used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading After waiting impatiently the return of a message despatched for this purpose; I learnt that Mr Boswell's house was shut up; the whole family having removed to the country.
AfterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading After waiting impatiently the return of a message despatched for this purpose; I learnt that Mr Boswell's house was shut up; the whole family having removed to the country.
(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 Though I resisted all idea of returning, even for an hour, to the control of Mrs Boswell, it was thought necessary, since I had been confined upon her authority and at her expense, that, before my departure, she should be informed of my recovery, and consequent dismission.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Though I resisted all idea of returning, even for an hour, to the control of Mrs Boswell, it was thought necessary, since I had been confined upon her authority and at her expense, that, before my departure, she should be informed of my recovery, and consequent dismission.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading _Oh! grief has changed me since you saw me last; And careful hours, and time's deforming hand Have written strange defeatures in my face._ Shakspeare.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Though I resisted all idea of returning, even for an hour, to the control of Mrs Boswell, it was thought necessary, since I had been confined upon her authority and at her expense, that, before my departure, she should be informed of my recovery, and consequent dismission.
the power or right to give orders or make decisions
From this reading Though I resisted all idea of returning, even for an hour, to the control of Mrs Boswell, it was thought necessary, since I had been confined upon her authority and at her expense, that, before my departure, she should be informed of my recovery, and consequent dismission.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Though I resisted all idea of returning, even for an hour, to the control of Mrs Boswell, it was thought necessary, since I had been confined upon her authority and at her expense, that, before my departure, she should be informed of my recovery, and consequent dismission.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Though I resisted all idea of returning, even for an hour, to the control of Mrs Boswell, it was thought necessary, since I had been confined upon her authority and at her expense, that, before my departure, she should be informed of my recovery, and consequent dismission.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Though I resisted all idea of returning, even for an hour, to the control of Mrs Boswell, it was thought necessary, since I had been confined upon her authority and at her expense, that, before my departure, she should be informed of my recovery, and consequent dismission.
BoswellnounUS /ˈbɑːzwel/
Scottish author noted for his biography of Samuel Johnson (1740-1795)
From this reading Though I resisted all idea of returning, even for an hour, to the control of Mrs Boswell, it was thought necessary, since I had been confined upon her authority and at her expense, that, before my departure, she should be informed of my recovery, and consequent dismission.
Boswell's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After waiting impatiently the return of a message despatched for this purpose; I learnt that Mr Boswell's house was shut up; the whole family having removed to the country.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading He undertook for Mrs Boswell's performance of her engagement; which, he said, he could easily compel, by threatening to expose her conduct.
exercising caution or showing care or attention
From this reading _Oh! grief has changed me since you saw me last; And careful hours, and time's deforming hand Have written strange defeatures in my face._ Shakspeare.
made or become different in nature or form
From this reading _Oh! grief has changed me since you saw me last; And careful hours, and time's deforming hand Have written strange defeatures in my face._ Shakspeare.
compelverbUS /kəmˈpel/
force somebody to do something
From this reading He undertook for Mrs Boswell's performance of her engagement; which, he said, he could easily compel, by threatening to expose her conduct.
direct the course of; manage or control
From this reading He undertook for Mrs Boswell's performance of her engagement; which, he said, he could easily compel, by threatening to expose her conduct.
confinedadjectiveUS /kənˈfaɪnd/
not invading healthy tissue
From this reading Though I resisted all idea of returning, even for an hour, to the control of Mrs Boswell, it was thought necessary, since I had been confined upon her authority and at her expense, that, before my departure, she should be informed of my recovery, and consequent dismission.
consequentadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːnsəkwənt/
occurring with or following as a consequence
From this reading Though I resisted all idea of returning, even for an hour, to the control of Mrs Boswell, it was thought necessary, since I had been confined upon her authority and at her expense, that, before my departure, she should be informed of my recovery, and consequent dismission.
power to direct or determine
From this reading Though I resisted all idea of returning, even for an hour, to the control of Mrs Boswell, it was thought necessary, since I had been confined upon her authority and at her expense, that, before my departure, she should be informed of my recovery, and consequent dismission.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading He undertook for Mrs Boswell's performance of her engagement; which, he said, he could easily compel, by threatening to expose her conduct.
a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading After waiting impatiently the return of a message despatched for this purpose; I learnt that Mr Boswell's house was shut up; the whole family having removed to the country.
defeatures
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Oh! grief has changed me since you saw me last; And careful hours, and time's deforming hand Have written strange defeatures in my face._ Shakspeare.
deforming
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Oh! grief has changed me since you saw me last; And careful hours, and time's deforming hand Have written strange defeatures in my face._ Shakspeare.
the act of departing
From this reading Though I resisted all idea of returning, even for an hour, to the control of Mrs Boswell, it was thought necessary, since I had been confined upon her authority and at her expense, that, before my departure, she should be informed of my recovery, and consequent dismission.
despatched
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After waiting impatiently the return of a message despatched for this purpose; I learnt that Mr Boswell's house was shut up; the whole family having removed to the country.
dismissionnoun
official notice that you have been fired from your job
From this reading Though I resisted all idea of returning, even for an hour, to the control of Mrs Boswell, it was thought necessary, since I had been confined upon her authority and at her expense, that, before my departure, she should be informed of my recovery, and consequent dismission.
Dr
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My kind friend, Dr ----, however, would not permit this to retard my departure.
with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)
From this reading He undertook for Mrs Boswell's performance of her engagement; which, he said, he could easily compel, by threatening to expose her conduct.
a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war
From this reading He undertook for Mrs Boswell's performance of her engagement; which, he said, he could easily compel, by threatening to expose her conduct.
divisible by two
From this reading Though I resisted all idea of returning, even for an hour, to the control of Mrs Boswell, it was thought necessary, since I had been confined upon her authority and at her expense, that, before my departure, she should be informed of my recovery, and consequent dismission.
expensenounUS /ɪkˈspens/
amounts paid for goods and services that may be currently tax deductible (as opposed to capital expenditures)
From this reading Though I resisted all idea of returning, even for an hour, to the control of Mrs Boswell, it was thought necessary, since I had been confined upon her authority and at her expense, that, before my departure, she should be informed of my recovery, and consequent dismission.
exposeverbUS /ɪkˈspoʊz/
expose or make accessible to some action or influence
From this reading He undertook for Mrs Boswell's performance of her engagement; which, he said, he could easily compel, by threatening to expose her conduct.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading _Oh! grief has changed me since you saw me last; And careful hours, and time's deforming hand Have written strange defeatures in my face._ Shakspeare.
a social unit living together
From this reading After waiting impatiently the return of a message despatched for this purpose; I learnt that Mr Boswell's house was shut up; the whole family having removed to the country.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Though I resisted all idea of returning, even for an hour, to the control of Mrs Boswell, it was thought necessary, since I had been confined upon her authority and at her expense, that, before my departure, she should be informed of my recovery, and consequent dismission.
a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading My kind friend, Dr ----, however, would not permit this to retard my departure.
intense sorrow caused by loss of a loved one (especially by death)
From this reading _Oh! grief has changed me since you saw me last; And careful hours, and time's deforming hand Have written strange defeatures in my face._ Shakspeare.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Though I resisted all idea of returning, even for an hour, to the control of Mrs Boswell, it was thought necessary, since I had been confined upon her authority and at her expense, that, before my departure, she should be informed of my recovery, and consequent dismission.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading _Oh! grief has changed me since you saw me last; And careful hours, and time's deforming hand Have written strange defeatures in my face._ Shakspeare.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading _Oh! grief has changed me since you saw me last; And careful hours, and time's deforming hand Have written strange defeatures in my face._ Shakspeare.
Haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading _Oh! grief has changed me since you saw me last; And careful hours, and time's deforming hand Have written strange defeatures in my face._ Shakspeare.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading After waiting impatiently the return of a message despatched for this purpose; I learnt that Mr Boswell's house was shut up; the whole family having removed to the country.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He undertook for Mrs Boswell's performance of her engagement; which, he said, he could easily compel, by threatening to expose her conduct.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Though I resisted all idea of returning, even for an hour, to the control of Mrs Boswell, it was thought necessary, since I had been confined upon her authority and at her expense, that, before my departure, she should be informed of my recovery, and consequent dismission.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading Though I resisted all idea of returning, even for an hour, to the control of Mrs Boswell, it was thought necessary, since I had been confined upon her authority and at her expense, that, before my departure, she should be informed of my recovery, and consequent dismission.
a period of time assigned for work
From this reading _Oh! grief has changed me since you saw me last; And careful hours, and time's deforming hand Have written strange defeatures in my face._ Shakspeare.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading After waiting impatiently the return of a message despatched for this purpose; I learnt that Mr Boswell's house was shut up; the whole family having removed to the country.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading My kind friend, Dr ----, however, would not permit this to retard my departure.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading Though I resisted all idea of returning, even for an hour, to the control of Mrs Boswell, it was thought necessary, since I had been confined upon her authority and at her expense, that, before my departure, she should be informed of my recovery, and consequent dismission.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading Though I resisted all idea of returning, even for an hour, to the control of Mrs Boswell, it was thought necessary, since I had been confined upon her authority and at her expense, that, before my departure, she should be informed of my recovery, and consequent dismission.
with impatience; in an impatient manner
From this reading After waiting impatiently the return of a message despatched for this purpose; I learnt that Mr Boswell's house was shut up; the whole family having removed to the country.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading _Oh! grief has changed me since you saw me last; And careful hours, and time's deforming hand Have written strange defeatures in my face._ Shakspeare.
having much knowledge or education
From this reading Though I resisted all idea of returning, even for an hour, to the control of Mrs Boswell, it was thought necessary, since I had been confined upon her authority and at her expense, that, before my departure, she should be informed of my recovery, and consequent dismission.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Though I resisted all idea of returning, even for an hour, to the control of Mrs Boswell, it was thought necessary, since I had been confined upon her authority and at her expense, that, before my departure, she should be informed of my recovery, and consequent dismission.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading My kind friend, Dr ----, however, would not permit this to retard my departure.
immediately past
From this reading _Oh! grief has changed me since you saw me last; And careful hours, and time's deforming hand Have written strange defeatures in my face._ Shakspeare.
learntverbUS /lɜːrnt/
inflected form of “learn” — gain knowledge or skills
From this reading After waiting impatiently the return of a message despatched for this purpose; I learnt that Mr Boswell's house was shut up; the whole family having removed to the country.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading _Oh! grief has changed me since you saw me last; And careful hours, and time's deforming hand Have written strange defeatures in my face._ Shakspeare.
a communication (usually brief) that is written or spoken or signaled
From this reading After waiting impatiently the return of a message despatched for this purpose; I learnt that Mr Boswell's house was shut up; the whole family having removed to the country.
a form of address for a man
From this reading After waiting impatiently the return of a message despatched for this purpose; I learnt that Mr Boswell's house was shut up; the whole family having removed to the country.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading Though I resisted all idea of returning, even for an hour, to the control of Mrs Boswell, it was thought necessary, since I had been confined upon her authority and at her expense, that, before my departure, she should be informed of my recovery, and consequent dismission.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading _Oh! grief has changed me since you saw me last; And careful hours, and time's deforming hand Have written strange defeatures in my face._ Shakspeare.
absolutely essential
From this reading Though I resisted all idea of returning, even for an hour, to the control of Mrs Boswell, it was thought necessary, since I had been confined upon her authority and at her expense, that, before my departure, she should be informed of my recovery, and consequent dismission.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading My kind friend, Dr ----, however, would not permit this to retard my departure.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Though I resisted all idea of returning, even for an hour, to the control of Mrs Boswell, it was thought necessary, since I had been confined upon her authority and at her expense, that, before my departure, she should be informed of my recovery, and consequent dismission.
a midwestern state in north central United States in the Great Lakes region
From this reading _Oh! grief has changed me since you saw me last; And careful hours, and time's deforming hand Have written strange defeatures in my face._ Shakspeare.
performancenounUS /pərˈfɔːrməns/
a dramatic or musical entertainment
From this reading He undertook for Mrs Boswell's performance of her engagement; which, he said, he could easily compel, by threatening to expose her conduct.
a legal document giving official permission to do something
From this reading My kind friend, Dr ----, however, would not permit this to retard my departure.
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading After waiting impatiently the return of a message despatched for this purpose; I learnt that Mr Boswell's house was shut up; the whole family having removed to the country.
recoverynounUS /rɪˈkʌvri/
return to an original state
From this reading Though I resisted all idea of returning, even for an hour, to the control of Mrs Boswell, it was thought necessary, since I had been confined upon her authority and at her expense, that, before my departure, she should be informed of my recovery, and consequent dismission.
separated in relationship by a given degree of descent
From this reading After waiting impatiently the return of a message despatched for this purpose; I learnt that Mr Boswell's house was shut up; the whole family having removed to the country.
resistedverbUS /rɪˈzɪstɪd/
past form of “resist” — elude, especially in a baffling way
From this reading Though I resisted all idea of returning, even for an hour, to the control of Mrs Boswell, it was thought necessary, since I had been confined upon her authority and at her expense, that, before my departure, she should be informed of my recovery, and consequent dismission.
retardverbUS /rɪˈtɑːrd/
cause to move more slowly or operate at a slower rate
From this reading My kind friend, Dr ----, however, would not permit this to retard my departure.
go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading After waiting impatiently the return of a message despatched for this purpose; I learnt that Mr Boswell's house was shut up; the whole family having removed to the country.
tending to return to an earlier state
From this reading Though I resisted all idea of returning, even for an hour, to the control of Mrs Boswell, it was thought necessary, since I had been confined upon her authority and at her expense, that, before my departure, she should be informed of my recovery, and consequent dismission.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading He undertook for Mrs Boswell's performance of her engagement; which, he said, he could easily compel, by threatening to expose her conduct.
cut with a saw
From this reading _Oh! grief has changed me since you saw me last; And careful hours, and time's deforming hand Have written strange defeatures in my face._ Shakspeare.
Shakspeare
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Oh! grief has changed me since you saw me last; And careful hours, and time's deforming hand Have written strange defeatures in my face._ Shakspeare.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Though I resisted all idea of returning, even for an hour, to the control of Mrs Boswell, it was thought necessary, since I had been confined upon her authority and at her expense, that, before my departure, she should be informed of my recovery, and consequent dismission.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading Though I resisted all idea of returning, even for an hour, to the control of Mrs Boswell, it was thought necessary, since I had been confined upon her authority and at her expense, that, before my departure, she should be informed of my recovery, and consequent dismission.
move so that an opening or passage is obstructed; make shut
From this reading After waiting impatiently the return of a message despatched for this purpose; I learnt that Mr Boswell's house was shut up; the whole family having removed to the country.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading _Oh! grief has changed me since you saw me last; And careful hours, and time's deforming hand Have written strange defeatures in my face._ Shakspeare.
being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
From this reading _Oh! grief has changed me since you saw me last; And careful hours, and time's deforming hand Have written strange defeatures in my face._ Shakspeare.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Though I resisted all idea of returning, even for an hour, to the control of Mrs Boswell, it was thought necessary, since I had been confined upon her authority and at her expense, that, before my departure, she should be informed of my recovery, and consequent dismission.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Though I resisted all idea of returning, even for an hour, to the control of Mrs Boswell, it was thought necessary, since I had been confined upon her authority and at her expense, that, before my departure, she should be informed of my recovery, and consequent dismission.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading After waiting impatiently the return of a message despatched for this purpose; I learnt that Mr Boswell's house was shut up; the whole family having removed to the country.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Though I resisted all idea of returning, even for an hour, to the control of Mrs Boswell, it was thought necessary, since I had been confined upon her authority and at her expense, that, before my departure, she should be informed of my recovery, and consequent dismission.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading Though I resisted all idea of returning, even for an hour, to the control of Mrs Boswell, it was thought necessary, since I had been confined upon her authority and at her expense, that, before my departure, she should be informed of my recovery, and consequent dismission.
threateningadjectiveUS /ˈθretənɪŋ/
threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments
From this reading He undertook for Mrs Boswell's performance of her engagement; which, he said, he could easily compel, by threatening to expose her conduct.
time'snounUS /taɪmz/
possessive form of “time” — an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading _Oh! grief has changed me since you saw me last; And careful hours, and time's deforming hand Have written strange defeatures in my face._ Shakspeare.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Though I resisted all idea of returning, even for an hour, to the control of Mrs Boswell, it was thought necessary, since I had been confined upon her authority and at her expense, that, before my departure, she should be informed of my recovery, and consequent dismission.
undertookverbUS /ˌʌndərˈtʊk/
inflected form of “undertake” — enter upon an activity or enterprise
From this reading He undertook for Mrs Boswell's performance of her engagement; which, he said, he could easily compel, by threatening to expose her conduct.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading After waiting impatiently the return of a message despatched for this purpose; I learnt that Mr Boswell's house was shut up; the whole family having removed to the country.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Though I resisted all idea of returning, even for an hour, to the control of Mrs Boswell, it was thought necessary, since I had been confined upon her authority and at her expense, that, before my departure, she should be informed of my recovery, and consequent dismission.
the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something)
From this reading After waiting impatiently the return of a message despatched for this purpose; I learnt that Mr Boswell's house was shut up; the whole family having removed to the country.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Though I resisted all idea of returning, even for an hour, to the control of Mrs Boswell, it was thought necessary, since I had been confined upon her authority and at her expense, that, before my departure, she should be informed of my recovery, and consequent dismission.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading He undertook for Mrs Boswell's performance of her engagement; which, he said, he could easily compel, by threatening to expose her conduct.
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading After waiting impatiently the return of a message despatched for this purpose; I learnt that Mr Boswell's house was shut up; the whole family having removed to the country.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading My kind friend, Dr ----, however, would not permit this to retard my departure.
set down in writing in any of various ways
From this reading _Oh! grief has changed me since you saw me last; And careful hours, and time's deforming hand Have written strange defeatures in my face._ Shakspeare.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading _Oh! grief has changed me since you saw me last; And careful hours, and time's deforming hand Have written strange defeatures in my face._ Shakspeare.
