used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading This meal, however, was no longer a state function, being served by the old servants as a mere matter of routine.
ADOPTSverbUS /əˈdɑːpts/
third-person singular of “adopt” — choose and follow; as of theories, ideas, policies, strategies or plans
From this reading PATSY ADOPTS AN UNCLE.
adventnounUS /ˈædvent/
arrival that has been awaited (especially of something momentous)
From this reading Indeed, the arrangements of the household had been considerably changed by the death of its mistress, and without any real head to direct them the servants were patiently awaiting the advent of a new master or mistress.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading PATSY ADOPTS AN UNCLE.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Uncle John and Mr. Watson did not appear at dinner, being closeted in the former's room.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Indeed, the arrangements of the household had been considerably changed by the death of its mistress, and without any real head to direct them the servants were patiently awaiting the advent of a new master or mistress.
give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Uncle John and Mr. Watson did not appear at dinner, being closeted in the former's room.
arrangementsnounUS /ərˈeɪndʒmənts/
plural of “arrangement” — the thing arranged or agreed to
From this reading Indeed, the arrangements of the household had been considerably changed by the death of its mistress, and without any real head to direct them the servants were patiently awaiting the advent of a new master or mistress.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading This meal, however, was no longer a state function, being served by the old servants as a mere matter of routine.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Uncle John and Mr. Watson did not appear at dinner, being closeted in the former's room.
awaitingverbUS /əˈweɪtɪŋ/
-ing form of “await” — look forward to the probable occurrence of
From this reading Indeed, the arrangements of the household had been considerably changed by the death of its mistress, and without any real head to direct them the servants were patiently awaiting the advent of a new master or mistress.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading It did not seem clear to them yet whether Miss Patricia or Lawyer Watson was to take charge of Elmhurst: but there were few tears shed for Jane Merrick, and the new regime could not fail to be an improvement over the last.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Indeed, the arrangements of the household had been considerably changed by the death of its mistress, and without any real head to direct them the servants were patiently awaiting the advent of a new master or mistress.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading Uncle John and Mr. Watson did not appear at dinner, being closeted in the former's room.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading It did not seem clear to them yet whether Miss Patricia or Lawyer Watson was to take charge of Elmhurst: but there were few tears shed for Jane Merrick, and the new regime could not fail to be an improvement over the last.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading This meal, however, was no longer a state function, being served by the old servants as a mere matter of routine.
made or become different in nature or form
From this reading Indeed, the arrangements of the household had been considerably changed by the death of its mistress, and without any real head to direct them the servants were patiently awaiting the advent of a new master or mistress.
to make a rush at or sudden attack upon, as in battle
From this reading It did not seem clear to them yet whether Miss Patricia or Lawyer Watson was to take charge of Elmhurst: but there were few tears shed for Jane Merrick, and the new regime could not fail to be an improvement over the last.
rid of obstructions
From this reading It did not seem clear to them yet whether Miss Patricia or Lawyer Watson was to take charge of Elmhurst: but there were few tears shed for Jane Merrick, and the new regime could not fail to be an improvement over the last.
closetedverbUS /ˈklɑːzətɪd/
past form of “closet” — confine to a small space, as for intensive work
From this reading Uncle John and Mr. Watson did not appear at dinner, being closeted in the former's room.
considerablyadverbUS /kənˈsɪdərəbli/
to a great extent or degree
From this reading Indeed, the arrangements of the household had been considerably changed by the death of its mistress, and without any real head to direct them the servants were patiently awaiting the advent of a new master or mistress.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading It did not seem clear to them yet whether Miss Patricia or Lawyer Watson was to take charge of Elmhurst: but there were few tears shed for Jane Merrick, and the new regime could not fail to be an improvement over the last.
the event of dying or departure from life
From this reading Indeed, the arrangements of the household had been considerably changed by the death of its mistress, and without any real head to direct them the servants were patiently awaiting the advent of a new master or mistress.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Uncle John and Mr. Watson did not appear at dinner, being closeted in the former's room.
the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday
From this reading Uncle John and Mr. Watson did not appear at dinner, being closeted in the former's room.
command with authority
From this reading Indeed, the arrangements of the household had been considerably changed by the death of its mistress, and without any real head to direct them the servants were patiently awaiting the advent of a new master or mistress.
Elmhurst
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It did not seem clear to them yet whether Miss Patricia or Lawyer Watson was to take charge of Elmhurst: but there were few tears shed for Jane Merrick, and the new regime could not fail to be an improvement over the last.
fail to do something; leave something undone
From this reading It did not seem clear to them yet whether Miss Patricia or Lawyer Watson was to take charge of Elmhurst: but there were few tears shed for Jane Merrick, and the new regime could not fail to be an improvement over the last.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading It did not seem clear to them yet whether Miss Patricia or Lawyer Watson was to take charge of Elmhurst: but there were few tears shed for Jane Merrick, and the new regime could not fail to be an improvement over the last.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It did not seem clear to them yet whether Miss Patricia or Lawyer Watson was to take charge of Elmhurst: but there were few tears shed for Jane Merrick, and the new regime could not fail to be an improvement over the last.
former's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Uncle John and Mr. Watson did not appear at dinner, being closeted in the former's room.
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 This meal, however, was no longer a state function, being served by the old servants as a mere matter of routine.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Indeed, the arrangements of the household had been considerably changed by the death of its mistress, and without any real head to direct them the servants were patiently awaiting the advent of a new master or mistress.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading Indeed, the arrangements of the household had been considerably changed by the death of its mistress, and without any real head to direct them the servants were patiently awaiting the advent of a new master or mistress.
a social unit living together
From this reading Indeed, the arrangements of the household had been considerably changed by the death of its mistress, and without any real head to direct them the servants were patiently awaiting the advent of a new master or mistress.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading This meal, however, was no longer a state function, being served by the old servants as a mere matter of routine.
improvementnounUS /ˌɪmˈpruːvmənt/
a change for the better; progress in development
From this reading It did not seem clear to them yet whether Miss Patricia or Lawyer Watson was to take charge of Elmhurst: but there were few tears shed for Jane Merrick, and the new regime could not fail to be an improvement over the last.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Uncle John and Mr. Watson did not appear at dinner, being closeted in the former's room.
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading Indeed, the arrangements of the household had been considerably changed by the death of its mistress, and without any real head to direct them the servants were patiently awaiting the advent of a new master or mistress.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It did not seem clear to them yet whether Miss Patricia or Lawyer Watson was to take charge of Elmhurst: but there were few tears shed for Jane Merrick, and the new regime could not fail to be an improvement over the last.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Indeed, the arrangements of the household had been considerably changed by the death of its mistress, and without any real head to direct them the servants were patiently awaiting the advent of a new master or mistress.
Jane
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It did not seem clear to them yet whether Miss Patricia or Lawyer Watson was to take charge of Elmhurst: but there were few tears shed for Jane Merrick, and the new regime could not fail to be an improvement over the last.
a room or building equipped with one or more toilets
From this reading Uncle John and Mr. Watson did not appear at dinner, being closeted in the former's room.
immediately past
From this reading It did not seem clear to them yet whether Miss Patricia or Lawyer Watson was to take charge of Elmhurst: but there were few tears shed for Jane Merrick, and the new regime could not fail to be an improvement over the last.
a professional person authorized to practice law; conducts lawsuits or gives legal advice
From this reading It did not seem clear to them yet whether Miss Patricia or Lawyer Watson was to take charge of Elmhurst: but there were few tears shed for Jane Merrick, and the new regime could not fail to be an improvement over the last.
for more time
From this reading This meal, however, was no longer a state function, being served by the old servants as a mere matter of routine.
an artist of consummate skill
From this reading Indeed, the arrangements of the household had been considerably changed by the death of its mistress, and without any real head to direct them the servants were patiently awaiting the advent of a new master or mistress.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading This meal, however, was no longer a state function, being served by the old servants as a mere matter of routine.
the food served and eaten at one time
From this reading This meal, however, was no longer a state function, being served by the old servants as a mere matter of routine.
being nothing more than specified
From this reading This meal, however, was no longer a state function, being served by the old servants as a mere matter of routine.
Merrick
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It did not seem clear to them yet whether Miss Patricia or Lawyer Watson was to take charge of Elmhurst: but there were few tears shed for Jane Merrick, and the new regime could not fail to be an improvement over the last.
fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind
From this reading It did not seem clear to them yet whether Miss Patricia or Lawyer Watson was to take charge of Elmhurst: but there were few tears shed for Jane Merrick, and the new regime could not fail to be an improvement over the last.
an adulterous woman; a woman who has an ongoing extramarital sexual relationship with a man
From this reading Indeed, the arrangements of the household had been considerably changed by the death of its mistress, and without any real head to direct them the servants were patiently awaiting the advent of a new master or mistress.
a form of address for a man
From this reading Uncle John and Mr. Watson did not appear at dinner, being closeted in the former's room.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading Indeed, the arrangements of the household had been considerably changed by the death of its mistress, and without any real head to direct them the servants were patiently awaiting the advent of a new master or mistress.
not any; not one
From this reading This meal, however, was no longer a state function, being served by the old servants as a mere matter of routine.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Uncle John and Mr. Watson did not appear at dinner, being closeted in the former's room.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading This meal, however, was no longer a state function, being served by the old servants as a mere matter of routine.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading This meal, however, was no longer a state function, being served by the old servants as a mere matter of routine.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Indeed, the arrangements of the household had been considerably changed by the death of its mistress, and without any real head to direct them the servants were patiently awaiting the advent of a new master or mistress.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading It did not seem clear to them yet whether Miss Patricia or Lawyer Watson was to take charge of Elmhurst: but there were few tears shed for Jane Merrick, and the new regime could not fail to be an improvement over the last.
patientlyadverbUS /ˈpeɪʃəntli/
with patience; in a patient manner
From this reading Indeed, the arrangements of the household had been considerably changed by the death of its mistress, and without any real head to direct them the servants were patiently awaiting the advent of a new master or mistress.
Patricia
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It did not seem clear to them yet whether Miss Patricia or Lawyer Watson was to take charge of Elmhurst: but there were few tears shed for Jane Merrick, and the new regime could not fail to be an improvement over the last.
PATSYnounUS /ˈpætsi/
a person who is gullible and easy to take advantage of
From this reading PATSY ADOPTS AN UNCLE.
being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory
From this reading Indeed, the arrangements of the household had been considerably changed by the death of its mistress, and without any real head to direct them the servants were patiently awaiting the advent of a new master or mistress.
regimenounUS /rəˈʒiːm/
the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit
From this reading It did not seem clear to them yet whether Miss Patricia or Lawyer Watson was to take charge of Elmhurst: but there were few tears shed for Jane Merrick, and the new regime could not fail to be an improvement over the last.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading Uncle John and Mr. Watson did not appear at dinner, being closeted in the former's room.
routinenounUS /ruːˈtiːn/
an unvarying or habitual method or procedure
From this reading This meal, however, was no longer a state function, being served by the old servants as a mere matter of routine.
give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading It did not seem clear to them yet whether Miss Patricia or Lawyer Watson was to take charge of Elmhurst: but there were few tears shed for Jane Merrick, and the new regime could not fail to be an improvement over the last.
plural of “servant” — a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)
From this reading This meal, however, was no longer a state function, being served by the old servants as a mere matter of routine.
past form of “serve” — serve a purpose, role, or function
From this reading This meal, however, was no longer a state function, being served by the old servants as a mere matter of routine.
get rid of
From this reading It did not seem clear to them yet whether Miss Patricia or Lawyer Watson was to take charge of Elmhurst: but there were few tears shed for Jane Merrick, and the new regime could not fail to be an improvement over the last.
the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation
From this reading This meal, however, was no longer a state function, being served by the old servants as a mere matter of routine.
carry out
From this reading It did not seem clear to them yet whether Miss Patricia or Lawyer Watson was to take charge of Elmhurst: but there were few tears shed for Jane Merrick, and the new regime could not fail to be an improvement over the last.
the process of shedding tears (usually accompanied by sobs or other inarticulate sounds)
From this reading It did not seem clear to them yet whether Miss Patricia or Lawyer Watson was to take charge of Elmhurst: but there were few tears shed for Jane Merrick, and the new regime could not fail to be an improvement over the last.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Uncle John and Mr. Watson did not appear at dinner, being closeted in the former's room.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Indeed, the arrangements of the household had been considerably changed by the death of its mistress, and without any real head to direct them the servants were patiently awaiting the advent of a new master or mistress.
in or at that place or location
From this reading It did not seem clear to them yet whether Miss Patricia or Lawyer Watson was to take charge of Elmhurst: but there were few tears shed for Jane Merrick, and the new regime could not fail to be an improvement over the last.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This meal, however, was no longer a state function, being served by the old servants as a mere matter of routine.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Indeed, the arrangements of the household had been considerably changed by the death of its mistress, and without any real head to direct them the servants were patiently awaiting the advent of a new master or mistress.
the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt
From this reading PATSY ADOPTS AN UNCLE.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading This meal, however, was no longer a state function, being served by the old servants as a mere matter of routine.
WatsonnounUS /ˈwɑːtsən/
United States telephone engineer who assisted Alexander Graham Bell in his experiments (1854-1934)
From this reading Uncle John and Mr. Watson did not appear at dinner, being closeted in the former's room.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Indeed, the arrangements of the household had been considerably changed by the death of its mistress, and without any real head to direct them the servants were patiently awaiting the advent of a new master or mistress.
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading It did not seem clear to them yet whether Miss Patricia or Lawyer Watson was to take charge of Elmhurst: but there were few tears shed for Jane Merrick, and the new regime could not fail to be an improvement over the last.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading Indeed, the arrangements of the household had been considerably changed by the death of its mistress, and without any real head to direct them the servants were patiently awaiting the advent of a new master or mistress.
but in spite of that
From this reading It did not seem clear to them yet whether Miss Patricia or Lawyer Watson was to take charge of Elmhurst: but there were few tears shed for Jane Merrick, and the new regime could not fail to be an improvement over the last.
