used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading At first she entered her usual sitting-room, then suddenly she made a turn and rushed into her bedchamber where making sure there could be no interruption she gave vent to the sorrow and indignation that filled her breast, in a passionate flood of tears.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Not for an instant did the thought cross her mind of withdrawing her resignation, or of making any attempt at reconciliation with the monarch, whose utterly heartless and cowardly conduct filled her with intense contempt, and disgust.
ancestorsnounUS /ˈænsestərz/
plural of “ancestor” — someone from whom you are descended (but usually more remote than a grandparent)
From this reading For even the twentieth-century woman was not illachrymable, being in this respect pretty much the same as the most remote of her feminine ancestors.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading At first she entered her usual sitting-room, then suddenly she made a turn and rushed into her bedchamber where making sure there could be no interruption she gave vent to the sorrow and indignation that filled her breast, in a passionate flood of tears.
a strong emotion; a feeling that is oriented toward some real or supposed grievance
From this reading In a few moments, however, she recovered herself, and began to consider her situation, or rather her loss of situation, for she had inconsiderately thrown it up in the heat of her anger with the Emperor.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Not for an instant did the thought cross her mind of withdrawing her resignation, or of making any attempt at reconciliation with the monarch, whose utterly heartless and cowardly conduct filled her with intense contempt, and disgust.
a suite of rooms usually on one floor of an apartment house
From this reading When Mercia retired to her private apartment she hardly knew whither she was going.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading For even the twentieth-century woman was not illachrymable, being in this respect pretty much the same as the most remote of her feminine ancestors.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading At first she entered her usual sitting-room, then suddenly she made a turn and rushed into her bedchamber where making sure there could be no interruption she gave vent to the sorrow and indignation that filled her breast, in a passionate flood of tears.
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading Not for an instant did the thought cross her mind of withdrawing her resignation, or of making any attempt at reconciliation with the monarch, whose utterly heartless and cowardly conduct filled her with intense contempt, and disgust.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading At first she entered her usual sitting-room, then suddenly she made a turn and rushed into her bedchamber where making sure there could be no interruption she gave vent to the sorrow and indignation that filled her breast, in a passionate flood of tears.
bedchambernounUS /ˈbedtʃeɪmbər/
a room used primarily for sleeping
From this reading At first she entered her usual sitting-room, then suddenly she made a turn and rushed into her bedchamber where making sure there could be no interruption she gave vent to the sorrow and indignation that filled her breast, in a passionate flood of tears.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading In a few moments, however, she recovered herself, and began to consider her situation, or rather her loss of situation, for she had inconsiderately thrown it up in the heat of her anger with the Emperor.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading For even the twentieth-century woman was not illachrymable, being in this respect pretty much the same as the most remote of her feminine ancestors.
the front of the trunk from the neck to the abdomen
From this reading At first she entered her usual sitting-room, then suddenly she made a turn and rushed into her bedchamber where making sure there could be no interruption she gave vent to the sorrow and indignation that filled her breast, in a passionate flood of tears.
direct the course of; manage or control
From this reading Not for an instant did the thought cross her mind of withdrawing her resignation, or of making any attempt at reconciliation with the monarch, whose utterly heartless and cowardly conduct filled her with intense contempt, and disgust.
deem to be
From this reading In a few moments, however, she recovered herself, and began to consider her situation, or rather her loss of situation, for she had inconsiderately thrown it up in the heat of her anger with the Emperor.
lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike
From this reading Not for an instant did the thought cross her mind of withdrawing her resignation, or of making any attempt at reconciliation with the monarch, whose utterly heartless and cowardly conduct filled her with intense contempt, and disgust.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading At first she entered her usual sitting-room, then suddenly she made a turn and rushed into her bedchamber where making sure there could be no interruption she gave vent to the sorrow and indignation that filled her breast, in a passionate flood of tears.
cowardlyadjectiveUS /ˈkaʊərdli/
lacking courage; ignobly timid and faint-hearted
From this reading Not for an instant did the thought cross her mind of withdrawing her resignation, or of making any attempt at reconciliation with the monarch, whose utterly heartless and cowardly conduct filled her with intense contempt, and disgust.
travel across or pass over
From this reading Not for an instant did the thought cross her mind of withdrawing her resignation, or of making any attempt at reconciliation with the monarch, whose utterly heartless and cowardly conduct filled her with intense contempt, and disgust.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Not for an instant did the thought cross her mind of withdrawing her resignation, or of making any attempt at reconciliation with the monarch, whose utterly heartless and cowardly conduct filled her with intense contempt, and disgust.
disgustverbUS /dɪsˈɡʌst/
fill with distaste
From this reading Not for an instant did the thought cross her mind of withdrawing her resignation, or of making any attempt at reconciliation with the monarch, whose utterly heartless and cowardly conduct filled her with intense contempt, and disgust.
the male ruler of an empire
From this reading In a few moments, however, she recovered herself, and began to consider her situation, or rather her loss of situation, for she had inconsiderately thrown it up in the heat of her anger with the Emperor.
past form of “enter” — to come or go into
From this reading At first she entered her usual sitting-room, then suddenly she made a turn and rushed into her bedchamber where making sure there could be no interruption she gave vent to the sorrow and indignation that filled her breast, in a passionate flood of tears.
divisible by two
From this reading For even the twentieth-century woman was not illachrymable, being in this respect pretty much the same as the most remote of her feminine ancestors.
feminineadjectiveUS /ˈfemənən/
associated with women and not with men
From this reading For even the twentieth-century woman was not illachrymable, being in this respect pretty much the same as the most remote of her feminine ancestors.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading In a few moments, however, she recovered herself, and began to consider her situation, or rather her loss of situation, for she had inconsiderately thrown it up in the heat of her anger with the Emperor.
(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with
From this reading At first she entered her usual sitting-room, then suddenly she made a turn and rushed into her bedchamber where making sure there could be no interruption she gave vent to the sorrow and indignation that filled her breast, in a passionate flood of tears.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading At first she entered her usual sitting-room, then suddenly she made a turn and rushed into her bedchamber where making sure there could be no interruption she gave vent to the sorrow and indignation that filled her breast, in a passionate flood of tears.
the rising of a body of water and its overflowing onto normally dry land
From this reading At first she entered her usual sitting-room, then suddenly she made a turn and rushed into her bedchamber where making sure there could be no interruption she gave vent to the sorrow and indignation that filled her breast, in a passionate flood of tears.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading For even the twentieth-century woman was not illachrymable, being in this respect pretty much the same as the most remote of her feminine ancestors.
inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading At first she entered her usual sitting-room, then suddenly she made a turn and rushed into her bedchamber where making sure there could be no interruption she gave vent to the sorrow and indignation that filled her breast, in a passionate flood of tears.
the act of departing
From this reading When Mercia retired to her private apartment she hardly knew whither she was going.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading In a few moments, however, she recovered herself, and began to consider her situation, or rather her loss of situation, for she had inconsiderately thrown it up in the heat of her anger with the Emperor.
only a very short time before
From this reading When Mercia retired to her private apartment she hardly knew whither she was going.
heartlessadjectiveUS /ˈhɑːrtləs/
lacking in feeling or pity or warmth
From this reading Not for an instant did the thought cross her mind of withdrawing her resignation, or of making any attempt at reconciliation with the monarch, whose utterly heartless and cowardly conduct filled her with intense contempt, and disgust.
a form of energy that is transferred by a difference in temperature
From this reading In a few moments, however, she recovered herself, and began to consider her situation, or rather her loss of situation, for she had inconsiderately thrown it up in the heat of her anger with the Emperor.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading When Mercia retired to her private apartment she hardly knew whither she was going.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading In a few moments, however, she recovered herself, and began to consider her situation, or rather her loss of situation, for she had inconsiderately thrown it up in the heat of her anger with the Emperor.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading In a few moments, however, she recovered herself, and began to consider her situation, or rather her loss of situation, for she had inconsiderately thrown it up in the heat of her anger with the Emperor.
illachrymable
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For even the twentieth-century woman was not illachrymable, being in this respect pretty much the same as the most remote of her feminine ancestors.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading At first she entered her usual sitting-room, then suddenly she made a turn and rushed into her bedchamber where making sure there could be no interruption she gave vent to the sorrow and indignation that filled her breast, in a passionate flood of tears.
inconsideratelyadverb
without consideration; in an inconsiderate manner
From this reading In a few moments, however, she recovered herself, and began to consider her situation, or rather her loss of situation, for she had inconsiderately thrown it up in the heat of her anger with the Emperor.
a feeling of righteous anger
From this reading At first she entered her usual sitting-room, then suddenly she made a turn and rushed into her bedchamber where making sure there could be no interruption she gave vent to the sorrow and indignation that filled her breast, in a passionate flood of tears.
a very short time (as the time it takes the eye to blink or the heart to beat)
From this reading Not for an instant did the thought cross her mind of withdrawing her resignation, or of making any attempt at reconciliation with the monarch, whose utterly heartless and cowardly conduct filled her with intense contempt, and disgust.
possessing or displaying a distinctive feature to a heightened degree
From this reading Not for an instant did the thought cross her mind of withdrawing her resignation, or of making any attempt at reconciliation with the monarch, whose utterly heartless and cowardly conduct filled her with intense contempt, and disgust.
interruptionnounUS /ˌɪntərˈʌpʃən/
an act of delaying or interrupting the continuity
From this reading At first she entered her usual sitting-room, then suddenly she made a turn and rushed into her bedchamber where making sure there could be no interruption she gave vent to the sorrow and indignation that filled her breast, in a passionate flood of tears.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading At first she entered her usual sitting-room, then suddenly she made a turn and rushed into her bedchamber where making sure there could be no interruption she gave vent to the sorrow and indignation that filled her breast, in a passionate flood of tears.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading In a few moments, however, she recovered herself, and began to consider her situation, or rather her loss of situation, for she had inconsiderately thrown it up in the heat of her anger with the Emperor.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading When Mercia retired to her private apartment she hardly knew whither she was going.
something that is lost
From this reading In a few moments, however, she recovered herself, and began to consider her situation, or rather her loss of situation, for she had inconsiderately thrown it up in the heat of her anger with the Emperor.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading At first she entered her usual sitting-room, then suddenly she made a turn and rushed into her bedchamber where making sure there could be no interruption she gave vent to the sorrow and indignation that filled her breast, in a passionate flood of tears.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading At first she entered her usual sitting-room, then suddenly she made a turn and rushed into her bedchamber where making sure there could be no interruption she gave vent to the sorrow and indignation that filled her breast, in a passionate flood of tears.
Mercia
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Mercia retired to her private apartment she hardly knew whither she was going.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading Not for an instant did the thought cross her mind of withdrawing her resignation, or of making any attempt at reconciliation with the monarch, whose utterly heartless and cowardly conduct filled her with intense contempt, and disgust.
plural of “moment” — a particular point in time
From this reading In a few moments, however, she recovered herself, and began to consider her situation, or rather her loss of situation, for she had inconsiderately thrown it up in the heat of her anger with the Emperor.
monarchnounUS /ˈmɑːnɑːrk/
a nation's ruler or head of state usually by hereditary right
From this reading Not for an instant did the thought cross her mind of withdrawing her resignation, or of making any attempt at reconciliation with the monarch, whose utterly heartless and cowardly conduct filled her with intense contempt, and disgust.
used to form the superlative
From this reading For even the twentieth-century woman was not illachrymable, being in this respect pretty much the same as the most remote of her feminine ancestors.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading For even the twentieth-century woman was not illachrymable, being in this respect pretty much the same as the most remote of her feminine ancestors.
not any; not one
From this reading At first she entered her usual sitting-room, then suddenly she made a turn and rushed into her bedchamber where making sure there could be no interruption she gave vent to the sorrow and indignation that filled her breast, in a passionate flood of tears.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading For even the twentieth-century woman was not illachrymable, being in this respect pretty much the same as the most remote of her feminine ancestors.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading At first she entered her usual sitting-room, then suddenly she made a turn and rushed into her bedchamber where making sure there could be no interruption she gave vent to the sorrow and indignation that filled her breast, in a passionate flood of tears.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading In a few moments, however, she recovered herself, and began to consider her situation, or rather her loss of situation, for she had inconsiderately thrown it up in the heat of her anger with the Emperor.
having or expressing strong emotions
From this reading At first she entered her usual sitting-room, then suddenly she made a turn and rushed into her bedchamber where making sure there could be no interruption she gave vent to the sorrow and indignation that filled her breast, in a passionate flood of tears.
pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing
From this reading For even the twentieth-century woman was not illachrymable, being in this respect pretty much the same as the most remote of her feminine ancestors.
confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy
From this reading When Mercia retired to her private apartment she hardly knew whither she was going.
on the contrary
From this reading In a few moments, however, she recovered herself, and began to consider her situation, or rather her loss of situation, for she had inconsiderately thrown it up in the heat of her anger with the Emperor.
reconciliationnounUS /ˌrekənsɪliˈeɪʃən/
the reestablishing of cordial relations
From this reading Not for an instant did the thought cross her mind of withdrawing her resignation, or of making any attempt at reconciliation with the monarch, whose utterly heartless and cowardly conduct filled her with intense contempt, and disgust.
freed from illness or injury
From this reading In a few moments, however, she recovered herself, and began to consider her situation, or rather her loss of situation, for she had inconsiderately thrown it up in the heat of her anger with the Emperor.
remoteadjectiveUS /rɪˈmoʊt/
located far away spatially
From this reading For even the twentieth-century woman was not illachrymable, being in this respect pretty much the same as the most remote of her feminine ancestors.
resignationnounUS /ˌrezəɡˈneɪʃən/
acceptance of despair
From this reading Not for an instant did the thought cross her mind of withdrawing her resignation, or of making any attempt at reconciliation with the monarch, whose utterly heartless and cowardly conduct filled her with intense contempt, and disgust.
(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point
From this reading For even the twentieth-century woman was not illachrymable, being in this respect pretty much the same as the most remote of her feminine ancestors.
no longer active in your work or profession
From this reading When Mercia retired to her private apartment she hardly knew whither she was going.
done under pressure
From this reading At first she entered her usual sitting-room, then suddenly she made a turn and rushed into her bedchamber where making sure there could be no interruption she gave vent to the sorrow and indignation that filled her breast, in a passionate flood of tears.
Identical; not different.
From this reading For even the twentieth-century woman was not illachrymable, being in this respect pretty much the same as the most remote of her feminine ancestors.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading When Mercia retired to her private apartment she hardly knew whither she was going.
sitting-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At first she entered her usual sitting-room, then suddenly she made a turn and rushed into her bedchamber where making sure there could be no interruption she gave vent to the sorrow and indignation that filled her breast, in a passionate flood of tears.
the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time
From this reading In a few moments, however, she recovered herself, and began to consider her situation, or rather her loss of situation, for she had inconsiderately thrown it up in the heat of her anger with the Emperor.
an emotion of great sadness associated with loss or bereavement
From this reading At first she entered her usual sitting-room, then suddenly she made a turn and rushed into her bedchamber where making sure there could be no interruption she gave vent to the sorrow and indignation that filled her breast, in a passionate flood of tears.
happening unexpectedly
From this reading At first she entered her usual sitting-room, then suddenly she made a turn and rushed into her bedchamber where making sure there could be no interruption she gave vent to the sorrow and indignation that filled her breast, in a passionate flood of tears.
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading At first she entered her usual sitting-room, then suddenly she made a turn and rushed into her bedchamber where making sure there could be no interruption she gave vent to the sorrow and indignation that filled her breast, in a passionate flood of tears.
the process of shedding tears (usually accompanied by sobs or other inarticulate sounds)
From this reading At first she entered her usual sitting-room, then suddenly she made a turn and rushed into her bedchamber where making sure there could be no interruption she gave vent to the sorrow and indignation that filled her breast, in a passionate flood of tears.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading At first she entered her usual sitting-room, then suddenly she made a turn and rushed into her bedchamber where making sure there could be no interruption she gave vent to the sorrow and indignation that filled her breast, in a passionate flood of tears.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading At first she entered her usual sitting-room, then suddenly she made a turn and rushed into her bedchamber where making sure there could be no interruption she gave vent to the sorrow and indignation that filled her breast, in a passionate flood of tears.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading At first she entered her usual sitting-room, then suddenly she made a turn and rushed into her bedchamber where making sure there could be no interruption she gave vent to the sorrow and indignation that filled her breast, in a passionate flood of tears.
in or at that place or location
From this reading At first she entered her usual sitting-room, then suddenly she made a turn and rushed into her bedchamber where making sure there could be no interruption she gave vent to the sorrow and indignation that filled her breast, in a passionate flood of tears.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading For even the twentieth-century woman was not illachrymable, being in this respect pretty much the same as the most remote of her feminine ancestors.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading Not for an instant did the thought cross her mind of withdrawing her resignation, or of making any attempt at reconciliation with the monarch, whose utterly heartless and cowardly conduct filled her with intense contempt, and disgust.
caused to fall to the ground
From this reading In a few moments, however, she recovered herself, and began to consider her situation, or rather her loss of situation, for she had inconsiderately thrown it up in the heat of her anger with the Emperor.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading When Mercia retired to her private apartment she hardly knew whither she was going.
change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense
From this reading At first she entered her usual sitting-room, then suddenly she made a turn and rushed into her bedchamber where making sure there could be no interruption she gave vent to the sorrow and indignation that filled her breast, in a passionate flood of tears.
twentieth-century
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For even the twentieth-century woman was not illachrymable, being in this respect pretty much the same as the most remote of her feminine ancestors.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading In a few moments, however, she recovered herself, and began to consider her situation, or rather her loss of situation, for she had inconsiderately thrown it up in the heat of her anger with the Emperor.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading At first she entered her usual sitting-room, then suddenly she made a turn and rushed into her bedchamber where making sure there could be no interruption she gave vent to the sorrow and indignation that filled her breast, in a passionate flood of tears.
completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers
From this reading Not for an instant did the thought cross her mind of withdrawing her resignation, or of making any attempt at reconciliation with the monarch, whose utterly heartless and cowardly conduct filled her with intense contempt, and disgust.
ventnounUS /vent/
a hole for the escape of gas or air
From this reading At first she entered her usual sitting-room, then suddenly she made a turn and rushed into her bedchamber where making sure there could be no interruption she gave vent to the sorrow and indignation that filled her breast, in a passionate flood of tears.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading When Mercia retired to her private apartment she hardly knew whither she was going.
at the time that
From this reading When Mercia retired to her private apartment she hardly knew whither she was going.
in or at the place that
From this reading At first she entered her usual sitting-room, then suddenly she made a turn and rushed into her bedchamber where making sure there could be no interruption she gave vent to the sorrow and indignation that filled her breast, in a passionate flood of tears.
whitheradverbUS /ˈwɪðər/
an old word meaning “to where”
From this reading When Mercia retired to her private apartment she hardly knew whither she was going.
belonging to which person
From this reading Not for an instant did the thought cross her mind of withdrawing her resignation, or of making any attempt at reconciliation with the monarch, whose utterly heartless and cowardly conduct filled her with intense contempt, and disgust.
in the company of; together with
From this reading In a few moments, however, she recovered herself, and began to consider her situation, or rather her loss of situation, for she had inconsiderately thrown it up in the heat of her anger with the Emperor.
withdrawingverbUS /wɪθˈdrɔːɪŋ/
-ing form of “withdraw” — pull back or move away or backward
From this reading Not for an instant did the thought cross her mind of withdrawing her resignation, or of making any attempt at reconciliation with the monarch, whose utterly heartless and cowardly conduct filled her with intense contempt, and disgust.
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading For even the twentieth-century woman was not illachrymable, being in this respect pretty much the same as the most remote of her feminine ancestors.
