used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A MEETING OF HEIRS While the building operations were going on at such a rapid rate on the corner lot, Mrs. Cliff tried to make herself as happy as possible in her own home.
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading She liked to be able to drive out when she wanted to, or to invite a few of her friends to dinner or to tea, and to give them the very best the markets afforded of everything she thought they might like; but she was not a satisfied woman.
affordedverbUS /əˈfɔːrdəd/
past form of “afford” — be able to spare or give up
From this reading She liked to be able to drive out when she wanted to, or to invite a few of her friends to dinner or to tea, and to give them the very best the markets afforded of everything she thought they might like; but she was not a satisfied woman.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading It was true that Mr. Burke was doing all that he could with her money, and doing it well, she had not the slightest doubt; but, after all, a new dining-room was a matter of small importance.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading She liked having enough servants to do all the work, and relieve both her and Willy.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading She liked having enough servants to do all the work, and relieve both her and Willy.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading A MEETING OF HEIRS While the building operations were going on at such a rapid rate on the corner lot, Mrs. Cliff tried to make herself as happy as possible in her own home.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading A MEETING OF HEIRS While the building operations were going on at such a rapid rate on the corner lot, Mrs. Cliff tried to make herself as happy as possible in her own home.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading She liked to be able to drive out when she wanted to, or to invite a few of her friends to dinner or to tea, and to give them the very best the markets afforded of everything she thought they might like; but she was not a satisfied woman.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading She liked to be able to drive out when she wanted to, or to invite a few of her friends to dinner or to tea, and to give them the very best the markets afforded of everything she thought they might like; but she was not a satisfied woman.
the two together, not just one
From this reading She liked having enough servants to do all the work, and relieve both her and Willy.
a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place
From this reading A MEETING OF HEIRS While the building operations were going on at such a rapid rate on the corner lot, Mrs. Cliff tried to make herself as happy as possible in her own home.
BurkenounUS /bɜːrk/
British statesman famous for his oratory; pleaded the cause of the American colonists in British Parliament and defended the parliamentary system (1729-1797)
From this reading It was true that Mr. Burke was doing all that he could with her money, and doing it well, she had not the slightest doubt; but, after all, a new dining-room was a matter of small importance.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading She liked to be able to drive out when she wanted to, or to invite a few of her friends to dinner or to tea, and to give them the very best the markets afforded of everything she thought they might like; but she was not a satisfied woman.
a steep high face of rock
From this reading A MEETING OF HEIRS While the building operations were going on at such a rapid rate on the corner lot, Mrs. Cliff tried to make herself as happy as possible in her own home.
a place off to the side of an area
From this reading A MEETING OF HEIRS While the building operations were going on at such a rapid rate on the corner lot, Mrs. Cliff tried to make herself as happy as possible in her own home.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading It was true that Mr. Burke was doing all that he could with her money, and doing it well, she had not the slightest doubt; but, after all, a new dining-room was a matter of small importance.
dining-roomnoun
a room used for dining
From this reading It was true that Mr. Burke was doing all that he could with her money, and doing it well, she had not the slightest doubt; but, after all, a new dining-room was a matter of small importance.
the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday
From this reading She liked to be able to drive out when she wanted to, or to invite a few of her friends to dinner or to tea, and to give them the very best the markets afforded of everything she thought they might like; but she was not a satisfied woman.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading She liked having enough servants to do all the work, and relieve both her and Willy.
-ing form of “do” — engage in
From this reading It was true that Mr. Burke was doing all that he could with her money, and doing it well, she had not the slightest doubt; but, after all, a new dining-room was a matter of small importance.
the state of being unsure of something
From this reading It was true that Mr. Burke was doing all that he could with her money, and doing it well, she had not the slightest doubt; but, after all, a new dining-room was a matter of small importance.
operate or control a vehicle
From this reading She liked to be able to drive out when she wanted to, or to invite a few of her friends to dinner or to tea, and to give them the very best the markets afforded of everything she thought they might like; but she was not a satisfied woman.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading She liked having enough servants to do all the work, and relieve both her and Willy.
divisible by two
From this reading She had fears that even after it was all finished and paid for she would find that her income had gained upon her.
all things; all of a situation
From this reading She liked to be able to drive out when she wanted to, or to invite a few of her friends to dinner or to tea, and to give them the very best the markets afforded of everything she thought they might like; but she was not a satisfied woman.
plural of “fear” — an emotion experienced in anticipation of some specific pain or danger (usually accompanied by a desire to flee or fight)
From this reading She had fears that even after it was all finished and paid for she would find that her income had gained upon her.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading She liked to be able to drive out when she wanted to, or to invite a few of her friends to dinner or to tea, and to give them the very best the markets afforded of everything she thought they might like; but she was not a satisfied woman.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading She had fears that even after it was all finished and paid for she would find that her income had gained upon her.
(of materials or goods) brought to the desired final state
From this reading She had fears that even after it was all finished and paid for she would find that her income had gained upon her.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading She had fears that even after it was all finished and paid for she would find that her income had gained upon her.
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading She liked to be able to drive out when she wanted to, or to invite a few of her friends to dinner or to tea, and to give them the very best the markets afforded of everything she thought they might like; but she was not a satisfied woman.
past form of “gain” — obtain
From this reading She had fears that even after it was all finished and paid for she would find that her income had gained upon her.
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading She liked to be able to drive out when she wanted to, or to invite a few of her friends to dinner or to tea, and to give them the very best the markets afforded of everything she thought they might like; but she was not a satisfied woman.
the act of departing
From this reading A MEETING OF HEIRS While the building operations were going on at such a rapid rate on the corner lot, Mrs. Cliff tried to make herself as happy as possible in her own home.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It was true that Mr. Burke was doing all that he could with her money, and doing it well, she had not the slightest doubt; but, after all, a new dining-room was a matter of small importance.
enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure
From this reading A MEETING OF HEIRS While the building operations were going on at such a rapid rate on the corner lot, Mrs. Cliff tried to make herself as happy as possible in her own home.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading She liked having enough servants to do all the work, and relieve both her and Willy.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading It was true that Mr. Burke was doing all that he could with her money, and doing it well, she had not the slightest doubt; but, after all, a new dining-room was a matter of small importance.
HEIRSnounUS /erz/
plural of “heir” — a person who is entitled by law or by the terms of a will to inherit the estate of another
From this reading A MEETING OF HEIRS While the building operations were going on at such a rapid rate on the corner lot, Mrs. Cliff tried to make herself as happy as possible in her own home.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading A MEETING OF HEIRS While the building operations were going on at such a rapid rate on the corner lot, Mrs. Cliff tried to make herself as happy as possible in her own home.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading A MEETING OF HEIRS While the building operations were going on at such a rapid rate on the corner lot, Mrs. Cliff tried to make herself as happy as possible in her own home.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading A MEETING OF HEIRS While the building operations were going on at such a rapid rate on the corner lot, Mrs. Cliff tried to make herself as happy as possible in her own home.
the quality of being important and worthy of note
From this reading It was true that Mr. Burke was doing all that he could with her money, and doing it well, she had not the slightest doubt; but, after all, a new dining-room was a matter of small importance.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A MEETING OF HEIRS While the building operations were going on at such a rapid rate on the corner lot, Mrs. Cliff tried to make herself as happy as possible in her own home.
incomenounUS /ˈɪnkʌm/
the financial gain (earned or unearned) accruing over a given period of time
From this reading She had fears that even after it was all finished and paid for she would find that her income had gained upon her.
inviteverbUS /ˌɪnˈvaɪt/
increase the likelihood of
From this reading She liked to be able to drive out when she wanted to, or to invite a few of her friends to dinner or to tea, and to give them the very best the markets afforded of everything she thought they might like; but she was not a satisfied woman.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was true that Mr. Burke was doing all that he could with her money, and doing it well, she had not the slightest doubt; but, after all, a new dining-room was a matter of small importance.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading She liked to be able to drive out when she wanted to, or to invite a few of her friends to dinner or to tea, and to give them the very best the markets afforded of everything she thought they might like; but she was not a satisfied woman.
found pleasant or attractive; often used as a combining form
From this reading She liked having enough servants to do all the work, and relieve both her and Willy.
(often followed by “of”) a large number or amount or extent
From this reading A MEETING OF HEIRS While the building operations were going on at such a rapid rate on the corner lot, Mrs. Cliff tried to make herself as happy as possible in her own home.
engage in
From this reading A MEETING OF HEIRS While the building operations were going on at such a rapid rate on the corner lot, Mrs. Cliff tried to make herself as happy as possible in her own home.
marketsnounUS /ˈmɑːrkəts/
plural of “market” — the world of commercial activity where goods and services are bought and sold
From this reading She liked to be able to drive out when she wanted to, or to invite a few of her friends to dinner or to tea, and to give them the very best the markets afforded of everything she thought they might like; but she was not a satisfied woman.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading It was true that Mr. Burke was doing all that he could with her money, and doing it well, she had not the slightest doubt; but, after all, a new dining-room was a matter of small importance.
a formally arranged gathering
From this reading A MEETING OF HEIRS While the building operations were going on at such a rapid rate on the corner lot, Mrs. Cliff tried to make herself as happy as possible in her own home.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading She liked to be able to drive out when she wanted to, or to invite a few of her friends to dinner or to tea, and to give them the very best the markets afforded of everything she thought they might like; but she was not a satisfied woman.
the most common medium of exchange; functions as legal tender
From this reading It was true that Mr. Burke was doing all that he could with her money, and doing it well, she had not the slightest doubt; but, after all, a new dining-room was a matter of small importance.
a form of address for a man
From this reading It was true that Mr. Burke was doing all that he could with her money, and doing it well, she had not the slightest doubt; but, after all, a new dining-room was a matter of small importance.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading A MEETING OF HEIRS While the building operations were going on at such a rapid rate on the corner lot, Mrs. Cliff tried to make herself as happy as possible in her own home.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading It was true that Mr. Burke was doing all that he could with her money, and doing it well, she had not the slightest doubt; but, after all, a new dining-room was a matter of small importance.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading She liked to be able to drive out when she wanted to, or to invite a few of her friends to dinner or to tea, and to give them the very best the markets afforded of everything she thought they might like; but she was not a satisfied woman.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A MEETING OF HEIRS While the building operations were going on at such a rapid rate on the corner lot, Mrs. Cliff tried to make herself as happy as possible in her own home.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading A MEETING OF HEIRS While the building operations were going on at such a rapid rate on the corner lot, Mrs. Cliff tried to make herself as happy as possible in her own home.
operationsnounUS /ˌɑːpərˈeɪʃənz/
financial transactions at a brokerage; having to do with the execution of trades and keeping customer records
From this reading A MEETING OF HEIRS While the building operations were going on at such a rapid rate on the corner lot, Mrs. Cliff tried to make herself as happy as possible in her own home.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading She liked to be able to drive out when she wanted to, or to invite a few of her friends to dinner or to tea, and to give them the very best the markets afforded of everything she thought they might like; but she was not a satisfied woman.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading She liked to be able to drive out when she wanted to, or to invite a few of her friends to dinner or to tea, and to give them the very best the markets afforded of everything she thought they might like; but she was not a satisfied woman.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading A MEETING OF HEIRS While the building operations were going on at such a rapid rate on the corner lot, Mrs. Cliff tried to make herself as happy as possible in her own home.
marked by the reception of pay
From this reading She had fears that even after it was all finished and paid for she would find that her income had gained upon her.
capable of happening or existing
From this reading A MEETING OF HEIRS While the building operations were going on at such a rapid rate on the corner lot, Mrs. Cliff tried to make herself as happy as possible in her own home.
rapidadjectiveUS /ˈræpəd/
done or occurring in a brief period of time
From this reading A MEETING OF HEIRS While the building operations were going on at such a rapid rate on the corner lot, Mrs. Cliff tried to make herself as happy as possible in her own home.
a magnitude or frequency relative to a time unit
From this reading A MEETING OF HEIRS While the building operations were going on at such a rapid rate on the corner lot, Mrs. Cliff tried to make herself as happy as possible in her own home.
relieveverbUS /rɪˈliːv/
provide physical relief, as from pain
From this reading She liked having enough servants to do all the work, and relieve both her and Willy.
filled with satisfaction
From this reading She liked to be able to drive out when she wanted to, or to invite a few of her friends to dinner or to tea, and to give them the very best the markets afforded of everything she thought they might like; but she was not a satisfied woman.
plural of “servant” — a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)
From this reading She liked having enough servants to do all the work, and relieve both her and Willy.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She liked having enough servants to do all the work, and relieve both her and Willy.
superlative of “slight” — (quantifier used with mass nouns) small in quantity or degree; not much or almost none or (with “a”) at least some
From this reading It was true that Mr. Burke was doing all that he could with her money, and doing it well, she had not the slightest doubt; but, after all, a new dining-room was a matter of small importance.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading It was true that Mr. Burke was doing all that he could with her money, and doing it well, she had not the slightest doubt; but, after all, a new dining-room was a matter of small importance.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading A MEETING OF HEIRS While the building operations were going on at such a rapid rate on the corner lot, Mrs. Cliff tried to make herself as happy as possible in her own home.
a beverage made by steeping tea leaves in water
From this reading She liked to be able to drive out when she wanted to, or to invite a few of her friends to dinner or to tea, and to give them the very best the markets afforded of everything she thought they might like; but she was not a satisfied woman.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It was true that Mr. Burke was doing all that he could with her money, and doing it well, she had not the slightest doubt; but, after all, a new dining-room was a matter of small importance.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A MEETING OF HEIRS While the building operations were going on at such a rapid rate on the corner lot, Mrs. Cliff tried to make herself as happy as possible in her own home.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading She liked to be able to drive out when she wanted to, or to invite a few of her friends to dinner or to tea, and to give them the very best the markets afforded of everything she thought they might like; but she was not a satisfied woman.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She liked to be able to drive out when she wanted to, or to invite a few of her friends to dinner or to tea, and to give them the very best the markets afforded of everything she thought they might like; but she was not a satisfied woman.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading She liked to be able to drive out when she wanted to, or to invite a few of her friends to dinner or to tea, and to give them the very best the markets afforded of everything she thought they might like; but she was not a satisfied woman.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A MEETING OF HEIRS While the building operations were going on at such a rapid rate on the corner lot, Mrs. Cliff tried to make herself as happy as possible in her own home.
tested and proved useful or correct
From this reading A MEETING OF HEIRS While the building operations were going on at such a rapid rate on the corner lot, Mrs. Cliff tried to make herself as happy as possible in her own home.
consistent with fact or reality; not false
From this reading It was true that Mr. Burke was doing all that he could with her money, and doing it well, she had not the slightest doubt; but, after all, a new dining-room was a matter of small importance.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading She had fears that even after it was all finished and paid for she would find that her income had gained upon her.
precisely as stated
From this reading She liked to be able to drive out when she wanted to, or to invite a few of her friends to dinner or to tea, and to give them the very best the markets afforded of everything she thought they might like; but she was not a satisfied woman.
desired or wished for or sought
From this reading She liked to be able to drive out when she wanted to, or to invite a few of her friends to dinner or to tea, and to give them the very best the markets afforded of everything she thought they might like; but she was not a satisfied woman.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading She liked to be able to drive out when she wanted to, or to invite a few of her friends to dinner or to tea, and to give them the very best the markets afforded of everything she thought they might like; but she was not a satisfied woman.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading It was true that Mr. Burke was doing all that he could with her money, and doing it well, she had not the slightest doubt; but, after all, a new dining-room was a matter of small importance.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading A MEETING OF HEIRS While the building operations were going on at such a rapid rate on the corner lot, Mrs. Cliff tried to make herself as happy as possible in her own home.
at the time that
From this reading She liked to be able to drive out when she wanted to, or to invite a few of her friends to dinner or to tea, and to give them the very best the markets afforded of everything she thought they might like; but she was not a satisfied woman.
WhileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading A MEETING OF HEIRS While the building operations were going on at such a rapid rate on the corner lot, Mrs. Cliff tried to make herself as happy as possible in her own home.
Willy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She liked having enough servants to do all the work, and relieve both her and Willy.
in the company of; together with
From this reading It was true that Mr. Burke was doing all that he could with her money, and doing it well, she had not the slightest doubt; but, after all, a new dining-room was a matter of small importance.
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading She liked to be able to drive out when she wanted to, or to invite a few of her friends to dinner or to tea, and to give them the very best the markets afforded of everything she thought they might like; but she was not a satisfied woman.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading She liked having enough servants to do all the work, and relieve both her and Willy.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading She had fears that even after it was all finished and paid for she would find that her income had gained upon her.
