used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Moreover, he ascertained that she frequented half the baths in Europe in the effort to prolong a fast declining sense of humour--on the principle, no doubt, that life is a joke and death is not.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading THE GRAND DUCHESS He went about it deliberately.
consider or hold as true
From this reading Corky was not satisfied to accept rumour as fact, so he undertook an investigation on his own account.
(followed by “to”) in agreement with or accordant with
From this reading According to report, the Grand Duchess was worth fifteen millions.
a record or narrative description of past events
From this reading Corky was not satisfied to accept rumour as fact, so he undertook an investigation on his own account.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Corky was not satisfied to accept rumour as fact, so he undertook an investigation on his own account.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Moreover, he ascertained that she frequented half the baths in Europe in the effort to prolong a fast declining sense of humour--on the principle, no doubt, that life is a joke and death is not.
arguedverbUS /ˈɑːrɡjuːd/
past form of “argue” — present reasons and arguments
From this reading From reliable sources, he soon learned that she possessed but ten millions, but, he argued, it was better to know it in the beginning than to wait until she died to find out that her fortune had undergone the customary shrinkage.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Corky was not satisfied to accept rumour as fact, so he undertook an investigation on his own account.
ascertainedadjectiveUS /ˌæsərˈteɪnd/
discovered or determined by scientific observation
From this reading Moreover, he ascertained that she frequented half the baths in Europe in the effort to prolong a fast declining sense of humour--on the principle, no doubt, that life is a joke and death is not.
bathsnounUS /bæθs/
plural of “bath” — a vessel containing liquid in which something is immersed (as to process it or to maintain it at a constant temperature or to lubricate it)
From this reading Moreover, he ascertained that she frequented half the baths in Europe in the effort to prolong a fast declining sense of humour--on the principle, no doubt, that life is a joke and death is not.
the event consisting of the start of something
From this reading From reliable sources, he soon learned that she possessed but ten millions, but, he argued, it was better to know it in the beginning than to wait until she died to find out that her fortune had undergone the customary shrinkage.
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading From reliable sources, he soon learned that she possessed but ten millions, but, he argued, it was better to know it in the beginning than to wait until she died to find out that her fortune had undergone the customary shrinkage.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading From reliable sources, he soon learned that she possessed but ten millions, but, he argued, it was better to know it in the beginning than to wait until she died to find out that her fortune had undergone the customary shrinkage.
CorkyadjectiveUS /ˈkɔːrki/
(of wine) tainted in flavor by a cork containing excess tannin
From this reading Corky was not satisfied to accept rumour as fact, so he undertook an investigation on his own account.
customaryadjectiveUS /ˈkʌstəmeri/
in accordance with convention or custom
From this reading From reliable sources, he soon learned that she possessed but ten millions, but, he argued, it was better to know it in the beginning than to wait until she died to find out that her fortune had undergone the customary shrinkage.
the event of dying or departure from life
From this reading Moreover, he ascertained that she frequented half the baths in Europe in the effort to prolong a fast declining sense of humour--on the principle, no doubt, that life is a joke and death is not.
decliningverbUS /dɪˈklaɪnɪŋ/
-ing form of “decline” — grow worse
From this reading Moreover, he ascertained that she frequented half the baths in Europe in the effort to prolong a fast declining sense of humour--on the principle, no doubt, that life is a joke and death is not.
deliberatelyadverbUS /dɪˈlɪbərətli/
with intention; in an intentional manner
From this reading THE GRAND DUCHESS He went about it deliberately.
past form of “die” — pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life
From this reading From reliable sources, he soon learned that she possessed but ten millions, but, he argued, it was better to know it in the beginning than to wait until she died to find out that her fortune had undergone the customary shrinkage.
the state of being unsure of something
From this reading Moreover, he ascertained that she frequented half the baths in Europe in the effort to prolong a fast declining sense of humour--on the principle, no doubt, that life is a joke and death is not.
the wife of a duke or a woman holding ducal title in her own right
From this reading THE GRAND DUCHESS He went about it deliberately.
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading Moreover, he ascertained that she frequented half the baths in Europe in the effort to prolong a fast declining sense of humour--on the principle, no doubt, that life is a joke and death is not.
the 2nd smallest continent (actually a vast peninsula of Eurasia); the British use “Europe” to refer to all of the continent except the British Isles
From this reading Moreover, he ascertained that she frequented half the baths in Europe in the effort to prolong a fast declining sense of humour--on the principle, no doubt, that life is a joke and death is not.
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading Corky was not satisfied to accept rumour as fact, so he undertook an investigation on his own account.
quickly or rapidly (often used as a combining form)
From this reading Moreover, he ascertained that she frequented half the baths in Europe in the effort to prolong a fast declining sense of humour--on the principle, no doubt, that life is a joke and death is not.
the cardinal number that is the sum of fourteen and one
From this reading According to report, the Grand Duchess was worth fifteen millions.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading From reliable sources, he soon learned that she possessed but ten millions, but, he argued, it was better to know it in the beginning than to wait until she died to find out that her fortune had undergone the customary shrinkage.
an unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that causes an event to result one way rather than another
From this reading From reliable sources, he soon learned that she possessed but ten millions, but, he argued, it was better to know it in the beginning than to wait until she died to find out that her fortune had undergone the customary shrinkage.
frequentedverbUS /ˈfriːkwəntɪd/
past form of “frequent” — do one's shopping at; do business with; be a customer or client of
From this reading Moreover, he ascertained that she frequented half the baths in Europe in the effort to prolong a fast declining sense of humour--on the principle, no doubt, that life is a joke and death is not.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading From reliable sources, he soon learned that she possessed but ten millions, but, he argued, it was better to know it in the beginning than to wait until she died to find out that her fortune had undergone the customary shrinkage.
of behavior that is impressive and ambitious in scale or scope
From this reading THE GRAND DUCHESS He went about it deliberately.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading From reliable sources, he soon learned that she possessed but ten millions, but, he argued, it was better to know it in the beginning than to wait until she died to find out that her fortune had undergone the customary shrinkage.
consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity
From this reading Moreover, he ascertained that she frequented half the baths in Europe in the effort to prolong a fast declining sense of humour--on the principle, no doubt, that life is a joke and death is not.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading THE GRAND DUCHESS He went about it deliberately.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading From reliable sources, he soon learned that she possessed but ten millions, but, he argued, it was better to know it in the beginning than to wait until she died to find out that her fortune had undergone the customary shrinkage.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Corky was not satisfied to accept rumour as fact, so he undertook an investigation on his own account.
a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling
From this reading Moreover, he ascertained that she frequented half the baths in Europe in the effort to prolong a fast declining sense of humour--on the principle, no doubt, that life is a joke and death is not.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading From reliable sources, he soon learned that she possessed but ten millions, but, he argued, it was better to know it in the beginning than to wait until she died to find out that her fortune had undergone the customary shrinkage.
investigationnounUS /ˌɪnvestəˈɡeɪʃən/
an inquiry into unfamiliar or questionable activities
From this reading Corky was not satisfied to accept rumour as fact, so he undertook an investigation on his own account.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Moreover, he ascertained that she frequented half the baths in Europe in the effort to prolong a fast declining sense of humour--on the principle, no doubt, that life is a joke and death is not.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading THE GRAND DUCHESS He went about it deliberately.
a humorous anecdote or remark intended to provoke laughter
From this reading Moreover, he ascertained that she frequented half the baths in Europe in the effort to prolong a fast declining sense of humour--on the principle, no doubt, that life is a joke and death is not.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading From reliable sources, he soon learned that she possessed but ten millions, but, he argued, it was better to know it in the beginning than to wait until she died to find out that her fortune had undergone the customary shrinkage.
having or showing profound knowledge
From this reading From reliable sources, he soon learned that she possessed but ten millions, but, he argued, it was better to know it in the beginning than to wait until she died to find out that her fortune had undergone the customary shrinkage.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Moreover, he ascertained that she frequented half the baths in Europe in the effort to prolong a fast declining sense of humour--on the principle, no doubt, that life is a joke and death is not.
plural of “million” — the number that is represented as a one followed by 6 zeros
From this reading According to report, the Grand Duchess was worth fifteen millions.
in addition to what has just been said
From this reading Moreover, he ascertained that she frequented half the baths in Europe in the effort to prolong a fast declining sense of humour--on the principle, no doubt, that life is a joke and death is not.
not any; not one
From this reading Moreover, he ascertained that she frequented half the baths in Europe in the effort to prolong a fast declining sense of humour--on the principle, no doubt, that life is a joke and death is not.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Corky was not satisfied to accept rumour as fact, so he undertook an investigation on his own account.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Moreover, he ascertained that she frequented half the baths in Europe in the effort to prolong a fast declining sense of humour--on the principle, no doubt, that life is a joke and death is not.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Corky was not satisfied to accept rumour as fact, so he undertook an investigation on his own account.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading From reliable sources, he soon learned that she possessed but ten millions, but, he argued, it was better to know it in the beginning than to wait until she died to find out that her fortune had undergone the customary shrinkage.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading Corky was not satisfied to accept rumour as fact, so he undertook an investigation on his own account.
influenced or controlled by a powerful force such as a strong emotion
From this reading From reliable sources, he soon learned that she possessed but ten millions, but, he argued, it was better to know it in the beginning than to wait until she died to find out that her fortune had undergone the customary shrinkage.
a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct
From this reading Moreover, he ascertained that she frequented half the baths in Europe in the effort to prolong a fast declining sense of humour--on the principle, no doubt, that life is a joke and death is not.
prolongverbUS /prəˈlɔːŋ/
lengthen in time; cause to be or last longer
From this reading Moreover, he ascertained that she frequented half the baths in Europe in the effort to prolong a fast declining sense of humour--on the principle, no doubt, that life is a joke and death is not.
reliableadjectiveUS /rɪˈlaɪəbəl/
worthy of reliance or trust
From this reading From reliable sources, he soon learned that she possessed but ten millions, but, he argued, it was better to know it in the beginning than to wait until she died to find out that her fortune had undergone the customary shrinkage.
to give an account or representation of in words
From this reading According to report, the Grand Duchess was worth fifteen millions.
rumournounUS /ˈruːmər/
gossip (usually a mixture of truth and untruth) passed around by word of mouth
From this reading Corky was not satisfied to accept rumour as fact, so he undertook an investigation on his own account.
filled with satisfaction
From this reading Corky was not satisfied to accept rumour as fact, so he undertook an investigation on his own account.
a general conscious awareness
From this reading Moreover, he ascertained that she frequented half the baths in Europe in the effort to prolong a fast declining sense of humour--on the principle, no doubt, that life is a joke and death is not.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading From reliable sources, he soon learned that she possessed but ten millions, but, he argued, it was better to know it in the beginning than to wait until she died to find out that her fortune had undergone the customary shrinkage.
shrinkagenounUS /ˈʃrɪŋkɪdʒ/
process or result of becoming less or smaller
From this reading From reliable sources, he soon learned that she possessed but ten millions, but, he argued, it was better to know it in the beginning than to wait until she died to find out that her fortune had undergone the customary shrinkage.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Corky was not satisfied to accept rumour as fact, so he undertook an investigation on his own account.
in the near future
From this reading From reliable sources, he soon learned that she possessed but ten millions, but, he argued, it was better to know it in the beginning than to wait until she died to find out that her fortune had undergone the customary shrinkage.
sourcesnounUS /ˈsɔːrsəz/
plural of “source” — the place where something begins, where it springs into being
From this reading From reliable sources, he soon learned that she possessed but ten millions, but, he argued, it was better to know it in the beginning than to wait until she died to find out that her fortune had undergone the customary shrinkage.
the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
From this reading From reliable sources, he soon learned that she possessed but ten millions, but, he argued, it was better to know it in the beginning than to wait until she died to find out that her fortune had undergone the customary shrinkage.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading From reliable sources, he soon learned that she possessed but ten millions, but, he argued, it was better to know it in the beginning than to wait until she died to find out that her fortune had undergone the customary shrinkage.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading From reliable sources, he soon learned that she possessed but ten millions, but, he argued, it was better to know it in the beginning than to wait until she died to find out that her fortune had undergone the customary shrinkage.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE GRAND DUCHESS He went about it deliberately.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading According to report, the Grand Duchess was worth fifteen millions.
undergoneverbUS /ˌʌndərˈɡɔːn/
inflected form of “undergo” — pass through
From this reading From reliable sources, he soon learned that she possessed but ten millions, but, he argued, it was better to know it in the beginning than to wait until she died to find out that her fortune had undergone the customary shrinkage.
undertookverbUS /ˌʌndərˈtʊk/
inflected form of “undertake” — enter upon an activity or enterprise
From this reading Corky was not satisfied to accept rumour as fact, so he undertook an investigation on his own account.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading From reliable sources, he soon learned that she possessed but ten millions, but, he argued, it was better to know it in the beginning than to wait until she died to find out that her fortune had undergone the customary shrinkage.
stay in one place and anticipate or expect something
From this reading From reliable sources, he soon learned that she possessed but ten millions, but, he argued, it was better to know it in the beginning than to wait until she died to find out that her fortune had undergone the customary shrinkage.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading According to report, the Grand Duchess was worth fifteen millions.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading THE GRAND DUCHESS He went about it deliberately.
an indefinite quantity of something having a specified value
From this reading According to report, the Grand Duchess was worth fifteen millions.
