used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading It was his hope that after a while she might become calmer, and more cheerful.
having fair knowledge of
From this reading Introducing her as his betrothed wife, he found her very pleasant lodgings with an excellent family, where he was acquainted, provided her with books and a piano, took her constantly out to places of amusement, and, in every way which his ingenuity could suggest, endeavoured to distract and divert her.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading It was his hope that after a while she might become calmer, and more cheerful.
(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 To all this she offered neither objection nor suggestion, nor did she, beyond the usual conventional responses, show the slightest gratitude.
altarnounUS /ˈɔːltər/
the table in Christian churches where communion is given
From this reading He hoped to take in his at the altar a hand a little less like that of a dead person.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading He did not insist on their marriage taking place at once, although in her mood of dull indifference she would not have objected to anything he might have proposed.
a feeling of delight at being entertained
From this reading Introducing her as his betrothed wife, he found her very pleasant lodgings with an excellent family, where he was acquainted, provided her with books and a piano, took her constantly out to places of amusement, and, in every way which his ingenuity could suggest, endeavoured to distract and divert her.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Introducing her as his betrothed wife, he found her very pleasant lodgings with an excellent family, where he was acquainted, provided her with books and a piano, took her constantly out to places of amusement, and, in every way which his ingenuity could suggest, endeavoured to distract and divert her.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It was his hope that after a while she might become calmer, and more cheerful.
any thing at all
From this reading He did not insist on their marriage taking place at once, although in her mood of dull indifference she would not have objected to anything he might have proposed.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Introducing her as his betrothed wife, he found her very pleasant lodgings with an excellent family, where he was acquainted, provided her with books and a piano, took her constantly out to places of amusement, and, in every way which his ingenuity could suggest, endeavoured to distract and divert her.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading He did not insist on their marriage taking place at once, although in her mood of dull indifference she would not have objected to anything he might have proposed.
enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading It was his hope that after a while she might become calmer, and more cheerful.
betrothedadjective
pledged to be married
From this reading Introducing her as his betrothed wife, he found her very pleasant lodgings with an excellent family, where he was acquainted, provided her with books and a piano, took her constantly out to places of amusement, and, in every way which his ingenuity could suggest, endeavoured to distract and divert her.
on the far side of; further than
From this reading To all this she offered neither objection nor suggestion, nor did she, beyond the usual conventional responses, show the slightest gratitude.
Bound written or printed works.
From this reading Introducing her as his betrothed wife, he found her very pleasant lodgings with an excellent family, where he was acquainted, provided her with books and a piano, took her constantly out to places of amusement, and, in every way which his ingenuity could suggest, endeavoured to distract and divert her.
calmeradjectiveUS /ˈkɑːmər/
comparative of “calm” — not agitated; without losing self-possession
From this reading It was his hope that after a while she might become calmer, and more cheerful.
being full of or promoting cheer; having or showing good spirits
From this reading It was his hope that after a while she might become calmer, and more cheerful.
without variation or change, in every case
From this reading Introducing her as his betrothed wife, he found her very pleasant lodgings with an excellent family, where he was acquainted, provided her with books and a piano, took her constantly out to places of amusement, and, in every way which his ingenuity could suggest, endeavoured to distract and divert her.
conventionaladjectiveUS /kənˈvenʃənəl/
following accepted customs and proprieties
From this reading To all this she offered neither objection nor suggestion, nor did she, beyond the usual conventional responses, show the slightest gratitude.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Introducing her as his betrothed wife, he found her very pleasant lodgings with an excellent family, where he was acquainted, provided her with books and a piano, took her constantly out to places of amusement, and, in every way which his ingenuity could suggest, endeavoured to distract and divert her.
no longer having or seeming to have or expecting to have life
From this reading He hoped to take in his at the altar a hand a little less like that of a dead person.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading He did not insist on their marriage taking place at once, although in her mood of dull indifference she would not have objected to anything he might have proposed.
distractverbUS /dɪˈstrækt/
draw someone's attention away from something
From this reading Introducing her as his betrothed wife, he found her very pleasant lodgings with an excellent family, where he was acquainted, provided her with books and a piano, took her constantly out to places of amusement, and, in every way which his ingenuity could suggest, endeavoured to distract and divert her.
divertverbUS /daɪˈvɜːrt/
turn aside; turn away from
From this reading Introducing her as his betrothed wife, he found her very pleasant lodgings with an excellent family, where he was acquainted, provided her with books and a piano, took her constantly out to places of amusement, and, in every way which his ingenuity could suggest, endeavoured to distract and divert her.
lacking in liveliness or animation
From this reading He did not insist on their marriage taking place at once, although in her mood of dull indifference she would not have objected to anything he might have proposed.
endeavoured
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Introducing her as his betrothed wife, he found her very pleasant lodgings with an excellent family, where he was acquainted, provided her with books and a piano, took her constantly out to places of amusement, and, in every way which his ingenuity could suggest, endeavoured to distract and divert her.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading Introducing her as his betrothed wife, he found her very pleasant lodgings with an excellent family, where he was acquainted, provided her with books and a piano, took her constantly out to places of amusement, and, in every way which his ingenuity could suggest, endeavoured to distract and divert her.
very good; of the highest quality
From this reading Introducing her as his betrothed wife, he found her very pleasant lodgings with an excellent family, where he was acquainted, provided her with books and a piano, took her constantly out to places of amusement, and, in every way which his ingenuity could suggest, endeavoured to distract and divert her.
a social unit living together
From this reading Introducing her as his betrothed wife, he found her very pleasant lodgings with an excellent family, where he was acquainted, provided her with books and a piano, took her constantly out to places of amusement, and, in every way which his ingenuity could suggest, endeavoured to distract and divert her.
set up or found
From this reading Introducing her as his betrothed wife, he found her very pleasant lodgings with an excellent family, where he was acquainted, provided her with books and a piano, took her constantly out to places of amusement, and, in every way which his ingenuity could suggest, endeavoured to distract and divert her.
a feeling of thankfulness and appreciation
From this reading To all this she offered neither objection nor suggestion, nor did she, beyond the usual conventional responses, show the slightest gratitude.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading He hoped to take in his at the altar a hand a little less like that of a dead person.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading He did not insist on their marriage taking place at once, although in her mood of dull indifference she would not have objected to anything he might have proposed.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He did not insist on their marriage taking place at once, although in her mood of dull indifference she would not have objected to anything he might have proposed.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading He did not insist on their marriage taking place at once, although in her mood of dull indifference she would not have objected to anything he might have proposed.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading It was his hope that after a while she might become calmer, and more cheerful.
a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading It was his hope that after a while she might become calmer, and more cheerful.
past form of “hope” — expect and wish
From this reading He hoped to take in his at the altar a hand a little less like that of a dead person.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading He did not insist on their marriage taking place at once, although in her mood of dull indifference she would not have objected to anything he might have proposed.
unbiased impartial unconcern
From this reading He did not insist on their marriage taking place at once, although in her mood of dull indifference she would not have objected to anything he might have proposed.
ingenuitynounUS /ˌɪndʒəˈnuːətiː/
the power of creative imagination
From this reading Introducing her as his betrothed wife, he found her very pleasant lodgings with an excellent family, where he was acquainted, provided her with books and a piano, took her constantly out to places of amusement, and, in every way which his ingenuity could suggest, endeavoured to distract and divert her.
insistverbUS /ˌɪnˈsɪst/
be emphatic or resolute and refuse to budge
From this reading He did not insist on their marriage taking place at once, although in her mood of dull indifference she would not have objected to anything he might have proposed.
IntroducingverbUS /ˌɪntrəˈduːsɪŋ/
-ing form of “introduce” — cause to come to know personally
From this reading Introducing her as his betrothed wife, he found her very pleasant lodgings with an excellent family, where he was acquainted, provided her with books and a piano, took her constantly out to places of amusement, and, in every way which his ingenuity could suggest, endeavoured to distract and divert her.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was his hope that after a while she might become calmer, and more cheerful.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading He hoped to take in his at the altar a hand a little less like that of a dead person.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading He hoped to take in his at the altar a hand a little less like that of a dead person.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading He hoped to take in his at the altar a hand a little less like that of a dead person.
lodgingsnounUS /ˈlɑːdʒɪŋz/
temporary living quarters
From this reading Introducing her as his betrothed wife, he found her very pleasant lodgings with an excellent family, where he was acquainted, provided her with books and a piano, took her constantly out to places of amusement, and, in every way which his ingenuity could suggest, endeavoured to distract and divert her.
the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce)
From this reading He did not insist on their marriage taking place at once, although in her mood of dull indifference she would not have objected to anything he might have proposed.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading He did not insist on their marriage taking place at once, although in her mood of dull indifference she would not have objected to anything he might have proposed.
a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling
From this reading He did not insist on their marriage taking place at once, although in her mood of dull indifference she would not have objected to anything he might have proposed.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading It was his hope that after a while she might become calmer, and more cheerful.
not one and not the other of two
From this reading To all this she offered neither objection nor suggestion, nor did she, beyond the usual conventional responses, show the slightest gratitude.
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading To all this she offered neither objection nor suggestion, nor did she, beyond the usual conventional responses, show the slightest gratitude.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading He did not insist on their marriage taking place at once, although in her mood of dull indifference she would not have objected to anything he might have proposed.
objectedverbUS /əbˈdʒektəd/
past form of “object” — express or raise an objection or protest or criticism or express dissent
From this reading He did not insist on their marriage taking place at once, although in her mood of dull indifference she would not have objected to anything he might have proposed.
objectionnounUS /əbˈdʒekʃən/
the act of expressing earnest opposition or protest
From this reading To all this she offered neither objection nor suggestion, nor did she, beyond the usual conventional responses, show the slightest gratitude.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading He did not insist on their marriage taking place at once, although in her mood of dull indifference she would not have objected to anything he might have proposed.
past form of “offer” — make available or accessible, provide or furnish
From this reading To all this she offered neither objection nor suggestion, nor did she, beyond the usual conventional responses, show the slightest gratitude.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading He did not insist on their marriage taking place at once, although in her mood of dull indifference she would not have objected to anything he might have proposed.
on one occasion
From this reading He did not insist on their marriage taking place at once, although in her mood of dull indifference she would not have objected to anything he might have proposed.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Introducing her as his betrothed wife, he found her very pleasant lodgings with an excellent family, where he was acquainted, provided her with books and a piano, took her constantly out to places of amusement, and, in every way which his ingenuity could suggest, endeavoured to distract and divert her.
a human being
From this reading He hoped to take in his at the altar a hand a little less like that of a dead 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 Introducing her as his betrothed wife, he found her very pleasant lodgings with an excellent family, where he was acquainted, provided her with books and a piano, took her constantly out to places of amusement, and, in every way which his ingenuity could suggest, endeavoured to distract and divert her.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading He did not insist on their marriage taking place at once, although in her mood of dull indifference she would not have objected to anything he might have proposed.
plural of “place” — a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading Introducing her as his betrothed wife, he found her very pleasant lodgings with an excellent family, where he was acquainted, provided her with books and a piano, took her constantly out to places of amusement, and, in every way which his ingenuity could suggest, endeavoured to distract and divert her.
affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings
From this reading Introducing her as his betrothed wife, he found her very pleasant lodgings with an excellent family, where he was acquainted, provided her with books and a piano, took her constantly out to places of amusement, and, in every way which his ingenuity could suggest, endeavoured to distract and divert her.
past form of “propose” — make a proposal, declare a plan for something
From this reading He did not insist on their marriage taking place at once, although in her mood of dull indifference she would not have objected to anything he might have proposed.
past form of “provide” — give something useful or necessary to
From this reading Introducing her as his betrothed wife, he found her very pleasant lodgings with an excellent family, where he was acquainted, provided her with books and a piano, took her constantly out to places of amusement, and, in every way which his ingenuity could suggest, endeavoured to distract and divert her.
responsesnounUS /rɪˈspɑːnsɪz/
plural of “response” — a result
From this reading To all this she offered neither objection nor suggestion, nor did she, beyond the usual conventional responses, show the slightest gratitude.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He did not insist on their marriage taking place at once, although in her mood of dull indifference she would not have objected to anything he might have proposed.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading To all this she offered neither objection nor suggestion, nor did she, beyond the usual conventional responses, show the slightest gratitude.
superlative of “slight” — (quantifier used with mass nouns) small in quantity or degree; not much or almost none or (with “a”) at least some
From this reading To all this she offered neither objection nor suggestion, nor did she, beyond the usual conventional responses, show the slightest gratitude.
suggestverbUS /səˈdʒest/
make a proposal, declare a plan for something
From this reading Introducing her as his betrothed wife, he found her very pleasant lodgings with an excellent family, where he was acquainted, provided her with books and a piano, took her constantly out to places of amusement, and, in every way which his ingenuity could suggest, endeavoured to distract and divert her.
an idea that is suggested
From this reading To all this she offered neither objection nor suggestion, nor did she, beyond the usual conventional responses, show the slightest gratitude.
carry out
From this reading He hoped to take in his at the altar a hand a little less like that of a dead person.
the act of someone who picks up or takes something
From this reading He did not insist on their marriage taking place at once, although in her mood of dull indifference she would not have objected to anything he might have proposed.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It was his hope that after a while she might become calmer, and more cheerful.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading He hoped to take in his at the altar a hand a little less like that of a dead person.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading He did not insist on their marriage taking place at once, although in her mood of dull indifference she would not have objected to anything he might have proposed.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading To all this she offered neither objection nor suggestion, nor did she, beyond the usual conventional responses, show the slightest gratitude.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading He did not insist on their marriage taking place at once, although in her mood of dull indifference she would not have objected to anything he might have proposed.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading Introducing her as his betrothed wife, he found her very pleasant lodgings with an excellent family, where he was acquainted, provided her with books and a piano, took her constantly out to places of amusement, and, in every way which his ingenuity could suggest, endeavoured to distract and divert her.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading To all this she offered neither objection nor suggestion, nor did she, beyond the usual conventional responses, show the slightest gratitude.
precisely as stated
From this reading Introducing her as his betrothed wife, he found her very pleasant lodgings with an excellent family, where he was acquainted, provided her with books and a piano, took her constantly out to places of amusement, and, in every way which his ingenuity could suggest, endeavoured to distract and divert her.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was his hope that after a while she might become calmer, and more cheerful.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Introducing her as his betrothed wife, he found her very pleasant lodgings with an excellent family, where he was acquainted, provided her with books and a piano, took her constantly out to places of amusement, and, in every way which his ingenuity could suggest, endeavoured to distract and divert her.
in or at the place that
From this reading Introducing her as his betrothed wife, he found her very pleasant lodgings with an excellent family, where he was acquainted, provided her with books and a piano, took her constantly out to places of amusement, and, in every way which his ingenuity could suggest, endeavoured to distract and divert her.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Introducing her as his betrothed wife, he found her very pleasant lodgings with an excellent family, where he was acquainted, provided her with books and a piano, took her constantly out to places of amusement, and, in every way which his ingenuity could suggest, endeavoured to distract and divert her.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading It was his hope that after a while she might become calmer, and more cheerful.
a married woman; a man's partner in marriage
From this reading Introducing her as his betrothed wife, he found her very pleasant lodgings with an excellent family, where he was acquainted, provided her with books and a piano, took her constantly out to places of amusement, and, in every way which his ingenuity could suggest, endeavoured to distract and divert her.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Introducing her as his betrothed wife, he found her very pleasant lodgings with an excellent family, where he was acquainted, provided her with books and a piano, took her constantly out to places of amusement, and, in every way which his ingenuity could suggest, endeavoured to distract and divert her.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading He did not insist on their marriage taking place at once, although in her mood of dull indifference she would not have objected to anything he might have proposed.
