used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE SONG OF SPEED For a business woman, Kate took singularly small interest in her letters that morning, and Mrs. Craven from behind the coffee-pot looked at her rather wistfully.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading But though the old lady was vigorous enough, and was only too pleased to bustle about from place to place, Kate was listless, and always had an excuse when change was suggested.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading But though the old lady was vigorous enough, and was only too pleased to bustle about from place to place, Kate was listless, and always had an excuse when change was suggested.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading But though the old lady was vigorous enough, and was only too pleased to bustle about from place to place, Kate was listless, and always had an excuse when change was suggested.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE SONG OF SPEED For a business woman, Kate took singularly small interest in her letters that morning, and Mrs. Craven from behind the coffee-pot looked at her rather wistfully.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As a reason, she said she had been overworking herself, and wanted to sit still and do nothing; but she did not believe this herself nor did Mrs. Craven believe it.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading THE SONG OF SPEED For a business woman, Kate took singularly small interest in her letters that morning, and Mrs. Craven from behind the coffee-pot looked at her rather wistfully.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading They were staying in the Lakes, and were supposed to be motoring.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading As a reason, she said she had been overworking herself, and wanted to sit still and do nothing; but she did not believe this herself nor did Mrs. Craven believe it.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading THE SONG OF SPEED For a business woman, Kate took singularly small interest in her letters that morning, and Mrs. Craven from behind the coffee-pot looked at her rather wistfully.
accept as true; take to be true
From this reading As a reason, she said she had been overworking herself, and wanted to sit still and do nothing; but she did not believe this herself nor did Mrs. Craven believe it.
a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it
From this reading THE SONG OF SPEED For a business woman, Kate took singularly small interest in her letters that morning, and Mrs. Craven from behind the coffee-pot looked at her rather wistfully.
bustlenounUS /ˈbʌsəl/
a rapid active commotion
From this reading But though the old lady was vigorous enough, and was only too pleased to bustle about from place to place, Kate was listless, and always had an excuse when change was suggested.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But though the old lady was vigorous enough, and was only too pleased to bustle about from place to place, Kate was listless, and always had an excuse when change was suggested.
cause to change; make different; cause a transformation
From this reading But though the old lady was vigorous enough, and was only too pleased to bustle about from place to place, Kate was listless, and always had an excuse when change was suggested.
coffee-pot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SONG OF SPEED For a business woman, Kate took singularly small interest in her letters that morning, and Mrs. Craven from behind the coffee-pot looked at her rather wistfully.
CravenadjectiveUS /ˈkreɪvən/
lacking even the rudiments of courage; abjectly fearful
From this reading THE SONG OF SPEED For a business woman, Kate took singularly small interest in her letters that morning, and Mrs. Craven from behind the coffee-pot looked at her rather wistfully.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading As a reason, she said she had been overworking herself, and wanted to sit still and do nothing; but she did not believe this herself nor did Mrs. Craven believe it.
disbelieved
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Moreover, Kate knew that Mrs. Craven disbelieved.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading As a reason, she said she had been overworking herself, and wanted to sit still and do nothing; but she did not believe this herself nor did Mrs. Craven believe it.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading But though the old lady was vigorous enough, and was only too pleased to bustle about from place to place, Kate was listless, and always had an excuse when change was suggested.
accept an excuse for
From this reading But though the old lady was vigorous enough, and was only too pleased to bustle about from place to place, Kate was listless, and always had an excuse when change was suggested.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading THE SONG OF SPEED For a business woman, Kate took singularly small interest in her letters that morning, and Mrs. Craven from behind the coffee-pot looked at her rather wistfully.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading THE SONG OF SPEED For a business woman, Kate took singularly small interest in her letters that morning, and Mrs. Craven from behind the coffee-pot looked at her rather wistfully.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading But though the old lady was vigorous enough, and was only too pleased to bustle about from place to place, Kate was listless, and always had an excuse when change was suggested.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading THE SONG OF SPEED For a business woman, Kate took singularly small interest in her letters that morning, and Mrs. Craven from behind the coffee-pot looked at her rather wistfully.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading As a reason, she said she had been overworking herself, and wanted to sit still and do nothing; but she did not believe this herself nor did Mrs. Craven believe it.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE SONG OF SPEED For a business woman, Kate took singularly small interest in her letters that morning, and Mrs. Craven from behind the coffee-pot looked at her rather wistfully.
a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
From this reading THE SONG OF SPEED For a business woman, Kate took singularly small interest in her letters that morning, and Mrs. Craven from behind the coffee-pot looked at her rather wistfully.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading As a reason, she said she had been overworking herself, and wanted to sit still and do nothing; but she did not believe this herself nor did Mrs. Craven believe it.
Kate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SONG OF SPEED For a business woman, Kate took singularly small interest in her letters that morning, and Mrs. Craven from behind the coffee-pot looked at her rather wistfully.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading Moreover, Kate knew that Mrs. Craven disbelieved.
a polite name for any woman
From this reading But though the old lady was vigorous enough, and was only too pleased to bustle about from place to place, Kate was listless, and always had an excuse when change was suggested.
LakesnounUS /leɪks/
plural of “lake” — a body of (usually fresh) water surrounded by land
From this reading They were staying in the Lakes, and were supposed to be motoring.
the literary culture
From this reading THE SONG OF SPEED For a business woman, Kate took singularly small interest in her letters that morning, and Mrs. Craven from behind the coffee-pot looked at her rather wistfully.
listlessadjectiveUS /ˈlɪstləs/
lacking zest or vivacity
From this reading But though the old lady was vigorous enough, and was only too pleased to bustle about from place to place, Kate was listless, and always had an excuse when change was suggested.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading THE SONG OF SPEED For a business woman, Kate took singularly small interest in her letters that morning, and Mrs. Craven from behind the coffee-pot looked at her rather wistfully.
in addition to what has just been said
From this reading Moreover, Kate knew that Mrs. Craven disbelieved.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading THE SONG OF SPEED For a business woman, Kate took singularly small interest in her letters that morning, and Mrs. Craven from behind the coffee-pot looked at her rather wistfully.
motoringnounUS /ˈmoʊtərɪŋ/
the act of driving an automobile
From this reading They were staying in the Lakes, and were supposed to be motoring.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading THE SONG OF SPEED For a business woman, Kate took singularly small interest in her letters that morning, and Mrs. Craven from behind the coffee-pot looked at her rather wistfully.
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading As a reason, she said she had been overworking herself, and wanted to sit still and do nothing; but she did not believe this herself nor did Mrs. Craven believe it.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading As a reason, she said she had been overworking herself, and wanted to sit still and do nothing; but she did not believe this herself nor did Mrs. Craven believe it.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading As a reason, she said she had been overworking herself, and wanted to sit still and do nothing; but she did not believe this herself nor did Mrs. Craven believe it.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE SONG OF SPEED For a business woman, Kate took singularly small interest in her letters that morning, and Mrs. Craven from behind the coffee-pot looked at her rather wistfully.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading But though the old lady was vigorous enough, and was only too pleased to bustle about from place to place, Kate was listless, and always had an excuse when change was suggested.
and nothing more
From this reading But though the old lady was vigorous enough, and was only too pleased to bustle about from place to place, Kate was listless, and always had an excuse when change was suggested.
overworkingnounUS /ˌoʊvərˈwɜːrkɪŋ/
the act of working too much or too long
From this reading As a reason, she said she had been overworking herself, and wanted to sit still and do nothing; but she did not believe this herself nor did Mrs. Craven believe it.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading But though the old lady was vigorous enough, and was only too pleased to bustle about from place to place, Kate was listless, and always had an excuse when change was suggested.
experiencing or manifesting pleasure
From this reading But though the old lady was vigorous enough, and was only too pleased to bustle about from place to place, Kate was listless, and always had an excuse when change was suggested.
on the contrary
From this reading THE SONG OF SPEED For a business woman, Kate took singularly small interest in her letters that morning, and Mrs. Craven from behind the coffee-pot looked at her rather wistfully.
a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading As a reason, she said she had been overworking herself, and wanted to sit still and do nothing; but she did not believe this herself nor did Mrs. Craven believe it.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading As a reason, she said she had been overworking herself, and wanted to sit still and do nothing; but she did not believe this herself nor did Mrs. Craven believe it.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading As a reason, she said she had been overworking herself, and wanted to sit still and do nothing; but she did not believe this herself nor did Mrs. Craven believe it.
singularlyadverbUS /ˈsɪŋɡjələrli/
in a singular manner or to a singular degree
From this reading THE SONG OF SPEED For a business woman, Kate took singularly small interest in her letters that morning, and Mrs. Craven from behind the coffee-pot looked at her rather wistfully.
be seated
From this reading As a reason, she said she had been overworking herself, and wanted to sit still and do nothing; but she did not believe this herself nor did Mrs. Craven believe it.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading THE SONG OF SPEED For a business woman, Kate took singularly small interest in her letters that morning, and Mrs. Craven from behind the coffee-pot looked at her rather wistfully.
a short musical composition with words
From this reading THE SONG OF SPEED For a business woman, Kate took singularly small interest in her letters that morning, and Mrs. Craven from behind the coffee-pot looked at her rather wistfully.
move hurridly
From this reading THE SONG OF SPEED For a business woman, Kate took singularly small interest in her letters that morning, and Mrs. Craven from behind the coffee-pot looked at her rather wistfully.
stayingverbUS /ˈsteɪɪŋ/
-ing form of “stay” — stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading They were staying in the Lakes, and were supposed to be motoring.
not in physical motion
From this reading As a reason, she said she had been overworking herself, and wanted to sit still and do nothing; but she did not believe this herself nor did Mrs. Craven believe it.
past form of “suggest” — make a proposal, declare a plan for something
From this reading But though the old lady was vigorous enough, and was only too pleased to bustle about from place to place, Kate was listless, and always had an excuse when change was suggested.
required or under orders
From this reading They were staying in the Lakes, and were supposed to be motoring.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading THE SONG OF SPEED For a business woman, Kate took singularly small interest in her letters that morning, and Mrs. Craven from behind the coffee-pot looked at her rather wistfully.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE SONG OF SPEED For a business woman, Kate took singularly small interest in her letters that morning, and Mrs. Craven from behind the coffee-pot looked at her rather wistfully.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They were staying in the Lakes, and were supposed to be motoring.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading As a reason, she said she had been overworking herself, and wanted to sit still and do nothing; but she did not believe this herself nor did Mrs. Craven believe it.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading But though the old lady was vigorous enough, and was only too pleased to bustle about from place to place, Kate was listless, and always had an excuse when change was suggested.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading They were staying in the Lakes, and were supposed to be motoring.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading But though the old lady was vigorous enough, and was only too pleased to bustle about from place to place, Kate was listless, and always had an excuse when change was suggested.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading THE SONG OF SPEED For a business woman, Kate took singularly small interest in her letters that morning, and Mrs. Craven from behind the coffee-pot looked at her rather wistfully.
vigorousadjectiveUS /ˈvɪɡərəs/
characterized by forceful and energetic action or activity
From this reading But though the old lady was vigorous enough, and was only too pleased to bustle about from place to place, Kate was listless, and always had an excuse when change was suggested.
desired or wished for or sought
From this reading As a reason, she said she had been overworking herself, and wanted to sit still and do nothing; but she did not believe this herself nor did Mrs. Craven believe it.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading But though the old lady was vigorous enough, and was only too pleased to bustle about from place to place, Kate was listless, and always had an excuse when change was suggested.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading They were staying in the Lakes, and were supposed to be motoring.
at the time that
From this reading But though the old lady was vigorous enough, and was only too pleased to bustle about from place to place, Kate was listless, and always had an excuse when change was suggested.
wistfullyadverbUS /ˈwɪstfəli/
in a wistful manner
From this reading THE SONG OF SPEED For a business woman, Kate took singularly small interest in her letters that morning, and Mrs. Craven from behind the coffee-pot looked at her rather wistfully.
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading THE SONG OF SPEED For a business woman, Kate took singularly small interest in her letters that morning, and Mrs. Craven from behind the coffee-pot looked at her rather wistfully.
