used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading I thought five a ridiculously small number at the time, especially when I remembered my amateur days, and the thirty or so rehearsals, nearly all full-dressed ones, required for a short farce; but there came a time when I looked upon two as betokening extraordinary anxiety about a production.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading I thought five a ridiculously small number at the time, especially when I remembered my amateur days, and the thirty or so rehearsals, nearly all full-dressed ones, required for a short farce; but there came a time when I looked upon two as betokening extraordinary anxiety about a production.
(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 I thought five a ridiculously small number at the time, especially when I remembered my amateur days, and the thirty or so rehearsals, nearly all full-dressed ones, required for a short farce; but there came a time when I looked upon two as betokening extraordinary anxiety about a production.
amateurnounUS /ˈæmətɜːr/
someone who pursues a study or sport as a pastime
From this reading I thought five a ridiculously small number at the time, especially when I remembered my amateur days, and the thirty or so rehearsals, nearly all full-dressed ones, required for a short farce; but there came a time when I looked upon two as betokening extraordinary anxiety about a production.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading I thought five a ridiculously small number at the time, especially when I remembered my amateur days, and the thirty or so rehearsals, nearly all full-dressed ones, required for a short farce; but there came a time when I looked upon two as betokening extraordinary anxiety about a production.
(psychiatry) a relatively permanent state of worry and nervousness occurring in a variety of mental disorders, usually accompanied by compulsive behavior or attacks of panic
From this reading I thought five a ridiculously small number at the time, especially when I remembered my amateur days, and the thirty or so rehearsals, nearly all full-dressed ones, required for a short farce; but there came a time when I looked upon two as betokening extraordinary anxiety about a production.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading In the provinces, I have known a three-act comedy put on without any rehearsal at all, and with half the people not even knowing the patter.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading I thought five a ridiculously small number at the time, especially when I remembered my amateur days, and the thirty or so rehearsals, nearly all full-dressed ones, required for a short farce; but there came a time when I looked upon two as betokening extraordinary anxiety about a production.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading I thought five a ridiculously small number at the time, especially when I remembered my amateur days, and the thirty or so rehearsals, nearly all full-dressed ones, required for a short farce; but there came a time when I looked upon two as betokening extraordinary anxiety about a production.
betokening
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I thought five a ridiculously small number at the time, especially when I remembered my amateur days, and the thirty or so rehearsals, nearly all full-dressed ones, required for a short farce; but there came a time when I looked upon two as betokening extraordinary anxiety about a production.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading I thought five a ridiculously small number at the time, especially when I remembered my amateur days, and the thirty or so rehearsals, nearly all full-dressed ones, required for a short farce; but there came a time when I looked upon two as betokening extraordinary anxiety about a production.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading I thought five a ridiculously small number at the time, especially when I remembered my amateur days, and the thirty or so rehearsals, nearly all full-dressed ones, required for a short farce; but there came a time when I looked upon two as betokening extraordinary anxiety about a production.
comedynounUS /ˈkɑːmədi/
light and humorous drama with a happy ending
From this reading In the provinces, I have known a three-act comedy put on without any rehearsal at all, and with half the people not even knowing the patter.
commentnounUS /ˈkɑːment/
a statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief or adds information
From this reading “What the dickens do they want with with so many?” was the indignant comment of the First Old Woman.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading I thought five a ridiculously small number at the time, especially when I remembered my amateur days, and the thirty or so rehearsals, nearly all full-dressed ones, required for a short farce; but there came a time when I looked upon two as betokening extraordinary anxiety about a production.
dickensnounUS /ˈdɪkənz/
a word used in exclamations of confusion
From this reading “What the dickens do they want with with so many?” was the indignant comment of the First Old Woman.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading “What the dickens do they want with with so many?” was the indignant comment of the First Old Woman.
a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for normal reproduction; an important antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals in the body
From this reading E had five rehearsals for this play.
to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common
From this reading I thought five a ridiculously small number at the time, especially when I remembered my amateur days, and the thirty or so rehearsals, nearly all full-dressed ones, required for a short farce; but there came a time when I looked upon two as betokening extraordinary anxiety about a production.
divisible by two
From this reading In the provinces, I have known a three-act comedy put on without any rehearsal at all, and with half the people not even knowing the patter.
beyond what is ordinary or usual; highly unusual or exceptional or remarkable
From this reading I thought five a ridiculously small number at the time, especially when I remembered my amateur days, and the thirty or so rehearsals, nearly all full-dressed ones, required for a short farce; but there came a time when I looked upon two as betokening extraordinary anxiety about a production.
farcenounUS /fɑːrs/
a comedy characterized by broad satire and improbable situations
From this reading I thought five a ridiculously small number at the time, especially when I remembered my amateur days, and the thirty or so rehearsals, nearly all full-dressed ones, required for a short farce; but there came a time when I looked upon two as betokening extraordinary anxiety about a production.
FirstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading “What the dickens do they want with with so many?” was the indignant comment of the First Old Woman.
the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one
From this reading E had five rehearsals for this play.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading E had five rehearsals for this play.
full-dressed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I thought five a ridiculously small number at the time, especially when I remembered my amateur days, and the thirty or so rehearsals, nearly all full-dressed ones, required for a short farce; but there came a time when I looked upon two as betokening extraordinary anxiety about a production.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading E had five rehearsals for this play.
consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity
From this reading In the provinces, I have known a three-act comedy put on without any rehearsal at all, and with half the people not even knowing the patter.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading In the provinces, I have known a three-act comedy put on without any rehearsal at all, and with half the people not even knowing the patter.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading I thought five a ridiculously small number at the time, especially when I remembered my amateur days, and the thirty or so rehearsals, nearly all full-dressed ones, required for a short farce; but there came a time when I looked upon two as betokening extraordinary anxiety about a production.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In the provinces, I have known a three-act comedy put on without any rehearsal at all, and with half the people not even knowing the patter.
indignantadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈdɪɡnənt/
angered at something unjust or wrong
From this reading “What the dickens do they want with with so many?” was the indignant comment of the First Old Woman.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading “Why, they’ll rehearse it more times than they’ll play it.”
evidencing the possession of inside information
From this reading In the provinces, I have known a three-act comedy put on without any rehearsal at all, and with half the people not even knowing the patter.
apprehended with certainty
From this reading In the provinces, I have known a three-act comedy put on without any rehearsal at all, and with half the people not even knowing the patter.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading I thought five a ridiculously small number at the time, especially when I remembered my amateur days, and the thirty or so rehearsals, nearly all full-dressed ones, required for a short farce; but there came a time when I looked upon two as betokening extraordinary anxiety about a production.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading “What the dickens do they want with with so many?” was the indignant comment of the First Old Woman.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading “Why, they’ll rehearse it more times than they’ll play it.”
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading I thought five a ridiculously small number at the time, especially when I remembered my amateur days, and the thirty or so rehearsals, nearly all full-dressed ones, required for a short farce; but there came a time when I looked upon two as betokening extraordinary anxiety about a production.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading I thought five a ridiculously small number at the time, especially when I remembered my amateur days, and the thirty or so rehearsals, nearly all full-dressed ones, required for a short farce; but there came a time when I looked upon two as betokening extraordinary anxiety about a production.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading In the provinces, I have known a three-act comedy put on without any rehearsal at all, and with half the people not even knowing the patter.
the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals
From this reading I thought five a ridiculously small number at the time, especially when I remembered my amateur days, and the thirty or so rehearsals, nearly all full-dressed ones, required for a short farce; but there came a time when I looked upon two as betokening extraordinary anxiety about a production.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading “What the dickens do they want with with so many?” was the indignant comment of the First Old Woman.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading “What the dickens do they want with with so many?” was the indignant comment of the First Old Woman.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading In the provinces, I have known a three-act comedy put on without any rehearsal at all, and with half the people not even knowing the patter.
plural of “one” — the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
From this reading I thought five a ridiculously small number at the time, especially when I remembered my amateur days, and the thirty or so rehearsals, nearly all full-dressed ones, required for a short farce; but there came a time when I looked upon two as betokening extraordinary anxiety about a production.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading I thought five a ridiculously small number at the time, especially when I remembered my amateur days, and the thirty or so rehearsals, nearly all full-dressed ones, required for a short farce; but there came a time when I looked upon two as betokening extraordinary anxiety about a production.
patternounUS /ˈpætər/
plausible glib talk (especially useful to a salesperson)
From this reading In the provinces, I have known a three-act comedy put on without any rehearsal at all, and with half the people not even knowing the patter.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading In the provinces, I have known a three-act comedy put on without any rehearsal at all, and with half the people not even knowing the patter.
participate in games or sport
From this reading E had five rehearsals for this play.
productionnounUS /prəˈdʌkʃən/
the act or process of producing something
From this reading I thought five a ridiculously small number at the time, especially when I remembered my amateur days, and the thirty or so rehearsals, nearly all full-dressed ones, required for a short farce; but there came a time when I looked upon two as betokening extraordinary anxiety about a production.
provincesnounUS /ˈprɑːvənsəz/
plural of “province” — the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation
From this reading In the provinces, I have known a three-act comedy put on without any rehearsal at all, and with half the people not even knowing the patter.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading In the provinces, I have known a three-act comedy put on without any rehearsal at all, and with half the people not even knowing the patter.
rehearsalnounUS /rɪˈhɜːrsəl/
a practice session in preparation for a public performance (as of a play or speech or concert)
From this reading In the provinces, I have known a three-act comedy put on without any rehearsal at all, and with half the people not even knowing the patter.
rehearsalsnounUS /rɪˈhɜːrsəlz/
plural of “rehearsal” — a practice session in preparation for a public performance (as of a play or speech or concert)
From this reading E had five rehearsals for this play.
rehearseverbUS /riˈhɜːrs/
engage in a rehearsal
From this reading “Why, they’ll rehearse it more times than they’ll play it.”
past form of “remember” — recall knowledge from memory; have a recollection
From this reading I thought five a ridiculously small number at the time, especially when I remembered my amateur days, and the thirty or so rehearsals, nearly all full-dressed ones, required for a short farce; but there came a time when I looked upon two as betokening extraordinary anxiety about a production.
necessary for relief or supply
From this reading I thought five a ridiculously small number at the time, especially when I remembered my amateur days, and the thirty or so rehearsals, nearly all full-dressed ones, required for a short farce; but there came a time when I looked upon two as betokening extraordinary anxiety about a production.
ridiculouslyadverbUS /rəˈdɪkjələsli/
so as to arouse or deserve laughter
From this reading I thought five a ridiculously small number at the time, especially when I remembered my amateur days, and the thirty or so rehearsals, nearly all full-dressed ones, required for a short farce; but there came a time when I looked upon two as betokening extraordinary anxiety about a production.
primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration
From this reading I thought five a ridiculously small number at the time, especially when I remembered my amateur days, and the thirty or so rehearsals, nearly all full-dressed ones, required for a short farce; but there came a time when I looked upon two as betokening extraordinary anxiety about a production.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading I thought five a ridiculously small number at the time, especially when I remembered my amateur days, and the thirty or so rehearsals, nearly all full-dressed ones, required for a short farce; but there came a time when I looked upon two as betokening extraordinary anxiety about a production.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading “What the dickens do they want with with so many?” was the indignant comment of the First Old Woman.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading “Why, they’ll rehearse it more times than they’ll play it.”
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading “What the dickens do they want with with so many?” was the indignant comment of the First Old Woman.
in or at that place or location
From this reading I thought five a ridiculously small number at the time, especially when I remembered my amateur days, and the thirty or so rehearsals, nearly all full-dressed ones, required for a short farce; but there came a time when I looked upon two as betokening extraordinary anxiety about a production.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading “What the dickens do they want with with so many?” was the indignant comment of the First Old Woman.
they'll
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Why, they’ll rehearse it more times than they’ll play it.”
the cardinal number that is the product of ten and three
From this reading I thought five a ridiculously small number at the time, especially when I remembered my amateur days, and the thirty or so rehearsals, nearly all full-dressed ones, required for a short farce; but there came a time when I looked upon two as betokening extraordinary anxiety about a production.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading E had five rehearsals for this play.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading I thought five a ridiculously small number at the time, especially when I remembered my amateur days, and the thirty or so rehearsals, nearly all full-dressed ones, required for a short farce; but there came a time when I looked upon two as betokening extraordinary anxiety about a production.
three-act
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the provinces, I have known a three-act comedy put on without any rehearsal at all, and with half the people not even knowing the patter.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading I thought five a ridiculously small number at the time, especially when I remembered my amateur days, and the thirty or so rehearsals, nearly all full-dressed ones, required for a short farce; but there came a time when I looked upon two as betokening extraordinary anxiety about a production.
a more or less definite period of time now or previously present
From this reading “Why, they’ll rehearse it more times than they’ll play it.”
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading I thought five a ridiculously small number at the time, especially when I remembered my amateur days, and the thirty or so rehearsals, nearly all full-dressed ones, required for a short farce; but there came a time when I looked upon two as betokening extraordinary anxiety about a production.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading I thought five a ridiculously small number at the time, especially when I remembered my amateur days, and the thirty or so rehearsals, nearly all full-dressed ones, required for a short farce; but there came a time when I looked upon two as betokening extraordinary anxiety about a production.
feel or have a desire for; want strongly
From this reading “What the dickens do they want with with so many?” was the indignant comment of the First Old Woman.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “What the dickens do they want with with so many?” was the indignant comment of the First Old Woman.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading “What the dickens do they want with with so many?” was the indignant comment of the First Old Woman.
at the time that
From this reading I thought five a ridiculously small number at the time, especially when I remembered my amateur days, and the thirty or so rehearsals, nearly all full-dressed ones, required for a short farce; but there came a time when I looked upon two as betokening extraordinary anxiety about a production.
the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”
From this reading “Why, they’ll rehearse it more times than they’ll play it.”
in the company of; together with
From this reading “What the dickens do they want with with so many?” was the indignant comment of the First Old Woman.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading In the provinces, I have known a three-act comedy put on without any rehearsal at all, and with half the people not even knowing the patter.
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading “What the dickens do they want with with so many?” was the indignant comment of the First Old Woman.
