used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading How like a winter hath my absence been From thee, the pleasure of the fleeting year!
the state of being absent
From this reading How like a winter hath my absence been From thee, the pleasure of the fleeting year!
actionsnounUS /ˈækʃənz/
plural of “action” — something done (usually as opposed to something said)
From this reading It was difficult; for all her thoughts were employed in conjectures as to where Edward was, what doing--in looking at her watch, and following in her mind all his actions--or in meditating how hereafter she might remedy any remissness on her part, (so tender was her conscience,) and best contribute to his happiness.
(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 It was difficult; for all her thoughts were employed in conjectures as to where Edward was, what doing--in looking at her watch, and following in her mind all his actions--or in meditating how hereafter she might remedy any remissness on her part, (so tender was her conscience,) and best contribute to his happiness.
amuseverbUS /əˈmjuːz/
occupy in an agreeable, entertaining or pleasant fashion
From this reading Ethel cheered herself to amuse her aunt; and, as in her days of hopeless love, she tried to shorten the hours by occupation.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Ethel cheered herself to amuse her aunt; and, as in her days of hopeless love, she tried to shorten the hours by occupation.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading It was difficult; for all her thoughts were employed in conjectures as to where Edward was, what doing--in looking at her watch, and following in her mind all his actions--or in meditating how hereafter she might remedy any remissness on her part, (so tender was her conscience,) and best contribute to his happiness.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Ethel cheered herself to amuse her aunt; and, as in her days of hopeless love, she tried to shorten the hours by occupation.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading It was difficult; for all her thoughts were employed in conjectures as to where Edward was, what doing--in looking at her watch, and following in her mind all his actions--or in meditating how hereafter she might remedy any remissness on her part, (so tender was her conscience,) and best contribute to his happiness.
the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle
From this reading Ethel cheered herself to amuse her aunt; and, as in her days of hopeless love, she tried to shorten the hours by occupation.
barenessnoun
a bleak and desolate atmosphere
From this reading What freezings have I felt, what dark days seen, What old December's bareness every where!
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading How like a winter hath my absence been From thee, the pleasure of the fleeting year!
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading It was difficult; for all her thoughts were employed in conjectures as to where Edward was, what doing--in looking at her watch, and following in her mind all his actions--or in meditating how hereafter she might remedy any remissness on her part, (so tender was her conscience,) and best contribute to his happiness.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Ethel cheered herself to amuse her aunt; and, as in her days of hopeless love, she tried to shorten the hours by occupation.
cheeredverbUS /tʃɪrd/
past form of “cheer” — give encouragement to
From this reading Ethel cheered herself to amuse her aunt; and, as in her days of hopeless love, she tried to shorten the hours by occupation.
conjecturesnounUS /kənˈdʒektʃərz/
plural of “conjecture” — a hypothesis that has been formed by speculating or conjecturing (usually with little hard evidence)
From this reading It was difficult; for all her thoughts were employed in conjectures as to where Edward was, what doing--in looking at her watch, and following in her mind all his actions--or in meditating how hereafter she might remedy any remissness on her part, (so tender was her conscience,) and best contribute to his happiness.
motivation deriving logically from ethical or moral principles that govern a person's thoughts and actions
From this reading It was difficult; for all her thoughts were employed in conjectures as to where Edward was, what doing--in looking at her watch, and following in her mind all his actions--or in meditating how hereafter she might remedy any remissness on her part, (so tender was her conscience,) and best contribute to his happiness.
contributeverbUS /kənˈtrɪbjuːt/
bestow a quality on
From this reading It was difficult; for all her thoughts were employed in conjectures as to where Edward was, what doing--in looking at her watch, and following in her mind all his actions--or in meditating how hereafter she might remedy any remissness on her part, (so tender was her conscience,) and best contribute to his happiness.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading What freezings have I felt, what dark days seen, What old December's bareness every where!
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading What freezings have I felt, what dark days seen, What old December's bareness every where!
December'snounUS /dɪˈsembərz/
possessive form of “december” — the last (12th) month of the year
From this reading What freezings have I felt, what dark days seen, What old December's bareness every where!
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading It was difficult; for all her thoughts were employed in conjectures as to where Edward was, what doing--in looking at her watch, and following in her mind all his actions--or in meditating how hereafter she might remedy any remissness on her part, (so tender was her conscience,) and best contribute to his happiness.
-ing form of “do” — engage in
From this reading It was difficult; for all her thoughts were employed in conjectures as to where Edward was, what doing--in looking at her watch, and following in her mind all his actions--or in meditating how hereafter she might remedy any remissness on her part, (so tender was her conscience,) and best contribute to his happiness.
King of England and Ireland in 1936; his marriage to Wallis Warfield Simpson created a constitutional crisis leading to his abdication (1894-1972)
From this reading It was difficult; for all her thoughts were employed in conjectures as to where Edward was, what doing--in looking at her watch, and following in her mind all his actions--or in meditating how hereafter she might remedy any remissness on her part, (so tender was her conscience,) and best contribute to his happiness.
having your services engaged for; or having a job especially one that pays wages or a salary
From this reading It was difficult; for all her thoughts were employed in conjectures as to where Edward was, what doing--in looking at her watch, and following in her mind all his actions--or in meditating how hereafter she might remedy any remissness on her part, (so tender was her conscience,) and best contribute to his happiness.
Ethel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ethel cheered herself to amuse her aunt; and, as in her days of hopeless love, she tried to shorten the hours by occupation.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading What freezings have I felt, what dark days seen, What old December's bareness every where!
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading What freezings have I felt, what dark days seen, What old December's bareness every where!
fleetingadjectiveUS /ˈfliːtɪŋ/
lasting for a markedly brief time
From this reading How like a winter hath my absence been From thee, the pleasure of the fleeting year!
about to be mentioned or specified
From this reading It was difficult; for all her thoughts were employed in conjectures as to where Edward was, what doing--in looking at her watch, and following in her mind all his actions--or in meditating how hereafter she might remedy any remissness on her part, (so tender was her conscience,) and best contribute to his happiness.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It was difficult; for all her thoughts were employed in conjectures as to where Edward was, what doing--in looking at her watch, and following in her mind all his actions--or in meditating how hereafter she might remedy any remissness on her part, (so tender was her conscience,) and best contribute to his happiness.
freezings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading What freezings have I felt, what dark days seen, What old December's bareness every where!
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading How like a winter hath my absence been From thee, the pleasure of the fleeting year!
state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy
From this reading It was difficult; for all her thoughts were employed in conjectures as to where Edward was, what doing--in looking at her watch, and following in her mind all his actions--or in meditating how hereafter she might remedy any remissness on her part, (so tender was her conscience,) and best contribute to his happiness.
hathauxiliary verbUS /hæθ/
an old form of “has”
From this reading How like a winter hath my absence been From thee, the pleasure of the fleeting year!
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading What freezings have I felt, what dark days seen, What old December's bareness every where!
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Ethel cheered herself to amuse her aunt; and, as in her days of hopeless love, she tried to shorten the hours by occupation.
hereafteradverbUS /hɪˈræftər/
in a subsequent part of this document or statement or matter etc.
From this reading It was difficult; for all her thoughts were employed in conjectures as to where Edward was, what doing--in looking at her watch, and following in her mind all his actions--or in meditating how hereafter she might remedy any remissness on her part, (so tender was her conscience,) and best contribute to his happiness.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading Ethel cheered herself to amuse her aunt; and, as in her days of hopeless love, she tried to shorten the hours by occupation.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading It was difficult; for all her thoughts were employed in conjectures as to where Edward was, what doing--in looking at her watch, and following in her mind all his actions--or in meditating how hereafter she might remedy any remissness on her part, (so tender was her conscience,) and best contribute to his happiness.
hopelessadjectiveUS /ˈhoʊpləs/
without hope because there seems to be no possibility of comfort or success
From this reading Ethel cheered herself to amuse her aunt; and, as in her days of hopeless love, she tried to shorten the hours by occupation.
a period of time assigned for work
From this reading Ethel cheered herself to amuse her aunt; and, as in her days of hopeless love, she tried to shorten the hours by occupation.
How
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How like a winter hath my absence been From thee, the pleasure of the fleeting year!
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading What freezings have I felt, what dark days seen, What old December's bareness every where!
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Ethel cheered herself to amuse her aunt; and, as in her days of hopeless love, she tried to shorten the hours by occupation.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was difficult; for all her thoughts were employed in conjectures as to where Edward was, what doing--in looking at her watch, and following in her mind all his actions--or in meditating how hereafter she might remedy any remissness on her part, (so tender was her conscience,) and best contribute to his happiness.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading How like a winter hath my absence been From thee, the pleasure of the fleeting year!
the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually
From this reading It was difficult; for all her thoughts were employed in conjectures as to where Edward was, what doing--in looking at her watch, and following in her mind all his actions--or in meditating how hereafter she might remedy any remissness on her part, (so tender was her conscience,) and best contribute to his happiness.
a strong positive emotion of regard and affection
From this reading Ethel cheered herself to amuse her aunt; and, as in her days of hopeless love, she tried to shorten the hours by occupation.
meditatingverbUS /ˈmedəteɪtɪŋ/
-ing form of “meditate” — reflect deeply on a subject
From this reading It was difficult; for all her thoughts were employed in conjectures as to where Edward was, what doing--in looking at her watch, and following in her mind all his actions--or in meditating how hereafter she might remedy any remissness on her part, (so tender was her conscience,) and best contribute to his happiness.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading It was difficult; for all her thoughts were employed in conjectures as to where Edward was, what doing--in looking at her watch, and following in her mind all his actions--or in meditating how hereafter she might remedy any remissness on her part, (so tender was her conscience,) and best contribute to his happiness.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading It was difficult; for all her thoughts were employed in conjectures as to where Edward was, what doing--in looking at her watch, and following in her mind all his actions--or in meditating how hereafter she might remedy any remissness on her part, (so tender was her conscience,) and best contribute to his happiness.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading How like a winter hath my absence been From thee, the pleasure of the fleeting year!
occupationnounUS /ˌɑːkjəˈpeɪʃən/
the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money
From this reading Ethel cheered herself to amuse her aunt; and, as in her days of hopeless love, she tried to shorten the hours by occupation.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading How like a winter hath my absence been From thee, the pleasure of the fleeting year!
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading What freezings have I felt, what dark days seen, What old December's bareness every where!
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading It was difficult; for all her thoughts were employed in conjectures as to where Edward was, what doing--in looking at her watch, and following in her mind all his actions--or in meditating how hereafter she might remedy any remissness on her part, (so tender was her conscience,) and best contribute to his happiness.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading It was difficult; for all her thoughts were employed in conjectures as to where Edward was, what doing--in looking at her watch, and following in her mind all his actions--or in meditating how hereafter she might remedy any remissness on her part, (so tender was her conscience,) and best contribute to his happiness.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading It was difficult; for all her thoughts were employed in conjectures as to where Edward was, what doing--in looking at her watch, and following in her mind all his actions--or in meditating how hereafter she might remedy any remissness on her part, (so tender was her conscience,) and best contribute to his happiness.
a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience
From this reading How like a winter hath my absence been From thee, the pleasure of the fleeting year!
remedynounUS /ˈremədi/
act of correcting an error or a fault or an evil
From this reading It was difficult; for all her thoughts were employed in conjectures as to where Edward was, what doing--in looking at her watch, and following in her mind all his actions--or in meditating how hereafter she might remedy any remissness on her part, (so tender was her conscience,) and best contribute to his happiness.
remissnessnoun
the quality of being lax and neglectful
From this reading It was difficult; for all her thoughts were employed in conjectures as to where Edward was, what doing--in looking at her watch, and following in her mind all his actions--or in meditating how hereafter she might remedy any remissness on her part, (so tender was her conscience,) and best contribute to his happiness.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading What freezings have I felt, what dark days seen, What old December's bareness every where!
SHAKSPEARE
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SHAKSPEARE.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Ethel cheered herself to amuse her aunt; and, as in her days of hopeless love, she tried to shorten the hours by occupation.
shortenverbUS /ˈʃɔːrtən/
make shorter than originally intended; reduce or retrench in length or duration
From this reading Ethel cheered herself to amuse her aunt; and, as in her days of hopeless love, she tried to shorten the hours by occupation.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading It was difficult; for all her thoughts were employed in conjectures as to where Edward was, what doing--in looking at her watch, and following in her mind all his actions--or in meditating how hereafter she might remedy any remissness on her part, (so tender was her conscience,) and best contribute to his happiness.
given to sympathy or gentleness or sentimentality
From this reading It was difficult; for all her thoughts were employed in conjectures as to where Edward was, what doing--in looking at her watch, and following in her mind all his actions--or in meditating how hereafter she might remedy any remissness on her part, (so tender was her conscience,) and best contribute to his happiness.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading How like a winter hath my absence been From thee, the pleasure of the fleeting year!
an old word for “you”, as the object, speaking to one person
From this reading How like a winter hath my absence been From thee, the pleasure of the fleeting year!
plural of “thought” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading It was difficult; for all her thoughts were employed in conjectures as to where Edward was, what doing--in looking at her watch, and following in her mind all his actions--or in meditating how hereafter she might remedy any remissness on her part, (so tender was her conscience,) and best contribute to his happiness.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Ethel cheered herself to amuse her aunt; and, as in her days of hopeless love, she tried to shorten the hours by occupation.
tested and proved useful or correct
From this reading Ethel cheered herself to amuse her aunt; and, as in her days of hopeless love, she tried to shorten the hours by occupation.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was difficult; for all her thoughts were employed in conjectures as to where Edward was, what doing--in looking at her watch, and following in her mind all his actions--or in meditating how hereafter she might remedy any remissness on her part, (so tender was her conscience,) and best contribute to his happiness.
look attentively
From this reading It was difficult; for all her thoughts were employed in conjectures as to where Edward was, what doing--in looking at her watch, and following in her mind all his actions--or in meditating how hereafter she might remedy any remissness on her part, (so tender was her conscience,) and best contribute to his happiness.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading It was difficult; for all her thoughts were employed in conjectures as to where Edward was, what doing--in looking at her watch, and following in her mind all his actions--or in meditating how hereafter she might remedy any remissness on her part, (so tender was her conscience,) and best contribute to his happiness.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading What freezings have I felt, what dark days seen, What old December's bareness every where!
in or at the place that
From this reading What freezings have I felt, what dark days seen, What old December's bareness every where!
the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox
From this reading How like a winter hath my absence been From thee, the pleasure of the fleeting year!
a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days
From this reading How like a winter hath my absence been From thee, the pleasure of the fleeting year!
