Chapter XXVI · Chapter 26

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading We will now return to Miss Gwynne, who pursued her usual avocations until about five o'clock, and then began to wonder what detained Gladys.

(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 She found all her attire already spread upon the bed, as if Gladys anticipated being late; nothing was wanting, and she had nothing to do but to dress.

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading She found all her attire already spread upon the bed, as if Gladys anticipated being late; nothing was wanting, and she had nothing to do but to dress.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading We will now return to Miss Gwynne, who pursued her usual avocations until about five o'clock, and then began to wonder what detained Gladys.

expected hopefully

From this reading She found all her attire already spread upon the bed, as if Gladys anticipated being late; nothing was wanting, and she had nothing to do but to dress.

eagerly desirous

From this reading As it happened, however, she was particularly anxious to look her best that evening; why, she would not even ask herself; but she, who was usually careless of what she wore, provided she were properly attired, began to fidget over wreaths and ornaments as if she were going to her first ball.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading However, as she was quite independent of maids in her toilette, she went to her room and began to dress herself at the usual hour.

make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading As it happened, however, she was particularly anxious to look her best that evening; why, she would not even ask herself; but she, who was usually careless of what she wore, provided she were properly attired, began to fidget over wreaths and ornaments as if she were going to her first ball.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading However, as she was quite independent of maids in her toilette, she went to her room and began to dress herself at the usual hour.

clothing of a distinctive style or for a particular occasion

From this reading She found all her attire already spread upon the bed, as if Gladys anticipated being late; nothing was wanting, and she had nothing to do but to dress.

dressed or clothed especially in fine attire; often used in combination

From this reading As it happened, however, she was particularly anxious to look her best that evening; why, she would not even ask herself; but she, who was usually careless of what she wore, provided she were properly attired, began to fidget over wreaths and ornaments as if she were going to her first ball.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading We will now return to Miss Gwynne, who pursued her usual avocations until about five o'clock, and then began to wonder what detained Gladys.

round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games

From this reading As it happened, however, she was particularly anxious to look her best that evening; why, she would not even ask herself; but she, who was usually careless of what she wore, provided she were properly attired, began to fidget over wreaths and ornaments as if she were going to her first ball.

a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep

From this reading She found all her attire already spread upon the bed, as if Gladys anticipated being late; nothing was wanting, and she had nothing to do but to dress.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading We will now return to Miss Gwynne, who pursued her usual avocations until about five o'clock, and then began to wonder what detained Gladys.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading She found all her attire already spread upon the bed, as if Gladys anticipated being late; nothing was wanting, and she had nothing to do but to dress.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading As it happened, however, she was particularly anxious to look her best that evening; why, she would not even ask herself; but she, who was usually careless of what she wore, provided she were properly attired, began to fidget over wreaths and ornaments as if she were going to her first ball.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading She found all her attire already spread upon the bed, as if Gladys anticipated being late; nothing was wanting, and she had nothing to do but to dress.

marked by lack of attention or consideration or forethought or thoroughness; not careful

From this reading As it happened, however, she was particularly anxious to look her best that evening; why, she would not even ask herself; but she, who was usually careless of what she wore, provided she were properly attired, began to fidget over wreaths and ornaments as if she were going to her first ball.

past form of “detain” — deprive of freedom; take into confinement

From this reading We will now return to Miss Gwynne, who pursued her usual avocations until about five o'clock, and then began to wonder what detained Gladys.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading She found all her attire already spread upon the bed, as if Gladys anticipated being late; nothing was wanting, and she had nothing to do but to dress.

put on clothes

From this reading However, as she was quite independent of maids in her toilette, she went to her room and began to dress herself at the usual hour.

divisible by two

From this reading As it happened, however, she was particularly anxious to look her best that evening; why, she would not even ask herself; but she, who was usually careless of what she wore, provided she were properly attired, began to fidget over wreaths and ornaments as if she were going to her first ball.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading As it happened, however, she was particularly anxious to look her best that evening; why, she would not even ask herself; but she, who was usually careless of what she wore, provided she were properly attired, began to fidget over wreaths and ornaments as if she were going to her first ball.

move restlessly

From this reading As it happened, however, she was particularly anxious to look her best that evening; why, she would not even ask herself; but she, who was usually careless of what she wore, provided she were properly attired, began to fidget over wreaths and ornaments as if she were going to her first ball.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading As it happened, however, she was particularly anxious to look her best that evening; why, she would not even ask herself; but she, who was usually careless of what she wore, provided she were properly attired, began to fidget over wreaths and ornaments as if she were going to her first ball.

the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one

From this reading We will now return to Miss Gwynne, who pursued her usual avocations until about five o'clock, and then began to wonder what detained Gladys.

set up or found

From this reading She found all her attire already spread upon the bed, as if Gladys anticipated being late; nothing was wanting, and she had nothing to do but to dress.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading We will now return to Miss Gwynne, who pursued her usual avocations until about five o'clock, and then began to wonder what detained Gladys.

the act of departing

From this reading As it happened, however, she was particularly anxious to look her best that evening; why, she would not even ask herself; but she, who was usually careless of what she wore, provided she were properly attired, began to fidget over wreaths and ornaments as if she were going to her first ball.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading We will now return to Miss Gwynne, who pursued her usual avocations until about five o'clock, and then began to wonder what detained Gladys.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading She found all her attire already spread upon the bed, as if Gladys anticipated being late; nothing was wanting, and she had nothing to do but to dress.

past form of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading As it happened, however, she was particularly anxious to look her best that evening; why, she would not even ask herself; but she, who was usually careless of what she wore, provided she were properly attired, began to fidget over wreaths and ornaments as if she were going to her first ball.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading We will now return to Miss Gwynne, who pursued her usual avocations until about five o'clock, and then began to wonder what detained Gladys.

used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object

From this reading However, as she was quite independent of maids in her toilette, she went to her room and began to dress herself at the usual hour.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading However, as she was quite independent of maids in her toilette, she went to her room and began to dress herself at the usual hour.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading However, as she was quite independent of maids in her toilette, she went to her room and began to dress herself at the usual hour.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading She found all her attire already spread upon the bed, as if Gladys anticipated being late; nothing was wanting, and she had nothing to do but to dress.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading However, as she was quite independent of maids in her toilette, she went to her room and began to dress herself at the usual hour.

free from external control and constraint

From this reading However, as she was quite independent of maids in her toilette, she went to her room and began to dress herself at the usual hour.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading As it happened, however, she was particularly anxious to look her best that evening; why, she would not even ask herself; but she, who was usually careless of what she wore, provided she were properly attired, began to fidget over wreaths and ornaments as if she were going to her first ball.

being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time

From this reading She found all her attire already spread upon the bed, as if Gladys anticipated being late; nothing was wanting, and she had nothing to do but to dress.

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading As it happened, however, she was particularly anxious to look her best that evening; why, she would not even ask herself; but she, who was usually careless of what she wore, provided she were properly attired, began to fidget over wreaths and ornaments as if she were going to her first ball.

plural of “maid” — a female domestic

From this reading However, as she was quite independent of maids in her toilette, she went to her room and began to dress herself at the usual hour.

fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind

From this reading We will now return to Miss Gwynne, who pursued her usual avocations until about five o'clock, and then began to wonder what detained Gladys.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading As it happened, however, she was particularly anxious to look her best that evening; why, she would not even ask herself; but she, who was usually careless of what she wore, provided she were properly attired, began to fidget over wreaths and ornaments as if she were going to her first ball.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading She found all her attire already spread upon the bed, as if Gladys anticipated being late; nothing was wanting, and she had nothing to do but to dress.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading We will now return to Miss Gwynne, who pursued her usual avocations until about five o'clock, and then began to wonder what detained Gladys.

according to the clock

From this reading We will now return to Miss Gwynne, who pursued her usual avocations until about five o'clock, and then began to wonder what detained Gladys.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading However, as she was quite independent of maids in her toilette, she went to her room and began to dress herself at the usual hour.

plural of “ornament” — something used to beautify

From this reading As it happened, however, she was particularly anxious to look her best that evening; why, she would not even ask herself; but she, who was usually careless of what she wore, provided she were properly attired, began to fidget over wreaths and ornaments as if she were going to her first ball.

above and across; more than

From this reading As it happened, however, she was particularly anxious to look her best that evening; why, she would not even ask herself; but she, who was usually careless of what she wore, provided she were properly attired, began to fidget over wreaths and ornaments as if she were going to her first ball.

to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common

From this reading As it happened, however, she was particularly anxious to look her best that evening; why, she would not even ask herself; but she, who was usually careless of what she wore, provided she were properly attired, began to fidget over wreaths and ornaments as if she were going to her first ball.

in the right manner; correctly; suitably

From this reading As it happened, however, she was particularly anxious to look her best that evening; why, she would not even ask herself; but she, who was usually careless of what she wore, provided she were properly attired, began to fidget over wreaths and ornaments as if she were going to her first ball.

past form of “provide” — give something useful or necessary to

From this reading As it happened, however, she was particularly anxious to look her best that evening; why, she would not even ask herself; but she, who was usually careless of what she wore, provided she were properly attired, began to fidget over wreaths and ornaments as if she were going to her first ball.

a person who is being chased

From this reading We will now return to Miss Gwynne, who pursued her usual avocations until about five o'clock, and then began to wonder what detained Gladys.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading However, as she was quite independent of maids in her toilette, she went to her room and began to dress herself at the usual hour.

go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading We will now return to Miss Gwynne, who pursued her usual avocations until about five o'clock, and then began to wonder what detained Gladys.

plural of “rival” — the contestant you hope to defeat

From this reading THE RIVALS.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading However, as she was quite independent of maids in her toilette, she went to her room and began to dress herself at the usual hour.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading However, as she was quite independent of maids in her toilette, she went to her room and began to dress herself at the usual hour.

distribute or disperse widely

From this reading She found all her attire already spread upon the bed, as if Gladys anticipated being late; nothing was wanting, and she had nothing to do but to dress.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading As it happened, however, she was particularly anxious to look her best that evening; why, she would not even ask herself; but she, who was usually careless of what she wore, provided she were properly attired, began to fidget over wreaths and ornaments as if she were going to her first ball.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading THE RIVALS.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading We will now return to Miss Gwynne, who pursued her usual avocations until about five o'clock, and then began to wonder what detained Gladys.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading We will now return to Miss Gwynne, who pursued her usual avocations until about five o'clock, and then began to wonder what detained Gladys.

the act of dressing and preparing yourself

From this reading However, as she was quite independent of maids in her toilette, she went to her room and began to dress herself at the usual hour.

up to a particular time

From this reading We will now return to Miss Gwynne, who pursued her usual avocations until about five o'clock, and then began to wonder what detained Gladys.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading She found all her attire already spread upon the bed, as if Gladys anticipated being late; nothing was wanting, and she had nothing to do but to dress.

occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure

From this reading We will now return to Miss Gwynne, who pursued her usual avocations until about five o'clock, and then began to wonder what detained Gladys.

under normal conditions

From this reading As it happened, however, she was particularly anxious to look her best that evening; why, she would not even ask herself; but she, who was usually careless of what she wore, provided she were properly attired, began to fidget over wreaths and ornaments as if she were going to her first ball.

nonexistent

From this reading She found all her attire already spread upon the bed, as if Gladys anticipated being late; nothing was wanting, and she had nothing to do but to dress.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading However, as she was quite independent of maids in her toilette, she went to her room and began to dress herself at the usual hour.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading We will now return to Miss Gwynne, who pursued her usual avocations until about five o'clock, and then began to wonder what detained Gladys.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading However, as she was quite independent of maids in her toilette, she went to her room and began to dress herself at the usual hour.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading As it happened, however, she was particularly anxious to look her best that evening; why, she would not even ask herself; but she, who was usually careless of what she wore, provided she were properly attired, began to fidget over wreaths and ornaments as if she were going to her first ball.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading We will now return to Miss Gwynne, who pursued her usual avocations until about five o'clock, and then began to wonder what detained Gladys.

which person or people

From this reading We will now return to Miss Gwynne, who pursued her usual avocations until about five o'clock, and then began to wonder what detained Gladys.

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading As it happened, however, she was particularly anxious to look her best that evening; why, she would not even ask herself; but she, who was usually careless of what she wore, provided she were properly attired, began to fidget over wreaths and ornaments as if she were going to her first ball.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading We will now return to Miss Gwynne, who pursued her usual avocations until about five o'clock, and then began to wonder what detained Gladys.

the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising

From this reading We will now return to Miss Gwynne, who pursued her usual avocations until about five o'clock, and then began to wonder what detained Gladys.

inflected form of “wear” — be dressed in

From this reading As it happened, however, she was particularly anxious to look her best that evening; why, she would not even ask herself; but she, who was usually careless of what she wore, provided she were properly attired, began to fidget over wreaths and ornaments as if she were going to her first ball.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading As it happened, however, she was particularly anxious to look her best that evening; why, she would not even ask herself; but she, who was usually careless of what she wore, provided she were properly attired, began to fidget over wreaths and ornaments as if she were going to her first ball.

plural of “wreath” — flower arrangement consisting of a circular band of foliage or flowers for ornamental purposes

From this reading As it happened, however, she was particularly anxious to look her best that evening; why, she would not even ask herself; but she, who was usually careless of what she wore, provided she were properly attired, began to fidget over wreaths and ornaments as if she were going to her first ball.