used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Waxford's present was to be a grand piano--or possibly a semi-grand, since the drawing-room was not extensive--and with a son being educated for the musical profession, it was natural that they shouldn't select it till he returned; they wished for the advantage of his judgment.
personal knowledge or information about someone or something
From this reading On hearing of his sister's engagement, he had at once despatched affectionate letters, and now he was expected home in two or three days to make Mr. Kent's acquaintance, and tender his felicitations in person.
the quality of having a superior or more favorable position
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Waxford's present was to be a grand piano--or possibly a semi-grand, since the drawing-room was not extensive--and with a son being educated for the musical profession, it was natural that they shouldn't select it till he returned; they wished for the advantage of his judgment.
affectionateadjectiveUS /əˈfekʃənət/
having or displaying warmth or affection
From this reading On hearing of his sister's engagement, he had at once despatched affectionate letters, and now he was expected home in two or three days to make Mr. Kent's acquaintance, and tender his felicitations in person.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Waxford's present was to be a grand piano--or possibly a semi-grand, since the drawing-room was not extensive--and with a son being educated for the musical profession, it was natural that they shouldn't select it till he returned; they wished for the advantage of his judgment.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading On hearing of his sister's engagement, he had at once despatched affectionate letters, and now he was expected home in two or three days to make Mr. Kent's acquaintance, and tender his felicitations in person.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Waxford's present was to be a grand piano--or possibly a semi-grand, since the drawing-room was not extensive--and with a son being educated for the musical profession, it was natural that they shouldn't select it till he returned; they wished for the advantage of his judgment.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Waxford's present was to be a grand piano--or possibly a semi-grand, since the drawing-room was not extensive--and with a son being educated for the musical profession, it was natural that they shouldn't select it till he returned; they wished for the advantage of his judgment.
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading The better Kent learnt to know the Walfords, the more clearly he perceived how inordinately proud they were of their son.
without doubt or question
From this reading The better Kent learnt to know the Walfords, the more clearly he perceived how inordinately proud they were of their son.
ContinentnounUS /ˈkɑːntənənt/
one of the large landmasses of the earth
From this reading He was on the Continent with Pincocca, the master under whom he studied.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading On hearing of his sister's engagement, he had at once despatched affectionate letters, and now he was expected home in two or three days to make Mr. Kent's acquaintance, and tender his felicitations in person.
despatched
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On hearing of his sister's engagement, he had at once despatched affectionate letters, and now he was expected home in two or three days to make Mr. Kent's acquaintance, and tender his felicitations in person.
drawing-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Waxford's present was to be a grand piano--or possibly a semi-grand, since the drawing-room was not extensive--and with a son being educated for the musical profession, it was natural that they shouldn't select it till he returned; they wished for the advantage of his judgment.
educatedadjectiveUS /ˈedʒəkeɪtɪd/
possessing an education (especially having more than average knowledge)
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Waxford's present was to be a grand piano--or possibly a semi-grand, since the drawing-room was not extensive--and with a son being educated for the musical profession, it was natural that they shouldn't select it till he returned; they wished for the advantage of his judgment.
a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war
From this reading On hearing of his sister's engagement, he had at once despatched affectionate letters, and now he was expected home in two or three days to make Mr. Kent's acquaintance, and tender his felicitations in person.
considered likely or probable to happen or arrive
From this reading On hearing of his sister's engagement, he had at once despatched affectionate letters, and now he was expected home in two or three days to make Mr. Kent's acquaintance, and tender his felicitations in person.
extensiveadjectiveUS /ɪkˈstensɪv/
large in spatial extent or range or scope or quantity
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Waxford's present was to be a grand piano--or possibly a semi-grand, since the drawing-room was not extensive--and with a son being educated for the musical profession, it was natural that they shouldn't select it till he returned; they wished for the advantage of his judgment.
felicitations
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On hearing of his sister's engagement, he had at once despatched affectionate letters, and now he was expected home in two or three days to make Mr. Kent's acquaintance, and tender his felicitations in person.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Waxford's present was to be a grand piano--or possibly a semi-grand, since the drawing-room was not extensive--and with a son being educated for the musical profession, it was natural that they shouldn't select it till he returned; they wished for the advantage of his judgment.
of behavior that is impressive and ambitious in scale or scope
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Waxford's present was to be a grand piano--or possibly a semi-grand, since the drawing-room was not extensive--and with a son being educated for the musical profession, it was natural that they shouldn't select it till he returned; they wished for the advantage of his judgment.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading On hearing of his sister's engagement, he had at once despatched affectionate letters, and now he was expected home in two or three days to make Mr. Kent's acquaintance, and tender his felicitations in person.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Waxford's present was to be a grand piano--or possibly a semi-grand, since the drawing-room was not extensive--and with a son being educated for the musical profession, it was natural that they shouldn't select it till he returned; they wished for the advantage of his judgment.
(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 On hearing of his sister's engagement, he had at once despatched affectionate letters, and now he was expected home in two or three days to make Mr. Kent's acquaintance, and tender his felicitations in person.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Waxford's present was to be a grand piano--or possibly a semi-grand, since the drawing-room was not extensive--and with a son being educated for the musical profession, it was natural that they shouldn't select it till he returned; they wished for the advantage of his judgment.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading On hearing of his sister's engagement, he had at once despatched affectionate letters, and now he was expected home in two or three days to make Mr. Kent's acquaintance, and tender his felicitations in person.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The better Kent learnt to know the Walfords, the more clearly he perceived how inordinately proud they were of their son.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading On hearing of his sister's engagement, he had at once despatched affectionate letters, and now he was expected home in two or three days to make Mr. Kent's acquaintance, and tender his felicitations in person.
inordinatelyadverbUS /ˌɪˈnɔːrdənətli/
extremely
From this reading The better Kent learnt to know the Walfords, the more clearly he perceived how inordinately proud they were of their son.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Waxford's present was to be a grand piano--or possibly a semi-grand, since the drawing-room was not extensive--and with a son being educated for the musical profession, it was natural that they shouldn't select it till he returned; they wished for the advantage of his judgment.
an opinion formed by judging something
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Waxford's present was to be a grand piano--or possibly a semi-grand, since the drawing-room was not extensive--and with a son being educated for the musical profession, it was natural that they shouldn't select it till he returned; they wished for the advantage of his judgment.
KentnounUS /kent/
a county in southeastern England on the English Channel; formerly an Anglo-Saxon kingdom, it was the first to be colonized by the Romans
From this reading The better Kent learnt to know the Walfords, the more clearly he perceived how inordinately proud they were of their son.
Kent'snounUS /kents/
possessive form of “kent” — a county in southeastern England on the English Channel; formerly an Anglo-Saxon kingdom, it was the first to be colonized by the Romans
From this reading On hearing of his sister's engagement, he had at once despatched affectionate letters, and now he was expected home in two or three days to make Mr. Kent's acquaintance, and tender his felicitations in person.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading The better Kent learnt to know the Walfords, the more clearly he perceived how inordinately proud they were of their son.
learntverbUS /lɜːrnt/
inflected form of “learn” — gain knowledge or skills
From this reading The better Kent learnt to know the Walfords, the more clearly he perceived how inordinately proud they were of their son.
the literary culture
From this reading On hearing of his sister's engagement, he had at once despatched affectionate letters, and now he was expected home in two or three days to make Mr. Kent's acquaintance, and tender his felicitations in person.
engage in
From this reading On hearing of his sister's engagement, he had at once despatched affectionate letters, and now he was expected home in two or three days to make Mr. Kent's acquaintance, and tender his felicitations in person.
an artist of consummate skill
From this reading He was on the Continent with Pincocca, the master under whom he studied.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading The better Kent learnt to know the Walfords, the more clearly he perceived how inordinately proud they were of their son.
a form of address for a man
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Waxford's present was to be a grand piano--or possibly a semi-grand, since the drawing-room was not extensive--and with a son being educated for the musical profession, it was natural that they shouldn't select it till he returned; they wished for the advantage of his judgment.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Waxford's present was to be a grand piano--or possibly a semi-grand, since the drawing-room was not extensive--and with a son being educated for the musical profession, it was natural that they shouldn't select it till he returned; they wished for the advantage of his judgment.
musicaladjectiveUS /ˈmjuːzɪkəl/
characterized by or capable of producing music
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Waxford's present was to be a grand piano--or possibly a semi-grand, since the drawing-room was not extensive--and with a son being educated for the musical profession, it was natural that they shouldn't select it till he returned; they wished for the advantage of his judgment.
in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Waxford's present was to be a grand piano--or possibly a semi-grand, since the drawing-room was not extensive--and with a son being educated for the musical profession, it was natural that they shouldn't select it till he returned; they wished for the advantage of his judgment.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Waxford's present was to be a grand piano--or possibly a semi-grand, since the drawing-room was not extensive--and with a son being educated for the musical profession, it was natural that they shouldn't select it till he returned; they wished for the advantage of his judgment.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading On hearing of his sister's engagement, he had at once despatched affectionate letters, and now he was expected home in two or three days to make Mr. Kent's acquaintance, and tender his felicitations in person.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Waxford's present was to be a grand piano--or possibly a semi-grand, since the drawing-room was not extensive--and with a son being educated for the musical profession, it was natural that they shouldn't select it till he returned; they wished for the advantage of his judgment.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading He was on the Continent with Pincocca, the master under whom he studied.
on one occasion
From this reading On hearing of his sister's engagement, he had at once despatched affectionate letters, and now he was expected home in two or three days to make Mr. Kent's acquaintance, and tender his felicitations in person.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Waxford's present was to be a grand piano--or possibly a semi-grand, since the drawing-room was not extensive--and with a son being educated for the musical profession, it was natural that they shouldn't select it till he returned; they wished for the advantage of his judgment.
detected by instinct or inference rather than by recognized perceptual cues
From this reading The better Kent learnt to know the Walfords, the more clearly he perceived how inordinately proud they were of their son.
a human being
From this reading On hearing of his sister's engagement, he had at once despatched affectionate letters, and now he was expected home in two or three days to make Mr. Kent's acquaintance, and tender his felicitations in person.
pianonounUS /piˈænoʊ/
a keyboard instrument that is played by depressing keys that cause hammers to strike tuned strings and produce sounds
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Waxford's present was to be a grand piano--or possibly a semi-grand, since the drawing-room was not extensive--and with a son being educated for the musical profession, it was natural that they shouldn't select it till he returned; they wished for the advantage of his judgment.
Pincocca
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was on the Continent with Pincocca, the master under whom he studied.
by chance
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Waxford's present was to be a grand piano--or possibly a semi-grand, since the drawing-room was not extensive--and with a son being educated for the musical profession, it was natural that they shouldn't select it till he returned; they wished for the advantage of his judgment.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Waxford's present was to be a grand piano--or possibly a semi-grand, since the drawing-room was not extensive--and with a son being educated for the musical profession, it was natural that they shouldn't select it till he returned; they wished for the advantage of his judgment.
the body of people in a learned occupation
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Waxford's present was to be a grand piano--or possibly a semi-grand, since the drawing-room was not extensive--and with a son being educated for the musical profession, it was natural that they shouldn't select it till he returned; they wished for the advantage of his judgment.
feeling self-respect or pleasure in something by which you measure your self-worth; or being a reason for pride
From this reading The better Kent learnt to know the Walfords, the more clearly he perceived how inordinately proud they were of their son.
past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Waxford's present was to be a grand piano--or possibly a semi-grand, since the drawing-room was not extensive--and with a son being educated for the musical profession, it was natural that they shouldn't select it till he returned; they wished for the advantage of his judgment.
selectadjectiveUS /səˈlekt/
of superior grade
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Waxford's present was to be a grand piano--or possibly a semi-grand, since the drawing-room was not extensive--and with a son being educated for the musical profession, it was natural that they shouldn't select it till he returned; they wished for the advantage of his judgment.
semi-grand
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Waxford's present was to be a grand piano--or possibly a semi-grand, since the drawing-room was not extensive--and with a son being educated for the musical profession, it was natural that they shouldn't select it till he returned; they wished for the advantage of his judgment.
shouldn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Waxford's present was to be a grand piano--or possibly a semi-grand, since the drawing-room was not extensive--and with a son being educated for the musical profession, it was natural that they shouldn't select it till he returned; they wished for the advantage of his judgment.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Waxford's present was to be a grand piano--or possibly a semi-grand, since the drawing-room was not extensive--and with a son being educated for the musical profession, it was natural that they shouldn't select it till he returned; they wished for the advantage of his judgment.
sister'snounUS /ˈsɪstərz/
possessive form of “sister” — a female person who has the same parents as another person
From this reading On hearing of his sister's engagement, he had at once despatched affectionate letters, and now he was expected home in two or three days to make Mr. Kent's acquaintance, and tender his felicitations in person.
a male human offspring
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Waxford's present was to be a grand piano--or possibly a semi-grand, since the drawing-room was not extensive--and with a son being educated for the musical profession, it was natural that they shouldn't select it till he returned; they wished for the advantage of his judgment.
produced or marked by conscious design or premeditation
From this reading He was on the Continent with Pincocca, the master under whom he studied.
given to sympathy or gentleness or sentimentality
From this reading On hearing of his sister's engagement, he had at once despatched affectionate letters, and now he was expected home in two or three days to make Mr. Kent's acquaintance, and tender his felicitations in person.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Waxford's present was to be a grand piano--or possibly a semi-grand, since the drawing-room was not extensive--and with a son being educated for the musical profession, it was natural that they shouldn't select it till he returned; they wished for the advantage of his judgment.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Waxford's present was to be a grand piano--or possibly a semi-grand, since the drawing-room was not extensive--and with a son being educated for the musical profession, it was natural that they shouldn't select it till he returned; they wished for the advantage of his judgment.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The better Kent learnt to know the Walfords, the more clearly he perceived how inordinately proud they were of their son.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Waxford's present was to be a grand piano--or possibly a semi-grand, since the drawing-room was not extensive--and with a son being educated for the musical profession, it was natural that they shouldn't select it till he returned; they wished for the advantage of his judgment.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading On hearing of his sister's engagement, he had at once despatched affectionate letters, and now he was expected home in two or three days to make Mr. Kent's acquaintance, and tender his felicitations in person.
up to a particular time
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Waxford's present was to be a grand piano--or possibly a semi-grand, since the drawing-room was not extensive--and with a son being educated for the musical profession, it was natural that they shouldn't select it till he returned; they wished for the advantage of his judgment.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Waxford's present was to be a grand piano--or possibly a semi-grand, since the drawing-room was not extensive--and with a son being educated for the musical profession, it was natural that they shouldn't select it till he returned; they wished for the advantage of his judgment.
the act of going from one place to another
From this reading He was travelling.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading On hearing of his sister's engagement, he had at once despatched affectionate letters, and now he was expected home in two or three days to make Mr. Kent's acquaintance, and tender his felicitations in person.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading He was on the Continent with Pincocca, the master under whom he studied.
Walfords
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The better Kent learnt to know the Walfords, the more clearly he perceived how inordinately proud they were of their son.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Waxford's present was to be a grand piano--or possibly a semi-grand, since the drawing-room was not extensive--and with a son being educated for the musical profession, it was natural that they shouldn't select it till he returned; they wished for the advantage of his judgment.
Waxford's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Waxford's present was to be a grand piano--or possibly a semi-grand, since the drawing-room was not extensive--and with a son being educated for the musical profession, it was natural that they shouldn't select it till he returned; they wished for the advantage of his judgment.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The better Kent learnt to know the Walfords, the more clearly he perceived how inordinately proud they were of their son.
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He was on the Continent with Pincocca, the master under whom he studied.
past form of “wish” — hope for; have a wish
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Waxford's present was to be a grand piano--or possibly a semi-grand, since the drawing-room was not extensive--and with a son being educated for the musical profession, it was natural that they shouldn't select it till he returned; they wished for the advantage of his judgment.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Waxford's present was to be a grand piano--or possibly a semi-grand, since the drawing-room was not extensive--and with a son being educated for the musical profession, it was natural that they shouldn't select it till he returned; they wished for the advantage of his judgment.
