used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading It was a welcome diversion when a waiter entered the room carrying a tray with tea and refreshments, and Cornelia waited on her hostess with an attention which was intended to mitigate her late severity.
personal knowledge or information about someone or something
From this reading Although a fuller acquaintance of Mrs Moffatt had increased neither liking nor respect, it had developed a sincere pity for a woman whose life was barren of purpose, of interest, apparently of love also.
in addition
From this reading Although a fuller acquaintance of Mrs Moffatt had increased neither liking nor respect, it had developed a sincere pity for a woman whose life was barren of purpose, of interest, apparently of love also.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Although a fuller acquaintance of Mrs Moffatt had increased neither liking nor respect, it had developed a sincere pity for a woman whose life was barren of purpose, of interest, apparently of love also.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading It was a welcome diversion when a waiter entered the room carrying a tray with tea and refreshments, and Cornelia waited on her hostess with an attention which was intended to mitigate her late severity.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Mrs Moffatt flushed, and bit her lower lip, not attempting to defend herself, but staring before her with weary, vacant eyes.
any person at all
From this reading It was not in Cornelia's nature to see anyone suffer and not try to help, and if it had been her own mother on whom she was waiting she could not have shown more care and consideration.
from appearances alone
From this reading Although a fuller acquaintance of Mrs Moffatt had increased neither liking nor respect, it had developed a sincere pity for a woman whose life was barren of purpose, of interest, apparently of love also.
attemptingverbUS /əˈtemptɪŋ/
-ing form of “attempt” — make an effort or attempt
From this reading Mrs Moffatt flushed, and bit her lower lip, not attempting to defend herself, but staring before her with weary, vacant eyes.
the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others
From this reading It was a welcome diversion when a waiter entered the room carrying a tray with tea and refreshments, and Cornelia waited on her hostess with an attention which was intended to mitigate her late severity.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading A table was placed by Mrs Moffatt's side, tea was made with exact remembrance of her preferences; a cushion was brought from a sofa to put behind her back, and a footstool placed ready for her feet.
barrenadjectiveUS /ˈbærən/
providing no shelter or sustenance
From this reading Although a fuller acquaintance of Mrs Moffatt had increased neither liking nor respect, it had developed a sincere pity for a woman whose life was barren of purpose, of interest, apparently of love also.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading It was not in Cornelia's nature to see anyone suffer and not try to help, and if it had been her own mother on whom she was waiting she could not have shown more care and consideration.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Mrs Moffatt flushed, and bit her lower lip, not attempting to defend herself, but staring before her with weary, vacant eyes.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading A table was placed by Mrs Moffatt's side, tea was made with exact remembrance of her preferences; a cushion was brought from a sofa to put behind her back, and a footstool placed ready for her feet.
a small piece or quantity of something
From this reading Mrs Moffatt flushed, and bit her lower lip, not attempting to defend herself, but staring before her with weary, vacant eyes.
inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading A table was placed by Mrs Moffatt's side, tea was made with exact remembrance of her preferences; a cushion was brought from a sofa to put behind her back, and a footstool placed ready for her feet.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Mrs Moffatt flushed, and bit her lower lip, not attempting to defend herself, but staring before her with weary, vacant eyes.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading A table was placed by Mrs Moffatt's side, tea was made with exact remembrance of her preferences; a cushion was brought from a sofa to put behind her back, and a footstool placed ready for her feet.
the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something
From this reading It was not in Cornelia's nature to see anyone suffer and not try to help, and if it had been her own mother on whom she was waiting she could not have shown more care and consideration.
-ing form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body
From this reading It was a welcome diversion when a waiter entered the room carrying a tray with tea and refreshments, and Cornelia waited on her hostess with an attention which was intended to mitigate her late severity.
the process of giving careful thought to something
From this reading It was not in Cornelia's nature to see anyone suffer and not try to help, and if it had been her own mother on whom she was waiting she could not have shown more care and consideration.
Cornelia
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a welcome diversion when a waiter entered the room carrying a tray with tea and refreshments, and Cornelia waited on her hostess with an attention which was intended to mitigate her late severity.
Cornelia's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was not in Cornelia's nature to see anyone suffer and not try to help, and if it had been her own mother on whom she was waiting she could not have shown more care and consideration.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading It was not in Cornelia's nature to see anyone suffer and not try to help, and if it had been her own mother on whom she was waiting she could not have shown more care and consideration.
cushionnounUS /ˈkʊʃən/
a mechanical damper; absorbs energy of sudden impulses
From this reading A table was placed by Mrs Moffatt's side, tea was made with exact remembrance of her preferences; a cushion was brought from a sofa to put behind her back, and a footstool placed ready for her feet.
argue or speak in defense of
From this reading Mrs Moffatt flushed, and bit her lower lip, not attempting to defend herself, but staring before her with weary, vacant eyes.
developedadjectiveUS /dɪˈveləpt/
being changed over time so as to be e.g. stronger or more complete or more useful
From this reading Although a fuller acquaintance of Mrs Moffatt had increased neither liking nor respect, it had developed a sincere pity for a woman whose life was barren of purpose, of interest, apparently of love also.
diversionnounUS /daɪˈvɜːrʒən/
an activity that diverts or amuses or stimulates
From this reading It was a welcome diversion when a waiter entered the room carrying a tray with tea and refreshments, and Cornelia waited on her hostess with an attention which was intended to mitigate her late severity.
past form of “enter” — to come or go into
From this reading It was a welcome diversion when a waiter entered the room carrying a tray with tea and refreshments, and Cornelia waited on her hostess with an attention which was intended to mitigate her late severity.
exactadjectiveUS /ɪɡˈzækt/
Strictly particular and correct.
From this reading A table was placed by Mrs Moffatt's side, tea was made with exact remembrance of her preferences; a cushion was brought from a sofa to put behind her back, and a footstool placed ready for her feet.
opinion or judgment
From this reading Mrs Moffatt flushed, and bit her lower lip, not attempting to defend herself, but staring before her with weary, vacant eyes.
plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading A table was placed by Mrs Moffatt's side, tea was made with exact remembrance of her preferences; a cushion was brought from a sofa to put behind her back, and a footstool placed ready for her feet.
having the pinkish flush of health
From this reading Mrs Moffatt flushed, and bit her lower lip, not attempting to defend herself, but staring before her with weary, vacant eyes.
footstoolnoun
a low seat or a stool to rest the feet of a seated person
From this reading A table was placed by Mrs Moffatt's side, tea was made with exact remembrance of her preferences; a cushion was brought from a sofa to put behind her back, and a footstool placed ready for her feet.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Although a fuller acquaintance of Mrs Moffatt had increased neither liking nor respect, it had developed a sincere pity for a woman whose life was barren of purpose, of interest, apparently of love also.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading A table was placed by Mrs Moffatt's side, tea was made with exact remembrance of her preferences; a cushion was brought from a sofa to put behind her back, and a footstool placed ready for her feet.
fullernounUS /ˈfʊlər/
United States jurist and chief justice of the United States Supreme Court (1833-1910)
From this reading Although a fuller acquaintance of Mrs Moffatt had increased neither liking nor respect, it had developed a sincere pity for a woman whose life was barren of purpose, of interest, apparently of love also.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Although a fuller acquaintance of Mrs Moffatt had increased neither liking nor respect, it had developed a sincere pity for a woman whose life was barren of purpose, of interest, apparently of love also.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading It was not in Cornelia's nature to see anyone suffer and not try to help, and if it had been her own mother on whom she was waiting she could not have shown more care and consideration.
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading It was not in Cornelia's nature to see anyone suffer and not try to help, and if it had been her own mother on whom she was waiting she could not have shown more care and consideration.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Mrs Moffatt flushed, and bit her lower lip, not attempting to defend herself, but staring before her with weary, vacant eyes.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading Mrs Moffatt flushed, and bit her lower lip, not attempting to defend herself, but staring before her with weary, vacant eyes.
hostessnounUS /ˈhoʊstəs/
a woman host
From this reading It was a welcome diversion when a waiter entered the room carrying a tray with tea and refreshments, and Cornelia waited on her hostess with an attention which was intended to mitigate her late severity.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading It was not in Cornelia's nature to see anyone suffer and not try to help, and if it had been her own mother on whom she was waiting she could not have shown more care and consideration.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It was not in Cornelia's nature to see anyone suffer and not try to help, and if it had been her own mother on whom she was waiting she could not have shown more care and consideration.
made greater in size or amount or degree
From this reading Although a fuller acquaintance of Mrs Moffatt had increased neither liking nor respect, it had developed a sincere pity for a woman whose life was barren of purpose, of interest, apparently of love also.
resulting from one's intentions
From this reading It was a welcome diversion when a waiter entered the room carrying a tray with tea and refreshments, and Cornelia waited on her hostess with an attention which was intended to mitigate her late severity.
a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
From this reading Although a fuller acquaintance of Mrs Moffatt had increased neither liking nor respect, it had developed a sincere pity for a woman whose life was barren of purpose, of interest, apparently of love also.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was a welcome diversion when a waiter entered the room carrying a tray with tea and refreshments, and Cornelia waited on her hostess with an attention which was intended to mitigate her late severity.
being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time
From this reading It was a welcome diversion when a waiter entered the room carrying a tray with tea and refreshments, and Cornelia waited on her hostess with an attention which was intended to mitigate her late severity.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Although a fuller acquaintance of Mrs Moffatt had increased neither liking nor respect, it had developed a sincere pity for a woman whose life was barren of purpose, of interest, apparently of love also.
likingnounUS /ˈlaɪkɪŋ/
a feeling of pleasure and enjoyment
From this reading Although a fuller acquaintance of Mrs Moffatt had increased neither liking nor respect, it had developed a sincere pity for a woman whose life was barren of purpose, of interest, apparently of love also.
lipnounUS /lɪp/
either of two fleshy folds of tissue that surround the mouth and play a role in speaking
From this reading Mrs Moffatt flushed, and bit her lower lip, not attempting to defend herself, but staring before her with weary, vacant eyes.
a strong positive emotion of regard and affection
From this reading Although a fuller acquaintance of Mrs Moffatt had increased neither liking nor respect, it had developed a sincere pity for a woman whose life was barren of purpose, of interest, apparently of love also.
move something or somebody to a lower position
From this reading Mrs Moffatt flushed, and bit her lower lip, not attempting to defend herself, but staring before her with weary, vacant eyes.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading A table was placed by Mrs Moffatt's side, tea was made with exact remembrance of her preferences; a cushion was brought from a sofa to put behind her back, and a footstool placed ready for her feet.
mitigateverbUS /ˈmɪtəɡeɪt/
lessen or to try to lessen the seriousness or extent of
From this reading It was a welcome diversion when a waiter entered the room carrying a tray with tea and refreshments, and Cornelia waited on her hostess with an attention which was intended to mitigate her late severity.
Moffatt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs Moffatt flushed, and bit her lower lip, not attempting to defend herself, but staring before her with weary, vacant eyes.
Moffatt's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A table was placed by Mrs Moffatt's side, tea was made with exact remembrance of her preferences; a cushion was brought from a sofa to put behind her back, and a footstool placed ready for her feet.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading It was not in Cornelia's nature to see anyone suffer and not try to help, and if it had been her own mother on whom she was waiting she could not have shown more care and consideration.
a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading It was not in Cornelia's nature to see anyone suffer and not try to help, and if it had been her own mother on whom she was waiting she could not have shown more care and consideration.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading Mrs Moffatt flushed, and bit her lower lip, not attempting to defend herself, but staring before her with weary, vacant eyes.
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading It was not in Cornelia's nature to see anyone suffer and not try to help, and if it had been her own mother on whom she was waiting she could not have shown more care and consideration.
not one and not the other of two
From this reading Although a fuller acquaintance of Mrs Moffatt had increased neither liking nor respect, it had developed a sincere pity for a woman whose life was barren of purpose, of interest, apparently of love also.
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading Although a fuller acquaintance of Mrs Moffatt had increased neither liking nor respect, it had developed a sincere pity for a woman whose life was barren of purpose, of interest, apparently of love also.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Mrs Moffatt flushed, and bit her lower lip, not attempting to defend herself, but staring before her with weary, vacant eyes.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Although a fuller acquaintance of Mrs Moffatt had increased neither liking nor respect, it had developed a sincere pity for a woman whose life was barren of purpose, of interest, apparently of love also.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading It was a welcome diversion when a waiter entered the room carrying a tray with tea and refreshments, and Cornelia waited on her hostess with an attention which was intended to mitigate her late severity.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading It was not in Cornelia's nature to see anyone suffer and not try to help, and if it had been her own mother on whom she was waiting she could not have shown more care and consideration.
a feeling of sympathy and sorrow for the misfortunes of others
From this reading Although a fuller acquaintance of Mrs Moffatt had increased neither liking nor respect, it had developed a sincere pity for a woman whose life was barren of purpose, of interest, apparently of love also.
situated in a particular spot or position
From this reading A table was placed by Mrs Moffatt's side, tea was made with exact remembrance of her preferences; a cushion was brought from a sofa to put behind her back, and a footstool placed ready for her feet.
preferencesnounUS /ˈprefərənsɪz/
plural of “preference” — a strong liking
From this reading A table was placed by Mrs Moffatt's side, tea was made with exact remembrance of her preferences; a cushion was brought from a sofa to put behind her back, and a footstool placed ready for her feet.
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading Although a fuller acquaintance of Mrs Moffatt had increased neither liking nor respect, it had developed a sincere pity for a woman whose life was barren of purpose, of interest, apparently of love also.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading A table was placed by Mrs Moffatt's side, tea was made with exact remembrance of her preferences; a cushion was brought from a sofa to put behind her back, and a footstool placed ready for her feet.
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading A table was placed by Mrs Moffatt's side, tea was made with exact remembrance of her preferences; a cushion was brought from a sofa to put behind her back, and a footstool placed ready for her feet.
refreshmentsnounUS /rəˈfreʃmənts/
plural of “refreshment” — snacks and drinks served as a light meal
From this reading It was a welcome diversion when a waiter entered the room carrying a tray with tea and refreshments, and Cornelia waited on her hostess with an attention which was intended to mitigate her late severity.
remembrancenounUS /riˈmembrəns/
the ability to recall past occurrences
From this reading A table was placed by Mrs Moffatt's side, tea was made with exact remembrance of her preferences; a cushion was brought from a sofa to put behind her back, and a footstool placed ready for her feet.
(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point
From this reading Although a fuller acquaintance of Mrs Moffatt had increased neither liking nor respect, it had developed a sincere pity for a woman whose life was barren of purpose, of interest, apparently of love also.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading It was a welcome diversion when a waiter entered the room carrying a tray with tea and refreshments, and Cornelia waited on her hostess with an attention which was intended to mitigate her late severity.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading It was not in Cornelia's nature to see anyone suffer and not try to help, and if it had been her own mother on whom she was waiting she could not have shown more care and consideration.
severitynounUS /sɪˈverɪti/
used of the degree of something undesirable e.g. pain or weather
From this reading It was a welcome diversion when a waiter entered the room carrying a tray with tea and refreshments, and Cornelia waited on her hostess with an attention which was intended to mitigate her late severity.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading It was not in Cornelia's nature to see anyone suffer and not try to help, and if it had been her own mother on whom she was waiting she could not have shown more care and consideration.
inflected form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading It was not in Cornelia's nature to see anyone suffer and not try to help, and if it had been her own mother on whom she was waiting she could not have shown more care and consideration.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading A table was placed by Mrs Moffatt's side, tea was made with exact remembrance of her preferences; a cushion was brought from a sofa to put behind her back, and a footstool placed ready for her feet.
sincereadjectiveUS /sɪnˈsɪr/
open and genuine; not deceitful
From this reading Although a fuller acquaintance of Mrs Moffatt had increased neither liking nor respect, it had developed a sincere pity for a woman whose life was barren of purpose, of interest, apparently of love also.
an upholstered seat for more than one person
From this reading A table was placed by Mrs Moffatt's side, tea was made with exact remembrance of her preferences; a cushion was brought from a sofa to put behind her back, and a footstool placed ready for her feet.
(used of eyes) open and fixed as if in fear or wonder
From this reading Mrs Moffatt flushed, and bit her lower lip, not attempting to defend herself, but staring before her with weary, vacant eyes.
undergo or be subjected to
From this reading It was not in Cornelia's nature to see anyone suffer and not try to help, and if it had been her own mother on whom she was waiting she could not have shown more care and consideration.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading A table was placed by Mrs Moffatt's side, tea was made with exact remembrance of her preferences; a cushion was brought from a sofa to put behind her back, and a footstool placed ready for her feet.
a beverage made by steeping tea leaves in water
From this reading It was a welcome diversion when a waiter entered the room carrying a tray with tea and refreshments, and Cornelia waited on her hostess with an attention which was intended to mitigate her late severity.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It was a welcome diversion when a waiter entered the room carrying a tray with tea and refreshments, and Cornelia waited on her hostess with an attention which was intended to mitigate her late severity.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Mrs Moffatt flushed, and bit her lower lip, not attempting to defend herself, but staring before her with weary, vacant eyes.
traynounUS /treɪ/
an open receptacle for holding or displaying or serving articles or food
From this reading It was a welcome diversion when a waiter entered the room carrying a tray with tea and refreshments, and Cornelia waited on her hostess with an attention which was intended to mitigate her late severity.
make an effort or attempt
From this reading It was not in Cornelia's nature to see anyone suffer and not try to help, and if it had been her own mother on whom she was waiting she could not have shown more care and consideration.
vacantadjectiveUS /ˈveɪkənt/
void of intelligence or thought
From this reading Mrs Moffatt flushed, and bit her lower lip, not attempting to defend herself, but staring before her with weary, vacant eyes.
past form of “wait” — stay in one place and anticipate or expect something
From this reading It was a welcome diversion when a waiter entered the room carrying a tray with tea and refreshments, and Cornelia waited on her hostess with an attention which was intended to mitigate her late severity.
waiternounUS /ˈweɪtər/
a person whose occupation is to serve at table (as in a restaurant)
From this reading It was a welcome diversion when a waiter entered the room carrying a tray with tea and refreshments, and Cornelia waited on her hostess with an attention which was intended to mitigate her late severity.
the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something)
From this reading It was not in Cornelia's nature to see anyone suffer and not try to help, and if it had been her own mother on whom she was waiting she could not have shown more care and consideration.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was a welcome diversion when a waiter entered the room carrying a tray with tea and refreshments, and Cornelia waited on her hostess with an attention which was intended to mitigate her late severity.
exhaust or get tired through overuse or great strain or stress
From this reading Mrs Moffatt flushed, and bit her lower lip, not attempting to defend herself, but staring before her with weary, vacant eyes.
accept gladly
From this reading It was a welcome diversion when a waiter entered the room carrying a tray with tea and refreshments, and Cornelia waited on her hostess with an attention which was intended to mitigate her late severity.
at the time that
From this reading It was a welcome diversion when a waiter entered the room carrying a tray with tea and refreshments, and Cornelia waited on her hostess with an attention which was intended to mitigate her late severity.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading It was a welcome diversion when a waiter entered the room carrying a tray with tea and refreshments, and Cornelia waited on her hostess with an attention which was intended to mitigate her late severity.
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading It was not in Cornelia's nature to see anyone suffer and not try to help, and if it had been her own mother on whom she was waiting she could not have shown more care and consideration.
belonging to which person
From this reading Although a fuller acquaintance of Mrs Moffatt had increased neither liking nor respect, it had developed a sincere pity for a woman whose life was barren of purpose, of interest, apparently of love also.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Mrs Moffatt flushed, and bit her lower lip, not attempting to defend herself, but staring before her with weary, vacant eyes.
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading Although a fuller acquaintance of Mrs Moffatt had increased neither liking nor respect, it had developed a sincere pity for a woman whose life was barren of purpose, of interest, apparently of love also.
