used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Any visitor was a rare occurrence in this very quiet family; but a gentleman visitor--a young gentleman too--was a remarkable fact, arousing both interest and curiosity.
acuteadjectiveUS /əˈkjuːt/
having or experiencing a rapid onset and short but severe course
From this reading Her acute comments on their few guests, and on their little scholars, sometimes amused Hilary as much as her criticisms on the books she read.
(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 For in the latter quality this girl of seventeen could scarcely be expected to be deficient; and as to the former, she had so completely identified herself with the family she served, that all their concerns were her concerns also.
in addition
From this reading For in the latter quality this girl of seventeen could scarcely be expected to be deficient; and as to the former, she had so completely identified herself with the family she served, that all their concerns were her concerns also.
pleasantly occupied
From this reading Her acute comments on their few guests, and on their little scholars, sometimes amused Hilary as much as her criticisms on the books she read.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Elizabeth got tea ready with unwonted diligence and considerable excitement.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Any visitor was a rare occurrence in this very quiet family; but a gentleman visitor--a young gentleman too--was a remarkable fact, arousing both interest and curiosity.
arousingverbUS /ərˈaʊzɪŋ/
-ing form of “arouse” — call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses)
From this reading Any visitor was a rare occurrence in this very quiet family; but a gentleman visitor--a young gentleman too--was a remarkable fact, arousing both interest and curiosity.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading For in the latter quality this girl of seventeen could scarcely be expected to be deficient; and as to the former, she had so completely identified herself with the family she served, that all their concerns were her concerns also.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading For in the latter quality this girl of seventeen could scarcely be expected to be deficient; and as to the former, she had so completely identified herself with the family she served, that all their concerns were her concerns also.
Bound written or printed works.
From this reading Her acute comments on their few guests, and on their little scholars, sometimes amused Hilary as much as her criticisms on the books she read.
the two together, not just one
From this reading Any visitor was a rare occurrence in this very quiet family; but a gentleman visitor--a young gentleman too--was a remarkable fact, arousing both interest and curiosity.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Any visitor was a rare occurrence in this very quiet family; but a gentleman visitor--a young gentleman too--was a remarkable fact, arousing both interest and curiosity.
commentsnounUS /ˈkɑːments/
plural of “comment” — a statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief or adds information
From this reading Her acute comments on their few guests, and on their little scholars, sometimes amused Hilary as much as her criticisms on the books she read.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading For in the latter quality this girl of seventeen could scarcely be expected to be deficient; and as to the former, she had so completely identified herself with the family she served, that all their concerns were her concerns also.
concernsnounUS /kənˈsɜːrnz/
plural of “concern” — something that interests you because it is important or affects you
From this reading For in the latter quality this girl of seventeen could scarcely be expected to be deficient; and as to the former, she had so completely identified herself with the family she served, that all their concerns were her concerns also.
large or relatively large in number or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Elizabeth got tea ready with unwonted diligence and considerable excitement.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading For in the latter quality this girl of seventeen could scarcely be expected to be deficient; and as to the former, she had so completely identified herself with the family she served, that all their concerns were her concerns also.
criticismsnounUS /ˈkrɪtɪsɪzəmz/
plural of “criticism” — disapproval expressed by pointing out faults or shortcomings
From this reading Her acute comments on their few guests, and on their little scholars, sometimes amused Hilary as much as her criticisms on the books she read.
a state in which you want to learn more about something
From this reading Any visitor was a rare occurrence in this very quiet family; but a gentleman visitor--a young gentleman too--was a remarkable fact, arousing both interest and curiosity.
deficientadjectiveUS /dɪˈfɪʃənt/
inadequate in amount or degree
From this reading For in the latter quality this girl of seventeen could scarcely be expected to be deficient; and as to the former, she had so completely identified herself with the family she served, that all their concerns were her concerns also.
diligencenounUS /ˈdɪlədʒəns/
conscientiousness in paying proper attention to a task; giving the degree of care required in a given situation
From this reading Elizabeth got tea ready with unwonted diligence and considerable excitement.
daughter of George VI who became the Queen of England and Northern Ireland in 1952 on the death of her father (1926-)
From this reading Elizabeth got tea ready with unwonted diligence and considerable excitement.
at any time
From this reading But as neither were ever put forward intrusively or impertinently, she let them pass, and only laughed over them with Johanna in private.
the feeling of lively and cheerful joy
From this reading Elizabeth got tea ready with unwonted diligence and considerable excitement.
considered likely or probable to happen or arrive
From this reading For in the latter quality this girl of seventeen could scarcely be expected to be deficient; and as to the former, she had so completely identified herself with the family she served, that all their concerns were her concerns also.
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading Any visitor was a rare occurrence in this very quiet family; but a gentleman visitor--a young gentleman too--was a remarkable fact, arousing both interest and curiosity.
a social unit living together
From this reading Any visitor was a rare occurrence in this very quiet family; but a gentleman visitor--a young gentleman too--was a remarkable fact, arousing both interest and curiosity.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading Her acute comments on their few guests, and on their little scholars, sometimes amused Hilary as much as her criticisms on the books she read.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading For in the latter quality this girl of seventeen could scarcely be expected to be deficient; and as to the former, she had so completely identified herself with the family she served, that all their concerns were her concerns also.
referring to the first of two things or persons mentioned (or the earlier one or ones of several)
From this reading For in the latter quality this girl of seventeen could scarcely be expected to be deficient; and as to the former, she had so completely identified herself with the family she served, that all their concerns were her concerns also.
at or to or toward the front
From this reading But as neither were ever put forward intrusively or impertinently, she let them pass, and only laughed over them with Johanna in private.
a man of refinement
From this reading Any visitor was a rare occurrence in this very quiet family; but a gentleman visitor--a young gentleman too--was a remarkable fact, arousing both interest and curiosity.
a young female
From this reading For in the latter quality this girl of seventeen could scarcely be expected to be deficient; and as to the former, she had so completely identified herself with the family she served, that all their concerns were her concerns also.
inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading Elizabeth got tea ready with unwonted diligence and considerable excitement.
plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended
From this reading Her acute comments on their few guests, and on their little scholars, sometimes amused Hilary as much as her criticisms on the books she read.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading For in the latter quality this girl of seventeen could scarcely be expected to be deficient; and as to the former, she had so completely identified herself with the family she served, that all their concerns were her concerns also.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading For in the latter quality this girl of seventeen could scarcely be expected to be deficient; and as to the former, she had so completely identified herself with the family she served, that all their concerns were her concerns also.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading For in the latter quality this girl of seventeen could scarcely be expected to be deficient; and as to the former, she had so completely identified herself with the family she served, that all their concerns were her concerns also.
Hilary
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her acute comments on their few guests, and on their little scholars, sometimes amused Hilary as much as her criticisms on the books she read.
identifiedadjectiveUS /aɪˈdentəfaɪd/
having the identity known or established
From this reading For in the latter quality this girl of seventeen could scarcely be expected to be deficient; and as to the former, she had so completely identified herself with the family she served, that all their concerns were her concerns also.
impertinentlyadverb
in an impudent or impertinent manner
From this reading But as neither were ever put forward intrusively or impertinently, she let them pass, and only laughed over them with Johanna in private.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Any visitor was a rare occurrence in this very quiet family; but a gentleman visitor--a young gentleman too--was a remarkable fact, arousing both interest and curiosity.
a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
From this reading Any visitor was a rare occurrence in this very quiet family; but a gentleman visitor--a young gentleman too--was a remarkable fact, arousing both interest and curiosity.
intrusively
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But as neither were ever put forward intrusively or impertinently, she let them pass, and only laughed over them with Johanna in private.
Johanna
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But as neither were ever put forward intrusively or impertinently, she let them pass, and only laughed over them with Johanna in private.
referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)
From this reading For in the latter quality this girl of seventeen could scarcely be expected to be deficient; and as to the former, she had so completely identified herself with the family she served, that all their concerns were her concerns also.
past form of “laugh” — produce laughter
From this reading But as neither were ever put forward intrusively or impertinently, she let them pass, and only laughed over them with Johanna in private.
letauxiliary verbUS /let/
used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker
From this reading But as neither were ever put forward intrusively or impertinently, she let them pass, and only laughed over them with Johanna in private.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Her acute comments on their few guests, and on their little scholars, sometimes amused Hilary as much as her criticisms on the books she read.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading Her acute comments on their few guests, and on their little scholars, sometimes amused Hilary as much as her criticisms on the books she read.
not one and not the other of two
From this reading But as neither were ever put forward intrusively or impertinently, she let them pass, and only laughed over them with Johanna in private.
occurrencenounUS /əˈkɜːrəns/
an event that happens
From this reading Any visitor was a rare occurrence in this very quiet family; but a gentleman visitor--a young gentleman too--was a remarkable fact, arousing both interest and curiosity.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading For in the latter quality this girl of seventeen could scarcely be expected to be deficient; and as to the former, she had so completely identified herself with the family she served, that all their concerns were her concerns also.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Her acute comments on their few guests, and on their little scholars, sometimes amused Hilary as much as her criticisms on the books she read.
and nothing more
From this reading But as neither were ever put forward intrusively or impertinently, she let them pass, and only laughed over them with Johanna in private.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading But as neither were ever put forward intrusively or impertinently, she let them pass, and only laughed over them with Johanna in private.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading But as neither were ever put forward intrusively or impertinently, she let them pass, and only laughed over them with Johanna in private.
go across or through
From this reading But as neither were ever put forward intrusively or impertinently, she let them pass, and only laughed over them with Johanna in private.
confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy
From this reading But as neither were ever put forward intrusively or impertinently, she let them pass, and only laughed over them with Johanna in private.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading But as neither were ever put forward intrusively or impertinently, she let them pass, and only laughed over them with Johanna in private.
an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone
From this reading For in the latter quality this girl of seventeen could scarcely be expected to be deficient; and as to the former, she had so completely identified herself with the family she served, that all their concerns were her concerns also.
quietadjectiveUS /ˈkwaɪət/
characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity
From this reading Any visitor was a rare occurrence in this very quiet family; but a gentleman visitor--a young gentleman too--was a remarkable fact, arousing both interest and curiosity.
not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness
From this reading Any visitor was a rare occurrence in this very quiet family; but a gentleman visitor--a young gentleman too--was a remarkable fact, arousing both interest and curiosity.
interpret something that is written or printed
From this reading Her acute comments on their few guests, and on their little scholars, sometimes amused Hilary as much as her criticisms on the books she read.
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading Elizabeth got tea ready with unwonted diligence and considerable excitement.
unusual or striking
From this reading Any visitor was a rare occurrence in this very quiet family; but a gentleman visitor--a young gentleman too--was a remarkable fact, arousing both interest and curiosity.
only a very short time before
From this reading For in the latter quality this girl of seventeen could scarcely be expected to be deficient; and as to the former, she had so completely identified herself with the family she served, that all their concerns were her concerns also.
scholarsnounUS /ˈskɑːlərz/
plural of “scholar” — a learned person (especially in the humanities); someone who by long study has gained mastery in one or more disciplines
From this reading Her acute comments on their few guests, and on their little scholars, sometimes amused Hilary as much as her criticisms on the books she read.
past form of “serve” — serve a purpose, role, or function
From this reading For in the latter quality this girl of seventeen could scarcely be expected to be deficient; and as to the former, she had so completely identified herself with the family she served, that all their concerns were her concerns also.
seventeenadjectiveUS /ˈsevənˈtiːn/
being one more than sixteen
From this reading For in the latter quality this girl of seventeen could scarcely be expected to be deficient; and as to the former, she had so completely identified herself with the family she served, that all their concerns were her concerns also.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading For in the latter quality this girl of seventeen could scarcely be expected to be deficient; and as to the former, she had so completely identified herself with the family she served, that all their concerns were her concerns also.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading For in the latter quality this girl of seventeen could scarcely be expected to be deficient; and as to the former, she had so completely identified herself with the family she served, that all their concerns were her concerns also.
on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always
From this reading Her acute comments on their few guests, and on their little scholars, sometimes amused Hilary as much as her criticisms on the books she read.
a beverage made by steeping tea leaves in water
From this reading Elizabeth got tea ready with unwonted diligence and considerable excitement.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading For in the latter quality this girl of seventeen could scarcely be expected to be deficient; and as to the former, she had so completely identified herself with the family she served, that all their concerns were her concerns also.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading For in the latter quality this girl of seventeen could scarcely be expected to be deficient; and as to the former, she had so completely identified herself with the family she served, that all their concerns were her concerns also.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading For in the latter quality this girl of seventeen could scarcely be expected to be deficient; and as to the former, she had so completely identified herself with the family she served, that all their concerns were her concerns also.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading But as neither were ever put forward intrusively or impertinently, she let them pass, and only laughed over them with Johanna in private.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Any visitor was a rare occurrence in this very quiet family; but a gentleman visitor--a young gentleman too--was a remarkable fact, arousing both interest and curiosity.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading For in the latter quality this girl of seventeen could scarcely be expected to be deficient; and as to the former, she had so completely identified herself with the family she served, that all their concerns were her concerns also.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading Any visitor was a rare occurrence in this very quiet family; but a gentleman visitor--a young gentleman too--was a remarkable fact, arousing both interest and curiosity.
unwontedadjective
unaccustomed or unusual
From this reading Elizabeth got tea ready with unwonted diligence and considerable excitement.
precisely as stated
From this reading Any visitor was a rare occurrence in this very quiet family; but a gentleman visitor--a young gentleman too--was a remarkable fact, arousing both interest and curiosity.
someone who visits
From this reading Any visitor was a rare occurrence in this very quiet family; but a gentleman visitor--a young gentleman too--was a remarkable fact, arousing both interest and curiosity.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Any visitor was a rare occurrence in this very quiet family; but a gentleman visitor--a young gentleman too--was a remarkable fact, arousing both interest and curiosity.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading For in the latter quality this girl of seventeen could scarcely be expected to be deficient; and as to the former, she had so completely identified herself with the family she served, that all their concerns were her concerns also.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Elizabeth got tea ready with unwonted diligence and considerable excitement.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading Any visitor was a rare occurrence in this very quiet family; but a gentleman visitor--a young gentleman too--was a remarkable fact, arousing both interest and curiosity.
