used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Gifford had merely said Helen had changed her mind about going, and would be in Ashurst a few days longer, and the little ladies had such an absorbing interest of their own they did not ask many questions.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Of course it was soon known that Helen Ward was at the rectory, but to the Misses Woodhouse, at least, her presence was not of enough importance to speculate or gossip about.
absorbingadjectiveUS /əbˈzɔːrbɪŋ/
capable of arousing and holding the attention
From this reading Gifford had merely said Helen had changed her mind about going, and would be in Ashurst a few days longer, and the little ladies had such an absorbing interest of their own they did not ask many questions.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Gifford had merely said Helen had changed her mind about going, and would be in Ashurst a few days longer, and the little ladies had such an absorbing interest of their own they did not ask many questions.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Gifford had merely said Helen had changed her mind about going, and would be in Ashurst a few days longer, and the little ladies had such an absorbing interest of their own they did not ask many questions.
Ashurst
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gifford had merely said Helen had changed her mind about going, and would be in Ashurst a few days longer, and the little ladies had such an absorbing interest of their own they did not ask many questions.
make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading Gifford had merely said Helen had changed her mind about going, and would be in Ashurst a few days longer, and the little ladies had such an absorbing interest of their own they did not ask many questions.
the feeling that accompanies something extremely surprising
From this reading Each felt it for herself, but was unable to realize it for the other, yet constantly encountered it with irritated astonishment, when the desire to confide was strong.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Of course it was soon known that Helen Ward was at the rectory, but to the Misses Woodhouse, at least, her presence was not of enough importance to speculate or gossip about.
attachmentnounUS /əˈtætʃmənt/
a feeling of affection for a person or an institution
From this reading Miss Ruth only remarked that she wondered how she could be satisfied to stay away from her husband so long, and Miss Deborah replied that the young did not understand serious attachment.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Miss Ruth only remarked that she wondered how she could be satisfied to stay away from her husband so long, and Miss Deborah replied that the young did not understand serious attachment.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Gifford had merely said Helen had changed her mind about going, and would be in Ashurst a few days longer, and the little ladies had such an absorbing interest of their own they did not ask many questions.
the two together, not just one
From this reading To both sisters a vague happiness had come in these last few weeks, and a certain sense of importance.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Of course it was soon known that Helen Ward was at the rectory, but to the Misses Woodhouse, at least, her presence was not of enough importance to speculate or gossip about.
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading To both sisters a vague happiness had come in these last few weeks, and a certain sense of importance.
made or become different in nature or form
From this reading Gifford had merely said Helen had changed her mind about going, and would be in Ashurst a few days longer, and the little ladies had such an absorbing interest of their own they did not ask many questions.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading To both sisters a vague happiness had come in these last few weeks, and a certain sense of importance.
confideverbUS /kənˈfaɪd/
reveal in private; tell confidentially
From this reading Each felt it for herself, but was unable to realize it for the other, yet constantly encountered it with irritated astonishment, when the desire to confide was strong.
without variation or change, in every case
From this reading Each felt it for herself, but was unable to realize it for the other, yet constantly encountered it with irritated astonishment, when the desire to confide was strong.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Miss Ruth only remarked that she wondered how she could be satisfied to stay away from her husband so long, and Miss Deborah replied that the young did not understand serious attachment.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading Of course it was soon known that Helen Ward was at the rectory, but to the Misses Woodhouse, at least, her presence was not of enough importance to speculate or gossip about.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading Gifford had merely said Helen had changed her mind about going, and would be in Ashurst a few days longer, and the little ladies had such an absorbing interest of their own they did not ask many questions.
Deborah
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Miss Ruth only remarked that she wondered how she could be satisfied to stay away from her husband so long, and Miss Deborah replied that the young did not understand serious attachment.
the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state
From this reading Each felt it for herself, but was unable to realize it for the other, yet constantly encountered it with irritated astonishment, when the desire to confide was strong.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Gifford had merely said Helen had changed her mind about going, and would be in Ashurst a few days longer, and the little ladies had such an absorbing interest of their own they did not ask many questions.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading Each felt it for herself, but was unable to realize it for the other, yet constantly encountered it with irritated astonishment, when the desire to confide was strong.
encounteredverbUS /ɪnˈkaʊntərd/
past form of “encounter” — come together
From this reading Each felt it for herself, but was unable to realize it for the other, yet constantly encountered it with irritated astonishment, when the desire to confide was strong.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading Of course it was soon known that Helen Ward was at the rectory, but to the Misses Woodhouse, at least, her presence was not of enough importance to speculate or gossip about.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading Each felt it for herself, but was unable to realize it for the other, yet constantly encountered it with irritated astonishment, when the desire to confide was strong.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading Gifford had merely said Helen had changed her mind about going, and would be in Ashurst a few days longer, and the little ladies had such an absorbing interest of their own they did not ask many questions.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Each felt it for herself, but was unable to realize it for the other, yet constantly encountered it with irritated astonishment, when the desire to confide was strong.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Miss Ruth only remarked that she wondered how she could be satisfied to stay away from her husband so long, and Miss Deborah replied that the young did not understand serious attachment.
Gifford
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gifford had merely said Helen had changed her mind about going, and would be in Ashurst a few days longer, and the little ladies had such an absorbing interest of their own they did not ask many questions.
the act of departing
From this reading Gifford had merely said Helen had changed her mind about going, and would be in Ashurst a few days longer, and the little ladies had such an absorbing interest of their own they did not ask many questions.
gossipnounUS /ˈɡɑːsəp/
light informal conversation for social occasions
From this reading Of course it was soon known that Helen Ward was at the rectory, but to the Misses Woodhouse, at least, her presence was not of enough importance to speculate or gossip about.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Gifford had merely said Helen had changed her mind about going, and would be in Ashurst a few days longer, and the little ladies had such an absorbing interest of their own they did not ask many questions.
state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy
From this reading To both sisters a vague happiness had come in these last few weeks, and a certain sense of importance.
(Greek mythology) the beautiful daughter of Zeus and Leda who was abducted by Paris; the Greek army sailed to Troy to get her back which resulted in the Trojan War
From this reading Of course it was soon known that Helen Ward was at the rectory, but to the Misses Woodhouse, at least, her presence was not of enough importance to speculate or gossip about.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Of course it was soon known that Helen Ward was at the rectory, but to the Misses Woodhouse, at least, her presence was not of enough importance to speculate or gossip about.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading Each felt it for herself, but was unable to realize it for the other, yet constantly encountered it with irritated astonishment, when the desire to confide was strong.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Miss Ruth only remarked that she wondered how she could be satisfied to stay away from her husband so long, and Miss Deborah replied that the young did not understand serious attachment.
a married man; a woman's partner in marriage
From this reading Miss Ruth only remarked that she wondered how she could be satisfied to stay away from her husband so long, and Miss Deborah replied that the young did not understand serious attachment.
the quality of being important and worthy of note
From this reading Of course it was soon known that Helen Ward was at the rectory, but to the Misses Woodhouse, at least, her presence was not of enough importance to speculate or gossip about.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Gifford had merely said Helen had changed her mind about going, and would be in Ashurst a few days longer, and the little ladies had such an absorbing interest of their own they did not ask many questions.
a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
From this reading Gifford had merely said Helen had changed her mind about going, and would be in Ashurst a few days longer, and the little ladies had such an absorbing interest of their own they did not ask many questions.
irritatedadjectiveUS /ˈɪrəteɪtəd/
aroused to impatience or anger
From this reading Each felt it for herself, but was unable to realize it for the other, yet constantly encountered it with irritated astonishment, when the desire to confide was strong.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Of course it was soon known that Helen Ward was at the rectory, but to the Misses Woodhouse, at least, her presence was not of enough importance to speculate or gossip about.
apprehended with certainty
From this reading Of course it was soon known that Helen Ward was at the rectory, but to the Misses Woodhouse, at least, her presence was not of enough importance to speculate or gossip about.
plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman
From this reading Gifford had merely said Helen had changed her mind about going, and would be in Ashurst a few days longer, and the little ladies had such an absorbing interest of their own they did not ask many questions.
immediately past
From this reading To both sisters a vague happiness had come in these last few weeks, and a certain sense of importance.
the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree
From this reading Of course it was soon known that Helen Ward was at the rectory, but to the Misses Woodhouse, at least, her presence was not of enough importance to speculate or gossip about.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Gifford had merely said Helen had changed her mind about going, and would be in Ashurst a few days longer, and the little ladies had such an absorbing interest of their own they did not ask many questions.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading Miss Ruth only remarked that she wondered how she could be satisfied to stay away from her husband so long, and Miss Deborah replied that the young did not understand serious attachment.
for more time
From this reading Gifford had merely said Helen had changed her mind about going, and would be in Ashurst a few days longer, and the little ladies had such an absorbing interest of their own they did not ask many questions.
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 Gifford had merely said Helen had changed her mind about going, and would be in Ashurst a few days longer, and the little ladies had such an absorbing interest of their own they did not ask many questions.
and nothing more
From this reading Gifford had merely said Helen had changed her mind about going, and would be in Ashurst a few days longer, and the little ladies had such an absorbing interest of their own they did not ask many questions.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading Gifford had merely said Helen had changed her mind about going, and would be in Ashurst a few days longer, and the little ladies had such an absorbing interest of their own they did not ask many questions.
fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind
From this reading Miss Ruth only remarked that she wondered how she could be satisfied to stay away from her husband so long, and Miss Deborah replied that the young did not understand serious attachment.
MissesnounUS /ˈmɪsəz/
plural of “miss” — a young female
From this reading Of course it was soon known that Helen Ward was at the rectory, but to the Misses Woodhouse, at least, her presence was not of enough importance to speculate or gossip about.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Of course it was soon known that Helen Ward was at the rectory, but to the Misses Woodhouse, at least, her presence was not of enough importance to speculate or gossip about.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Of course it was soon known that Helen Ward was at the rectory, but to the Misses Woodhouse, at least, her presence was not of enough importance to speculate or gossip about.
and nothing more
From this reading Miss Ruth only remarked that she wondered how she could be satisfied to stay away from her husband so long, and Miss Deborah replied that the young did not understand serious attachment.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Of course it was soon known that Helen Ward was at the rectory, but to the Misses Woodhouse, at least, her presence was not of enough importance to speculate or gossip about.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading Each felt it for herself, but was unable to realize it for the other, yet constantly encountered it with irritated astonishment, when the desire to confide was strong.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading Gifford had merely said Helen had changed her mind about going, and would be in Ashurst a few days longer, and the little ladies had such an absorbing interest of their own they did not ask many questions.
the state of being present; current existence
From this reading Of course it was soon known that Helen Ward was at the rectory, but to the Misses Woodhouse, at least, her presence was not of enough importance to speculate or gossip about.
plural of “question” — an instance of questioning
From this reading Gifford had merely said Helen had changed her mind about going, and would be in Ashurst a few days longer, and the little ladies had such an absorbing interest of their own they did not ask many questions.
be fully aware or cognizant of
From this reading Each felt it for herself, but was unable to realize it for the other, yet constantly encountered it with irritated astonishment, when the desire to confide was strong.
rectorynounUS /ˈrektəri/
an official residence provided by a church for its parson or vicar or rector
From this reading Of course it was soon known that Helen Ward was at the rectory, but to the Misses Woodhouse, at least, her presence was not of enough importance to speculate or gossip about.
past form of “remark” — make mention of
From this reading Miss Ruth only remarked that she wondered how she could be satisfied to stay away from her husband so long, and Miss Deborah replied that the young did not understand serious attachment.
inflected form of “reply” — react verbally
From this reading Miss Ruth only remarked that she wondered how she could be satisfied to stay away from her husband so long, and Miss Deborah replied that the young did not understand serious attachment.
United States professional baseball player famous for hitting home runs (1895-1948)
From this reading Miss Ruth only remarked that she wondered how she could be satisfied to stay away from her husband so long, and Miss Deborah replied that the young did not understand serious attachment.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading Gifford had merely said Helen had changed her mind about going, and would be in Ashurst a few days longer, and the little ladies had such an absorbing interest of their own they did not ask many questions.
filled with satisfaction
From this reading Miss Ruth only remarked that she wondered how she could be satisfied to stay away from her husband so long, and Miss Deborah replied that the young did not understand serious attachment.
a general conscious awareness
From this reading To both sisters a vague happiness had come in these last few weeks, and a certain sense of importance.
concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities
From this reading Miss Ruth only remarked that she wondered how she could be satisfied to stay away from her husband so long, and Miss Deborah replied that the young did not understand serious attachment.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Miss Ruth only remarked that she wondered how she could be satisfied to stay away from her husband so long, and Miss Deborah replied that the young did not understand serious attachment.
plural of “sister” — a female person who has the same parents as another person
From this reading To both sisters a vague happiness had come in these last few weeks, and a certain sense of importance.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Miss Ruth only remarked that she wondered how she could be satisfied to stay away from her husband so long, and Miss Deborah replied that the young did not understand serious attachment.
in the near future
From this reading Of course it was soon known that Helen Ward was at the rectory, but to the Misses Woodhouse, at least, her presence was not of enough importance to speculate or gossip about.
speculateverbUS /ˈspekjəleɪt/
to believe especially on uncertain or tentative grounds
From this reading Of course it was soon known that Helen Ward was at the rectory, but to the Misses Woodhouse, at least, her presence was not of enough importance to speculate or gossip about.
stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading Miss Ruth only remarked that she wondered how she could be satisfied to stay away from her husband so long, and Miss Deborah replied that the young did not understand serious attachment.
having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading Each felt it for herself, but was unable to realize it for the other, yet constantly encountered it with irritated astonishment, when the desire to confide was strong.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Gifford had merely said Helen had changed her mind about going, and would be in Ashurst a few days longer, and the little ladies had such an absorbing interest of their own they did not ask many questions.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Of course it was soon known that Helen Ward was at the rectory, but to the Misses Woodhouse, at least, her presence was not of enough importance to speculate or gossip about.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Of course it was soon known that Helen Ward was at the rectory, but to the Misses Woodhouse, at least, her presence was not of enough importance to speculate or gossip about.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Gifford had merely said Helen had changed her mind about going, and would be in Ashurst a few days longer, and the little ladies had such an absorbing interest of their own they did not ask many questions.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading To both sisters a vague happiness had come in these last few weeks, and a certain sense of importance.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Gifford had merely said Helen had changed her mind about going, and would be in Ashurst a few days longer, and the little ladies had such an absorbing interest of their own they did not ask many questions.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Of course it was soon known that Helen Ward was at the rectory, but to the Misses Woodhouse, at least, her presence was not of enough importance to speculate or gossip about.
(usually followed by “to”) not having the necessary means or skill or know-how
From this reading Each felt it for herself, but was unable to realize it for the other, yet constantly encountered it with irritated astonishment, when the desire to confide was strong.
know and comprehend the nature or meaning of
From this reading Miss Ruth only remarked that she wondered how she could be satisfied to stay away from her husband so long, and Miss Deborah replied that the young did not understand serious attachment.
not clearly expressed or understood
From this reading To both sisters a vague happiness had come in these last few weeks, and a certain sense of importance.
WardnounUS /wɔːrd/
a person who is under the protection or in the custody of another
From this reading Of course it was soon known that Helen Ward was at the rectory, but to the Misses Woodhouse, at least, her presence was not of enough importance to speculate or gossip about.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Of course it was soon known that Helen Ward was at the rectory, but to the Misses Woodhouse, at least, her presence was not of enough importance to speculate or gossip about.
plural of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading To both sisters a vague happiness had come in these last few weeks, and a certain sense of importance.
at the time that
From this reading Each felt it for herself, but was unable to realize it for the other, yet constantly encountered it with irritated astonishment, when the desire to confide was strong.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Each felt it for herself, but was unable to realize it for the other, yet constantly encountered it with irritated astonishment, when the desire to confide was strong.
past form of “wonder” — have a wish or desire to know something
From this reading Miss Ruth only remarked that she wondered how she could be satisfied to stay away from her husband so long, and Miss Deborah replied that the young did not understand serious attachment.
Woodhouse
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Of course it was soon known that Helen Ward was at the rectory, but to the Misses Woodhouse, at least, her presence was not of enough importance to speculate or gossip about.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Gifford had merely said Helen had changed her mind about going, and would be in Ashurst a few days longer, and the little ladies had such an absorbing interest of their own they did not ask many questions.
but in spite of that
From this reading Each felt it for herself, but was unable to realize it for the other, yet constantly encountered it with irritated astonishment, when the desire to confide was strong.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading Miss Ruth only remarked that she wondered how she could be satisfied to stay away from her husband so long, and Miss Deborah replied that the young did not understand serious attachment.
