absorbedadjectiveUS /əbˈzɔːrbd/
giving or marked by complete attention to
From this reading She simply sat and absorbed things, with her hands folded in her lap and her whole posture that of trained concentration.
accurateadjectiveUS /ˈækjərət/
conforming exactly or almost exactly to fact or to a standard or performing with total accuracy
From this reading She was an attentive, accurate listener; she seldom interrupted him with questions.
acquiescencenounUS /ˌækwiˈesəns/
acceptance without protest
From this reading She saw that Bill had substantial reasons for at least an outward semblance of acquiescence in his aunt's plans.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading SOCIAL SECRETARYING When half an hour had passed Bill was still talking, and Mary had confirmed certain tentative impressions concerning his respect for the opinions of Aunt Caroline; or, rather, not so much for her opinions as for her authority.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading SOCIAL SECRETARYING When half an hour had passed Bill was still talking, and Mary had confirmed certain tentative impressions concerning his respect for the opinions of Aunt Caroline; or, rather, not so much for her opinions as for her authority.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading SOCIAL SECRETARYING When half an hour had passed Bill was still talking, and Mary had confirmed certain tentative impressions concerning his respect for the opinions of Aunt Caroline; or, rather, not so much for her opinions as for her authority.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading She saw that Bill had substantial reasons for at least an outward semblance of acquiescence in his aunt's plans.
attentiveadjectiveUS /əˈtentɪv/
(often followed by “to”) giving care or attention
From this reading She was an attentive, accurate listener; she seldom interrupted him with questions.
the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle
From this reading SOCIAL SECRETARYING When half an hour had passed Bill was still talking, and Mary had confirmed certain tentative impressions concerning his respect for the opinions of Aunt Caroline; or, rather, not so much for her opinions as for her authority.
aunt'snounUS /ænts/
possessive form of “aunt” — the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle
From this reading She saw that Bill had substantial reasons for at least an outward semblance of acquiescence in his aunt's plans.
the power or right to give orders or make decisions
From this reading SOCIAL SECRETARYING When half an hour had passed Bill was still talking, and Mary had confirmed certain tentative impressions concerning his respect for the opinions of Aunt Caroline; or, rather, not so much for her opinions as for her authority.
a statute in draft before it becomes law
From this reading SOCIAL SECRETARYING When half an hour had passed Bill was still talking, and Mary had confirmed certain tentative impressions concerning his respect for the opinions of Aunt Caroline; or, rather, not so much for her opinions as for her authority.
CarolineadjectiveUS /ˈkerəlaɪn/
of or relating to the life and times of kings Charles I or Charles II of England
From this reading SOCIAL SECRETARYING When half an hour had passed Bill was still talking, and Mary had confirmed certain tentative impressions concerning his respect for the opinions of Aunt Caroline; or, rather, not so much for her opinions as for her authority.
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading SOCIAL SECRETARYING When half an hour had passed Bill was still talking, and Mary had confirmed certain tentative impressions concerning his respect for the opinions of Aunt Caroline; or, rather, not so much for her opinions as for her authority.
concentrationnounUS /ˌkɑːnsənˈtreɪʃən/
the strength of a solution; number of molecules of a substance in a given volume
From this reading She simply sat and absorbed things, with her hands folded in her lap and her whole posture that of trained concentration.
-ing form of “concern” — be relevant to
From this reading SOCIAL SECRETARYING When half an hour had passed Bill was still talking, and Mary had confirmed certain tentative impressions concerning his respect for the opinions of Aunt Caroline; or, rather, not so much for her opinions as for her authority.
confirmedadjectiveUS /kənˈfɜːrmd/
of persons; not subject to change
From this reading SOCIAL SECRETARYING When half an hour had passed Bill was still talking, and Mary had confirmed certain tentative impressions concerning his respect for the opinions of Aunt Caroline; or, rather, not so much for her opinions as for her authority.
posing no difficulty; requiring little effort
From this reading Bill found that it was quite easy to talk to his secretary.
past form of “fold” — bend or lay so that one part covers the other
From this reading She simply sat and absorbed things, with her hands folded in her lap and her whole posture that of trained concentration.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading SOCIAL SECRETARYING When half an hour had passed Bill was still talking, and Mary had confirmed certain tentative impressions concerning his respect for the opinions of Aunt Caroline; or, rather, not so much for her opinions as for her authority.
set up or found
From this reading Bill found that it was quite easy to talk to his secretary.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading SOCIAL SECRETARYING When half an hour had passed Bill was still talking, and Mary had confirmed certain tentative impressions concerning his respect for the opinions of Aunt Caroline; or, rather, not so much for her opinions as for her authority.
consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity
From this reading SOCIAL SECRETARYING When half an hour had passed Bill was still talking, and Mary had confirmed certain tentative impressions concerning his respect for the opinions of Aunt Caroline; or, rather, not so much for her opinions as for her authority.
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading She simply sat and absorbed things, with her hands folded in her lap and her whole posture that of trained concentration.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading SOCIAL SECRETARYING When half an hour had passed Bill was still talking, and Mary had confirmed certain tentative impressions concerning his respect for the opinions of Aunt Caroline; or, rather, not so much for her opinions as for her authority.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading She was an attentive, accurate listener; she seldom interrupted him with questions.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading SOCIAL SECRETARYING When half an hour had passed Bill was still talking, and Mary had confirmed certain tentative impressions concerning his respect for the opinions of Aunt Caroline; or, rather, not so much for her opinions as for her authority.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading SOCIAL SECRETARYING When half an hour had passed Bill was still talking, and Mary had confirmed certain tentative impressions concerning his respect for the opinions of Aunt Caroline; or, rather, not so much for her opinions as for her authority.
impressionsnounUS /ˌɪmˈpreʃənz/
plural of “impression” — a vague idea in which some confidence is placed
From this reading SOCIAL SECRETARYING When half an hour had passed Bill was still talking, and Mary had confirmed certain tentative impressions concerning his respect for the opinions of Aunt Caroline; or, rather, not so much for her opinions as for her authority.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading She saw that Bill had substantial reasons for at least an outward semblance of acquiescence in his aunt's plans.
discontinued temporarily
From this reading She was an attentive, accurate listener; she seldom interrupted him with questions.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Bill found that it was quite easy to talk to his secretary.
lapverbUS /læp/
lie partly over or alongside of something or of one another
From this reading She simply sat and absorbed things, with her hands folded in her lap and her whole posture that of trained concentration.
the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree
From this reading She saw that Bill had substantial reasons for at least an outward semblance of acquiescence in his aunt's plans.
listenernounUS /ˈlɪsənər/
someone who listens attentively
From this reading She was an attentive, accurate listener; she seldom interrupted him with questions.
the mother of Jesus; Christians refer to her as the Virgin Mary; she is especially honored by Roman Catholics
From this reading SOCIAL SECRETARYING When half an hour had passed Bill was still talking, and Mary had confirmed certain tentative impressions concerning his respect for the opinions of Aunt Caroline; or, rather, not so much for her opinions as for her authority.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading SOCIAL SECRETARYING When half an hour had passed Bill was still talking, and Mary had confirmed certain tentative impressions concerning his respect for the opinions of Aunt Caroline; or, rather, not so much for her opinions as for her authority.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading SOCIAL SECRETARYING When half an hour had passed Bill was still talking, and Mary had confirmed certain tentative impressions concerning his respect for the opinions of Aunt Caroline; or, rather, not so much for her opinions as for her authority.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading SOCIAL SECRETARYING When half an hour had passed Bill was still talking, and Mary had confirmed certain tentative impressions concerning his respect for the opinions of Aunt Caroline; or, rather, not so much for her opinions as for her authority.
opinionsnounUS /əˈpɪnjənz/
plural of “opinion” — a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty
From this reading SOCIAL SECRETARYING When half an hour had passed Bill was still talking, and Mary had confirmed certain tentative impressions concerning his respect for the opinions of Aunt Caroline; or, rather, not so much for her opinions as for her authority.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading SOCIAL SECRETARYING When half an hour had passed Bill was still talking, and Mary had confirmed certain tentative impressions concerning his respect for the opinions of Aunt Caroline; or, rather, not so much for her opinions as for her authority.
outwardadjectiveUS /ˈaʊtwərd/
relating to physical reality rather than with thoughts or the mind
From this reading She saw that Bill had substantial reasons for at least an outward semblance of acquiescence in his aunt's plans.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading SOCIAL SECRETARYING When half an hour had passed Bill was still talking, and Mary had confirmed certain tentative impressions concerning his respect for the opinions of Aunt Caroline; or, rather, not so much for her opinions as for her authority.
plural of “plan” — a series of steps to be carried out or goals to be accomplished
From this reading She saw that Bill had substantial reasons for at least an outward semblance of acquiescence in his aunt's plans.
posturenounUS /ˈpɑːstʃər/
the arrangement of the body and its limbs
From this reading She simply sat and absorbed things, with her hands folded in her lap and her whole posture that of trained concentration.
plural of “question” — an instance of questioning
From this reading She was an attentive, accurate listener; she seldom interrupted him with questions.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading Bill found that it was quite easy to talk to his secretary.
on the contrary
From this reading SOCIAL SECRETARYING When half an hour had passed Bill was still talking, and Mary had confirmed certain tentative impressions concerning his respect for the opinions of Aunt Caroline; or, rather, not so much for her opinions as for her authority.
plural of “reason” — a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading She saw that Bill had substantial reasons for at least an outward semblance of acquiescence in his aunt's plans.
(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point
From this reading SOCIAL SECRETARYING When half an hour had passed Bill was still talking, and Mary had confirmed certain tentative impressions concerning his respect for the opinions of Aunt Caroline; or, rather, not so much for her opinions as for her authority.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading She simply sat and absorbed things, with her hands folded in her lap and her whole posture that of trained concentration.
cut with a saw
From this reading She saw that Bill had substantial reasons for at least an outward semblance of acquiescence in his aunt's plans.
a person who is head of an administrative department of government
From this reading Bill found that it was quite easy to talk to his secretary.
SECRETARYING
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SOCIAL SECRETARYING When half an hour had passed Bill was still talking, and Mary had confirmed certain tentative impressions concerning his respect for the opinions of Aunt Caroline; or, rather, not so much for her opinions as for her authority.
not often
From this reading She was an attentive, accurate listener; she seldom interrupted him with questions.
semblancenounUS /ˈsembləns/
an outward or token appearance or form that is deliberately misleading
From this reading She saw that Bill had substantial reasons for at least an outward semblance of acquiescence in his aunt's plans.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She saw that Bill had substantial reasons for at least an outward semblance of acquiescence in his aunt's plans.
and nothing more
From this reading She simply sat and absorbed things, with her hands folded in her lap and her whole posture that of trained concentration.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading SOCIAL SECRETARYING When half an hour had passed Bill was still talking, and Mary had confirmed certain tentative impressions concerning his respect for the opinions of Aunt Caroline; or, rather, not so much for her opinions as for her authority.
relating to human society and its members
From this reading SOCIAL SECRETARYING When half an hour had passed Bill was still talking, and Mary had confirmed certain tentative impressions concerning his respect for the opinions of Aunt Caroline; or, rather, not so much for her opinions as for her authority.
not in physical motion
From this reading SOCIAL SECRETARYING When half an hour had passed Bill was still talking, and Mary had confirmed certain tentative impressions concerning his respect for the opinions of Aunt Caroline; or, rather, not so much for her opinions as for her authority.
substantialadjectiveUS /səbˈstænʃəl/
of considerable importance, size, or worth
From this reading She saw that Bill had substantial reasons for at least an outward semblance of acquiescence in his aunt's plans.
exchange thoughts; talk with
From this reading Bill found that it was quite easy to talk to his secretary.
an exchange of ideas via conversation
From this reading SOCIAL SECRETARYING When half an hour had passed Bill was still talking, and Mary had confirmed certain tentative impressions concerning his respect for the opinions of Aunt Caroline; or, rather, not so much for her opinions as for her authority.
tentativeadjectiveUS /ˈtentətɪv/
under terms not final or fully worked out or agreed upon
From this reading SOCIAL SECRETARYING When half an hour had passed Bill was still talking, and Mary had confirmed certain tentative impressions concerning his respect for the opinions of Aunt Caroline; or, rather, not so much for her opinions as for her authority.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading She saw that Bill had substantial reasons for at least an outward semblance of acquiescence in his aunt's plans.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading SOCIAL SECRETARYING When half an hour had passed Bill was still talking, and Mary had confirmed certain tentative impressions concerning his respect for the opinions of Aunt Caroline; or, rather, not so much for her opinions as for her authority.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading She simply sat and absorbed things, with her hands folded in her lap and her whole posture that of trained concentration.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Bill found that it was quite easy to talk to his secretary.
trainedadjectiveUS /treɪnd/
shaped or conditioned or disciplined by training; often used as a combining form
From this reading She simply sat and absorbed things, with her hands folded in her lap and her whole posture that of trained concentration.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading SOCIAL SECRETARYING When half an hour had passed Bill was still talking, and Mary had confirmed certain tentative impressions concerning his respect for the opinions of Aunt Caroline; or, rather, not so much for her opinions as for her authority.
at the time that
From this reading SOCIAL SECRETARYING When half an hour had passed Bill was still talking, and Mary had confirmed certain tentative impressions concerning his respect for the opinions of Aunt Caroline; or, rather, not so much for her opinions as for her authority.
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading She simply sat and absorbed things, with her hands folded in her lap and her whole posture that of trained concentration.
in the company of; together with
From this reading She was an attentive, accurate listener; she seldom interrupted him with questions.
