeds or faults
From this reading A CONFESSION Because of her absorption in Miss Finch's engrossing problem, Agatha gave the travelers of the household less of her attention on their return that afternoon than those rather spoiled individuals had reason to expect.
conscience-stricken
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A little conscience-stricken that she had not earlier made the discovery, Agatha set herself resolutely to the task of reviving Forbes' drooping spirits, though with less than her usual success.
contrastnounUS /ˈkɑːntræst/
the opposition or dissimilarity of things that are compared
From this reading He seemed tired and low-spirited, disinclined to conversation, in decided contrast to Howard, who was bubbling over with items of interest relating to their brief trip.
convalescent's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Clearly the jaunt had been too much for the convalescent's strength.
the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.
From this reading He seemed tired and low-spirited, disinclined to conversation, in decided contrast to Howard, who was bubbling over with items of interest relating to their brief trip.
recognizable; marked
From this reading He seemed tired and low-spirited, disinclined to conversation, in decided contrast to Howard, who was bubbling over with items of interest relating to their brief trip.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Not till the following morning when she read Forbes a letter from Julia, even more egotistic than the average communication of that self-centered young woman, did Agatha realize that something was amiss with her boarder.
the act of discovering something
From this reading A little conscience-stricken that she had not earlier made the discovery, Agatha set herself resolutely to the task of reviving Forbes' drooping spirits, though with less than her usual success.
disinclinedadjectiveUS /ˌdɪsɪnˈklaɪnd/
unwilling because of mild dislike or disapproval
From this reading He seemed tired and low-spirited, disinclined to conversation, in decided contrast to Howard, who was bubbling over with items of interest relating to their brief trip.
droopingadjectiveUS /ˈdruːpɪŋ/
weak from exhaustion
From this reading A little conscience-stricken that she had not earlier made the discovery, Agatha set herself resolutely to the task of reviving Forbes' drooping spirits, though with less than her usual success.
earlier in time; previously
From this reading A little conscience-stricken that she had not earlier made the discovery, Agatha set herself resolutely to the task of reviving Forbes' drooping spirits, though with less than her usual success.
egotisticadjective
characteristic of those having an inflated idea of their own importance
From this reading Not till the following morning when she read Forbes a letter from Julia, even more egotistic than the average communication of that self-centered young woman, did Agatha realize that something was amiss with her boarder.
engrossingadjectiveUS /ɪnˈɡroʊsɪŋ/
capable of arousing and holding the attention
From this reading A CONFESSION Because of her absorption in Miss Finch's engrossing problem, Agatha gave the travelers of the household less of her attention on their return that afternoon than those rather spoiled individuals had reason to expect.
divisible by two
From this reading Not till the following morning when she read Forbes a letter from Julia, even more egotistic than the average communication of that self-centered young woman, did Agatha realize that something was amiss with her boarder.
regard something as probable or likely
From this reading A CONFESSION Because of her absorption in Miss Finch's engrossing problem, Agatha gave the travelers of the household less of her attention on their return that afternoon than those rather spoiled individuals had reason to expect.
Finch's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A CONFESSION Because of her absorption in Miss Finch's engrossing problem, Agatha gave the travelers of the household less of her attention on their return that afternoon than those rather spoiled individuals had reason to expect.
about to be mentioned or specified
From this reading Not till the following morning when she read Forbes a letter from Julia, even more egotistic than the average communication of that self-centered young woman, did Agatha realize that something was amiss with her boarder.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Clearly the jaunt had been too much for the convalescent's strength.
Forbes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Not till the following morning when she read Forbes a letter from Julia, even more egotistic than the average communication of that self-centered young woman, did Agatha realize that something was amiss with her boarder.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Not till the following morning when she read Forbes a letter from Julia, even more egotistic than the average communication of that self-centered young woman, did Agatha realize that something was amiss with her boarder.
inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading A CONFESSION Because of her absorption in Miss Finch's engrossing problem, Agatha gave the travelers of the household less of her attention on their return that afternoon than those rather spoiled individuals had reason to expect.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading A CONFESSION Because of her absorption in Miss Finch's engrossing problem, Agatha gave the travelers of the household less of her attention on their return that afternoon than those rather spoiled individuals had reason to expect.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He seemed tired and low-spirited, disinclined to conversation, in decided contrast to Howard, who was bubbling over with items of interest relating to their brief trip.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading A CONFESSION Because of her absorption in Miss Finch's engrossing problem, Agatha gave the travelers of the household less of her attention on their return that afternoon than those rather spoiled individuals had reason to expect.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading A little conscience-stricken that she had not earlier made the discovery, Agatha set herself resolutely to the task of reviving Forbes' drooping spirits, though with less than her usual success.
a social unit living together
From this reading A CONFESSION Because of her absorption in Miss Finch's engrossing problem, Agatha gave the travelers of the household less of her attention on their return that afternoon than those rather spoiled individuals had reason to expect.
HowardnounUS /ˈhaʊərd/
English actor of stage and screen (1893-1943)
From this reading He seemed tired and low-spirited, disinclined to conversation, in decided contrast to Howard, who was bubbling over with items of interest relating to their brief trip.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A CONFESSION Because of her absorption in Miss Finch's engrossing problem, Agatha gave the travelers of the household less of her attention on their return that afternoon than those rather spoiled individuals had reason to expect.
individualsnounUS /ˌɪndəˈvɪdʒəwəlz/
plural of “individual” — a human being
From this reading A CONFESSION Because of her absorption in Miss Finch's engrossing problem, Agatha gave the travelers of the household less of her attention on their return that afternoon than those rather spoiled individuals had reason to expect.
a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
From this reading He seemed tired and low-spirited, disinclined to conversation, in decided contrast to Howard, who was bubbling over with items of interest relating to their brief trip.
itemsnounUS /ˈaɪtəmz/
plural of “item” — a distinct part that can be specified separately in a group of things that could be enumerated on a list
From this reading He seemed tired and low-spirited, disinclined to conversation, in decided contrast to Howard, who was bubbling over with items of interest relating to their brief trip.
jauntnounUS /dʒɔːnt/
a journey taken for pleasure
From this reading Clearly the jaunt had been too much for the convalescent's strength.
Julia
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Not till the following morning when she read Forbes a letter from Julia, even more egotistic than the average communication of that self-centered young woman, did Agatha realize that something was amiss with her boarder.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading A CONFESSION Because of her absorption in Miss Finch's engrossing problem, Agatha gave the travelers of the household less of her attention on their return that afternoon than those rather spoiled individuals had reason to expect.
a written message addressed to a person or organization
From this reading Not till the following morning when she read Forbes a letter from Julia, even more egotistic than the average communication of that self-centered young woman, did Agatha realize that something was amiss with her boarder.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading A little conscience-stricken that she had not earlier made the discovery, Agatha set herself resolutely to the task of reviving Forbes' drooping spirits, though with less than her usual success.
low-spiritedadjectiveUS /ˌloʊˈspɪrətɪd/
filled with melancholy and despondency
From this reading He seemed tired and low-spirited, disinclined to conversation, in decided contrast to Howard, who was bubbling over with items of interest relating to their brief trip.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading A little conscience-stricken that she had not earlier made the discovery, Agatha set herself resolutely to the task of reviving Forbes' drooping spirits, though with less than her usual success.
fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind
From this reading A CONFESSION Because of her absorption in Miss Finch's engrossing problem, Agatha gave the travelers of the household less of her attention on their return that afternoon than those rather spoiled individuals had reason to expect.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Not till the following morning when she read Forbes a letter from Julia, even more egotistic than the average communication of that self-centered young woman, did Agatha realize that something was amiss with her boarder.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading Not till the following morning when she read Forbes a letter from Julia, even more egotistic than the average communication of that self-centered young woman, did Agatha realize that something was amiss with her boarder.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading Clearly the jaunt had been too much for the convalescent's strength.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Not till the following morning when she read Forbes a letter from Julia, even more egotistic than the average communication of that self-centered young woman, did Agatha realize that something was amiss with her boarder.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A CONFESSION Because of her absorption in Miss Finch's engrossing problem, Agatha gave the travelers of the household less of her attention on their return that afternoon than those rather spoiled individuals had reason to expect.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading A CONFESSION Because of her absorption in Miss Finch's engrossing problem, Agatha gave the travelers of the household less of her attention on their return that afternoon than those rather spoiled individuals had reason to expect.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading He seemed tired and low-spirited, disinclined to conversation, in decided contrast to Howard, who was bubbling over with items of interest relating to their brief trip.
a state of difficulty that needs to be resolved
From this reading A CONFESSION Because of her absorption in Miss Finch's engrossing problem, Agatha gave the travelers of the household less of her attention on their return that afternoon than those rather spoiled individuals had reason to expect.
on the contrary
From this reading A CONFESSION Because of her absorption in Miss Finch's engrossing problem, Agatha gave the travelers of the household less of her attention on their return that afternoon than those rather spoiled individuals had reason to expect.
interpret something that is written or printed
From this reading Not till the following morning when she read Forbes a letter from Julia, even more egotistic than the average communication of that self-centered young woman, did Agatha realize that something was amiss with her boarder.
be fully aware or cognizant of
From this reading Not till the following morning when she read Forbes a letter from Julia, even more egotistic than the average communication of that self-centered young woman, did Agatha realize that something was amiss with her boarder.
a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading A CONFESSION Because of her absorption in Miss Finch's engrossing problem, Agatha gave the travelers of the household less of her attention on their return that afternoon than those rather spoiled individuals had reason to expect.
relatingverbUS /rɪˈleɪtɪŋ/
-ing form of “relate” — make a logical or causal connection
From this reading He seemed tired and low-spirited, disinclined to conversation, in decided contrast to Howard, who was bubbling over with items of interest relating to their brief trip.
resolutelyadverbUS /ˈresəluːtli/
showing firm determination or purpose
From this reading A little conscience-stricken that she had not earlier made the discovery, Agatha set herself resolutely to the task of reviving Forbes' drooping spirits, though with less than her usual success.
go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading A CONFESSION Because of her absorption in Miss Finch's engrossing problem, Agatha gave the travelers of the household less of her attention on their return that afternoon than those rather spoiled individuals had reason to expect.
revivingadjectiveUS /rɪˈvaɪvɪŋ/
tending to impart new life and vigor to
From this reading A little conscience-stricken that she had not earlier made the discovery, Agatha set herself resolutely to the task of reviving Forbes' drooping spirits, though with less than her usual success.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading He seemed tired and low-spirited, disinclined to conversation, in decided contrast to Howard, who was bubbling over with items of interest relating to their brief trip.
self-centeredadjectiveUS /ˈselfˈsentərd/
limited to or caring only about yourself and your own needs
From this reading Not till the following morning when she read Forbes a letter from Julia, even more egotistic than the average communication of that self-centered young woman, did Agatha realize that something was amiss with her boarder.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading A little conscience-stricken that she had not earlier made the discovery, Agatha set herself resolutely to the task of reviving Forbes' drooping spirits, though with less than her usual success.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Not till the following morning when she read Forbes a letter from Julia, even more egotistic than the average communication of that self-centered young woman, did Agatha realize that something was amiss with her boarder.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading Not till the following morning when she read Forbes a letter from Julia, even more egotistic than the average communication of that self-centered young woman, did Agatha realize that something was amiss with her boarder.
an alcoholic beverage that is distilled rather than fermented
From this reading A little conscience-stricken that she had not earlier made the discovery, Agatha set herself resolutely to the task of reviving Forbes' drooping spirits, though with less than her usual success.
spoiledadjectiveUS /spɔɪld/
having the character or disposition harmed by pampering or oversolicitous attention
From this reading A CONFESSION Because of her absorption in Miss Finch's engrossing problem, Agatha gave the travelers of the household less of her attention on their return that afternoon than those rather spoiled individuals had reason to expect.
the property of being physically or mentally strong
From this reading Clearly the jaunt had been too much for the convalescent's strength.
an event that accomplishes its intended purpose
From this reading A little conscience-stricken that she had not earlier made the discovery, Agatha set herself resolutely to the task of reviving Forbes' drooping spirits, though with less than her usual success.
any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted
From this reading A little conscience-stricken that she had not earlier made the discovery, Agatha set herself resolutely to the task of reviving Forbes' drooping spirits, though with less than her usual success.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading A CONFESSION Because of her absorption in Miss Finch's engrossing problem, Agatha gave the travelers of the household less of her attention on their return that afternoon than those rather spoiled individuals had reason to expect.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading A CONFESSION Because of her absorption in Miss Finch's engrossing problem, Agatha gave the travelers of the household less of her attention on their return that afternoon than those rather spoiled individuals had reason to expect.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A CONFESSION Because of her absorption in Miss Finch's engrossing problem, Agatha gave the travelers of the household less of her attention on their return that afternoon than those rather spoiled individuals had reason to expect.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading A CONFESSION Because of her absorption in Miss Finch's engrossing problem, Agatha gave the travelers of the household less of her attention on their return that afternoon than those rather spoiled individuals had reason to expect.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading A CONFESSION Because of her absorption in Miss Finch's engrossing problem, Agatha gave the travelers of the household less of her attention on their return that afternoon than those rather spoiled individuals had reason to expect.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading A little conscience-stricken that she had not earlier made the discovery, Agatha set herself resolutely to the task of reviving Forbes' drooping spirits, though with less than her usual success.
up to a particular time
From this reading Not till the following morning when she read Forbes a letter from Julia, even more egotistic than the average communication of that self-centered young woman, did Agatha realize that something was amiss with her boarder.
tiredadjectiveUS /ˈtaɪərd/
depleted of strength or energy
From this reading He seemed tired and low-spirited, disinclined to conversation, in decided contrast to Howard, who was bubbling over with items of interest relating to their brief trip.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A CONFESSION Because of her absorption in Miss Finch's engrossing problem, Agatha gave the travelers of the household less of her attention on their return that afternoon than those rather spoiled individuals had reason to expect.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading Clearly the jaunt had been too much for the convalescent's strength.
travelersnounUS /ˈtrævələrz/
plural of “traveler” — a person who changes location
From this reading A CONFESSION Because of her absorption in Miss Finch's engrossing problem, Agatha gave the travelers of the household less of her attention on their return that afternoon than those rather spoiled individuals had reason to expect.
a journey for some purpose (usually including the return)
From this reading He seemed tired and low-spirited, disinclined to conversation, in decided contrast to Howard, who was bubbling over with items of interest relating to their brief trip.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading A little conscience-stricken that she had not earlier made the discovery, Agatha set herself resolutely to the task of reviving Forbes' drooping spirits, though with less than her usual success.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Not till the following morning when she read Forbes a letter from Julia, even more egotistic than the average communication of that self-centered young woman, did Agatha realize that something was amiss with her boarder.
at the time that
From this reading Not till the following morning when she read Forbes a letter from Julia, even more egotistic than the average communication of that self-centered young woman, did Agatha realize that something was amiss with her boarder.
which person or people
From this reading He seemed tired and low-spirited, disinclined to conversation, in decided contrast to Howard, who was bubbling over with items of interest relating to their brief trip.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Not till the following morning when she read Forbes a letter from Julia, even more egotistic than the average communication of that self-centered young woman, did Agatha realize that something was amiss with her boarder.
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading Not till the following morning when she read Forbes a letter from Julia, even more egotistic than the average communication of that self-centered young woman, did Agatha realize that something was amiss with her boarder.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading Not till the following morning when she read Forbes a letter from Julia, even more egotistic than the average communication of that self-centered young woman, did Agatha realize that something was amiss with her boarder.
