used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Gertrude’s manner towards him softened so much that he, believing her heart given to his rival, concluded that she was tempting him to make a proposal which she had no intention of accepting.
acceptingadjectiveUS /ækˈseptɪŋ/
tolerating without protest
From this reading Gertrude’s manner towards him softened so much that he, believing her heart given to his rival, concluded that she was tempting him to make a proposal which she had no intention of accepting.
Agatha
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Sir Charles, to whom he told what he had overheard in the avenue, professed sympathy, but was evidently pleased to learn that there was nothing serious in the attentions Trefusis paid to Agatha.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading Trefusis remarked that in a corrupt society expressions of dissatisfaction were always creditable to a writer’s sensibility; but he did not say much in praise of the verse.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Erskine wrote three bitter sonnets on hollow friendship and showed them to Sir Charles, who, failing to apply them to himself, praised them highly and showed them to Trefusis without asking the author’s permission.
applyverbUS /əˈplaɪ/
put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose
From this reading Erskine wrote three bitter sonnets on hollow friendship and showed them to Sir Charles, who, failing to apply them to himself, praised them highly and showed them to Trefusis without asking the author’s permission.
the verbal act of requesting
From this reading Erskine wrote three bitter sonnets on hollow friendship and showed them to Sir Charles, who, failing to apply them to himself, praised them highly and showed them to Trefusis without asking the author’s permission.
attentionsnounUS /əˈtenʃənz/
plural of “attention” — the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others
From this reading Sir Charles, to whom he told what he had overheard in the avenue, professed sympathy, but was evidently pleased to learn that there was nothing serious in the attentions Trefusis paid to Agatha.
author'snounUS /ˈɔːθərz/
possessive form of “author” — writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)
From this reading Erskine wrote three bitter sonnets on hollow friendship and showed them to Sir Charles, who, failing to apply them to himself, praised them highly and showed them to Trefusis without asking the author’s permission.
a line of approach
From this reading Sir Charles, to whom he told what he had overheard in the avenue, professed sympathy, but was evidently pleased to learn that there was nothing serious in the attentions Trefusis paid to Agatha.
begottenadjectiveUS /biˈɡɔːtɪn/
(of offspring) generated by procreation
From this reading Erskine soon found plenty of themes for his newly begotten cynicism.
believingnounUS /bɪˈliːvɪŋ/
the cognitive process that leads to convictions
From this reading Gertrude’s manner towards him softened so much that he, believing her heart given to his rival, concluded that she was tempting him to make a proposal which she had no intention of accepting.
marked by strong resentment or cynicism
From this reading Erskine wrote three bitter sonnets on hollow friendship and showed them to Sir Charles, who, failing to apply them to himself, praised them highly and showed them to Trefusis without asking the author’s permission.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Sir Charles, to whom he told what he had overheard in the avenue, professed sympathy, but was evidently pleased to learn that there was nothing serious in the attentions Trefusis paid to Agatha.
King of France from 1560 to 1574 whose reign was dominated by his mother Catherine de Medicis (1550-1574)
From this reading Sir Charles, to whom he told what he had overheard in the avenue, professed sympathy, but was evidently pleased to learn that there was nothing serious in the attentions Trefusis paid to Agatha.
having come or been brought to a conclusion
From this reading Gertrude’s manner towards him softened so much that he, believing her heart given to his rival, concluded that she was tempting him to make a proposal which she had no intention of accepting.
corruptverbUS /kərˈʌpt/
corrupt morally or by intemperance or sensuality
From this reading Trefusis remarked that in a corrupt society expressions of dissatisfaction were always creditable to a writer’s sensibility; but he did not say much in praise of the verse.
creditableadjectiveUS /ˈkredətəbəl/
worthy of often limited commendation
From this reading Trefusis remarked that in a corrupt society expressions of dissatisfaction were always creditable to a writer’s sensibility; but he did not say much in praise of the verse.
cynicismnounUS /ˈsɪnɪsɪzəm/
a cynical feeling of distrust
From this reading Erskine soon found plenty of themes for his newly begotten cynicism.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Trefusis remarked that in a corrupt society expressions of dissatisfaction were always creditable to a writer’s sensibility; but he did not say much in praise of the verse.
dissatisfactionnounUS /ˌdɪsætɪˈsfækʃən/
the feeling of being displeased and discontent
From this reading Trefusis remarked that in a corrupt society expressions of dissatisfaction were always creditable to a writer’s sensibility; but he did not say much in praise of the verse.
Erskine
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Erskine soon found plenty of themes for his newly begotten cynicism.
unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)
From this reading Sir Charles, to whom he told what he had overheard in the avenue, professed sympathy, but was evidently pleased to learn that there was nothing serious in the attentions Trefusis paid to Agatha.
expressionsnounUS /ɪkˈspreʃənz/
plural of “expression” — the feelings expressed on a person's face
From this reading Trefusis remarked that in a corrupt society expressions of dissatisfaction were always creditable to a writer’s sensibility; but he did not say much in praise of the verse.
failingnounUS /ˈfeɪlɪŋ/
a flaw or weak point
From this reading Erskine wrote three bitter sonnets on hollow friendship and showed them to Sir Charles, who, failing to apply them to himself, praised them highly and showed them to Trefusis without asking the author’s permission.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Erskine soon found plenty of themes for his newly begotten cynicism.
set up or found
From this reading Erskine soon found plenty of themes for his newly begotten cynicism.
the state of being friends (or friendly)
From this reading Erskine wrote three bitter sonnets on hollow friendship and showed them to Sir Charles, who, failing to apply them to himself, praised them highly and showed them to Trefusis without asking the author’s permission.
Gertrude's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gertrude’s manner towards him softened so much that he, believing her heart given to his rival, concluded that she was tempting him to make a proposal which she had no intention of accepting.
givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/
acknowledged as a supposition
From this reading Gertrude’s manner towards him softened so much that he, believing her heart given to his rival, concluded that she was tempting him to make a proposal which she had no intention of accepting.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Gertrude’s manner towards him softened so much that he, believing her heart given to his rival, concluded that she was tempting him to make a proposal which she had no intention of accepting.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Gertrude’s manner towards him softened so much that he, believing her heart given to his rival, concluded that she was tempting him to make a proposal which she had no intention of accepting.
the locus of feelings and intuitions
From this reading Gertrude’s manner towards him softened so much that he, believing her heart given to his rival, concluded that she was tempting him to make a proposal which she had no intention of accepting.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Gertrude’s manner towards him softened so much that he, believing her heart given to his rival, concluded that she was tempting him to make a proposal which she had no intention of accepting.
to a high degree or extent; favorably or with much respect
From this reading Erskine wrote three bitter sonnets on hollow friendship and showed them to Sir Charles, who, failing to apply them to himself, praised them highly and showed them to Trefusis without asking the author’s permission.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Gertrude’s manner towards him softened so much that he, believing her heart given to his rival, concluded that she was tempting him to make a proposal which she had no intention of accepting.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Erskine wrote three bitter sonnets on hollow friendship and showed them to Sir Charles, who, failing to apply them to himself, praised them highly and showed them to Trefusis without asking the author’s permission.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Erskine soon found plenty of themes for his newly begotten cynicism.
not solid; having a space or gap or cavity
From this reading Erskine wrote three bitter sonnets on hollow friendship and showed them to Sir Charles, who, failing to apply them to himself, praised them highly and showed them to Trefusis without asking the author’s permission.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Sir Charles, to whom he told what he had overheard in the avenue, professed sympathy, but was evidently pleased to learn that there was nothing serious in the attentions Trefusis paid to Agatha.
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading Gertrude’s manner towards him softened so much that he, believing her heart given to his rival, concluded that she was tempting him to make a proposal which she had no intention of accepting.
gain knowledge or skills
From this reading Sir Charles, to whom he told what he had overheard in the avenue, professed sympathy, but was evidently pleased to learn that there was nothing serious in the attentions Trefusis paid to Agatha.
engage in
From this reading Gertrude’s manner towards him softened so much that he, believing her heart given to his rival, concluded that she was tempting him to make a proposal which she had no intention of accepting.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Gertrude’s manner towards him softened so much that he, believing her heart given to his rival, concluded that she was tempting him to make a proposal which she had no intention of accepting.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading Gertrude’s manner towards him softened so much that he, believing her heart given to his rival, concluded that she was tempting him to make a proposal which she had no intention of accepting.
newlyadverbUS /ˈnuːli/
very recently
From this reading Erskine soon found plenty of themes for his newly begotten cynicism.
not any; not one
From this reading Gertrude’s manner towards him softened so much that he, believing her heart given to his rival, concluded that she was tempting him to make a proposal which she had no intention of accepting.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Trefusis remarked that in a corrupt society expressions of dissatisfaction were always creditable to a writer’s sensibility; but he did not say much in praise of the verse.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading Sir Charles, to whom he told what he had overheard in the avenue, professed sympathy, but was evidently pleased to learn that there was nothing serious in the attentions Trefusis paid to Agatha.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Erskine soon found plenty of themes for his newly begotten cynicism.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Erskine wrote three bitter sonnets on hollow friendship and showed them to Sir Charles, who, failing to apply them to himself, praised them highly and showed them to Trefusis without asking the author’s permission.
overheardverbUS /ˈoʊvərˈhɜːrd/
inflected form of “overhear” — hear, usually without the knowledge of the speakers
From this reading Sir Charles, to whom he told what he had overheard in the avenue, professed sympathy, but was evidently pleased to learn that there was nothing serious in the attentions Trefusis paid to Agatha.
marked by the reception of pay
From this reading Sir Charles, to whom he told what he had overheard in the avenue, professed sympathy, but was evidently pleased to learn that there was nothing serious in the attentions Trefusis paid to Agatha.
approval to do something
From this reading Erskine wrote three bitter sonnets on hollow friendship and showed them to Sir Charles, who, failing to apply them to himself, praised them highly and showed them to Trefusis without asking the author’s permission.
experiencing or manifesting pleasure
From this reading Sir Charles, to whom he told what he had overheard in the avenue, professed sympathy, but was evidently pleased to learn that there was nothing serious in the attentions Trefusis paid to Agatha.
a full supply
From this reading Erskine soon found plenty of themes for his newly begotten cynicism.
an expression of approval and commendation
From this reading Trefusis remarked that in a corrupt society expressions of dissatisfaction were always creditable to a writer’s sensibility; but he did not say much in praise of the verse.
praisedverbUS /preɪzd/
past form of “praise” — express approval of
From this reading Erskine wrote three bitter sonnets on hollow friendship and showed them to Sir Charles, who, failing to apply them to himself, praised them highly and showed them to Trefusis without asking the author’s permission.
professedadjectiveUS /prəˈfest/
professing to be qualified
From this reading Sir Charles, to whom he told what he had overheard in the avenue, professed sympathy, but was evidently pleased to learn that there was nothing serious in the attentions Trefusis paid to Agatha.
proposalnounUS /prəˈpoʊzəl/
something proposed (such as a plan or assumption)
From this reading Gertrude’s manner towards him softened so much that he, believing her heart given to his rival, concluded that she was tempting him to make a proposal which she had no intention of accepting.
past form of “remark” — make mention of
From this reading Trefusis remarked that in a corrupt society expressions of dissatisfaction were always creditable to a writer’s sensibility; but he did not say much in praise of the verse.
rivalverbUS /ˈraɪvəl/
be equal to in quality or ability
From this reading Gertrude’s manner towards him softened so much that he, believing her heart given to his rival, concluded that she was tempting him to make a proposal which she had no intention of accepting.
express in words
From this reading Trefusis remarked that in a corrupt society expressions of dissatisfaction were always creditable to a writer’s sensibility; but he did not say much in praise of the verse.
sensibilitynounUS /ˌsensɪˈbɪlɪti/
mental responsiveness and awareness
From this reading Trefusis remarked that in a corrupt society expressions of dissatisfaction were always creditable to a writer’s sensibility; but he did not say much in praise of the verse.
concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities
From this reading Sir Charles, to whom he told what he had overheard in the avenue, professed sympathy, but was evidently pleased to learn that there was nothing serious in the attentions Trefusis paid to Agatha.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Gertrude’s manner towards him softened so much that he, believing her heart given to his rival, concluded that she was tempting him to make a proposal which she had no intention of accepting.
past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading Erskine wrote three bitter sonnets on hollow friendship and showed them to Sir Charles, who, failing to apply them to himself, praised them highly and showed them to Trefusis without asking the author’s permission.
term of address for a man
From this reading Sir Charles, to whom he told what he had overheard in the avenue, professed sympathy, but was evidently pleased to learn that there was nothing serious in the attentions Trefusis paid to Agatha.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Gertrude’s manner towards him softened so much that he, believing her heart given to his rival, concluded that she was tempting him to make a proposal which she had no intention of accepting.
an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization
From this reading Trefusis remarked that in a corrupt society expressions of dissatisfaction were always creditable to a writer’s sensibility; but he did not say much in praise of the verse.
softenedadjectiveUS /ˈsɔːfənd/
toned down
From this reading Gertrude’s manner towards him softened so much that he, believing her heart given to his rival, concluded that she was tempting him to make a proposal which she had no intention of accepting.
sonnetsnounUS /ˈsɑːnɪts/
plural of “sonnet” — a verse form consisting of 14 lines with a fixed rhyme scheme
From this reading Erskine wrote three bitter sonnets on hollow friendship and showed them to Sir Charles, who, failing to apply them to himself, praised them highly and showed them to Trefusis without asking the author’s permission.
in the near future
From this reading Erskine soon found plenty of themes for his newly begotten cynicism.
an inclination to support or be loyal to or to agree with an opinion
From this reading Sir Charles, to whom he told what he had overheard in the avenue, professed sympathy, but was evidently pleased to learn that there was nothing serious in the attentions Trefusis paid to Agatha.
temptingadjectiveUS /ˈtemptɪŋ/
highly attractive and able to arouse hope or desire
From this reading Gertrude’s manner towards him softened so much that he, believing her heart given to his rival, concluded that she was tempting him to make a proposal which she had no intention of accepting.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Gertrude’s manner towards him softened so much that he, believing her heart given to his rival, concluded that she was tempting him to make a proposal which she had no intention of accepting.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Sir Charles, to whom he told what he had overheard in the avenue, professed sympathy, but was evidently pleased to learn that there was nothing serious in the attentions Trefusis paid to Agatha.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Erskine wrote three bitter sonnets on hollow friendship and showed them to Sir Charles, who, failing to apply them to himself, praised them highly and showed them to Trefusis without asking the author’s permission.
themesnounUS /θiːmz/
plural of “theme” — the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading Erskine soon found plenty of themes for his newly begotten cynicism.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Sir Charles, to whom he told what he had overheard in the avenue, professed sympathy, but was evidently pleased to learn that there was nothing serious in the attentions Trefusis paid to Agatha.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading Erskine wrote three bitter sonnets on hollow friendship and showed them to Sir Charles, who, failing to apply them to himself, praised them highly and showed them to Trefusis without asking the author’s permission.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Gertrude’s manner towards him softened so much that he, believing her heart given to his rival, concluded that she was tempting him to make a proposal which she had no intention of accepting.
inflected form of “tell” — express in words
From this reading Sir Charles, to whom he told what he had overheard in the avenue, professed sympathy, but was evidently pleased to learn that there was nothing serious in the attentions Trefusis paid to Agatha.
in the direction of
From this reading Gertrude’s manner towards him softened so much that he, believing her heart given to his rival, concluded that she was tempting him to make a proposal which she had no intention of accepting.
Trefusis
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Sir Charles, to whom he told what he had overheard in the avenue, professed sympathy, but was evidently pleased to learn that there was nothing serious in the attentions Trefusis paid to Agatha.
literature in metrical form
From this reading Trefusis remarked that in a corrupt society expressions of dissatisfaction were always creditable to a writer’s sensibility; but he did not say much in praise of the verse.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Gertrude’s manner towards him softened so much that he, believing her heart given to his rival, concluded that she was tempting him to make a proposal which she had no intention of accepting.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Trefusis remarked that in a corrupt society expressions of dissatisfaction were always creditable to a writer’s sensibility; but he did not say much in praise of the verse.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Sir Charles, to whom he told what he had overheard in the avenue, professed sympathy, but was evidently pleased to learn that there was nothing serious in the attentions Trefusis paid to Agatha.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Gertrude’s manner towards him softened so much that he, believing her heart given to his rival, concluded that she was tempting him to make a proposal which she had no intention of accepting.
which person or people
From this reading Erskine wrote three bitter sonnets on hollow friendship and showed them to Sir Charles, who, failing to apply them to himself, praised them highly and showed them to Trefusis without asking the author’s permission.
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Sir Charles, to whom he told what he had overheard in the avenue, professed sympathy, but was evidently pleased to learn that there was nothing serious in the attentions Trefusis paid to Agatha.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading Erskine wrote three bitter sonnets on hollow friendship and showed them to Sir Charles, who, failing to apply them to himself, praised them highly and showed them to Trefusis without asking the author’s permission.
writer'snounUS /ˈraɪtərz/
possessive form of “writer” — writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)
From this reading Trefusis remarked that in a corrupt society expressions of dissatisfaction were always creditable to a writer’s sensibility; but he did not say much in praise of the verse.
inflected form of “write” — produce a literary work
From this reading Erskine wrote three bitter sonnets on hollow friendship and showed them to Sir Charles, who, failing to apply them to himself, praised them highly and showed them to Trefusis without asking the author’s permission.
