used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Vincent Lacour--now Sir Vincent--had a letter to answer.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It was the end of May, and his time was much taken up.
react verbally
From this reading Vincent Lacour--now Sir Vincent--had a letter to answer.
answeringadjectiveUS /ˈænsərɪŋ/
replying
From this reading For full four days he had postponed the answering of this particular letter, and mentally he characterised the neglect as disgraceful.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading For full four days he had postponed the answering of this particular letter, and mentally he characterised the neglect as disgraceful.
baronetnounUS /ˈberənət/
a member of the British order of honor; ranks below a baron but above a knight
From this reading A young and handsome baronet, of manner which many people held fascinating, of curious originality in drawing-room conversation, possessed of a considerable fortune, and without encumbrances--it was natural that he should be in request when mornings were too short for the round of seasonable pleasures, and nights were melodious with the strains of Strauss and Waldteufel.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading A young and handsome baronet, of manner which many people held fascinating, of curious originality in drawing-room conversation, possessed of a considerable fortune, and without encumbrances--it was natural that he should be in request when mornings were too short for the round of seasonable pleasures, and nights were melodious with the strains of Strauss and Waldteufel.
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading However, a certain event had just come to pass, which made discharge of the duty imperative.
characterised
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For full four days he had postponed the answering of this particular letter, and mentally he characterised the neglect as disgraceful.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading However, a certain event had just come to pass, which made discharge of the duty imperative.
large or relatively large in number or amount or extent or degree
From this reading A young and handsome baronet, of manner which many people held fascinating, of curious originality in drawing-room conversation, possessed of a considerable fortune, and without encumbrances--it was natural that he should be in request when mornings were too short for the round of seasonable pleasures, and nights were melodious with the strains of Strauss and Waldteufel.
the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.
From this reading A young and handsome baronet, of manner which many people held fascinating, of curious originality in drawing-room conversation, possessed of a considerable fortune, and without encumbrances--it was natural that he should be in request when mornings were too short for the round of seasonable pleasures, and nights were melodious with the strains of Strauss and Waldteufel.
beyond or deviating from the usual or expected
From this reading A young and handsome baronet, of manner which many people held fascinating, of curious originality in drawing-room conversation, possessed of a considerable fortune, and without encumbrances--it was natural that he should be in request when mornings were too short for the round of seasonable pleasures, and nights were melodious with the strains of Strauss and Waldteufel.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading For full four days he had postponed the answering of this particular letter, and mentally he characterised the neglect as disgraceful.
dischargeverbUS /dɪsˈtʃɑːrdʒ/
complete or carry out
From this reading However, a certain event had just come to pass, which made discharge of the duty imperative.
disgracefuladjectiveUS /dɪsˈɡreɪsfəl/
giving offense to moral sensibilities and injurious to reputation
From this reading For full four days he had postponed the answering of this particular letter, and mentally he characterised the neglect as disgraceful.
drawing-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A young and handsome baronet, of manner which many people held fascinating, of curious originality in drawing-room conversation, possessed of a considerable fortune, and without encumbrances--it was natural that he should be in request when mornings were too short for the round of seasonable pleasures, and nights were melodious with the strains of Strauss and Waldteufel.
the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force
From this reading However, a certain event had just come to pass, which made discharge of the duty imperative.
encumbrances
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A young and handsome baronet, of manner which many people held fascinating, of curious originality in drawing-room conversation, possessed of a considerable fortune, and without encumbrances--it was natural that he should be in request when mornings were too short for the round of seasonable pleasures, and nights were melodious with the strains of Strauss and Waldteufel.
either extremity of something that has length
From this reading It was the end of May, and his time was much taken up.
something that happens at a given place and time
From this reading However, a certain event had just come to pass, which made discharge of the duty imperative.
fascinatingadjectiveUS /ˈfæsəneɪtɪŋ/
capable of arousing and holding the attention
From this reading A young and handsome baronet, of manner which many people held fascinating, of curious originality in drawing-room conversation, possessed of a considerable fortune, and without encumbrances--it was natural that he should be in request when mornings were too short for the round of seasonable pleasures, and nights were melodious with the strains of Strauss and Waldteufel.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading A young and handsome baronet, of manner which many people held fascinating, of curious originality in drawing-room conversation, possessed of a considerable fortune, and without encumbrances--it was natural that he should be in request when mornings were too short for the round of seasonable pleasures, and nights were melodious with the strains of Strauss and Waldteufel.
an unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that causes an event to result one way rather than another
From this reading A young and handsome baronet, of manner which many people held fascinating, of curious originality in drawing-room conversation, possessed of a considerable fortune, and without encumbrances--it was natural that he should be in request when mornings were too short for the round of seasonable pleasures, and nights were melodious with the strains of Strauss and Waldteufel.
the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
From this reading For full four days he had postponed the answering of this particular letter, and mentally he characterised the neglect as disgraceful.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading For full four days he had postponed the answering of this particular letter, and mentally he characterised the neglect as disgraceful.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Vincent Lacour--now Sir Vincent--had a letter to answer.
pleasing in appearance especially by reason of conformity to ideals of form and proportion
From this reading A young and handsome baronet, of manner which many people held fascinating, of curious originality in drawing-room conversation, possessed of a considerable fortune, and without encumbrances--it was natural that he should be in request when mornings were too short for the round of seasonable pleasures, and nights were melodious with the strains of Strauss and Waldteufel.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading A young and handsome baronet, of manner which many people held fascinating, of curious originality in drawing-room conversation, possessed of a considerable fortune, and without encumbrances--it was natural that he should be in request when mornings were too short for the round of seasonable pleasures, and nights were melodious with the strains of Strauss and Waldteufel.
occupied or in the control of; often used in combination
From this reading A young and handsome baronet, of manner which many people held fascinating, of curious originality in drawing-room conversation, possessed of a considerable fortune, and without encumbrances--it was natural that he should be in request when mornings were too short for the round of seasonable pleasures, and nights were melodious with the strains of Strauss and Waldteufel.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading It was the end of May, and his time was much taken up.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading However, a certain event had just come to pass, which made discharge of the duty imperative.
imperativeadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈperətɪv/
requiring attention or action
From this reading However, a certain event had just come to pass, which made discharge of the duty imperative.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A young and handsome baronet, of manner which many people held fascinating, of curious originality in drawing-room conversation, possessed of a considerable fortune, and without encumbrances--it was natural that he should be in request when mornings were too short for the round of seasonable pleasures, and nights were melodious with the strains of Strauss and Waldteufel.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was the end of May, and his time was much taken up.
and nothing more
From this reading However, a certain event had just come to pass, which made discharge of the duty imperative.
Lacour
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Vincent Lacour--now Sir Vincent--had a letter to answer.
a written message addressed to a person or organization
From this reading Vincent Lacour--now Sir Vincent--had a letter to answer.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading However, a certain event had just come to pass, which made discharge of the duty imperative.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading A young and handsome baronet, of manner which many people held fascinating, of curious originality in drawing-room conversation, possessed of a considerable fortune, and without encumbrances--it was natural that he should be in request when mornings were too short for the round of seasonable pleasures, and nights were melodious with the strains of Strauss and Waldteufel.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading A young and handsome baronet, of manner which many people held fascinating, of curious originality in drawing-room conversation, possessed of a considerable fortune, and without encumbrances--it was natural that he should be in request when mornings were too short for the round of seasonable pleasures, and nights were melodious with the strains of Strauss and Waldteufel.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading It was the end of May, and his time was much taken up.
melodiousadjectiveUS /məˈloʊdiəs/
having a musical sound; especially a pleasing tune
From this reading A young and handsome baronet, of manner which many people held fascinating, of curious originality in drawing-room conversation, possessed of a considerable fortune, and without encumbrances--it was natural that he should be in request when mornings were too short for the round of seasonable pleasures, and nights were melodious with the strains of Strauss and Waldteufel.
mentallyadverbUS /ˈmentəli/
in your mind
From this reading For full four days he had postponed the answering of this particular letter, and mentally he characterised the neglect as disgraceful.
morningsnounUS /ˈmɔːrnɪŋz/
plural of “morning” — the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading A young and handsome baronet, of manner which many people held fascinating, of curious originality in drawing-room conversation, possessed of a considerable fortune, and without encumbrances--it was natural that he should be in request when mornings were too short for the round of seasonable pleasures, and nights were melodious with the strains of Strauss and Waldteufel.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading It was the end of May, and his time was much taken up.
in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature
From this reading A young and handsome baronet, of manner which many people held fascinating, of curious originality in drawing-room conversation, possessed of a considerable fortune, and without encumbrances--it was natural that he should be in request when mornings were too short for the round of seasonable pleasures, and nights were melodious with the strains of Strauss and Waldteufel.
neglectverbUS /nəˈɡlekt/
leave undone or leave out
From this reading For full four days he had postponed the answering of this particular letter, and mentally he characterised the neglect as disgraceful.
Periods of darkness between sunset and sunrise.
From this reading A young and handsome baronet, of manner which many people held fascinating, of curious originality in drawing-room conversation, possessed of a considerable fortune, and without encumbrances--it was natural that he should be in request when mornings were too short for the round of seasonable pleasures, and nights were melodious with the strains of Strauss and Waldteufel.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Vincent Lacour--now Sir Vincent--had a letter to answer.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It was the end of May, and his time was much taken up.
originalitynounUS /ərˌɪdʒəˈnælɪti/
the ability to think and act independently
From this reading A young and handsome baronet, of manner which many people held fascinating, of curious originality in drawing-room conversation, possessed of a considerable fortune, and without encumbrances--it was natural that he should be in request when mornings were too short for the round of seasonable pleasures, and nights were melodious with the strains of Strauss and Waldteufel.
unique or specific to a person or thing or category
From this reading For full four days he had postponed the answering of this particular letter, and mentally he characterised the neglect as disgraceful.
go across or through
From this reading However, a certain event had just come to pass, which made discharge of the duty imperative.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading A young and handsome baronet, of manner which many people held fascinating, of curious originality in drawing-room conversation, possessed of a considerable fortune, and without encumbrances--it was natural that he should be in request when mornings were too short for the round of seasonable pleasures, and nights were melodious with the strains of Strauss and Waldteufel.
pleasuresnounUS /ˈpleʒərz/
plural of “pleasure” — a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience
From this reading A young and handsome baronet, of manner which many people held fascinating, of curious originality in drawing-room conversation, possessed of a considerable fortune, and without encumbrances--it was natural that he should be in request when mornings were too short for the round of seasonable pleasures, and nights were melodious with the strains of Strauss and Waldteufel.
influenced or controlled by a powerful force such as a strong emotion
From this reading A young and handsome baronet, of manner which many people held fascinating, of curious originality in drawing-room conversation, possessed of a considerable fortune, and without encumbrances--it was natural that he should be in request when mornings were too short for the round of seasonable pleasures, and nights were melodious with the strains of Strauss and Waldteufel.
postponedverbUS /poʊstˈpoʊnd/
past form of “postpone” — hold back to a later time
From this reading For full four days he had postponed the answering of this particular letter, and mentally he characterised the neglect as disgraceful.
express the need or desire for
From this reading A young and handsome baronet, of manner which many people held fascinating, of curious originality in drawing-room conversation, possessed of a considerable fortune, and without encumbrances--it was natural that he should be in request when mornings were too short for the round of seasonable pleasures, and nights were melodious with the strains of Strauss and Waldteufel.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading A young and handsome baronet, of manner which many people held fascinating, of curious originality in drawing-room conversation, possessed of a considerable fortune, and without encumbrances--it was natural that he should be in request when mornings were too short for the round of seasonable pleasures, and nights were melodious with the strains of Strauss and Waldteufel.
seasonableadjectiveUS /ˈsiːzənəbəl/
in keeping with the season
From this reading A young and handsome baronet, of manner which many people held fascinating, of curious originality in drawing-room conversation, possessed of a considerable fortune, and without encumbrances--it was natural that he should be in request when mornings were too short for the round of seasonable pleasures, and nights were melodious with the strains of Strauss and Waldteufel.
primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration
From this reading A young and handsome baronet, of manner which many people held fascinating, of curious originality in drawing-room conversation, possessed of a considerable fortune, and without encumbrances--it was natural that he should be in request when mornings were too short for the round of seasonable pleasures, and nights were melodious with the strains of Strauss and Waldteufel.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading A young and handsome baronet, of manner which many people held fascinating, of curious originality in drawing-room conversation, possessed of a considerable fortune, and without encumbrances--it was natural that he should be in request when mornings were too short for the round of seasonable pleasures, and nights were melodious with the strains of Strauss and Waldteufel.
term of address for a man
From this reading Vincent Lacour--now Sir Vincent--had a letter to answer.
strainsnounUS /streɪnz/
plural of “strain” — (physics) deformation of a physical body under the action of applied forces
From this reading A young and handsome baronet, of manner which many people held fascinating, of curious originality in drawing-room conversation, possessed of a considerable fortune, and without encumbrances--it was natural that he should be in request when mornings were too short for the round of seasonable pleasures, and nights were melodious with the strains of Strauss and Waldteufel.
StraussnounUS /straʊs/
German composer of many operas; collaborated with librettist Hugo von Hoffmannsthal to produce several operas (1864-1949)
From this reading A young and handsome baronet, of manner which many people held fascinating, of curious originality in drawing-room conversation, possessed of a considerable fortune, and without encumbrances--it was natural that he should be in request when mornings were too short for the round of seasonable pleasures, and nights were melodious with the strains of Strauss and Waldteufel.
takenadjectiveUS /ˈteɪkən/
understood in a certain way; made sense of
From this reading It was the end of May, and his time was much taken up.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading A young and handsome baronet, of manner which many people held fascinating, of curious originality in drawing-room conversation, possessed of a considerable fortune, and without encumbrances--it was natural that he should be in request when mornings were too short for the round of seasonable pleasures, and nights were melodious with the strains of Strauss and Waldteufel.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It was the end of May, and his time was much taken up.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading For full four days he had postponed the answering of this particular letter, and mentally he characterised the neglect as disgraceful.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading It was the end of May, and his time was much taken up.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Vincent Lacour--now Sir Vincent--had a letter to answer.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading A young and handsome baronet, of manner which many people held fascinating, of curious originality in drawing-room conversation, possessed of a considerable fortune, and without encumbrances--it was natural that he should be in request when mornings were too short for the round of seasonable pleasures, and nights were melodious with the strains of Strauss and Waldteufel.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading It was the end of May, and his time was much taken up.
Vincent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Vincent Lacour--now Sir Vincent--had a letter to answer.
Waldteufel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A young and handsome baronet, of manner which many people held fascinating, of curious originality in drawing-room conversation, possessed of a considerable fortune, and without encumbrances--it was natural that he should be in request when mornings were too short for the round of seasonable pleasures, and nights were melodious with the strains of Strauss and Waldteufel.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was the end of May, and his time was much taken up.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading A young and handsome baronet, of manner which many people held fascinating, of curious originality in drawing-room conversation, possessed of a considerable fortune, and without encumbrances--it was natural that he should be in request when mornings were too short for the round of seasonable pleasures, and nights were melodious with the strains of Strauss and Waldteufel.
at the time that
From this reading A young and handsome baronet, of manner which many people held fascinating, of curious originality in drawing-room conversation, possessed of a considerable fortune, and without encumbrances--it was natural that he should be in request when mornings were too short for the round of seasonable pleasures, and nights were melodious with the strains of Strauss and Waldteufel.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading A young and handsome baronet, of manner which many people held fascinating, of curious originality in drawing-room conversation, possessed of a considerable fortune, and without encumbrances--it was natural that he should be in request when mornings were too short for the round of seasonable pleasures, and nights were melodious with the strains of Strauss and Waldteufel.
in the company of; together with
From this reading A young and handsome baronet, of manner which many people held fascinating, of curious originality in drawing-room conversation, possessed of a considerable fortune, and without encumbrances--it was natural that he should be in request when mornings were too short for the round of seasonable pleasures, and nights were melodious with the strains of Strauss and Waldteufel.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading A young and handsome baronet, of manner which many people held fascinating, of curious originality in drawing-room conversation, possessed of a considerable fortune, and without encumbrances--it was natural that he should be in request when mornings were too short for the round of seasonable pleasures, and nights were melodious with the strains of Strauss and Waldteufel.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading A young and handsome baronet, of manner which many people held fascinating, of curious originality in drawing-room conversation, possessed of a considerable fortune, and without encumbrances--it was natural that he should be in request when mornings were too short for the round of seasonable pleasures, and nights were melodious with the strains of Strauss and Waldteufel.
