used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading But this, she hoped, would be a different and more exhilarating affair.
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading She entered the field in a most propitious frame of mind, which not even Mr. Gurdon, wearing a large rosette like a steward’s and staring rudely and searchingly at each comer before he allowed them to pass through the gate, was able to check.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading But this, she hoped, would be a different and more exhilarating affair.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading ‘Old Goat!’ exclaimed Mrs. Leak in a voice of contemptuous amusement after they had passed out of Mr. Gurdon’s hearing.
past form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen
From this reading She entered the field in a most propitious frame of mind, which not even Mr. Gurdon, wearing a large rosette like a steward’s and staring rudely and searchingly at each comer before he allowed them to pass through the gate, was able to check.
a feeling of delight at being entertained
From this reading ‘Old Goat!’ exclaimed Mrs. Leak in a voice of contemptuous amusement after they had passed out of Mr. Gurdon’s hearing.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading But this, she hoped, would be a different and more exhilarating affair.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading ‘He thinks he can boss us here, just as he does in the village.’
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Laura was denied the social gift, she had never been good at enjoying parties.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading But this, she hoped, would be a different and more exhilarating affair.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Laura was denied the social gift, she had never been good at enjoying parties.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading She entered the field in a most propitious frame of mind, which not even Mr. Gurdon, wearing a large rosette like a steward’s and staring rudely and searchingly at each comer before he allowed them to pass through the gate, was able to check.
bossnounUS /bɑːs/
a person who exercises control over workers
From this reading ‘He thinks he can boss us here, just as he does in the village.’
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But this, she hoped, would be a different and more exhilarating affair.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading ‘He thinks he can boss us here, just as he does in the village.’
examine so as to determine accuracy, quality, or condition
From this reading She entered the field in a most propitious frame of mind, which not even Mr. Gurdon, wearing a large rosette like a steward’s and staring rudely and searchingly at each comer before he allowed them to pass through the gate, was able to check.
comernounUS /ˈkʌmər/
someone with a promising future
From this reading She entered the field in a most propitious frame of mind, which not even Mr. Gurdon, wearing a large rosette like a steward’s and staring rudely and searchingly at each comer before he allowed them to pass through the gate, was able to check.
contemptuousadjectiveUS /kənˈtemptʃuːəs/
expressing extreme contempt
From this reading ‘Old Goat!’ exclaimed Mrs. Leak in a voice of contemptuous amusement after they had passed out of Mr. Gurdon’s hearing.
deniedverbUS /dɪˈnaɪd/
inflected form of “deny” — declare untrue; contradict
From this reading Laura was denied the social gift, she had never been good at enjoying parties.
unlike in nature or quality or form or degree
From this reading But this, she hoped, would be a different and more exhilarating affair.
doesauxiliary verbUS /dʌz/
the form of “do” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading ‘He thinks he can boss us here, just as he does in the village.’
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading She entered the field in a most propitious frame of mind, which not even Mr. Gurdon, wearing a large rosette like a steward’s and staring rudely and searchingly at each comer before he allowed them to pass through the gate, was able to check.
enjoyingverbUS /ˌenˈdʒɔɪɪŋ/
-ing form of “enjoy” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in
From this reading Laura was denied the social gift, she had never been good at enjoying parties.
past form of “enter” — to come or go into
From this reading She entered the field in a most propitious frame of mind, which not even Mr. Gurdon, wearing a large rosette like a steward’s and staring rudely and searchingly at each comer before he allowed them to pass through the gate, was able to check.
divisible by two
From this reading She entered the field in a most propitious frame of mind, which not even Mr. Gurdon, wearing a large rosette like a steward’s and staring rudely and searchingly at each comer before he allowed them to pass through the gate, was able to check.
past form of “exclaim” — utter aloud; often with surprise, horror, or joy
From this reading ‘Old Goat!’ exclaimed Mrs. Leak in a voice of contemptuous amusement after they had passed out of Mr. Gurdon’s hearing.
exhilaratingadjectiveUS /ɪɡˈzɪləreɪtɪŋ/
making lively and cheerful
From this reading But this, she hoped, would be a different and more exhilarating affair.
a piece of land cleared of trees and usually enclosed
From this reading She entered the field in a most propitious frame of mind, which not even Mr. Gurdon, wearing a large rosette like a steward’s and staring rudely and searchingly at each comer before he allowed them to pass through the gate, was able to check.
enclose in or as if in a frame
From this reading She entered the field in a most propitious frame of mind, which not even Mr. Gurdon, wearing a large rosette like a steward’s and staring rudely and searchingly at each comer before he allowed them to pass through the gate, was able to check.
a movable barrier in a fence or wall
From this reading She entered the field in a most propitious frame of mind, which not even Mr. Gurdon, wearing a large rosette like a steward’s and staring rudely and searchingly at each comer before he allowed them to pass through the gate, was able to check.
something acquired without compensation
From this reading Laura was denied the social gift, she had never been good at enjoying parties.
GoatnounUS /ɡoʊt/
any of numerous agile ruminants related to sheep but having a beard and straight horns
From this reading ‘Old Goat!’ exclaimed Mrs. Leak in a voice of contemptuous amusement after they had passed out of Mr. Gurdon’s hearing.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading Laura was denied the social gift, she had never been good at enjoying parties.
Gurdon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She entered the field in a most propitious frame of mind, which not even Mr. Gurdon, wearing a large rosette like a steward’s and staring rudely and searchingly at each comer before he allowed them to pass through the gate, was able to check.
Gurdon's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘Old Goat!’ exclaimed Mrs. Leak in a voice of contemptuous amusement after they had passed out of Mr. Gurdon’s hearing.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Laura was denied the social gift, she had never been good at enjoying parties.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She entered the field in a most propitious frame of mind, which not even Mr. Gurdon, wearing a large rosette like a steward’s and staring rudely and searchingly at each comer before he allowed them to pass through the gate, was able to check.
(law) a proceeding (usually by a court) where evidence is taken for the purpose of determining an issue of fact and reaching a decision based on that evidence
From this reading ‘Old Goat!’ exclaimed Mrs. Leak in a voice of contemptuous amusement after they had passed out of Mr. Gurdon’s hearing.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading ‘He thinks he can boss us here, just as he does in the village.’
past form of “hope” — expect and wish
From this reading But this, she hoped, would be a different and more exhilarating affair.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading She entered the field in a most propitious frame of mind, which not even Mr. Gurdon, wearing a large rosette like a steward’s and staring rudely and searchingly at each comer before he allowed them to pass through the gate, was able to check.
and nothing more
From this reading ‘He thinks he can boss us here, just as he does in the village.’
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading She entered the field in a most propitious frame of mind, which not even Mr. Gurdon, wearing a large rosette like a steward’s and staring rudely and searchingly at each comer before he allowed them to pass through the gate, was able to check.
Laura
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Laura was denied the social gift, she had never been good at enjoying parties.
LeaknounUS /liːk/
an accidental hole that allows something (fluid or light etc.) to enter or escape
From this reading ‘Old Goat!’ exclaimed Mrs. Leak in a voice of contemptuous amusement after they had passed out of Mr. Gurdon’s hearing.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading She entered the field in a most propitious frame of mind, which not even Mr. Gurdon, wearing a large rosette like a steward’s and staring rudely and searchingly at each comer before he allowed them to pass through the gate, was able to check.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading She entered the field in a most propitious frame of mind, which not even Mr. Gurdon, wearing a large rosette like a steward’s and staring rudely and searchingly at each comer before he allowed them to pass through the gate, was able to check.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading But this, she hoped, would be a different and more exhilarating affair.
used to form the superlative
From this reading She entered the field in a most propitious frame of mind, which not even Mr. Gurdon, wearing a large rosette like a steward’s and staring rudely and searchingly at each comer before he allowed them to pass through the gate, was able to check.
a form of address for a man
From this reading She entered the field in a most propitious frame of mind, which not even Mr. Gurdon, wearing a large rosette like a steward’s and staring rudely and searchingly at each comer before he allowed them to pass through the gate, was able to check.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading ‘Old Goat!’ exclaimed Mrs. Leak in a voice of contemptuous amusement after they had passed out of Mr. Gurdon’s hearing.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading Laura was denied the social gift, she had never been good at enjoying parties.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading She entered the field in a most propitious frame of mind, which not even Mr. Gurdon, wearing a large rosette like a steward’s and staring rudely and searchingly at each comer before he allowed them to pass through the gate, was able to check.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading She entered the field in a most propitious frame of mind, which not even Mr. Gurdon, wearing a large rosette like a steward’s and staring rudely and searchingly at each comer before he allowed them to pass through the gate, was able to check.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading ‘Old Goat!’ exclaimed Mrs. Leak in a voice of contemptuous amusement after they had passed out of Mr. Gurdon’s hearing.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading ‘Old Goat!’ exclaimed Mrs. Leak in a voice of contemptuous amusement after they had passed out of Mr. Gurdon’s hearing.
plural of “party” — an organization to gain political power
From this reading Laura was denied the social gift, she had never been good at enjoying parties.
go across or through
From this reading She entered the field in a most propitious frame of mind, which not even Mr. Gurdon, wearing a large rosette like a steward’s and staring rudely and searchingly at each comer before he allowed them to pass through the gate, was able to check.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading ‘Old Goat!’ exclaimed Mrs. Leak in a voice of contemptuous amusement after they had passed out of Mr. Gurdon’s hearing.
propitiousadjectiveUS /prəˈpɪʃəs/
presenting favorable circumstances; likely to result in or show signs of success
From this reading She entered the field in a most propitious frame of mind, which not even Mr. Gurdon, wearing a large rosette like a steward’s and staring rudely and searchingly at each comer before he allowed them to pass through the gate, was able to check.
rosettenounUS /rəˈset/
an ornament or pattern resembling a rose that is worn as a badge of office or as recognition of having won an honor
From this reading She entered the field in a most propitious frame of mind, which not even Mr. Gurdon, wearing a large rosette like a steward’s and staring rudely and searchingly at each comer before he allowed them to pass through the gate, was able to check.
rudelyadverbUS /ˈruːdli/
in an impolite manner
From this reading She entered the field in a most propitious frame of mind, which not even Mr. Gurdon, wearing a large rosette like a steward’s and staring rudely and searchingly at each comer before he allowed them to pass through the gate, was able to check.
searchinglyadverb
in a searching manner
From this reading She entered the field in a most propitious frame of mind, which not even Mr. Gurdon, wearing a large rosette like a steward’s and staring rudely and searchingly at each comer before he allowed them to pass through the gate, was able to check.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Laura was denied the social gift, she had never been good at enjoying parties.
relating to human society and its members
From this reading Laura was denied the social gift, she had never been good at enjoying parties.
(used of eyes) open and fixed as if in fear or wonder
From this reading She entered the field in a most propitious frame of mind, which not even Mr. Gurdon, wearing a large rosette like a steward’s and staring rudely and searchingly at each comer before he allowed them to pass through the gate, was able to check.
steward's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She entered the field in a most propitious frame of mind, which not even Mr. Gurdon, wearing a large rosette like a steward’s and staring rudely and searchingly at each comer before he allowed them to pass through the gate, was able to check.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Laura was denied the social gift, she had never been good at enjoying parties.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading She entered the field in a most propitious frame of mind, which not even Mr. Gurdon, wearing a large rosette like a steward’s and staring rudely and searchingly at each comer before he allowed them to pass through the gate, was able to check.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading ‘Old Goat!’ exclaimed Mrs. Leak in a voice of contemptuous amusement after they had passed out of Mr. Gurdon’s hearing.
plural of “think” — an instance of deliberate thinking
From this reading ‘He thinks he can boss us here, just as he does in the village.’
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading But this, she hoped, would be a different and more exhilarating affair.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading She entered the field in a most propitious frame of mind, which not even Mr. Gurdon, wearing a large rosette like a steward’s and staring rudely and searchingly at each comer before he allowed them to pass through the gate, was able to check.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading She entered the field in a most propitious frame of mind, which not even Mr. Gurdon, wearing a large rosette like a steward’s and staring rudely and searchingly at each comer before he allowed them to pass through the gate, was able to check.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading ‘He thinks he can boss us here, just as he does in the village.’
a community of people smaller than a town
From this reading ‘He thinks he can boss us here, just as he does in the village.’
the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading ‘Old Goat!’ exclaimed Mrs. Leak in a voice of contemptuous amusement after they had passed out of Mr. Gurdon’s hearing.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Laura was denied the social gift, she had never been good at enjoying parties.
(geology) the mechanical process of wearing or grinding something down (as by particles washing over it)
From this reading She entered the field in a most propitious frame of mind, which not even Mr. Gurdon, wearing a large rosette like a steward’s and staring rudely and searchingly at each comer before he allowed them to pass through the gate, was able to check.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading She entered the field in a most propitious frame of mind, which not even Mr. Gurdon, wearing a large rosette like a steward’s and staring rudely and searchingly at each comer before he allowed them to pass through the gate, was able to check.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading But this, she hoped, would be a different and more exhilarating affair.
