used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A few minutes later the ladies appeared, together with a dozen or more negro servants connected in various capacities with the estate.
acknowledgmentnounUS /ækˈnɑːlɪdʒmənt/
the state or quality of being recognized or acknowledged
From this reading John Thaneford jerked himself to his feet in apparently unwilling acknowledgment of the social amenities; his father, sitting impassively upright in an immense leather chair, looked more than ever like some gigantic, impossible infant.
amenitiesnounUS /əˈmenətiz/
things that make you comfortable and at ease
From this reading John Thaneford jerked himself to his feet in apparently unwilling acknowledgment of the social amenities; his father, sitting impassively upright in an immense leather chair, looked more than ever like some gigantic, impossible infant.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading _Hildebrand of the "Hundred"_ It must have been close to an hour before Mr. Eldon joined us; evidently his papers had been in more than usual confusion.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Miss Graeme went over and spoke a few words to him, but he barely nodded in reply; Buddha himself could not have improved upon that colossal, immemorial serenity.
from appearances alone
From this reading John Thaneford jerked himself to his feet in apparently unwilling acknowledgment of the social amenities; his father, sitting impassively upright in an immense leather chair, looked more than ever like some gigantic, impossible infant.
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading A few minutes later the ladies appeared, together with a dozen or more negro servants connected in various capacities with the estate.
barelyadverbUS /ˈberli/
only a very short time before
From this reading Miss Graeme went over and spoke a few words to him, but he barely nodded in reply; Buddha himself could not have improved upon that colossal, immemorial serenity.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading _Hildebrand of the "Hundred"_ It must have been close to an hour before Mr. Eldon joined us; evidently his papers had been in more than usual confusion.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading _Hildebrand of the "Hundred"_ It must have been close to an hour before Mr. Eldon joined us; evidently his papers had been in more than usual confusion.
Betty
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had hoped that Betty would say something to me, but she contented herself with the briefest of smiles in my direction.
briefestadjectiveUS /ˈbriːfəst/
superlative of “brief” — of short duration or distance
From this reading I had hoped that Betty would say something to me, but she contented herself with the briefest of smiles in my direction.
BuddhanounUS /ˈbuːdə/
founder of Buddhism (c 563-483 BC)
From this reading Miss Graeme went over and spoke a few words to him, but he barely nodded in reply; Buddha himself could not have improved upon that colossal, immemorial serenity.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Miss Graeme went over and spoke a few words to him, but he barely nodded in reply; Buddha himself could not have improved upon that colossal, immemorial serenity.
capacitiesnounUS /kəˈpæsətiz/
plural of “capacity” — capability to perform or produce
From this reading A few minutes later the ladies appeared, together with a dozen or more negro servants connected in various capacities with the estate.
a seat for one person, with a support for the back
From this reading John Thaneford jerked himself to his feet in apparently unwilling acknowledgment of the social amenities; his father, sitting impassively upright in an immense leather chair, looked more than ever like some gigantic, impossible infant.
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading _Hildebrand of the "Hundred"_ It must have been close to an hour before Mr. Eldon joined us; evidently his papers had been in more than usual confusion.
colossaladjectiveUS /kəˈlɑːsəl/
so great in size or force or extent as to elicit awe
From this reading Miss Graeme went over and spoke a few words to him, but he barely nodded in reply; Buddha himself could not have improved upon that colossal, immemorial serenity.
disorder resulting from a failure to behave predictably
From this reading _Hildebrand of the "Hundred"_ It must have been close to an hour before Mr. Eldon joined us; evidently his papers had been in more than usual confusion.
being joined in close association
From this reading A few minutes later the ladies appeared, together with a dozen or more negro servants connected in various capacities with the estate.
contentedadjectiveUS /kənˈtentəd/
satisfied or showing satisfaction with things as they are
From this reading I had hoped that Betty would say something to me, but she contented herself with the briefest of smiles in my direction.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Miss Graeme went over and spoke a few words to him, but he barely nodded in reply; Buddha himself could not have improved upon that colossal, immemorial serenity.
a line leading to a place or point
From this reading I had hoped that Betty would say something to me, but she contented herself with the briefest of smiles in my direction.
the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one
From this reading A few minutes later the ladies appeared, together with a dozen or more negro servants connected in various capacities with the estate.
Eldon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Hildebrand of the "Hundred"_ It must have been close to an hour before Mr. Eldon joined us; evidently his papers had been in more than usual confusion.
everything you own; all of your assets (whether real property or personal property) and liabilities
From this reading A few minutes later the ladies appeared, together with a dozen or more negro servants connected in various capacities with the estate.
at any time
From this reading John Thaneford jerked himself to his feet in apparently unwilling acknowledgment of the social amenities; his father, sitting impassively upright in an immense leather chair, looked more than ever like some gigantic, impossible infant.
unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)
From this reading _Hildebrand of the "Hundred"_ It must have been close to an hour before Mr. Eldon joined us; evidently his papers had been in more than usual confusion.
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading John Thaneford jerked himself to his feet in apparently unwilling acknowledgment of the social amenities; his father, sitting impassively upright in an immense leather chair, looked more than ever like some gigantic, impossible infant.
plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading John Thaneford jerked himself to his feet in apparently unwilling acknowledgment of the social amenities; his father, sitting impassively upright in an immense leather chair, looked more than ever like some gigantic, impossible infant.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading A few minutes later the ladies appeared, together with a dozen or more negro servants connected in various capacities with the estate.
giganticadjectiveUS /dʒaɪˈɡæntɪk/
so exceedingly large or extensive as to suggest a giant or mammoth
From this reading John Thaneford jerked himself to his feet in apparently unwilling acknowledgment of the social amenities; his father, sitting impassively upright in an immense leather chair, looked more than ever like some gigantic, impossible infant.
Graeme
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Miss Graeme went over and spoke a few words to him, but he barely nodded in reply; Buddha himself could not have improved upon that colossal, immemorial serenity.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading _Hildebrand of the "Hundred"_ It must have been close to an hour before Mr. Eldon joined us; evidently his papers had been in more than usual confusion.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading _Hildebrand of the "Hundred"_ It must have been close to an hour before Mr. Eldon joined us; evidently his papers had been in more than usual confusion.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Miss Graeme went over and spoke a few words to him, but he barely nodded in reply; Buddha himself could not have improved upon that colossal, immemorial serenity.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading I had hoped that Betty would say something to me, but she contented herself with the briefest of smiles in my direction.
HildebrandnounUS /ˈhɪldɪbrænd/
the Italian pope who fought to establish the supremacy of the pope over the Roman Catholic Church and the supremacy of the church over the state (1020-1085)
From this reading _Hildebrand of the "Hundred"_ It must have been close to an hour before Mr. Eldon joined us; evidently his papers had been in more than usual confusion.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Miss Graeme went over and spoke a few words to him, but he barely nodded in reply; Buddha himself could not have improved upon that colossal, immemorial serenity.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading John Thaneford jerked himself to his feet in apparently unwilling acknowledgment of the social amenities; his father, sitting impassively upright in an immense leather chair, looked more than ever like some gigantic, impossible infant.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading _Hildebrand of the "Hundred"_ It must have been close to an hour before Mr. Eldon joined us; evidently his papers had been in more than usual confusion.
past form of “hope” — expect and wish
From this reading I had hoped that Betty would say something to me, but she contented herself with the briefest of smiles in my direction.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading _Hildebrand of the "Hundred"_ It must have been close to an hour before Mr. Eldon joined us; evidently his papers had been in more than usual confusion.
ten 10s
From this reading _Hildebrand of the "Hundred"_ It must have been close to an hour before Mr. Eldon joined us; evidently his papers had been in more than usual confusion.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading I had hoped that Betty would say something to me, but she contented herself with the briefest of smiles in my direction.
immemorialadjectiveUS /ˌɪməˈmɔːriəl/
long past; beyond the limits of memory or tradition or recorded history
From this reading Miss Graeme went over and spoke a few words to him, but he barely nodded in reply; Buddha himself could not have improved upon that colossal, immemorial serenity.
unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope
From this reading John Thaneford jerked himself to his feet in apparently unwilling acknowledgment of the social amenities; his father, sitting impassively upright in an immense leather chair, looked more than ever like some gigantic, impossible infant.
impassivelyadverbUS /ˌɪmˈpæsɪvli/
in an impassive manner
From this reading John Thaneford jerked himself to his feet in apparently unwilling acknowledgment of the social amenities; his father, sitting impassively upright in an immense leather chair, looked more than ever like some gigantic, impossible infant.
not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with
From this reading John Thaneford jerked himself to his feet in apparently unwilling acknowledgment of the social amenities; his father, sitting impassively upright in an immense leather chair, looked more than ever like some gigantic, impossible infant.
improvedadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpruːvd/
made more desirable or valuable or profitable; especially made ready for use or marketing
From this reading Miss Graeme went over and spoke a few words to him, but he barely nodded in reply; Buddha himself could not have improved upon that colossal, immemorial serenity.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading _Hildebrand of the "Hundred"_ It must have been close to an hour before Mr. Eldon joined us; evidently his papers had been in more than usual confusion.
infantnounUS /ˈɪnfənt/
a very young child (birth to 1 year) who has not yet begun to walk or talk
From this reading John Thaneford jerked himself to his feet in apparently unwilling acknowledgment of the social amenities; his father, sitting impassively upright in an immense leather chair, looked more than ever like some gigantic, impossible infant.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading _Hildebrand of the "Hundred"_ It must have been close to an hour before Mr. Eldon joined us; evidently his papers had been in more than usual confusion.
jerkedverbUS /dʒɜːrkt/
past form of “jerk” — pull, or move with a sudden movement
From this reading John Thaneford jerked himself to his feet in apparently unwilling acknowledgment of the social amenities; his father, sitting impassively upright in an immense leather chair, looked more than ever like some gigantic, impossible infant.
a room or building equipped with one or more toilets
From this reading John Thaneford jerked himself to his feet in apparently unwilling acknowledgment of the social amenities; his father, sitting impassively upright in an immense leather chair, looked more than ever like some gigantic, impossible infant.
of or relating to two people who are married to each other
From this reading _Hildebrand of the "Hundred"_ It must have been close to an hour before Mr. Eldon joined us; evidently his papers had been in more than usual confusion.
plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman
From this reading A few minutes later the ladies appeared, together with a dozen or more negro servants connected in various capacities with the estate.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading A few minutes later the ladies appeared, together with a dozen or more negro servants connected in various capacities with the estate.
leathernounUS /ˈleðər/
an animal skin made smooth and flexible by removing the hair and then tanning
From this reading John Thaneford jerked himself to his feet in apparently unwilling acknowledgment of the social amenities; his father, sitting impassively upright in an immense leather chair, looked more than ever like some gigantic, impossible infant.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading John Thaneford jerked himself to his feet in apparently unwilling acknowledgment of the social amenities; his father, sitting impassively upright in an immense leather chair, looked more than ever like some gigantic, impossible infant.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading John Thaneford jerked himself to his feet in apparently unwilling acknowledgment of the social amenities; his father, sitting impassively upright in an immense leather chair, looked more than ever like some gigantic, impossible infant.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading I had hoped that Betty would say something to me, but she contented herself with the briefest of smiles in my direction.
a written account of what transpired at a meeting
From this reading A few minutes later the ladies appeared, together with a dozen or more negro servants connected in various capacities with the estate.
fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind
From this reading Miss Graeme went over and spoke a few words to him, but he barely nodded in reply; Buddha himself could not have improved upon that colossal, immemorial serenity.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading _Hildebrand of the "Hundred"_ It must have been close to an hour before Mr. Eldon joined us; evidently his papers had been in more than usual confusion.
a form of address for a man
From this reading _Hildebrand of the "Hundred"_ It must have been close to an hour before Mr. Eldon joined us; evidently his papers had been in more than usual confusion.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading _Hildebrand of the "Hundred"_ It must have been close to an hour before Mr. Eldon joined us; evidently his papers had been in more than usual confusion.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading I had hoped that Betty would say something to me, but she contented herself with the briefest of smiles in my direction.
negronounUS /ˈniːɡroʊ/
a person with African ancestry, "Negro" and "Negroid" are archaic and pejorative today
From this reading A few minutes later the ladies appeared, together with a dozen or more negro servants connected in various capacities with the estate.
inflected form of “nod” — express or signify by nodding
From this reading Miss Graeme went over and spoke a few words to him, but he barely nodded in reply; Buddha himself could not have improved upon that colossal, immemorial serenity.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Miss Graeme went over and spoke a few words to him, but he barely nodded in reply; Buddha himself could not have improved upon that colossal, immemorial serenity.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading _Hildebrand of the "Hundred"_ It must have been close to an hour before Mr. Eldon joined us; evidently his papers had been in more than usual confusion.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading A few minutes later the ladies appeared, together with a dozen or more negro servants connected in various capacities with the estate.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Miss Graeme went over and spoke a few words to him, but he barely nodded in reply; Buddha himself could not have improved upon that colossal, immemorial serenity.
writing that provides information (especially information of an official nature)
From this reading _Hildebrand of the "Hundred"_ It must have been close to an hour before Mr. Eldon joined us; evidently his papers had been in more than usual confusion.
a statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation
From this reading Miss Graeme went over and spoke a few words to him, but he barely nodded in reply; Buddha himself could not have improved upon that colossal, immemorial serenity.
express in words
From this reading I had hoped that Betty would say something to me, but she contented herself with the briefest of smiles in my direction.
serenitynounUS /səˈren.ə.t̬i/
The state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled by external storms.
From this reading Miss Graeme went over and spoke a few words to him, but he barely nodded in reply; Buddha himself could not have improved upon that colossal, immemorial serenity.
plural of “servant” — a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)
From this reading A few minutes later the ladies appeared, together with a dozen or more negro servants connected in various capacities with the estate.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading I had hoped that Betty would say something to me, but she contented herself with the briefest of smiles in my direction.
(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)
From this reading John Thaneford jerked himself to his feet in apparently unwilling acknowledgment of the social amenities; his father, sitting impassively upright in an immense leather chair, looked more than ever like some gigantic, impossible infant.
smilesnounUS /smaɪlz/
plural of “smile” — a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement
From this reading I had hoped that Betty would say something to me, but she contented herself with the briefest of smiles in my direction.
relating to human society and its members
From this reading John Thaneford jerked himself to his feet in apparently unwilling acknowledgment of the social amenities; his father, sitting impassively upright in an immense leather chair, looked more than ever like some gigantic, impossible infant.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading John Thaneford jerked himself to his feet in apparently unwilling acknowledgment of the social amenities; his father, sitting impassively upright in an immense leather chair, looked more than ever like some gigantic, impossible infant.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading I had hoped that Betty would say something to me, but she contented herself with the briefest of smiles in my direction.
support consisting of a radial member of a wheel joining the hub to the rim
From this reading Miss Graeme went over and spoke a few words to him, but he barely nodded in reply; Buddha himself could not have improved upon that colossal, immemorial serenity.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading _Hildebrand of the "Hundred"_ It must have been close to an hour before Mr. Eldon joined us; evidently his papers had been in more than usual confusion.
Thaneford
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading John Thaneford jerked himself to his feet in apparently unwilling acknowledgment of the social amenities; his father, sitting impassively upright in an immense leather chair, looked more than ever like some gigantic, impossible infant.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Miss Graeme went over and spoke a few words to him, but he barely nodded in reply; Buddha himself could not have improved upon that colossal, immemorial serenity.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading _Hildebrand of the "Hundred"_ It must have been close to an hour before Mr. Eldon joined us; evidently his papers had been in more than usual confusion.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading _Hildebrand of the "Hundred"_ It must have been close to an hour before Mr. Eldon joined us; evidently his papers had been in more than usual confusion.
in contact with each other or in proximity
From this reading A few minutes later the ladies appeared, together with a dozen or more negro servants connected in various capacities with the estate.
unwillingadjectiveUS /ənˈwɪlɪŋ/
not disposed or inclined toward
From this reading John Thaneford jerked himself to his feet in apparently unwilling acknowledgment of the social amenities; his father, sitting impassively upright in an immense leather chair, looked more than ever like some gigantic, impossible infant.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Miss Graeme went over and spoke a few words to him, but he barely nodded in reply; Buddha himself could not have improved upon that colossal, immemorial serenity.
uprightadjectiveUS /əˈpraɪt/
in a vertical position; not sloping
From this reading John Thaneford jerked himself to his feet in apparently unwilling acknowledgment of the social amenities; his father, sitting impassively upright in an immense leather chair, looked more than ever like some gigantic, impossible infant.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading _Hildebrand of the "Hundred"_ It must have been close to an hour before Mr. Eldon joined us; evidently his papers had been in more than usual confusion.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading _Hildebrand of the "Hundred"_ It must have been close to an hour before Mr. Eldon joined us; evidently his papers had been in more than usual confusion.
of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity
From this reading A few minutes later the ladies appeared, together with a dozen or more negro servants connected in various capacities with the estate.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Miss Graeme went over and spoke a few words to him, but he barely nodded in reply; Buddha himself could not have improved upon that colossal, immemorial serenity.
in the company of; together with
From this reading A few minutes later the ladies appeared, together with a dozen or more negro servants connected in various capacities with the estate.
the words that are spoken
From this reading Miss Graeme went over and spoke a few words to him, but he barely nodded in reply; Buddha himself could not have improved upon that colossal, immemorial serenity.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading I had hoped that Betty would say something to me, but she contented herself with the briefest of smiles in my direction.
