used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
the part of the day between noon and evening
From this reading In the afternoon that followed Javert's visit, M. Madeleine went to see Fantine as usual; but before going to her, he asked for Sister Simplice.
(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 The two nuns who managed the infirmary, who were Lazarets, like all sisters of charity, were known by the names of Sisters Perpetua and Simplice.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The two nuns who managed the infirmary, who were Lazarets, like all sisters of charity, were known by the names of Sisters Perpetua and Simplice.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading In the afternoon that followed Javert's visit, M. Madeleine went to see Fantine as usual; but before going to her, he asked for Sister Simplice.
past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading In the afternoon that followed Javert's visit, M. Madeleine went to see Fantine as usual; but before going to her, he asked for Sister Simplice.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading In the afternoon that followed Javert's visit, M. Madeleine went to see Fantine as usual; but before going to her, he asked for Sister Simplice.
a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The two nuns who managed the infirmary, who were Lazarets, like all sisters of charity, were known by the names of Sisters Perpetua and Simplice.
charitynounUS /ˈtʃerɪti/
a foundation created to promote the public good (not for assistance to any particular individuals)
From this reading The two nuns who managed the infirmary, who were Lazarets, like all sisters of charity, were known by the names of Sisters Perpetua and Simplice.
your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)
From this reading In these details the reader will notice two or three improbable circumstances, which we retain through respect for truth.
true confidential information
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
Fantine
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the afternoon that followed Javert's visit, M. Madeleine went to see Fantine as usual; but before going to her, he asked for Sister Simplice.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading In the afternoon that followed Javert's visit, M. Madeleine went to see Fantine as usual; but before going to her, he asked for Sister Simplice.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading In these details the reader will notice two or three improbable circumstances, which we retain through respect for truth.
gapnounUS /ɡæp/
a conspicuous disparity or difference as between two figures
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
the act of departing
From this reading In the afternoon that followed Javert's visit, M. Madeleine went to see Fantine as usual; but before going to her, he asked for Sister Simplice.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading In the afternoon that followed Javert's visit, M. Madeleine went to see Fantine as usual; but before going to her, he asked for Sister Simplice.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading In the afternoon that followed Javert's visit, M. Madeleine went to see Fantine as usual; but before going to her, he asked for Sister Simplice.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
improbableadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈprɑːbəbəl/
not likely to be true or to occur or to have occurred
From this reading In these details the reader will notice two or three improbable circumstances, which we retain through respect for truth.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
incidentsnounUS /ˈɪnsədənts/
plural of “incident” — a single distinct event
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
infirmarynounUS /ɪnˈfɜːrməri/
a health facility where patients receive treatment
From this reading The two nuns who managed the infirmary, who were Lazarets, like all sisters of charity, were known by the names of Sisters Perpetua and Simplice.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
Javert's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the afternoon that followed Javert's visit, M. Madeleine went to see Fantine as usual; but before going to her, he asked for Sister Simplice.
apprehended with certainty
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
Lazarets
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The two nuns who managed the infirmary, who were Lazarets, like all sisters of charity, were known by the names of Sisters Perpetua and Simplice.
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading The two nuns who managed the infirmary, who were Lazarets, like all sisters of charity, were known by the names of Sisters Perpetua and Simplice.
the basic unit of length adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites (approximately 1.094 yards)
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
Madeleine
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the afternoon that followed Javert's visit, M. Madeleine went to see Fantine as usual; but before going to her, he asked for Sister Simplice.
past form of “manage” — be successful; achieve a goal
From this reading The two nuns who managed the infirmary, who were Lazarets, like all sisters of charity, were known by the names of Sisters Perpetua and Simplice.
The faculty by which the mind stores and remembers information and knowledge.
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
verbal abuse; a crude substitute for argument
From this reading The two nuns who managed the infirmary, who were Lazarets, like all sisters of charity, were known by the names of Sisters Perpetua and Simplice.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
an announcement containing information about an event
From this reading In these details the reader will notice two or three improbable circumstances, which we retain through respect for truth.
nunsnounUS /nʌnz/
plural of “nun” — a woman religious
From this reading The two nuns who managed the infirmary, who were Lazarets, like all sisters of charity, were known by the names of Sisters Perpetua and Simplice.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The two nuns who managed the infirmary, who were Lazarets, like all sisters of charity, were known by the names of Sisters Perpetua and Simplice.
and nothing more
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading In these details the reader will notice two or three improbable circumstances, which we retain through respect for truth.
partiallyadverbUS /ˈpɑːrʃəli/
to some extent; in some degree; not wholly
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
Perpetua
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The two nuns who managed the infirmary, who were Lazarets, like all sisters of charity, were known by the names of Sisters Perpetua and Simplice.
a person who enjoys reading
From this reading In these details the reader will notice two or three improbable circumstances, which we retain through respect for truth.
anything (such as a document or a phonograph record or a photograph) providing permanent evidence of or information about past events
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point
From this reading In these details the reader will notice two or three improbable circumstances, which we retain through respect for truth.
retainverbUS /rɪˈteɪn/
hold back within
From this reading In these details the reader will notice two or three improbable circumstances, which we retain through respect for truth.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading In the afternoon that followed Javert's visit, M. Madeleine went to see Fantine as usual; but before going to her, he asked for Sister Simplice.
concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
SIMPLICE
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SISTER SIMPLICE.
a female person who has the same parents as another person
From this reading SISTER SIMPLICE.
plural of “sister” — a female person who has the same parents as another person
From this reading The two nuns who managed the infirmary, who were Lazarets, like all sisters of charity, were known by the names of Sisters Perpetua and Simplice.
smallestadjectiveUS /ˈsmɔːləst/
superlative of “small” — limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
express in words
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading In these details the reader will notice two or three improbable circumstances, which we retain through respect for truth.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading In these details the reader will notice two or three improbable circumstances, which we retain through respect for truth.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading In these details the reader will notice two or three improbable circumstances, which we retain through respect for truth.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
a fact that has been verified
From this reading In these details the reader will notice two or three improbable circumstances, which we retain through respect for truth.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading In these details the reader will notice two or three improbable circumstances, which we retain through respect for truth.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading In the afternoon that followed Javert's visit, M. Madeleine went to see Fantine as usual; but before going to her, he asked for Sister Simplice.
go to see a place, as for entertainment
From this reading In the afternoon that followed Javert's visit, M. Madeleine went to see Fantine as usual; but before going to her, he asked for Sister Simplice.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading In the afternoon that followed Javert's visit, M. Madeleine went to see Fantine as usual; but before going to her, he asked for Sister Simplice.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
which person or people
From this reading The two nuns who managed the infirmary, who were Lazarets, like all sisters of charity, were known by the names of Sisters Perpetua and Simplice.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading In these details the reader will notice two or three improbable circumstances, which we retain through respect for truth.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading The incidents we are about to record were only partially known at M----, but the few which were known left such a memory in that town, that it would be a serious gap in this book if we did not tell them in their smallest details.
