used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading XLVI What a contrast from the little schoolhouse, though it was so much more decorated than a schoolmistress’s little sitting-room has any right to be, or from the drab drawing-room at the Rectory!
having fair knowledge of
From this reading The more one became acquainted with Mrs. Swinford’s boudoir, the more exquisite it appeared.
anew
From this reading ‘Good friend,’ said Mrs. Brown, ‘true friend! but you can tell Leo Swinford when you see him again that one of these days Mrs. Brown is coming to call on him, with important information, at the Hall, and he will never need to hunt her through the rain any more!’
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading Those little water-colours which were hung on the walls were worth a small fortune, and a crowd of collectors would have appeared like ravens on the scene if it had been suggested that they could be sold: and the little Italian cabinets between the windows, with their delicate inlayings of ivory--not like the untrained beauty of the East, but fanciful and varied as a dream--were almost as valuable.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading ‘Good friend,’ said Mrs. Brown, ‘true friend! but you can tell Leo Swinford when you see him again that one of these days Mrs. Brown is coming to call on him, with important information, at the Hall, and he will never need to hunt her through the rain any more!’
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading ‘Good friend,’ said Mrs. Brown, ‘true friend! but you can tell Leo Swinford when you see him again that one of these days Mrs. Brown is coming to call on him, with important information, at the Hall, and he will never need to hunt her through the rain any more!’
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading The more one became acquainted with Mrs. Swinford’s boudoir, the more exquisite it appeared.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Those little water-colours which were hung on the walls were worth a small fortune, and a crowd of collectors would have appeared like ravens on the scene if it had been suggested that they could be sold: and the little Italian cabinets between the windows, with their delicate inlayings of ivory--not like the untrained beauty of the East, but fanciful and varied as a dream--were almost as valuable.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading ‘Good friend,’ said Mrs. Brown, ‘true friend! but you can tell Leo Swinford when you see him again that one of these days Mrs. Brown is coming to call on him, with important information, at the Hall, and he will never need to hunt her through the rain any more!’
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading XLVI What a contrast from the little schoolhouse, though it was so much more decorated than a schoolmistress’s little sitting-room has any right to be, or from the drab drawing-room at the Rectory!
the qualities that give pleasure to the senses
From this reading Those little water-colours which were hung on the walls were worth a small fortune, and a crowd of collectors would have appeared like ravens on the scene if it had been suggested that they could be sold: and the little Italian cabinets between the windows, with their delicate inlayings of ivory--not like the untrained beauty of the East, but fanciful and varied as a dream--were almost as valuable.
inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading The more one became acquainted with Mrs. Swinford’s boudoir, the more exquisite it appeared.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Those little water-colours which were hung on the walls were worth a small fortune, and a crowd of collectors would have appeared like ravens on the scene if it had been suggested that they could be sold: and the little Italian cabinets between the windows, with their delicate inlayings of ivory--not like the untrained beauty of the East, but fanciful and varied as a dream--were almost as valuable.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading Those little water-colours which were hung on the walls were worth a small fortune, and a crowd of collectors would have appeared like ravens on the scene if it had been suggested that they could be sold: and the little Italian cabinets between the windows, with their delicate inlayings of ivory--not like the untrained beauty of the East, but fanciful and varied as a dream--were almost as valuable.
boudoirnounUS /ˈbuːdɔɪr/
a lady's bedroom or private sitting room
From this reading The more one became acquainted with Mrs. Swinford’s boudoir, the more exquisite it appeared.
an orange of low brightness and saturation
From this reading ‘Good friend,’ said Mrs. Brown, ‘true friend! but you can tell Leo Swinford when you see him again that one of these days Mrs. Brown is coming to call on him, with important information, at the Hall, and he will never need to hunt her through the rain any more!’
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading ‘Good friend,’ said Mrs. Brown, ‘true friend! but you can tell Leo Swinford when you see him again that one of these days Mrs. Brown is coming to call on him, with important information, at the Hall, and he will never need to hunt her through the rain any more!’
cabinetsnounUS /ˈkæbənəts/
plural of “cabinet” — a piece of furniture resembling a cupboard with doors and shelves and drawers; for storage or display
From this reading Those little water-colours which were hung on the walls were worth a small fortune, and a crowd of collectors would have appeared like ravens on the scene if it had been suggested that they could be sold: and the little Italian cabinets between the windows, with their delicate inlayings of ivory--not like the untrained beauty of the East, but fanciful and varied as a dream--were almost as valuable.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading ‘Good friend,’ said Mrs. Brown, ‘true friend! but you can tell Leo Swinford when you see him again that one of these days Mrs. Brown is coming to call on him, with important information, at the Hall, and he will never need to hunt her through the rain any more!’
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading ‘Good friend,’ said Mrs. Brown, ‘true friend! but you can tell Leo Swinford when you see him again that one of these days Mrs. Brown is coming to call on him, with important information, at the Hall, and he will never need to hunt her through the rain any more!’
collectorsnounUS /kəˈlektərz/
plural of “collector” — a person who collects things
From this reading Those little water-colours which were hung on the walls were worth a small fortune, and a crowd of collectors would have appeared like ravens on the scene if it had been suggested that they could be sold: and the little Italian cabinets between the windows, with their delicate inlayings of ivory--not like the untrained beauty of the East, but fanciful and varied as a dream--were almost as valuable.
the act of drawing spatially closer to something
From this reading ‘Good friend,’ said Mrs. Brown, ‘true friend! but you can tell Leo Swinford when you see him again that one of these days Mrs. Brown is coming to call on him, with important information, at the Hall, and he will never need to hunt her through the rain any more!’
contrastnounUS /ˈkɑːntræst/
the opposition or dissimilarity of things that are compared
From this reading XLVI What a contrast from the little schoolhouse, though it was so much more decorated than a schoolmistress’s little sitting-room has any right to be, or from the drab drawing-room at the Rectory!
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Those little water-colours which were hung on the walls were worth a small fortune, and a crowd of collectors would have appeared like ravens on the scene if it had been suggested that they could be sold: and the little Italian cabinets between the windows, with their delicate inlayings of ivory--not like the untrained beauty of the East, but fanciful and varied as a dream--were almost as valuable.
cause to herd, drive, or crowd together
From this reading Those little water-colours which were hung on the walls were worth a small fortune, and a crowd of collectors would have appeared like ravens on the scene if it had been suggested that they could be sold: and the little Italian cabinets between the windows, with their delicate inlayings of ivory--not like the untrained beauty of the East, but fanciful and varied as a dream--were almost as valuable.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading ‘Good friend,’ said Mrs. Brown, ‘true friend! but you can tell Leo Swinford when you see him again that one of these days Mrs. Brown is coming to call on him, with important information, at the Hall, and he will never need to hunt her through the rain any more!’
decoratedadjectiveUS /ˈdekəreɪtɪd/
provided with something intended to increase its beauty or distinction
From this reading XLVI What a contrast from the little schoolhouse, though it was so much more decorated than a schoolmistress’s little sitting-room has any right to be, or from the drab drawing-room at the Rectory!
exquisitely fine and subtle and pleasing; susceptible to injury
From this reading Those little water-colours which were hung on the walls were worth a small fortune, and a crowd of collectors would have appeared like ravens on the scene if it had been suggested that they could be sold: and the little Italian cabinets between the windows, with their delicate inlayings of ivory--not like the untrained beauty of the East, but fanciful and varied as a dream--were almost as valuable.
deliciousadjectiveUS /dɪˈlɪʃəs/
greatly pleasing or entertaining
From this reading And then the tempered, delicious warmth, and the softened, delightful light!
greatly pleasing or entertaining
From this reading And then the tempered, delicious warmth, and the softened, delightful light!
drabadjectiveUS /dræb/
lacking in liveliness or charm or surprise
From this reading XLVI What a contrast from the little schoolhouse, though it was so much more decorated than a schoolmistress’s little sitting-room has any right to be, or from the drab drawing-room at the Rectory!
drawing-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading XLVI What a contrast from the little schoolhouse, though it was so much more decorated than a schoolmistress’s little sitting-room has any right to be, or from the drab drawing-room at the Rectory!
A series of thoughts, images, or emotions during sleep.
From this reading Those little water-colours which were hung on the walls were worth a small fortune, and a crowd of collectors would have appeared like ravens on the scene if it had been suggested that they could be sold: and the little Italian cabinets between the windows, with their delicate inlayings of ivory--not like the untrained beauty of the East, but fanciful and varied as a dream--were almost as valuable.
the cardinal compass point that is at 90 degrees
From this reading Those little water-colours which were hung on the walls were worth a small fortune, and a crowd of collectors would have appeared like ravens on the scene if it had been suggested that they could be sold: and the little Italian cabinets between the windows, with their delicate inlayings of ivory--not like the untrained beauty of the East, but fanciful and varied as a dream--were almost as valuable.
exquisiteadjectiveUS /ˈekskwəzət/
intense or sharp
From this reading The more one became acquainted with Mrs. Swinford’s boudoir, the more exquisite it appeared.
fancifuladjectiveUS /ˈfænsɪfəl/
indulging in or influenced by fancy
From this reading Those little water-colours which were hung on the walls were worth a small fortune, and a crowd of collectors would have appeared like ravens on the scene if it had been suggested that they could be sold: and the little Italian cabinets between the windows, with their delicate inlayings of ivory--not like the untrained beauty of the East, but fanciful and varied as a dream--were almost as valuable.
an unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that causes an event to result one way rather than another
From this reading Those little water-colours which were hung on the walls were worth a small fortune, and a crowd of collectors would have appeared like ravens on the scene if it had been suggested that they could be sold: and the little Italian cabinets between the windows, with their delicate inlayings of ivory--not like the untrained beauty of the East, but fanciful and varied as a dream--were almost as valuable.
a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading ‘Good friend,’ said Mrs. Brown, ‘true friend! but you can tell Leo Swinford when you see him again that one of these days Mrs. Brown is coming to call on him, with important information, at the Hall, and he will never need to hunt her through the rain any more!’
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading XLVI What a contrast from the little schoolhouse, though it was so much more decorated than a schoolmistress’s little sitting-room has any right to be, or from the drab drawing-room at the Rectory!
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading ‘Good friend,’ said Mrs. Brown, ‘true friend! but you can tell Leo Swinford when you see him again that one of these days Mrs. Brown is coming to call on him, with important information, at the Hall, and he will never need to hunt her through the rain any more!’
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Those little water-colours which were hung on the walls were worth a small fortune, and a crowd of collectors would have appeared like ravens on the scene if it had been suggested that they could be sold: and the little Italian cabinets between the windows, with their delicate inlayings of ivory--not like the untrained beauty of the East, but fanciful and varied as a dream--were almost as valuable.
an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open
From this reading ‘Good friend,’ said Mrs. Brown, ‘true friend! but you can tell Leo Swinford when you see him again that one of these days Mrs. Brown is coming to call on him, with important information, at the Hall, and he will never need to hunt her through the rain any more!’
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading XLVI What a contrast from the little schoolhouse, though it was so much more decorated than a schoolmistress’s little sitting-room has any right to be, or from the drab drawing-room at the Rectory!
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Those little water-colours which were hung on the walls were worth a small fortune, and a crowd of collectors would have appeared like ravens on the scene if it had been suggested that they could be sold: and the little Italian cabinets between the windows, with their delicate inlayings of ivory--not like the untrained beauty of the East, but fanciful and varied as a dream--were almost as valuable.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading ‘Good friend,’ said Mrs. Brown, ‘true friend! but you can tell Leo Swinford when you see him again that one of these days Mrs. Brown is coming to call on him, with important information, at the Hall, and he will never need to hunt her through the rain any more!’
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading ‘Good friend,’ said Mrs. Brown, ‘true friend! but you can tell Leo Swinford when you see him again that one of these days Mrs. Brown is coming to call on him, with important information, at the Hall, and he will never need to hunt her through the rain any more!’
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading ‘Good friend,’ said Mrs. Brown, ‘true friend! but you can tell Leo Swinford when you see him again that one of these days Mrs. Brown is coming to call on him, with important information, at the Hall, and he will never need to hunt her through the rain any more!’
inflected form of “hang” — be suspended or hanging
From this reading Those little water-colours which were hung on the walls were worth a small fortune, and a crowd of collectors would have appeared like ravens on the scene if it had been suggested that they could be sold: and the little Italian cabinets between the windows, with their delicate inlayings of ivory--not like the untrained beauty of the East, but fanciful and varied as a dream--were almost as valuable.
pursue for food or sport (as of wild animals)
From this reading ‘Good friend,’ said Mrs. Brown, ‘true friend! but you can tell Leo Swinford when you see him again that one of these days Mrs. Brown is coming to call on him, with important information, at the Hall, and he will never need to hunt her through the rain any more!’
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Those little water-colours which were hung on the walls were worth a small fortune, and a crowd of collectors would have appeared like ravens on the scene if it had been suggested that they could be sold: and the little Italian cabinets between the windows, with their delicate inlayings of ivory--not like the untrained beauty of the East, but fanciful and varied as a dream--were almost as valuable.
of great significance or value
From this reading ‘Good friend,’ said Mrs. Brown, ‘true friend! but you can tell Leo Swinford when you see him again that one of these days Mrs. Brown is coming to call on him, with important information, at the Hall, and he will never need to hunt her through the rain any more!’
a message received and understood
From this reading ‘Good friend,’ said Mrs. Brown, ‘true friend! but you can tell Leo Swinford when you see him again that one of these days Mrs. Brown is coming to call on him, with important information, at the Hall, and he will never need to hunt her through the rain any more!’
inlayings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Those little water-colours which were hung on the walls were worth a small fortune, and a crowd of collectors would have appeared like ravens on the scene if it had been suggested that they could be sold: and the little Italian cabinets between the windows, with their delicate inlayings of ivory--not like the untrained beauty of the East, but fanciful and varied as a dream--were almost as valuable.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading ‘Good friend,’ said Mrs. Brown, ‘true friend! but you can tell Leo Swinford when you see him again that one of these days Mrs. Brown is coming to call on him, with important information, at the Hall, and he will never need to hunt her through the rain any more!’
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading XLVI What a contrast from the little schoolhouse, though it was so much more decorated than a schoolmistress’s little sitting-room has any right to be, or from the drab drawing-room at the Rectory!
a native or inhabitant of Italy
From this reading Those little water-colours which were hung on the walls were worth a small fortune, and a crowd of collectors would have appeared like ravens on the scene if it had been suggested that they could be sold: and the little Italian cabinets between the windows, with their delicate inlayings of ivory--not like the untrained beauty of the East, but fanciful and varied as a dream--were almost as valuable.
ivorynounUS /ˈaɪvəri/
a hard smooth ivory colored dentine that makes up most of the tusks of elephants and walruses
From this reading Those little water-colours which were hung on the walls were worth a small fortune, and a crowd of collectors would have appeared like ravens on the scene if it had been suggested that they could be sold: and the little Italian cabinets between the windows, with their delicate inlayings of ivory--not like the untrained beauty of the East, but fanciful and varied as a dream--were almost as valuable.
LeonounUS /ˈliːoʊ/
(astrology) a person who is born while the sun is in Leo
From this reading ‘Good friend,’ said Mrs. Brown, ‘true friend! but you can tell Leo Swinford when you see him again that one of these days Mrs. Brown is coming to call on him, with important information, at the Hall, and he will never need to hunt her through the rain any more!’
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading And then the tempered, delicious warmth, and the softened, delightful light!
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading Those little water-colours which were hung on the walls were worth a small fortune, and a crowd of collectors would have appeared like ravens on the scene if it had been suggested that they could be sold: and the little Italian cabinets between the windows, with their delicate inlayings of ivory--not like the untrained beauty of the East, but fanciful and varied as a dream--were almost as valuable.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading XLVI What a contrast from the little schoolhouse, though it was so much more decorated than a schoolmistress’s little sitting-room has any right to be, or from the drab drawing-room at the Rectory!
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading ‘Good friend,’ said Mrs. Brown, ‘true friend! but you can tell Leo Swinford when you see him again that one of these days Mrs. Brown is coming to call on him, with important information, at the Hall, and he will never need to hunt her through the rain any more!’
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading ‘Good friend,’ said Mrs. Brown, ‘true friend! but you can tell Leo Swinford when you see him again that one of these days Mrs. Brown is coming to call on him, with important information, at the Hall, and he will never need to hunt her through the rain any more!’
to a great degree or extent
From this reading XLVI What a contrast from the little schoolhouse, though it was so much more decorated than a schoolmistress’s little sitting-room has any right to be, or from the drab drawing-room at the Rectory!
a condition requiring relief
From this reading ‘Good friend,’ said Mrs. Brown, ‘true friend! but you can tell Leo Swinford when you see him again that one of these days Mrs. Brown is coming to call on him, with important information, at the Hall, and he will never need to hunt her through the rain any more!’
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading ‘Good friend,’ said Mrs. Brown, ‘true friend! but you can tell Leo Swinford when you see him again that one of these days Mrs. Brown is coming to call on him, with important information, at the Hall, and he will never need to hunt her through the rain any more!’
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Those little water-colours which were hung on the walls were worth a small fortune, and a crowd of collectors would have appeared like ravens on the scene if it had been suggested that they could be sold: and the little Italian cabinets between the windows, with their delicate inlayings of ivory--not like the untrained beauty of the East, but fanciful and varied as a dream--were almost as valuable.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading ‘Good friend,’ said Mrs. Brown, ‘true friend! but you can tell Leo Swinford when you see him again that one of these days Mrs. Brown is coming to call on him, with important information, at the Hall, and he will never need to hunt her through the rain any more!’
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading ‘Good friend,’ said Mrs. Brown, ‘true friend! but you can tell Leo Swinford when you see him again that one of these days Mrs. Brown is coming to call on him, with important information, at the Hall, and he will never need to hunt her through the rain any more!’
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading ‘Good friend,’ said Mrs. Brown, ‘true friend! but you can tell Leo Swinford when you see him again that one of these days Mrs. Brown is coming to call on him, with important information, at the Hall, and he will never need to hunt her through the rain any more!’
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading XLVI What a contrast from the little schoolhouse, though it was so much more decorated than a schoolmistress’s little sitting-room has any right to be, or from the drab drawing-room at the Rectory!
water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere
From this reading ‘Good friend,’ said Mrs. Brown, ‘true friend! but you can tell Leo Swinford when you see him again that one of these days Mrs. Brown is coming to call on him, with important information, at the Hall, and he will never need to hunt her through the rain any more!’
ravensnounUS /ˈreɪvənz/
plural of “raven” — large black bird with a straight bill and long wedge-shaped tail
From this reading Those little water-colours which were hung on the walls were worth a small fortune, and a crowd of collectors would have appeared like ravens on the scene if it had been suggested that they could be sold: and the little Italian cabinets between the windows, with their delicate inlayings of ivory--not like the untrained beauty of the East, but fanciful and varied as a dream--were almost as valuable.
RectorynounUS /ˈrektəri/
an official residence provided by a church for its parson or vicar or rector
From this reading XLVI What a contrast from the little schoolhouse, though it was so much more decorated than a schoolmistress’s little sitting-room has any right to be, or from the drab drawing-room at the Rectory!
precisely, exactly
From this reading XLVI What a contrast from the little schoolhouse, though it was so much more decorated than a schoolmistress’s little sitting-room has any right to be, or from the drab drawing-room at the Rectory!
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading ‘Good friend,’ said Mrs. Brown, ‘true friend! but you can tell Leo Swinford when you see him again that one of these days Mrs. Brown is coming to call on him, with important information, at the Hall, and he will never need to hunt her through the rain any more!’
the place where some action occurs
From this reading Those little water-colours which were hung on the walls were worth a small fortune, and a crowd of collectors would have appeared like ravens on the scene if it had been suggested that they could be sold: and the little Italian cabinets between the windows, with their delicate inlayings of ivory--not like the untrained beauty of the East, but fanciful and varied as a dream--were almost as valuable.
schoolhousenounUS /ˈskuːlhaʊs/
a building where young people receive education
From this reading XLVI What a contrast from the little schoolhouse, though it was so much more decorated than a schoolmistress’s little sitting-room has any right to be, or from the drab drawing-room at the Rectory!
schoolmistress's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading XLVI What a contrast from the little schoolhouse, though it was so much more decorated than a schoolmistress’s little sitting-room has any right to be, or from the drab drawing-room at the Rectory!
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading ‘Good friend,’ said Mrs. Brown, ‘true friend! but you can tell Leo Swinford when you see him again that one of these days Mrs. Brown is coming to call on him, with important information, at the Hall, and he will never need to hunt her through the rain any more!’
sitting-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading XLVI What a contrast from the little schoolhouse, though it was so much more decorated than a schoolmistress’s little sitting-room has any right to be, or from the drab drawing-room at the Rectory!
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Those little water-colours which were hung on the walls were worth a small fortune, and a crowd of collectors would have appeared like ravens on the scene if it had been suggested that they could be sold: and the little Italian cabinets between the windows, with their delicate inlayings of ivory--not like the untrained beauty of the East, but fanciful and varied as a dream--were almost as valuable.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading XLVI What a contrast from the little schoolhouse, though it was so much more decorated than a schoolmistress’s little sitting-room has any right to be, or from the drab drawing-room at the Rectory!
softenedadjectiveUS /ˈsɔːfənd/
toned down
From this reading And then the tempered, delicious warmth, and the softened, delightful light!
disposed of to a purchaser
From this reading Those little water-colours which were hung on the walls were worth a small fortune, and a crowd of collectors would have appeared like ravens on the scene if it had been suggested that they could be sold: and the little Italian cabinets between the windows, with their delicate inlayings of ivory--not like the untrained beauty of the East, but fanciful and varied as a dream--were almost as valuable.
past form of “suggest” — make a proposal, declare a plan for something
From this reading Those little water-colours which were hung on the walls were worth a small fortune, and a crowd of collectors would have appeared like ravens on the scene if it had been suggested that they could be sold: and the little Italian cabinets between the windows, with their delicate inlayings of ivory--not like the untrained beauty of the East, but fanciful and varied as a dream--were almost as valuable.
Swinford
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘Good friend,’ said Mrs. Brown, ‘true friend! but you can tell Leo Swinford when you see him again that one of these days Mrs. Brown is coming to call on him, with important information, at the Hall, and he will never need to hunt her through the rain any more!’
Swinford's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The more one became acquainted with Mrs. Swinford’s boudoir, the more exquisite it appeared.
express in words
From this reading ‘Good friend,’ said Mrs. Brown, ‘true friend! but you can tell Leo Swinford when you see him again that one of these days Mrs. Brown is coming to call on him, with important information, at the Hall, and he will never need to hunt her through the rain any more!’
temperedadjectiveUS /ˈtempərd/
made hard or flexible or resilient especially by heat treatment
From this reading And then the tempered, delicious warmth, and the softened, delightful light!
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading XLVI What a contrast from the little schoolhouse, though it was so much more decorated than a schoolmistress’s little sitting-room has any right to be, or from the drab drawing-room at the Rectory!
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading ‘Good friend,’ said Mrs. Brown, ‘true friend! but you can tell Leo Swinford when you see him again that one of these days Mrs. Brown is coming to call on him, with important information, at the Hall, and he will never need to hunt her through the rain any more!’
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading ‘Good friend,’ said Mrs. Brown, ‘true friend! but you can tell Leo Swinford when you see him again that one of these days Mrs. Brown is coming to call on him, with important information, at the Hall, and he will never need to hunt her through the rain any more!’
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Those little water-colours which were hung on the walls were worth a small fortune, and a crowd of collectors would have appeared like ravens on the scene if it had been suggested that they could be sold: and the little Italian cabinets between the windows, with their delicate inlayings of ivory--not like the untrained beauty of the East, but fanciful and varied as a dream--were almost as valuable.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading And then the tempered, delicious warmth, and the softened, delightful light!
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading ‘Good friend,’ said Mrs. Brown, ‘true friend! but you can tell Leo Swinford when you see him again that one of these days Mrs. Brown is coming to call on him, with important information, at the Hall, and he will never need to hunt her through the rain any more!’
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Those little water-colours which were hung on the walls were worth a small fortune, and a crowd of collectors would have appeared like ravens on the scene if it had been suggested that they could be sold: and the little Italian cabinets between the windows, with their delicate inlayings of ivory--not like the untrained beauty of the East, but fanciful and varied as a dream--were almost as valuable.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading Those little water-colours which were hung on the walls were worth a small fortune, and a crowd of collectors would have appeared like ravens on the scene if it had been suggested that they could be sold: and the little Italian cabinets between the windows, with their delicate inlayings of ivory--not like the untrained beauty of the East, but fanciful and varied as a dream--were almost as valuable.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading XLVI What a contrast from the little schoolhouse, though it was so much more decorated than a schoolmistress’s little sitting-room has any right to be, or from the drab drawing-room at the Rectory!
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading ‘Good friend,’ said Mrs. Brown, ‘true friend! but you can tell Leo Swinford when you see him again that one of these days Mrs. Brown is coming to call on him, with important information, at the Hall, and he will never need to hunt her through the rain any more!’
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading ‘Good friend,’ said Mrs. Brown, ‘true friend! but you can tell Leo Swinford when you see him again that one of these days Mrs. Brown is coming to call on him, with important information, at the Hall, and he will never need to hunt her through the rain any more!’
consistent with fact or reality; not false
From this reading ‘Good friend,’ said Mrs. Brown, ‘true friend! but you can tell Leo Swinford when you see him again that one of these days Mrs. Brown is coming to call on him, with important information, at the Hall, and he will never need to hunt her through the rain any more!’
untrainedadjectiveUS /ənˈtreɪnd/
not disciplined or conditioned or made adept by training
From this reading Those little water-colours which were hung on the walls were worth a small fortune, and a crowd of collectors would have appeared like ravens on the scene if it had been suggested that they could be sold: and the little Italian cabinets between the windows, with their delicate inlayings of ivory--not like the untrained beauty of the East, but fanciful and varied as a dream--were almost as valuable.
having great material or monetary value especially for use or exchange
From this reading Those little water-colours which were hung on the walls were worth a small fortune, and a crowd of collectors would have appeared like ravens on the scene if it had been suggested that they could be sold: and the little Italian cabinets between the windows, with their delicate inlayings of ivory--not like the untrained beauty of the East, but fanciful and varied as a dream--were almost as valuable.
variedadjectiveUS /ˈverid/
characterized by variety
From this reading Those little water-colours which were hung on the walls were worth a small fortune, and a crowd of collectors would have appeared like ravens on the scene if it had been suggested that they could be sold: and the little Italian cabinets between the windows, with their delicate inlayings of ivory--not like the untrained beauty of the East, but fanciful and varied as a dream--were almost as valuable.
plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure
From this reading Those little water-colours which were hung on the walls were worth a small fortune, and a crowd of collectors would have appeared like ravens on the scene if it had been suggested that they could be sold: and the little Italian cabinets between the windows, with their delicate inlayings of ivory--not like the untrained beauty of the East, but fanciful and varied as a dream--were almost as valuable.
warmthnounUS /wɔːrmθ/
the sensation caused by heat energy
From this reading And then the tempered, delicious warmth, and the softened, delightful light!
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading XLVI What a contrast from the little schoolhouse, though it was so much more decorated than a schoolmistress’s little sitting-room has any right to be, or from the drab drawing-room at the Rectory!
water-colours
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Those little water-colours which were hung on the walls were worth a small fortune, and a crowd of collectors would have appeared like ravens on the scene if it had been suggested that they could be sold: and the little Italian cabinets between the windows, with their delicate inlayings of ivory--not like the untrained beauty of the East, but fanciful and varied as a dream--were almost as valuable.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Those little water-colours which were hung on the walls were worth a small fortune, and a crowd of collectors would have appeared like ravens on the scene if it had been suggested that they could be sold: and the little Italian cabinets between the windows, with their delicate inlayings of ivory--not like the untrained beauty of the East, but fanciful and varied as a dream--were almost as valuable.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading XLVI What a contrast from the little schoolhouse, though it was so much more decorated than a schoolmistress’s little sitting-room has any right to be, or from the drab drawing-room at the Rectory!
at the time that
From this reading ‘Good friend,’ said Mrs. Brown, ‘true friend! but you can tell Leo Swinford when you see him again that one of these days Mrs. Brown is coming to call on him, with important information, at the Hall, and he will never need to hunt her through the rain any more!’
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Those little water-colours which were hung on the walls were worth a small fortune, and a crowd of collectors would have appeared like ravens on the scene if it had been suggested that they could be sold: and the little Italian cabinets between the windows, with their delicate inlayings of ivory--not like the untrained beauty of the East, but fanciful and varied as a dream--were almost as valuable.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading ‘Good friend,’ said Mrs. Brown, ‘true friend! but you can tell Leo Swinford when you see him again that one of these days Mrs. Brown is coming to call on him, with important information, at the Hall, and he will never need to hunt her through the rain any more!’
(trademark) an operating system with a graphical user interface
From this reading Those little water-colours which were hung on the walls were worth a small fortune, and a crowd of collectors would have appeared like ravens on the scene if it had been suggested that they could be sold: and the little Italian cabinets between the windows, with their delicate inlayings of ivory--not like the untrained beauty of the East, but fanciful and varied as a dream--were almost as valuable.
in the company of; together with
From this reading ‘Good friend,’ said Mrs. Brown, ‘true friend! but you can tell Leo Swinford when you see him again that one of these days Mrs. Brown is coming to call on him, with important information, at the Hall, and he will never need to hunt her through the rain any more!’
an indefinite quantity of something having a specified value
From this reading Those little water-colours which were hung on the walls were worth a small fortune, and a crowd of collectors would have appeared like ravens on the scene if it had been suggested that they could be sold: and the little Italian cabinets between the windows, with their delicate inlayings of ivory--not like the untrained beauty of the East, but fanciful and varied as a dream--were almost as valuable.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Those little water-colours which were hung on the walls were worth a small fortune, and a crowd of collectors would have appeared like ravens on the scene if it had been suggested that they could be sold: and the little Italian cabinets between the windows, with their delicate inlayings of ivory--not like the untrained beauty of the East, but fanciful and varied as a dream--were almost as valuable.
XLVIadjective
being six more than forty
From this reading XLVI What a contrast from the little schoolhouse, though it was so much more decorated than a schoolmistress’s little sitting-room has any right to be, or from the drab drawing-room at the Rectory!
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading ‘Good friend,’ said Mrs. Brown, ‘true friend! but you can tell Leo Swinford when you see him again that one of these days Mrs. Brown is coming to call on him, with important information, at the Hall, and he will never need to hunt her through the rain any more!’
