used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading LAURENCE DESMOND had received a whole packet of invitations to country-houses, where Christmas was to be kept with something of the traditional warmth and joviality, and with ample entertainment in the way of carpet-dances, and amateur concerts, and impromptu comedies in the style popular at that Italian theatre which was so dangerous a rival to the house of Molière.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading But to all such invitations Mr. Desmond had returned the same kind of answer.
amateurnounUS /ˈæmətɜːr/
someone who pursues a study or sport as a pastime
From this reading LAURENCE DESMOND had received a whole packet of invitations to country-houses, where Christmas was to be kept with something of the traditional warmth and joviality, and with ample entertainment in the way of carpet-dances, and amateur concerts, and impromptu comedies in the style popular at that Italian theatre which was so dangerous a rival to the house of Molière.
ampleadjectiveUS /ˈæmpəl/
more than enough in size or scope or capacity
From this reading LAURENCE DESMOND had received a whole packet of invitations to country-houses, where Christmas was to be kept with something of the traditional warmth and joviality, and with ample entertainment in the way of carpet-dances, and amateur concerts, and impromptu comedies in the style popular at that Italian theatre which was so dangerous a rival to the house of Molière.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading LAURENCE DESMOND had received a whole packet of invitations to country-houses, where Christmas was to be kept with something of the traditional warmth and joviality, and with ample entertainment in the way of carpet-dances, and amateur concerts, and impromptu comedies in the style popular at that Italian theatre which was so dangerous a rival to the house of Molière.
react verbally
From this reading But to all such invitations Mr. Desmond had returned the same kind of answer.
Areopagusnoun
a hill to the to the west of the Athenian acropolis where met the highest governmental council of ancient Athens and later a judicial court
From this reading The laborious duties of the _Areopagus_ kept him prisoner in town, and would so keep him throughout the winter.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading LAURENCE DESMOND had received a whole packet of invitations to country-houses, where Christmas was to be kept with something of the traditional warmth and joviality, and with ample entertainment in the way of carpet-dances, and amateur concerts, and impromptu comedies in the style popular at that Italian theatre which was so dangerous a rival to the house of Molière.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading LAURENCE DESMOND had received a whole packet of invitations to country-houses, where Christmas was to be kept with something of the traditional warmth and joviality, and with ample entertainment in the way of carpet-dances, and amateur concerts, and impromptu comedies in the style popular at that Italian theatre which was so dangerous a rival to the house of Molière.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But to all such invitations Mr. Desmond had returned the same kind of answer.
carpet-dances
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading LAURENCE DESMOND had received a whole packet of invitations to country-houses, where Christmas was to be kept with something of the traditional warmth and joviality, and with ample entertainment in the way of carpet-dances, and amateur concerts, and impromptu comedies in the style popular at that Italian theatre which was so dangerous a rival to the house of Molière.
period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6
From this reading LAURENCE DESMOND had received a whole packet of invitations to country-houses, where Christmas was to be kept with something of the traditional warmth and joviality, and with ample entertainment in the way of carpet-dances, and amateur concerts, and impromptu comedies in the style popular at that Italian theatre which was so dangerous a rival to the house of Molière.
comediesnounUS /ˈkɑːmədiz/
plural of “comedy” — light and humorous drama with a happy ending
From this reading LAURENCE DESMOND had received a whole packet of invitations to country-houses, where Christmas was to be kept with something of the traditional warmth and joviality, and with ample entertainment in the way of carpet-dances, and amateur concerts, and impromptu comedies in the style popular at that Italian theatre which was so dangerous a rival to the house of Molière.
concertsnounUS /ˈkɑːnsərts/
plural of “concert” — a performance of music by players or singers not involving theatrical staging
From this reading LAURENCE DESMOND had received a whole packet of invitations to country-houses, where Christmas was to be kept with something of the traditional warmth and joviality, and with ample entertainment in the way of carpet-dances, and amateur concerts, and impromptu comedies in the style popular at that Italian theatre which was so dangerous a rival to the house of Molière.
country-houses
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading LAURENCE DESMOND had received a whole packet of invitations to country-houses, where Christmas was to be kept with something of the traditional warmth and joviality, and with ample entertainment in the way of carpet-dances, and amateur concerts, and impromptu comedies in the style popular at that Italian theatre which was so dangerous a rival to the house of Molière.
involving or causing danger or risk; liable to hurt or harm
From this reading LAURENCE DESMOND had received a whole packet of invitations to country-houses, where Christmas was to be kept with something of the traditional warmth and joviality, and with ample entertainment in the way of carpet-dances, and amateur concerts, and impromptu comedies in the style popular at that Italian theatre which was so dangerous a rival to the house of Molière.
DESMOND
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading DESMOND TO THE RESCUE.
plural of “duty” — the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force
From this reading The laborious duties of the _Areopagus_ kept him prisoner in town, and would so keep him throughout the winter.
entertainmentnounUS /ˌentərˈteɪnmənt/
an activity that is diverting and that holds the attention
From this reading LAURENCE DESMOND had received a whole packet of invitations to country-houses, where Christmas was to be kept with something of the traditional warmth and joviality, and with ample entertainment in the way of carpet-dances, and amateur concerts, and impromptu comedies in the style popular at that Italian theatre which was so dangerous a rival to the house of Molière.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading LAURENCE DESMOND had received a whole packet of invitations to country-houses, where Christmas was to be kept with something of the traditional warmth and joviality, and with ample entertainment in the way of carpet-dances, and amateur concerts, and impromptu comedies in the style popular at that Italian theatre which was so dangerous a rival to the house of Molière.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The laborious duties of the _Areopagus_ kept him prisoner in town, and would so keep him throughout the winter.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading LAURENCE DESMOND had received a whole packet of invitations to country-houses, where Christmas was to be kept with something of the traditional warmth and joviality, and with ample entertainment in the way of carpet-dances, and amateur concerts, and impromptu comedies in the style popular at that Italian theatre which was so dangerous a rival to the house of Molière.
impromptunounUS /ˌɪmˈprɑːmptuː/
an extemporaneous speech or remark
From this reading LAURENCE DESMOND had received a whole packet of invitations to country-houses, where Christmas was to be kept with something of the traditional warmth and joviality, and with ample entertainment in the way of carpet-dances, and amateur concerts, and impromptu comedies in the style popular at that Italian theatre which was so dangerous a rival to the house of Molière.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading LAURENCE DESMOND had received a whole packet of invitations to country-houses, where Christmas was to be kept with something of the traditional warmth and joviality, and with ample entertainment in the way of carpet-dances, and amateur concerts, and impromptu comedies in the style popular at that Italian theatre which was so dangerous a rival to the house of Molière.
invitationsnounUS /ˌɪnvɪˈteɪʃənz/
plural of “invitation” — a request (spoken or written) to participate or be present or take part in something
From this reading LAURENCE DESMOND had received a whole packet of invitations to country-houses, where Christmas was to be kept with something of the traditional warmth and joviality, and with ample entertainment in the way of carpet-dances, and amateur concerts, and impromptu comedies in the style popular at that Italian theatre which was so dangerous a rival to the house of Molière.
a native or inhabitant of Italy
From this reading LAURENCE DESMOND had received a whole packet of invitations to country-houses, where Christmas was to be kept with something of the traditional warmth and joviality, and with ample entertainment in the way of carpet-dances, and amateur concerts, and impromptu comedies in the style popular at that Italian theatre which was so dangerous a rival to the house of Molière.
jovialitynoun
feeling jolly and jovial and full of good humor
From this reading LAURENCE DESMOND had received a whole packet of invitations to country-houses, where Christmas was to be kept with something of the traditional warmth and joviality, and with ample entertainment in the way of carpet-dances, and amateur concerts, and impromptu comedies in the style popular at that Italian theatre which was so dangerous a rival to the house of Molière.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading The laborious duties of the _Areopagus_ kept him prisoner in town, and would so keep him throughout the winter.
(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
From this reading LAURENCE DESMOND had received a whole packet of invitations to country-houses, where Christmas was to be kept with something of the traditional warmth and joviality, and with ample entertainment in the way of carpet-dances, and amateur concerts, and impromptu comedies in the style popular at that Italian theatre which was so dangerous a rival to the house of Molière.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading But to all such invitations Mr. Desmond had returned the same kind of answer.
laboriousadjectiveUS /ləˈbɔːriəs/
characterized by effort to the point of exhaustion; especially physical effort
From this reading The laborious duties of the _Areopagus_ kept him prisoner in town, and would so keep him throughout the winter.
LAURENCE
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading LAURENCE DESMOND had received a whole packet of invitations to country-houses, where Christmas was to be kept with something of the traditional warmth and joviality, and with ample entertainment in the way of carpet-dances, and amateur concerts, and impromptu comedies in the style popular at that Italian theatre which was so dangerous a rival to the house of Molière.
Molière
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading LAURENCE DESMOND had received a whole packet of invitations to country-houses, where Christmas was to be kept with something of the traditional warmth and joviality, and with ample entertainment in the way of carpet-dances, and amateur concerts, and impromptu comedies in the style popular at that Italian theatre which was so dangerous a rival to the house of Molière.
a form of address for a man
From this reading MR.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading LAURENCE DESMOND had received a whole packet of invitations to country-houses, where Christmas was to be kept with something of the traditional warmth and joviality, and with ample entertainment in the way of carpet-dances, and amateur concerts, and impromptu comedies in the style popular at that Italian theatre which was so dangerous a rival to the house of Molière.
packetnounUS /ˈpækət/
a collection of things wrapped or boxed together
From this reading LAURENCE DESMOND had received a whole packet of invitations to country-houses, where Christmas was to be kept with something of the traditional warmth and joviality, and with ample entertainment in the way of carpet-dances, and amateur concerts, and impromptu comedies in the style popular at that Italian theatre which was so dangerous a rival to the house of Molière.
regarded with great favor, approval, or affection especially by the general public
From this reading LAURENCE DESMOND had received a whole packet of invitations to country-houses, where Christmas was to be kept with something of the traditional warmth and joviality, and with ample entertainment in the way of carpet-dances, and amateur concerts, and impromptu comedies in the style popular at that Italian theatre which was so dangerous a rival to the house of Molière.
a person who is confined; especially a prisoner of war
From this reading The laborious duties of the _Areopagus_ kept him prisoner in town, and would so keep him throughout the winter.
conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers
From this reading LAURENCE DESMOND had received a whole packet of invitations to country-houses, where Christmas was to be kept with something of the traditional warmth and joviality, and with ample entertainment in the way of carpet-dances, and amateur concerts, and impromptu comedies in the style popular at that Italian theatre which was so dangerous a rival to the house of Molière.
free from harm or evil
From this reading DESMOND TO THE RESCUE.
past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading But to all such invitations Mr. Desmond had returned the same kind of answer.
rivalverbUS /ˈraɪvəl/
be equal to in quality or ability
From this reading LAURENCE DESMOND had received a whole packet of invitations to country-houses, where Christmas was to be kept with something of the traditional warmth and joviality, and with ample entertainment in the way of carpet-dances, and amateur concerts, and impromptu comedies in the style popular at that Italian theatre which was so dangerous a rival to the house of Molière.
Identical; not different.
From this reading But to all such invitations Mr. Desmond had returned the same kind of answer.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading LAURENCE DESMOND had received a whole packet of invitations to country-houses, where Christmas was to be kept with something of the traditional warmth and joviality, and with ample entertainment in the way of carpet-dances, and amateur concerts, and impromptu comedies in the style popular at that Italian theatre which was so dangerous a rival to the house of Molière.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading LAURENCE DESMOND had received a whole packet of invitations to country-houses, where Christmas was to be kept with something of the traditional warmth and joviality, and with ample entertainment in the way of carpet-dances, and amateur concerts, and impromptu comedies in the style popular at that Italian theatre which was so dangerous a rival to the house of Molière.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading LAURENCE DESMOND had received a whole packet of invitations to country-houses, where Christmas was to be kept with something of the traditional warmth and joviality, and with ample entertainment in the way of carpet-dances, and amateur concerts, and impromptu comedies in the style popular at that Italian theatre which was so dangerous a rival to the house of Molière.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading But to all such invitations Mr. Desmond had returned the same kind of answer.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading LAURENCE DESMOND had received a whole packet of invitations to country-houses, where Christmas was to be kept with something of the traditional warmth and joviality, and with ample entertainment in the way of carpet-dances, and amateur concerts, and impromptu comedies in the style popular at that Italian theatre which was so dangerous a rival to the house of Molière.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading DESMOND TO THE RESCUE.
a building where theatrical performances or motion-picture shows can be presented
From this reading LAURENCE DESMOND had received a whole packet of invitations to country-houses, where Christmas was to be kept with something of the traditional warmth and joviality, and with ample entertainment in the way of carpet-dances, and amateur concerts, and impromptu comedies in the style popular at that Italian theatre which was so dangerous a rival to the house of Molière.
in every part of a place, or for the whole of a period
From this reading The laborious duties of the _Areopagus_ kept him prisoner in town, and would so keep him throughout the winter.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading DESMOND TO THE RESCUE.
an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city
From this reading The laborious duties of the _Areopagus_ kept him prisoner in town, and would so keep him throughout the winter.
traditionaladjectiveUS /trəˈdɪʃənəl/
consisting of or derived from tradition
From this reading LAURENCE DESMOND had received a whole packet of invitations to country-houses, where Christmas was to be kept with something of the traditional warmth and joviality, and with ample entertainment in the way of carpet-dances, and amateur concerts, and impromptu comedies in the style popular at that Italian theatre which was so dangerous a rival to the house of Molière.
warmthnounUS /wɔːrmθ/
the sensation caused by heat energy
From this reading LAURENCE DESMOND had received a whole packet of invitations to country-houses, where Christmas was to be kept with something of the traditional warmth and joviality, and with ample entertainment in the way of carpet-dances, and amateur concerts, and impromptu comedies in the style popular at that Italian theatre which was so dangerous a rival to the house of Molière.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading LAURENCE DESMOND had received a whole packet of invitations to country-houses, where Christmas was to be kept with something of the traditional warmth and joviality, and with ample entertainment in the way of carpet-dances, and amateur concerts, and impromptu comedies in the style popular at that Italian theatre which was so dangerous a rival to the house of Molière.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading LAURENCE DESMOND had received a whole packet of invitations to country-houses, where Christmas was to be kept with something of the traditional warmth and joviality, and with ample entertainment in the way of carpet-dances, and amateur concerts, and impromptu comedies in the style popular at that Italian theatre which was so dangerous a rival to the house of Molière.
in or at the place that
From this reading LAURENCE DESMOND had received a whole packet of invitations to country-houses, where Christmas was to be kept with something of the traditional warmth and joviality, and with ample entertainment in the way of carpet-dances, and amateur concerts, and impromptu comedies in the style popular at that Italian theatre which was so dangerous a rival to the house of Molière.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading LAURENCE DESMOND had received a whole packet of invitations to country-houses, where Christmas was to be kept with something of the traditional warmth and joviality, and with ample entertainment in the way of carpet-dances, and amateur concerts, and impromptu comedies in the style popular at that Italian theatre which was so dangerous a rival to the house of Molière.
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading LAURENCE DESMOND had received a whole packet of invitations to country-houses, where Christmas was to be kept with something of the traditional warmth and joviality, and with ample entertainment in the way of carpet-dances, and amateur concerts, and impromptu comedies in the style popular at that Italian theatre which was so dangerous a rival to the house of Molière.
the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox
From this reading The laborious duties of the _Areopagus_ kept him prisoner in town, and would so keep him throughout the winter.
in the company of; together with
From this reading LAURENCE DESMOND had received a whole packet of invitations to country-houses, where Christmas was to be kept with something of the traditional warmth and joviality, and with ample entertainment in the way of carpet-dances, and amateur concerts, and impromptu comedies in the style popular at that Italian theatre which was so dangerous a rival to the house of Molière.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading The laborious duties of the _Areopagus_ kept him prisoner in town, and would so keep him throughout the winter.
