used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE SQUIRE SPEAKS HIS MIND For a minute or more her father fidgeted about, moving his papers backwards and forwards but saying nothing.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading THE SQUIRE SPEAKS HIS MIND For a minute or more her father fidgeted about, moving his papers backwards and forwards but saying nothing.
how long something has existed
From this reading “Of course you have a right to do as you please, you are of full age, and I cannot expect that you will consider me or your family in your matrimonial engagements, but at the same time I think it is my duty to point out to you what it is that you are doing.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE SQUIRE SPEAKS HIS MIND For a minute or more her father fidgeted about, moving his papers backwards and forwards but saying nothing.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading You are refusing one of the finest matches in England in order to marry a broken-down, middle-aged, half-pay colonel, a man who can hardly support you, whose part in life is played, or who is apparently too idle to seek another.”
from appearances alone
From this reading You are refusing one of the finest matches in England in order to marry a broken-down, middle-aged, half-pay colonel, a man who can hardly support you, whose part in life is played, or who is apparently too idle to seek another.”
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading “Of course you have a right to do as you please, you are of full age, and I cannot expect that you will consider me or your family in your matrimonial engagements, but at the same time I think it is my duty to point out to you what it is that you are doing.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading “Of course you have a right to do as you please, you are of full age, and I cannot expect that you will consider me or your family in your matrimonial engagements, but at the same time I think it is my duty to point out to you what it is that you are doing.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading At last he spoke.
backwardsadverbUS /ˈbækwərdz/
at or to or toward the back or rear
From this reading THE SQUIRE SPEAKS HIS MIND For a minute or more her father fidgeted about, moving his papers backwards and forwards but saying nothing.
broken-downadjective
in deplorable condition
From this reading You are refusing one of the finest matches in England in order to marry a broken-down, middle-aged, half-pay colonel, a man who can hardly support you, whose part in life is played, or who is apparently too idle to seek another.”
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading THE SQUIRE SPEAKS HIS MIND For a minute or more her father fidgeted about, moving his papers backwards and forwards but saying nothing.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading You are refusing one of the finest matches in England in order to marry a broken-down, middle-aged, half-pay colonel, a man who can hardly support you, whose part in life is played, or who is apparently too idle to seek another.”
cannot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Of course you have a right to do as you please, you are of full age, and I cannot expect that you will consider me or your family in your matrimonial engagements, but at the same time I think it is my duty to point out to you what it is that you are doing.
a commissioned military officer in the United States Army or Air Force or Marines who ranks above a lieutenant colonel and below a brigadier general
From this reading You are refusing one of the finest matches in England in order to marry a broken-down, middle-aged, half-pay colonel, a man who can hardly support you, whose part in life is played, or who is apparently too idle to seek another.”
deem to be
From this reading “Of course you have a right to do as you please, you are of full age, and I cannot expect that you will consider me or your family in your matrimonial engagements, but at the same time I think it is my duty to point out to you what it is that you are doing.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading “Of course you have a right to do as you please, you are of full age, and I cannot expect that you will consider me or your family in your matrimonial engagements, but at the same time I think it is my duty to point out to you what it is that you are doing.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading “Of course you have a right to do as you please, you are of full age, and I cannot expect that you will consider me or your family in your matrimonial engagements, but at the same time I think it is my duty to point out to you what it is that you are doing.
-ing form of “do” — engage in
From this reading “Of course you have a right to do as you please, you are of full age, and I cannot expect that you will consider me or your family in your matrimonial engagements, but at the same time I think it is my duty to point out to you what it is that you are doing.
the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force
From this reading “Of course you have a right to do as you please, you are of full age, and I cannot expect that you will consider me or your family in your matrimonial engagements, but at the same time I think it is my duty to point out to you what it is that you are doing.
engagementsnounUS /enˈɡeɪdʒmənts/
plural of “engagement” — a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war
From this reading “Of course you have a right to do as you please, you are of full age, and I cannot expect that you will consider me or your family in your matrimonial engagements, but at the same time I think it is my duty to point out to you what it is that you are doing.
a division of the United Kingdom
From this reading You are refusing one of the finest matches in England in order to marry a broken-down, middle-aged, half-pay colonel, a man who can hardly support you, whose part in life is played, or who is apparently too idle to seek another.”
regard something as probable or likely
From this reading “Of course you have a right to do as you please, you are of full age, and I cannot expect that you will consider me or your family in your matrimonial engagements, but at the same time I think it is my duty to point out to you what it is that you are doing.
a social unit living together
From this reading “Of course you have a right to do as you please, you are of full age, and I cannot expect that you will consider me or your family in your matrimonial engagements, but at the same time I think it is my duty to point out to you what it is that you are doing.
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading THE SQUIRE SPEAKS HIS MIND For a minute or more her father fidgeted about, moving his papers backwards and forwards but saying nothing.
fidgeted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SQUIRE SPEAKS HIS MIND For a minute or more her father fidgeted about, moving his papers backwards and forwards but saying nothing.
finestadjectiveUS /ˈfaɪnəst/
superlative of “fine” — being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition
From this reading You are refusing one of the finest matches in England in order to marry a broken-down, middle-aged, half-pay colonel, a man who can hardly support you, whose part in life is played, or who is apparently too idle to seek another.”
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading THE SQUIRE SPEAKS HIS MIND For a minute or more her father fidgeted about, moving his papers backwards and forwards but saying nothing.
forwardsadverbUS /ˈfɔːrwərdz/
at or to or toward the front
From this reading THE SQUIRE SPEAKS HIS MIND For a minute or more her father fidgeted about, moving his papers backwards and forwards but saying nothing.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading “Of course you have a right to do as you please, you are of full age, and I cannot expect that you will consider me or your family in your matrimonial engagements, but at the same time I think it is my duty to point out to you what it is that you are doing.
half-paynoun
reduced wage paid to someone who is not working full time
From this reading You are refusing one of the finest matches in England in order to marry a broken-down, middle-aged, half-pay colonel, a man who can hardly support you, whose part in life is played, or who is apparently too idle to seek another.”
only a very short time before
From this reading You are refusing one of the finest matches in England in order to marry a broken-down, middle-aged, half-pay colonel, a man who can hardly support you, whose part in life is played, or who is apparently too idle to seek another.”
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading “You have taken a most serious and painful step, Ida,” he said.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading At last he spoke.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading THE SQUIRE SPEAKS HIS MIND For a minute or more her father fidgeted about, moving his papers backwards and forwards but saying nothing.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading THE SQUIRE SPEAKS HIS MIND For a minute or more her father fidgeted about, moving his papers backwards and forwards but saying nothing.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading “Of course you have a right to do as you please, you are of full age, and I cannot expect that you will consider me or your family in your matrimonial engagements, but at the same time I think it is my duty to point out to you what it is that you are doing.
IdanounUS /ˈaɪdə/
an agency of the United Nations affiliated with the World Bank
From this reading “You have taken a most serious and painful step, Ida,” he said.
not in action or at work
From this reading You are refusing one of the finest matches in England in order to marry a broken-down, middle-aged, half-pay colonel, a man who can hardly support you, whose part in life is played, or who is apparently too idle to seek another.”
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading “Of course you have a right to do as you please, you are of full age, and I cannot expect that you will consider me or your family in your matrimonial engagements, but at the same time I think it is my duty to point out to you what it is that you are doing.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “Of course you have a right to do as you please, you are of full age, and I cannot expect that you will consider me or your family in your matrimonial engagements, but at the same time I think it is my duty to point out to you what it is that you are doing.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading “Of course you have a right to do as you please, you are of full age, and I cannot expect that you will consider me or your family in your matrimonial engagements, but at the same time I think it is my duty to point out to you what it is that you are doing.
immediately past
From this reading At last he spoke.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading You are refusing one of the finest matches in England in order to marry a broken-down, middle-aged, half-pay colonel, a man who can hardly support you, whose part in life is played, or who is apparently too idle to seek another.”
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading You are refusing one of the finest matches in England in order to marry a broken-down, middle-aged, half-pay colonel, a man who can hardly support you, whose part in life is played, or who is apparently too idle to seek another.”
take in marriage
From this reading You are refusing one of the finest matches in England in order to marry a broken-down, middle-aged, half-pay colonel, a man who can hardly support you, whose part in life is played, or who is apparently too idle to seek another.”
matchesnounUS /ˈmætʃəz/
plural of “match” — lighter consisting of a thin piece of wood or cardboard tipped with combustible chemical; ignites with friction
From this reading You are refusing one of the finest matches in England in order to marry a broken-down, middle-aged, half-pay colonel, a man who can hardly support you, whose part in life is played, or who is apparently too idle to seek another.”
matrimonialadjectiveUS /ˌmætrəˈmoʊniəl/
of or relating to the state of marriage
From this reading “Of course you have a right to do as you please, you are of full age, and I cannot expect that you will consider me or your family in your matrimonial engagements, but at the same time I think it is my duty to point out to you what it is that you are doing.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading “Of course you have a right to do as you please, you are of full age, and I cannot expect that you will consider me or your family in your matrimonial engagements, but at the same time I think it is my duty to point out to you what it is that you are doing.
middle-agedadjectiveUS /ˈmɪdəleɪɡd/
being roughly between 45 and 65 years old
From this reading You are refusing one of the finest matches in England in order to marry a broken-down, middle-aged, half-pay colonel, a man who can hardly support you, whose part in life is played, or who is apparently too idle to seek another.”
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading THE SQUIRE SPEAKS HIS MIND For a minute or more her father fidgeted about, moving his papers backwards and forwards but saying nothing.
a unit of time equal to 60 seconds or 1/60th of an hour
From this reading THE SQUIRE SPEAKS HIS MIND For a minute or more her father fidgeted about, moving his papers backwards and forwards but saying nothing.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading THE SQUIRE SPEAKS HIS MIND For a minute or more her father fidgeted about, moving his papers backwards and forwards but saying nothing.
used to form the superlative
From this reading “You have taken a most serious and painful step, Ida,” he said.
in motion
From this reading THE SQUIRE SPEAKS HIS MIND For a minute or more her father fidgeted about, moving his papers backwards and forwards but saying nothing.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading “Of course you have a right to do as you please, you are of full age, and I cannot expect that you will consider me or your family in your matrimonial engagements, but at the same time I think it is my duty to point out to you what it is that you are doing.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading THE SQUIRE SPEAKS HIS MIND For a minute or more her father fidgeted about, moving his papers backwards and forwards but saying nothing.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading “Of course you have a right to do as you please, you are of full age, and I cannot expect that you will consider me or your family in your matrimonial engagements, but at the same time I think it is my duty to point out to you what it is that you are doing.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading You are refusing one of the finest matches in England in order to marry a broken-down, middle-aged, half-pay colonel, a man who can hardly support you, whose part in life is played, or who is apparently too idle to seek another.”
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading THE SQUIRE SPEAKS HIS MIND For a minute or more her father fidgeted about, moving his papers backwards and forwards but saying nothing.
(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading You are refusing one of the finest matches in England in order to marry a broken-down, middle-aged, half-pay colonel, a man who can hardly support you, whose part in life is played, or who is apparently too idle to seek another.”
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading “Of course you have a right to do as you please, you are of full age, and I cannot expect that you will consider me or your family in your matrimonial engagements, but at the same time I think it is my duty to point out to you what it is that you are doing.
causing physical or psychological pain
From this reading “You have taken a most serious and painful step, Ida,” he said.
writing that provides information (especially information of an official nature)
From this reading THE SQUIRE SPEAKS HIS MIND For a minute or more her father fidgeted about, moving his papers backwards and forwards but saying nothing.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading You are refusing one of the finest matches in England in order to marry a broken-down, middle-aged, half-pay colonel, a man who can hardly support you, whose part in life is played, or who is apparently too idle to seek another.”
(of games) engaged in
From this reading You are refusing one of the finest matches in England in order to marry a broken-down, middle-aged, half-pay colonel, a man who can hardly support you, whose part in life is played, or who is apparently too idle to seek another.”
give pleasure to or be pleasing to
From this reading “Of course you have a right to do as you please, you are of full age, and I cannot expect that you will consider me or your family in your matrimonial engagements, but at the same time I think it is my duty to point out to you what it is that you are doing.
a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading “Of course you have a right to do as you please, you are of full age, and I cannot expect that you will consider me or your family in your matrimonial engagements, but at the same time I think it is my duty to point out to you what it is that you are doing.
refusingverbUS /rəˈfjuːzɪŋ/
-ing form of “refuse” — show unwillingness towards
From this reading You are refusing one of the finest matches in England in order to marry a broken-down, middle-aged, half-pay colonel, a man who can hardly support you, whose part in life is played, or who is apparently too idle to seek another.”
precisely, exactly
From this reading “Of course you have a right to do as you please, you are of full age, and I cannot expect that you will consider me or your family in your matrimonial engagements, but at the same time I think it is my duty to point out to you what it is that you are doing.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading “You have taken a most serious and painful step, Ida,” he said.
Identical; not different.
From this reading “Of course you have a right to do as you please, you are of full age, and I cannot expect that you will consider me or your family in your matrimonial engagements, but at the same time I think it is my duty to point out to you what it is that you are doing.
a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations
From this reading THE SQUIRE SPEAKS HIS MIND For a minute or more her father fidgeted about, moving his papers backwards and forwards but saying nothing.
try to get or reach
From this reading You are refusing one of the finest matches in England in order to marry a broken-down, middle-aged, half-pay colonel, a man who can hardly support you, whose part in life is played, or who is apparently too idle to seek another.”
concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities
From this reading “You have taken a most serious and painful step, Ida,” he said.
third-person singular of “speak” — express in speech
From this reading THE SQUIRE SPEAKS HIS MIND For a minute or more her father fidgeted about, moving his papers backwards and forwards but saying nothing.
support consisting of a radial member of a wheel joining the hub to the rim
From this reading At last he spoke.
young nobleman attendant on a knight
From this reading THE SQUIRE SPEAKS HIS MIND For a minute or more her father fidgeted about, moving his papers backwards and forwards but saying nothing.
any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal
From this reading “You have taken a most serious and painful step, Ida,” he said.
the activity of providing for or maintaining by supplying with money or necessities
From this reading You are refusing one of the finest matches in England in order to marry a broken-down, middle-aged, half-pay colonel, a man who can hardly support you, whose part in life is played, or who is apparently too idle to seek another.”
takenadjectiveUS /ˈteɪkən/
understood in a certain way; made sense of
From this reading “You have taken a most serious and painful step, Ida,” he said.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading “Of course you have a right to do as you please, you are of full age, and I cannot expect that you will consider me or your family in your matrimonial engagements, but at the same time I think it is my duty to point out to you what it is that you are doing.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE SQUIRE SPEAKS HIS MIND For a minute or more her father fidgeted about, moving his papers backwards and forwards but saying nothing.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading “Of course you have a right to do as you please, you are of full age, and I cannot expect that you will consider me or your family in your matrimonial engagements, but at the same time I think it is my duty to point out to you what it is that you are doing.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading “Of course you have a right to do as you please, you are of full age, and I cannot expect that you will consider me or your family in your matrimonial engagements, but at the same time I think it is my duty to point out to you what it is that you are doing.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading “Of course you have a right to do as you please, you are of full age, and I cannot expect that you will consider me or your family in your matrimonial engagements, but at the same time I think it is my duty to point out to you what it is that you are doing.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading You are refusing one of the finest matches in England in order to marry a broken-down, middle-aged, half-pay colonel, a man who can hardly support you, whose part in life is played, or who is apparently too idle to seek another.”
used to ask for information about something
From this reading “Of course you have a right to do as you please, you are of full age, and I cannot expect that you will consider me or your family in your matrimonial engagements, but at the same time I think it is my duty to point out to you what it is that you are doing.
which person or people
From this reading You are refusing one of the finest matches in England in order to marry a broken-down, middle-aged, half-pay colonel, a man who can hardly support you, whose part in life is played, or who is apparently too idle to seek another.”
belonging to which person
From this reading You are refusing one of the finest matches in England in order to marry a broken-down, middle-aged, half-pay colonel, a man who can hardly support you, whose part in life is played, or who is apparently too idle to seek another.”
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading “Of course you have a right to do as you please, you are of full age, and I cannot expect that you will consider me or your family in your matrimonial engagements, but at the same time I think it is my duty to point out to you what it is that you are doing.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “You have taken a most serious and painful step, Ida,” he said.
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “Of course you have a right to do as you please, you are of full age, and I cannot expect that you will consider me or your family in your matrimonial engagements, but at the same time I think it is my duty to point out to you what it is that you are doing.
