used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading But if there were few opportunities for the tender intimacy of love, there was now the compensation of a very sweet understanding between them.
in actual fact
From this reading Muriel was, of course, a little disturbed at Daniel’s refusal to allow a definite announcement to be made, or even an irrevocable word to be spoken between them; but actually his attitude was quite understandable.
anew
From this reading There was no need, so it seemed, for a formal betrothal: the engagement was mutually assumed, and, though no binding words had been spoken, Lord Blair did not have to ask again what were their intentions.
make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen
From this reading Muriel was, of course, a little disturbed at Daniel’s refusal to allow a definite announcement to be made, or even an irrevocable word to be spoken between them; but actually his attitude was quite understandable.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading Daniel was closely occupied with the settling of certain political difficulties which had cropped up; and Muriel, on her part, found herself much occupied with the social functions of the Residency which, in the month of January, are always very exacting.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Muriel was, of course, a little disturbed at Daniel’s refusal to allow a definite announcement to be made, or even an irrevocable word to be spoken between them; but actually his attitude was quite understandable.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Daniel was closely occupied with the settling of certain political difficulties which had cropped up; and Muriel, on her part, found herself much occupied with the social functions of the Residency which, in the month of January, are always very exacting.
announcementnounUS /əˈnaʊnsmənt/
a formal public statement
From this reading Muriel was, of course, a little disturbed at Daniel’s refusal to allow a definite announcement to be made, or even an irrevocable word to be spoken between them; but actually his attitude was quite understandable.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Daniel was closely occupied with the settling of certain political difficulties which had cropped up; and Muriel, on her part, found herself much occupied with the social functions of the Residency which, in the month of January, are always very exacting.
make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading There was no need, so it seemed, for a formal betrothal: the engagement was mutually assumed, and, though no binding words had been spoken, Lord Blair did not have to ask again what were their intentions.
adopted in order to deceive
From this reading There was no need, so it seemed, for a formal betrothal: the engagement was mutually assumed, and, though no binding words had been spoken, Lord Blair did not have to ask again what were their intentions.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Muriel was, of course, a little disturbed at Daniel’s refusal to allow a definite announcement to be made, or even an irrevocable word to be spoken between them; but actually his attitude was quite understandable.
a complex mental state involving beliefs and feelings and values and dispositions to act in certain ways
From this reading Muriel was, of course, a little disturbed at Daniel’s refusal to allow a definite announcement to be made, or even an irrevocable word to be spoken between them; but actually his attitude was quite understandable.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Muriel was, of course, a little disturbed at Daniel’s refusal to allow a definite announcement to be made, or even an irrevocable word to be spoken between them; but actually his attitude was quite understandable.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading There was no need, so it seemed, for a formal betrothal: the engagement was mutually assumed, and, though no binding words had been spoken, Lord Blair did not have to ask again what were their intentions.
betrothalnoun
a mutual promise to marry
From this reading There was no need, so it seemed, for a formal betrothal: the engagement was mutually assumed, and, though no binding words had been spoken, Lord Blair did not have to ask again what were their intentions.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading But if there were few opportunities for the tender intimacy of love, there was now the compensation of a very sweet understanding between them.
bindingnounUS /ˈbaɪndɪŋ/
the capacity to attract and hold something
From this reading There was no need, so it seemed, for a formal betrothal: the engagement was mutually assumed, and, though no binding words had been spoken, Lord Blair did not have to ask again what were their intentions.
BlairnounUS /bler/
British statesman who became prime minister in 1997 (born in 1953)
From this reading There was no need, so it seemed, for a formal betrothal: the engagement was mutually assumed, and, though no binding words had been spoken, Lord Blair did not have to ask again what were their intentions.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But if there were few opportunities for the tender intimacy of love, there was now the compensation of a very sweet understanding between them.
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading Daniel was closely occupied with the settling of certain political difficulties which had cropped up; and Muriel, on her part, found herself much occupied with the social functions of the Residency which, in the month of January, are always very exacting.
your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)
From this reading During the ensuing fortnight circumstances were not favourable to the development of their romance.
in a close relation or position in time or space
From this reading Daniel was closely occupied with the settling of certain political difficulties which had cropped up; and Muriel, on her part, found herself much occupied with the social functions of the Residency which, in the month of January, are always very exacting.
compensationnounUS /ˌkɑːmpənˈseɪʃən/
something (such as money) given or received as payment or reparation (as for a service or loss or injury)
From this reading But if there were few opportunities for the tender intimacy of love, there was now the compensation of a very sweet understanding between them.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading Muriel was, of course, a little disturbed at Daniel’s refusal to allow a definite announcement to be made, or even an irrevocable word to be spoken between them; but actually his attitude was quite understandable.
croppedadjectiveUS /krɑːpt/
(of land or soil) used for growing crops
From this reading Daniel was closely occupied with the settling of certain political difficulties which had cropped up; and Muriel, on her part, found herself much occupied with the social functions of the Residency which, in the month of January, are always very exacting.
DanielnounUS /ˈdænjəl/
(Old Testament) a youth who was taken into the court of Nebuchadnezzar and given divine protection when thrown into a den of lions (6th century BC)
From this reading Daniel was closely occupied with the settling of certain political difficulties which had cropped up; and Muriel, on her part, found herself much occupied with the social functions of the Residency which, in the month of January, are always very exacting.
Daniel'snounUS /ˈdænjəlz/
possessive form of “daniel” — (Old Testament) a youth who was taken into the court of Nebuchadnezzar and given divine protection when thrown into a den of lions (6th century BC)
From this reading Muriel was, of course, a little disturbed at Daniel’s refusal to allow a definite announcement to be made, or even an irrevocable word to be spoken between them; but actually his attitude was quite understandable.
definiteadjectiveUS /ˈdefənət/
precise; explicit and clearly defined
From this reading Muriel was, of course, a little disturbed at Daniel’s refusal to allow a definite announcement to be made, or even an irrevocable word to be spoken between them; but actually his attitude was quite understandable.
developmentnounUS /dɪˈveləpmənt/
act of improving by expanding or enlarging or refining
From this reading During the ensuing fortnight circumstances were not favourable to the development of their romance.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading There was no need, so it seemed, for a formal betrothal: the engagement was mutually assumed, and, though no binding words had been spoken, Lord Blair did not have to ask again what were their intentions.
plural of “difficulty” — an effort that is inconvenient
From this reading Daniel was closely occupied with the settling of certain political difficulties which had cropped up; and Muriel, on her part, found herself much occupied with the social functions of the Residency which, in the month of January, are always very exacting.
having the place or position changed
From this reading Muriel was, of course, a little disturbed at Daniel’s refusal to allow a definite announcement to be made, or even an irrevocable word to be spoken between them; but actually his attitude was quite understandable.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading During the ensuing fortnight circumstances were not favourable to the development of their romance.
a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war
From this reading There was no need, so it seemed, for a formal betrothal: the engagement was mutually assumed, and, though no binding words had been spoken, Lord Blair did not have to ask again what were their intentions.
ensuingadjectiveUS /ˈensuːɪŋ/
following immediately and as a result of what went before
From this reading During the ensuing fortnight circumstances were not favourable to the development of their romance.
divisible by two
From this reading Muriel was, of course, a little disturbed at Daniel’s refusal to allow a definite announcement to be made, or even an irrevocable word to be spoken between them; but actually his attitude was quite understandable.
exactingadjectiveUS /ɪɡˈzæktɪŋ/
having complicated nutritional requirements; especially growing only in special artificial cultures
From this reading Daniel was closely occupied with the settling of certain political difficulties which had cropped up; and Muriel, on her part, found herself much occupied with the social functions of the Residency which, in the month of January, are always very exacting.
favourableadjective
encouraging or approving or pleasing
From this reading During the ensuing fortnight circumstances were not favourable to the development of their romance.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading But if there were few opportunities for the tender intimacy of love, there was now the compensation of a very sweet understanding between them.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading But if there were few opportunities for the tender intimacy of love, there was now the compensation of a very sweet understanding between them.
formaladjectiveUS /ˈfɔːrməl/
being in accord with established forms and conventions and requirements (as e.g. of formal dress)
From this reading There was no need, so it seemed, for a formal betrothal: the engagement was mutually assumed, and, though no binding words had been spoken, Lord Blair did not have to ask again what were their intentions.
fortnightnounUS /ˈfɔːrtnaɪt/
a period of fourteen consecutive days
From this reading During the ensuing fortnight circumstances were not favourable to the development of their romance.
set up or found
From this reading Daniel was closely occupied with the settling of certain political difficulties which had cropped up; and Muriel, on her part, found herself much occupied with the social functions of the Residency which, in the month of January, are always very exacting.
functionsnounUS /ˈfʌŋkʃənz/
plural of “function” — (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 Daniel was closely occupied with the settling of certain political difficulties which had cropped up; and Muriel, on her part, found herself much occupied with the social functions of the Residency which, in the month of January, are always very exacting.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Daniel was closely occupied with the settling of certain political difficulties which had cropped up; and Muriel, on her part, found herself much occupied with the social functions of the Residency which, in the month of January, are always very exacting.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading There was no need, so it seemed, for a formal betrothal: the engagement was mutually assumed, and, though no binding words had been spoken, Lord Blair did not have to ask again what were their intentions.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Daniel was closely occupied with the settling of certain political difficulties which had cropped up; and Muriel, on her part, found herself much occupied with the social functions of the Residency which, in the month of January, are always very exacting.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading Daniel was closely occupied with the settling of certain political difficulties which had cropped up; and Muriel, on her part, found herself much occupied with the social functions of the Residency which, in the month of January, are always very exacting.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Muriel was, of course, a little disturbed at Daniel’s refusal to allow a definite announcement to be made, or even an irrevocable word to be spoken between them; but actually his attitude was quite understandable.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading But if there were few opportunities for the tender intimacy of love, there was now the compensation of a very sweet understanding between them.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Daniel was closely occupied with the settling of certain political difficulties which had cropped up; and Muriel, on her part, found herself much occupied with the social functions of the Residency which, in the month of January, are always very exacting.
intentionsnounUS /ˌɪnˈtentʃənz/
plural of “intention” — an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading There was no need, so it seemed, for a formal betrothal: the engagement was mutually assumed, and, though no binding words had been spoken, Lord Blair did not have to ask again what were their intentions.
intimacynounUS /ˈɪntəməsi/
close or warm friendship
From this reading But if there were few opportunities for the tender intimacy of love, there was now the compensation of a very sweet understanding between them.
irrevocableadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈrevəkəbəl/
incapable of being retracted or revoked
From this reading Muriel was, of course, a little disturbed at Daniel’s refusal to allow a definite announcement to be made, or even an irrevocable word to be spoken between them; but actually his attitude was quite understandable.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading There was no need, so it seemed, for a formal betrothal: the engagement was mutually assumed, and, though no binding words had been spoken, Lord Blair did not have to ask again what were their intentions.
JanuarynounUS /ˈdʒænjuːeri/
the first month of the year; begins 10 days after the winter solstice
From this reading Daniel was closely occupied with the settling of certain political difficulties which had cropped up; and Muriel, on her part, found herself much occupied with the social functions of the Residency which, in the month of January, are always very exacting.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Muriel was, of course, a little disturbed at Daniel’s refusal to allow a definite announcement to be made, or even an irrevocable word to be spoken between them; but actually his attitude was quite understandable.
terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God
From this reading There was no need, so it seemed, for a formal betrothal: the engagement was mutually assumed, and, though no binding words had been spoken, Lord Blair did not have to ask again what were their intentions.
a strong positive emotion of regard and affection
From this reading But if there were few opportunities for the tender intimacy of love, there was now the compensation of a very sweet understanding between them.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading Muriel was, of course, a little disturbed at Daniel’s refusal to allow a definite announcement to be made, or even an irrevocable word to be spoken between them; but actually his attitude was quite understandable.
one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year
From this reading Daniel was closely occupied with the settling of certain political difficulties which had cropped up; and Muriel, on her part, found herself much occupied with the social functions of the Residency which, in the month of January, are always very exacting.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading Daniel was closely occupied with the settling of certain political difficulties which had cropped up; and Muriel, on her part, found herself much occupied with the social functions of the Residency which, in the month of January, are always very exacting.
Muriel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Daniel was closely occupied with the settling of certain political difficulties which had cropped up; and Muriel, on her part, found herself much occupied with the social functions of the Residency which, in the month of January, are always very exacting.
mutuallyadverbUS /ˈmjuːtʃuːəli/
in a mutual or shared manner
From this reading There was no need, so it seemed, for a formal betrothal: the engagement was mutually assumed, and, though no binding words had been spoken, Lord Blair did not have to ask again what were their intentions.
a condition requiring relief
From this reading There was no need, so it seemed, for a formal betrothal: the engagement was mutually assumed, and, though no binding words had been spoken, Lord Blair did not have to ask again what were their intentions.
not any; not one
From this reading There was no need, so it seemed, for a formal betrothal: the engagement was mutually assumed, and, though no binding words had been spoken, Lord Blair did not have to ask again what were their intentions.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading During the ensuing fortnight circumstances were not favourable to the development of their romance.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading But if there were few opportunities for the tender intimacy of love, there was now the compensation of a very sweet understanding between them.
held or filled or in use
From this reading Daniel was closely occupied with the settling of certain political difficulties which had cropped up; and Muriel, on her part, found herself much occupied with the social functions of the Residency which, in the month of January, are always very exacting.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading During the ensuing fortnight circumstances were not favourable to the development of their romance.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Daniel was closely occupied with the settling of certain political difficulties which had cropped up; and Muriel, on her part, found herself much occupied with the social functions of the Residency which, in the month of January, are always very exacting.
opportunitiesnounUS /ˌɑːpərˈtuːnətiz/
plural of “opportunity” — a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading But if there were few opportunities for the tender intimacy of love, there was now the compensation of a very sweet understanding between them.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Muriel was, of course, a little disturbed at Daniel’s refusal to allow a definite announcement to be made, or even an irrevocable word to be spoken between them; but actually his attitude was quite understandable.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading Daniel was closely occupied with the settling of certain political difficulties which had cropped up; and Muriel, on her part, found herself much occupied with the social functions of the Residency which, in the month of January, are always very exacting.
involving or characteristic of politics or parties or politicians
From this reading Daniel was closely occupied with the settling of certain political difficulties which had cropped up; and Muriel, on her part, found herself much occupied with the social functions of the Residency which, in the month of January, are always very exacting.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading Muriel was, of course, a little disturbed at Daniel’s refusal to allow a definite announcement to be made, or even an irrevocable word to be spoken between them; but actually his attitude was quite understandable.
refusalnounUS /rəˈfjuːzəl/
the act of refusing
From this reading Muriel was, of course, a little disturbed at Daniel’s refusal to allow a definite announcement to be made, or even an irrevocable word to be spoken between them; but actually his attitude was quite understandable.
ResidencynounUS /ˈrezɪdənsi/
the act of dwelling in a place
From this reading Daniel was closely occupied with the settling of certain political difficulties which had cropped up; and Muriel, on her part, found herself much occupied with the social functions of the Residency which, in the month of January, are always very exacting.
a relationship between two lovers
From this reading During the ensuing fortnight circumstances were not favourable to the development of their romance.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading There was no need, so it seemed, for a formal betrothal: the engagement was mutually assumed, and, though no binding words had been spoken, Lord Blair did not have to ask again what were their intentions.
settlingnounUS /ˈsetəlɪŋ/
a gradual sinking to a lower level
From this reading Daniel was closely occupied with the settling of certain political difficulties which had cropped up; and Muriel, on her part, found herself much occupied with the social functions of the Residency which, in the month of January, are always very exacting.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading There was no need, so it seemed, for a formal betrothal: the engagement was mutually assumed, and, though no binding words had been spoken, Lord Blair did not have to ask again what were their intentions.
relating to human society and its members
From this reading Daniel was closely occupied with the settling of certain political difficulties which had cropped up; and Muriel, on her part, found herself much occupied with the social functions of the Residency which, in the month of January, are always very exacting.
uttered through the medium of speech or characterized by speech; sometimes used in combination
From this reading There was no need, so it seemed, for a formal betrothal: the engagement was mutually assumed, and, though no binding words had been spoken, Lord Blair did not have to ask again what were their intentions.
having or denoting the characteristic taste of sugar
From this reading But if there were few opportunities for the tender intimacy of love, there was now the compensation of a very sweet understanding between them.
given to sympathy or gentleness or sentimentality
From this reading But if there were few opportunities for the tender intimacy of love, there was now the compensation of a very sweet understanding between them.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading During the ensuing fortnight circumstances were not favourable to the development of their romance.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading During the ensuing fortnight circumstances were not favourable to the development of their romance.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading But if there were few opportunities for the tender intimacy of love, there was now the compensation of a very sweet understanding between them.
in or at that place or location
From this reading But if there were few opportunities for the tender intimacy of love, there was now the compensation of a very sweet understanding between them.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading There was no need, so it seemed, for a formal betrothal: the engagement was mutually assumed, and, though no binding words had been spoken, Lord Blair did not have to ask again what were their intentions.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading During the ensuing fortnight circumstances were not favourable to the development of their romance.
understandableadjectiveUS /ˌʌndərˈstændəbəl/
capable of being apprehended or understood
From this reading Muriel was, of course, a little disturbed at Daniel’s refusal to allow a definite announcement to be made, or even an irrevocable word to be spoken between them; but actually his attitude was quite understandable.
the cognitive condition of someone who understands
From this reading But if there were few opportunities for the tender intimacy of love, there was now the compensation of a very sweet understanding between them.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Daniel was closely occupied with the settling of certain political difficulties which had cropped up; and Muriel, on her part, found herself much occupied with the social functions of the Residency which, in the month of January, are always very exacting.
precisely as stated
From this reading Daniel was closely occupied with the settling of certain political difficulties which had cropped up; and Muriel, on her part, found herself much occupied with the social functions of the Residency which, in the month of January, are always very exacting.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Daniel was closely occupied with the settling of certain political difficulties which had cropped up; and Muriel, on her part, found herself much occupied with the social functions of the Residency which, in the month of January, are always very exacting.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading During the ensuing fortnight circumstances were not favourable to the development of their romance.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading There was no need, so it seemed, for a formal betrothal: the engagement was mutually assumed, and, though no binding words had been spoken, Lord Blair did not have to ask again what were their intentions.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Daniel was closely occupied with the settling of certain political difficulties which had cropped up; and Muriel, on her part, found herself much occupied with the social functions of the Residency which, in the month of January, are always very exacting.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Daniel was closely occupied with the settling of certain political difficulties which had cropped up; and Muriel, on her part, found herself much occupied with the social functions of the Residency which, in the month of January, are always very exacting.
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
From this reading Muriel was, of course, a little disturbed at Daniel’s refusal to allow a definite announcement to be made, or even an irrevocable word to be spoken between them; but actually his attitude was quite understandable.
the words that are spoken
From this reading There was no need, so it seemed, for a formal betrothal: the engagement was mutually assumed, and, though no binding words had been spoken, Lord Blair did not have to ask again what were their intentions.
