used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading She would have written a long letter if she could, for she knew what grief her sudden departure must have caused her childish and confiding companion; but she could not write of anything except the one thought that absorbed her whole brain, leaving her for the common business of life a purposeless and powerless creature.
absorbedadjectiveUS /əbˈzɔːrbd/
giving or marked by complete attention to
From this reading She would have written a long letter if she could, for she knew what grief her sudden departure must have caused her childish and confiding companion; but she could not write of anything except the one thought that absorbed her whole brain, leaving her for the common business of life a purposeless and powerless creature.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading Eleanor Vane employed the morning after her arrival at the Pilasters in writing to Laura Mason.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading She would have written a long letter if she could, for she knew what grief her sudden departure must have caused her childish and confiding companion; but she could not write of anything except the one thought that absorbed her whole brain, leaving her for the common business of life a purposeless and powerless creature.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading It was only when she came to that subject which was the real purpose of her letter; it was only when she came to write of Launcelot Darrell that there was any vigour or reality in her words.
any thing at all
From this reading She would have written a long letter if she could, for she knew what grief her sudden departure must have caused her childish and confiding companion; but she could not write of anything except the one thought that absorbed her whole brain, leaving her for the common business of life a purposeless and powerless creature.
accomplishment of an objective
From this reading Eleanor Vane employed the morning after her arrival at the Pilasters in writing to Laura Mason.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Eleanor Vane employed the morning after her arrival at the Pilasters in writing to Laura Mason.
that part of the central nervous system that includes all the higher nervous centers; enclosed within the skull; continuous with the spinal cord
From this reading She would have written a long letter if she could, for she knew what grief her sudden departure must have caused her childish and confiding companion; but she could not write of anything except the one thought that absorbed her whole brain, leaving her for the common business of life a purposeless and powerless creature.
a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it
From this reading She would have written a long letter if she could, for she knew what grief her sudden departure must have caused her childish and confiding companion; but she could not write of anything except the one thought that absorbed her whole brain, leaving her for the common business of life a purposeless and powerless creature.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading She would have written a long letter if she could, for she knew what grief her sudden departure must have caused her childish and confiding companion; but she could not write of anything except the one thought that absorbed her whole brain, leaving her for the common business of life a purposeless and powerless creature.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading It was only when she came to that subject which was the real purpose of her letter; it was only when she came to write of Launcelot Darrell that there was any vigour or reality in her words.
past form of “cause” — give rise to; cause to happen or occur, not always intentionally
From this reading She would have written a long letter if she could, for she knew what grief her sudden departure must have caused her childish and confiding companion; but she could not write of anything except the one thought that absorbed her whole brain, leaving her for the common business of life a purposeless and powerless creature.
childishadjectiveUS /ˈtʃaɪldɪʃ/
indicating a lack of maturity
From this reading She would have written a long letter if she could, for she knew what grief her sudden departure must have caused her childish and confiding companion; but she could not write of anything except the one thought that absorbed her whole brain, leaving her for the common business of life a purposeless and powerless creature.
belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public
From this reading She would have written a long letter if she could, for she knew what grief her sudden departure must have caused her childish and confiding companion; but she could not write of anything except the one thought that absorbed her whole brain, leaving her for the common business of life a purposeless and powerless creature.
a friend who is frequently in the company of another
From this reading She would have written a long letter if she could, for she knew what grief her sudden departure must have caused her childish and confiding companion; but she could not write of anything except the one thought that absorbed her whole brain, leaving her for the common business of life a purposeless and powerless creature.
confidingadjectiveUS /kənˈfaɪdɪŋ/
willing to entrust personal matters
From this reading She would have written a long letter if she could, for she knew what grief her sudden departure must have caused her childish and confiding companion; but she could not write of anything except the one thought that absorbed her whole brain, leaving her for the common business of life a purposeless and powerless creature.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading She would have written a long letter if she could, for she knew what grief her sudden departure must have caused her childish and confiding companion; but she could not write of anything except the one thought that absorbed her whole brain, leaving her for the common business of life a purposeless and powerless creature.
a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading She would have written a long letter if she could, for she knew what grief her sudden departure must have caused her childish and confiding companion; but she could not write of anything except the one thought that absorbed her whole brain, leaving her for the common business of life a purposeless and powerless creature.
Darrell
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was only when she came to that subject which was the real purpose of her letter; it was only when she came to write of Launcelot Darrell that there was any vigour or reality in her words.
the act of departing
From this reading She would have written a long letter if she could, for she knew what grief her sudden departure must have caused her childish and confiding companion; but she could not write of anything except the one thought that absorbed her whole brain, leaving her for the common business of life a purposeless and powerless creature.
Eleanor
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Eleanor Vane employed the morning after her arrival at the Pilasters in writing to Laura Mason.
having your services engaged for; or having a job especially one that pays wages or a salary
From this reading Eleanor Vane employed the morning after her arrival at the Pilasters in writing to Laura Mason.
apart from; not including
From this reading She would have written a long letter if she could, for she knew what grief her sudden departure must have caused her childish and confiding companion; but she could not write of anything except the one thought that absorbed her whole brain, leaving her for the common business of life a purposeless and powerless creature.
a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.
From this reading The explanation which she gave of her sudden departure was lame and laboured; her expressions of regard were trite and meaningless.
expressionsnounUS /ɪkˈspreʃənz/
plural of “expression” — the feelings expressed on a person's face
From this reading The explanation which she gave of her sudden departure was lame and laboured; her expressions of regard were trite and meaningless.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading She would have written a long letter if she could, for she knew what grief her sudden departure must have caused her childish and confiding companion; but she could not write of anything except the one thought that absorbed her whole brain, leaving her for the common business of life a purposeless and powerless creature.
inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading The explanation which she gave of her sudden departure was lame and laboured; her expressions of regard were trite and meaningless.
intense sorrow caused by loss of a loved one (especially by death)
From this reading She would have written a long letter if she could, for she knew what grief her sudden departure must have caused her childish and confiding companion; but she could not write of anything except the one thought that absorbed her whole brain, leaving her for the common business of life a purposeless and powerless creature.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading She would have written a long letter if she could, for she knew what grief her sudden departure must have caused her childish and confiding companion; but she could not write of anything except the one thought that absorbed her whole brain, leaving her for the common business of life a purposeless and powerless creature.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Eleanor Vane employed the morning after her arrival at the Pilasters in writing to Laura Mason.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading She would have written a long letter if she could, for she knew what grief her sudden departure must have caused her childish and confiding companion; but she could not write of anything except the one thought that absorbed her whole brain, leaving her for the common business of life a purposeless and powerless creature.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading IN THE SHIPBROKER’S OFFICE.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was only when she came to that subject which was the real purpose of her letter; it was only when she came to write of Launcelot Darrell that there was any vigour or reality in her words.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading She would have written a long letter if she could, for she knew what grief her sudden departure must have caused her childish and confiding companion; but she could not write of anything except the one thought that absorbed her whole brain, leaving her for the common business of life a purposeless and powerless creature.
labouredadjective
lacking natural ease
From this reading The explanation which she gave of her sudden departure was lame and laboured; her expressions of regard were trite and meaningless.
lamenounUS /leɪm/
someone who doesn't understand what is going on
From this reading The explanation which she gave of her sudden departure was lame and laboured; her expressions of regard were trite and meaningless.
Launcelot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was only when she came to that subject which was the real purpose of her letter; it was only when she came to write of Launcelot Darrell that there was any vigour or reality in her words.
Laura
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Eleanor Vane employed the morning after her arrival at the Pilasters in writing to Laura Mason.
the act of departing
From this reading She would have written a long letter if she could, for she knew what grief her sudden departure must have caused her childish and confiding companion; but she could not write of anything except the one thought that absorbed her whole brain, leaving her for the common business of life a purposeless and powerless creature.
a written message addressed to a person or organization
From this reading She would have written a long letter if she could, for she knew what grief her sudden departure must have caused her childish and confiding companion; but she could not write of anything except the one thought that absorbed her whole brain, leaving her for the common business of life a purposeless and powerless creature.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading She would have written a long letter if she could, for she knew what grief her sudden departure must have caused her childish and confiding companion; but she could not write of anything except the one thought that absorbed her whole brain, leaving her for the common business of life a purposeless and powerless creature.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading She would have written a long letter if she could, for she knew what grief her sudden departure must have caused her childish and confiding companion; but she could not write of anything except the one thought that absorbed her whole brain, leaving her for the common business of life a purposeless and powerless creature.
MasonnounUS /ˈmeɪsən/
American Revolutionary leader from Virginia whose objections led to the drafting of the Bill of Rights (1725-1792)
From this reading Eleanor Vane employed the morning after her arrival at the Pilasters in writing to Laura Mason.
meaninglessadjectiveUS /ˈmiːnɪŋləs/
having no meaning or direction or purpose
From this reading The explanation which she gave of her sudden departure was lame and laboured; her expressions of regard were trite and meaningless.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading Eleanor Vane employed the morning after her arrival at the Pilasters in writing to Laura Mason.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading She would have written a long letter if she could, for she knew what grief her sudden departure must have caused her childish and confiding companion; but she could not write of anything except the one thought that absorbed her whole brain, leaving her for the common business of life a purposeless and powerless creature.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading She would have written a long letter if she could, for she knew what grief her sudden departure must have caused her childish and confiding companion; but she could not write of anything except the one thought that absorbed her whole brain, leaving her for the common business of life a purposeless and powerless creature.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading She would have written a long letter if she could, for she knew what grief her sudden departure must have caused her childish and confiding companion; but she could not write of anything except the one thought that absorbed her whole brain, leaving her for the common business of life a purposeless and powerless creature.
place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed
From this reading IN THE SHIPBROKER’S OFFICE.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading She would have written a long letter if she could, for she knew what grief her sudden departure must have caused her childish and confiding companion; but she could not write of anything except the one thought that absorbed her whole brain, leaving her for the common business of life a purposeless and powerless creature.
and nothing more
From this reading It was only when she came to that subject which was the real purpose of her letter; it was only when she came to write of Launcelot Darrell that there was any vigour or reality in her words.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading It was only when she came to that subject which was the real purpose of her letter; it was only when she came to write of Launcelot Darrell that there was any vigour or reality in her words.
PilastersnounUS /pəˈlæstərz/
plural of “pilaster” — a rectangular column that usually projects about a third of its width from the wall to which it is attached
From this reading Eleanor Vane employed the morning after her arrival at the Pilasters in writing to Laura Mason.
powerlessadjectiveUS /ˈpaʊərləs/
lacking power
From this reading She would have written a long letter if she could, for she knew what grief her sudden departure must have caused her childish and confiding companion; but she could not write of anything except the one thought that absorbed her whole brain, leaving her for the common business of life a purposeless and powerless creature.
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading It was only when she came to that subject which was the real purpose of her letter; it was only when she came to write of Launcelot Darrell that there was any vigour or reality in her words.
purposelessadjectiveUS /ˈpɜːrpəsləs/
not evidencing any purpose or goal
From this reading She would have written a long letter if she could, for she knew what grief her sudden departure must have caused her childish and confiding companion; but she could not write of anything except the one thought that absorbed her whole brain, leaving her for the common business of life a purposeless and powerless creature.
being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory
From this reading It was only when she came to that subject which was the real purpose of her letter; it was only when she came to write of Launcelot Darrell that there was any vigour or reality in her words.
all of your experiences that determine how things appear to you
From this reading It was only when she came to that subject which was the real purpose of her letter; it was only when she came to write of Launcelot Darrell that there was any vigour or reality in her words.
(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point
From this reading The explanation which she gave of her sudden departure was lame and laboured; her expressions of regard were trite and meaningless.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She would have written a long letter if she could, for she knew what grief her sudden departure must have caused her childish and confiding companion; but she could not write of anything except the one thought that absorbed her whole brain, leaving her for the common business of life a purposeless and powerless creature.
SHIPBROKER'S
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN THE SHIPBROKER’S OFFICE.
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading It was only when she came to that subject which was the real purpose of her letter; it was only when she came to write of Launcelot Darrell that there was any vigour or reality in her words.
happening without warning or in a short space of time
From this reading She would have written a long letter if she could, for she knew what grief her sudden departure must have caused her childish and confiding companion; but she could not write of anything except the one thought that absorbed her whole brain, leaving her for the common business of life a purposeless and powerless creature.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading She would have written a long letter if she could, for she knew what grief her sudden departure must have caused her childish and confiding companion; but she could not write of anything except the one thought that absorbed her whole brain, leaving her for the common business of life a purposeless and powerless creature.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading IN THE SHIPBROKER’S OFFICE.
in or at that place or location
From this reading It was only when she came to that subject which was the real purpose of her letter; it was only when she came to write of Launcelot Darrell that there was any vigour or reality in her words.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading She would have written a long letter if she could, for she knew what grief her sudden departure must have caused her childish and confiding companion; but she could not write of anything except the one thought that absorbed her whole brain, leaving her for the common business of life a purposeless and powerless creature.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Eleanor Vane employed the morning after her arrival at the Pilasters in writing to Laura Mason.
triteadjectiveUS /traɪt/
repeated too often; overfamiliar through overuse
From this reading The explanation which she gave of her sudden departure was lame and laboured; her expressions of regard were trite and meaningless.
VanenounUS /veɪn/
mechanical device attached to an elevated structure; rotates freely to show the direction of the wind
From this reading Eleanor Vane employed the morning after her arrival at the Pilasters in writing to Laura Mason.
vigournoun
forceful exertion
From this reading It was only when she came to that subject which was the real purpose of her letter; it was only when she came to write of Launcelot Darrell that there was any vigour or reality in her words.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The explanation which she gave of her sudden departure was lame and laboured; her expressions of regard were trite and meaningless.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The explanation which she gave of her sudden departure was lame and laboured; her expressions of regard were trite and meaningless.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading She would have written a long letter if she could, for she knew what grief her sudden departure must have caused her childish and confiding companion; but she could not write of anything except the one thought that absorbed her whole brain, leaving her for the common business of life a purposeless and powerless creature.
at the time that
From this reading It was only when she came to that subject which was the real purpose of her letter; it was only when she came to write of Launcelot Darrell that there was any vigour or reality in her words.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The explanation which she gave of her sudden departure was lame and laboured; her expressions of regard were trite and meaningless.
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading She would have written a long letter if she could, for she knew what grief her sudden departure must have caused her childish and confiding companion; but she could not write of anything except the one thought that absorbed her whole brain, leaving her for the common business of life a purposeless and powerless creature.
the words that are spoken
From this reading It was only when she came to that subject which was the real purpose of her letter; it was only when she came to write of Launcelot Darrell that there was any vigour or reality in her words.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading She would have written a long letter if she could, for she knew what grief her sudden departure must have caused her childish and confiding companion; but she could not write of anything except the one thought that absorbed her whole brain, leaving her for the common business of life a purposeless and powerless creature.
produce a literary work
From this reading She would have written a long letter if she could, for she knew what grief her sudden departure must have caused her childish and confiding companion; but she could not write of anything except the one thought that absorbed her whole brain, leaving her for the common business of life a purposeless and powerless creature.
the act of creating written works
From this reading Eleanor Vane employed the morning after her arrival at the Pilasters in writing to Laura Mason.
set down in writing in any of various ways
From this reading She would have written a long letter if she could, for she knew what grief her sudden departure must have caused her childish and confiding companion; but she could not write of anything except the one thought that absorbed her whole brain, leaving her for the common business of life a purposeless and powerless creature.
