used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading But he did not spoil his dinner--for as they were in the habit of dining rather early, and it was now nearly seven o’clock, his wife promptly decided that a cup of tea when he got home would be much the best thing for him, and that no dinner need be served in Gilston House that day.
commonly used or practiced; usual
From this reading He was not accustomed to truffles nor to Château Yquem.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Mr. Ogilvie was one of those who carried away an incipient indigestion.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading But he did not spoil his dinner--for as they were in the habit of dining rather early, and it was now nearly seven o’clock, his wife promptly decided that a cup of tea when he got home would be much the best thing for him, and that no dinner need be served in Gilston House that day.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading But he did not spoil his dinner--for as they were in the habit of dining rather early, and it was now nearly seven o’clock, his wife promptly decided that a cup of tea when he got home would be much the best thing for him, and that no dinner need be served in Gilston House that day.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Mr. Ogilvie was one of those who carried away an incipient indigestion.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading But he did not spoil his dinner--for as they were in the habit of dining rather early, and it was now nearly seven o’clock, his wife promptly decided that a cup of tea when he got home would be much the best thing for him, and that no dinner need be served in Gilston House that day.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Don’t let strangers think that you’ve been taking more than is good for you, either of meat or drink.”
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading But he did not spoil his dinner--for as they were in the habit of dining rather early, and it was now nearly seven o’clock, his wife promptly decided that a cup of tea when he got home would be much the best thing for him, and that no dinner need be served in Gilston House that day.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But he did not spoil his dinner--for as they were in the habit of dining rather early, and it was now nearly seven o’clock, his wife promptly decided that a cup of tea when he got home would be much the best thing for him, and that no dinner need be served in Gilston House that day.
inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body
From this reading Mr. Ogilvie was one of those who carried away an incipient indigestion.
ChâteaunounUS /ʃæˈtoʊ/
A large French country house or castle, often surrounded by expansive estates and private galleries.
From this reading He was not accustomed to truffles nor to Château Yquem.
a small open container usually used for drinking; usually has a handle
From this reading But he did not spoil his dinner--for as they were in the habit of dining rather early, and it was now nearly seven o’clock, his wife promptly decided that a cup of tea when he got home would be much the best thing for him, and that no dinner need be served in Gilston House that day.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading But he did not spoil his dinner--for as they were in the habit of dining rather early, and it was now nearly seven o’clock, his wife promptly decided that a cup of tea when he got home would be much the best thing for him, and that no dinner need be served in Gilston House that day.
recognizable; marked
From this reading But he did not spoil his dinner--for as they were in the habit of dining rather early, and it was now nearly seven o’clock, his wife promptly decided that a cup of tea when he got home would be much the best thing for him, and that no dinner need be served in Gilston House that day.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading But he did not spoil his dinner--for as they were in the habit of dining rather early, and it was now nearly seven o’clock, his wife promptly decided that a cup of tea when he got home would be much the best thing for him, and that no dinner need be served in Gilston House that day.
diningnounUS /ˈdaɪnɪŋ/
the act of eating dinner
From this reading But he did not spoil his dinner--for as they were in the habit of dining rather early, and it was now nearly seven o’clock, his wife promptly decided that a cup of tea when he got home would be much the best thing for him, and that no dinner need be served in Gilston House that day.
the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday
From this reading But he did not spoil his dinner--for as they were in the habit of dining rather early, and it was now nearly seven o’clock, his wife promptly decided that a cup of tea when he got home would be much the best thing for him, and that no dinner need be served in Gilston House that day.
Don't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Don’t let strangers think that you’ve been taking more than is good for you, either of meat or drink.”
take in liquids
From this reading Don’t let strangers think that you’ve been taking more than is good for you, either of meat or drink.”
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading But he did not spoil his dinner--for as they were in the habit of dining rather early, and it was now nearly seven o’clock, his wife promptly decided that a cup of tea when he got home would be much the best thing for him, and that no dinner need be served in Gilston House that day.
one or the other of two
From this reading Don’t let strangers think that you’ve been taking more than is good for you, either of meat or drink.”
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading But he did not spoil his dinner--for as they were in the habit of dining rather early, and it was now nearly seven o’clock, his wife promptly decided that a cup of tea when he got home would be much the best thing for him, and that no dinner need be served in Gilston House that day.
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading She said, “You must just look a little lively, Robert, till we get away.
Gilston
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But he did not spoil his dinner--for as they were in the habit of dining rather early, and it was now nearly seven o’clock, his wife promptly decided that a cup of tea when he got home would be much the best thing for him, and that no dinner need be served in Gilston House that day.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading Don’t let strangers think that you’ve been taking more than is good for you, either of meat or drink.”
inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading But he did not spoil his dinner--for as they were in the habit of dining rather early, and it was now nearly seven o’clock, his wife promptly decided that a cup of tea when he got home would be much the best thing for him, and that no dinner need be served in Gilston House that day.
an established custom
From this reading But he did not spoil his dinner--for as they were in the habit of dining rather early, and it was now nearly seven o’clock, his wife promptly decided that a cup of tea when he got home would be much the best thing for him, and that no dinner need be served in Gilston House that day.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He was not accustomed to truffles nor to Château Yquem.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading But he did not spoil his dinner--for as they were in the habit of dining rather early, and it was now nearly seven o’clock, his wife promptly decided that a cup of tea when he got home would be much the best thing for him, and that no dinner need be served in Gilston House that day.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading But he did not spoil his dinner--for as they were in the habit of dining rather early, and it was now nearly seven o’clock, his wife promptly decided that a cup of tea when he got home would be much the best thing for him, and that no dinner need be served in Gilston House that day.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading But he did not spoil his dinner--for as they were in the habit of dining rather early, and it was now nearly seven o’clock, his wife promptly decided that a cup of tea when he got home would be much the best thing for him, and that no dinner need be served in Gilston House that day.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading But he did not spoil his dinner--for as they were in the habit of dining rather early, and it was now nearly seven o’clock, his wife promptly decided that a cup of tea when he got home would be much the best thing for him, and that no dinner need be served in Gilston House that day.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading But he did not spoil his dinner--for as they were in the habit of dining rather early, and it was now nearly seven o’clock, his wife promptly decided that a cup of tea when he got home would be much the best thing for him, and that no dinner need be served in Gilston House that day.
incipientadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈsɪpiənt/
only partly in existence; imperfectly formed
From this reading Mr. Ogilvie was one of those who carried away an incipient indigestion.
indigestionnounUS /ˌɪndaɪˈdʒestʃən/
a disorder of digestive function characterized by discomfort or heartburn or nausea
From this reading Mr. Ogilvie was one of those who carried away an incipient indigestion.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Don’t let strangers think that you’ve been taking more than is good for you, either of meat or drink.”
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading But he did not spoil his dinner--for as they were in the habit of dining rather early, and it was now nearly seven o’clock, his wife promptly decided that a cup of tea when he got home would be much the best thing for him, and that no dinner need be served in Gilston House that day.
and nothing more
From this reading She said, “You must just look a little lively, Robert, till we get away.
letauxiliary verbUS /let/
used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker
From this reading Don’t let strangers think that you’ve been taking more than is good for you, either of meat or drink.”
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading She said, “You must just look a little lively, Robert, till we get away.
full of life and energy
From this reading She said, “You must just look a little lively, Robert, till we get away.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading She said, “You must just look a little lively, Robert, till we get away.
the flesh of animals (including fishes and birds and snails) used as food
From this reading Don’t let strangers think that you’ve been taking more than is good for you, either of meat or drink.”
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Don’t let strangers think that you’ve been taking more than is good for you, either of meat or drink.”
a form of address for a man
From this reading Mr. Ogilvie was one of those who carried away an incipient indigestion.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading But he did not spoil his dinner--for as they were in the habit of dining rather early, and it was now nearly seven o’clock, his wife promptly decided that a cup of tea when he got home would be much the best thing for him, and that no dinner need be served in Gilston House that day.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading She said, “You must just look a little lively, Robert, till we get away.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading But he did not spoil his dinner--for as they were in the habit of dining rather early, and it was now nearly seven o’clock, his wife promptly decided that a cup of tea when he got home would be much the best thing for him, and that no dinner need be served in Gilston House that day.
a condition requiring relief
From this reading But he did not spoil his dinner--for as they were in the habit of dining rather early, and it was now nearly seven o’clock, his wife promptly decided that a cup of tea when he got home would be much the best thing for him, and that no dinner need be served in Gilston House that day.
not any; not one
From this reading But he did not spoil his dinner--for as they were in the habit of dining rather early, and it was now nearly seven o’clock, his wife promptly decided that a cup of tea when he got home would be much the best thing for him, and that no dinner need be served in Gilston House that day.
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading He was not accustomed to truffles nor to Château Yquem.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading He was not accustomed to truffles nor to Château Yquem.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading But he did not spoil his dinner--for as they were in the habit of dining rather early, and it was now nearly seven o’clock, his wife promptly decided that a cup of tea when he got home would be much the best thing for him, and that no dinner need be served in Gilston House that day.
o'clockadverbUS /əˈklɑːk/
according to the clock
From this reading But he did not spoil his dinner--for as they were in the habit of dining rather early, and it was now nearly seven o’clock, his wife promptly decided that a cup of tea when he got home would be much the best thing for him, and that no dinner need be served in Gilston House that day.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Mr. Ogilvie was one of those who carried away an incipient indigestion.
Ogilvie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Ogilvie was one of those who carried away an incipient indigestion.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Mr. Ogilvie was one of those who carried away an incipient indigestion.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Don’t let strangers think that you’ve been taking more than is good for you, either of meat or drink.”
with little or no delay
From this reading But he did not spoil his dinner--for as they were in the habit of dining rather early, and it was now nearly seven o’clock, his wife promptly decided that a cup of tea when he got home would be much the best thing for him, and that no dinner need be served in Gilston House that day.
on the contrary
From this reading But he did not spoil his dinner--for as they were in the habit of dining rather early, and it was now nearly seven o’clock, his wife promptly decided that a cup of tea when he got home would be much the best thing for him, and that no dinner need be served in Gilston House that day.
United States parliamentary authority and author (in 1876) of Robert's Rules of Order (1837-1923)
From this reading She said, “You must just look a little lively, Robert, till we get away.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading She said, “You must just look a little lively, Robert, till we get away.
past form of “serve” — serve a purpose, role, or function
From this reading But he did not spoil his dinner--for as they were in the habit of dining rather early, and it was now nearly seven o’clock, his wife promptly decided that a cup of tea when he got home would be much the best thing for him, and that no dinner need be served in Gilston House that day.
the cardinal number that is the sum of six and one
From this reading But he did not spoil his dinner--for as they were in the habit of dining rather early, and it was now nearly seven o’clock, his wife promptly decided that a cup of tea when he got home would be much the best thing for him, and that no dinner need be served in Gilston House that day.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She said, “You must just look a little lively, Robert, till we get away.
spoilverbUS /spɔɪl/
make a mess of, destroy or ruin
From this reading But he did not spoil his dinner--for as they were in the habit of dining rather early, and it was now nearly seven o’clock, his wife promptly decided that a cup of tea when he got home would be much the best thing for him, and that no dinner need be served in Gilston House that day.
plural of “stranger” — anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found
From this reading Don’t let strangers think that you’ve been taking more than is good for you, either of meat or drink.”
the act of someone who picks up or takes something
From this reading Don’t let strangers think that you’ve been taking more than is good for you, either of meat or drink.”
a beverage made by steeping tea leaves in water
From this reading But he did not spoil his dinner--for as they were in the habit of dining rather early, and it was now nearly seven o’clock, his wife promptly decided that a cup of tea when he got home would be much the best thing for him, and that no dinner need be served in Gilston House that day.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Don’t let strangers think that you’ve been taking more than is good for you, either of meat or drink.”
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading But he did not spoil his dinner--for as they were in the habit of dining rather early, and it was now nearly seven o’clock, his wife promptly decided that a cup of tea when he got home would be much the best thing for him, and that no dinner need be served in Gilston House that day.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading But he did not spoil his dinner--for as they were in the habit of dining rather early, and it was now nearly seven o’clock, his wife promptly decided that a cup of tea when he got home would be much the best thing for him, and that no dinner need be served in Gilston House that day.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading But he did not spoil his dinner--for as they were in the habit of dining rather early, and it was now nearly seven o’clock, his wife promptly decided that a cup of tea when he got home would be much the best thing for him, and that no dinner need be served in Gilston House that day.
a special situation
From this reading But he did not spoil his dinner--for as they were in the habit of dining rather early, and it was now nearly seven o’clock, his wife promptly decided that a cup of tea when he got home would be much the best thing for him, and that no dinner need be served in Gilston House that day.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading Don’t let strangers think that you’ve been taking more than is good for you, either of meat or drink.”
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading Mr. Ogilvie was one of those who carried away an incipient indigestion.
up to a particular time
From this reading She said, “You must just look a little lively, Robert, till we get away.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading He was not accustomed to truffles nor to Château Yquem.
trufflesnounUS /ˈtrʌfəlz/
plural of “truffle” — any of various highly prized edible subterranean fungi of the genus Tuber; grow naturally in southwestern Europe
From this reading He was not accustomed to truffles nor to Château Yquem.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Mr. Ogilvie was one of those who carried away an incipient indigestion.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading She said, “You must just look a little lively, Robert, till we get away.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading But he did not spoil his dinner--for as they were in the habit of dining rather early, and it was now nearly seven o’clock, his wife promptly decided that a cup of tea when he got home would be much the best thing for him, and that no dinner need be served in Gilston House that day.
at the time that
From this reading But he did not spoil his dinner--for as they were in the habit of dining rather early, and it was now nearly seven o’clock, his wife promptly decided that a cup of tea when he got home would be much the best thing for him, and that no dinner need be served in Gilston House that day.
which person or people
From this reading Mr. Ogilvie was one of those who carried away an incipient indigestion.
a married woman; a man's partner in marriage
From this reading But he did not spoil his dinner--for as they were in the habit of dining rather early, and it was now nearly seven o’clock, his wife promptly decided that a cup of tea when he got home would be much the best thing for him, and that no dinner need be served in Gilston House that day.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading But he did not spoil his dinner--for as they were in the habit of dining rather early, and it was now nearly seven o’clock, his wife promptly decided that a cup of tea when he got home would be much the best thing for him, and that no dinner need be served in Gilston House that day.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading She said, “You must just look a little lively, Robert, till we get away.
you've
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Don’t let strangers think that you’ve been taking more than is good for you, either of meat or drink.”
YquemnounUS /ˈiːkwəm/
a sweet white French wine
From this reading He was not accustomed to truffles nor to Château Yquem.
