used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading She shook down her abundant hair, carefully arranged a part in thick curls over cheeks and forehead, gathered the rest into its usual coil, and said to herself, as she surveyed her face half hidden in the shining cloud-- "It looks very sentimental, and I hate the weakness that drives me to it, but it must be done, because my face is such a traitor.
abundantadjectiveUS /əˈbʌndənt/
present in great quantity
From this reading She shook down her abundant hair, carefully arranged a part in thick curls over cheeks and forehead, gathered the rest into its usual coil, and said to herself, as she surveyed her face half hidden in the shining cloud-- "It looks very sentimental, and I hate the weakness that drives me to it, but it must be done, because my face is such a traitor.
actressnounUS /ˈæktrəs/
a female actor
From this reading Poor Geoffrey! he said I was no actress; I am learning fast."
actsnounUS /ækts/
a New Testament book describing the development of the early church from Christ's Ascension to Paul's sojourn at Rome
From this reading One of Sylvia's first acts when she rose was most significant.
the form of “be” used with “I”
From this reading Poor Geoffrey! he said I was no actress; I am learning fast."
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Why every faculty seemed sharpened, every object assumed an unwonted interest, and that quiet hour possessed an excitement that made her own room and countenance look strange to her, she would not ask herself, as she paused on the threshold of the door to ascertain if her guests were stirring.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading EARLY AND LATE.
disposed or placed in a particular kind of order
From this reading She shook down her abundant hair, carefully arranged a part in thick curls over cheeks and forehead, gathered the rest into its usual coil, and said to herself, as she surveyed her face half hidden in the shining cloud-- "It looks very sentimental, and I hate the weakness that drives me to it, but it must be done, because my face is such a traitor.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading She shook down her abundant hair, carefully arranged a part in thick curls over cheeks and forehead, gathered the rest into its usual coil, and said to herself, as she surveyed her face half hidden in the shining cloud-- "It looks very sentimental, and I hate the weakness that drives me to it, but it must be done, because my face is such a traitor.
ascertainverbUS /ˌæsərˈteɪn/
establish after a calculation, investigation, experiment, survey, or study
From this reading Why every faculty seemed sharpened, every object assumed an unwonted interest, and that quiet hour possessed an excitement that made her own room and countenance look strange to her, she would not ask herself, as she paused on the threshold of the door to ascertain if her guests were stirring.
make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading Why every faculty seemed sharpened, every object assumed an unwonted interest, and that quiet hour possessed an excitement that made her own room and countenance look strange to her, she would not ask herself, as she paused on the threshold of the door to ascertain if her guests were stirring.
adopted in order to deceive
From this reading Why every faculty seemed sharpened, every object assumed an unwonted interest, and that quiet hour possessed an excitement that made her own room and countenance look strange to her, she would not ask herself, as she paused on the threshold of the door to ascertain if her guests were stirring.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading She shook down her abundant hair, carefully arranged a part in thick curls over cheeks and forehead, gathered the rest into its usual coil, and said to herself, as she surveyed her face half hidden in the shining cloud-- "It looks very sentimental, and I hate the weakness that drives me to it, but it must be done, because my face is such a traitor.
for the reason that
From this reading She shook down her abundant hair, carefully arranged a part in thick curls over cheeks and forehead, gathered the rest into its usual coil, and said to herself, as she surveyed her face half hidden in the shining cloud-- "It looks very sentimental, and I hate the weakness that drives me to it, but it must be done, because my face is such a traitor.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading She shook down her abundant hair, carefully arranged a part in thick curls over cheeks and forehead, gathered the rest into its usual coil, and said to herself, as she surveyed her face half hidden in the shining cloud-- "It looks very sentimental, and I hate the weakness that drives me to it, but it must be done, because my face is such a traitor.
taking care or paying attention
From this reading She shook down her abundant hair, carefully arranged a part in thick curls over cheeks and forehead, gathered the rest into its usual coil, and said to herself, as she surveyed her face half hidden in the shining cloud-- "It looks very sentimental, and I hate the weakness that drives me to it, but it must be done, because my face is such a traitor.
plural of “cheek” — either side of the face below the eyes
From this reading She shook down her abundant hair, carefully arranged a part in thick curls over cheeks and forehead, gathered the rest into its usual coil, and said to herself, as she surveyed her face half hidden in the shining cloud-- "It looks very sentimental, and I hate the weakness that drives me to it, but it must be done, because my face is such a traitor.
make overcast or cloudy
From this reading She shook down her abundant hair, carefully arranged a part in thick curls over cheeks and forehead, gathered the rest into its usual coil, and said to herself, as she surveyed her face half hidden in the shining cloud-- "It looks very sentimental, and I hate the weakness that drives me to it, but it must be done, because my face is such a traitor.
coilnounUS /kɔɪl/
a structure consisting of something wound in a continuous series of loops
From this reading She shook down her abundant hair, carefully arranged a part in thick curls over cheeks and forehead, gathered the rest into its usual coil, and said to herself, as she surveyed her face half hidden in the shining cloud-- "It looks very sentimental, and I hate the weakness that drives me to it, but it must be done, because my face is such a traitor.
the appearance conveyed by a person's face
From this reading Why every faculty seemed sharpened, every object assumed an unwonted interest, and that quiet hour possessed an excitement that made her own room and countenance look strange to her, she would not ask herself, as she paused on the threshold of the door to ascertain if her guests were stirring.
curlsnounUS /kɜːrlz/
plural of “curl” — a round shape formed by a series of concentric circles (as formed by leaves or flower petals)
From this reading She shook down her abundant hair, carefully arranged a part in thick curls over cheeks and forehead, gathered the rest into its usual coil, and said to herself, as she surveyed her face half hidden in the shining cloud-- "It looks very sentimental, and I hate the weakness that drives me to it, but it must be done, because my face is such a traitor.
having finished or arrived at completion
From this reading She shook down her abundant hair, carefully arranged a part in thick curls over cheeks and forehead, gathered the rest into its usual coil, and said to herself, as she surveyed her face half hidden in the shining cloud-- "It looks very sentimental, and I hate the weakness that drives me to it, but it must be done, because my face is such a traitor.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading Why every faculty seemed sharpened, every object assumed an unwonted interest, and that quiet hour possessed an excitement that made her own room and countenance look strange to her, she would not ask herself, as she paused on the threshold of the door to ascertain if her guests were stirring.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading She shook down her abundant hair, carefully arranged a part in thick curls over cheeks and forehead, gathered the rest into its usual coil, and said to herself, as she surveyed her face half hidden in the shining cloud-- "It looks very sentimental, and I hate the weakness that drives me to it, but it must be done, because my face is such a traitor.
drivesnounUS /draɪvz/
plural of “drive” — the act of applying force to propel something
From this reading She shook down her abundant hair, carefully arranged a part in thick curls over cheeks and forehead, gathered the rest into its usual coil, and said to herself, as she surveyed her face half hidden in the shining cloud-- "It looks very sentimental, and I hate the weakness that drives me to it, but it must be done, because my face is such a traitor.
EARLYadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading EARLY AND LATE.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading Why every faculty seemed sharpened, every object assumed an unwonted interest, and that quiet hour possessed an excitement that made her own room and countenance look strange to her, she would not ask herself, as she paused on the threshold of the door to ascertain if her guests were stirring.
the feeling of lively and cheerful joy
From this reading Why every faculty seemed sharpened, every object assumed an unwonted interest, and that quiet hour possessed an excitement that made her own room and countenance look strange to her, she would not ask herself, as she paused on the threshold of the door to ascertain if her guests were stirring.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading She shook down her abundant hair, carefully arranged a part in thick curls over cheeks and forehead, gathered the rest into its usual coil, and said to herself, as she surveyed her face half hidden in the shining cloud-- "It looks very sentimental, and I hate the weakness that drives me to it, but it must be done, because my face is such a traitor.
facultynounUS /ˈfækəlti/
one of the inherent cognitive or perceptual powers of the mind
From this reading Why every faculty seemed sharpened, every object assumed an unwonted interest, and that quiet hour possessed an excitement that made her own room and countenance look strange to her, she would not ask herself, as she paused on the threshold of the door to ascertain if her guests were stirring.
quickly or rapidly (often used as a combining form)
From this reading Poor Geoffrey! he said I was no actress; I am learning fast."
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading One of Sylvia's first acts when she rose was most significant.
the part of the face above the eyes
From this reading She shook down her abundant hair, carefully arranged a part in thick curls over cheeks and forehead, gathered the rest into its usual coil, and said to herself, as she surveyed her face half hidden in the shining cloud-- "It looks very sentimental, and I hate the weakness that drives me to it, but it must be done, because my face is such a traitor.
brought together in one place
From this reading She shook down her abundant hair, carefully arranged a part in thick curls over cheeks and forehead, gathered the rest into its usual coil, and said to herself, as she surveyed her face half hidden in the shining cloud-- "It looks very sentimental, and I hate the weakness that drives me to it, but it must be done, because my face is such a traitor.
Geoffrey
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Poor Geoffrey! he said I was no actress; I am learning fast."
plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended
From this reading Why every faculty seemed sharpened, every object assumed an unwonted interest, and that quiet hour possessed an excitement that made her own room and countenance look strange to her, she would not ask herself, as she paused on the threshold of the door to ascertain if her guests were stirring.
a covering for the body (or parts of it) consisting of a dense growth of threadlike structures (as on the human head); helps to prevent heat loss
From this reading She shook down her abundant hair, carefully arranged a part in thick curls over cheeks and forehead, gathered the rest into its usual coil, and said to herself, as she surveyed her face half hidden in the shining cloud-- "It looks very sentimental, and I hate the weakness that drives me to it, but it must be done, because my face is such a traitor.
consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity
From this reading She shook down her abundant hair, carefully arranged a part in thick curls over cheeks and forehead, gathered the rest into its usual coil, and said to herself, as she surveyed her face half hidden in the shining cloud-- "It looks very sentimental, and I hate the weakness that drives me to it, but it must be done, because my face is such a traitor.
the emotion of intense dislike; a feeling of dislike so strong that it demands action
From this reading She shook down her abundant hair, carefully arranged a part in thick curls over cheeks and forehead, gathered the rest into its usual coil, and said to herself, as she surveyed her face half hidden in the shining cloud-- "It looks very sentimental, and I hate the weakness that drives me to it, but it must be done, because my face is such a traitor.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Poor Geoffrey! he said I was no actress; I am learning fast."
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading She shook down her abundant hair, carefully arranged a part in thick curls over cheeks and forehead, gathered the rest into its usual coil, and said to herself, as she surveyed her face half hidden in the shining cloud-- "It looks very sentimental, and I hate the weakness that drives me to it, but it must be done, because my face is such a traitor.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading She shook down her abundant hair, carefully arranged a part in thick curls over cheeks and forehead, gathered the rest into its usual coil, and said to herself, as she surveyed her face half hidden in the shining cloud-- "It looks very sentimental, and I hate the weakness that drives me to it, but it must be done, because my face is such a traitor.
not accessible to view
From this reading She shook down her abundant hair, carefully arranged a part in thick curls over cheeks and forehead, gathered the rest into its usual coil, and said to herself, as she surveyed her face half hidden in the shining cloud-- "It looks very sentimental, and I hate the weakness that drives me to it, but it must be done, because my face is such a traitor.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading Why every faculty seemed sharpened, every object assumed an unwonted interest, and that quiet hour possessed an excitement that made her own room and countenance look strange to her, she would not ask herself, as she paused on the threshold of the door to ascertain if her guests were stirring.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading She shook down her abundant hair, carefully arranged a part in thick curls over cheeks and forehead, gathered the rest into its usual coil, and said to herself, as she surveyed her face half hidden in the shining cloud-- "It looks very sentimental, and I hate the weakness that drives me to it, but it must be done, because my face is such a traitor.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Why every faculty seemed sharpened, every object assumed an unwonted interest, and that quiet hour possessed an excitement that made her own room and countenance look strange to her, she would not ask herself, as she paused on the threshold of the door to ascertain if her guests were stirring.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading She shook down her abundant hair, carefully arranged a part in thick curls over cheeks and forehead, gathered the rest into its usual coil, and said to herself, as she surveyed her face half hidden in the shining cloud-- "It looks very sentimental, and I hate the weakness that drives me to it, but it must be done, because my face is such a traitor.
a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
From this reading Why every faculty seemed sharpened, every object assumed an unwonted interest, and that quiet hour possessed an excitement that made her own room and countenance look strange to her, she would not ask herself, as she paused on the threshold of the door to ascertain if her guests were stirring.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading She shook down her abundant hair, carefully arranged a part in thick curls over cheeks and forehead, gathered the rest into its usual coil, and said to herself, as she surveyed her face half hidden in the shining cloud-- "It looks very sentimental, and I hate the weakness that drives me to it, but it must be done, because my face is such a traitor.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading She shook down her abundant hair, carefully arranged a part in thick curls over cheeks and forehead, gathered the rest into its usual coil, and said to herself, as she surveyed her face half hidden in the shining cloud-- "It looks very sentimental, and I hate the weakness that drives me to it, but it must be done, because my face is such a traitor.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading She shook down her abundant hair, carefully arranged a part in thick curls over cheeks and forehead, gathered the rest into its usual coil, and said to herself, as she surveyed her face half hidden in the shining cloud-- "It looks very sentimental, and I hate the weakness that drives me to it, but it must be done, because my face is such a traitor.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading She shook down her abundant hair, carefully arranged a part in thick curls over cheeks and forehead, gathered the rest into its usual coil, and said to herself, as she surveyed her face half hidden in the shining cloud-- "It looks very sentimental, and I hate the weakness that drives me to it, but it must be done, because my face is such a traitor.
being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time
From this reading EARLY AND LATE.
the cognitive process of acquiring skill or knowledge
From this reading Poor Geoffrey! he said I was no actress; I am learning fast."
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading Why every faculty seemed sharpened, every object assumed an unwonted interest, and that quiet hour possessed an excitement that made her own room and countenance look strange to her, she would not ask herself, as she paused on the threshold of the door to ascertain if her guests were stirring.
plural of “look” — the feelings expressed on a person's face
From this reading She shook down her abundant hair, carefully arranged a part in thick curls over cheeks and forehead, gathered the rest into its usual coil, and said to herself, as she surveyed her face half hidden in the shining cloud-- "It looks very sentimental, and I hate the weakness that drives me to it, but it must be done, because my face is such a traitor.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading Why every faculty seemed sharpened, every object assumed an unwonted interest, and that quiet hour possessed an excitement that made her own room and countenance look strange to her, she would not ask herself, as she paused on the threshold of the door to ascertain if her guests were stirring.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading She shook down her abundant hair, carefully arranged a part in thick curls over cheeks and forehead, gathered the rest into its usual coil, and said to herself, as she surveyed her face half hidden in the shining cloud-- "It looks very sentimental, and I hate the weakness that drives me to it, but it must be done, because my face is such a traitor.
used to form the superlative
From this reading One of Sylvia's first acts when she rose was most significant.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading She shook down her abundant hair, carefully arranged a part in thick curls over cheeks and forehead, gathered the rest into its usual coil, and said to herself, as she surveyed her face half hidden in the shining cloud-- "It looks very sentimental, and I hate the weakness that drives me to it, but it must be done, because my face is such a traitor.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading She shook down her abundant hair, carefully arranged a part in thick curls over cheeks and forehead, gathered the rest into its usual coil, and said to herself, as she surveyed her face half hidden in the shining cloud-- "It looks very sentimental, and I hate the weakness that drives me to it, but it must be done, because my face is such a traitor.
not any; not one
From this reading Poor Geoffrey! he said I was no actress; I am learning fast."
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Why every faculty seemed sharpened, every object assumed an unwonted interest, and that quiet hour possessed an excitement that made her own room and countenance look strange to her, she would not ask herself, as she paused on the threshold of the door to ascertain if her guests were stirring.
a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow
From this reading Why every faculty seemed sharpened, every object assumed an unwonted interest, and that quiet hour possessed an excitement that made her own room and countenance look strange to her, she would not ask herself, as she paused on the threshold of the door to ascertain if her guests were stirring.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading One of Sylvia's first acts when she rose was most significant.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Why every faculty seemed sharpened, every object assumed an unwonted interest, and that quiet hour possessed an excitement that made her own room and countenance look strange to her, she would not ask herself, as she paused on the threshold of the door to ascertain if her guests were stirring.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading One of Sylvia's first acts when she rose was most significant.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading She shook down her abundant hair, carefully arranged a part in thick curls over cheeks and forehead, gathered the rest into its usual coil, and said to herself, as she surveyed her face half hidden in the shining cloud-- "It looks very sentimental, and I hate the weakness that drives me to it, but it must be done, because my face is such a traitor.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading Why every faculty seemed sharpened, every object assumed an unwonted interest, and that quiet hour possessed an excitement that made her own room and countenance look strange to her, she would not ask herself, as she paused on the threshold of the door to ascertain if her guests were stirring.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading She shook down her abundant hair, carefully arranged a part in thick curls over cheeks and forehead, gathered the rest into its usual coil, and said to herself, as she surveyed her face half hidden in the shining cloud-- "It looks very sentimental, and I hate the weakness that drives me to it, but it must be done, because my face is such a traitor.
past form of “pause” — interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing
From this reading Why every faculty seemed sharpened, every object assumed an unwonted interest, and that quiet hour possessed an excitement that made her own room and countenance look strange to her, she would not ask herself, as she paused on the threshold of the door to ascertain if her guests were stirring.
deserving or inciting pity
From this reading Poor Geoffrey! he said I was no actress; I am learning fast."
influenced or controlled by a powerful force such as a strong emotion
From this reading Why every faculty seemed sharpened, every object assumed an unwonted interest, and that quiet hour possessed an excitement that made her own room and countenance look strange to her, she would not ask herself, as she paused on the threshold of the door to ascertain if her guests were stirring.
quietadjectiveUS /ˈkwaɪət/
characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity
From this reading Why every faculty seemed sharpened, every object assumed an unwonted interest, and that quiet hour possessed an excitement that made her own room and countenance look strange to her, she would not ask herself, as she paused on the threshold of the door to ascertain if her guests were stirring.
not move; be in a resting position
From this reading She shook down her abundant hair, carefully arranged a part in thick curls over cheeks and forehead, gathered the rest into its usual coil, and said to herself, as she surveyed her face half hidden in the shining cloud-- "It looks very sentimental, and I hate the weakness that drives me to it, but it must be done, because my face is such a traitor.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading Why every faculty seemed sharpened, every object assumed an unwonted interest, and that quiet hour possessed an excitement that made her own room and countenance look strange to her, she would not ask herself, as she paused on the threshold of the door to ascertain if her guests were stirring.
any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses
From this reading One of Sylvia's first acts when she rose was most significant.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading She shook down her abundant hair, carefully arranged a part in thick curls over cheeks and forehead, gathered the rest into its usual coil, and said to herself, as she surveyed her face half hidden in the shining cloud-- "It looks very sentimental, and I hate the weakness that drives me to it, but it must be done, because my face is such a traitor.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Why every faculty seemed sharpened, every object assumed an unwonted interest, and that quiet hour possessed an excitement that made her own room and countenance look strange to her, she would not ask herself, as she paused on the threshold of the door to ascertain if her guests were stirring.
sentimentaladjectiveUS /ˌsentəˈmentəl/
given to or marked by sentiment or sentimentality
From this reading She shook down her abundant hair, carefully arranged a part in thick curls over cheeks and forehead, gathered the rest into its usual coil, and said to herself, as she surveyed her face half hidden in the shining cloud-- "It looks very sentimental, and I hate the weakness that drives me to it, but it must be done, because my face is such a traitor.
sharpenedadjectiveUS /ˈʃɑːrpənd/
having the point made sharp
From this reading Why every faculty seemed sharpened, every object assumed an unwonted interest, and that quiet hour possessed an excitement that made her own room and countenance look strange to her, she would not ask herself, as she paused on the threshold of the door to ascertain if her guests were stirring.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading One of Sylvia's first acts when she rose was most significant.
marked by exceptional merit
From this reading She shook down her abundant hair, carefully arranged a part in thick curls over cheeks and forehead, gathered the rest into its usual coil, and said to herself, as she surveyed her face half hidden in the shining cloud-- "It looks very sentimental, and I hate the weakness that drives me to it, but it must be done, because my face is such a traitor.
a disassembled barrel; the parts packed for storage or shipment
From this reading She shook down her abundant hair, carefully arranged a part in thick curls over cheeks and forehead, gathered the rest into its usual coil, and said to herself, as she surveyed her face half hidden in the shining cloud-- "It looks very sentimental, and I hate the weakness that drives me to it, but it must be done, because my face is such a traitor.
significantadjectiveUS /səɡˈnɪfɪkənt/
important in effect or meaning
From this reading One of Sylvia's first acts when she rose was most significant.
stirringnounUS /ˈstɜːrɪŋ/
agitating a liquid with an implement
From this reading Why every faculty seemed sharpened, every object assumed an unwonted interest, and that quiet hour possessed an excitement that made her own room and countenance look strange to her, she would not ask herself, as she paused on the threshold of the door to ascertain if her guests were stirring.
being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
From this reading Why every faculty seemed sharpened, every object assumed an unwonted interest, and that quiet hour possessed an excitement that made her own room and countenance look strange to her, she would not ask herself, as she paused on the threshold of the door to ascertain if her guests were stirring.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading She shook down her abundant hair, carefully arranged a part in thick curls over cheeks and forehead, gathered the rest into its usual coil, and said to herself, as she surveyed her face half hidden in the shining cloud-- "It looks very sentimental, and I hate the weakness that drives me to it, but it must be done, because my face is such a traitor.
surveyedverbUS /sərˈveɪd/
past form of “survey” — consider in a comprehensive way
From this reading She shook down her abundant hair, carefully arranged a part in thick curls over cheeks and forehead, gathered the rest into its usual coil, and said to herself, as she surveyed her face half hidden in the shining cloud-- "It looks very sentimental, and I hate the weakness that drives me to it, but it must be done, because my face is such a traitor.
Sylvia's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One of Sylvia's first acts when she rose was most significant.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading She shook down her abundant hair, carefully arranged a part in thick curls over cheeks and forehead, gathered the rest into its usual coil, and said to herself, as she surveyed her face half hidden in the shining cloud-- "It looks very sentimental, and I hate the weakness that drives me to it, but it must be done, because my face is such a traitor.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading She shook down her abundant hair, carefully arranged a part in thick curls over cheeks and forehead, gathered the rest into its usual coil, and said to herself, as she surveyed her face half hidden in the shining cloud-- "It looks very sentimental, and I hate the weakness that drives me to it, but it must be done, because my face is such a traitor.
not thin; of a specific thickness or of relatively great extent from one surface to the opposite usually in the smallest of the three solid dimensions
From this reading She shook down her abundant hair, carefully arranged a part in thick curls over cheeks and forehead, gathered the rest into its usual coil, and said to herself, as she surveyed her face half hidden in the shining cloud-- "It looks very sentimental, and I hate the weakness that drives me to it, but it must be done, because my face is such a traitor.
thresholdnounUS /ˈθreʃoʊld/
the starting point for a new state or experience
From this reading Why every faculty seemed sharpened, every object assumed an unwonted interest, and that quiet hour possessed an excitement that made her own room and countenance look strange to her, she would not ask herself, as she paused on the threshold of the door to ascertain if her guests were stirring.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading She shook down her abundant hair, carefully arranged a part in thick curls over cheeks and forehead, gathered the rest into its usual coil, and said to herself, as she surveyed her face half hidden in the shining cloud-- "It looks very sentimental, and I hate the weakness that drives me to it, but it must be done, because my face is such a traitor.
traitornounUS /ˈtreɪtər/
someone who betrays his country by committing treason
From this reading She shook down her abundant hair, carefully arranged a part in thick curls over cheeks and forehead, gathered the rest into its usual coil, and said to herself, as she surveyed her face half hidden in the shining cloud-- "It looks very sentimental, and I hate the weakness that drives me to it, but it must be done, because my face is such a traitor.
unwontedadjective
unaccustomed or unusual
From this reading Why every faculty seemed sharpened, every object assumed an unwonted interest, and that quiet hour possessed an excitement that made her own room and countenance look strange to her, she would not ask herself, as she paused on the threshold of the door to ascertain if her guests were stirring.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading She shook down her abundant hair, carefully arranged a part in thick curls over cheeks and forehead, gathered the rest into its usual coil, and said to herself, as she surveyed her face half hidden in the shining cloud-- "It looks very sentimental, and I hate the weakness that drives me to it, but it must be done, because my face is such a traitor.
precisely as stated
From this reading She shook down her abundant hair, carefully arranged a part in thick curls over cheeks and forehead, gathered the rest into its usual coil, and said to herself, as she surveyed her face half hidden in the shining cloud-- "It looks very sentimental, and I hate the weakness that drives me to it, but it must be done, because my face is such a traitor.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading One of Sylvia's first acts when she rose was most significant.
a flaw or weak point
From this reading She shook down her abundant hair, carefully arranged a part in thick curls over cheeks and forehead, gathered the rest into its usual coil, and said to herself, as she surveyed her face half hidden in the shining cloud-- "It looks very sentimental, and I hate the weakness that drives me to it, but it must be done, because my face is such a traitor.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Why every faculty seemed sharpened, every object assumed an unwonted interest, and that quiet hour possessed an excitement that made her own room and countenance look strange to her, she would not ask herself, as she paused on the threshold of the door to ascertain if her guests were stirring.
at the time that
From this reading One of Sylvia's first acts when she rose was most significant.
the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”
From this reading Why every faculty seemed sharpened, every object assumed an unwonted interest, and that quiet hour possessed an excitement that made her own room and countenance look strange to her, she would not ask herself, as she paused on the threshold of the door to ascertain if her guests were stirring.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Why every faculty seemed sharpened, every object assumed an unwonted interest, and that quiet hour possessed an excitement that made her own room and countenance look strange to her, she would not ask herself, as she paused on the threshold of the door to ascertain if her guests were stirring.
