used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Your letter was indeed a great trouble, and some comfort, to me and your poor mother.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading But our chief trouble is, and indeed a very great one, for fear you should be brought to anything dishonest or wicked, by being set so above yourself.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading We are troubled, to be sure, for your good lady’s death, who took such care of you, and gave you learning, and, for three or four years past, has always been giving you clothes and linen, and every thing that a gentlewoman need not be ashamed to appear in.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Your letter was indeed a great trouble, and some comfort, to me and your poor mother.
react verbally
From this reading [In answer to the preceding.]
any thing at all
From this reading But our chief trouble is, and indeed a very great one, for fear you should be brought to anything dishonest or wicked, by being set so above yourself.
give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading We are troubled, to be sure, for your good lady’s death, who took such care of you, and gave you learning, and, for three or four years past, has always been giving you clothes and linen, and every thing that a gentlewoman need not be ashamed to appear in.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading We are troubled, to be sure, for your good lady’s death, who took such care of you, and gave you learning, and, for three or four years past, has always been giving you clothes and linen, and every thing that a gentlewoman need not be ashamed to appear in.
feeling shame or guilt or embarrassment or remorse
From this reading We are troubled, to be sure, for your good lady’s death, who took such care of you, and gave you learning, and, for three or four years past, has always been giving you clothes and linen, and every thing that a gentlewoman need not be ashamed to appear in.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading We are troubled, to be sure, for your good lady’s death, who took such care of you, and gave you learning, and, for three or four years past, has always been giving you clothes and linen, and every thing that a gentlewoman need not be ashamed to appear in.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading We are troubled, to be sure, for your good lady’s death, who took such care of you, and gave you learning, and, for three or four years past, has always been giving you clothes and linen, and every thing that a gentlewoman need not be ashamed to appear in.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading But our chief trouble is, and indeed a very great one, for fear you should be brought to anything dishonest or wicked, by being set so above yourself.
the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)
From this reading Every body talks how you have come on, and what a genteel girl you are; and some say you are very pretty; and, indeed, six months since, when I saw you last, I should have thought so myself, if you was not our child.
inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading But our chief trouble is, and indeed a very great one, for fear you should be brought to anything dishonest or wicked, by being set so above yourself.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But our chief trouble is, and indeed a very great one, for fear you should be brought to anything dishonest or wicked, by being set so above yourself.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading But our chief trouble is, and indeed a very great one, for fear you should be brought to anything dishonest or wicked, by being set so above yourself.
the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something
From this reading We are troubled, to be sure, for your good lady’s death, who took such care of you, and gave you learning, and, for three or four years past, has always been giving you clothes and linen, and every thing that a gentlewoman need not be ashamed to appear in.
a person who is in charge
From this reading But our chief trouble is, and indeed a very great one, for fear you should be brought to anything dishonest or wicked, by being set so above yourself.
a young person of either sex
From this reading Every body talks how you have come on, and what a genteel girl you are; and some say you are very pretty; and, indeed, six months since, when I saw you last, I should have thought so myself, if you was not our child.
clothing in general
From this reading We are troubled, to be sure, for your good lady’s death, who took such care of you, and gave you learning, and, for three or four years past, has always been giving you clothes and linen, and every thing that a gentlewoman need not be ashamed to appear in.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Every body talks how you have come on, and what a genteel girl you are; and some say you are very pretty; and, indeed, six months since, when I saw you last, I should have thought so myself, if you was not our child.
a state of being relaxed and feeling no pain
From this reading Your letter was indeed a great trouble, and some comfort, to me and your poor mother.
the event of dying or departure from life
From this reading We are troubled, to be sure, for your good lady’s death, who took such care of you, and gave you learning, and, for three or four years past, has always been giving you clothes and linen, and every thing that a gentlewoman need not be ashamed to appear in.
dishonestadjectiveUS /dɪˈsɑːnəst/
deceptive or fraudulent; disposed to cheat or defraud or deceive
From this reading But our chief trouble is, and indeed a very great one, for fear you should be brought to anything dishonest or wicked, by being set so above yourself.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading We are troubled, to be sure, for your good lady’s death, who took such care of you, and gave you learning, and, for three or four years past, has always been giving you clothes and linen, and every thing that a gentlewoman need not be ashamed to appear in.
be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
From this reading But our chief trouble is, and indeed a very great one, for fear you should be brought to anything dishonest or wicked, by being set so above yourself.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading We are troubled, to be sure, for your good lady’s death, who took such care of you, and gave you learning, and, for three or four years past, has always been giving you clothes and linen, and every thing that a gentlewoman need not be ashamed to appear in.
the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
From this reading We are troubled, to be sure, for your good lady’s death, who took such care of you, and gave you learning, and, for three or four years past, has always been giving you clothes and linen, and every thing that a gentlewoman need not be ashamed to appear in.
inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading We are troubled, to be sure, for your good lady’s death, who took such care of you, and gave you learning, and, for three or four years past, has always been giving you clothes and linen, and every thing that a gentlewoman need not be ashamed to appear in.
genteeladjectiveUS /dʒenˈtiːl/
marked by refinement in taste and manners
From this reading Every body talks how you have come on, and what a genteel girl you are; and some say you are very pretty; and, indeed, six months since, when I saw you last, I should have thought so myself, if you was not our child.
gentlewomannounUS /ˈdʒentəlwʊmən/
a woman of refinement
From this reading We are troubled, to be sure, for your good lady’s death, who took such care of you, and gave you learning, and, for three or four years past, has always been giving you clothes and linen, and every thing that a gentlewoman need not be ashamed to appear in.
a young female
From this reading Every body talks how you have come on, and what a genteel girl you are; and some say you are very pretty; and, indeed, six months since, when I saw you last, I should have thought so myself, if you was not our child.
the act of giving
From this reading We are troubled, to be sure, for your good lady’s death, who took such care of you, and gave you learning, and, for three or four years past, has always been giving you clothes and linen, and every thing that a gentlewoman need not be ashamed to appear in.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading We are troubled, to be sure, for your good lady’s death, who took such care of you, and gave you learning, and, for three or four years past, has always been giving you clothes and linen, and every thing that a gentlewoman need not be ashamed to appear in.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading Your letter was indeed a great trouble, and some comfort, to me and your poor mother.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading We are troubled, to be sure, for your good lady’s death, who took such care of you, and gave you learning, and, for three or four years past, has always been giving you clothes and linen, and every thing that a gentlewoman need not be ashamed to appear in.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Every body talks how you have come on, and what a genteel girl you are; and some say you are very pretty; and, indeed, six months since, when I saw you last, I should have thought so myself, if you was not our child.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Every body talks how you have come on, and what a genteel girl you are; and some say you are very pretty; and, indeed, six months since, when I saw you last, I should have thought so myself, if you was not our child.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading Every body talks how you have come on, and what a genteel girl you are; and some say you are very pretty; and, indeed, six months since, when I saw you last, I should have thought so myself, if you was not our child.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Every body talks how you have come on, and what a genteel girl you are; and some say you are very pretty; and, indeed, six months since, when I saw you last, I should have thought so myself, if you was not our child.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading [In answer to the preceding.]
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading Your letter was indeed a great trouble, and some comfort, to me and your poor mother.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading But our chief trouble is, and indeed a very great one, for fear you should be brought to anything dishonest or wicked, by being set so above yourself.
lady'snounUS /ˈleɪdiz/
possessive form of “lady” — a polite name for any woman
From this reading We are troubled, to be sure, for your good lady’s death, who took such care of you, and gave you learning, and, for three or four years past, has always been giving you clothes and linen, and every thing that a gentlewoman need not be ashamed to appear in.
immediately past
From this reading Every body talks how you have come on, and what a genteel girl you are; and some say you are very pretty; and, indeed, six months since, when I saw you last, I should have thought so myself, if you was not our child.
the cognitive process of acquiring skill or knowledge
From this reading We are troubled, to be sure, for your good lady’s death, who took such care of you, and gave you learning, and, for three or four years past, has always been giving you clothes and linen, and every thing that a gentlewoman need not be ashamed to appear in.
a written message addressed to a person or organization
From this reading Your letter was indeed a great trouble, and some comfort, to me and your poor mother.
linennounUS /ˈlɪnən/
a fabric woven with fibers from the flax plant
From this reading We are troubled, to be sure, for your good lady’s death, who took such care of you, and gave you learning, and, for three or four years past, has always been giving you clothes and linen, and every thing that a gentlewoman need not be ashamed to appear in.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Your letter was indeed a great trouble, and some comfort, to me and your poor mother.
plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year
From this reading Every body talks how you have come on, and what a genteel girl you are; and some say you are very pretty; and, indeed, six months since, when I saw you last, I should have thought so myself, if you was not our child.
a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading Your letter was indeed a great trouble, and some comfort, to me and your poor mother.
used when the speaker is also the object of the action
From this reading Every body talks how you have come on, and what a genteel girl you are; and some say you are very pretty; and, indeed, six months since, when I saw you last, I should have thought so myself, if you was not our child.
a condition requiring relief
From this reading We are troubled, to be sure, for your good lady’s death, who took such care of you, and gave you learning, and, for three or four years past, has always been giving you clothes and linen, and every thing that a gentlewoman need not be ashamed to appear in.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading We are troubled, to be sure, for your good lady’s death, who took such care of you, and gave you learning, and, for three or four years past, has always been giving you clothes and linen, and every thing that a gentlewoman need not be ashamed to appear in.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading We are troubled, to be sure, for your good lady’s death, who took such care of you, and gave you learning, and, for three or four years past, has always been giving you clothes and linen, and every thing that a gentlewoman need not be ashamed to appear in.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Every body talks how you have come on, and what a genteel girl you are; and some say you are very pretty; and, indeed, six months since, when I saw you last, I should have thought so myself, if you was not our child.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading But our chief trouble is, and indeed a very great one, for fear you should be brought to anything dishonest or wicked, by being set so above yourself.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading We are troubled, to be sure, for your good lady’s death, who took such care of you, and gave you learning, and, for three or four years past, has always been giving you clothes and linen, and every thing that a gentlewoman need not be ashamed to appear in.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading But our chief trouble is, and indeed a very great one, for fear you should be brought to anything dishonest or wicked, by being set so above yourself.
the time that has elapsed
From this reading We are troubled, to be sure, for your good lady’s death, who took such care of you, and gave you learning, and, for three or four years past, has always been giving you clothes and linen, and every thing that a gentlewoman need not be ashamed to appear in.
deserving or inciting pity
From this reading Your letter was indeed a great trouble, and some comfort, to me and your poor mother.
precedingadjectiveUS /priˈsiːdɪŋ/
existing or coming before
From this reading [In answer to the preceding.]
pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing
From this reading Every body talks how you have come on, and what a genteel girl you are; and some say you are very pretty; and, indeed, six months since, when I saw you last, I should have thought so myself, if you was not our child.
cut with a saw
From this reading Every body talks how you have come on, and what a genteel girl you are; and some say you are very pretty; and, indeed, six months since, when I saw you last, I should have thought so myself, if you was not our child.
express in words
From this reading Every body talks how you have come on, and what a genteel girl you are; and some say you are very pretty; and, indeed, six months since, when I saw you last, I should have thought so myself, if you was not our child.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading But our chief trouble is, and indeed a very great one, for fear you should be brought to anything dishonest or wicked, by being set so above yourself.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading But our chief trouble is, and indeed a very great one, for fear you should be brought to anything dishonest or wicked, by being set so above yourself.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading Every body talks how you have come on, and what a genteel girl you are; and some say you are very pretty; and, indeed, six months since, when I saw you last, I should have thought so myself, if you was not our child.
the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one
From this reading Every body talks how you have come on, and what a genteel girl you are; and some say you are very pretty; and, indeed, six months since, when I saw you last, I should have thought so myself, if you was not our child.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading But our chief trouble is, and indeed a very great one, for fear you should be brought to anything dishonest or wicked, by being set so above yourself.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Your letter was indeed a great trouble, and some comfort, to me and your poor mother.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading We are troubled, to be sure, for your good lady’s death, who took such care of you, and gave you learning, and, for three or four years past, has always been giving you clothes and linen, and every thing that a gentlewoman need not be ashamed to appear in.
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading We are troubled, to be sure, for your good lady’s death, who took such care of you, and gave you learning, and, for three or four years past, has always been giving you clothes and linen, and every thing that a gentlewoman need not be ashamed to appear in.
talksnounUS /tɔːks/
a discussion intended to produce an agreement
From this reading Every body talks how you have come on, and what a genteel girl you are; and some say you are very pretty; and, indeed, six months since, when I saw you last, I should have thought so myself, if you was not our child.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading We are troubled, to be sure, for your good lady’s death, who took such care of you, and gave you learning, and, for three or four years past, has always been giving you clothes and linen, and every thing that a gentlewoman need not be ashamed to appear in.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading [In answer to the preceding.]
a special situation
From this reading We are troubled, to be sure, for your good lady’s death, who took such care of you, and gave you learning, and, for three or four years past, has always been giving you clothes and linen, and every thing that a gentlewoman need not be ashamed to appear in.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading Every body talks how you have come on, and what a genteel girl you are; and some say you are very pretty; and, indeed, six months since, when I saw you last, I should have thought so myself, if you was not our child.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading We are troubled, to be sure, for your good lady’s death, who took such care of you, and gave you learning, and, for three or four years past, has always been giving you clothes and linen, and every thing that a gentlewoman need not be ashamed to appear in.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading [In answer to the preceding.]
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading We are troubled, to be sure, for your good lady’s death, who took such care of you, and gave you learning, and, for three or four years past, has always been giving you clothes and linen, and every thing that a gentlewoman need not be ashamed to appear in.
a source of difficulty
From this reading Your letter was indeed a great trouble, and some comfort, to me and your poor mother.
characterized by or indicative of distress or affliction or danger or need
From this reading We are troubled, to be sure, for your good lady’s death, who took such care of you, and gave you learning, and, for three or four years past, has always been giving you clothes and linen, and every thing that a gentlewoman need not be ashamed to appear in.
precisely as stated
From this reading But our chief trouble is, and indeed a very great one, for fear you should be brought to anything dishonest or wicked, by being set so above yourself.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Your letter was indeed a great trouble, and some comfort, to me and your poor mother.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading We are troubled, to be sure, for your good lady’s death, who took such care of you, and gave you learning, and, for three or four years past, has always been giving you clothes and linen, and every thing that a gentlewoman need not be ashamed to appear in.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Every body talks how you have come on, and what a genteel girl you are; and some say you are very pretty; and, indeed, six months since, when I saw you last, I should have thought so myself, if you was not our child.
at the time that
From this reading Every body talks how you have come on, and what a genteel girl you are; and some say you are very pretty; and, indeed, six months since, when I saw you last, I should have thought so myself, if you was not our child.
which person or people
From this reading We are troubled, to be sure, for your good lady’s death, who took such care of you, and gave you learning, and, for three or four years past, has always been giving you clothes and linen, and every thing that a gentlewoman need not be ashamed to appear in.
morally bad in principle or practice
From this reading But our chief trouble is, and indeed a very great one, for fear you should be brought to anything dishonest or wicked, by being set so above yourself.
a late time of life
From this reading We are troubled, to be sure, for your good lady’s death, who took such care of you, and gave you learning, and, for three or four years past, has always been giving you clothes and linen, and every thing that a gentlewoman need not be ashamed to appear in.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading We are troubled, to be sure, for your good lady’s death, who took such care of you, and gave you learning, and, for three or four years past, has always been giving you clothes and linen, and every thing that a gentlewoman need not be ashamed to appear in.
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading Your letter was indeed a great trouble, and some comfort, to me and your poor mother.
used when the person spoken to is also the object of the action
From this reading But our chief trouble is, and indeed a very great one, for fear you should be brought to anything dishonest or wicked, by being set so above yourself.
