used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Dr Balfour's orders were short and to the point; and, in bidding a temporary farewell to professional work and preparing for a long holiday, I know I am following his instructions and furthering my own interests and future well-being.
an unfortunate mishap; especially one causing damage or injury
From this reading I have always been alert mentally and physically; but since my accident I have been incapable of any prolonged mental effort, and I have welcomed the languor of this quiet retreat, which has possessed me and claimed me as its own.
alertadjectiveUS /əˈlɜːrt/
engaged in or accustomed to close observation
From this reading I have always been alert mentally and physically; but since my accident I have been incapable of any prolonged mental effort, and I have welcomed the languor of this quiet retreat, which has possessed me and claimed me as its own.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading Betty's ministrations I feel I stand in need of; and Nathan's company, unresponsive and grudging though it be, is all I desire.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading I have always been alert mentally and physically; but since my accident I have been incapable of any prolonged mental effort, and I have welcomed the languor of this quiet retreat, which has possessed me and claimed me as its own.
the form of “be” used with “I”
From this reading I am as yet only on the threshold of my stay in Thornhill, and I am beginning my long vacation as I intend to end it.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading I am as yet only on the threshold of my stay in Thornhill, and I am beginning my long vacation as I intend to end it.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading I have always been alert mentally and physically; but since my accident I have been incapable of any prolonged mental effort, and I have welcomed the languor of this quiet retreat, which has possessed me and claimed me as its own.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading I am as yet only on the threshold of my stay in Thornhill, and I am beginning my long vacation as I intend to end it.
Balfour's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Dr Balfour's orders were short and to the point; and, in bidding a temporary farewell to professional work and preparing for a long holiday, I know I am following his instructions and furthering my own interests and future well-being.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Betty's ministrations I feel I stand in need of; and Nathan's company, unresponsive and grudging though it be, is all I desire.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Time was when this enforced inaction would have been irksome indeed.
the event consisting of the start of something
From this reading I am as yet only on the threshold of my stay in Thornhill, and I am beginning my long vacation as I intend to end it.
Betty's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Betty's ministrations I feel I stand in need of; and Nathan's company, unresponsive and grudging though it be, is all I desire.
biddingnounUS /ˈbɪdɪŋ/
an authoritative direction or instruction to do something
From this reading Dr Balfour's orders were short and to the point; and, in bidding a temporary farewell to professional work and preparing for a long holiday, I know I am following his instructions and furthering my own interests and future well-being.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading I have always been alert mentally and physically; but since my accident I have been incapable of any prolonged mental effort, and I have welcomed the languor of this quiet retreat, which has possessed me and claimed me as its own.
claimedverbUS /kleɪmd/
past form of “claim” — assert or affirm strongly; state to be true or existing
From this reading I have always been alert mentally and physically; but since my accident I have been incapable of any prolonged mental effort, and I have welcomed the languor of this quiet retreat, which has possessed me and claimed me as its own.
an institution created to conduct business
From this reading Betty's ministrations I feel I stand in need of; and Nathan's company, unresponsive and grudging though it be, is all I desire.
the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state
From this reading Betty's ministrations I feel I stand in need of; and Nathan's company, unresponsive and grudging though it be, is all I desire.
Dr
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Dr Balfour's orders were short and to the point; and, in bidding a temporary farewell to professional work and preparing for a long holiday, I know I am following his instructions and furthering my own interests and future well-being.
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading I have always been alert mentally and physically; but since my accident I have been incapable of any prolonged mental effort, and I have welcomed the languor of this quiet retreat, which has possessed me and claimed me as its own.
either extremity of something that has length
From this reading I am as yet only on the threshold of my stay in Thornhill, and I am beginning my long vacation as I intend to end it.
enforcedadjectiveUS /enˈfɔːrst/
forced or compelled or put in force
From this reading Time was when this enforced inaction would have been irksome indeed.
an acknowledgment or expression of goodwill at parting
From this reading Dr Balfour's orders were short and to the point; and, in bidding a temporary farewell to professional work and preparing for a long holiday, I know I am following his instructions and furthering my own interests and future well-being.
undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind
From this reading Betty's ministrations I feel I stand in need of; and Nathan's company, unresponsive and grudging though it be, is all I desire.
about to be mentioned or specified
From this reading Dr Balfour's orders were short and to the point; and, in bidding a temporary farewell to professional work and preparing for a long holiday, I know I am following his instructions and furthering my own interests and future well-being.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Dr Balfour's orders were short and to the point; and, in bidding a temporary farewell to professional work and preparing for a long holiday, I know I am following his instructions and furthering my own interests and future well-being.
furtheringverbUS /ˈfɜːrðərɪŋ/
-ing form of “further” — promote the growth of
From this reading Dr Balfour's orders were short and to the point; and, in bidding a temporary farewell to professional work and preparing for a long holiday, I know I am following his instructions and furthering my own interests and future well-being.
yet to be or coming
From this reading Dr Balfour's orders were short and to the point; and, in bidding a temporary farewell to professional work and preparing for a long holiday, I know I am following his instructions and furthering my own interests and future well-being.
grudgingadjectiveUS /ˈɡrʌdʒɪŋ/
of especially an attitude
From this reading Betty's ministrations I feel I stand in need of; and Nathan's company, unresponsive and grudging though it be, is all I desire.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading I have always been alert mentally and physically; but since my accident I have been incapable of any prolonged mental effort, and I have welcomed the languor of this quiet retreat, which has possessed me and claimed me as its own.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Time was when this enforced inaction would have been irksome indeed.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Dr Balfour's orders were short and to the point; and, in bidding a temporary farewell to professional work and preparing for a long holiday, I know I am following his instructions and furthering my own interests and future well-being.
holidaynounUS /ˈhɑːlədeɪ/
leisure time away from work devoted to rest or pleasure
From this reading Dr Balfour's orders were short and to the point; and, in bidding a temporary farewell to professional work and preparing for a long holiday, I know I am following his instructions and furthering my own interests and future well-being.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading I am as yet only on the threshold of my stay in Thornhill, and I am beginning my long vacation as I intend to end it.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading I am as yet only on the threshold of my stay in Thornhill, and I am beginning my long vacation as I intend to end it.
inactionnounUS /ˌɪˈnækʃən/
the state of being inactive
From this reading Time was when this enforced inaction would have been irksome indeed.
incapableadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈkeɪpəbəl/
(followed by “of”) lacking capacity or ability
From this reading I have always been alert mentally and physically; but since my accident I have been incapable of any prolonged mental effort, and I have welcomed the languor of this quiet retreat, which has possessed me and claimed me as its own.
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading Time was when this enforced inaction would have been irksome indeed.
instructionsnounUS /ˌɪnˈstrʌkʃənz/
a manual usually accompanying a technical device and explaining how to install or operate it
From this reading Dr Balfour's orders were short and to the point; and, in bidding a temporary farewell to professional work and preparing for a long holiday, I know I am following his instructions and furthering my own interests and future well-being.
have in mind as a purpose
From this reading I am as yet only on the threshold of my stay in Thornhill, and I am beginning my long vacation as I intend to end it.
plural of “interest” — a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
From this reading Dr Balfour's orders were short and to the point; and, in bidding a temporary farewell to professional work and preparing for a long holiday, I know I am following his instructions and furthering my own interests and future well-being.
irksomeadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrksəm/
so lacking in interest as to cause mental weariness
From this reading Time was when this enforced inaction would have been irksome indeed.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Betty's ministrations I feel I stand in need of; and Nathan's company, unresponsive and grudging though it be, is all I desire.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading I am as yet only on the threshold of my stay in Thornhill, and I am beginning my long vacation as I intend to end it.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading I have always been alert mentally and physically; but since my accident I have been incapable of any prolonged mental effort, and I have welcomed the languor of this quiet retreat, which has possessed me and claimed me as its own.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading Dr Balfour's orders were short and to the point; and, in bidding a temporary farewell to professional work and preparing for a long holiday, I know I am following his instructions and furthering my own interests and future well-being.
languornoun
a relaxed comfortable feeling
From this reading I have always been alert mentally and physically; but since my accident I have been incapable of any prolonged mental effort, and I have welcomed the languor of this quiet retreat, which has possessed me and claimed me as its own.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading I am as yet only on the threshold of my stay in Thornhill, and I am beginning my long vacation as I intend to end it.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading I have always been alert mentally and physically; but since my accident I have been incapable of any prolonged mental effort, and I have welcomed the languor of this quiet retreat, which has possessed me and claimed me as its own.
involving the mind or an intellectual process
From this reading I have always been alert mentally and physically; but since my accident I have been incapable of any prolonged mental effort, and I have welcomed the languor of this quiet retreat, which has possessed me and claimed me as its own.
mentallyadverbUS /ˈmentəli/
in your mind
From this reading I have always been alert mentally and physically; but since my accident I have been incapable of any prolonged mental effort, and I have welcomed the languor of this quiet retreat, which has possessed me and claimed me as its own.
ministrationsnounUS /ˌmɪnəˈstreɪʃənz/
plural of “ministration” — assistance in time of difficulty
From this reading Betty's ministrations I feel I stand in need of; and Nathan's company, unresponsive and grudging though it be, is all I desire.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading I am as yet only on the threshold of my stay in Thornhill, and I am beginning my long vacation as I intend to end it.
Nathan's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Betty's ministrations I feel I stand in need of; and Nathan's company, unresponsive and grudging though it be, is all I desire.
a condition requiring relief
From this reading Betty's ministrations I feel I stand in need of; and Nathan's company, unresponsive and grudging though it be, is all I desire.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading I am as yet only on the threshold of my stay in Thornhill, and I am beginning my long vacation as I intend to end it.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading I am as yet only on the threshold of my stay in Thornhill, and I am beginning my long vacation as I intend to end it.
and nothing more
From this reading I am as yet only on the threshold of my stay in Thornhill, and I am beginning my long vacation as I intend to end it.
plural of “order” — (often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading Dr Balfour's orders were short and to the point; and, in bidding a temporary farewell to professional work and preparing for a long holiday, I know I am following his instructions and furthering my own interests and future well-being.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading Dr Balfour's orders were short and to the point; and, in bidding a temporary farewell to professional work and preparing for a long holiday, I know I am following his instructions and furthering my own interests and future well-being.
physicallyadverbUS /ˈfɪzɪkəli/
in accord with physical laws
From this reading I have always been alert mentally and physically; but since my accident I have been incapable of any prolonged mental effort, and I have welcomed the languor of this quiet retreat, which has possessed me and claimed me as its own.
a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading Dr Balfour's orders were short and to the point; and, in bidding a temporary farewell to professional work and preparing for a long holiday, I know I am following his instructions and furthering my own interests and future well-being.
influenced or controlled by a powerful force such as a strong emotion
From this reading I have always been alert mentally and physically; but since my accident I have been incapable of any prolonged mental effort, and I have welcomed the languor of this quiet retreat, which has possessed me and claimed me as its own.
preparingverbUS /priˈperɪŋ/
-ing form of “prepare” — make ready or suitable or equip in advance for a particular purpose or for some use, event, etc
From this reading Dr Balfour's orders were short and to the point; and, in bidding a temporary farewell to professional work and preparing for a long holiday, I know I am following his instructions and furthering my own interests and future well-being.
professionaladjectiveUS /prəˈfeʃənəl/
engaged in a profession or engaging in as a profession or means of livelihood
From this reading Dr Balfour's orders were short and to the point; and, in bidding a temporary farewell to professional work and preparing for a long holiday, I know I am following his instructions and furthering my own interests and future well-being.
prolongedadjectiveUS /prəˈlɔːŋd/
relatively long in duration; tediously protracted
From this reading I have always been alert mentally and physically; but since my accident I have been incapable of any prolonged mental effort, and I have welcomed the languor of this quiet retreat, which has possessed me and claimed me as its own.
quietadjectiveUS /ˈkwaɪət/
characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity
From this reading I have always been alert mentally and physically; but since my accident I have been incapable of any prolonged mental effort, and I have welcomed the languor of this quiet retreat, which has possessed me and claimed me as its own.
(military) withdrawal of troops to a more favorable position to escape the enemy's superior forces or after a defeat
From this reading I have always been alert mentally and physically; but since my accident I have been incapable of any prolonged mental effort, and I have welcomed the languor of this quiet retreat, which has possessed me and claimed me as its own.
primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration
From this reading Dr Balfour's orders were short and to the point; and, in bidding a temporary farewell to professional work and preparing for a long holiday, I know I am following his instructions and furthering my own interests and future well-being.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading I have always been alert mentally and physically; but since my accident I have been incapable of any prolonged mental effort, and I have welcomed the languor of this quiet retreat, which has possessed me and claimed me as its own.
be standing; be upright
From this reading Betty's ministrations I feel I stand in need of; and Nathan's company, unresponsive and grudging though it be, is all I desire.
stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading I am as yet only on the threshold of my stay in Thornhill, and I am beginning my long vacation as I intend to end it.
temporaryadjectiveUS /ˈtempəreri/
not permanent; not lasting
From this reading Dr Balfour's orders were short and to the point; and, in bidding a temporary farewell to professional work and preparing for a long holiday, I know I am following his instructions and furthering my own interests and future well-being.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading I am as yet only on the threshold of my stay in Thornhill, and I am beginning my long vacation as I intend to end it.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Time was when this enforced inaction would have been irksome indeed.
Thornhill
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I am as yet only on the threshold of my stay in Thornhill, and I am beginning my long vacation as I intend to end it.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Betty's ministrations I feel I stand in need of; and Nathan's company, unresponsive and grudging though it be, is all I desire.
thresholdnounUS /ˈθreʃoʊld/
the starting point for a new state or experience
From this reading I am as yet only on the threshold of my stay in Thornhill, and I am beginning my long vacation as I intend to end it.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading Time was when this enforced inaction would have been irksome indeed.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading I am as yet only on the threshold of my stay in Thornhill, and I am beginning my long vacation as I intend to end it.
unresponsiveadjectiveUS /ˌʌnriˈspɑːnsɪv/
not responding to some influence or stimulus
From this reading Betty's ministrations I feel I stand in need of; and Nathan's company, unresponsive and grudging though it be, is all I desire.
vacationnounUS /veɪˈkeɪʃən/
leisure time away from work devoted to rest or pleasure
From this reading I am as yet only on the threshold of my stay in Thornhill, and I am beginning my long vacation as I intend to end it.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Time was when this enforced inaction would have been irksome indeed.
welcomedverbUS /ˈwelkəmd/
past form of “welcome” — accept gladly
From this reading I have always been alert mentally and physically; but since my accident I have been incapable of any prolonged mental effort, and I have welcomed the languor of this quiet retreat, which has possessed me and claimed me as its own.
well-beingnounUS /ˌwelˈbiːɪŋ/
a contented state of being happy and healthy and prosperous
From this reading Dr Balfour's orders were short and to the point; and, in bidding a temporary farewell to professional work and preparing for a long holiday, I know I am following his instructions and furthering my own interests and future well-being.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Dr Balfour's orders were short and to the point; and, in bidding a temporary farewell to professional work and preparing for a long holiday, I know I am following his instructions and furthering my own interests and future well-being.
at the time that
From this reading Time was when this enforced inaction would have been irksome indeed.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading I have always been alert mentally and physically; but since my accident I have been incapable of any prolonged mental effort, and I have welcomed the languor of this quiet retreat, which has possessed me and claimed me as its own.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading Dr Balfour's orders were short and to the point; and, in bidding a temporary farewell to professional work and preparing for a long holiday, I know I am following his instructions and furthering my own interests and future well-being.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Time was when this enforced inaction would have been irksome indeed.
but in spite of that
From this reading I am as yet only on the threshold of my stay in Thornhill, and I am beginning my long vacation as I intend to end it.
