used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading _Josephine and Mrs. Franklin receive two important Visits._ Josephine Franklin and her mother were languidly partaking of a late breakfast, and indolently discussing the merits of the Italian opera, to which they had both been on the preceding night.
Ah
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ah, what superb legs! what a fine chest! what graceful motions!
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading It not being the hour for fashionable calls, both ladies were attired with an extreme negligence which indicated that they anticipated seeing no company.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading _Josephine and Mrs. Franklin receive two important Visits._ Josephine Franklin and her mother were languidly partaking of a late breakfast, and indolently discussing the merits of the Italian opera, to which they had both been on the preceding night.
anticipatedadjectiveUS /ænˈtɪsəpeɪtɪd/
expected hopefully
From this reading It not being the hour for fashionable calls, both ladies were attired with an extreme negligence which indicated that they anticipated seeing no company.
attiredadjectiveUS /əˈtaɪrd/
dressed or clothed especially in fine attire; often used in combination
From this reading It not being the hour for fashionable calls, both ladies were attired with an extreme negligence which indicated that they anticipated seeing no company.
the qualities that give pleasure to the senses
From this reading And yet, to the eyes of a true connoisseur in beauty, there was something far more seductive in those voluptuous dishabilles, than there could have been in the most magnificent full dress.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading _Josephine and Mrs. Franklin receive two important Visits._ Josephine Franklin and her mother were languidly partaking of a late breakfast, and indolently discussing the merits of the Italian opera, to which they had both been on the preceding night.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading It not being the hour for fashionable calls, both ladies were attired with an extreme negligence which indicated that they anticipated seeing no company.
the two together, not just one
From this reading _Josephine and Mrs. Franklin receive two important Visits._ Josephine Franklin and her mother were languidly partaking of a late breakfast, and indolently discussing the merits of the Italian opera, to which they had both been on the preceding night.
eat an early morning meal
From this reading _Josephine and Mrs. Franklin receive two important Visits._ Josephine Franklin and her mother were languidly partaking of a late breakfast, and indolently discussing the merits of the Italian opera, to which they had both been on the preceding night.
plural of “call” — a telephone connection
From this reading It not being the hour for fashionable calls, both ladies were attired with an extreme negligence which indicated that they anticipated seeing no company.
captivatingadjectiveUS /ˈkæptɪveɪtɪŋ/
capturing interest as if by a spell
From this reading The conversation in which they were engaged, was characteristic of them both:-- 'I think, mamma,' said Josephine--'that the most captivating fellow on the stage last night, was the Signor Stopazzi, who played the peasant.
characteristicnounUS /ˌkerəktərˈɪstɪk/
a prominent attribute or aspect of something
From this reading The conversation in which they were engaged, was characteristic of them both:-- 'I think, mamma,' said Josephine--'that the most captivating fellow on the stage last night, was the Signor Stopazzi, who played the peasant.
the part of the human torso between the neck and the diaphragm or the corresponding part in other vertebrates
From this reading Ah, what superb legs! what a fine chest! what graceful motions!
an institution created to conduct business
From this reading It not being the hour for fashionable calls, both ladies were attired with an extreme negligence which indicated that they anticipated seeing no company.
connoisseurnounUS /ˌkɑːnəˈsɜːr/
an expert able to appreciate a field; especially in the fine arts
From this reading And yet, to the eyes of a true connoisseur in beauty, there was something far more seductive in those voluptuous dishabilles, than there could have been in the most magnificent full dress.
the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.
From this reading The conversation in which they were engaged, was characteristic of them both:-- 'I think, mamma,' said Josephine--'that the most captivating fellow on the stage last night, was the Signor Stopazzi, who played the peasant.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading And yet, to the eyes of a true connoisseur in beauty, there was something far more seductive in those voluptuous dishabilles, than there could have been in the most magnificent full dress.
discussingverbUS /dɪˈskʌsɪŋ/
-ing form of “discuss” — to consider or examine in speech or writing
From this reading _Josephine and Mrs. Franklin receive two important Visits._ Josephine Franklin and her mother were languidly partaking of a late breakfast, and indolently discussing the merits of the Italian opera, to which they had both been on the preceding night.
dishabilles
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And yet, to the eyes of a true connoisseur in beauty, there was something far more seductive in those voluptuous dishabilles, than there could have been in the most magnificent full dress.
put on clothes
From this reading And yet, to the eyes of a true connoisseur in beauty, there was something far more seductive in those voluptuous dishabilles, than there could have been in the most magnificent full dress.
having ones attention or mind or energy engaged
From this reading The conversation in which they were engaged, was characteristic of them both:-- 'I think, mamma,' said Josephine--'that the most captivating fellow on the stage last night, was the Signor Stopazzi, who played the peasant.
of the greatest possible degree or extent or intensity
From this reading It not being the hour for fashionable calls, both ladies were attired with an extreme negligence which indicated that they anticipated seeing no company.
opinion or judgment
From this reading And yet, to the eyes of a true connoisseur in beauty, there was something far more seductive in those voluptuous dishabilles, than there could have been in the most magnificent full dress.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading And yet, to the eyes of a true connoisseur in beauty, there was something far more seductive in those voluptuous dishabilles, than there could have been in the most magnificent full dress.
fashionableadjectiveUS /ˈfæʃənəbəl/
being or in accordance with current social fashions
From this reading It not being the hour for fashionable calls, both ladies were attired with an extreme negligence which indicated that they anticipated seeing no company.
a boy or man
From this reading The conversation in which they were engaged, was characteristic of them both:-- 'I think, mamma,' said Josephine--'that the most captivating fellow on the stage last night, was the Signor Stopazzi, who played the peasant.
being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition
From this reading Ah, what superb legs! what a fine chest! what graceful motions!
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It not being the hour for fashionable calls, both ladies were attired with an extreme negligence which indicated that they anticipated seeing no company.
FranklinnounUS /ˈfræŋklɪn/
United States historian noted for studies of Black American history (born in 1915)
From this reading _Josephine and Mrs. Franklin receive two important Visits._ Josephine Franklin and her mother were languidly partaking of a late breakfast, and indolently discussing the merits of the Italian opera, to which they had both been on the preceding night.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading And yet, to the eyes of a true connoisseur in beauty, there was something far more seductive in those voluptuous dishabilles, than there could have been in the most magnificent full dress.
characterized by beauty of movement, style, form, or execution
From this reading Ah, what superb legs! what a fine chest! what graceful motions!
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading _Josephine and Mrs. Franklin receive two important Visits._ Josephine Franklin and her mother were languidly partaking of a late breakfast, and indolently discussing the merits of the Italian opera, to which they had both been on the preceding night.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading And yet, to the eyes of a true connoisseur in beauty, there was something far more seductive in those voluptuous dishabilles, than there could have been in the most magnificent full dress.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading _Josephine and Mrs. Franklin receive two important Visits._ Josephine Franklin and her mother were languidly partaking of a late breakfast, and indolently discussing the merits of the Italian opera, to which they had both been on the preceding night.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading It not being the hour for fashionable calls, both ladies were attired with an extreme negligence which indicated that they anticipated seeing no company.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading The conversation in which they were engaged, was characteristic of them both:-- 'I think, mamma,' said Josephine--'that the most captivating fellow on the stage last night, was the Signor Stopazzi, who played the peasant.
of great significance or value
From this reading _Josephine and Mrs. Franklin receive two important Visits._ Josephine Franklin and her mother were languidly partaking of a late breakfast, and indolently discussing the merits of the Italian opera, to which they had both been on the preceding night.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading And yet, to the eyes of a true connoisseur in beauty, there was something far more seductive in those voluptuous dishabilles, than there could have been in the most magnificent full dress.
indicatedverbUS /ˈɪndəkeɪtəd/
past form of “indicate” — be a signal for or a symptom of
From this reading It not being the hour for fashionable calls, both ladies were attired with an extreme negligence which indicated that they anticipated seeing no company.
indolentlyadverb
in an indolent manner
From this reading _Josephine and Mrs. Franklin receive two important Visits._ Josephine Franklin and her mother were languidly partaking of a late breakfast, and indolently discussing the merits of the Italian opera, to which they had both been on the preceding night.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It not being the hour for fashionable calls, both ladies were attired with an extreme negligence which indicated that they anticipated seeing no company.
a native or inhabitant of Italy
From this reading _Josephine and Mrs. Franklin receive two important Visits._ Josephine Franklin and her mother were languidly partaking of a late breakfast, and indolently discussing the merits of the Italian opera, to which they had both been on the preceding night.
Josephine
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Josephine and Mrs. Franklin receive two important Visits._ Josephine Franklin and her mother were languidly partaking of a late breakfast, and indolently discussing the merits of the Italian opera, to which they had both been on the preceding night.
plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman
From this reading It not being the hour for fashionable calls, both ladies were attired with an extreme negligence which indicated that they anticipated seeing no company.
languidlyadverb
in a languid and lethargic manner
From this reading _Josephine and Mrs. Franklin receive two important Visits._ Josephine Franklin and her mother were languidly partaking of a late breakfast, and indolently discussing the merits of the Italian opera, to which they had both been on the preceding night.
immediately past
From this reading The conversation in which they were engaged, was characteristic of them both:-- 'I think, mamma,' said Josephine--'that the most captivating fellow on the stage last night, was the Signor Stopazzi, who played the peasant.
being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time
From this reading _Josephine and Mrs. Franklin receive two important Visits._ Josephine Franklin and her mother were languidly partaking of a late breakfast, and indolently discussing the merits of the Italian opera, to which they had both been on the preceding night.
staying power
From this reading Ah, what superb legs! what a fine chest! what graceful motions!
characterized by grandeur
From this reading And yet, to the eyes of a true connoisseur in beauty, there was something far more seductive in those voluptuous dishabilles, than there could have been in the most magnificent full dress.
informal terms for a mother
From this reading The conversation in which they were engaged, was characteristic of them both:-- 'I think, mamma,' said Josephine--'that the most captivating fellow on the stage last night, was the Signor Stopazzi, who played the peasant.
meritsnounUS /ˈmerəts/
plural of “merit” — any admirable quality or attribute
From this reading _Josephine and Mrs. Franklin receive two important Visits._ Josephine Franklin and her mother were languidly partaking of a late breakfast, and indolently discussing the merits of the Italian opera, to which they had both been on the preceding night.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading And yet, to the eyes of a true connoisseur in beauty, there was something far more seductive in those voluptuous dishabilles, than there could have been in the most magnificent full dress.
used to form the superlative
From this reading And yet, to the eyes of a true connoisseur in beauty, there was something far more seductive in those voluptuous dishabilles, than there could have been in the most magnificent full dress.
a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading _Josephine and Mrs. Franklin receive two important Visits._ Josephine Franklin and her mother were languidly partaking of a late breakfast, and indolently discussing the merits of the Italian opera, to which they had both been on the preceding night.
motionsnounUS /ˈmoʊʃənz/
plural of “motion” — the use of movements (especially of the hands) to communicate familiar or prearranged signals
From this reading Ah, what superb legs! what a fine chest! what graceful motions!
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading _Josephine and Mrs. Franklin receive two important Visits._ Josephine Franklin and her mother were languidly partaking of a late breakfast, and indolently discussing the merits of the Italian opera, to which they had both been on the preceding night.
negligencenounUS /ˈneɡlədʒəns/
failure to act with the prudence that a reasonable person would exercise under the same circumstances
From this reading It not being the hour for fashionable calls, both ladies were attired with an extreme negligence which indicated that they anticipated seeing no company.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading _Josephine and Mrs. Franklin receive two important Visits._ Josephine Franklin and her mother were languidly partaking of a late breakfast, and indolently discussing the merits of the Italian opera, to which they had both been on the preceding night.
not any; not one
From this reading It not being the hour for fashionable calls, both ladies were attired with an extreme negligence which indicated that they anticipated seeing no company.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading It not being the hour for fashionable calls, both ladies were attired with an extreme negligence which indicated that they anticipated seeing no company.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading _Josephine and Mrs. Franklin receive two important Visits._ Josephine Franklin and her mother were languidly partaking of a late breakfast, and indolently discussing the merits of the Italian opera, to which they had both been on the preceding night.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading _Josephine and Mrs. Franklin receive two important Visits._ Josephine Franklin and her mother were languidly partaking of a late breakfast, and indolently discussing the merits of the Italian opera, to which they had both been on the preceding night.
operanounUS /ˈɑːprə/
a drama set to music; consists of singing with orchestral accompaniment and an orchestral overture and interludes
From this reading _Josephine and Mrs. Franklin receive two important Visits._ Josephine Franklin and her mother were languidly partaking of a late breakfast, and indolently discussing the merits of the Italian opera, to which they had both been on the preceding night.
partaking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Josephine and Mrs. Franklin receive two important Visits._ Josephine Franklin and her mother were languidly partaking of a late breakfast, and indolently discussing the merits of the Italian opera, to which they had both been on the preceding night.
peasantnounUS /ˈpezənt/
a country person
From this reading The conversation in which they were engaged, was characteristic of them both:-- 'I think, mamma,' said Josephine--'that the most captivating fellow on the stage last night, was the Signor Stopazzi, who played the peasant.
(of games) engaged in
From this reading The conversation in which they were engaged, was characteristic of them both:-- 'I think, mamma,' said Josephine--'that the most captivating fellow on the stage last night, was the Signor Stopazzi, who played the peasant.
precedingadjectiveUS /priˈsiːdɪŋ/
existing or coming before
From this reading _Josephine and Mrs. Franklin receive two important Visits._ Josephine Franklin and her mother were languidly partaking of a late breakfast, and indolently discussing the merits of the Italian opera, to which they had both been on the preceding night.
get something; come into possession of
From this reading _Josephine and Mrs. Franklin receive two important Visits._ Josephine Franklin and her mother were languidly partaking of a late breakfast, and indolently discussing the merits of the Italian opera, to which they had both been on the preceding night.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading The conversation in which they were engaged, was characteristic of them both:-- 'I think, mamma,' said Josephine--'that the most captivating fellow on the stage last night, was the Signor Stopazzi, who played the peasant.
seductiveadjectiveUS /sɪˈdʌktɪv/
tending to entice into a desired action or state
From this reading And yet, to the eyes of a true connoisseur in beauty, there was something far more seductive in those voluptuous dishabilles, than there could have been in the most magnificent full dress.
perception by means of the eyes
From this reading It not being the hour for fashionable calls, both ladies were attired with an extreme negligence which indicated that they anticipated seeing no company.
SignornounUS /ˈsiːnjɔːr/
used as an Italian courtesy title; can be prefixed to the name or used separately
From this reading The conversation in which they were engaged, was characteristic of them both:-- 'I think, mamma,' said Josephine--'that the most captivating fellow on the stage last night, was the Signor Stopazzi, who played the peasant.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading And yet, to the eyes of a true connoisseur in beauty, there was something far more seductive in those voluptuous dishabilles, than there could have been in the most magnificent full dress.
any distinct time period in a sequence of events
From this reading The conversation in which they were engaged, was characteristic of them both:-- 'I think, mamma,' said Josephine--'that the most captivating fellow on the stage last night, was the Signor Stopazzi, who played the peasant.
Stopazzi
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The conversation in which they were engaged, was characteristic of them both:-- 'I think, mamma,' said Josephine--'that the most captivating fellow on the stage last night, was the Signor Stopazzi, who played the peasant.
superbadjectiveUS /sʊˈpɜːrb/
of surpassing excellence
From this reading Ah, what superb legs! what a fine chest! what graceful motions!
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading And yet, to the eyes of a true connoisseur in beauty, there was something far more seductive in those voluptuous dishabilles, than there could have been in the most magnificent full dress.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It not being the hour for fashionable calls, both ladies were attired with an extreme negligence which indicated that they anticipated seeing no company.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading _Josephine and Mrs. Franklin receive two important Visits._ Josephine Franklin and her mother were languidly partaking of a late breakfast, and indolently discussing the merits of the Italian opera, to which they had both been on the preceding night.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading The conversation in which they were engaged, was characteristic of them both:-- 'I think, mamma,' said Josephine--'that the most captivating fellow on the stage last night, was the Signor Stopazzi, who played the peasant.
in or at that place or location
From this reading And yet, to the eyes of a true connoisseur in beauty, there was something far more seductive in those voluptuous dishabilles, than there could have been in the most magnificent full dress.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading _Josephine and Mrs. Franklin receive two important Visits._ Josephine Franklin and her mother were languidly partaking of a late breakfast, and indolently discussing the merits of the Italian opera, to which they had both been on the preceding night.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading The conversation in which they were engaged, was characteristic of them both:-- 'I think, mamma,' said Josephine--'that the most captivating fellow on the stage last night, was the Signor Stopazzi, who played the peasant.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading And yet, to the eyes of a true connoisseur in beauty, there was something far more seductive in those voluptuous dishabilles, than there could have been in the most magnificent full dress.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading _Josephine and Mrs. Franklin receive two important Visits._ Josephine Franklin and her mother were languidly partaking of a late breakfast, and indolently discussing the merits of the Italian opera, to which they had both been on the preceding night.
consistent with fact or reality; not false
From this reading And yet, to the eyes of a true connoisseur in beauty, there was something far more seductive in those voluptuous dishabilles, than there could have been in the most magnificent full dress.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading _Josephine and Mrs. Franklin receive two important Visits._ Josephine Franklin and her mother were languidly partaking of a late breakfast, and indolently discussing the merits of the Italian opera, to which they had both been on the preceding night.
VisitsnounUS /ˈvɪzɪts/
plural of “visit” — the act of going to see some person or place or thing for a short time
From this reading _Josephine and Mrs. Franklin receive two important Visits._ Josephine Franklin and her mother were languidly partaking of a late breakfast, and indolently discussing the merits of the Italian opera, to which they had both been on the preceding night.
voluptuousadjectiveUS /vəˈlʌptʃəwəs/
having strong sexual appeal
From this reading And yet, to the eyes of a true connoisseur in beauty, there was something far more seductive in those voluptuous dishabilles, than there could have been in the most magnificent full dress.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading And yet, to the eyes of a true connoisseur in beauty, there was something far more seductive in those voluptuous dishabilles, than there could have been in the most magnificent full dress.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading _Josephine and Mrs. Franklin receive two important Visits._ Josephine Franklin and her mother were languidly partaking of a late breakfast, and indolently discussing the merits of the Italian opera, to which they had both been on the preceding night.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Ah, what superb legs! what a fine chest! what graceful motions!
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading _Josephine and Mrs. Franklin receive two important Visits._ Josephine Franklin and her mother were languidly partaking of a late breakfast, and indolently discussing the merits of the Italian opera, to which they had both been on the preceding night.
which person or people
From this reading The conversation in which they were engaged, was characteristic of them both:-- 'I think, mamma,' said Josephine--'that the most captivating fellow on the stage last night, was the Signor Stopazzi, who played the peasant.
in the company of; together with
From this reading It not being the hour for fashionable calls, both ladies were attired with an extreme negligence which indicated that they anticipated seeing no company.
but in spite of that
From this reading And yet, to the eyes of a true connoisseur in beauty, there was something far more seductive in those voluptuous dishabilles, than there could have been in the most magnificent full dress.
