used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading It seemed so incongruous to hear laughter at a private view, where it is now usual to behave with the embarrassed and respectful gloom appropriate to a visit of condolence (with the corpse in the next room).
the part of the day between noon and evening
From this reading One afternoon Cecil was in St James's Street when he remembered that there was an exhibition at Carfax's.
anew
From this reading As she was convinced that he intended never to see Lady Selsey again if he could possibly help it, she made no objection, and did not even remark to him that it would look odd.
(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 Drive From time to time invitations had been received from the Selseys, all of which Cecil had asked Hyacinth to refuse on various pretexts.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading One afternoon Cecil was in St James's Street when he remembered that there was an exhibition at Carfax's.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading As she was convinced that he intended never to see Lady Selsey again if he could possibly help it, she made no objection, and did not even remark to him that it would look odd.
appropriateverbUS /əˈproʊpriət/
give or assign a resource to a particular person or cause
From this reading It seemed so incongruous to hear laughter at a private view, where it is now usual to behave with the embarrassed and respectful gloom appropriate to a visit of condolence (with the corpse in the next room).
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As she was convinced that he intended never to see Lady Selsey again if he could possibly help it, she made no objection, and did not even remark to him that it would look odd.
past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading The Drive From time to time invitations had been received from the Selseys, all of which Cecil had asked Hyacinth to refuse on various pretexts.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading One afternoon Cecil was in St James's Street when he remembered that there was an exhibition at Carfax's.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The Drive From time to time invitations had been received from the Selseys, all of which Cecil had asked Hyacinth to refuse on various pretexts.
behaveverbUS /bɪˈheɪv/
behave in a certain manner; show a certain behavior; conduct or comport oneself
From this reading It seemed so incongruous to hear laughter at a private view, where it is now usual to behave with the embarrassed and respectful gloom appropriate to a visit of condolence (with the corpse in the next room).
showing who or what does the action
From this reading He strolled in, and was for the moment quite taken by surprise at the evident gaiety of the crowd.
Carfax's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One afternoon Cecil was in St James's Street when he remembered that there was an exhibition at Carfax's.
Cecil
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Drive From time to time invitations had been received from the Selseys, all of which Cecil had asked Hyacinth to refuse on various pretexts.
condolencenounUS /kənˈdoʊləns/
an expression of sympathy with another's grief
From this reading It seemed so incongruous to hear laughter at a private view, where it is now usual to behave with the embarrassed and respectful gloom appropriate to a visit of condolence (with the corpse in the next room).
persuaded of; very sure
From this reading As she was convinced that he intended never to see Lady Selsey again if he could possibly help it, she made no objection, and did not even remark to him that it would look odd.
corpsenounUS /kɔːrps/
the dead body of a human being
From this reading It seemed so incongruous to hear laughter at a private view, where it is now usual to behave with the embarrassed and respectful gloom appropriate to a visit of condolence (with the corpse in the next room).
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading As she was convinced that he intended never to see Lady Selsey again if he could possibly help it, she made no objection, and did not even remark to him that it would look odd.
cause to herd, drive, or crowd together
From this reading He strolled in, and was for the moment quite taken by surprise at the evident gaiety of the crowd.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading As she was convinced that he intended never to see Lady Selsey again if he could possibly help it, she made no objection, and did not even remark to him that it would look odd.
operate or control a vehicle
From this reading The Drive From time to time invitations had been received from the Selseys, all of which Cecil had asked Hyacinth to refuse on various pretexts.
embarrassedadjectiveUS /ɪmˈberəst/
feeling or caused to feel ill at ease or self-conscious or ashamed
From this reading It seemed so incongruous to hear laughter at a private view, where it is now usual to behave with the embarrassed and respectful gloom appropriate to a visit of condolence (with the corpse in the next room).
divisible by two
From this reading As she was convinced that he intended never to see Lady Selsey again if he could possibly help it, she made no objection, and did not even remark to him that it would look odd.
clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
From this reading He strolled in, and was for the moment quite taken by surprise at the evident gaiety of the crowd.
exhibitionnounUS /ˌeksəˈbɪʃən/
the act of exhibiting
From this reading One afternoon Cecil was in St James's Street when he remembered that there was an exhibition at Carfax's.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading He strolled in, and was for the moment quite taken by surprise at the evident gaiety of the crowd.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The Drive From time to time invitations had been received from the Selseys, all of which Cecil had asked Hyacinth to refuse on various pretexts.
gaietynoun
a gay feeling
From this reading He strolled in, and was for the moment quite taken by surprise at the evident gaiety of the crowd.
a state of partial or total darkness
From this reading It seemed so incongruous to hear laughter at a private view, where it is now usual to behave with the embarrassed and respectful gloom appropriate to a visit of condolence (with the corpse in the next room).
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The Drive From time to time invitations had been received from the Selseys, all of which Cecil had asked Hyacinth to refuse on various pretexts.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading As she was convinced that he intended never to see Lady Selsey again if he could possibly help it, she made no objection, and did not even remark to him that it would look odd.
perceive (sound) via the auditory sense
From this reading It seemed so incongruous to hear laughter at a private view, where it is now usual to behave with the embarrassed and respectful gloom appropriate to a visit of condolence (with the corpse in the next room).
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading As she was convinced that he intended never to see Lady Selsey again if he could possibly help it, she made no objection, and did not even remark to him that it would look odd.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading As she was convinced that he intended never to see Lady Selsey again if he could possibly help it, she made no objection, and did not even remark to him that it would look odd.
HyacinthnounUS /ˈhaɪəsɪnθ/
a red transparent variety of zircon used as a gemstone
From this reading The Drive From time to time invitations had been received from the Selseys, all of which Cecil had asked Hyacinth to refuse on various pretexts.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading As she was convinced that he intended never to see Lady Selsey again if he could possibly help it, she made no objection, and did not even remark to him that it would look odd.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading One afternoon Cecil was in St James's Street when he remembered that there was an exhibition at Carfax's.
incongruousadjectiveUS /ˌɪŋˈkɔːŋruːəs/
lacking in harmony or compatibility or appropriateness
From this reading It seemed so incongruous to hear laughter at a private view, where it is now usual to behave with the embarrassed and respectful gloom appropriate to a visit of condolence (with the corpse in the next room).
resulting from one's intentions
From this reading As she was convinced that he intended never to see Lady Selsey again if he could possibly help it, she made no objection, and did not even remark to him that it would look odd.
invitationsnounUS /ˌɪnvɪˈteɪʃənz/
plural of “invitation” — a request (spoken or written) to participate or be present or take part in something
From this reading The Drive From time to time invitations had been received from the Selseys, all of which Cecil had asked Hyacinth to refuse on various pretexts.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It seemed so incongruous to hear laughter at a private view, where it is now usual to behave with the embarrassed and respectful gloom appropriate to a visit of condolence (with the corpse in the next room).
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading As she was convinced that he intended never to see Lady Selsey again if he could possibly help it, she made no objection, and did not even remark to him that it would look odd.
James'snounUS /ˈdʒeɪmzɪz/
possessive form of “james” — a Stuart king of Scotland who married a daughter of Henry VII; when England and France went to war in 1513 he invaded England and died in defeat at Flodden (1473-1513)
From this reading One afternoon Cecil was in St James's Street when he remembered that there was an exhibition at Carfax's.
a polite name for any woman
From this reading As she was convinced that he intended never to see Lady Selsey again if he could possibly help it, she made no objection, and did not even remark to him that it would look odd.
the sound of laughing
From this reading It seemed so incongruous to hear laughter at a private view, where it is now usual to behave with the embarrassed and respectful gloom appropriate to a visit of condolence (with the corpse in the next room).
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading As she was convinced that he intended never to see Lady Selsey again if he could possibly help it, she made no objection, and did not even remark to him that it would look odd.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading As she was convinced that he intended never to see Lady Selsey again if he could possibly help it, she made no objection, and did not even remark to him that it would look odd.
a particular point in time
From this reading He strolled in, and was for the moment quite taken by surprise at the evident gaiety of the crowd.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading As she was convinced that he intended never to see Lady Selsey again if he could possibly help it, she made no objection, and did not even remark to him that it would look odd.
immediately following in time or order
From this reading It seemed so incongruous to hear laughter at a private view, where it is now usual to behave with the embarrassed and respectful gloom appropriate to a visit of condolence (with the corpse in the next room).
not any; not one
From this reading As she was convinced that he intended never to see Lady Selsey again if he could possibly help it, she made no objection, and did not even remark to him that it would look odd.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading As she was convinced that he intended never to see Lady Selsey again if he could possibly help it, she made no objection, and did not even remark to him that it would look odd.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading It seemed so incongruous to hear laughter at a private view, where it is now usual to behave with the embarrassed and respectful gloom appropriate to a visit of condolence (with the corpse in the next room).
objectionnounUS /əbˈdʒekʃən/
the act of expressing earnest opposition or protest
From this reading As she was convinced that he intended never to see Lady Selsey again if he could possibly help it, she made no objection, and did not even remark to him that it would look odd.
not divisible by two
From this reading As she was convinced that he intended never to see Lady Selsey again if he could possibly help it, she made no objection, and did not even remark to him that it would look odd.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The Drive From time to time invitations had been received from the Selseys, all of which Cecil had asked Hyacinth to refuse on various pretexts.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The Drive From time to time invitations had been received from the Selseys, all of which Cecil had asked Hyacinth to refuse on various pretexts.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading One afternoon Cecil was in St James's Street when he remembered that there was an exhibition at Carfax's.
by chance
From this reading As she was convinced that he intended never to see Lady Selsey again if he could possibly help it, she made no objection, and did not even remark to him that it would look odd.
pretexts
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Drive From time to time invitations had been received from the Selseys, all of which Cecil had asked Hyacinth to refuse on various pretexts.
confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy
From this reading It seemed so incongruous to hear laughter at a private view, where it is now usual to behave with the embarrassed and respectful gloom appropriate to a visit of condolence (with the corpse in the next room).
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading He strolled in, and was for the moment quite taken by surprise at the evident gaiety of the crowd.
conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers
From this reading The Drive From time to time invitations had been received from the Selseys, all of which Cecil had asked Hyacinth to refuse on various pretexts.
show unwillingness towards
From this reading The Drive From time to time invitations had been received from the Selseys, all of which Cecil had asked Hyacinth to refuse on various pretexts.
a statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief or adds information
From this reading As she was convinced that he intended never to see Lady Selsey again if he could possibly help it, she made no objection, and did not even remark to him that it would look odd.
past form of “remember” — recall knowledge from memory; have a recollection
From this reading One afternoon Cecil was in St James's Street when he remembered that there was an exhibition at Carfax's.
respectfuladjectiveUS /rɪˈspektfəl/
full of or exhibiting respect
From this reading It seemed so incongruous to hear laughter at a private view, where it is now usual to behave with the embarrassed and respectful gloom appropriate to a visit of condolence (with the corpse in the next room).
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading It seemed so incongruous to hear laughter at a private view, where it is now usual to behave with the embarrassed and respectful gloom appropriate to a visit of condolence (with the corpse in the next room).
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading As she was convinced that he intended never to see Lady Selsey again if he could possibly help it, she made no objection, and did not even remark to him that it would look odd.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading It seemed so incongruous to hear laughter at a private view, where it is now usual to behave with the embarrassed and respectful gloom appropriate to a visit of condolence (with the corpse in the next room).
Selsey
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As she was convinced that he intended never to see Lady Selsey again if he could possibly help it, she made no objection, and did not even remark to him that it would look odd.
Selseys
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Drive From time to time invitations had been received from the Selseys, all of which Cecil had asked Hyacinth to refuse on various pretexts.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading As she was convinced that he intended never to see Lady Selsey again if he could possibly help it, she made no objection, and did not even remark to him that it would look odd.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading It seemed so incongruous to hear laughter at a private view, where it is now usual to behave with the embarrassed and respectful gloom appropriate to a visit of condolence (with the corpse in the next room).
St
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One afternoon Cecil was in St James's Street when he remembered that there was an exhibition at Carfax's.
a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading One afternoon Cecil was in St James's Street when he remembered that there was an exhibition at Carfax's.
strolledverbUS /stroʊld/
past form of “stroll” — walk leisurely and with no apparent aim
From this reading He strolled in, and was for the moment quite taken by surprise at the evident gaiety of the crowd.
the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you
From this reading He strolled in, and was for the moment quite taken by surprise at the evident gaiety of the crowd.
takenadjectiveUS /ˈteɪkən/
understood in a certain way; made sense of
From this reading He strolled in, and was for the moment quite taken by surprise at the evident gaiety of the crowd.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading As she was convinced that he intended never to see Lady Selsey again if he could possibly help it, she made no objection, and did not even remark to him that it would look odd.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The Drive From time to time invitations had been received from the Selseys, all of which Cecil had asked Hyacinth to refuse on various pretexts.
in or at that place or location
From this reading One afternoon Cecil was in St James's Street when he remembered that there was an exhibition at Carfax's.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading The Drive From time to time invitations had been received from the Selseys, all of which Cecil had asked Hyacinth to refuse on various pretexts.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The Drive From time to time invitations had been received from the Selseys, all of which Cecil had asked Hyacinth to refuse on various pretexts.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading It seemed so incongruous to hear laughter at a private view, where it is now usual to behave with the embarrassed and respectful gloom appropriate to a visit of condolence (with the corpse in the next room).
of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity
From this reading The Drive From time to time invitations had been received from the Selseys, all of which Cecil had asked Hyacinth to refuse on various pretexts.
a way of regarding situations or topics etc.
From this reading It seemed so incongruous to hear laughter at a private view, where it is now usual to behave with the embarrassed and respectful gloom appropriate to a visit of condolence (with the corpse in the next room).
go to see a place, as for entertainment
From this reading It seemed so incongruous to hear laughter at a private view, where it is now usual to behave with the embarrassed and respectful gloom appropriate to a visit of condolence (with the corpse in the next room).
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading As she was convinced that he intended never to see Lady Selsey again if he could possibly help it, she made no objection, and did not even remark to him that it would look odd.
at the time that
From this reading One afternoon Cecil was in St James's Street when he remembered that there was an exhibition at Carfax's.
in or at the place that
From this reading It seemed so incongruous to hear laughter at a private view, where it is now usual to behave with the embarrassed and respectful gloom appropriate to a visit of condolence (with the corpse in the next room).
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The Drive From time to time invitations had been received from the Selseys, all of which Cecil had asked Hyacinth to refuse on various pretexts.
in the company of; together with
From this reading It seemed so incongruous to hear laughter at a private view, where it is now usual to behave with the embarrassed and respectful gloom appropriate to a visit of condolence (with the corpse in the next room).
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading As she was convinced that he intended never to see Lady Selsey again if he could possibly help it, she made no objection, and did not even remark to him that it would look odd.
