used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading One evening, after Ray's entire restoration to health, he and his father attended a reception given by an old friend of Mr. Palmer's.
adventnounUS /ˈædvent/
arrival that has been awaited (especially of something momentous)
From this reading Mr. Palmer was conversing with his host in a quiet way during a few moments while he was at liberty, when his attention was attracted by the entrance of a new arrival, whose advent seemed to create an unusual flutter of interest.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading It was an unusually brilliant affair, for the Merrills were wealthy people, and very socially inclined, and many of the best people of New York were present.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading One evening, after Ray's entire restoration to health, he and his father attended a reception given by an old friend of Mr. Palmer's.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading One evening, after Ray's entire restoration to health, he and his father attended a reception given by an old friend of Mr. Palmer's.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading One evening, after Ray's entire restoration to health, he and his father attended a reception given by an old friend of Mr. Palmer's.
past form of “approach” — move towards
From this reading "Who is she?" he inquired, as the lady slowly approached them, smiling, bowing, and responding to the eager greetings on every hand.
accomplishment of an objective
From this reading Mr. Palmer was conversing with his host in a quiet way during a few moments while he was at liberty, when his attention was attracted by the entrance of a new arrival, whose advent seemed to create an unusual flutter of interest.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading "Who is she?" he inquired, as the lady slowly approached them, smiling, bowing, and responding to the eager greetings on every hand.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading AT THE RECEPTION.
playing or singing with instrumental or vocal accompaniment
From this reading One evening, after Ray's entire restoration to health, he and his father attended a reception given by an old friend of Mr. Palmer's.
the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others
From this reading Mr. Palmer was conversing with his host in a quiet way during a few moments while he was at liberty, when his attention was attracted by the entrance of a new arrival, whose advent seemed to create an unusual flutter of interest.
past form of “attract” — direct toward itself or oneself by means of some psychological power or physical attributes
From this reading Mr. Palmer was conversing with his host in a quiet way during a few moments while he was at liberty, when his attention was attracted by the entrance of a new arrival, whose advent seemed to create an unusual flutter of interest.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading It was an unusually brilliant affair, for the Merrills were wealthy people, and very socially inclined, and many of the best people of New York were present.
bowingnounUS /ˈboʊɪŋ/
bending the head or body or knee as a sign of reverence or submission or shame or greeting
From this reading "Who is she?" he inquired, as the lady slowly approached them, smiling, bowing, and responding to the eager greetings on every hand.
of surpassing excellence
From this reading It was an unusually brilliant affair, for the Merrills were wealthy people, and very socially inclined, and many of the best people of New York were present.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading One evening, after Ray's entire restoration to health, he and his father attended a reception given by an old friend of Mr. Palmer's.
conversingverbUS /kənˈvɜːrsɪŋ/
-ing form of “converse” — carry on a conversation
From this reading Mr. Palmer was conversing with his host in a quiet way during a few moments while he was at liberty, when his attention was attracted by the entrance of a new arrival, whose advent seemed to create an unusual flutter of interest.
createverbUS /kriˈeɪt/
make or cause to be or to become
From this reading Mr. Palmer was conversing with his host in a quiet way during a few moments while he was at liberty, when his attention was attracted by the entrance of a new arrival, whose advent seemed to create an unusual flutter of interest.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading Mr. Palmer was conversing with his host in a quiet way during a few moments while he was at liberty, when his attention was attracted by the entrance of a new arrival, whose advent seemed to create an unusual flutter of interest.
eageradjectiveUS /ˈiːɡər/
having or showing keen interest or intense desire or impatient expectancy
From this reading "Who is she?" he inquired, as the lady slowly approached them, smiling, bowing, and responding to the eager greetings on every hand.
constituting the full quantity or extent; complete
From this reading One evening, after Ray's entire restoration to health, he and his father attended a reception given by an old friend of Mr. Palmer's.
something that provides access (to get in or get out)
From this reading Mr. Palmer was conversing with his host in a quiet way during a few moments while he was at liberty, when his attention was attracted by the entrance of a new arrival, whose advent seemed to create an unusual flutter of interest.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading One evening, after Ray's entire restoration to health, he and his father attended a reception given by an old friend of Mr. Palmer's.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading "Who is she?" he inquired, as the lady slowly approached them, smiling, bowing, and responding to the eager greetings on every hand.
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading One evening, after Ray's entire restoration to health, he and his father attended a reception given by an old friend of Mr. Palmer's.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading Mr. Palmer was conversing with his host in a quiet way during a few moments while he was at liberty, when his attention was attracted by the entrance of a new arrival, whose advent seemed to create an unusual flutter of interest.
flutterverbUS /ˈflʌtər/
move along rapidly and lightly; skim or dart
From this reading Mr. Palmer was conversing with his host in a quiet way during a few moments while he was at liberty, when his attention was attracted by the entrance of a new arrival, whose advent seemed to create an unusual flutter of interest.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It was an unusually brilliant affair, for the Merrills were wealthy people, and very socially inclined, and many of the best people of New York were present.
a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading One evening, after Ray's entire restoration to health, he and his father attended a reception given by an old friend of Mr. Palmer's.
givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/
acknowledged as a supposition
From this reading One evening, after Ray's entire restoration to health, he and his father attended a reception given by an old friend of Mr. Palmer's.
greetingsnounUS /ˈɡriːtɪŋz/
plural of “greeting” — (usually plural) an acknowledgment or expression of good will (especially on meeting)
From this reading "Who is she?" he inquired, as the lady slowly approached them, smiling, bowing, and responding to the eager greetings on every hand.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading "Who is she?" he inquired, as the lady slowly approached them, smiling, bowing, and responding to the eager greetings on every hand.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading One evening, after Ray's entire restoration to health, he and his father attended a reception given by an old friend of Mr. Palmer's.
a healthy state of wellbeing free from disease
From this reading One evening, after Ray's entire restoration to health, he and his father attended a reception given by an old friend of Mr. Palmer's.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading One evening, after Ray's entire restoration to health, he and his father attended a reception given by an old friend of Mr. Palmer's.
a person who invites guests to a social event (such as a party in his or her own home) and who is responsible for them while they are there
From this reading Mr. Palmer was conversing with his host in a quiet way during a few moments while he was at liberty, when his attention was attracted by the entrance of a new arrival, whose advent seemed to create an unusual flutter of interest.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Mr. Palmer was conversing with his host in a quiet way during a few moments while he was at liberty, when his attention was attracted by the entrance of a new arrival, whose advent seemed to create an unusual flutter of interest.
(often followed by “to”) having a preference, disposition, or tendency
From this reading It was an unusually brilliant affair, for the Merrills were wealthy people, and very socially inclined, and many of the best people of New York were present.
past form of “inquire” — address a question to and expect an answer from
From this reading "Who is she?" he inquired, as the lady slowly approached them, smiling, bowing, and responding to the eager greetings on every hand.
a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
From this reading Mr. Palmer was conversing with his host in a quiet way during a few moments while he was at liberty, when his attention was attracted by the entrance of a new arrival, whose advent seemed to create an unusual flutter of interest.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "Who is she?" he inquired, as the lady slowly approached them, smiling, bowing, and responding to the eager greetings on every hand.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was an unusually brilliant affair, for the Merrills were wealthy people, and very socially inclined, and many of the best people of New York were present.
a polite name for any woman
From this reading "Who is she?" he inquired, as the lady slowly approached them, smiling, bowing, and responding to the eager greetings on every hand.
The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions on one's way of life.
From this reading Mr. Palmer was conversing with his host in a quiet way during a few moments while he was at liberty, when his attention was attracted by the entrance of a new arrival, whose advent seemed to create an unusual flutter of interest.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading It was an unusually brilliant affair, for the Merrills were wealthy people, and very socially inclined, and many of the best people of New York were present.
Merrills
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was an unusually brilliant affair, for the Merrills were wealthy people, and very socially inclined, and many of the best people of New York were present.
plural of “moment” — a particular point in time
From this reading Mr. Palmer was conversing with his host in a quiet way during a few moments while he was at liberty, when his attention was attracted by the entrance of a new arrival, whose advent seemed to create an unusual flutter of interest.
a form of address for a man
From this reading One evening, after Ray's entire restoration to health, he and his father attended a reception given by an old friend of Mr. Palmer's.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading It was an unusually brilliant affair, for the Merrills were wealthy people, and very socially inclined, and many of the best people of New York were present.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading One evening, after Ray's entire restoration to health, he and his father attended a reception given by an old friend of Mr. Palmer's.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading One evening, after Ray's entire restoration to health, he and his father attended a reception given by an old friend of Mr. Palmer's.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading "Who is she?" he inquired, as the lady slowly approached them, smiling, bowing, and responding to the eager greetings on every hand.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading One evening, after Ray's entire restoration to health, he and his father attended a reception given by an old friend of Mr. Palmer's.
PalmernounUS /ˈpɑːmər/
United States golfer (born in 1929)
From this reading Mr. Palmer was conversing with his host in a quiet way during a few moments while he was at liberty, when his attention was attracted by the entrance of a new arrival, whose advent seemed to create an unusual flutter of interest.
Palmer'snounUS /ˈpɑːmərz/
possessive form of “palmer” — United States golfer (born in 1929)
From this reading One evening, after Ray's entire restoration to health, he and his father attended a reception given by an old friend of Mr. Palmer's.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading It was an unusually brilliant affair, for the Merrills were wealthy people, and very socially inclined, and many of the best people of New York were present.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading It was an unusually brilliant affair, for the Merrills were wealthy people, and very socially inclined, and many of the best people of New York were present.
quietadjectiveUS /ˈkwaɪət/
characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity
From this reading Mr. Palmer was conversing with his host in a quiet way during a few moments while he was at liberty, when his attention was attracted by the entrance of a new arrival, whose advent seemed to create an unusual flutter of interest.
Ray'snounUS /reɪz/
possessive form of “ray” — a column of light (as from a beacon)
From this reading One evening, after Ray's entire restoration to health, he and his father attended a reception given by an old friend of Mr. Palmer's.
RECEPTIONnounUS /rɪˈsepʃən/
the manner in which something is greeted
From this reading AT THE RECEPTION.
respondingverbUS /rɪˈspɑːndɪŋ/
-ing form of “respond” — show a response or a reaction to something
From this reading "Who is she?" he inquired, as the lady slowly approached them, smiling, bowing, and responding to the eager greetings on every hand.
restorationnounUS /ˌrestərˈeɪʃən/
the reign of Charles II in England; 1660-1685
From this reading One evening, after Ray's entire restoration to health, he and his father attended a reception given by an old friend of Mr. Palmer's.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Mr. Palmer was conversing with his host in a quiet way during a few moments while he was at liberty, when his attention was attracted by the entrance of a new arrival, whose advent seemed to create an unusual flutter of interest.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "Who is she?" he inquired, as the lady slowly approached them, smiling, bowing, and responding to the eager greetings on every hand.
without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)
From this reading "Who is she?" he inquired, as the lady slowly approached them, smiling, bowing, and responding to the eager greetings on every hand.
a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement
From this reading "Who is she?" he inquired, as the lady slowly approached them, smiling, bowing, and responding to the eager greetings on every hand.
sociallyadverbUS /ˈsoʊʃəli/
by or with respect to society
From this reading It was an unusually brilliant affair, for the Merrills were wealthy people, and very socially inclined, and many of the best people of New York were present.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading AT THE RECEPTION.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading "Who is she?" he inquired, as the lady slowly approached them, smiling, bowing, and responding to the eager greetings on every hand.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading One evening, after Ray's entire restoration to health, he and his father attended a reception given by an old friend of Mr. Palmer's.
not usual or common or ordinary
From this reading Mr. Palmer was conversing with his host in a quiet way during a few moments while he was at liberty, when his attention was attracted by the entrance of a new arrival, whose advent seemed to create an unusual flutter of interest.
unusuallyadverbUS /əˈnjuːʒuːəli/
to a remarkable degree or extent
From this reading It was an unusually brilliant affair, for the Merrills were wealthy people, and very socially inclined, and many of the best people of New York were present.
precisely as stated
From this reading It was an unusually brilliant affair, for the Merrills were wealthy people, and very socially inclined, and many of the best people of New York were present.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was an unusually brilliant affair, for the Merrills were wealthy people, and very socially inclined, and many of the best people of New York were present.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Mr. Palmer was conversing with his host in a quiet way during a few moments while he was at liberty, when his attention was attracted by the entrance of a new arrival, whose advent seemed to create an unusual flutter of interest.
wealthyadjectiveUS /ˈwelθi/
having an abundant supply of money or possessions of value
From this reading It was an unusually brilliant affair, for the Merrills were wealthy people, and very socially inclined, and many of the best people of New York were present.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading It was an unusually brilliant affair, for the Merrills were wealthy people, and very socially inclined, and many of the best people of New York were present.
at the time that
From this reading Mr. Palmer was conversing with his host in a quiet way during a few moments while he was at liberty, when his attention was attracted by the entrance of a new arrival, whose advent seemed to create an unusual flutter of interest.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Mr. Palmer was conversing with his host in a quiet way during a few moments while he was at liberty, when his attention was attracted by the entrance of a new arrival, whose advent seemed to create an unusual flutter of interest.
which person or people
From this reading "Who is she?" he inquired, as the lady slowly approached them, smiling, bowing, and responding to the eager greetings on every hand.
belonging to which person
From this reading Mr. Palmer was conversing with his host in a quiet way during a few moments while he was at liberty, when his attention was attracted by the entrance of a new arrival, whose advent seemed to create an unusual flutter of interest.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Mr. Palmer was conversing with his host in a quiet way during a few moments while he was at liberty, when his attention was attracted by the entrance of a new arrival, whose advent seemed to create an unusual flutter of interest.
the English royal house (a branch of the Plantagenet line) that reigned from 1461 to 1485; its emblem was a white rose
From this reading It was an unusually brilliant affair, for the Merrills were wealthy people, and very socially inclined, and many of the best people of New York were present.