used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading WOMAN PROPOSES Ruth had abandoned her pleading at a clever moment, for she had left Helena with a sense of pity, and pity means more to a woman than conviction.
abandonedadjectiveUS /əˈbændənd/
forsaken by owner or inhabitants
From this reading WOMAN PROPOSES Ruth had abandoned her pleading at a clever moment, for she had left Helena with a sense of pity, and pity means more to a woman than conviction.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading It had been on her tongue yesterday, when he was so contemptuous about her book being popular claptrap, herself an amateur, to answer: "Well, I have found out about your own work too: it tries to be popular and isn't,"--to tell him she had also learnt that one could write without upsetting the whole household by one's fads and poses....
in addition
From this reading It had been on her tongue yesterday, when he was so contemptuous about her book being popular claptrap, herself an amateur, to answer: "Well, I have found out about your own work too: it tries to be popular and isn't,"--to tell him she had also learnt that one could write without upsetting the whole household by one's fads and poses....
amateurnounUS /ˈæmətɜːr/
someone who pursues a study or sport as a pastime
From this reading It had been on her tongue yesterday, when he was so contemptuous about her book being popular claptrap, herself an amateur, to answer: "Well, I have found out about your own work too: it tries to be popular and isn't,"--to tell him she had also learnt that one could write without upsetting the whole household by one's fads and poses....
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading It had been on her tongue yesterday, when he was so contemptuous about her book being popular claptrap, herself an amateur, to answer: "Well, I have found out about your own work too: it tries to be popular and isn't,"--to tell him she had also learnt that one could write without upsetting the whole household by one's fads and poses....
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading WOMAN PROPOSES Ruth had abandoned her pleading at a clever moment, for she had left Helena with a sense of pity, and pity means more to a woman than conviction.
react verbally
From this reading It had been on her tongue yesterday, when he was so contemptuous about her book being popular claptrap, herself an amateur, to answer: "Well, I have found out about your own work too: it tries to be popular and isn't,"--to tell him she had also learnt that one could write without upsetting the whole household by one's fads and poses....
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading WOMAN PROPOSES Ruth had abandoned her pleading at a clever moment, for she had left Helena with a sense of pity, and pity means more to a woman than conviction.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading It had been on her tongue yesterday, when he was so contemptuous about her book being popular claptrap, herself an amateur, to answer: "Well, I have found out about your own work too: it tries to be popular and isn't,"--to tell him she had also learnt that one could write without upsetting the whole household by one's fads and poses....
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading It had been on her tongue yesterday, when he was so contemptuous about her book being popular claptrap, herself an amateur, to answer: "Well, I have found out about your own work too: it tries to be popular and isn't,"--to tell him she had also learnt that one could write without upsetting the whole household by one's fads and poses....
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading It had been on her tongue yesterday, when he was so contemptuous about her book being popular claptrap, herself an amateur, to answer: "Well, I have found out about your own work too: it tries to be popular and isn't,"--to tell him she had also learnt that one could write without upsetting the whole household by one's fads and poses....
a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)
From this reading It had been on her tongue yesterday, when he was so contemptuous about her book being popular claptrap, herself an amateur, to answer: "Well, I have found out about your own work too: it tries to be popular and isn't,"--to tell him she had also learnt that one could write without upsetting the whole household by one's fads and poses....
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But in the end she hadn't.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading It had been on her tongue yesterday, when he was so contemptuous about her book being popular claptrap, herself an amateur, to answer: "Well, I have found out about your own work too: it tries to be popular and isn't,"--to tell him she had also learnt that one could write without upsetting the whole household by one's fads and poses....
claptrapnoun
pompous or pretentious talk or writing
From this reading It had been on her tongue yesterday, when he was so contemptuous about her book being popular claptrap, herself an amateur, to answer: "Well, I have found out about your own work too: it tries to be popular and isn't,"--to tell him she had also learnt that one could write without upsetting the whole household by one's fads and poses....
showing self-interest and shrewdness in dealing with others
From this reading WOMAN PROPOSES Ruth had abandoned her pleading at a clever moment, for she had left Helena with a sense of pity, and pity means more to a woman than conviction.
contemptuousadjectiveUS /kənˈtemptʃuːəs/
expressing extreme contempt
From this reading It had been on her tongue yesterday, when he was so contemptuous about her book being popular claptrap, herself an amateur, to answer: "Well, I have found out about your own work too: it tries to be popular and isn't,"--to tell him she had also learnt that one could write without upsetting the whole household by one's fads and poses....
an unshakable belief in something without need for proof or evidence
From this reading WOMAN PROPOSES Ruth had abandoned her pleading at a clever moment, for she had left Helena with a sense of pity, and pity means more to a woman than conviction.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading It had been on her tongue yesterday, when he was so contemptuous about her book being popular claptrap, herself an amateur, to answer: "Well, I have found out about your own work too: it tries to be popular and isn't,"--to tell him she had also learnt that one could write without upsetting the whole household by one's fads and poses....
either extremity of something that has length
From this reading But in the end she hadn't.
fadsnounUS /fædz/
plural of “fad” — an interest followed with exaggerated zeal
From this reading It had been on her tongue yesterday, when he was so contemptuous about her book being popular claptrap, herself an amateur, to answer: "Well, I have found out about your own work too: it tries to be popular and isn't,"--to tell him she had also learnt that one could write without upsetting the whole household by one's fads and poses....
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading WOMAN PROPOSES Ruth had abandoned her pleading at a clever moment, for she had left Helena with a sense of pity, and pity means more to a woman than conviction.
set up or found
From this reading It had been on her tongue yesterday, when he was so contemptuous about her book being popular claptrap, herself an amateur, to answer: "Well, I have found out about your own work too: it tries to be popular and isn't,"--to tell him she had also learnt that one could write without upsetting the whole household by one's fads and poses....
showing or causing joy and pleasure; especially made happy
From this reading She was glad now, oh so glad, that she had spared him.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading WOMAN PROPOSES Ruth had abandoned her pleading at a clever moment, for she had left Helena with a sense of pity, and pity means more to a woman than conviction.
hadn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But in the end she hadn't.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading It had been on her tongue yesterday, when he was so contemptuous about her book being popular claptrap, herself an amateur, to answer: "Well, I have found out about your own work too: it tries to be popular and isn't,"--to tell him she had also learnt that one could write without upsetting the whole household by one's fads and poses....
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading It had been on her tongue yesterday, when he was so contemptuous about her book being popular claptrap, herself an amateur, to answer: "Well, I have found out about your own work too: it tries to be popular and isn't,"--to tell him she had also learnt that one could write without upsetting the whole household by one's fads and poses....
HelenanounUS /ˈhelənə/
capital of the state of Montana; located in western Montana
From this reading WOMAN PROPOSES Ruth had abandoned her pleading at a clever moment, for she had left Helena with a sense of pity, and pity means more to a woman than conviction.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading WOMAN PROPOSES Ruth had abandoned her pleading at a clever moment, for she had left Helena with a sense of pity, and pity means more to a woman than conviction.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading It had been on her tongue yesterday, when he was so contemptuous about her book being popular claptrap, herself an amateur, to answer: "Well, I have found out about your own work too: it tries to be popular and isn't,"--to tell him she had also learnt that one could write without upsetting the whole household by one's fads and poses....
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading She was glad now, oh so glad, that she had spared him.
a social unit living together
From this reading It had been on her tongue yesterday, when he was so contemptuous about her book being popular claptrap, herself an amateur, to answer: "Well, I have found out about your own work too: it tries to be popular and isn't,"--to tell him she had also learnt that one could write without upsetting the whole household by one's fads and poses....
Hubert
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Poor old Hubert!
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading It had been on her tongue yesterday, when he was so contemptuous about her book being popular claptrap, herself an amateur, to answer: "Well, I have found out about your own work too: it tries to be popular and isn't,"--to tell him she had also learnt that one could write without upsetting the whole household by one's fads and poses....
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading But in the end she hadn't.
isn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It had been on her tongue yesterday, when he was so contemptuous about her book being popular claptrap, herself an amateur, to answer: "Well, I have found out about your own work too: it tries to be popular and isn't,"--to tell him she had also learnt that one could write without upsetting the whole household by one's fads and poses....
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It had been on her tongue yesterday, when he was so contemptuous about her book being popular claptrap, herself an amateur, to answer: "Well, I have found out about your own work too: it tries to be popular and isn't,"--to tell him she had also learnt that one could write without upsetting the whole household by one's fads and poses....
learntverbUS /lɜːrnt/
inflected form of “learn” — gain knowledge or skills
From this reading It had been on her tongue yesterday, when he was so contemptuous about her book being popular claptrap, herself an amateur, to answer: "Well, I have found out about your own work too: it tries to be popular and isn't,"--to tell him she had also learnt that one could write without upsetting the whole household by one's fads and poses....
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading WOMAN PROPOSES Ruth had abandoned her pleading at a clever moment, for she had left Helena with a sense of pity, and pity means more to a woman than conviction.
thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end
From this reading WOMAN PROPOSES Ruth had abandoned her pleading at a clever moment, for she had left Helena with a sense of pity, and pity means more to a woman than conviction.
a particular point in time
From this reading WOMAN PROPOSES Ruth had abandoned her pleading at a clever moment, for she had left Helena with a sense of pity, and pity means more to a woman than conviction.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading WOMAN PROPOSES Ruth had abandoned her pleading at a clever moment, for she had left Helena with a sense of pity, and pity means more to a woman than conviction.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading She was glad now, oh so glad, that she had spared him.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading WOMAN PROPOSES Ruth had abandoned her pleading at a clever moment, for she had left Helena with a sense of pity, and pity means more to a woman than conviction.
a midwestern state in north central United States in the Great Lakes region
From this reading She was glad now, oh so glad, that she had spared him.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading Poor old Hubert!
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading It had been on her tongue yesterday, when he was so contemptuous about her book being popular claptrap, herself an amateur, to answer: "Well, I have found out about your own work too: it tries to be popular and isn't,"--to tell him she had also learnt that one could write without upsetting the whole household by one's fads and poses....
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading It had been on her tongue yesterday, when he was so contemptuous about her book being popular claptrap, herself an amateur, to answer: "Well, I have found out about your own work too: it tries to be popular and isn't,"--to tell him she had also learnt that one could write without upsetting the whole household by one's fads and poses....
one's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It had been on her tongue yesterday, when he was so contemptuous about her book being popular claptrap, herself an amateur, to answer: "Well, I have found out about your own work too: it tries to be popular and isn't,"--to tell him she had also learnt that one could write without upsetting the whole household by one's fads and poses....
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading It had been on her tongue yesterday, when he was so contemptuous about her book being popular claptrap, herself an amateur, to answer: "Well, I have found out about your own work too: it tries to be popular and isn't,"--to tell him she had also learnt that one could write without upsetting the whole household by one's fads and poses....
have ownership or possession of
From this reading It had been on her tongue yesterday, when he was so contemptuous about her book being popular claptrap, herself an amateur, to answer: "Well, I have found out about your own work too: it tries to be popular and isn't,"--to tell him she had also learnt that one could write without upsetting the whole household by one's fads and poses....
a feeling of sympathy and sorrow for the misfortunes of others
From this reading WOMAN PROPOSES Ruth had abandoned her pleading at a clever moment, for she had left Helena with a sense of pity, and pity means more to a woman than conviction.
pleadingnounUS /ˈpliːdɪŋ/
(law) a statement in legal and logical form stating something on behalf of a party to a legal proceeding
From this reading WOMAN PROPOSES Ruth had abandoned her pleading at a clever moment, for she had left Helena with a sense of pity, and pity means more to a woman than conviction.
deserving or inciting pity
From this reading Poor old Hubert!
regarded with great favor, approval, or affection especially by the general public
From this reading It had been on her tongue yesterday, when he was so contemptuous about her book being popular claptrap, herself an amateur, to answer: "Well, I have found out about your own work too: it tries to be popular and isn't,"--to tell him she had also learnt that one could write without upsetting the whole household by one's fads and poses....
posesnounUS /ˈpoʊzəz/
plural of “pose” — affected manners intended to impress others
From this reading It had been on her tongue yesterday, when he was so contemptuous about her book being popular claptrap, herself an amateur, to answer: "Well, I have found out about your own work too: it tries to be popular and isn't,"--to tell him she had also learnt that one could write without upsetting the whole household by one's fads and poses....
PROPOSESverbUS /prəˈpoʊzɪz/
third-person singular of “propose” — make a proposal, declare a plan for something
From this reading WOMAN PROPOSES Ruth had abandoned her pleading at a clever moment, for she had left Helena with a sense of pity, and pity means more to a woman than conviction.
United States professional baseball player famous for hitting home runs (1895-1948)
From this reading WOMAN PROPOSES Ruth had abandoned her pleading at a clever moment, for she had left Helena with a sense of pity, and pity means more to a woman than conviction.
a general conscious awareness
From this reading WOMAN PROPOSES Ruth had abandoned her pleading at a clever moment, for she had left Helena with a sense of pity, and pity means more to a woman than conviction.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading WOMAN PROPOSES Ruth had abandoned her pleading at a clever moment, for she had left Helena with a sense of pity, and pity means more to a woman than conviction.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading She was glad now, oh so glad, that she had spared him.
sparedverbUS /sperd/
past form of “spare” — refrain from harming
From this reading She was glad now, oh so glad, that she had spared him.
express in words
From this reading It had been on her tongue yesterday, when he was so contemptuous about her book being popular claptrap, herself an amateur, to answer: "Well, I have found out about your own work too: it tries to be popular and isn't,"--to tell him she had also learnt that one could write without upsetting the whole household by one's fads and poses....
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading WOMAN PROPOSES Ruth had abandoned her pleading at a clever moment, for she had left Helena with a sense of pity, and pity means more to a woman than conviction.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading She was glad now, oh so glad, that she had spared him.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It had been on her tongue yesterday, when he was so contemptuous about her book being popular claptrap, herself an amateur, to answer: "Well, I have found out about your own work too: it tries to be popular and isn't,"--to tell him she had also learnt that one could write without upsetting the whole household by one's fads and poses....
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading WOMAN PROPOSES Ruth had abandoned her pleading at a clever moment, for she had left Helena with a sense of pity, and pity means more to a woman than conviction.
a mobile mass of muscular tissue covered with mucous membrane and located in the oral cavity
From this reading It had been on her tongue yesterday, when he was so contemptuous about her book being popular claptrap, herself an amateur, to answer: "Well, I have found out about your own work too: it tries to be popular and isn't,"--to tell him she had also learnt that one could write without upsetting the whole household by one's fads and poses....
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading It had been on her tongue yesterday, when he was so contemptuous about her book being popular claptrap, herself an amateur, to answer: "Well, I have found out about your own work too: it tries to be popular and isn't,"--to tell him she had also learnt that one could write without upsetting the whole household by one's fads and poses....
triesnounUS /traɪz/
plural of “try” — earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading It had been on her tongue yesterday, when he was so contemptuous about her book being popular claptrap, herself an amateur, to answer: "Well, I have found out about your own work too: it tries to be popular and isn't,"--to tell him she had also learnt that one could write without upsetting the whole household by one's fads and poses....
upsettingadjectiveUS /əpˈsetɪŋ/
causing an emotional disturbance
From this reading It had been on her tongue yesterday, when he was so contemptuous about her book being popular claptrap, herself an amateur, to answer: "Well, I have found out about your own work too: it tries to be popular and isn't,"--to tell him she had also learnt that one could write without upsetting the whole household by one's fads and poses....
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading She was glad now, oh so glad, that she had spared him.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading It had been on her tongue yesterday, when he was so contemptuous about her book being popular claptrap, herself an amateur, to answer: "Well, I have found out about your own work too: it tries to be popular and isn't,"--to tell him she had also learnt that one could write without upsetting the whole household by one's fads and poses....
at the time that
From this reading It had been on her tongue yesterday, when he was so contemptuous about her book being popular claptrap, herself an amateur, to answer: "Well, I have found out about your own work too: it tries to be popular and isn't,"--to tell him she had also learnt that one could write without upsetting the whole household by one's fads and poses....
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading It had been on her tongue yesterday, when he was so contemptuous about her book being popular claptrap, herself an amateur, to answer: "Well, I have found out about your own work too: it tries to be popular and isn't,"--to tell him she had also learnt that one could write without upsetting the whole household by one's fads and poses....
in the company of; together with
From this reading WOMAN PROPOSES Ruth had abandoned her pleading at a clever moment, for she had left Helena with a sense of pity, and pity means more to a woman than conviction.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading It had been on her tongue yesterday, when he was so contemptuous about her book being popular claptrap, herself an amateur, to answer: "Well, I have found out about your own work too: it tries to be popular and isn't,"--to tell him she had also learnt that one could write without upsetting the whole household by one's fads and poses....
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading WOMAN PROPOSES Ruth had abandoned her pleading at a clever moment, for she had left Helena with a sense of pity, and pity means more to a woman than conviction.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading It had been on her tongue yesterday, when he was so contemptuous about her book being popular claptrap, herself an amateur, to answer: "Well, I have found out about your own work too: it tries to be popular and isn't,"--to tell him she had also learnt that one could write without upsetting the whole household by one's fads and poses....
produce a literary work
From this reading It had been on her tongue yesterday, when he was so contemptuous about her book being popular claptrap, herself an amateur, to answer: "Well, I have found out about your own work too: it tries to be popular and isn't,"--to tell him she had also learnt that one could write without upsetting the whole household by one's fads and poses....
the day immediately before today
From this reading It had been on her tongue yesterday, when he was so contemptuous about her book being popular claptrap, herself an amateur, to answer: "Well, I have found out about your own work too: it tries to be popular and isn't,"--to tell him she had also learnt that one could write without upsetting the whole household by one's fads and poses....
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading It had been on her tongue yesterday, when he was so contemptuous about her book being popular claptrap, herself an amateur, to answer: "Well, I have found out about your own work too: it tries to be popular and isn't,"--to tell him she had also learnt that one could write without upsetting the whole household by one's fads and poses....
