used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Old Mr. Transome went as usual to his sofa in the library to sleep after dinner, and Esther had to seat herself in the small drawing-room, in a well-lit solitude that was unusually dispiriting to her.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading Old Mr. Transome went as usual to his sofa in the library to sleep after dinner, and Esther had to seat herself in the small drawing-room, in a well-lit solitude that was unusually dispiriting to her.
(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 Nay, falter not--'tis an assured good To seek the noblest--'tis your only good Now you have seen it; for that higher vision Poisons all meaner choice forevermore.
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading Harold sent word that he was engaged and had already dined, and Mrs. Transome that she was feeling ill.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Nay, falter not--'tis an assured good To seek the noblest--'tis your only good Now you have seen it; for that higher vision Poisons all meaner choice forevermore.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Harold sent word that he was engaged and had already dined, and Mrs. Transome that she was feeling ill.
(psychiatry) a relatively permanent state of worry and nervousness occurring in a variety of mental disorders, usually accompanied by compulsive behavior or attacks of panic
From this reading Esther was much disappointed that any tidings Harold might have brought relating to Felix were deferred in this way; and, her anxiety making her fearful, she was haunted by the thought that if there had been anything cheering to tell, he would have found time to tell it without delay.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Esther was much disappointed that any tidings Harold might have brought relating to Felix were deferred in this way; and, her anxiety making her fearful, she was haunted by the thought that if there had been anything cheering to tell, he would have found time to tell it without delay.
any thing at all
From this reading Esther was much disappointed that any tidings Harold might have brought relating to Felix were deferred in this way; and, her anxiety making her fearful, she was haunted by the thought that if there had been anything cheering to tell, he would have found time to tell it without delay.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Old Mr. Transome went as usual to his sofa in the library to sleep after dinner, and Esther had to seat herself in the small drawing-room, in a well-lit solitude that was unusually dispiriting to her.
marked by assurance; exhibiting confidence
From this reading Nay, falter not--'tis an assured good To seek the noblest--'tis your only good Now you have seen it; for that higher vision Poisons all meaner choice forevermore.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Esther was much disappointed that any tidings Harold might have brought relating to Felix were deferred in this way; and, her anxiety making her fearful, she was haunted by the thought that if there had been anything cheering to tell, he would have found time to tell it without delay.
inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading Esther was much disappointed that any tidings Harold might have brought relating to Felix were deferred in this way; and, her anxiety making her fearful, she was haunted by the thought that if there had been anything cheering to tell, he would have found time to tell it without delay.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Esther was much disappointed that any tidings Harold might have brought relating to Felix were deferred in this way; and, her anxiety making her fearful, she was haunted by the thought that if there had been anything cheering to tell, he would have found time to tell it without delay.
cheeringnounUS /ˈtʃɪrɪŋ/
encouragement in the form of cheers from spectators
From this reading Esther was much disappointed that any tidings Harold might have brought relating to Felix were deferred in this way; and, her anxiety making her fearful, she was haunted by the thought that if there had been anything cheering to tell, he would have found time to tell it without delay.
the person or thing chosen or selected
From this reading Nay, falter not--'tis an assured good To seek the noblest--'tis your only good Now you have seen it; for that higher vision Poisons all meaner choice forevermore.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading That day Esther dined with old Mr. Transome only.
deferredverbUS /dɪˈfɜːrd/
inflected form of “defer” — hold back to a later time
From this reading Esther was much disappointed that any tidings Harold might have brought relating to Felix were deferred in this way; and, her anxiety making her fearful, she was haunted by the thought that if there had been anything cheering to tell, he would have found time to tell it without delay.
cause to be slowed down or delayed
From this reading Esther was much disappointed that any tidings Harold might have brought relating to Felix were deferred in this way; and, her anxiety making her fearful, she was haunted by the thought that if there had been anything cheering to tell, he would have found time to tell it without delay.
dinedverbUS /daɪnd/
past form of “dine” — have supper; eat dinner
From this reading That day Esther dined with old Mr. Transome only.
the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday
From this reading Old Mr. Transome went as usual to his sofa in the library to sleep after dinner, and Esther had to seat herself in the small drawing-room, in a well-lit solitude that was unusually dispiriting to her.
disappointingly unsuccessful
From this reading Esther was much disappointed that any tidings Harold might have brought relating to Felix were deferred in this way; and, her anxiety making her fearful, she was haunted by the thought that if there had been anything cheering to tell, he would have found time to tell it without delay.
dispiritingadjectiveUS /dɪˈspɪrɪtɪŋ/
destructive of morale and self-reliance
From this reading Old Mr. Transome went as usual to his sofa in the library to sleep after dinner, and Esther had to seat herself in the small drawing-room, in a well-lit solitude that was unusually dispiriting to her.
drawing-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Old Mr. Transome went as usual to his sofa in the library to sleep after dinner, and Esther had to seat herself in the small drawing-room, in a well-lit solitude that was unusually dispiriting to her.
having ones attention or mind or energy engaged
From this reading Harold sent word that he was engaged and had already dined, and Mrs. Transome that she was feeling ill.
EsthernounUS /ˈestər/
(Old Testament) a beautiful Jewess chosen by the king of Persia to be his queen; she stopped a plot to massacre all the Jews in Persia (an event celebrated by Jews as the feast of Purim)
From this reading That day Esther dined with old Mr. Transome only.
falterverbUS /ˈfɔːltər/
be unsure or weak
From this reading Nay, falter not--'tis an assured good To seek the noblest--'tis your only good Now you have seen it; for that higher vision Poisons all meaner choice forevermore.
experiencing or showing fear
From this reading Esther was much disappointed that any tidings Harold might have brought relating to Felix were deferred in this way; and, her anxiety making her fearful, she was haunted by the thought that if there had been anything cheering to tell, he would have found time to tell it without delay.
the experiencing of affective and emotional states
From this reading Harold sent word that he was engaged and had already dined, and Mrs. Transome that she was feeling ill.
Felix
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Esther was much disappointed that any tidings Harold might have brought relating to Felix were deferred in this way; and, her anxiety making her fearful, she was haunted by the thought that if there had been anything cheering to tell, he would have found time to tell it without delay.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Nay, falter not--'tis an assured good To seek the noblest--'tis your only good Now you have seen it; for that higher vision Poisons all meaner choice forevermore.
forevermoreadverb
at any future time; in the future
From this reading Nay, falter not--'tis an assured good To seek the noblest--'tis your only good Now you have seen it; for that higher vision Poisons all meaner choice forevermore.
set up or found
From this reading Esther was much disappointed that any tidings Harold might have brought relating to Felix were deferred in this way; and, her anxiety making her fearful, she was haunted by the thought that if there had been anything cheering to tell, he would have found time to tell it without delay.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading Nay, falter not--'tis an assured good To seek the noblest--'tis your only good Now you have seen it; for that higher vision Poisons all meaner choice forevermore.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Harold sent word that he was engaged and had already dined, and Mrs. Transome that she was feeling ill.
Harold
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Harold sent word that he was engaged and had already dined, and Mrs. Transome that she was feeling ill.
hauntedadjectiveUS /ˈhɔːntɪd/
having or showing excessive or compulsive concern with something
From this reading Esther was much disappointed that any tidings Harold might have brought relating to Felix were deferred in this way; and, her anxiety making her fearful, she was haunted by the thought that if there had been anything cheering to tell, he would have found time to tell it without delay.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Nay, falter not--'tis an assured good To seek the noblest--'tis your only good Now you have seen it; for that higher vision Poisons all meaner choice forevermore.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Harold sent word that he was engaged and had already dined, and Mrs. Transome that she was feeling ill.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Esther was much disappointed that any tidings Harold might have brought relating to Felix were deferred in this way; and, her anxiety making her fearful, she was haunted by the thought that if there had been anything cheering to tell, he would have found time to tell it without delay.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading Old Mr. Transome went as usual to his sofa in the library to sleep after dinner, and Esther had to seat herself in the small drawing-room, in a well-lit solitude that was unusually dispiriting to her.
advanced in complexity or elaboration
From this reading Nay, falter not--'tis an assured good To seek the noblest--'tis your only good Now you have seen it; for that higher vision Poisons all meaner choice forevermore.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Old Mr. Transome went as usual to his sofa in the library to sleep after dinner, and Esther had to seat herself in the small drawing-room, in a well-lit solitude that was unusually dispiriting to her.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Esther was much disappointed that any tidings Harold might have brought relating to Felix were deferred in this way; and, her anxiety making her fearful, she was haunted by the thought that if there had been anything cheering to tell, he would have found time to tell it without delay.
affected by an impairment of normal physical or mental function
From this reading Harold sent word that he was engaged and had already dined, and Mrs. Transome that she was feeling ill.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Esther was much disappointed that any tidings Harold might have brought relating to Felix were deferred in this way; and, her anxiety making her fearful, she was haunted by the thought that if there had been anything cheering to tell, he would have found time to tell it without delay.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Nay, falter not--'tis an assured good To seek the noblest--'tis your only good Now you have seen it; for that higher vision Poisons all meaner choice forevermore.
a room where books are kept
From this reading Old Mr. Transome went as usual to his sofa in the library to sleep after dinner, and Esther had to seat herself in the small drawing-room, in a well-lit solitude that was unusually dispiriting to her.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading Esther was much disappointed that any tidings Harold might have brought relating to Felix were deferred in this way; and, her anxiety making her fearful, she was haunted by the thought that if there had been anything cheering to tell, he would have found time to tell it without delay.
meaneradjectiveUS /ˈmiːnər/
comparative of “mean” — approximating the statistical norm or average or expected value
From this reading Nay, falter not--'tis an assured good To seek the noblest--'tis your only good Now you have seen it; for that higher vision Poisons all meaner choice forevermore.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Esther was much disappointed that any tidings Harold might have brought relating to Felix were deferred in this way; and, her anxiety making her fearful, she was haunted by the thought that if there had been anything cheering to tell, he would have found time to tell it without delay.
a form of address for a man
From this reading That day Esther dined with old Mr. Transome only.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading Harold sent word that he was engaged and had already dined, and Mrs. Transome that she was feeling ill.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading Esther was much disappointed that any tidings Harold might have brought relating to Felix were deferred in this way; and, her anxiety making her fearful, she was haunted by the thought that if there had been anything cheering to tell, he would have found time to tell it without delay.
an old word for “no”
From this reading Nay, falter not--'tis an assured good To seek the noblest--'tis your only good Now you have seen it; for that higher vision Poisons all meaner choice forevermore.
noblestadjectiveUS /ˈnoʊblɪst/
superlative of “noble” — impressive in appearance
From this reading Nay, falter not--'tis an assured good To seek the noblest--'tis your only good Now you have seen it; for that higher vision Poisons all meaner choice forevermore.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Nay, falter not--'tis an assured good To seek the noblest--'tis your only good Now you have seen it; for that higher vision Poisons all meaner choice forevermore.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Nay, falter not--'tis an assured good To seek the noblest--'tis your only good Now you have seen it; for that higher vision Poisons all meaner choice forevermore.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading That day Esther dined with old Mr. Transome only.
and nothing more
From this reading Nay, falter not--'tis an assured good To seek the noblest--'tis your only good Now you have seen it; for that higher vision Poisons all meaner choice forevermore.
PoisonsnounUS /ˈpɔɪzənz/
plural of “poison” — any substance that causes injury or illness or death of a living organism
From this reading Nay, falter not--'tis an assured good To seek the noblest--'tis your only good Now you have seen it; for that higher vision Poisons all meaner choice forevermore.
relatingverbUS /rɪˈleɪtɪŋ/
-ing form of “relate” — make a logical or causal connection
From this reading Esther was much disappointed that any tidings Harold might have brought relating to Felix were deferred in this way; and, her anxiety making her fearful, she was haunted by the thought that if there had been anything cheering to tell, he would have found time to tell it without delay.
a space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or on a train or airplane)
From this reading Old Mr. Transome went as usual to his sofa in the library to sleep after dinner, and Esther had to seat herself in the small drawing-room, in a well-lit solitude that was unusually dispiriting to her.
try to get or reach
From this reading Nay, falter not--'tis an assured good To seek the noblest--'tis your only good Now you have seen it; for that higher vision Poisons all meaner choice forevermore.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading Nay, falter not--'tis an assured good To seek the noblest--'tis your only good Now you have seen it; for that higher vision Poisons all meaner choice forevermore.
100 senti equal 1 kroon in Estonia
From this reading Harold sent word that he was engaged and had already dined, and Mrs. Transome that she was feeling ill.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Harold sent word that he was engaged and had already dined, and Mrs. Transome that she was feeling ill.
a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended
From this reading Old Mr. Transome went as usual to his sofa in the library to sleep after dinner, and Esther had to seat herself in the small drawing-room, in a well-lit solitude that was unusually dispiriting to her.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Old Mr. Transome went as usual to his sofa in the library to sleep after dinner, and Esther had to seat herself in the small drawing-room, in a well-lit solitude that was unusually dispiriting to her.
sofanounUS /ˈsoʊfə/
an upholstered seat for more than one person
From this reading Old Mr. Transome went as usual to his sofa in the library to sleep after dinner, and Esther had to seat herself in the small drawing-room, in a well-lit solitude that was unusually dispiriting to her.
solitudenounUS /ˈsɑːlətuːd/
a state of social isolation
From this reading Old Mr. Transome went as usual to his sofa in the library to sleep after dinner, and Esther had to seat herself in the small drawing-room, in a well-lit solitude that was unusually dispiriting to her.
express in words
From this reading Esther was much disappointed that any tidings Harold might have brought relating to Felix were deferred in this way; and, her anxiety making her fearful, she was haunted by the thought that if there had been anything cheering to tell, he would have found time to tell it without delay.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Nay, falter not--'tis an assured good To seek the noblest--'tis your only good Now you have seen it; for that higher vision Poisons all meaner choice forevermore.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Nay, falter not--'tis an assured good To seek the noblest--'tis your only good Now you have seen it; for that higher vision Poisons all meaner choice forevermore.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Esther was much disappointed that any tidings Harold might have brought relating to Felix were deferred in this way; and, her anxiety making her fearful, she was haunted by the thought that if there had been anything cheering to tell, he would have found time to tell it without delay.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Esther was much disappointed that any tidings Harold might have brought relating to Felix were deferred in this way; and, her anxiety making her fearful, she was haunted by the thought that if there had been anything cheering to tell, he would have found time to tell it without delay.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading Esther was much disappointed that any tidings Harold might have brought relating to Felix were deferred in this way; and, her anxiety making her fearful, she was haunted by the thought that if there had been anything cheering to tell, he would have found time to tell it without delay.
tidingsnounUS /ˈtaɪdɪŋz/
information about recent and important events
From this reading Esther was much disappointed that any tidings Harold might have brought relating to Felix were deferred in this way; and, her anxiety making her fearful, she was haunted by the thought that if there had been anything cheering to tell, he would have found time to tell it without delay.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading Esther was much disappointed that any tidings Harold might have brought relating to Felix were deferred in this way; and, her anxiety making her fearful, she was haunted by the thought that if there had been anything cheering to tell, he would have found time to tell it without delay.
plural of “ti” — a light strong grey lustrous corrosion-resistant metallic element used in strong lightweight alloys (as for airplane parts); the main sources are rutile and ilmenite
From this reading Nay, falter not--'tis an assured good To seek the noblest--'tis your only good Now you have seen it; for that higher vision Poisons all meaner choice forevermore.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Nay, falter not--'tis an assured good To seek the noblest--'tis your only good Now you have seen it; for that higher vision Poisons all meaner choice forevermore.
Transome
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That day Esther dined with old Mr. Transome only.
unusuallyadverbUS /əˈnjuːʒuːəli/
to a remarkable degree or extent
From this reading Old Mr. Transome went as usual to his sofa in the library to sleep after dinner, and Esther had to seat herself in the small drawing-room, in a well-lit solitude that was unusually dispiriting to her.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading Old Mr. Transome went as usual to his sofa in the library to sleep after dinner, and Esther had to seat herself in the small drawing-room, in a well-lit solitude that was unusually dispiriting to her.
a vivid mental image
From this reading Nay, falter not--'tis an assured good To seek the noblest--'tis your only good Now you have seen it; for that higher vision Poisons all meaner choice forevermore.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Harold sent word that he was engaged and had already dined, and Mrs. Transome that she was feeling ill.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Esther was much disappointed that any tidings Harold might have brought relating to Felix were deferred in this way; and, her anxiety making her fearful, she was haunted by the thought that if there had been anything cheering to tell, he would have found time to tell it without delay.
well-lit
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Old Mr. Transome went as usual to his sofa in the library to sleep after dinner, and Esther had to seat herself in the small drawing-room, in a well-lit solitude that was unusually dispiriting to her.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Old Mr. Transome went as usual to his sofa in the library to sleep after dinner, and Esther had to seat herself in the small drawing-room, in a well-lit solitude that was unusually dispiriting to her.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Esther was much disappointed that any tidings Harold might have brought relating to Felix were deferred in this way; and, her anxiety making her fearful, she was haunted by the thought that if there had been anything cheering to tell, he would have found time to tell it without delay.
in the company of; together with
From this reading That day Esther dined with old Mr. Transome only.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading Esther was much disappointed that any tidings Harold might have brought relating to Felix were deferred in this way; and, her anxiety making her fearful, she was haunted by the thought that if there had been anything cheering to tell, he would have found time to tell it without delay.
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
From this reading Harold sent word that he was engaged and had already dined, and Mrs. Transome that she was feeling ill.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Esther was much disappointed that any tidings Harold might have brought relating to Felix were deferred in this way; and, her anxiety making her fearful, she was haunted by the thought that if there had been anything cheering to tell, he would have found time to tell it without delay.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading Nay, falter not--'tis an assured good To seek the noblest--'tis your only good Now you have seen it; for that higher vision Poisons all meaner choice forevermore.
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading Nay, falter not--'tis an assured good To seek the noblest--'tis your only good Now you have seen it; for that higher vision Poisons all meaner choice forevermore.
