used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading He said a woman ought not to have to come down until the day had been a little warmed, and got ready for her; that she should have time to choose her clothes to harmonise with her moods--time, after a look at the weather, and hearing the news of the day, to settle on what the moods should be.
(followed by “to”) in agreement with or accordant with
From this reading A man, according to Nigel, ought no more to have his breakfast in bed than to come down with a bow of blue ribbon in his hair, or to go and lie down before dressing for a dinner-party.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading He said a woman ought not to have to come down until the day had been a little warmed, and got ready for her; that she should have time to choose her clothes to harmonise with her moods--time, after a look at the weather, and hearing the news of the day, to settle on what the moods should be.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading AN ANONYMOUS LETTER Mrs. Hillier habitually had breakfast in her own room, for no particular reason, but because Nigel encouraged her in this luxurious manner of beginning the day.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He said a woman ought not to have to come down until the day had been a little warmed, and got ready for her; that she should have time to choose her clothes to harmonise with her moods--time, after a look at the weather, and hearing the news of the day, to settle on what the moods should be.
ANONYMOUSadjectiveUS /əˈnɑːnəməs/
having no known name or identity or known source
From this reading AN ANONYMOUS LETTER Mrs. Hillier habitually had breakfast in her own room, for no particular reason, but because Nigel encouraged her in this luxurious manner of beginning the day.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading He said a woman ought not to have to come down until the day had been a little warmed, and got ready for her; that she should have time to choose her clothes to harmonise with her moods--time, after a look at the weather, and hearing the news of the day, to settle on what the moods should be.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading He said a woman ought not to have to come down until the day had been a little warmed, and got ready for her; that she should have time to choose her clothes to harmonise with her moods--time, after a look at the weather, and hearing the news of the day, to settle on what the moods should be.
for the reason that
From this reading AN ANONYMOUS LETTER Mrs. Hillier habitually had breakfast in her own room, for no particular reason, but because Nigel encouraged her in this luxurious manner of beginning the day.
a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
From this reading A man, according to Nigel, ought no more to have his breakfast in bed than to come down with a bow of blue ribbon in his hair, or to go and lie down before dressing for a dinner-party.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading He said a woman ought not to have to come down until the day had been a little warmed, and got ready for her; that she should have time to choose her clothes to harmonise with her moods--time, after a look at the weather, and hearing the news of the day, to settle on what the moods should be.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading A man, according to Nigel, ought no more to have his breakfast in bed than to come down with a bow of blue ribbon in his hair, or to go and lie down before dressing for a dinner-party.
the event consisting of the start of something
From this reading AN ANONYMOUS LETTER Mrs. Hillier habitually had breakfast in her own room, for no particular reason, but because Nigel encouraged her in this luxurious manner of beginning the day.
of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky
From this reading A man, according to Nigel, ought no more to have his breakfast in bed than to come down with a bow of blue ribbon in his hair, or to go and lie down before dressing for a dinner-party.
a knot with two loops and loose ends; used to tie shoelaces
From this reading A man, according to Nigel, ought no more to have his breakfast in bed than to come down with a bow of blue ribbon in his hair, or to go and lie down before dressing for a dinner-party.
eat an early morning meal
From this reading AN ANONYMOUS LETTER Mrs. Hillier habitually had breakfast in her own room, for no particular reason, but because Nigel encouraged her in this luxurious manner of beginning the day.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading AN ANONYMOUS LETTER Mrs. Hillier habitually had breakfast in her own room, for no particular reason, but because Nigel encouraged her in this luxurious manner of beginning the day.
pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives
From this reading He said a woman ought not to have to come down until the day had been a little warmed, and got ready for her; that she should have time to choose her clothes to harmonise with her moods--time, after a look at the weather, and hearing the news of the day, to settle on what the moods should be.
clothing in general
From this reading He said a woman ought not to have to come down until the day had been a little warmed, and got ready for her; that she should have time to choose her clothes to harmonise with her moods--time, after a look at the weather, and hearing the news of the day, to settle on what the moods should be.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading He said a woman ought not to have to come down until the day had been a little warmed, and got ready for her; that she should have time to choose her clothes to harmonise with her moods--time, after a look at the weather, and hearing the news of the day, to settle on what the moods should be.
very opposed in nature or character or purpose
From this reading For a man, on the contrary, he thought it ridiculous and weakly idle--indolent in a way not suited to a man.
dartedverbUS /ˈdɑːrtɪd/
past form of “dart” — move along rapidly and lightly; skim or dart
From this reading However, one morning it darted suddenly into Mary's head that Nigel, on going downstairs to breakfast, while she did not, had nearly an hour to himself.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading AN ANONYMOUS LETTER Mrs. Hillier habitually had breakfast in her own room, for no particular reason, but because Nigel encouraged her in this luxurious manner of beginning the day.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading However, one morning it darted suddenly into Mary's head that Nigel, on going downstairs to breakfast, while she did not, had nearly an hour to himself.
dinner-party
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A man, according to Nigel, ought no more to have his breakfast in bed than to come down with a bow of blue ribbon in his hair, or to go and lie down before dressing for a dinner-party.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading He said a woman ought not to have to come down until the day had been a little warmed, and got ready for her; that she should have time to choose her clothes to harmonise with her moods--time, after a look at the weather, and hearing the news of the day, to settle on what the moods should be.
downstairsadverbUS /ˈdaʊnˈsterz/
on a floor below
From this reading However, one morning it darted suddenly into Mary's head that Nigel, on going downstairs to breakfast, while she did not, had nearly an hour to himself.
dressingnounUS /ˈdresɪŋ/
savory dressings for salads; basically of two kinds: either the thin French or vinaigrette type or the creamy mayonnaise type
From this reading A man, according to Nigel, ought no more to have his breakfast in bed than to come down with a bow of blue ribbon in his hair, or to go and lie down before dressing for a dinner-party.
encouragedadjectiveUS /enˈkɜːrɪdʒd/
inspired with confidence
From this reading AN ANONYMOUS LETTER Mrs. Hillier habitually had breakfast in her own room, for no particular reason, but because Nigel encouraged her in this luxurious manner of beginning the day.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading AN ANONYMOUS LETTER Mrs. Hillier habitually had breakfast in her own room, for no particular reason, but because Nigel encouraged her in this luxurious manner of beginning the day.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading A man, according to Nigel, ought no more to have his breakfast in bed than to come down with a bow of blue ribbon in his hair, or to go and lie down before dressing for a dinner-party.
the act of departing
From this reading However, one morning it darted suddenly into Mary's head that Nigel, on going downstairs to breakfast, while she did not, had nearly an hour to himself.
inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading He said a woman ought not to have to come down until the day had been a little warmed, and got ready for her; that she should have time to choose her clothes to harmonise with her moods--time, after a look at the weather, and hearing the news of the day, to settle on what the moods should be.
habituallyadverbUS /həˈbɪtʃuːəli/
according to habit or custom
From this reading AN ANONYMOUS LETTER Mrs. Hillier habitually had breakfast in her own room, for no particular reason, but because Nigel encouraged her in this luxurious manner of beginning the day.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading AN ANONYMOUS LETTER Mrs. Hillier habitually had breakfast in her own room, for no particular reason, but because Nigel encouraged her in this luxurious manner of beginning the day.
a covering for the body (or parts of it) consisting of a dense growth of threadlike structures (as on the human head); helps to prevent heat loss
From this reading A man, according to Nigel, ought no more to have his breakfast in bed than to come down with a bow of blue ribbon in his hair, or to go and lie down before dressing for a dinner-party.
harmoniseverb
go together
From this reading He said a woman ought not to have to come down until the day had been a little warmed, and got ready for her; that she should have time to choose her clothes to harmonise with her moods--time, after a look at the weather, and hearing the news of the day, to settle on what the moods should be.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading He said a woman ought not to have to come down until the day had been a little warmed, and got ready for her; that she should have time to choose her clothes to harmonise with her moods--time, after a look at the weather, and hearing the news of the day, to settle on what the moods should be.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He said a woman ought not to have to come down until the day had been a little warmed, and got ready for her; that she should have time to choose her clothes to harmonise with her moods--time, after a look at the weather, and hearing the news of the day, to settle on what the moods should be.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading However, one morning it darted suddenly into Mary's head that Nigel, on going downstairs to breakfast, while she did not, had nearly an hour to himself.
(law) a proceeding (usually by a court) where evidence is taken for the purpose of determining an issue of fact and reaching a decision based on that evidence
From this reading He said a woman ought not to have to come down until the day had been a little warmed, and got ready for her; that she should have time to choose her clothes to harmonise with her moods--time, after a look at the weather, and hearing the news of the day, to settle on what the moods should be.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading AN ANONYMOUS LETTER Mrs. Hillier habitually had breakfast in her own room, for no particular reason, but because Nigel encouraged her in this luxurious manner of beginning the day.
Hillier
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading AN ANONYMOUS LETTER Mrs. Hillier habitually had breakfast in her own room, for no particular reason, but because Nigel encouraged her in this luxurious manner of beginning the day.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading However, one morning it darted suddenly into Mary's head that Nigel, on going downstairs to breakfast, while she did not, had nearly an hour to himself.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading A man, according to Nigel, ought no more to have his breakfast in bed than to come down with a bow of blue ribbon in his hair, or to go and lie down before dressing for a dinner-party.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading However, one morning it darted suddenly into Mary's head that Nigel, on going downstairs to breakfast, while she did not, had nearly an hour to himself.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading However, one morning it darted suddenly into Mary's head that Nigel, on going downstairs to breakfast, while she did not, had nearly an hour to himself.
not in action or at work
From this reading For a man, on the contrary, he thought it ridiculous and weakly idle--indolent in a way not suited to a man.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading AN ANONYMOUS LETTER Mrs. Hillier habitually had breakfast in her own room, for no particular reason, but because Nigel encouraged her in this luxurious manner of beginning the day.
indolentadjectiveUS /ˈɪndələnt/
disinclined to work or exertion
From this reading For a man, on the contrary, he thought it ridiculous and weakly idle--indolent in a way not suited to a man.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading However, one morning it darted suddenly into Mary's head that Nigel, on going downstairs to breakfast, while she did not, had nearly an hour to himself.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading For a man, on the contrary, he thought it ridiculous and weakly idle--indolent in a way not suited to a man.
a written message addressed to a person or organization
From this reading AN ANONYMOUS LETTER Mrs. Hillier habitually had breakfast in her own room, for no particular reason, but because Nigel encouraged her in this luxurious manner of beginning the day.
be located or situated somewhere; occupy a certain position
From this reading A man, according to Nigel, ought no more to have his breakfast in bed than to come down with a bow of blue ribbon in his hair, or to go and lie down before dressing for a dinner-party.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading He said a woman ought not to have to come down until the day had been a little warmed, and got ready for her; that she should have time to choose her clothes to harmonise with her moods--time, after a look at the weather, and hearing the news of the day, to settle on what the moods should be.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading He said a woman ought not to have to come down until the day had been a little warmed, and got ready for her; that she should have time to choose her clothes to harmonise with her moods--time, after a look at the weather, and hearing the news of the day, to settle on what the moods should be.
luxuriousadjectiveUS /ləɡˈʒɜːriəs/
displaying luxury and furnishing gratification to the senses
From this reading AN ANONYMOUS LETTER Mrs. Hillier habitually had breakfast in her own room, for no particular reason, but because Nigel encouraged her in this luxurious manner of beginning the day.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading For a man, on the contrary, he thought it ridiculous and weakly idle--indolent in a way not suited to a man.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading AN ANONYMOUS LETTER Mrs. Hillier habitually had breakfast in her own room, for no particular reason, but because Nigel encouraged her in this luxurious manner of beginning the day.
Mary'snounUS /ˈmeriz/
possessive form of “mary” — the mother of Jesus; Christians refer to her as the Virgin Mary; she is especially honored by Roman Catholics
From this reading However, one morning it darted suddenly into Mary's head that Nigel, on going downstairs to breakfast, while she did not, had nearly an hour to himself.
moodsnounUS /muːdz/
plural of “mood” — a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling
From this reading He said a woman ought not to have to come down until the day had been a little warmed, and got ready for her; that she should have time to choose her clothes to harmonise with her moods--time, after a look at the weather, and hearing the news of the day, to settle on what the moods should be.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading A man, according to Nigel, ought no more to have his breakfast in bed than to come down with a bow of blue ribbon in his hair, or to go and lie down before dressing for a dinner-party.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading However, one morning it darted suddenly into Mary's head that Nigel, on going downstairs to breakfast, while she did not, had nearly an hour to himself.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading AN ANONYMOUS LETTER Mrs. Hillier habitually had breakfast in her own room, for no particular reason, but because Nigel encouraged her in this luxurious manner of beginning the day.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading However, one morning it darted suddenly into Mary's head that Nigel, on going downstairs to breakfast, while she did not, had nearly an hour to himself.
information about recent and important events
From this reading He said a woman ought not to have to come down until the day had been a little warmed, and got ready for her; that she should have time to choose her clothes to harmonise with her moods--time, after a look at the weather, and hearing the news of the day, to settle on what the moods should be.
Nigel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading AN ANONYMOUS LETTER Mrs. Hillier habitually had breakfast in her own room, for no particular reason, but because Nigel encouraged her in this luxurious manner of beginning the day.
not any; not one
From this reading AN ANONYMOUS LETTER Mrs. Hillier habitually had breakfast in her own room, for no particular reason, but because Nigel encouraged her in this luxurious manner of beginning the day.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading He said a woman ought not to have to come down until the day had been a little warmed, and got ready for her; that she should have time to choose her clothes to harmonise with her moods--time, after a look at the weather, and hearing the news of the day, to settle on what the moods should be.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading AN ANONYMOUS LETTER Mrs. Hillier habitually had breakfast in her own room, for no particular reason, but because Nigel encouraged her in this luxurious manner of beginning the day.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading He said a woman ought not to have to come down until the day had been a little warmed, and got ready for her; that she should have time to choose her clothes to harmonise with her moods--time, after a look at the weather, and hearing the news of the day, to settle on what the moods should be.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading However, one morning it darted suddenly into Mary's head that Nigel, on going downstairs to breakfast, while she did not, had nearly an hour to himself.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading A man, according to Nigel, ought no more to have his breakfast in bed than to come down with a bow of blue ribbon in his hair, or to go and lie down before dressing for a dinner-party.
used with “to” to say what is right or advisable
From this reading He said a woman ought not to have to come down until the day had been a little warmed, and got ready for her; that she should have time to choose her clothes to harmonise with her moods--time, after a look at the weather, and hearing the news of the day, to settle on what the moods should be.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading AN ANONYMOUS LETTER Mrs. Hillier habitually had breakfast in her own room, for no particular reason, but because Nigel encouraged her in this luxurious manner of beginning the day.
unique or specific to a person or thing or category
From this reading AN ANONYMOUS LETTER Mrs. Hillier habitually had breakfast in her own room, for no particular reason, but because Nigel encouraged her in this luxurious manner of beginning the day.
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading He said a woman ought not to have to come down until the day had been a little warmed, and got ready for her; that she should have time to choose her clothes to harmonise with her moods--time, after a look at the weather, and hearing the news of the day, to settle on what the moods should be.
a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading AN ANONYMOUS LETTER Mrs. Hillier habitually had breakfast in her own room, for no particular reason, but because Nigel encouraged her in this luxurious manner of beginning the day.
ribbonnounUS /ˈrɪbən/
any long object resembling a thin line
From this reading A man, according to Nigel, ought no more to have his breakfast in bed than to come down with a bow of blue ribbon in his hair, or to go and lie down before dressing for a dinner-party.
inspiring scornful pity
From this reading For a man, on the contrary, he thought it ridiculous and weakly idle--indolent in a way not suited to a man.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading AN ANONYMOUS LETTER Mrs. Hillier habitually had breakfast in her own room, for no particular reason, but because Nigel encouraged her in this luxurious manner of beginning the day.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading He said a woman ought not to have to come down until the day had been a little warmed, and got ready for her; that she should have time to choose her clothes to harmonise with her moods--time, after a look at the weather, and hearing the news of the day, to settle on what the moods should be.
settle into a position, usually on a surface or ground
From this reading He said a woman ought not to have to come down until the day had been a little warmed, and got ready for her; that she should have time to choose her clothes to harmonise with her moods--time, after a look at the weather, and hearing the news of the day, to settle on what the moods should be.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He said a woman ought not to have to come down until the day had been a little warmed, and got ready for her; that she should have time to choose her clothes to harmonise with her moods--time, after a look at the weather, and hearing the news of the day, to settle on what the moods should be.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading He said a woman ought not to have to come down until the day had been a little warmed, and got ready for her; that she should have time to choose her clothes to harmonise with her moods--time, after a look at the weather, and hearing the news of the day, to settle on what the moods should be.
happening unexpectedly
From this reading However, one morning it darted suddenly into Mary's head that Nigel, on going downstairs to breakfast, while she did not, had nearly an hour to himself.
suitedadjectiveUS /ˈsuːtɪd/
meant or adapted for an occasion or use
From this reading For a man, on the contrary, he thought it ridiculous and weakly idle--indolent in a way not suited to a man.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading A man, according to Nigel, ought no more to have his breakfast in bed than to come down with a bow of blue ribbon in his hair, or to go and lie down before dressing for a dinner-party.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading He said a woman ought not to have to come down until the day had been a little warmed, and got ready for her; that she should have time to choose her clothes to harmonise with her moods--time, after a look at the weather, and hearing the news of the day, to settle on what the moods should be.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading AN ANONYMOUS LETTER Mrs. Hillier habitually had breakfast in her own room, for no particular reason, but because Nigel encouraged her in this luxurious manner of beginning the day.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading AN ANONYMOUS LETTER Mrs. Hillier habitually had breakfast in her own room, for no particular reason, but because Nigel encouraged her in this luxurious manner of beginning the day.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading For a man, on the contrary, he thought it ridiculous and weakly idle--indolent in a way not suited to a man.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading He said a woman ought not to have to come down until the day had been a little warmed, and got ready for her; that she should have time to choose her clothes to harmonise with her moods--time, after a look at the weather, and hearing the news of the day, to settle on what the moods should be.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading He said a woman ought not to have to come down until the day had been a little warmed, and got ready for her; that she should have time to choose her clothes to harmonise with her moods--time, after a look at the weather, and hearing the news of the day, to settle on what the moods should be.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading He said a woman ought not to have to come down until the day had been a little warmed, and got ready for her; that she should have time to choose her clothes to harmonise with her moods--time, after a look at the weather, and hearing the news of the day, to settle on what the moods should be.
warmedadjectiveUS /wɔːrmd/
having been warmed up
From this reading He said a woman ought not to have to come down until the day had been a little warmed, and got ready for her; that she should have time to choose her clothes to harmonise with her moods--time, after a look at the weather, and hearing the news of the day, to settle on what the moods should be.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading For a man, on the contrary, he thought it ridiculous and weakly idle--indolent in a way not suited to a man.
weaklyadverbUS /ˈwiːkli/
in a weak or feeble manner or to a minor degree
From this reading For a man, on the contrary, he thought it ridiculous and weakly idle--indolent in a way not suited to a man.
the atmospheric conditions that comprise the state of the atmosphere in terms of temperature and wind and clouds and precipitation
From this reading He said a woman ought not to have to come down until the day had been a little warmed, and got ready for her; that she should have time to choose her clothes to harmonise with her moods--time, after a look at the weather, and hearing the news of the day, to settle on what the moods should be.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading He said a woman ought not to have to come down until the day had been a little warmed, and got ready for her; that she should have time to choose her clothes to harmonise with her moods--time, after a look at the weather, and hearing the news of the day, to settle on what the moods should be.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading However, one morning it darted suddenly into Mary's head that Nigel, on going downstairs to breakfast, while she did not, had nearly an hour to himself.
in the company of; together with
From this reading He said a woman ought not to have to come down until the day had been a little warmed, and got ready for her; that she should have time to choose her clothes to harmonise with her moods--time, after a look at the weather, and hearing the news of the day, to settle on what the moods should be.
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading He said a woman ought not to have to come down until the day had been a little warmed, and got ready for her; that she should have time to choose her clothes to harmonise with her moods--time, after a look at the weather, and hearing the news of the day, to settle on what the moods should be.
