used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Elly Takma was very happy and looked better than she had done for a long time.
perfect or complete or pure
From this reading She had never been in India and ruled Grandpapa's house with true Dutch conscientiousness, leaving Elly entirely to her hobby of the moment; for Elly had her hobbies, which she rode until she attained absolute perfection, after which she would take up a fresh one.
Adèle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
how long something has existed
From this reading Cousin Adèle--Aunt Adèle, as Elly called her, Indian-fashion--buxom, full-figured, fresh and young-looking for her age, had nothing of a poor relation employed to do the housekeeping, but was altogether the capable mistress of the house, seeing to everything, caring for nothing but the details of her household and proud of her orderly home.
(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 At eighteen, she had been a famous tennis-player, winning medals in tournaments, well-known for her exquisite, powerful and graceful play, mentioned in all the sporting-papers.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading Cousin Adèle--Aunt Adèle, as Elly called her, Indian-fashion--buxom, full-figured, fresh and young-looking for her age, had nothing of a poor relation employed to do the housekeeping, but was altogether the capable mistress of the house, seeing to everything, caring for nothing but the details of her household and proud of her orderly home.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Elly Takma was very happy and looked better than she had done for a long time.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Cousin Adèle--Aunt Adèle, as Elly called her, Indian-fashion--buxom, full-figured, fresh and young-looking for her age, had nothing of a poor relation employed to do the housekeeping, but was altogether the capable mistress of the house, seeing to everything, caring for nothing but the details of her household and proud of her orderly home.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading At eighteen, she had been a famous tennis-player, winning medals in tournaments, well-known for her exquisite, powerful and graceful play, mentioned in all the sporting-papers.
attainedadjectiveUS /əˈteɪnd/
achieved or reached
From this reading She had never been in India and ruled Grandpapa's house with true Dutch conscientiousness, leaving Elly entirely to her hobby of the moment; for Elly had her hobbies, which she rode until she attained absolute perfection, after which she would take up a fresh one.
the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle
From this reading Cousin Adèle--Aunt Adèle, as Elly called her, Indian-fashion--buxom, full-figured, fresh and young-looking for her age, had nothing of a poor relation employed to do the housekeeping, but was altogether the capable mistress of the house, seeing to everything, caring for nothing but the details of her household and proud of her orderly home.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading She had never been in India and ruled Grandpapa's house with true Dutch conscientiousness, leaving Elly entirely to her hobby of the moment; for Elly had her hobbies, which she rode until she attained absolute perfection, after which she would take up a fresh one.
betrothedadjective
pledged to be married
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading Elly Takma was very happy and looked better than she had done for a long time.
emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
physically and forcibly separated into pieces or cracked or split
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Cousin Adèle--Aunt Adèle, as Elly called her, Indian-fashion--buxom, full-figured, fresh and young-looking for her age, had nothing of a poor relation employed to do the housekeeping, but was altogether the capable mistress of the house, seeing to everything, caring for nothing but the details of her household and proud of her orderly home.
buxomadjectiveUS /ˈbʌksəm/
(of a woman's body) having a large bosom and pleasing curves
From this reading Cousin Adèle--Aunt Adèle, as Elly called her, Indian-fashion--buxom, full-figured, fresh and young-looking for her age, had nothing of a poor relation employed to do the housekeeping, but was altogether the capable mistress of the house, seeing to everything, caring for nothing but the details of her household and proud of her orderly home.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading Cousin Adèle--Aunt Adèle, as Elly called her, Indian-fashion--buxom, full-figured, fresh and young-looking for her age, had nothing of a poor relation employed to do the housekeeping, but was altogether the capable mistress of the house, seeing to everything, caring for nothing but the details of her household and proud of her orderly home.
(usually followed by “of”) having capacity or ability
From this reading Cousin Adèle--Aunt Adèle, as Elly called her, Indian-fashion--buxom, full-figured, fresh and young-looking for her age, had nothing of a poor relation employed to do the housekeeping, but was altogether the capable mistress of the house, seeing to everything, caring for nothing but the details of her household and proud of her orderly home.
caringnounUS /ˈkerɪŋ/
a loving feeling
From this reading Cousin Adèle--Aunt Adèle, as Elly called her, Indian-fashion--buxom, full-figured, fresh and young-looking for her age, had nothing of a poor relation employed to do the housekeeping, but was altogether the capable mistress of the house, seeing to everything, caring for nothing but the details of her household and proud of her orderly home.
plural of “cheek” — either side of the face below the eyes
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
having or capable of producing colors
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
conscientiousnessnoun
the quality of being in accord with the dictates of conscience
From this reading She had never been in India and ruled Grandpapa's house with true Dutch conscientiousness, leaving Elly entirely to her hobby of the moment; for Elly had her hobbies, which she rode until she attained absolute perfection, after which she would take up a fresh one.
the child of your aunt or uncle
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
true confidential information
From this reading Cousin Adèle--Aunt Adèle, as Elly called her, Indian-fashion--buxom, full-figured, fresh and young-looking for her age, had nothing of a poor relation employed to do the housekeeping, but was altogether the capable mistress of the house, seeing to everything, caring for nothing but the details of her household and proud of her orderly home.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading Cousin Adèle--Aunt Adèle, as Elly called her, Indian-fashion--buxom, full-figured, fresh and young-looking for her age, had nothing of a poor relation employed to do the housekeeping, but was altogether the capable mistress of the house, seeing to everything, caring for nothing but the details of her household and proud of her orderly home.
doesauxiliary verbUS /dʌz/
the form of “do” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
having finished or arrived at completion
From this reading Elly Takma was very happy and looked better than she had done for a long time.
DutchadjectiveUS /dʌtʃ/
of or relating to the Netherlands or its people or culture
From this reading She had never been in India and ruled Grandpapa's house with true Dutch conscientiousness, leaving Elly entirely to her hobby of the moment; for Elly had her hobbies, which she rode until she attained absolute perfection, after which she would take up a fresh one.
eighteenadjectiveUS /eɪˈtiːn/
being one more than seventeen
From this reading At eighteen, she had been a famous tennis-player, winning medals in tournaments, well-known for her exquisite, powerful and graceful play, mentioned in all the sporting-papers.
Elly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Elly Takma was very happy and looked better than she had done for a long time.
having your services engaged for; or having a job especially one that pays wages or a salary
From this reading Cousin Adèle--Aunt Adèle, as Elly called her, Indian-fashion--buxom, full-figured, fresh and young-looking for her age, had nothing of a poor relation employed to do the housekeeping, but was altogether the capable mistress of the house, seeing to everything, caring for nothing but the details of her household and proud of her orderly home.
a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading She had never been in India and ruled Grandpapa's house with true Dutch conscientiousness, leaving Elly entirely to her hobby of the moment; for Elly had her hobbies, which she rode until she attained absolute perfection, after which she would take up a fresh one.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
all things; all of a situation
From this reading Cousin Adèle--Aunt Adèle, as Elly called her, Indian-fashion--buxom, full-figured, fresh and young-looking for her age, had nothing of a poor relation employed to do the housekeeping, but was altogether the capable mistress of the house, seeing to everything, caring for nothing but the details of her household and proud of her orderly home.
experiencesnounUS /ɪkˈspɪriənsɪz/
plural of “experience” — the accumulation of knowledge or skill that results from direct participation in events or activities
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
exquisiteadjectiveUS /ˈekskwəzət/
intense or sharp
From this reading At eighteen, she had been a famous tennis-player, winning medals in tournaments, well-known for her exquisite, powerful and graceful play, mentioned in all the sporting-papers.
widely known and esteemed
From this reading At eighteen, she had been a famous tennis-player, winning medals in tournaments, well-known for her exquisite, powerful and graceful play, mentioned in all the sporting-papers.
undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
a boy or man
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Elly Takma was very happy and looked better than she had done for a long time.
recently made, produced, or harvested
From this reading Cousin Adèle--Aunt Adèle, as Elly called her, Indian-fashion--buxom, full-figured, fresh and young-looking for her age, had nothing of a poor relation employed to do the housekeeping, but was altogether the capable mistress of the house, seeing to everything, caring for nothing but the details of her household and proud of her orderly home.
full-figured
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Cousin Adèle--Aunt Adèle, as Elly called her, Indian-fashion--buxom, full-figured, fresh and young-looking for her age, had nothing of a poor relation employed to do the housekeeping, but was altogether the capable mistress of the house, seeing to everything, caring for nothing but the details of her household and proud of her orderly home.
a young female
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
girl'snounUS /ɡɜːrlz/
possessive form of “girl” — a young female
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
showing or causing joy and pleasure; especially made happy
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
characterized by beauty of movement, style, form, or execution
From this reading At eighteen, she had been a famous tennis-player, winning medals in tournaments, well-known for her exquisite, powerful and graceful play, mentioned in all the sporting-papers.
Grandpapa
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
Grandpapa's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She had never been in India and ruled Grandpapa's house with true Dutch conscientiousness, leaving Elly entirely to her hobby of the moment; for Elly had her hobbies, which she rode until she attained absolute perfection, after which she would take up a fresh one.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Elly Takma was very happy and looked better than she had done for a long time.
enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure
From this reading Elly Takma was very happy and looked better than she had done for a long time.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
hobbiesnounUS /ˈhɑːbiz/
plural of “hobby” — an auxiliary activity
From this reading She had never been in India and ruled Grandpapa's house with true Dutch conscientiousness, leaving Elly entirely to her hobby of the moment; for Elly had her hobbies, which she rode until she attained absolute perfection, after which she would take up a fresh one.
hobbynounUS /ˈhɑːbi/
an auxiliary activity
From this reading She had never been in India and ruled Grandpapa's house with true Dutch conscientiousness, leaving Elly entirely to her hobby of the moment; for Elly had her hobbies, which she rode until she attained absolute perfection, after which she would take up a fresh one.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading Cousin Adèle--Aunt Adèle, as Elly called her, Indian-fashion--buxom, full-figured, fresh and young-looking for her age, had nothing of a poor relation employed to do the housekeeping, but was altogether the capable mistress of the house, seeing to everything, caring for nothing but the details of her household and proud of her orderly home.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
a social unit living together
From this reading Cousin Adèle--Aunt Adèle, as Elly called her, Indian-fashion--buxom, full-figured, fresh and young-looking for her age, had nothing of a poor relation employed to do the housekeeping, but was altogether the capable mistress of the house, seeing to everything, caring for nothing but the details of her household and proud of her orderly home.
housekeepingnounUS /ˈhaʊskiːpɪŋ/
the work of cleaning and running a house
From this reading Cousin Adèle--Aunt Adèle, as Elly called her, Indian-fashion--buxom, full-figured, fresh and young-looking for her age, had nothing of a poor relation employed to do the housekeeping, but was altogether the capable mistress of the house, seeing to everything, caring for nothing but the details of her household and proud of her orderly home.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
a republic in the Asian subcontinent in southern Asia; second most populous country in the world; achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1947
From this reading She had never been in India and ruled Grandpapa's house with true Dutch conscientiousness, leaving Elly entirely to her hobby of the moment; for Elly had her hobbies, which she rode until she attained absolute perfection, after which she would take up a fresh one.
Indian-fashion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Cousin Adèle--Aunt Adèle, as Elly called her, Indian-fashion--buxom, full-figured, fresh and young-looking for her age, had nothing of a poor relation employed to do the housekeeping, but was altogether the capable mistress of the house, seeing to everything, caring for nothing but the details of her household and proud of her orderly home.
a power to affect persons or events especially power based on prestige etc
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
the sound of laughing
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
the act of departing
From this reading She had never been in India and ruled Grandpapa's house with true Dutch conscientiousness, leaving Elly entirely to her hobby of the moment; for Elly had her hobbies, which she rode until she attained absolute perfection, after which she would take up a fresh one.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
plural of “lip” — either of two fleshy folds of tissue that surround the mouth and play a role in speaking
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
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 Elly Takma was very happy and looked better than she had done for a long time.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading Elly Takma was very happy and looked better than she had done for a long time.
(often followed by “of”) a large number or amount or extent
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
love-romance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
plural of “make” — a recognizable kind
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
medalsnounUS /ˈmedəlz/
plural of “medal” — an award for winning a championship or commemorating some other event
From this reading At eighteen, she had been a famous tennis-player, winning medals in tournaments, well-known for her exquisite, powerful and graceful play, mentioned in all the sporting-papers.
past form of “mention” — make reference to
From this reading At eighteen, she had been a famous tennis-player, winning medals in tournaments, well-known for her exquisite, powerful and graceful play, mentioned in all the sporting-papers.
an adulterous woman; a woman who has an ongoing extramarital sexual relationship with a man
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
a particular point in time
From this reading She had never been in India and ruled Grandpapa's house with true Dutch conscientiousness, leaving Elly entirely to her hobby of the moment; for Elly had her hobbies, which she rode until she attained absolute perfection, after which she would take up a fresh one.
mopednounUS /moʊpt/
a motorbike that can be pedaled or driven by a low-powered gasoline engine
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading She had never been in India and ruled Grandpapa's house with true Dutch conscientiousness, leaving Elly entirely to her hobby of the moment; for Elly had her hobbies, which she rode until she attained absolute perfection, after which she would take up a fresh one.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading Cousin Adèle--Aunt Adèle, as Elly called her, Indian-fashion--buxom, full-figured, fresh and young-looking for her age, had nothing of a poor relation employed to do the housekeeping, but was altogether the capable mistress of the house, seeing to everything, caring for nothing but the details of her household and proud of her orderly home.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading She had never been in India and ruled Grandpapa's house with true Dutch conscientiousness, leaving Elly entirely to her hobby of the moment; for Elly had her hobbies, which she rode until she attained absolute perfection, after which she would take up a fresh one.
orderlynounUS /ˈɔːrdərli/
a soldier who serves as an attendant to a superior officer
From this reading Cousin Adèle--Aunt Adèle, as Elly called her, Indian-fashion--buxom, full-figured, fresh and young-looking for her age, had nothing of a poor relation employed to do the housekeeping, but was altogether the capable mistress of the house, seeing to everything, caring for nothing but the details of her household and proud of her orderly home.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
Pauws
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
perfectionnounUS /pərˈfekʃən/
the state of being without a flaw or defect
From this reading She had never been in India and ruled Grandpapa's house with true Dutch conscientiousness, leaving Elly entirely to her hobby of the moment; for Elly had her hobbies, which she rode until she attained absolute perfection, after which she would take up a fresh one.
participate in games or sport
From this reading At eighteen, she had been a famous tennis-player, winning medals in tournaments, well-known for her exquisite, powerful and graceful play, mentioned in all the sporting-papers.
deserving or inciting pity
From this reading Cousin Adèle--Aunt Adèle, as Elly called her, Indian-fashion--buxom, full-figured, fresh and young-looking for her age, had nothing of a poor relation employed to do the housekeeping, but was altogether the capable mistress of the house, seeing to everything, caring for nothing but the details of her household and proud of her orderly home.
having great power or force or potency or effect
From this reading At eighteen, she had been a famous tennis-player, winning medals in tournaments, well-known for her exquisite, powerful and graceful play, mentioned in all the sporting-papers.
feeling self-respect or pleasure in something by which you measure your self-worth; or being a reason for pride
From this reading Cousin Adèle--Aunt Adèle, as Elly called her, Indian-fashion--buxom, full-figured, fresh and young-looking for her age, had nothing of a poor relation employed to do the housekeeping, but was altogether the capable mistress of the house, seeing to everything, caring for nothing but the details of her household and proud of her orderly home.
an abstraction belonging to or characteristic of two entities or parts together
From this reading Cousin Adèle--Aunt Adèle, as Elly called her, Indian-fashion--buxom, full-figured, fresh and young-looking for her age, had nothing of a poor relation employed to do the housekeeping, but was altogether the capable mistress of the house, seeing to everything, caring for nothing but the details of her household and proud of her orderly home.
inflected form of “ride” — sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions
From this reading She had never been in India and ruled Grandpapa's house with true Dutch conscientiousness, leaving Elly entirely to her hobby of the moment; for Elly had her hobbies, which she rode until she attained absolute perfection, after which she would take up a fresh one.
a relationship between two lovers
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
ruledadjectiveUS /ruːld/
subject to a ruling authority
From this reading She had never been in India and ruled Grandpapa's house with true Dutch conscientiousness, leaving Elly entirely to her hobby of the moment; for Elly had her hobbies, which she rode until she attained absolute perfection, after which she would take up a fresh one.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
perception by means of the eyes
From this reading Cousin Adèle--Aunt Adèle, as Elly called her, Indian-fashion--buxom, full-figured, fresh and young-looking for her age, had nothing of a poor relation employed to do the housekeeping, but was altogether the capable mistress of the house, seeing to everything, caring for nothing but the details of her household and proud of her orderly home.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Elly Takma was very happy and looked better than she had done for a long time.
a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
spendingnounUS /ˈspendɪŋ/
the act of spending or disbursing money
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
sporting-papers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At eighteen, she had been a famous tennis-player, winning medals in tournaments, well-known for her exquisite, powerful and graceful play, mentioned in all the sporting-papers.
carry out
From this reading She had never been in India and ruled Grandpapa's house with true Dutch conscientiousness, leaving Elly entirely to her hobby of the moment; for Elly had her hobbies, which she rode until she attained absolute perfection, after which she would take up a fresh one.
Takma
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Elly Takma was very happy and looked better than she had done for a long time.
tennis-player
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At eighteen, she had been a famous tennis-player, winning medals in tournaments, well-known for her exquisite, powerful and graceful play, mentioned in all the sporting-papers.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Elly Takma was very happy and looked better than she had done for a long time.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading Elly Takma was very happy and looked better than she had done for a long time.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
tournamentsnounUS /ˈtɜːrnəmənts/
plural of “tournament” — a sporting competition in which contestants play a series of games to decide the winner
From this reading At eighteen, she had been a famous tennis-player, winning medals in tournaments, well-known for her exquisite, powerful and graceful play, mentioned in all the sporting-papers.
consistent with fact or reality; not false
From this reading She had never been in India and ruled Grandpapa's house with true Dutch conscientiousness, leaving Elly entirely to her hobby of the moment; for Elly had her hobbies, which she rode until she attained absolute perfection, after which she would take up a fresh one.
the cardinal number that is the sum of nineteen and one
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
experiencing or marked by or causing sadness or sorrow or discontent
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
unmarriedadjectiveUS /ənˈmerid/
not married or related to the unmarried state
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading She had never been in India and ruled Grandpapa's house with true Dutch conscientiousness, leaving Elly entirely to her hobby of the moment; for Elly had her hobbies, which she rode until she attained absolute perfection, after which she would take up a fresh one.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading She had never been in India and ruled Grandpapa's house with true Dutch conscientiousness, leaving Elly entirely to her hobby of the moment; for Elly had her hobbies, which she rode until she attained absolute perfection, after which she would take up a fresh one.
employed in accomplishing something
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
precisely as stated
From this reading Elly Takma was very happy and looked better than she had done for a long time.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Elly Takma was very happy and looked better than she had done for a long time.
(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 Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
well-knownadjectiveUS /ˈwelˈnoʊn/
widely or fully known
From this reading At eighteen, she had been a famous tennis-player, winning medals in tournaments, well-known for her exquisite, powerful and graceful play, mentioned in all the sporting-papers.
at the time that
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
which person or people
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
winningadjectiveUS /ˈwɪnɪŋ/
having won
From this reading At eighteen, she had been a famous tennis-player, winning medals in tournaments, well-known for her exquisite, powerful and graceful play, mentioned in all the sporting-papers.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Well, thought Cousin Adèle, who had long kept house for Grandpapa Takma--she was a Takma too and unmarried--well, a first little love-romance which a girl experiences when not much over twenty and which makes her feel unhappy, an engagement broken off with a fellow who used to go and see his mistress after spending the evening with his betrothed: a romance of that sort does not influence a girl's life; and, though Elly had moped for a while, Lot Pauws was making her happy and making her look better, with a glad laugh on her lips and a bright colour in her cheeks.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading She had never been in India and ruled Grandpapa's house with true Dutch conscientiousness, leaving Elly entirely to her hobby of the moment; for Elly had her hobbies, which she rode until she attained absolute perfection, after which she would take up a fresh one.
young-looking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Cousin Adèle--Aunt Adèle, as Elly called her, Indian-fashion--buxom, full-figured, fresh and young-looking for her age, had nothing of a poor relation employed to do the housekeeping, but was altogether the capable mistress of the house, seeing to everything, caring for nothing but the details of her household and proud of her orderly home.
