used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
a feeling of delight at being entertained
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The drawing-room within was very different from the wild conflict of light and darkness outside.
aptadjectiveUS /æpt/
(usually followed by “to”) naturally disposed toward
From this reading In short, the evening was being spent as people are apt to spend the evening when there is nothing particular going on.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading In short, the evening was being spent as people are apt to spend the evening when there is nothing particular going on.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading In short, the evening was being spent as people are apt to spend the evening when there is nothing particular going on.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading There was music going on at one end, some people were reading, some talking.
a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading In short, the evening was being spent as people are apt to spend the evening when there is nothing particular going on.
conflictnounUS /ˈkɑːnflɪkt/
an open clash between two opposing groups (or individuals)
From this reading The drawing-room within was very different from the wild conflict of light and darkness outside.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading The drawing-room within was very different from the wild conflict of light and darkness outside.
act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
unlike in nature or quality or form or degree
From this reading The drawing-room within was very different from the wild conflict of light and darkness outside.
discussionsnounUS /dɪˈskʌʃənz/
plural of “discussion” — an extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic
From this reading There were flirtations in hand, and grave discussions.
drawing-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The drawing-room within was very different from the wild conflict of light and darkness outside.
else
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
either extremity of something that has length
From this reading There was music going on at one end, some people were reading, some talking.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading In short, the evening was being spent as people are apt to spend the evening when there is nothing particular going on.
fancying
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
flirtationsnounUS /flərˈteɪʃənz/
plural of “flirtation” — playful behavior intended to arouse sexual interest
From this reading There were flirtations in hand, and grave discussions.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The drawing-room within was very different from the wild conflict of light and darkness outside.
applying to all or most members of a category or group
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
the act of departing
From this reading There was music going on at one end, some people were reading, some talking.
destroyed or killed
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
death of a person
From this reading There were flirtations in hand, and grave discussions.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading There were flirtations in hand, and grave discussions.
state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading There were flirtations in hand, and grave discussions.
indulgeverbUS /ˌɪnˈdʌldʒ/
give free rein to
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
inspectionnounUS /ˌɪnˈspekʃən/
a formal or official examination
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading In short, the evening was being spent as people are apt to spend the evening when there is nothing particular going on.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading The drawing-room within was very different from the wild conflict of light and darkness outside.
an artistic form of auditory communication incorporating instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner
From this reading There was music going on at one end, some people were reading, some talking.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading In short, the evening was being spent as people are apt to spend the evening when there is nothing particular going on.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The drawing-room within was very different from the wild conflict of light and darkness outside.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading There was music going on at one end, some people were reading, some talking.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading There was music going on at one end, some people were reading, some talking.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit
From this reading The drawing-room within was very different from the wild conflict of light and darkness outside.
unique or specific to a person or thing or category
From this reading In short, the evening was being spent as people are apt to spend the evening when there is nothing particular going on.
an organization to gain political power
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading There was music going on at one end, some people were reading, some talking.
regarded with great favor, approval, or affection especially by the general public
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
on the contrary
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
the cognitive process of understanding a written linguistic message
From this reading There was music going on at one end, some people were reading, some talking.
apartment consisting of a series of connected rooms used as a living unit (as in a hotel)
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration
From this reading In short, the evening was being spent as people are apt to spend the evening when there is nothing particular going on.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading There was music going on at one end, some people were reading, some talking.
in or at or to some place
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
use up a period of time in a specific way
From this reading In short, the evening was being spent as people are apt to spend the evening when there is nothing particular going on.
depleted of energy, force, or strength
From this reading In short, the evening was being spent as people are apt to spend the evening when there is nothing particular going on.
an exchange of ideas via conversation
From this reading There was music going on at one end, some people were reading, some talking.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The drawing-room within was very different from the wild conflict of light and darkness outside.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There was music going on at one end, some people were reading, some talking.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
in every part of a place, or for the whole of a period
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading In short, the evening was being spent as people are apt to spend the evening when there is nothing particular going on.
precisely as stated
From this reading The drawing-room within was very different from the wild conflict of light and darkness outside.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The drawing-room within was very different from the wild conflict of light and darkness outside.
watchesnounUS /ˈwɑːtʃəz/
plural of “watch” — a small portable timepiece
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading There was music going on at one end, some people were reading, some talking.
at the time that
From this reading In short, the evening was being spent as people are apt to spend the evening when there is nothing particular going on.
in or at the place that
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
marked by extreme lack of restraint or control
From this reading The drawing-room within was very different from the wild conflict of light and darkness outside.
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading The drawing-room within was very different from the wild conflict of light and darkness outside.
yawningadjectiveUS /ˈjɔːnɪŋ/
gaping open as if threatening to engulf someone or something
From this reading There had been a good deal of private yawning and inspection of watches throughout the evening, and some of the party had already gone to bed, or rather to their rooms, where they could indulge in the happiness of fancying themselves somewhere else--an amusement which is very popular and general in a country house.
