used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading It was a very pleasant little dinner-party.
Adela
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Old Mr. Valentine, quoting Shakespeare and criticizing the cooking, was mellow with his hostess, and merciful to his grandchildren, and even allowed Aunt Adela, who always expanded in the presence of ‘the gentlemen,’ to gush and flutter unreproved at his deafer ear.
adventnounUS /ˈædvent/
arrival that has been awaited (especially of something momentous)
From this reading Wilfred and James, reliable as electric switches, had been instantly illuminated by the advent of the two pretty cousins and by the end of the meal, were already in the stammering stage of a great devotion, though still uncertain at which shrine to pay their vows.
past form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen
From this reading Old Mr. Valentine, quoting Shakespeare and criticizing the cooking, was mellow with his hostess, and merciful to his grandchildren, and even allowed Aunt Adela, who always expanded in the presence of ‘the gentlemen,’ to gush and flutter unreproved at his deafer ear.
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading Wilfred and James, reliable as electric switches, had been instantly illuminated by the advent of the two pretty cousins and by the end of the meal, were already in the stammering stage of a great devotion, though still uncertain at which shrine to pay their vows.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading Old Mr. Valentine, quoting Shakespeare and criticizing the cooking, was mellow with his hostess, and merciful to his grandchildren, and even allowed Aunt Adela, who always expanded in the presence of ‘the gentlemen,’ to gush and flutter unreproved at his deafer ear.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Everybody had been cheerful and talkative, and pleased with everybody else.
Annabel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The new curate was as neutral as a curate should be and as Annabel Moulde would let him.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The new curate was as neutral as a curate should be and as Annabel Moulde would let him.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Old Mr. Valentine, quoting Shakespeare and criticizing the cooking, was mellow with his hostess, and merciful to his grandchildren, and even allowed Aunt Adela, who always expanded in the presence of ‘the gentlemen,’ to gush and flutter unreproved at his deafer ear.
the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle
From this reading Old Mr. Valentine, quoting Shakespeare and criticizing the cooking, was mellow with his hostess, and merciful to his grandchildren, and even allowed Aunt Adela, who always expanded in the presence of ‘the gentlemen,’ to gush and flutter unreproved at his deafer ear.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The new curate was as neutral as a curate should be and as Annabel Moulde would let him.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Everybody had been cheerful and talkative, and pleased with everybody else.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Wilfred and James, reliable as electric switches, had been instantly illuminated by the advent of the two pretty cousins and by the end of the meal, were already in the stammering stage of a great devotion, though still uncertain at which shrine to pay their vows.
being full of or promoting cheer; having or showing good spirits
From this reading Everybody had been cheerful and talkative, and pleased with everybody else.
cookingnounUS /ˈkʊkɪŋ/
the act of preparing something (as food) by the application of heat
From this reading Old Mr. Valentine, quoting Shakespeare and criticizing the cooking, was mellow with his hostess, and merciful to his grandchildren, and even allowed Aunt Adela, who always expanded in the presence of ‘the gentlemen,’ to gush and flutter unreproved at his deafer ear.
cousinsnounUS /ˈkʌzənz/
plural of “cousin” — the child of your aunt or uncle
From this reading Wilfred and James, reliable as electric switches, had been instantly illuminated by the advent of the two pretty cousins and by the end of the meal, were already in the stammering stage of a great devotion, though still uncertain at which shrine to pay their vows.
criticizingverbUS /ˈkrɪtɪsaɪzɪŋ/
-ing form of “criticize” — find fault with; express criticism of; point out real or perceived flaws
From this reading Old Mr. Valentine, quoting Shakespeare and criticizing the cooking, was mellow with his hostess, and merciful to his grandchildren, and even allowed Aunt Adela, who always expanded in the presence of ‘the gentlemen,’ to gush and flutter unreproved at his deafer ear.
curatenounUS /ˈkjʊrət/
a person authorized to conduct religious worship
From this reading The new curate was as neutral as a curate should be and as Annabel Moulde would let him.
deafer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Old Mr. Valentine, quoting Shakespeare and criticizing the cooking, was mellow with his hostess, and merciful to his grandchildren, and even allowed Aunt Adela, who always expanded in the presence of ‘the gentlemen,’ to gush and flutter unreproved at his deafer ear.
feelings of ardent love
From this reading Wilfred and James, reliable as electric switches, had been instantly illuminated by the advent of the two pretty cousins and by the end of the meal, were already in the stammering stage of a great devotion, though still uncertain at which shrine to pay their vows.
dinner-party
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a very pleasant little dinner-party.
the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium
From this reading Old Mr. Valentine, quoting Shakespeare and criticizing the cooking, was mellow with his hostess, and merciful to his grandchildren, and even allowed Aunt Adela, who always expanded in the presence of ‘the gentlemen,’ to gush and flutter unreproved at his deafer ear.
electricadjectiveUS /ɪˈlektrɪk/
using or providing or producing or transmitting or operated by electricity
From this reading Wilfred and James, reliable as electric switches, had been instantly illuminated by the advent of the two pretty cousins and by the end of the meal, were already in the stammering stage of a great devotion, though still uncertain at which shrine to pay their vows.
else
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Everybody had been cheerful and talkative, and pleased with everybody else.
either extremity of something that has length
From this reading Wilfred and James, reliable as electric switches, had been instantly illuminated by the advent of the two pretty cousins and by the end of the meal, were already in the stammering stage of a great devotion, though still uncertain at which shrine to pay their vows.
divisible by two
From this reading Old Mr. Valentine, quoting Shakespeare and criticizing the cooking, was mellow with his hostess, and merciful to his grandchildren, and even allowed Aunt Adela, who always expanded in the presence of ‘the gentlemen,’ to gush and flutter unreproved at his deafer ear.
every person
From this reading Everybody had been cheerful and talkative, and pleased with everybody else.
expandedadjectiveUS /ɪkˈspændəd/
increased in extent or size or bulk or scope
From this reading Old Mr. Valentine, quoting Shakespeare and criticizing the cooking, was mellow with his hostess, and merciful to his grandchildren, and even allowed Aunt Adela, who always expanded in the presence of ‘the gentlemen,’ to gush and flutter unreproved at his deafer ear.
flutterverbUS /ˈflʌtər/
move along rapidly and lightly; skim or dart
From this reading Old Mr. Valentine, quoting Shakespeare and criticizing the cooking, was mellow with his hostess, and merciful to his grandchildren, and even allowed Aunt Adela, who always expanded in the presence of ‘the gentlemen,’ to gush and flutter unreproved at his deafer ear.
plural of “gentleman” — a man of refinement
From this reading Old Mr. Valentine, quoting Shakespeare and criticizing the cooking, was mellow with his hostess, and merciful to his grandchildren, and even allowed Aunt Adela, who always expanded in the presence of ‘the gentlemen,’ to gush and flutter unreproved at his deafer ear.
grandchildrennounUS /ˈɡræntʃɪldrən/
plural of “grandchild” — a child of your son or daughter
From this reading Old Mr. Valentine, quoting Shakespeare and criticizing the cooking, was mellow with his hostess, and merciful to his grandchildren, and even allowed Aunt Adela, who always expanded in the presence of ‘the gentlemen,’ to gush and flutter unreproved at his deafer ear.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading Wilfred and James, reliable as electric switches, had been instantly illuminated by the advent of the two pretty cousins and by the end of the meal, were already in the stammering stage of a great devotion, though still uncertain at which shrine to pay their vows.
gushverbUS /ɡʌʃ/
gush forth in a sudden stream or jet
From this reading Old Mr. Valentine, quoting Shakespeare and criticizing the cooking, was mellow with his hostess, and merciful to his grandchildren, and even allowed Aunt Adela, who always expanded in the presence of ‘the gentlemen,’ to gush and flutter unreproved at his deafer ear.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Everybody had been cheerful and talkative, and pleased with everybody else.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The new curate was as neutral as a curate should be and as Annabel Moulde would let him.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Old Mr. Valentine, quoting Shakespeare and criticizing the cooking, was mellow with his hostess, and merciful to his grandchildren, and even allowed Aunt Adela, who always expanded in the presence of ‘the gentlemen,’ to gush and flutter unreproved at his deafer ear.
hostessnounUS /ˈhoʊstəs/
a woman host
From this reading Old Mr. Valentine, quoting Shakespeare and criticizing the cooking, was mellow with his hostess, and merciful to his grandchildren, and even allowed Aunt Adela, who always expanded in the presence of ‘the gentlemen,’ to gush and flutter unreproved at his deafer ear.
illuminatedadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈluːməneɪtəd/
provided with artificial light
From this reading Wilfred and James, reliable as electric switches, had been instantly illuminated by the advent of the two pretty cousins and by the end of the meal, were already in the stammering stage of a great devotion, though still uncertain at which shrine to pay their vows.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Old Mr. Valentine, quoting Shakespeare and criticizing the cooking, was mellow with his hostess, and merciful to his grandchildren, and even allowed Aunt Adela, who always expanded in the presence of ‘the gentlemen,’ to gush and flutter unreproved at his deafer ear.
without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening
From this reading Wilfred and James, reliable as electric switches, had been instantly illuminated by the advent of the two pretty cousins and by the end of the meal, were already in the stammering stage of a great devotion, though still uncertain at which shrine to pay their vows.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was a very pleasant little dinner-party.
a Stuart king of Scotland who married a daughter of Henry VII; when England and France went to war in 1513 he invaded England and died in defeat at Flodden (1473-1513)
From this reading Wilfred and James, reliable as electric switches, had been instantly illuminated by the advent of the two pretty cousins and by the end of the meal, were already in the stammering stage of a great devotion, though still uncertain at which shrine to pay their vows.
letauxiliary verbUS /let/
used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker
From this reading The new curate was as neutral as a curate should be and as Annabel Moulde would let him.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading It was a very pleasant little dinner-party.
the food served and eaten at one time
From this reading Wilfred and James, reliable as electric switches, had been instantly illuminated by the advent of the two pretty cousins and by the end of the meal, were already in the stammering stage of a great devotion, though still uncertain at which shrine to pay their vows.
mellowadjectiveUS /ˈmeloʊ/
unhurried and relaxed
From this reading Old Mr. Valentine, quoting Shakespeare and criticizing the cooking, was mellow with his hostess, and merciful to his grandchildren, and even allowed Aunt Adela, who always expanded in the presence of ‘the gentlemen,’ to gush and flutter unreproved at his deafer ear.
mercifuladjectiveUS /ˈmɜːrsɪfəl/
showing or giving mercy
From this reading Old Mr. Valentine, quoting Shakespeare and criticizing the cooking, was mellow with his hostess, and merciful to his grandchildren, and even allowed Aunt Adela, who always expanded in the presence of ‘the gentlemen,’ to gush and flutter unreproved at his deafer ear.
Moulde
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The new curate was as neutral as a curate should be and as Annabel Moulde would let him.
a form of address for a man
From this reading Old Mr. Valentine, quoting Shakespeare and criticizing the cooking, was mellow with his hostess, and merciful to his grandchildren, and even allowed Aunt Adela, who always expanded in the presence of ‘the gentlemen,’ to gush and flutter unreproved at his deafer ear.
neutraladjectiveUS /ˈnuːtrəl/
having no personal preference
From this reading The new curate was as neutral as a curate should be and as Annabel Moulde would let him.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading The new curate was as neutral as a curate should be and as Annabel Moulde would let him.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Old Mr. Valentine, quoting Shakespeare and criticizing the cooking, was mellow with his hostess, and merciful to his grandchildren, and even allowed Aunt Adela, who always expanded in the presence of ‘the gentlemen,’ to gush and flutter unreproved at his deafer ear.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading Old Mr. Valentine, quoting Shakespeare and criticizing the cooking, was mellow with his hostess, and merciful to his grandchildren, and even allowed Aunt Adela, who always expanded in the presence of ‘the gentlemen,’ to gush and flutter unreproved at his deafer ear.
give money, usually in exchange for goods or services
From this reading Wilfred and James, reliable as electric switches, had been instantly illuminated by the advent of the two pretty cousins and by the end of the meal, were already in the stammering stage of a great devotion, though still uncertain at which shrine to pay their vows.
affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings
From this reading It was a very pleasant little dinner-party.
experiencing or manifesting pleasure
From this reading Everybody had been cheerful and talkative, and pleased with everybody else.
the state of being present; current existence
From this reading Old Mr. Valentine, quoting Shakespeare and criticizing the cooking, was mellow with his hostess, and merciful to his grandchildren, and even allowed Aunt Adela, who always expanded in the presence of ‘the gentlemen,’ to gush and flutter unreproved at his deafer ear.
pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing
From this reading Wilfred and James, reliable as electric switches, had been instantly illuminated by the advent of the two pretty cousins and by the end of the meal, were already in the stammering stage of a great devotion, though still uncertain at which shrine to pay their vows.
quotingverbUS /ˈkwoʊtɪŋ/
-ing form of “quote” — repeat a passage from
From this reading Old Mr. Valentine, quoting Shakespeare and criticizing the cooking, was mellow with his hostess, and merciful to his grandchildren, and even allowed Aunt Adela, who always expanded in the presence of ‘the gentlemen,’ to gush and flutter unreproved at his deafer ear.
reliableadjectiveUS /rɪˈlaɪəbəl/
worthy of reliance or trust
From this reading Wilfred and James, reliable as electric switches, had been instantly illuminated by the advent of the two pretty cousins and by the end of the meal, were already in the stammering stage of a great devotion, though still uncertain at which shrine to pay their vows.
ShakespearenounUS /ˈʃeɪkspiːr/
English poet and dramatist considered one of the greatest English writers (1564-1616)
From this reading Old Mr. Valentine, quoting Shakespeare and criticizing the cooking, was mellow with his hostess, and merciful to his grandchildren, and even allowed Aunt Adela, who always expanded in the presence of ‘the gentlemen,’ to gush and flutter unreproved at his deafer ear.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading The new curate was as neutral as a curate should be and as Annabel Moulde would let him.
shrinenounUS /ʃraɪn/
a place of worship hallowed by association with some sacred thing or person
From this reading Wilfred and James, reliable as electric switches, had been instantly illuminated by the advent of the two pretty cousins and by the end of the meal, were already in the stammering stage of a great devotion, though still uncertain at which shrine to pay their vows.
any distinct time period in a sequence of events
From this reading Wilfred and James, reliable as electric switches, had been instantly illuminated by the advent of the two pretty cousins and by the end of the meal, were already in the stammering stage of a great devotion, though still uncertain at which shrine to pay their vows.
stammering
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Wilfred and James, reliable as electric switches, had been instantly illuminated by the advent of the two pretty cousins and by the end of the meal, were already in the stammering stage of a great devotion, though still uncertain at which shrine to pay their vows.
not in physical motion
From this reading Wilfred and James, reliable as electric switches, had been instantly illuminated by the advent of the two pretty cousins and by the end of the meal, were already in the stammering stage of a great devotion, though still uncertain at which shrine to pay their vows.
switchesnounUS /ˈswɪtʃəz/
plural of “switch” — control consisting of a mechanical or electrical or electronic device for making or breaking or changing the connections in a circuit
From this reading Wilfred and James, reliable as electric switches, had been instantly illuminated by the advent of the two pretty cousins and by the end of the meal, were already in the stammering stage of a great devotion, though still uncertain at which shrine to pay their vows.
talkativeadjectiveUS /ˈtɔːkətɪv/
full of trivial conversation
From this reading Everybody had been cheerful and talkative, and pleased with everybody else.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The new curate was as neutral as a curate should be and as Annabel Moulde would let him.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Wilfred and James, reliable as electric switches, had been instantly illuminated by the advent of the two pretty cousins and by the end of the meal, were already in the stammering stage of a great devotion, though still uncertain at which shrine to pay their vows.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Wilfred and James, reliable as electric switches, had been instantly illuminated by the advent of the two pretty cousins and by the end of the meal, were already in the stammering stage of a great devotion, though still uncertain at which shrine to pay their vows.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Old Mr. Valentine, quoting Shakespeare and criticizing the cooking, was mellow with his hostess, and merciful to his grandchildren, and even allowed Aunt Adela, who always expanded in the presence of ‘the gentlemen,’ to gush and flutter unreproved at his deafer ear.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Wilfred and James, reliable as electric switches, had been instantly illuminated by the advent of the two pretty cousins and by the end of the meal, were already in the stammering stage of a great devotion, though still uncertain at which shrine to pay their vows.
uncertainadjectiveUS /ənˈsɜːrtən/
lacking or indicating lack of confidence or assurance
From this reading Wilfred and James, reliable as electric switches, had been instantly illuminated by the advent of the two pretty cousins and by the end of the meal, were already in the stammering stage of a great devotion, though still uncertain at which shrine to pay their vows.
unreproved
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Old Mr. Valentine, quoting Shakespeare and criticizing the cooking, was mellow with his hostess, and merciful to his grandchildren, and even allowed Aunt Adela, who always expanded in the presence of ‘the gentlemen,’ to gush and flutter unreproved at his deafer ear.
ValentinenounUS /ˈvæləntaɪn/
a sweetheart chosen to receive a greeting on Saint Valentine's Day
From this reading Old Mr. Valentine, quoting Shakespeare and criticizing the cooking, was mellow with his hostess, and merciful to his grandchildren, and even allowed Aunt Adela, who always expanded in the presence of ‘the gentlemen,’ to gush and flutter unreproved at his deafer ear.
precisely as stated
From this reading It was a very pleasant little dinner-party.
vowsnounUS /vaʊz/
plural of “vow” — a solemn pledge (to oneself or to another or to a deity) to do something or to behave in a certain manner
From this reading Wilfred and James, reliable as electric switches, had been instantly illuminated by the advent of the two pretty cousins and by the end of the meal, were already in the stammering stage of a great devotion, though still uncertain at which shrine to pay their vows.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was a very pleasant little dinner-party.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Wilfred and James, reliable as electric switches, had been instantly illuminated by the advent of the two pretty cousins and by the end of the meal, were already in the stammering stage of a great devotion, though still uncertain at which shrine to pay their vows.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Wilfred and James, reliable as electric switches, had been instantly illuminated by the advent of the two pretty cousins and by the end of the meal, were already in the stammering stage of a great devotion, though still uncertain at which shrine to pay their vows.
which person or people
From this reading Old Mr. Valentine, quoting Shakespeare and criticizing the cooking, was mellow with his hostess, and merciful to his grandchildren, and even allowed Aunt Adela, who always expanded in the presence of ‘the gentlemen,’ to gush and flutter unreproved at his deafer ear.
Wilfred
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Wilfred and James, reliable as electric switches, had been instantly illuminated by the advent of the two pretty cousins and by the end of the meal, were already in the stammering stage of a great devotion, though still uncertain at which shrine to pay their vows.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Everybody had been cheerful and talkative, and pleased with everybody else.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading The new curate was as neutral as a curate should be and as Annabel Moulde would let him.
