used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Probably the speaker had seldom been more surprised than when Marion rose quickly, and, the last glow from the west falling over her, he found himself face to face with a stranger.
addressingverbUS /əˈdresɪŋ/
-ing form of “address” — speak to
From this reading "I beg pardon," he said, a little hastily--"I did not observe--that is" (with a sudden grasp of self-possession), "I thought I was addressing my cousin.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Even to the most self-possessed there is something a little embarrassing when tender tones or caressing words are heard by ears for which they were not intended; and, although there was nothing specially significant in the letter of this speech, its spirit had been eloquent enough to make Mr. Paul Rathborne start with confusion when he discovered his mistake.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Probably the speaker had seldom been more surprised than when Marion rose quickly, and, the last glow from the west falling over her, he found himself face to face with a stranger.
past form of “answer” — react verbally
From this reading "Yes," answered Marion.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Even to the most self-possessed there is something a little embarrassing when tender tones or caressing words are heard by ears for which they were not intended; and, although there was nothing specially significant in the letter of this speech, its spirit had been eloquent enough to make Mr. Paul Rathborne start with confusion when he discovered his mistake.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Probably the speaker had seldom been more surprised than when Marion rose quickly, and, the last glow from the west falling over her, he found himself face to face with a stranger.
call upon in supplication; entreat
From this reading "I beg pardon," he said, a little hastily--"I did not observe--that is" (with a sudden grasp of self-possession), "I thought I was addressing my cousin.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Even to the most self-possessed there is something a little embarrassing when tender tones or caressing words are heard by ears for which they were not intended; and, although there was nothing specially significant in the letter of this speech, its spirit had been eloquent enough to make Mr. Paul Rathborne start with confusion when he discovered his mistake.
caressingnounUS /kərˈesɪŋ/
affectionate play (or foreplay without contact with the genital organs)
From this reading Even to the most self-possessed there is something a little embarrassing when tender tones or caressing words are heard by ears for which they were not intended; and, although there was nothing specially significant in the letter of this speech, its spirit had been eloquent enough to make Mr. Paul Rathborne start with confusion when he discovered his mistake.
disorder resulting from a failure to behave predictably
From this reading Even to the most self-possessed there is something a little embarrassing when tender tones or caressing words are heard by ears for which they were not intended; and, although there was nothing specially significant in the letter of this speech, its spirit had been eloquent enough to make Mr. Paul Rathborne start with confusion when he discovered his mistake.
the child of your aunt or uncle
From this reading "I beg pardon," he said, a little hastily--"I did not observe--that is" (with a sudden grasp of self-possession), "I thought I was addressing my cousin.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading "I beg pardon," he said, a little hastily--"I did not observe--that is" (with a sudden grasp of self-possession), "I thought I was addressing my cousin.
discovered or determined by scientific observation
From this reading Even to the most self-possessed there is something a little embarrassing when tender tones or caressing words are heard by ears for which they were not intended; and, although there was nothing specially significant in the letter of this speech, its spirit had been eloquent enough to make Mr. Paul Rathborne start with confusion when he discovered his mistake.
plural of “ear” — the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium
From this reading Even to the most self-possessed there is something a little embarrassing when tender tones or caressing words are heard by ears for which they were not intended; and, although there was nothing specially significant in the letter of this speech, its spirit had been eloquent enough to make Mr. Paul Rathborne start with confusion when he discovered his mistake.
eloquentadjectiveUS /ˈeləkwənt/
expressing yourself readily, clearly, effectively
From this reading Even to the most self-possessed there is something a little embarrassing when tender tones or caressing words are heard by ears for which they were not intended; and, although there was nothing specially significant in the letter of this speech, its spirit had been eloquent enough to make Mr. Paul Rathborne start with confusion when he discovered his mistake.
embarrassingadjectiveUS /ɪmˈberəsɪŋ/
hard to deal with; especially causing pain or embarrassment
From this reading Even to the most self-possessed there is something a little embarrassing when tender tones or caressing words are heard by ears for which they were not intended; and, although there was nothing specially significant in the letter of this speech, its spirit had been eloquent enough to make Mr. Paul Rathborne start with confusion when he discovered his mistake.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading Even to the most self-possessed there is something a little embarrassing when tender tones or caressing words are heard by ears for which they were not intended; and, although there was nothing specially significant in the letter of this speech, its spirit had been eloquent enough to make Mr. Paul Rathborne start with confusion when he discovered his mistake.
divisible by two
From this reading Even to the most self-possessed there is something a little embarrassing when tender tones or caressing words are heard by ears for which they were not intended; and, although there was nothing specially significant in the letter of this speech, its spirit had been eloquent enough to make Mr. Paul Rathborne start with confusion when he discovered his mistake.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading Probably the speaker had seldom been more surprised than when Marion rose quickly, and, the last glow from the west falling over her, he found himself face to face with a stranger.
decreasing in amount or degree
From this reading Probably the speaker had seldom been more surprised than when Marion rose quickly, and, the last glow from the west falling over her, he found himself face to face with a stranger.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Even to the most self-possessed there is something a little embarrassing when tender tones or caressing words are heard by ears for which they were not intended; and, although there was nothing specially significant in the letter of this speech, its spirit had been eloquent enough to make Mr. Paul Rathborne start with confusion when he discovered his mistake.
set up or found
From this reading Probably the speaker had seldom been more surprised than when Marion rose quickly, and, the last glow from the west falling over her, he found himself face to face with a stranger.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Probably the speaker had seldom been more surprised than when Marion rose quickly, and, the last glow from the west falling over her, he found himself face to face with a stranger.
an alert and refreshed state
From this reading Probably the speaker had seldom been more surprised than when Marion rose quickly, and, the last glow from the west falling over her, he found himself face to face with a stranger.
hold firmly
From this reading "I beg pardon," he said, a little hastily--"I did not observe--that is" (with a sudden grasp of self-possession), "I thought I was addressing my cousin.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Probably the speaker had seldom been more surprised than when Marion rose quickly, and, the last glow from the west falling over her, he found himself face to face with a stranger.
in a hurried or hasty manner
From this reading "I beg pardon," he said, a little hastily--"I did not observe--that is" (with a sudden grasp of self-possession), "I thought I was addressing my cousin.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading I suppose I have the pleasure of seeing Miss Lynde?"
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Probably the speaker had seldom been more surprised than when Marion rose quickly, and, the last glow from the west falling over her, he found himself face to face with a stranger.
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading Even to the most self-possessed there is something a little embarrassing when tender tones or caressing words are heard by ears for which they were not intended; and, although there was nothing specially significant in the letter of this speech, its spirit had been eloquent enough to make Mr. Paul Rathborne start with confusion when he discovered his mistake.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Probably the speaker had seldom been more surprised than when Marion rose quickly, and, the last glow from the west falling over her, he found himself face to face with a stranger.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Probably the speaker had seldom been more surprised than when Marion rose quickly, and, the last glow from the west falling over her, he found himself face to face with a stranger.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Even to the most self-possessed there is something a little embarrassing when tender tones or caressing words are heard by ears for which they were not intended; and, although there was nothing specially significant in the letter of this speech, its spirit had been eloquent enough to make Mr. Paul Rathborne start with confusion when he discovered his mistake.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "I beg pardon," he said, a little hastily--"I did not observe--that is" (with a sudden grasp of self-possession), "I thought I was addressing my cousin.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Even to the most self-possessed there is something a little embarrassing when tender tones or caressing words are heard by ears for which they were not intended; and, although there was nothing specially significant in the letter of this speech, its spirit had been eloquent enough to make Mr. Paul Rathborne start with confusion when he discovered his mistake.
resulting from one's intentions
From this reading Even to the most self-possessed there is something a little embarrassing when tender tones or caressing words are heard by ears for which they were not intended; and, although there was nothing specially significant in the letter of this speech, its spirit had been eloquent enough to make Mr. Paul Rathborne start with confusion when he discovered his mistake.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Even to the most self-possessed there is something a little embarrassing when tender tones or caressing words are heard by ears for which they were not intended; and, although there was nothing specially significant in the letter of this speech, its spirit had been eloquent enough to make Mr. Paul Rathborne start with confusion when he discovered his mistake.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Even to the most self-possessed there is something a little embarrassing when tender tones or caressing words are heard by ears for which they were not intended; and, although there was nothing specially significant in the letter of this speech, its spirit had been eloquent enough to make Mr. Paul Rathborne start with confusion when he discovered his mistake.
immediately past
From this reading Probably the speaker had seldom been more surprised than when Marion rose quickly, and, the last glow from the west falling over her, he found himself face to face with a stranger.
a written message addressed to a person or organization
From this reading Even to the most self-possessed there is something a little embarrassing when tender tones or caressing words are heard by ears for which they were not intended; and, although there was nothing specially significant in the letter of this speech, its spirit had been eloquent enough to make Mr. Paul Rathborne start with confusion when he discovered his mistake.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Even to the most self-possessed there is something a little embarrassing when tender tones or caressing words are heard by ears for which they were not intended; and, although there was nothing specially significant in the letter of this speech, its spirit had been eloquent enough to make Mr. Paul Rathborne start with confusion when he discovered his mistake.
Lynde
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I suppose I have the pleasure of seeing Miss Lynde?"
engage in
From this reading Even to the most self-possessed there is something a little embarrassing when tender tones or caressing words are heard by ears for which they were not intended; and, although there was nothing specially significant in the letter of this speech, its spirit had been eloquent enough to make Mr. Paul Rathborne start with confusion when he discovered his mistake.
Marion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Probably the speaker had seldom been more surprised than when Marion rose quickly, and, the last glow from the west falling over her, he found himself face to face with a stranger.
fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind
From this reading I suppose I have the pleasure of seeing Miss Lynde?"
a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention
From this reading Even to the most self-possessed there is something a little embarrassing when tender tones or caressing words are heard by ears for which they were not intended; and, although there was nothing specially significant in the letter of this speech, its spirit had been eloquent enough to make Mr. Paul Rathborne start with confusion when he discovered his mistake.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Probably the speaker had seldom been more surprised than when Marion rose quickly, and, the last glow from the west falling over her, he found himself face to face with a stranger.
used to form the superlative
From this reading Even to the most self-possessed there is something a little embarrassing when tender tones or caressing words are heard by ears for which they were not intended; and, although there was nothing specially significant in the letter of this speech, its spirit had been eloquent enough to make Mr. Paul Rathborne start with confusion when he discovered his mistake.
a form of address for a man
From this reading Even to the most self-possessed there is something a little embarrassing when tender tones or caressing words are heard by ears for which they were not intended; and, although there was nothing specially significant in the letter of this speech, its spirit had been eloquent enough to make Mr. Paul Rathborne start with confusion when he discovered his mistake.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading "I beg pardon," he said, a little hastily--"I did not observe--that is" (with a sudden grasp of self-possession), "I thought I was addressing my cousin.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Even to the most self-possessed there is something a little embarrassing when tender tones or caressing words are heard by ears for which they were not intended; and, although there was nothing specially significant in the letter of this speech, its spirit had been eloquent enough to make Mr. Paul Rathborne start with confusion when he discovered his mistake.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading Even to the most self-possessed there is something a little embarrassing when tender tones or caressing words are heard by ears for which they were not intended; and, although there was nothing specially significant in the letter of this speech, its spirit had been eloquent enough to make Mr. Paul Rathborne start with confusion when he discovered his mistake.
discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of
From this reading "I beg pardon," he said, a little hastily--"I did not observe--that is" (with a sudden grasp of self-possession), "I thought I was addressing my cousin.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Even to the most self-possessed there is something a little embarrassing when tender tones or caressing words are heard by ears for which they were not intended; and, although there was nothing specially significant in the letter of this speech, its spirit had been eloquent enough to make Mr. Paul Rathborne start with confusion when he discovered his mistake.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Even to the most self-possessed there is something a little embarrassing when tender tones or caressing words are heard by ears for which they were not intended; and, although there was nothing specially significant in the letter of this speech, its spirit had been eloquent enough to make Mr. Paul Rathborne start with confusion when he discovered his mistake.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Probably the speaker had seldom been more surprised than when Marion rose quickly, and, the last glow from the west falling over her, he found himself face to face with a stranger.
accept an excuse for
From this reading "I beg pardon," he said, a little hastily--"I did not observe--that is" (with a sudden grasp of self-possession), "I thought I was addressing my cousin.
United States feminist (1885-1977)
From this reading Even to the most self-possessed there is something a little embarrassing when tender tones or caressing words are heard by ears for which they were not intended; and, although there was nothing specially significant in the letter of this speech, its spirit had been eloquent enough to make Mr. Paul Rathborne start with confusion when he discovered his mistake.
a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience
From this reading I suppose I have the pleasure of seeing Miss Lynde?"
with considerable certainty; without much doubt
From this reading Probably the speaker had seldom been more surprised than when Marion rose quickly, and, the last glow from the west falling over her, he found himself face to face with a stranger.
with speed
From this reading Probably the speaker had seldom been more surprised than when Marion rose quickly, and, the last glow from the west falling over her, he found himself face to face with a stranger.
Rathborne
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even to the most self-possessed there is something a little embarrassing when tender tones or caressing words are heard by ears for which they were not intended; and, although there was nothing specially significant in the letter of this speech, its spirit had been eloquent enough to make Mr. Paul Rathborne start with confusion when he discovered his mistake.
any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses
From this reading Probably the speaker had seldom been more surprised than when Marion rose quickly, and, the last glow from the west falling over her, he found himself face to face with a stranger.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading "I beg pardon," he said, a little hastily--"I did not observe--that is" (with a sudden grasp of self-possession), "I thought I was addressing my cousin.
perception by means of the eyes
From this reading I suppose I have the pleasure of seeing Miss Lynde?"
not often
From this reading Probably the speaker had seldom been more surprised than when Marion rose quickly, and, the last glow from the west falling over her, he found himself face to face with a stranger.
self-possessedadjective
in full control of your faculties
From this reading Even to the most self-possessed there is something a little embarrassing when tender tones or caressing words are heard by ears for which they were not intended; and, although there was nothing specially significant in the letter of this speech, its spirit had been eloquent enough to make Mr. Paul Rathborne start with confusion when he discovered his mistake.
self-possessionnoun
the trait of resolutely controlling your own behavior
From this reading "I beg pardon," he said, a little hastily--"I did not observe--that is" (with a sudden grasp of self-possession), "I thought I was addressing my cousin.
significantadjectiveUS /səɡˈnɪfɪkənt/
important in effect or meaning
From this reading Even to the most self-possessed there is something a little embarrassing when tender tones or caressing words are heard by ears for which they were not intended; and, although there was nothing specially significant in the letter of this speech, its spirit had been eloquent enough to make Mr. Paul Rathborne start with confusion when he discovered his mistake.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading Even to the most self-possessed there is something a little embarrassing when tender tones or caressing words are heard by ears for which they were not intended; and, although there was nothing specially significant in the letter of this speech, its spirit had been eloquent enough to make Mr. Paul Rathborne start with confusion when he discovered his mistake.
speakernounUS /ˈspiːkər/
someone who expresses in language; someone who talks (especially someone who delivers a public speech or someone especially garrulous)
From this reading Probably the speaker had seldom been more surprised than when Marion rose quickly, and, the last glow from the west falling over her, he found himself face to face with a stranger.
speciallyadverbUS /ˈspeʃəli/
in a special manner
From this reading Even to the most self-possessed there is something a little embarrassing when tender tones or caressing words are heard by ears for which they were not intended; and, although there was nothing specially significant in the letter of this speech, its spirit had been eloquent enough to make Mr. Paul Rathborne start with confusion when he discovered his mistake.
the act of delivering a formal spoken communication to an audience
From this reading Even to the most self-possessed there is something a little embarrassing when tender tones or caressing words are heard by ears for which they were not intended; and, although there was nothing specially significant in the letter of this speech, its spirit had been eloquent enough to make Mr. Paul Rathborne start with confusion when he discovered his mistake.
the vital principle or animating force within living things
From this reading Even to the most self-possessed there is something a little embarrassing when tender tones or caressing words are heard by ears for which they were not intended; and, although there was nothing specially significant in the letter of this speech, its spirit had been eloquent enough to make Mr. Paul Rathborne start with confusion when he discovered his mistake.
take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading Even to the most self-possessed there is something a little embarrassing when tender tones or caressing words are heard by ears for which they were not intended; and, although there was nothing specially significant in the letter of this speech, its spirit had been eloquent enough to make Mr. Paul Rathborne start with confusion when he discovered his mistake.
anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found
From this reading Probably the speaker had seldom been more surprised than when Marion rose quickly, and, the last glow from the west falling over her, he found himself face to face with a stranger.
happening without warning or in a short space of time
From this reading "I beg pardon," he said, a little hastily--"I did not observe--that is" (with a sudden grasp of self-possession), "I thought I was addressing my cousin.
express a supposition
From this reading I suppose I have the pleasure of seeing Miss Lynde?"
taken unawares or suddenly and feeling wonder or astonishment
From this reading Probably the speaker had seldom been more surprised than when Marion rose quickly, and, the last glow from the west falling over her, he found himself face to face with a stranger.
given to sympathy or gentleness or sentimentality
From this reading Even to the most self-possessed there is something a little embarrassing when tender tones or caressing words are heard by ears for which they were not intended; and, although there was nothing specially significant in the letter of this speech, its spirit had been eloquent enough to make Mr. Paul Rathborne start with confusion when he discovered his mistake.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Probably the speaker had seldom been more surprised than when Marion rose quickly, and, the last glow from the west falling over her, he found himself face to face with a stranger.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading "I beg pardon," he said, a little hastily--"I did not observe--that is" (with a sudden grasp of self-possession), "I thought I was addressing my cousin.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Probably the speaker had seldom been more surprised than when Marion rose quickly, and, the last glow from the west falling over her, he found himself face to face with a stranger.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Even to the most self-possessed there is something a little embarrassing when tender tones or caressing words are heard by ears for which they were not intended; and, although there was nothing specially significant in the letter of this speech, its spirit had been eloquent enough to make Mr. Paul Rathborne start with confusion when he discovered his mistake.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Even to the most self-possessed there is something a little embarrassing when tender tones or caressing words are heard by ears for which they were not intended; and, although there was nothing specially significant in the letter of this speech, its spirit had been eloquent enough to make Mr. Paul Rathborne start with confusion when he discovered his mistake.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Even to the most self-possessed there is something a little embarrassing when tender tones or caressing words are heard by ears for which they were not intended; and, although there was nothing specially significant in the letter of this speech, its spirit had been eloquent enough to make Mr. Paul Rathborne start with confusion when he discovered his mistake.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading "I beg pardon," he said, a little hastily--"I did not observe--that is" (with a sudden grasp of self-possession), "I thought I was addressing my cousin.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Probably the speaker had seldom been more surprised than when Marion rose quickly, and, the last glow from the west falling over her, he found himself face to face with a stranger.
plural of “tone” — the quality of a person's voice
From this reading Even to the most self-possessed there is something a little embarrassing when tender tones or caressing words are heard by ears for which they were not intended; and, although there was nothing specially significant in the letter of this speech, its spirit had been eloquent enough to make Mr. Paul Rathborne start with confusion when he discovered his mistake.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Even to the most self-possessed there is something a little embarrassing when tender tones or caressing words are heard by ears for which they were not intended; and, although there was nothing specially significant in the letter of this speech, its spirit had been eloquent enough to make Mr. Paul Rathborne start with confusion when he discovered his mistake.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Even to the most self-possessed there is something a little embarrassing when tender tones or caressing words are heard by ears for which they were not intended; and, although there was nothing specially significant in the letter of this speech, its spirit had been eloquent enough to make Mr. Paul Rathborne start with confusion when he discovered his mistake.
the countries of (originally) Europe and (now including) North America and South America
From this reading Probably the speaker had seldom been more surprised than when Marion rose quickly, and, the last glow from the west falling over her, he found himself face to face with a stranger.
at the time that
From this reading Probably the speaker had seldom been more surprised than when Marion rose quickly, and, the last glow from the west falling over her, he found himself face to face with a stranger.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Even to the most self-possessed there is something a little embarrassing when tender tones or caressing words are heard by ears for which they were not intended; and, although there was nothing specially significant in the letter of this speech, its spirit had been eloquent enough to make Mr. Paul Rathborne start with confusion when he discovered his mistake.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Probably the speaker had seldom been more surprised than when Marion rose quickly, and, the last glow from the west falling over her, he found himself face to face with a stranger.
the words that are spoken
From this reading Even to the most self-possessed there is something a little embarrassing when tender tones or caressing words are heard by ears for which they were not intended; and, although there was nothing specially significant in the letter of this speech, its spirit had been eloquent enough to make Mr. Paul Rathborne start with confusion when he discovered his mistake.
an affirmative
From this reading "Yes," answered Marion.
