used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The Baynhams’ dinner-party was a function to be anticipated with horror, and undergone with resignation.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
acceptancenounUS /ækˈseptəns/
the mental attitude that something is believable and should be accepted as true
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
albumsnounUS /ˈælbəmz/
plural of “album” — one or more recordings issued together; originally released on 12-inch phonograph records (usually with attractive record covers) and later on cassette audiotape and compact disc
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
Allegra
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The Baynhams’ dinner-party was a function to be anticipated with horror, and undergone with resignation.
anticipatedadjectiveUS /ænˈtɪsəpeɪtɪd/
expected hopefully
From this reading The Baynhams’ dinner-party was a function to be anticipated with horror, and undergone with resignation.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
Baynham
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
Baynham's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
Baynhams
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Baynhams’ dinner-party was a function to be anticipated with horror, and undergone with resignation.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The Baynhams’ dinner-party was a function to be anticipated with horror, and undergone with resignation.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading One thing they did not know, however, Mrs. Baynham having been discreetly silent on the subject.
beforehandadjectiveUS /bɪˈfɔːrhænd/
being ahead of time or need
From this reading Yes, one could tell beforehand what the entertainment would be like.
brushverbUS /brʌʃ/
rub with a brush, or as if with a brush
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
a formal event performed on a special occasion
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
chair-backs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
to make a rush at or sudden attack upon, as in battle
From this reading “SAY THE FALSE CHARGE WAS TRUE.”
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading One thing they did not know, however, Mrs. Baynham having been discreetly silent on the subject.
the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
dinner-party
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Baynhams’ dinner-party was a function to be anticipated with horror, and undergone with resignation.
discreetlyadverbUS /dɪˈskriːtli/
with discretion; prudently and with wise self-restraint
From this reading One thing they did not know, however, Mrs. Baynham having been discreetly silent on the subject.
drawing-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
entertainmentnounUS /ˌentərˈteɪnmənt/
an activity that is diverting and that holds the attention
From this reading Yes, one could tell beforehand what the entertainment would be like.
divisible by two
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
not in accordance with the fact or reality or actuality
From this reading “SAY THE FALSE CHARGE WAS TRUE.”
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
festivitynounUS /feˈstɪvəti/
any joyous diversion
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
finishingnounUS /ˈfɪnɪʃɪŋ/
a decorative texture or appearance of a surface (or the substance that gives it that appearance)
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
functionnounUS /ˈfʌŋkʃən/
(mathematics) a mathematical relation such that each element of a given set (the domain of the function) is associated with an element of another set (the range of the function)
From this reading The Baynhams’ dinner-party was a function to be anticipated with horror, and undergone with resignation.
the act of giving
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
intense and profound fear
From this reading The Baynhams’ dinner-party was a function to be anticipated with horror, and undergone with resignation.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading One thing they did not know, however, Mrs. Baynham having been discreetly silent on the subject.
a request (spoken or written) to participate or be present or take part in something
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading One thing they did not know, however, Mrs. Baynham having been discreetly silent on the subject.
landscapesnounUS /ˈlændskeɪps/
plural of “landscape” — an expanse of scenery that can be seen in a single view
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
without good reason
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
LodgeverbUS /lɑːdʒ/
be a lodger; stay temporarily
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
mirthnounUS /mɜːrθ/
great merriment
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
MyrtlenounUS /ˈmɜːrtəl/
widely cultivated as a groundcover for its dark green shiny leaves and usually blue-violet flowers
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
niecesnounUS /ˈniːsɪz/
plural of “niece” — a daughter of your brother or sister
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading One thing they did not know, however, Mrs. Baynham having been discreetly silent on the subject.
an event that occurs at a critical time
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Yes, one could tell beforehand what the entertainment would be like.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
coated with paint
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
pencilnounUS /ˈpensəl/
a thin cylindrical pointed writing implement; a rod of marking substance encased in wood
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
photographverbUS /ˈfoʊtəɡræf/
record on photographic film
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
PlymouthnounUS /ˈplɪməθ/
a town in Massachusetts founded by Pilgrims in 1620
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
resignationnounUS /ˌrezəɡˈneɪʃən/
acceptance of despair
From this reading The Baynhams’ dinner-party was a function to be anticipated with horror, and undergone with resignation.
rosy-cheekedadjective
having the pinkish flush of health
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
express in words
From this reading “SAY THE FALSE CHARGE WAS TRUE.”
the place where some action occurs
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
an educational institution
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
marked by absence of sound
From this reading One thing they did not know, however, Mrs. Baynham having been discreetly silent on the subject.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
sketchnounUS /sketʃ/
preliminary drawing for later elaboration
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading One thing they did not know, however, Mrs. Baynham having been discreetly silent on the subject.
past form of “talk” — exchange thoughts; talk with
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
express in words
From this reading Yes, one could tell beforehand what the entertainment would be like.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading “SAY THE FALSE CHARGE WAS TRUE.”
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading One thing they did not know, however, Mrs. Baynham having been discreetly silent on the subject.
a special situation
From this reading One thing they did not know, however, Mrs. Baynham having been discreetly silent on the subject.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The Baynhams’ dinner-party was a function to be anticipated with horror, and undergone with resignation.
having come into contact
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
consistent with fact or reality; not false
From this reading “SAY THE FALSE CHARGE WAS TRUE.”
Truro
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
undergoneverbUS /ˌʌndərˈɡɔːn/
inflected form of “undergo” — pass through
From this reading The Baynhams’ dinner-party was a function to be anticipated with horror, and undergone with resignation.
WASauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “SAY THE FALSE CHARGE WAS TRUE.”
water-colournoun
water-soluble pigment
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
the state of being rich and affluent; having a plentiful supply of material goods and money
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
which person or people
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The Baynhams’ dinner-party was a function to be anticipated with horror, and undergone with resignation.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading For the first week after the acceptance of the invitation the ceremony had seemed so far off that it could be talked about lightly, and even made an occasion for mirth--Allegra giving her own little sketch of what a dinner at Myrtle Lodge would be like--the drawing-room with its wealth of chair-backs and photograph albums, and the water-colour landscapes which Mrs. Baynham had painted while she was at a finishing school at Plymouth, never having touched brush or pencil since--and Mrs. Baynham’s rosy-cheeked nieces from Truro, who always appeared on the scene of any festivity.
an affirmative
From this reading Yes, one could tell beforehand what the entertainment would be like.
