used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading But there were a few divergences from the former habits of the house.
advancingadjectiveUS /ədˈvænsɪŋ/
moving forward
From this reading The invalid was never visible except in the evening, and there was a gradual increase of precaution, a gradual limitation of what he was permitted or attempted to do, which denoted advancing weakness.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading Mr. Trevanion’s attack wore off by degrees, and by and by he resumed his old habits, appearing once more at dinner, talking as of old after that meal, coming into the drawing-room for his rubber afterwards.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading Mr. Trevanion’s attack wore off by degrees, and by and by he resumed his old habits, appearing once more at dinner, talking as of old after that meal, coming into the drawing-room for his rubber afterwards.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Mr. Trevanion’s attack wore off by degrees, and by and by he resumed his old habits, appearing once more at dinner, talking as of old after that meal, coming into the drawing-room for his rubber afterwards.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading John Trevanion remained, which was another sign.
appearingnounUS /əˈpɪrɪŋ/
formal attendance (in court or at a hearing) of a party in an action
From this reading Mr. Trevanion’s attack wore off by degrees, and by and by he resumed his old habits, appearing once more at dinner, talking as of old after that meal, coming into the drawing-room for his rubber afterwards.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Mr. Trevanion’s attack wore off by degrees, and by and by he resumed his old habits, appearing once more at dinner, talking as of old after that meal, coming into the drawing-room for his rubber afterwards.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Mr. Trevanion’s attack wore off by degrees, and by and by he resumed his old habits, appearing once more at dinner, talking as of old after that meal, coming into the drawing-room for his rubber afterwards.
(military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons)
From this reading Mr. Trevanion’s attack wore off by degrees, and by and by he resumed his old habits, appearing once more at dinner, talking as of old after that meal, coming into the drawing-room for his rubber afterwards.
tried unsuccessfully
From this reading The invalid was never visible except in the evening, and there was a gradual increase of precaution, a gradual limitation of what he was permitted or attempted to do, which denoted advancing weakness.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But there were a few divergences from the former habits of the house.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Mr. Trevanion’s attack wore off by degrees, and by and by he resumed his old habits, appearing once more at dinner, talking as of old after that meal, coming into the drawing-room for his rubber afterwards.
the act of drawing spatially closer to something
From this reading Mr. Trevanion’s attack wore off by degrees, and by and by he resumed his old habits, appearing once more at dinner, talking as of old after that meal, coming into the drawing-room for his rubber afterwards.
degreesnounUS /dɪˈɡriːz/
plural of “degree” — a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality
From this reading Mr. Trevanion’s attack wore off by degrees, and by and by he resumed his old habits, appearing once more at dinner, talking as of old after that meal, coming into the drawing-room for his rubber afterwards.
denotedverbUS /dɪˈnoʊtəd/
past form of “denote” — be a sign or indication of
From this reading The invalid was never visible except in the evening, and there was a gradual increase of precaution, a gradual limitation of what he was permitted or attempted to do, which denoted advancing weakness.
the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday
From this reading Mr. Trevanion’s attack wore off by degrees, and by and by he resumed his old habits, appearing once more at dinner, talking as of old after that meal, coming into the drawing-room for his rubber afterwards.
divergencesnounUS /daɪˈvɜːrdʒənsɪz/
plural of “divergence” — the act of moving away in different direction from a common point
From this reading But there were a few divergences from the former habits of the house.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading The invalid was never visible except in the evening, and there was a gradual increase of precaution, a gradual limitation of what he was permitted or attempted to do, which denoted advancing weakness.
drawing-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Trevanion’s attack wore off by degrees, and by and by he resumed his old habits, appearing once more at dinner, talking as of old after that meal, coming into the drawing-room for his rubber afterwards.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading The invalid was never visible except in the evening, and there was a gradual increase of precaution, a gradual limitation of what he was permitted or attempted to do, which denoted advancing weakness.
all things; all of a situation
From this reading Everything returned into the usual routine.
apart from; not including
From this reading The invalid was never visible except in the evening, and there was a gradual increase of precaution, a gradual limitation of what he was permitted or attempted to do, which denoted advancing weakness.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading But there were a few divergences from the former habits of the house.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Mr. Trevanion’s attack wore off by degrees, and by and by he resumed his old habits, appearing once more at dinner, talking as of old after that meal, coming into the drawing-room for his rubber afterwards.
referring to the first of two things or persons mentioned (or the earlier one or ones of several)
From this reading But there were a few divergences from the former habits of the house.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading But there were a few divergences from the former habits of the house.
gradualadjectiveUS /ˈɡrædʒuːəl/
proceeding in small stages
From this reading The invalid was never visible except in the evening, and there was a gradual increase of precaution, a gradual limitation of what he was permitted or attempted to do, which denoted advancing weakness.
plural of “habit” — an established custom
From this reading Mr. Trevanion’s attack wore off by degrees, and by and by he resumed his old habits, appearing once more at dinner, talking as of old after that meal, coming into the drawing-room for his rubber afterwards.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Mr. Trevanion’s attack wore off by degrees, and by and by he resumed his old habits, appearing once more at dinner, talking as of old after that meal, coming into the drawing-room for his rubber afterwards.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Mr. Trevanion’s attack wore off by degrees, and by and by he resumed his old habits, appearing once more at dinner, talking as of old after that meal, coming into the drawing-room for his rubber afterwards.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading But there were a few divergences from the former habits of the house.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The invalid was never visible except in the evening, and there was a gradual increase of precaution, a gradual limitation of what he was permitted or attempted to do, which denoted advancing weakness.
increasenounUS /ˌɪnˈkriːs/
a quantity that is added
From this reading The invalid was never visible except in the evening, and there was a gradual increase of precaution, a gradual limitation of what he was permitted or attempted to do, which denoted advancing weakness.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Mr. Trevanion’s attack wore off by degrees, and by and by he resumed his old habits, appearing once more at dinner, talking as of old after that meal, coming into the drawing-room for his rubber afterwards.
invalidnounUS /ˈɪnvələd/
someone who is incapacitated by a chronic illness or injury
From this reading The invalid was never visible except in the evening, and there was a gradual increase of precaution, a gradual limitation of what he was permitted or attempted to do, which denoted advancing weakness.
a room or building equipped with one or more toilets
From this reading John Trevanion remained, which was another sign.
limitationnounUS /ˌlɪmɪˈteɪʃən/
a principle that limits the extent of something
From this reading The invalid was never visible except in the evening, and there was a gradual increase of precaution, a gradual limitation of what he was permitted or attempted to do, which denoted advancing weakness.
the food served and eaten at one time
From this reading Mr. Trevanion’s attack wore off by degrees, and by and by he resumed his old habits, appearing once more at dinner, talking as of old after that meal, coming into the drawing-room for his rubber afterwards.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Mr. Trevanion’s attack wore off by degrees, and by and by he resumed his old habits, appearing once more at dinner, talking as of old after that meal, coming into the drawing-room for his rubber afterwards.
a form of address for a man
From this reading Mr. Trevanion’s attack wore off by degrees, and by and by he resumed his old habits, appearing once more at dinner, talking as of old after that meal, coming into the drawing-room for his rubber afterwards.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading The invalid was never visible except in the evening, and there was a gradual increase of precaution, a gradual limitation of what he was permitted or attempted to do, which denoted advancing weakness.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Mr. Trevanion’s attack wore off by degrees, and by and by he resumed his old habits, appearing once more at dinner, talking as of old after that meal, coming into the drawing-room for his rubber afterwards.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Mr. Trevanion’s attack wore off by degrees, and by and by he resumed his old habits, appearing once more at dinner, talking as of old after that meal, coming into the drawing-room for his rubber afterwards.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading Mr. Trevanion’s attack wore off by degrees, and by and by he resumed his old habits, appearing once more at dinner, talking as of old after that meal, coming into the drawing-room for his rubber afterwards.
on one occasion
From this reading Mr. Trevanion’s attack wore off by degrees, and by and by he resumed his old habits, appearing once more at dinner, talking as of old after that meal, coming into the drawing-room for his rubber afterwards.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading The invalid was never visible except in the evening, and there was a gradual increase of precaution, a gradual limitation of what he was permitted or attempted to do, which denoted advancing weakness.
inflected form of “permit” — consent to, give permission
From this reading The invalid was never visible except in the evening, and there was a gradual increase of precaution, a gradual limitation of what he was permitted or attempted to do, which denoted advancing weakness.
precautionnounUS /priˈkɔːʃən/
a precautionary measure warding off impending danger or damage or injury etc.
From this reading The invalid was never visible except in the evening, and there was a gradual increase of precaution, a gradual limitation of what he was permitted or attempted to do, which denoted advancing weakness.
past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading John Trevanion remained, which was another sign.
past form of “resume” — take up or begin anew
From this reading Mr. Trevanion’s attack wore off by degrees, and by and by he resumed his old habits, appearing once more at dinner, talking as of old after that meal, coming into the drawing-room for his rubber afterwards.
past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading Everything returned into the usual routine.
routinenounUS /ruːˈtiːn/
an unvarying or habitual method or procedure
From this reading Everything returned into the usual routine.
rubbernounUS /ˈrʌbər/
an elastic material obtained from the latex sap of trees (especially trees of the genera Hevea and Ficus) that can be vulcanized and finished into a variety of products
From this reading Mr. Trevanion’s attack wore off by degrees, and by and by he resumed his old habits, appearing once more at dinner, talking as of old after that meal, coming into the drawing-room for his rubber afterwards.
a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)
From this reading John Trevanion remained, which was another sign.
an exchange of ideas via conversation
From this reading Mr. Trevanion’s attack wore off by degrees, and by and by he resumed his old habits, appearing once more at dinner, talking as of old after that meal, coming into the drawing-room for his rubber afterwards.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Mr. Trevanion’s attack wore off by degrees, and by and by he resumed his old habits, appearing once more at dinner, talking as of old after that meal, coming into the drawing-room for his rubber afterwards.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Mr. Trevanion’s attack wore off by degrees, and by and by he resumed his old habits, appearing once more at dinner, talking as of old after that meal, coming into the drawing-room for his rubber afterwards.
in or at that place or location
From this reading But there were a few divergences from the former habits of the house.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The invalid was never visible except in the evening, and there was a gradual increase of precaution, a gradual limitation of what he was permitted or attempted to do, which denoted advancing weakness.
Trevanion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading John Trevanion remained, which was another sign.
Trevanion's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Trevanion’s attack wore off by degrees, and by and by he resumed his old habits, appearing once more at dinner, talking as of old after that meal, coming into the drawing-room for his rubber afterwards.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading Everything returned into the usual routine.
capable of being seen; or open to easy view
From this reading The invalid was never visible except in the evening, and there was a gradual increase of precaution, a gradual limitation of what he was permitted or attempted to do, which denoted advancing weakness.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The invalid was never visible except in the evening, and there was a gradual increase of precaution, a gradual limitation of what he was permitted or attempted to do, which denoted advancing weakness.
a flaw or weak point
From this reading The invalid was never visible except in the evening, and there was a gradual increase of precaution, a gradual limitation of what he was permitted or attempted to do, which denoted advancing weakness.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading But there were a few divergences from the former habits of the house.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading The invalid was never visible except in the evening, and there was a gradual increase of precaution, a gradual limitation of what he was permitted or attempted to do, which denoted advancing weakness.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The invalid was never visible except in the evening, and there was a gradual increase of precaution, a gradual limitation of what he was permitted or attempted to do, which denoted advancing weakness.
inflected form of “wear” — be dressed in
From this reading Mr. Trevanion’s attack wore off by degrees, and by and by he resumed his old habits, appearing once more at dinner, talking as of old after that meal, coming into the drawing-room for his rubber afterwards.
