used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE MYSTERIOUS YOUNG WOMAN Dr. Earl took a late dinner at his sister's house, after having spent an hour with his fiancee on the way.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading THE MYSTERIOUS YOUNG WOMAN Dr. Earl took a late dinner at his sister's house, after having spent an hour with his fiancee on the way.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading THE MYSTERIOUS YOUNG WOMAN Dr. Earl took a late dinner at his sister's house, after having spent an hour with his fiancee on the way.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading There were just the four of them at table, his sister and her husband, his brother and himself.
any thing at all
From this reading She had been more of a "pal" to them than anything else, and some years' residence in England during her schooldays had broadened her vision of the true meaning and value of this relation between those of opposite sex and particularly between brother and sister.
adopted in order to deceive
From this reading During the college days of both himself and his brother, who was two years his junior, his sister had assumed the role of a mother to them, and right devotedly had she filled the part.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading THE MYSTERIOUS YOUNG WOMAN Dr. Earl took a late dinner at his sister's house, after having spent an hour with his fiancee on the way.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading She had been more of a "pal" to them than anything else, and some years' residence in England during her schooldays had broadened her vision of the true meaning and value of this relation between those of opposite sex and particularly between brother and sister.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading His sister was the oldest member of his family, which comprised but the three of them, his father and mother having died some years before.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading She had been more of a "pal" to them than anything else, and some years' residence in England during her schooldays had broadened her vision of the true meaning and value of this relation between those of opposite sex and particularly between brother and sister.
the two together, not just one
From this reading During the college days of both himself and his brother, who was two years his junior, his sister had assumed the role of a mother to them, and right devotedly had she filled the part.
broadenedverbUS /ˈbrɔːdənd/
past form of “broaden” — make broader
From this reading She had been more of a "pal" to them than anything else, and some years' residence in England during her schooldays had broadened her vision of the true meaning and value of this relation between those of opposite sex and particularly between brother and sister.
a male with the same parents as someone else
From this reading There were just the four of them at table, his sister and her husband, his brother and himself.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading His sister was the oldest member of his family, which comprised but the three of them, his father and mother having died some years before.
the body of faculty and students of a college
From this reading During the college days of both himself and his brother, who was two years his junior, his sister had assumed the role of a mother to them, and right devotedly had she filled the part.
comprisedverbUS /kəmˈpraɪzd/
past form of “comprise” — be composed of
From this reading His sister was the oldest member of his family, which comprised but the three of them, his father and mother having died some years before.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading During the college days of both himself and his brother, who was two years his junior, his sister had assumed the role of a mother to them, and right devotedly had she filled the part.
devotedlyadverb
with devotion
From this reading During the college days of both himself and his brother, who was two years his junior, his sister had assumed the role of a mother to them, and right devotedly had she filled the part.
past form of “die” — pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life
From this reading His sister was the oldest member of his family, which comprised but the three of them, his father and mother having died some years before.
the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday
From this reading THE MYSTERIOUS YOUNG WOMAN Dr. Earl took a late dinner at his sister's house, after having spent an hour with his fiancee on the way.
Dr
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE MYSTERIOUS YOUNG WOMAN Dr. Earl took a late dinner at his sister's house, after having spent an hour with his fiancee on the way.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading During the college days of both himself and his brother, who was two years his junior, his sister had assumed the role of a mother to them, and right devotedly had she filled the part.
a British peer ranking below a marquess and above a viscount
From this reading THE MYSTERIOUS YOUNG WOMAN Dr. Earl took a late dinner at his sister's house, after having spent an hour with his fiancee on the way.
else
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She had been more of a "pal" to them than anything else, and some years' residence in England during her schooldays had broadened her vision of the true meaning and value of this relation between those of opposite sex and particularly between brother and sister.
a division of the United Kingdom
From this reading She had been more of a "pal" to them than anything else, and some years' residence in England during her schooldays had broadened her vision of the true meaning and value of this relation between those of opposite sex and particularly between brother and sister.
a social unit living together
From this reading His sister was the oldest member of his family, which comprised but the three of them, his father and mother having died some years before.
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading His sister was the oldest member of his family, which comprised but the three of them, his father and mother having died some years before.
fianceenounUS /fiˈænsi/
a woman who is engaged to be married
From this reading THE MYSTERIOUS YOUNG WOMAN Dr. Earl took a late dinner at his sister's house, after having spent an hour with his fiancee on the way.
(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with
From this reading During the college days of both himself and his brother, who was two years his junior, his sister had assumed the role of a mother to them, and right devotedly had she filled the part.
the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
From this reading There were just the four of them at table, his sister and her husband, his brother and himself.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading During the college days of both himself and his brother, who was two years his junior, his sister had assumed the role of a mother to them, and right devotedly had she filled the part.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading THE MYSTERIOUS YOUNG WOMAN Dr. Earl took a late dinner at his sister's house, after having spent an hour with his fiancee on the way.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading There were just the four of them at table, his sister and her husband, his brother and himself.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading There were just the four of them at table, his sister and her husband, his brother and himself.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading THE MYSTERIOUS YOUNG WOMAN Dr. Earl took a late dinner at his sister's house, after having spent an hour with his fiancee on the way.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading THE MYSTERIOUS YOUNG WOMAN Dr. Earl took a late dinner at his sister's house, after having spent an hour with his fiancee on the way.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading THE MYSTERIOUS YOUNG WOMAN Dr. Earl took a late dinner at his sister's house, after having spent an hour with his fiancee on the way.
a married man; a woman's partner in marriage
From this reading There were just the four of them at table, his sister and her husband, his brother and himself.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading She had been more of a "pal" to them than anything else, and some years' residence in England during her schooldays had broadened her vision of the true meaning and value of this relation between those of opposite sex and particularly between brother and sister.
juniornounUS /ˈdʒuːnjər/
term of address for a disrespectful and annoying male
From this reading During the college days of both himself and his brother, who was two years his junior, his sister had assumed the role of a mother to them, and right devotedly had she filled the part.
and nothing more
From this reading There were just the four of them at table, his sister and her husband, his brother and himself.
being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time
From this reading THE MYSTERIOUS YOUNG WOMAN Dr. Earl took a late dinner at his sister's house, after having spent an hour with his fiancee on the way.
the message that is intended or expressed or signified
From this reading She had been more of a "pal" to them than anything else, and some years' residence in England during her schooldays had broadened her vision of the true meaning and value of this relation between those of opposite sex and particularly between brother and sister.
one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)
From this reading His sister was the oldest member of his family, which comprised but the three of them, his father and mother having died some years before.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading She had been more of a "pal" to them than anything else, and some years' residence in England during her schooldays had broadened her vision of the true meaning and value of this relation between those of opposite sex and particularly between brother and sister.
a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading His sister was the oldest member of his family, which comprised but the three of them, his father and mother having died some years before.
of an obscure nature
From this reading THE MYSTERIOUS YOUNG WOMAN Dr. Earl took a late dinner at his sister's house, after having spent an hour with his fiancee on the way.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading There were just the four of them at table, his sister and her husband, his brother and himself.
oldestadjectiveUS /ˈoʊldəst/
superlative of “old” — (used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading His sister was the oldest member of his family, which comprised but the three of them, his father and mother having died some years before.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading THE MYSTERIOUS YOUNG WOMAN Dr. Earl took a late dinner at his sister's house, after having spent an hour with his fiancee on the way.
being directly across from each other; facing
From this reading She had been more of a "pal" to them than anything else, and some years' residence in England during her schooldays had broadened her vision of the true meaning and value of this relation between those of opposite sex and particularly between brother and sister.
palnounUS /pæl/
a close friend who accompanies his buddies in their activities
From this reading She had been more of a "pal" to them than anything else, and some years' residence in England during her schooldays had broadened her vision of the true meaning and value of this relation between those of opposite sex and particularly between brother and sister.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading During the college days of both himself and his brother, who was two years his junior, his sister had assumed the role of a mother to them, and right devotedly had she filled the part.
to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common
From this reading She had been more of a "pal" to them than anything else, and some years' residence in England during her schooldays had broadened her vision of the true meaning and value of this relation between those of opposite sex and particularly between brother and sister.
an abstraction belonging to or characteristic of two entities or parts together
From this reading She had been more of a "pal" to them than anything else, and some years' residence in England during her schooldays had broadened her vision of the true meaning and value of this relation between those of opposite sex and particularly between brother and sister.
residencenounUS /ˈrezɪdəns/
any address at which you dwell more than temporarily
From this reading She had been more of a "pal" to them than anything else, and some years' residence in England during her schooldays had broadened her vision of the true meaning and value of this relation between those of opposite sex and particularly between brother and sister.
precisely, exactly
From this reading During the college days of both himself and his brother, who was two years his junior, his sister had assumed the role of a mother to them, and right devotedly had she filled the part.
rolenounUS /roʊl/
the actions and activities assigned to or required or expected of a person or group
From this reading During the college days of both himself and his brother, who was two years his junior, his sister had assumed the role of a mother to them, and right devotedly had she filled the part.
schooldaysnoun
the time of life when you are going to school
From this reading She had been more of a "pal" to them than anything else, and some years' residence in England during her schooldays had broadened her vision of the true meaning and value of this relation between those of opposite sex and particularly between brother and sister.
activities associated with sexual intercourse
From this reading She had been more of a "pal" to them than anything else, and some years' residence in England during her schooldays had broadened her vision of the true meaning and value of this relation between those of opposite sex and particularly between brother and sister.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading During the college days of both himself and his brother, who was two years his junior, his sister had assumed the role of a mother to them, and right devotedly had she filled the part.
a female person who has the same parents as another person
From this reading There were just the four of them at table, his sister and her husband, his brother and himself.
sister'snounUS /ˈsɪstərz/
possessive form of “sister” — a female person who has the same parents as another person
From this reading THE MYSTERIOUS YOUNG WOMAN Dr. Earl took a late dinner at his sister's house, after having spent an hour with his fiancee on the way.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading His sister was the oldest member of his family, which comprised but the three of them, his father and mother having died some years before.
depleted of energy, force, or strength
From this reading THE MYSTERIOUS YOUNG WOMAN Dr. Earl took a late dinner at his sister's house, after having spent an hour with his fiancee on the way.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading There were just the four of them at table, his sister and her husband, his brother and himself.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading She had been more of a "pal" to them than anything else, and some years' residence in England during her schooldays had broadened her vision of the true meaning and value of this relation between those of opposite sex and particularly between brother and sister.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE MYSTERIOUS YOUNG WOMAN Dr. Earl took a late dinner at his sister's house, after having spent an hour with his fiancee on the way.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading There were just the four of them at table, his sister and her husband, his brother and himself.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There were just the four of them at table, his sister and her husband, his brother and himself.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading She had been more of a "pal" to them than anything else, and some years' residence in England during her schooldays had broadened her vision of the true meaning and value of this relation between those of opposite sex and particularly between brother and sister.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading She had been more of a "pal" to them than anything else, and some years' residence in England during her schooldays had broadened her vision of the true meaning and value of this relation between those of opposite sex and particularly between brother and sister.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading His sister was the oldest member of his family, which comprised but the three of them, his father and mother having died some years before.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading During the college days of both himself and his brother, who was two years his junior, his sister had assumed the role of a mother to them, and right devotedly had she filled the part.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading THE MYSTERIOUS YOUNG WOMAN Dr. Earl took a late dinner at his sister's house, after having spent an hour with his fiancee on the way.
consistent with fact or reality; not false
From this reading She had been more of a "pal" to them than anything else, and some years' residence in England during her schooldays had broadened her vision of the true meaning and value of this relation between those of opposite sex and particularly between brother and sister.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading During the college days of both himself and his brother, who was two years his junior, his sister had assumed the role of a mother to them, and right devotedly had she filled the part.
a numerical quantity measured or assigned or computed
From this reading She had been more of a "pal" to them than anything else, and some years' residence in England during her schooldays had broadened her vision of the true meaning and value of this relation between those of opposite sex and particularly between brother and sister.
a vivid mental image
From this reading She had been more of a "pal" to them than anything else, and some years' residence in England during her schooldays had broadened her vision of the true meaning and value of this relation between those of opposite sex and particularly between brother and sister.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading His sister was the oldest member of his family, which comprised but the three of them, his father and mother having died some years before.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading THE MYSTERIOUS YOUNG WOMAN Dr. Earl took a late dinner at his sister's house, after having spent an hour with his fiancee on the way.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading There were just the four of them at table, his sister and her husband, his brother and himself.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading His sister was the oldest member of his family, which comprised but the three of them, his father and mother having died some years before.
which person or people
From this reading During the college days of both himself and his brother, who was two years his junior, his sister had assumed the role of a mother to them, and right devotedly had she filled the part.
in the company of; together with
From this reading THE MYSTERIOUS YOUNG WOMAN Dr. Earl took a late dinner at his sister's house, after having spent an hour with his fiancee on the way.
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading THE MYSTERIOUS YOUNG WOMAN Dr. Earl took a late dinner at his sister's house, after having spent an hour with his fiancee on the way.
a late time of life
From this reading His sister was the oldest member of his family, which comprised but the three of them, his father and mother having died some years before.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading THE MYSTERIOUS YOUNG WOMAN Dr. Earl took a late dinner at his sister's house, after having spent an hour with his fiancee on the way.
