used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A LITERARY DISCUSSION IN WHICH A CRITIC, NOT FOR THE FIRST TIME, TURNS THE TABLES UPON AN AUTHOR Kelly frowned at Wogan, enjoining silence by a shake of the head.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading A LITERARY DISCUSSION IN WHICH A CRITIC, NOT FOR THE FIRST TIME, TURNS THE TABLES UPON AN AUTHOR Kelly frowned at Wogan, enjoining silence by a shake of the head.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Her ladyship was still too discomposed to speak; she drew her breath in quick gasps; her colour still came fitfully and went.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading A LITERARY DISCUSSION IN WHICH A CRITIC, NOT FOR THE FIRST TIME, TURNS THE TABLES UPON AN AUTHOR Kelly frowned at Wogan, enjoining silence by a shake of the head.
writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)
From this reading A LITERARY DISCUSSION IN WHICH A CRITIC, NOT FOR THE FIRST TIME, TURNS THE TABLES UPON AN AUTHOR Kelly frowned at Wogan, enjoining silence by a shake of the head.
(sometimes followed by “of”) having or showing knowledge or understanding or realization or perception
From this reading The only person entirely at ease in that company was the disconcerting stranger, and even behind his smiling mask of a face one was somehow aware of sleeping fires; and underneath the suave tones of his voice one somehow felt that there ran an implacable passion.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading The only person entirely at ease in that company was the disconcerting stranger, and even behind his smiling mask of a face one was somehow aware of sleeping fires; and underneath the suave tones of his voice one somehow felt that there ran an implacable passion.
the process of taking in and expelling air during breathing
From this reading Her ladyship was still too discomposed to speak; she drew her breath in quick gasps; her colour still came fitfully and went.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading A LITERARY DISCUSSION IN WHICH A CRITIC, NOT FOR THE FIRST TIME, TURNS THE TABLES UPON AN AUTHOR Kelly frowned at Wogan, enjoining silence by a shake of the head.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Her ladyship was still too discomposed to speak; she drew her breath in quick gasps; her colour still came fitfully and went.
an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading A revered clergyman, a fighting captain, a lady worthy of her quality, and a poet.'
clergymannounUS /ˈklɜːrdʒimən/
a member of the clergy and a spiritual leader of the Christian Church
From this reading A revered clergyman, a fighting captain, a lady worthy of her quality, and a poet.'
having or capable of producing colors
From this reading Her ladyship was still too discomposed to speak; she drew her breath in quick gasps; her colour still came fitfully and went.
an institution created to conduct business
From this reading The only person entirely at ease in that company was the disconcerting stranger, and even behind his smiling mask of a face one was somehow aware of sleeping fires; and underneath the suave tones of his voice one somehow felt that there ran an implacable passion.
CRITICnounUS /ˈkrɪtɪk/
a person who is professionally engaged in the analysis and interpretation of works of art
From this reading A LITERARY DISCUSSION IN WHICH A CRITIC, NOT FOR THE FIRST TIME, TURNS THE TABLES UPON AN AUTHOR Kelly frowned at Wogan, enjoining silence by a shake of the head.
desirableadjectiveUS /dɪˈzaɪrəbəl/
worth having or seeking or achieving
From this reading 'Upon my word,' said he, 'I find myself for a wonder in the most desirable company.
discomposedadjective
having your composure disturbed
From this reading Her ladyship was still too discomposed to speak; she drew her breath in quick gasps; her colour still came fitfully and went.
disconcertingadjectiveUS /ˌdɪskənˈsɜːrtɪŋ/
causing an emotional disturbance
From this reading The only person entirely at ease in that company was the disconcerting stranger, and even behind his smiling mask of a face one was somehow aware of sleeping fires; and underneath the suave tones of his voice one somehow felt that there ran an implacable passion.
DISCUSSIONnounUS /dɪˈskʌʃən/
an extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic
From this reading A LITERARY DISCUSSION IN WHICH A CRITIC, NOT FOR THE FIRST TIME, TURNS THE TABLES UPON AN AUTHOR Kelly frowned at Wogan, enjoining silence by a shake of the head.
United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)
From this reading Her ladyship was still too discomposed to speak; she drew her breath in quick gasps; her colour still came fitfully and went.
move gently or carefully
From this reading The only person entirely at ease in that company was the disconcerting stranger, and even behind his smiling mask of a face one was somehow aware of sleeping fires; and underneath the suave tones of his voice one somehow felt that there ran an implacable passion.
enjoiningnounUS /ˌenˈdʒɔɪnɪŋ/
(law) a judicial remedy issued in order to prohibit a party from doing or continuing to do a certain activity
From this reading A LITERARY DISCUSSION IN WHICH A CRITIC, NOT FOR THE FIRST TIME, TURNS THE TABLES UPON AN AUTHOR Kelly frowned at Wogan, enjoining silence by a shake of the head.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading The only person entirely at ease in that company was the disconcerting stranger, and even behind his smiling mask of a face one was somehow aware of sleeping fires; and underneath the suave tones of his voice one somehow felt that there ran an implacable passion.
divisible by two
From this reading The only person entirely at ease in that company was the disconcerting stranger, and even behind his smiling mask of a face one was somehow aware of sleeping fires; and underneath the suave tones of his voice one somehow felt that there ran an implacable passion.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading The only person entirely at ease in that company was the disconcerting stranger, and even behind his smiling mask of a face one was somehow aware of sleeping fires; and underneath the suave tones of his voice one somehow felt that there ran an implacable passion.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading The only person entirely at ease in that company was the disconcerting stranger, and even behind his smiling mask of a face one was somehow aware of sleeping fires; and underneath the suave tones of his voice one somehow felt that there ran an implacable passion.
the act of fighting; any contest or struggle
From this reading A revered clergyman, a fighting captain, a lady worthy of her quality, and a poet.'
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading 'Upon my word,' said he, 'I find myself for a wonder in the most desirable company.
plural of “fire” — the event of something burning (often destructive)
From this reading The only person entirely at ease in that company was the disconcerting stranger, and even behind his smiling mask of a face one was somehow aware of sleeping fires; and underneath the suave tones of his voice one somehow felt that there ran an implacable passion.
FIRSTadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading A LITERARY DISCUSSION IN WHICH A CRITIC, NOT FOR THE FIRST TIME, TURNS THE TABLES UPON AN AUTHOR Kelly frowned at Wogan, enjoining silence by a shake of the head.
fitfullyadverbUS /ˈfɪtfəli/
in a fitful manner
From this reading Her ladyship was still too discomposed to speak; she drew her breath in quick gasps; her colour still came fitfully and went.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading A LITERARY DISCUSSION IN WHICH A CRITIC, NOT FOR THE FIRST TIME, TURNS THE TABLES UPON AN AUTHOR Kelly frowned at Wogan, enjoining silence by a shake of the head.
frownedverbUS /fraʊnd/
past form of “frown” — look angry or sullen, wrinkle one's forehead, as if to signal disapproval
From this reading A LITERARY DISCUSSION IN WHICH A CRITIC, NOT FOR THE FIRST TIME, TURNS THE TABLES UPON AN AUTHOR Kelly frowned at Wogan, enjoining silence by a shake of the head.
gaspsnounUS /ɡæsps/
plural of “gasp” — a short labored intake of breath with the mouth open
From this reading Her ladyship was still too discomposed to speak; she drew her breath in quick gasps; her colour still came fitfully and went.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading 'Upon my word,' said he, 'I find myself for a wonder in the most desirable company.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading A LITERARY DISCUSSION IN WHICH A CRITIC, NOT FOR THE FIRST TIME, TURNS THE TABLES UPON AN AUTHOR Kelly frowned at Wogan, enjoining silence by a shake of the head.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Her ladyship was still too discomposed to speak; she drew her breath in quick gasps; her colour still came fitfully and went.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The only person entirely at ease in that company was the disconcerting stranger, and even behind his smiling mask of a face one was somehow aware of sleeping fires; and underneath the suave tones of his voice one somehow felt that there ran an implacable passion.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading 'Upon my word,' said he, 'I find myself for a wonder in the most desirable company.
implacableadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈplækəbəl/
incapable of being placated
From this reading The only person entirely at ease in that company was the disconcerting stranger, and even behind his smiling mask of a face one was somehow aware of sleeping fires; and underneath the suave tones of his voice one somehow felt that there ran an implacable passion.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A LITERARY DISCUSSION IN WHICH A CRITIC, NOT FOR THE FIRST TIME, TURNS THE TABLES UPON AN AUTHOR Kelly frowned at Wogan, enjoining silence by a shake of the head.
KellynounUS /ˈkeli/
United States circus clown (1898-1979)
From this reading A LITERARY DISCUSSION IN WHICH A CRITIC, NOT FOR THE FIRST TIME, TURNS THE TABLES UPON AN AUTHOR Kelly frowned at Wogan, enjoining silence by a shake of the head.
a polite name for any woman
From this reading A revered clergyman, a fighting captain, a lady worthy of her quality, and a poet.'
ladyshipnoun
a title used to address any peeress except a duchess
From this reading Her ladyship was still too discomposed to speak; she drew her breath in quick gasps; her colour still came fitfully and went.
of or relating to or characteristic of literature
From this reading A LITERARY DISCUSSION IN WHICH A CRITIC, NOT FOR THE FIRST TIME, TURNS THE TABLES UPON AN AUTHOR Kelly frowned at Wogan, enjoining silence by a shake of the head.
maskverbUS /mæsk/
hide under a false appearance
From this reading The only person entirely at ease in that company was the disconcerting stranger, and even behind his smiling mask of a face one was somehow aware of sleeping fires; and underneath the suave tones of his voice one somehow felt that there ran an implacable passion.
used to form the superlative
From this reading 'Upon my word,' said he, 'I find myself for a wonder in the most desirable company.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading 'Upon my word,' said he, 'I find myself for a wonder in the most desirable company.
used when the speaker is also the object of the action
From this reading 'Upon my word,' said he, 'I find myself for a wonder in the most desirable company.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading A LITERARY DISCUSSION IN WHICH A CRITIC, NOT FOR THE FIRST TIME, TURNS THE TABLES UPON AN AUTHOR Kelly frowned at Wogan, enjoining silence by a shake of the head.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A LITERARY DISCUSSION IN WHICH A CRITIC, NOT FOR THE FIRST TIME, TURNS THE TABLES UPON AN AUTHOR Kelly frowned at Wogan, enjoining silence by a shake of the head.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading The only person entirely at ease in that company was the disconcerting stranger, and even behind his smiling mask of a face one was somehow aware of sleeping fires; and underneath the suave tones of his voice one somehow felt that there ran an implacable passion.
and nothing more
From this reading The only person entirely at ease in that company was the disconcerting stranger, and even behind his smiling mask of a face one was somehow aware of sleeping fires; and underneath the suave tones of his voice one somehow felt that there ran an implacable passion.
a strong feeling or emotion
From this reading The only person entirely at ease in that company was the disconcerting stranger, and even behind his smiling mask of a face one was somehow aware of sleeping fires; and underneath the suave tones of his voice one somehow felt that there ran an implacable passion.
a human being
From this reading The only person entirely at ease in that company was the disconcerting stranger, and even behind his smiling mask of a face one was somehow aware of sleeping fires; and underneath the suave tones of his voice one somehow felt that there ran an implacable passion.
a writer of poems (the term is usually reserved for writers of good poetry)
From this reading A revered clergyman, a fighting captain, a lady worthy of her quality, and a poet.'
an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone
From this reading A revered clergyman, a fighting captain, a lady worthy of her quality, and a poet.'
accomplished rapidly and without delay
From this reading Her ladyship was still too discomposed to speak; she drew her breath in quick gasps; her colour still came fitfully and went.
inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading The only person entirely at ease in that company was the disconcerting stranger, and even behind his smiling mask of a face one was somehow aware of sleeping fires; and underneath the suave tones of his voice one somehow felt that there ran an implacable passion.
reveredadjectiveUS /rɪˈvɪrd/
profoundly honored
From this reading A revered clergyman, a fighting captain, a lady worthy of her quality, and a poet.'
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading 'Upon my word,' said he, 'I find myself for a wonder in the most desirable company.
move or cause to move back and forth
From this reading A LITERARY DISCUSSION IN WHICH A CRITIC, NOT FOR THE FIRST TIME, TURNS THE TABLES UPON AN AUTHOR Kelly frowned at Wogan, enjoining silence by a shake of the head.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Her ladyship was still too discomposed to speak; she drew her breath in quick gasps; her colour still came fitfully and went.
Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.
From this reading A LITERARY DISCUSSION IN WHICH A CRITIC, NOT FOR THE FIRST TIME, TURNS THE TABLES UPON AN AUTHOR Kelly frowned at Wogan, enjoining silence by a shake of the head.
the state of being asleep
From this reading The only person entirely at ease in that company was the disconcerting stranger, and even behind his smiling mask of a face one was somehow aware of sleeping fires; and underneath the suave tones of his voice one somehow felt that there ran an implacable passion.
a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement
From this reading The only person entirely at ease in that company was the disconcerting stranger, and even behind his smiling mask of a face one was somehow aware of sleeping fires; and underneath the suave tones of his voice one somehow felt that there ran an implacable passion.
in some unspecified way or manner; or by some unspecified means
From this reading The only person entirely at ease in that company was the disconcerting stranger, and even behind his smiling mask of a face one was somehow aware of sleeping fires; and underneath the suave tones of his voice one somehow felt that there ran an implacable passion.
express in speech
From this reading Her ladyship was still too discomposed to speak; she drew her breath in quick gasps; her colour still came fitfully and went.
not in physical motion
From this reading Her ladyship was still too discomposed to speak; she drew her breath in quick gasps; her colour still came fitfully and went.
anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found
From this reading The only person entirely at ease in that company was the disconcerting stranger, and even behind his smiling mask of a face one was somehow aware of sleeping fires; and underneath the suave tones of his voice one somehow felt that there ran an implacable passion.
suaveadjectiveUS /swɑːv/
having a sophisticated charm
From this reading The only person entirely at ease in that company was the disconcerting stranger, and even behind his smiling mask of a face one was somehow aware of sleeping fires; and underneath the suave tones of his voice one somehow felt that there ran an implacable passion.
TABLESnounUS /ˈteɪbəlz/
plural of “table” — a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading A LITERARY DISCUSSION IN WHICH A CRITIC, NOT FOR THE FIRST TIME, TURNS THE TABLES UPON AN AUTHOR Kelly frowned at Wogan, enjoining silence by a shake of the head.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The only person entirely at ease in that company was the disconcerting stranger, and even behind his smiling mask of a face one was somehow aware of sleeping fires; and underneath the suave tones of his voice one somehow felt that there ran an implacable passion.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A LITERARY DISCUSSION IN WHICH A CRITIC, NOT FOR THE FIRST TIME, TURNS THE TABLES UPON AN AUTHOR Kelly frowned at Wogan, enjoining silence by a shake of the head.
in or at that place or location
From this reading The only person entirely at ease in that company was the disconcerting stranger, and even behind his smiling mask of a face one was somehow aware of sleeping fires; and underneath the suave tones of his voice one somehow felt that there ran an implacable passion.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading A LITERARY DISCUSSION IN WHICH A CRITIC, NOT FOR THE FIRST TIME, TURNS THE TABLES UPON AN AUTHOR Kelly frowned at Wogan, enjoining silence by a shake of the head.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Her ladyship was still too discomposed to speak; she drew her breath in quick gasps; her colour still came fitfully and went.
plural of “tone” — the quality of a person's voice
From this reading The only person entirely at ease in that company was the disconcerting stranger, and even behind his smiling mask of a face one was somehow aware of sleeping fires; and underneath the suave tones of his voice one somehow felt that there ran an implacable passion.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading Her ladyship was still too discomposed to speak; she drew her breath in quick gasps; her colour still came fitfully and went.
plural of “turn” — a circular segment of a curve
From this reading A LITERARY DISCUSSION IN WHICH A CRITIC, NOT FOR THE FIRST TIME, TURNS THE TABLES UPON AN AUTHOR Kelly frowned at Wogan, enjoining silence by a shake of the head.
underneathprepositionUS /ˌʌndərˈniːθ/
directly under, often hidden by what is above
From this reading The only person entirely at ease in that company was the disconcerting stranger, and even behind his smiling mask of a face one was somehow aware of sleeping fires; and underneath the suave tones of his voice one somehow felt that there ran an implacable passion.
UPONprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading A LITERARY DISCUSSION IN WHICH A CRITIC, NOT FOR THE FIRST TIME, TURNS THE TABLES UPON AN AUTHOR Kelly frowned at Wogan, enjoining silence by a shake of the head.
the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading The only person entirely at ease in that company was the disconcerting stranger, and even behind his smiling mask of a face one was somehow aware of sleeping fires; and underneath the suave tones of his voice one somehow felt that there ran an implacable passion.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Her ladyship was still too discomposed to speak; she drew her breath in quick gasps; her colour still came fitfully and went.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Her ladyship was still too discomposed to speak; she drew her breath in quick gasps; her colour still came fitfully and went.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading A LITERARY DISCUSSION IN WHICH A CRITIC, NOT FOR THE FIRST TIME, TURNS THE TABLES UPON AN AUTHOR Kelly frowned at Wogan, enjoining silence by a shake of the head.
Wogan
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A LITERARY DISCUSSION IN WHICH A CRITIC, NOT FOR THE FIRST TIME, TURNS THE TABLES UPON AN AUTHOR Kelly frowned at Wogan, enjoining silence by a shake of the head.
the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising
From this reading 'Upon my word,' said he, 'I find myself for a wonder in the most desirable company.
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
From this reading 'Upon my word,' said he, 'I find myself for a wonder in the most desirable company.
Having or showing the qualities or abilities that merit recognition in character or magic.
From this reading A revered clergyman, a fighting captain, a lady worthy of her quality, and a poet.'
