Chapter XIX · Chapter 19

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading The month was June, but the weather was March, or at best, a sullen and overcast April.

how long something has existed

From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.

plural of “amateur” — someone who pursues a study or sport as a pastime

From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading Lady Isabel Talbot-Lowry had invited what is concisely spoken of as "people" to tea and tennis.

plural of “apology” — an expression of regret at having caused trouble for someone

From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.

-ing form of “approximate” — be close or similar

From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.

the month following March and preceding May

From this reading The month was June, but the weather was March, or at best, a sullen and overcast April.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading Lady Isabel Talbot-Lowry had invited what is concisely spoken of as "people" to tea and tennis.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The month was June, but the weather was March, or at best, a sullen and overcast April.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading The month was June, but the weather was March, or at best, a sullen and overcast April.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.

plural of “border” — a line that indicates a boundary

From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The month was June, but the weather was March, or at best, a sullen and overcast April.

an occurrence of something

From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.

plural of “child” — a young person of either sex

From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.

coldness due to a cold environment

From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.

your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)

From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.

a friend who is frequently in the company of another

From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.

in a concise manner; in a few words

From this reading Lady Isabel Talbot-Lowry had invited what is concisely spoken of as "people" to tea and tennis.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading The long and lofty drawing-room of Mount Music was a pleasant place enough, even on this showery day.

treated with dislike or contempt

From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.

something intended to communicate a particular impression

From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The long and lofty drawing-room of Mount Music was a pleasant place enough, even on this showery day.

one or the other of two

From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading The long and lofty drawing-room of Mount Music was a pleasant place enough, even on this showery day.

an activity that is diverting and that holds the attention

From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.

divisible by two

From this reading The long and lofty drawing-room of Mount Music was a pleasant place enough, even on this showery day.

at any time

From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.

the act of exhibiting

From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.

start firing a weapon

From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.

occurring in spells and often abruptly

From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.

inflected form of “flit” — move along rapidly and lightly; skim or dart

From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.

having or localized centrally at a focus

From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.

do one's shopping at; do business with; be a customer or client of

From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.

plural of “garden” — a plot of ground where plants are cultivated

From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.

your basis for belief or disbelief; knowledge on which to base belief

From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading Lady Isabel Talbot-Lowry had invited what is concisely spoken of as "people" to tea and tennis.

plural of “head” — the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.

characteristic of a nonwoody herb or plant part

From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.

plural of “household” — a social unit living together

From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.

conforming to an ultimate standard of perfection or excellence; embodying an ideal

From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.

an act of delaying or interrupting the continuity

From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.

past form of “invite” — increase the likelihood of

From this reading Lady Isabel Talbot-Lowry had invited what is concisely spoken of as "people" to tea and tennis.

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading Lady Isabel Talbot-Lowry had invited what is concisely spoken of as "people" to tea and tennis.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Lady Isabel Talbot-Lowry had invited what is concisely spoken of as "people" to tea and tennis.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.

the month following May and preceding July

From this reading The month was June, but the weather was March, or at best, a sullen and overcast April.

a polite name for any woman

From this reading Lady Isabel Talbot-Lowry had invited what is concisely spoken of as "people" to tea and tennis.

a field of cultivated and mowed grass

From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.

of high moral or intellectual value; elevated in nature or style

From this reading The long and lofty drawing-room of Mount Music was a pleasant place enough, even on this showery day.

plural of “log” — a segment of the trunk of a tree when stripped of branches

From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading The long and lofty drawing-room of Mount Music was a pleasant place enough, even on this showery day.

the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually

From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.

march in a procession

From this reading The month was June, but the weather was March, or at best, a sullen and overcast April.

blemished by injury or rough wear

From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.

an area that is approximately central within some larger region

From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.

one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading The month was June, but the weather was March, or at best, a sullen and overcast April.

attach to a support

From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.

an artistic form of auditory communication incorporating instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner

From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.

a condition requiring relief

From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Lady Isabel Talbot-Lowry had invited what is concisely spoken of as "people" to tea and tennis.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The long and lofty drawing-room of Mount Music was a pleasant place enough, even on this showery day.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The month was June, but the weather was March, or at best, a sullen and overcast April.

the state of the sky when it is covered by clouds

From this reading The month was June, but the weather was March, or at best, a sullen and overcast April.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading Lady Isabel Talbot-Lowry had invited what is concisely spoken of as "people" to tea and tennis.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading The long and lofty drawing-room of Mount Music was a pleasant place enough, even on this showery day.

plural of “player” — a person who participates in or is skilled at some game

From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.

affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings

From this reading The long and lofty drawing-room of Mount Music was a pleasant place enough, even on this showery day.

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.

the state of being present; current existence

From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.

plural of “privilege” — a special advantage or immunity or benefit not enjoyed by all

From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.

have the often specious appearance of being, intending, or claiming

From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.

water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere

From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.

be equal to in quality or ability

From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.

cut with a saw

From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.

plural of “shower” — a plumbing fixture that sprays water over you

From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.

(of weather) wet by periods of rain

From this reading The long and lofty drawing-room of Mount Music was a pleasant place enough, even on this showery day.

uttered through the medium of speech or characterized by speech; sometimes used in combination

From this reading Lady Isabel Talbot-Lowry had invited what is concisely spoken of as "people" to tea and tennis.

the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.

showing a brooding ill humor

From this reading The month was June, but the weather was March, or at best, a sullen and overcast April.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Lady Isabel Talbot-Lowry had invited what is concisely spoken of as "people" to tea and tennis.

a beverage made by steeping tea leaves in water

From this reading Lady Isabel Talbot-Lowry had invited what is concisely spoken of as "people" to tea and tennis.

a game played with rackets by two or four players who hit a ball back and forth over a net that divides the court

From this reading Lady Isabel Talbot-Lowry had invited what is concisely spoken of as "people" to tea and tennis.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading The month was June, but the weather was March, or at best, a sullen and overcast April.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading The long and lofty drawing-room of Mount Music was a pleasant place enough, even on this showery day.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading Lady Isabel Talbot-Lowry had invited what is concisely spoken of as "people" to tea and tennis.

surface layer of ground containing a mat of grass and grass roots

From this reading In these circumstances, a fire of turf and logs did not need apologies for its presence, and Lady Isabel and her companion Heads of Households sat with it as their focal point, and thought, as they saw the players flitting to and fro between the showers, and the house, and the lawn tennis grounds, that middle age had privileges that were not to be despised.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading The month was June, but the weather was March, or at best, a sullen and overcast April.

the atmospheric conditions that comprise the state of the atmosphere in terms of temperature and wind and clouds and precipitation

From this reading The month was June, but the weather was March, or at best, a sullen and overcast April.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Lady Isabel Talbot-Lowry had invited what is concisely spoken of as "people" to tea and tennis.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The purport of the entertainment had been the exhibition, to rival amateurs, of the Mount Music herbaceous borders, which, though "not looking quite their best," were as nearly approximating to that never-achieved ideal, as is ever the case with either gardens or children; but showers of chill rain had marred the display, and the lawn tennis was fitful, and subject to frequent interruption.