used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading She was possessed by a mysterious sensation of content.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading THE DEPARTURE As I approach the crisis in Leonora's life, I hesitate, fearing lest by an unfit phrase I should deprive her of your sympathies, and fearing also that this fear may incline me to set down less than the truth about her.
matters of personal concern
From this reading She wished to lie supine--except in her domestic affairs--and to dream that all was well or would be well.
anew
From this reading And yet the anxieties of her existence were certainly increasing again.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading She wished to lie supine--except in her domestic affairs--and to dream that all was well or would be well.
in addition
From this reading THE DEPARTURE As I approach the crisis in Leonora's life, I hesitate, fearing lest by an unfit phrase I should deprive her of your sympathies, and fearing also that this fear may incline me to set down less than the truth about her.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading THE DEPARTURE As I approach the crisis in Leonora's life, I hesitate, fearing lest by an unfit phrase I should deprive her of your sympathies, and fearing also that this fear may incline me to set down less than the truth about her.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE DEPARTURE As I approach the crisis in Leonora's life, I hesitate, fearing lest by an unfit phrase I should deprive her of your sympathies, and fearing also that this fear may incline me to set down less than the truth about her.
anxietiesnounUS /æŋˈzaɪətiz/
plural of “anxiety” — (psychiatry) a relatively permanent state of worry and nervousness occurring in a variety of mental disorders, usually accompanied by compulsive behavior or attacks of panic
From this reading And yet the anxieties of her existence were certainly increasing again.
move towards
From this reading THE DEPARTURE As I approach the crisis in Leonora's life, I hesitate, fearing lest by an unfit phrase I should deprive her of your sympathies, and fearing also that this fear may incline me to set down less than the truth about her.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading THE DEPARTURE As I approach the crisis in Leonora's life, I hesitate, fearing lest by an unfit phrase I should deprive her of your sympathies, and fearing also that this fear may incline me to set down less than the truth about her.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading She wished to lie supine--except in her domestic affairs--and to dream that all was well or would be well.
treated by heating to a high temperature but below the melting or fusing point
From this reading It was as though she had determined that nothing could extinguish or even disturb the mild flame of happiness which burned placidly within her.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading THE DEPARTURE As I approach the crisis in Leonora's life, I hesitate, fearing lest by an unfit phrase I should deprive her of your sympathies, and fearing also that this fear may incline me to set down less than the truth about her.
definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)
From this reading And yet the anxieties of her existence were certainly increasing again.
(usually plural) everything that is included in a collection and that is held or included in something
From this reading She was possessed by a mysterious sensation of content.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading It was as though she had determined that nothing could extinguish or even disturb the mild flame of happiness which burned placidly within her.
crisisnounUS /ˈkraɪsəs/
an unstable situation of extreme danger or difficulty
From this reading THE DEPARTURE As I approach the crisis in Leonora's life, I hesitate, fearing lest by an unfit phrase I should deprive her of your sympathies, and fearing also that this fear may incline me to set down less than the truth about her.
the act of departing
From this reading THE DEPARTURE As I approach the crisis in Leonora's life, I hesitate, fearing lest by an unfit phrase I should deprive her of your sympathies, and fearing also that this fear may incline me to set down less than the truth about her.
depriveverbUS /dɪˈpraɪv/
take away possessions from someone
From this reading THE DEPARTURE As I approach the crisis in Leonora's life, I hesitate, fearing lest by an unfit phrase I should deprive her of your sympathies, and fearing also that this fear may incline me to set down less than the truth about her.
characterized by great determination
From this reading It was as though she had determined that nothing could extinguish or even disturb the mild flame of happiness which burned placidly within her.
disturbverbUS /dɪˈstɜːrb/
move deeply
From this reading It was as though she had determined that nothing could extinguish or even disturb the mild flame of happiness which burned placidly within her.
of concern to or concerning the internal affairs of a nation
From this reading She wished to lie supine--except in her domestic affairs--and to dream that all was well or would be well.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading THE DEPARTURE As I approach the crisis in Leonora's life, I hesitate, fearing lest by an unfit phrase I should deprive her of your sympathies, and fearing also that this fear may incline me to set down less than the truth about her.
A series of thoughts, images, or emotions during sleep.
From this reading She wished to lie supine--except in her domestic affairs--and to dream that all was well or would be well.
divisible by two
From this reading It was as though she had determined that nothing could extinguish or even disturb the mild flame of happiness which burned placidly within her.
apart from; not including
From this reading She wished to lie supine--except in her domestic affairs--and to dream that all was well or would be well.
the state or fact of existing
From this reading And yet the anxieties of her existence were certainly increasing again.
extinguishverbUS /ɪkˈstɪŋɡwɪʃ/
put an end to; kill
From this reading It was as though she had determined that nothing could extinguish or even disturb the mild flame of happiness which burned placidly within her.
be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
From this reading THE DEPARTURE As I approach the crisis in Leonora's life, I hesitate, fearing lest by an unfit phrase I should deprive her of your sympathies, and fearing also that this fear may incline me to set down less than the truth about her.
fearingverbUS /ˈfɪrɪŋ/
-ing form of “fear” — be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
From this reading THE DEPARTURE As I approach the crisis in Leonora's life, I hesitate, fearing lest by an unfit phrase I should deprive her of your sympathies, and fearing also that this fear may incline me to set down less than the truth about her.
A hot glowing body of ignited gas produced by fire.
From this reading It was as though she had determined that nothing could extinguish or even disturb the mild flame of happiness which burned placidly within her.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It was as though she had determined that nothing could extinguish or even disturb the mild flame of happiness which burned placidly within her.
state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy
From this reading It was as though she had determined that nothing could extinguish or even disturb the mild flame of happiness which burned placidly within her.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading THE DEPARTURE As I approach the crisis in Leonora's life, I hesitate, fearing lest by an unfit phrase I should deprive her of your sympathies, and fearing also that this fear may incline me to set down less than the truth about her.
hesitateverbUS /ˈhezəteɪt/
pause or hold back in uncertainty or unwillingness
From this reading THE DEPARTURE As I approach the crisis in Leonora's life, I hesitate, fearing lest by an unfit phrase I should deprive her of your sympathies, and fearing also that this fear may incline me to set down less than the truth about her.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading THE DEPARTURE As I approach the crisis in Leonora's life, I hesitate, fearing lest by an unfit phrase I should deprive her of your sympathies, and fearing also that this fear may incline me to set down less than the truth about her.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE DEPARTURE As I approach the crisis in Leonora's life, I hesitate, fearing lest by an unfit phrase I should deprive her of your sympathies, and fearing also that this fear may incline me to set down less than the truth about her.
inclinenounUS /ˌɪnˈklaɪn/
an elevated geological formation
From this reading THE DEPARTURE As I approach the crisis in Leonora's life, I hesitate, fearing lest by an unfit phrase I should deprive her of your sympathies, and fearing also that this fear may incline me to set down less than the truth about her.
increasingadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈkriːsɪŋ/
becoming greater or larger
From this reading And yet the anxieties of her existence were certainly increasing again.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was as though she had determined that nothing could extinguish or even disturb the mild flame of happiness which burned placidly within her.
Leonora's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE DEPARTURE As I approach the crisis in Leonora's life, I hesitate, fearing lest by an unfit phrase I should deprive her of your sympathies, and fearing also that this fear may incline me to set down less than the truth about her.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading THE DEPARTURE As I approach the crisis in Leonora's life, I hesitate, fearing lest by an unfit phrase I should deprive her of your sympathies, and fearing also that this fear may incline me to set down less than the truth about her.
in order that something should not happen
From this reading THE DEPARTURE As I approach the crisis in Leonora's life, I hesitate, fearing lest by an unfit phrase I should deprive her of your sympathies, and fearing also that this fear may incline me to set down less than the truth about her.
be located or situated somewhere; occupy a certain position
From this reading She wished to lie supine--except in her domestic affairs--and to dream that all was well or would be well.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading THE DEPARTURE As I approach the crisis in Leonora's life, I hesitate, fearing lest by an unfit phrase I should deprive her of your sympathies, and fearing also that this fear may incline me to set down less than the truth about her.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading THE DEPARTURE As I approach the crisis in Leonora's life, I hesitate, fearing lest by an unfit phrase I should deprive her of your sympathies, and fearing also that this fear may incline me to set down less than the truth about her.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading THE DEPARTURE As I approach the crisis in Leonora's life, I hesitate, fearing lest by an unfit phrase I should deprive her of your sympathies, and fearing also that this fear may incline me to set down less than the truth about her.
mildadjectiveUS /maɪld/
moderate in type or degree or effect or force; far from extreme
From this reading It was as though she had determined that nothing could extinguish or even disturb the mild flame of happiness which burned placidly within her.
of an obscure nature
From this reading She was possessed by a mysterious sensation of content.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading It was as though she had determined that nothing could extinguish or even disturb the mild flame of happiness which burned placidly within her.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE DEPARTURE As I approach the crisis in Leonora's life, I hesitate, fearing lest by an unfit phrase I should deprive her of your sympathies, and fearing also that this fear may incline me to set down less than the truth about her.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading She wished to lie supine--except in her domestic affairs--and to dream that all was well or would be well.
phrasenounUS /freɪz/
an expression consisting of one or more words forming a grammatical constituent of a sentence
From this reading THE DEPARTURE As I approach the crisis in Leonora's life, I hesitate, fearing lest by an unfit phrase I should deprive her of your sympathies, and fearing also that this fear may incline me to set down less than the truth about her.
placidlyadverbUS /ˈplæsɪdli/
in a quiet and tranquil manner
From this reading It was as though she had determined that nothing could extinguish or even disturb the mild flame of happiness which burned placidly within her.
influenced or controlled by a powerful force such as a strong emotion
From this reading She was possessed by a mysterious sensation of content.
an unelaborated elementary awareness of stimulation
From this reading She was possessed by a mysterious sensation of content.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading THE DEPARTURE As I approach the crisis in Leonora's life, I hesitate, fearing lest by an unfit phrase I should deprive her of your sympathies, and fearing also that this fear may incline me to set down less than the truth about her.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She was possessed by a mysterious sensation of content.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading THE DEPARTURE As I approach the crisis in Leonora's life, I hesitate, fearing lest by an unfit phrase I should deprive her of your sympathies, and fearing also that this fear may incline me to set down less than the truth about her.
supineadjectiveUS /səˈpaɪn/
lying face upward
From this reading She wished to lie supine--except in her domestic affairs--and to dream that all was well or would be well.
sympathiesnounUS /ˈsɪmpəθiz/
plural of “sympathy” — an inclination to support or be loyal to or to agree with an opinion
From this reading THE DEPARTURE As I approach the crisis in Leonora's life, I hesitate, fearing lest by an unfit phrase I should deprive her of your sympathies, and fearing also that this fear may incline me to set down less than the truth about her.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading THE DEPARTURE As I approach the crisis in Leonora's life, I hesitate, fearing lest by an unfit phrase I should deprive her of your sympathies, and fearing also that this fear may incline me to set down less than the truth about her.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading THE DEPARTURE As I approach the crisis in Leonora's life, I hesitate, fearing lest by an unfit phrase I should deprive her of your sympathies, and fearing also that this fear may incline me to set down less than the truth about her.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE DEPARTURE As I approach the crisis in Leonora's life, I hesitate, fearing lest by an unfit phrase I should deprive her of your sympathies, and fearing also that this fear may incline me to set down less than the truth about her.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading THE DEPARTURE As I approach the crisis in Leonora's life, I hesitate, fearing lest by an unfit phrase I should deprive her of your sympathies, and fearing also that this fear may incline me to set down less than the truth about her.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading It was as though she had determined that nothing could extinguish or even disturb the mild flame of happiness which burned placidly within her.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE DEPARTURE As I approach the crisis in Leonora's life, I hesitate, fearing lest by an unfit phrase I should deprive her of your sympathies, and fearing also that this fear may incline me to set down less than the truth about her.
a fact that has been verified
From this reading THE DEPARTURE As I approach the crisis in Leonora's life, I hesitate, fearing lest by an unfit phrase I should deprive her of your sympathies, and fearing also that this fear may incline me to set down less than the truth about her.
unfitadjectiveUS /ənˈfɪt/
below the required standards for a purpose
From this reading THE DEPARTURE As I approach the crisis in Leonora's life, I hesitate, fearing lest by an unfit phrase I should deprive her of your sympathies, and fearing also that this fear may incline me to set down less than the truth about her.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading She was possessed by a mysterious sensation of content.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading She wished to lie supine--except in her domestic affairs--and to dream that all was well or would be well.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading And yet the anxieties of her existence were certainly increasing again.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading It was as though she had determined that nothing could extinguish or even disturb the mild flame of happiness which burned placidly within her.
past form of “wish” — hope for; have a wish
From this reading She wished to lie supine--except in her domestic affairs--and to dream that all was well or would be well.
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading It was as though she had determined that nothing could extinguish or even disturb the mild flame of happiness which burned placidly within her.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading She wished to lie supine--except in her domestic affairs--and to dream that all was well or would be well.
but in spite of that
From this reading And yet the anxieties of her existence were certainly increasing again.
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading THE DEPARTURE As I approach the crisis in Leonora's life, I hesitate, fearing lest by an unfit phrase I should deprive her of your sympathies, and fearing also that this fear may incline me to set down less than the truth about her.
