used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Mabel’s nerves had received too great a shock to rally immediately, and as day after day went by, she still kept her room, notwithstanding the very pointed hints of her mother-in-law that “she was making believe for the sake of sympathy.”
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading Mabel’s nerves had received too great a shock to rally immediately, and as day after day went by, she still kept her room, notwithstanding the very pointed hints of her mother-in-law that “she was making believe for the sake of sympathy.”
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Foiled in her efforts to dislodge them, she would not yield without an attempt at making Mabel, at least, as uncomfortable in mind as possible.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Mabel’s nerves had received too great a shock to rally immediately, and as day after day went by, she still kept her room, notwithstanding the very pointed hints of her mother-in-law that “she was making believe for the sake of sympathy.”
any person at all
From this reading Why didn’t she get up and go out doors—anybody would be sick to be flat on their back day in and day out; or did she think she was spiting her by showing what muss she could keep the “best chamber” in if she chose?
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Mabel’s nerves had received too great a shock to rally immediately, and as day after day went by, she still kept her room, notwithstanding the very pointed hints of her mother-in-law that “she was making believe for the sake of sympathy.”
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Foiled in her efforts to dislodge them, she would not yield without an attempt at making Mabel, at least, as uncomfortable in mind as possible.
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading Foiled in her efforts to dislodge them, she would not yield without an attempt at making Mabel, at least, as uncomfortable in mind as possible.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading Why didn’t she get up and go out doors—anybody would be sick to be flat on their back day in and day out; or did she think she was spiting her by showing what muss she could keep the “best chamber” in if she chose?
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Why didn’t she get up and go out doors—anybody would be sick to be flat on their back day in and day out; or did she think she was spiting her by showing what muss she could keep the “best chamber” in if she chose?
accept as true; take to be true
From this reading Mabel’s nerves had received too great a shock to rally immediately, and as day after day went by, she still kept her room, notwithstanding the very pointed hints of her mother-in-law that “she was making believe for the sake of sympathy.”
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading Why didn’t she get up and go out doors—anybody would be sick to be flat on their back day in and day out; or did she think she was spiting her by showing what muss she could keep the “best chamber” in if she chose?
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Mabel’s nerves had received too great a shock to rally immediately, and as day after day went by, she still kept her room, notwithstanding the very pointed hints of her mother-in-law that “she was making believe for the sake of sympathy.”
a natural or artificial enclosed space
From this reading Why didn’t she get up and go out doors—anybody would be sick to be flat on their back day in and day out; or did she think she was spiting her by showing what muss she could keep the “best chamber” in if she chose?
inflected form of “choose” — pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives
From this reading Why didn’t she get up and go out doors—anybody would be sick to be flat on their back day in and day out; or did she think she was spiting her by showing what muss she could keep the “best chamber” in if she chose?
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Why didn’t she get up and go out doors—anybody would be sick to be flat on their back day in and day out; or did she think she was spiting her by showing what muss she could keep the “best chamber” in if she chose?
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading Mabel’s nerves had received too great a shock to rally immediately, and as day after day went by, she still kept her room, notwithstanding the very pointed hints of her mother-in-law that “she was making believe for the sake of sympathy.”
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Why didn’t she get up and go out doors—anybody would be sick to be flat on their back day in and day out; or did she think she was spiting her by showing what muss she could keep the “best chamber” in if she chose?
didn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Why didn’t she get up and go out doors—anybody would be sick to be flat on their back day in and day out; or did she think she was spiting her by showing what muss she could keep the “best chamber” in if she chose?
dislodgeverbUS /dɪˈslɑːdʒ/
remove or force out from a position
From this reading Foiled in her efforts to dislodge them, she would not yield without an attempt at making Mabel, at least, as uncomfortable in mind as possible.
dissatisfactionnounUS /ˌdɪsætɪˈsfækʃən/
the feeling of being displeased and discontent
From this reading This last was undoubtedly the grand secret of Mrs. Livingstone’s dissatisfaction.
plural of “door” — a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading Why didn’t she get up and go out doors—anybody would be sick to be flat on their back day in and day out; or did she think she was spiting her by showing what muss she could keep the “best chamber” in if she chose?
plural of “effort” — earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading Foiled in her efforts to dislodge them, she would not yield without an attempt at making Mabel, at least, as uncomfortable in mind as possible.
having a surface without slope, tilt in which no part is higher or lower than another
From this reading Why didn’t she get up and go out doors—anybody would be sick to be flat on their back day in and day out; or did she think she was spiting her by showing what muss she could keep the “best chamber” in if she chose?
FoiledadjectiveUS /fɔɪld/
disappointingly unsuccessful
From this reading Foiled in her efforts to dislodge them, she would not yield without an attempt at making Mabel, at least, as uncomfortable in mind as possible.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Mabel’s nerves had received too great a shock to rally immediately, and as day after day went by, she still kept her room, notwithstanding the very pointed hints of her mother-in-law that “she was making believe for the sake of sympathy.”
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading Why didn’t she get up and go out doors—anybody would be sick to be flat on their back day in and day out; or did she think she was spiting her by showing what muss she could keep the “best chamber” in if she chose?
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Why didn’t she get up and go out doors—anybody would be sick to be flat on their back day in and day out; or did she think she was spiting her by showing what muss she could keep the “best chamber” in if she chose?
of behavior that is impressive and ambitious in scale or scope
From this reading This last was undoubtedly the grand secret of Mrs. Livingstone’s dissatisfaction.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading Mabel’s nerves had received too great a shock to rally immediately, and as day after day went by, she still kept her room, notwithstanding the very pointed hints of her mother-in-law that “she was making believe for the sake of sympathy.”
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Mabel’s nerves had received too great a shock to rally immediately, and as day after day went by, she still kept her room, notwithstanding the very pointed hints of her mother-in-law that “she was making believe for the sake of sympathy.”
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Mabel’s nerves had received too great a shock to rally immediately, and as day after day went by, she still kept her room, notwithstanding the very pointed hints of her mother-in-law that “she was making believe for the sake of sympathy.”
hintsnounUS /hɪnts/
plural of “hint” — an indirect suggestion
From this reading Mabel’s nerves had received too great a shock to rally immediately, and as day after day went by, she still kept her room, notwithstanding the very pointed hints of her mother-in-law that “she was making believe for the sake of sympathy.”
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Why didn’t she get up and go out doors—anybody would be sick to be flat on their back day in and day out; or did she think she was spiting her by showing what muss she could keep the “best chamber” in if she chose?
without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening
From this reading Mabel’s nerves had received too great a shock to rally immediately, and as day after day went by, she still kept her room, notwithstanding the very pointed hints of her mother-in-law that “she was making believe for the sake of sympathy.”
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Why didn’t she get up and go out doors—anybody would be sick to be flat on their back day in and day out; or did she think she was spiting her by showing what muss she could keep the “best chamber” in if she chose?
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading Why didn’t she get up and go out doors—anybody would be sick to be flat on their back day in and day out; or did she think she was spiting her by showing what muss she could keep the “best chamber” in if she chose?
(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
From this reading Mabel’s nerves had received too great a shock to rally immediately, and as day after day went by, she still kept her room, notwithstanding the very pointed hints of her mother-in-law that “she was making believe for the sake of sympathy.”
immediately past
From this reading This last was undoubtedly the grand secret of Mrs. Livingstone’s dissatisfaction.
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 Foiled in her efforts to dislodge them, she would not yield without an attempt at making Mabel, at least, as uncomfortable in mind as possible.
Livingstone'snounUS /ˈlɪvɪŋstoʊnz/
possessive form of “livingstone” — Scottish missionary and explorer who discovered the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls (1813-1873)
From this reading This last was undoubtedly the grand secret of Mrs. Livingstone’s dissatisfaction.
Mabel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Foiled in her efforts to dislodge them, she would not yield without an attempt at making Mabel, at least, as uncomfortable in mind as possible.
Mabel's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mabel’s nerves had received too great a shock to rally immediately, and as day after day went by, she still kept her room, notwithstanding the very pointed hints of her mother-in-law that “she was making believe for the sake of sympathy.”
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading Mabel’s nerves had received too great a shock to rally immediately, and as day after day went by, she still kept her room, notwithstanding the very pointed hints of her mother-in-law that “she was making believe for the sake of sympathy.”
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading Foiled in her efforts to dislodge them, she would not yield without an attempt at making Mabel, at least, as uncomfortable in mind as possible.
mother-in-lawnounUS /ˈmʌðərɪnlɔː/
the mother of your spouse
From this reading Mabel’s nerves had received too great a shock to rally immediately, and as day after day went by, she still kept her room, notwithstanding the very pointed hints of her mother-in-law that “she was making believe for the sake of sympathy.”
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading This last was undoubtedly the grand secret of Mrs. Livingstone’s dissatisfaction.
mussnoun
a state of confusion and disorderliness
From this reading Why didn’t she get up and go out doors—anybody would be sick to be flat on their back day in and day out; or did she think she was spiting her by showing what muss she could keep the “best chamber” in if she chose?
an uneasy psychological state
From this reading Mabel’s nerves had received too great a shock to rally immediately, and as day after day went by, she still kept her room, notwithstanding the very pointed hints of her mother-in-law that “she was making believe for the sake of sympathy.”
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Foiled in her efforts to dislodge them, she would not yield without an attempt at making Mabel, at least, as uncomfortable in mind as possible.
despite anything to the contrary (usually preceding a concession)
From this reading Mabel’s nerves had received too great a shock to rally immediately, and as day after day went by, she still kept her room, notwithstanding the very pointed hints of her mother-in-law that “she was making believe for the sake of sympathy.”
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Mabel’s nerves had received too great a shock to rally immediately, and as day after day went by, she still kept her room, notwithstanding the very pointed hints of her mother-in-law that “she was making believe for the sake of sympathy.”
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Why didn’t she get up and go out doors—anybody would be sick to be flat on their back day in and day out; or did she think she was spiting her by showing what muss she could keep the “best chamber” in if she chose?
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Why didn’t she get up and go out doors—anybody would be sick to be flat on their back day in and day out; or did she think she was spiting her by showing what muss she could keep the “best chamber” in if she chose?
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Why didn’t she get up and go out doors—anybody would be sick to be flat on their back day in and day out; or did she think she was spiting her by showing what muss she could keep the “best chamber” in if she chose?
having a point
From this reading Mabel’s nerves had received too great a shock to rally immediately, and as day after day went by, she still kept her room, notwithstanding the very pointed hints of her mother-in-law that “she was making believe for the sake of sympathy.”
capable of happening or existing
From this reading Foiled in her efforts to dislodge them, she would not yield without an attempt at making Mabel, at least, as uncomfortable in mind as possible.
rallyverbUS /ˈræli/
gather
From this reading Mabel’s nerves had received too great a shock to rally immediately, and as day after day went by, she still kept her room, notwithstanding the very pointed hints of her mother-in-law that “she was making believe for the sake of sympathy.”
conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers
From this reading Mabel’s nerves had received too great a shock to rally immediately, and as day after day went by, she still kept her room, notwithstanding the very pointed hints of her mother-in-law that “she was making believe for the sake of sympathy.”
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading Mabel’s nerves had received too great a shock to rally immediately, and as day after day went by, she still kept her room, notwithstanding the very pointed hints of her mother-in-law that “she was making believe for the sake of sympathy.”
a reason for wanting something done
From this reading Mabel’s nerves had received too great a shock to rally immediately, and as day after day went by, she still kept her room, notwithstanding the very pointed hints of her mother-in-law that “she was making believe for the sake of sympathy.”
Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.
From this reading This last was undoubtedly the grand secret of Mrs. Livingstone’s dissatisfaction.
A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.
From this reading THE SHADOW.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Mabel’s nerves had received too great a shock to rally immediately, and as day after day went by, she still kept her room, notwithstanding the very pointed hints of her mother-in-law that “she was making believe for the sake of sympathy.”
the feeling of distress and disbelief that you have when something bad happens accidentally
From this reading Mabel’s nerves had received too great a shock to rally immediately, and as day after day went by, she still kept her room, notwithstanding the very pointed hints of her mother-in-law that “she was making believe for the sake of sympathy.”
the display of a motion picture
From this reading Why didn’t she get up and go out doors—anybody would be sick to be flat on their back day in and day out; or did she think she was spiting her by showing what muss she could keep the “best chamber” in if she chose?
affected by an impairment of normal physical or mental function
From this reading Why didn’t she get up and go out doors—anybody would be sick to be flat on their back day in and day out; or did she think she was spiting her by showing what muss she could keep the “best chamber” in if she chose?
spiting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Why didn’t she get up and go out doors—anybody would be sick to be flat on their back day in and day out; or did she think she was spiting her by showing what muss she could keep the “best chamber” in if she chose?
not in physical motion
From this reading Mabel’s nerves had received too great a shock to rally immediately, and as day after day went by, she still kept her room, notwithstanding the very pointed hints of her mother-in-law that “she was making believe for the sake of sympathy.”
an inclination to support or be loyal to or to agree with an opinion
From this reading Mabel’s nerves had received too great a shock to rally immediately, and as day after day went by, she still kept her room, notwithstanding the very pointed hints of her mother-in-law that “she was making believe for the sake of sympathy.”
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Mabel’s nerves had received too great a shock to rally immediately, and as day after day went by, she still kept her room, notwithstanding the very pointed hints of her mother-in-law that “she was making believe for the sake of sympathy.”
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE SHADOW.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Why didn’t she get up and go out doors—anybody would be sick to be flat on their back day in and day out; or did she think she was spiting her by showing what muss she could keep the “best chamber” in if she chose?
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Foiled in her efforts to dislodge them, she would not yield without an attempt at making Mabel, at least, as uncomfortable in mind as possible.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading Why didn’t she get up and go out doors—anybody would be sick to be flat on their back day in and day out; or did she think she was spiting her by showing what muss she could keep the “best chamber” in if she chose?
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This last was undoubtedly the grand secret of Mrs. Livingstone’s dissatisfaction.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Mabel’s nerves had received too great a shock to rally immediately, and as day after day went by, she still kept her room, notwithstanding the very pointed hints of her mother-in-law that “she was making believe for the sake of sympathy.”
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading Mabel’s nerves had received too great a shock to rally immediately, and as day after day went by, she still kept her room, notwithstanding the very pointed hints of her mother-in-law that “she was making believe for the sake of sympathy.”
uncomfortableadjectiveUS /ənˈkʌmfərtəbəl/
conducive to or feeling mental discomfort
From this reading Foiled in her efforts to dislodge them, she would not yield without an attempt at making Mabel, at least, as uncomfortable in mind as possible.
undoubtedlyadverbUS /ənˈdaʊtɪdli/
without doubt; certainly
From this reading This last was undoubtedly the grand secret of Mrs. Livingstone’s dissatisfaction.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Why didn’t she get up and go out doors—anybody would be sick to be flat on their back day in and day out; or did she think she was spiting her by showing what muss she could keep the “best chamber” in if she chose?
precisely as stated
From this reading Mabel’s nerves had received too great a shock to rally immediately, and as day after day went by, she still kept her room, notwithstanding the very pointed hints of her mother-in-law that “she was making believe for the sake of sympathy.”
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Mabel’s nerves had received too great a shock to rally immediately, and as day after day went by, she still kept her room, notwithstanding the very pointed hints of her mother-in-law that “she was making believe for the sake of sympathy.”
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Mabel’s nerves had received too great a shock to rally immediately, and as day after day went by, she still kept her room, notwithstanding the very pointed hints of her mother-in-law that “she was making believe for the sake of sympathy.”
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Why didn’t she get up and go out doors—anybody would be sick to be flat on their back day in and day out; or did she think she was spiting her by showing what muss she could keep the “best chamber” in if she chose?
the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”
From this reading Why didn’t she get up and go out doors—anybody would be sick to be flat on their back day in and day out; or did she think she was spiting her by showing what muss she could keep the “best chamber” in if she chose?
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading Foiled in her efforts to dislodge them, she would not yield without an attempt at making Mabel, at least, as uncomfortable in mind as possible.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Why didn’t she get up and go out doors—anybody would be sick to be flat on their back day in and day out; or did she think she was spiting her by showing what muss she could keep the “best chamber” in if she chose?
be the cause or source of
From this reading Foiled in her efforts to dislodge them, she would not yield without an attempt at making Mabel, at least, as uncomfortable in mind as possible.
