used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading PEGGY GIVES A DINNER PARTY RUTH moped after Nelson's departure.
the state of being absent
From this reading Each time she realized his absence she remembered with a pang the hurt wonder of his face that night in the station.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading PEGGY GIVES A DINNER PARTY RUTH moped after Nelson's departure.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Just how much her depression was due to missing him, and how much was the result of self-reproach, she could not have told.
apologynounUS /əˈpɑːlədʒiː/
an expression of regret at having caused trouble for someone
From this reading It did not help matters that Nelson seemed to consider himself entirely to blame for what had happened, and had written her from the train a most humble apology for failing to be at her home at eight o'clock as he had promised.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading It did not help matters that Nelson seemed to consider himself entirely to blame for what had happened, and had written her from the train a most humble apology for failing to be at her home at eight o'clock as he had promised.
assumptionnounUS /əˈsʌmpʃən/
a statement that is assumed to be true and from which a conclusion can be drawn
From this reading In fact, his assumption that she could not possibly be in the wrong only made Ruth the more conscious of her pettiness.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading It did not help matters that Nelson seemed to consider himself entirely to blame for what had happened, and had written her from the train a most humble apology for failing to be at her home at eight o'clock as he had promised.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading It did not help matters that Nelson seemed to consider himself entirely to blame for what had happened, and had written her from the train a most humble apology for failing to be at her home at eight o'clock as he had promised.
put or pin the blame on
From this reading It did not help matters that Nelson seemed to consider himself entirely to blame for what had happened, and had written her from the train a most humble apology for failing to be at her home at eight o'clock as he had promised.
intentionally conceived
From this reading In fact, his assumption that she could not possibly be in the wrong only made Ruth the more conscious of her pettiness.
deem to be
From this reading It did not help matters that Nelson seemed to consider himself entirely to blame for what had happened, and had written her from the train a most humble apology for failing to be at her home at eight o'clock as he had promised.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Just how much her depression was due to missing him, and how much was the result of self-reproach, she could not have told.
the act of departing
From this reading PEGGY GIVES A DINNER PARTY RUTH moped after Nelson's departure.
depressionnounUS /dɪˈpreʃən/
a mental state characterized by a pessimistic sense of inadequacy and a despondent lack of activity
From this reading Just how much her depression was due to missing him, and how much was the result of self-reproach, she could not have told.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading It did not help matters that Nelson seemed to consider himself entirely to blame for what had happened, and had written her from the train a most humble apology for failing to be at her home at eight o'clock as he had promised.
the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday
From this reading PEGGY GIVES A DINNER PARTY RUTH moped after Nelson's departure.
owed and payable immediately or on demand
From this reading Just how much her depression was due to missing him, and how much was the result of self-reproach, she could not have told.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading Each time she realized his absence she remembered with a pang the hurt wonder of his face that night in the station.
being one more than seven
From this reading It did not help matters that Nelson seemed to consider himself entirely to blame for what had happened, and had written her from the train a most humble apology for failing to be at her home at eight o'clock as he had promised.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading It did not help matters that Nelson seemed to consider himself entirely to blame for what had happened, and had written her from the train a most humble apology for failing to be at her home at eight o'clock as he had promised.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading Each time she realized his absence she remembered with a pang the hurt wonder of his face that night in the station.
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading In fact, his assumption that she could not possibly be in the wrong only made Ruth the more conscious of her pettiness.
failingnounUS /ˈfeɪlɪŋ/
a flaw or weak point
From this reading It did not help matters that Nelson seemed to consider himself entirely to blame for what had happened, and had written her from the train a most humble apology for failing to be at her home at eight o'clock as he had promised.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It did not help matters that Nelson seemed to consider himself entirely to blame for what had happened, and had written her from the train a most humble apology for failing to be at her home at eight o'clock as he had promised.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading It did not help matters that Nelson seemed to consider himself entirely to blame for what had happened, and had written her from the train a most humble apology for failing to be at her home at eight o'clock as he had promised.
plural of “give” — the elasticity of something that can be stretched and returns to its original length
From this reading PEGGY GIVES A DINNER PARTY RUTH moped after Nelson's departure.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It did not help matters that Nelson seemed to consider himself entirely to blame for what had happened, and had written her from the train a most humble apology for failing to be at her home at eight o'clock as he had promised.
past form of “happen” — come to pass
From this reading It did not help matters that Nelson seemed to consider himself entirely to blame for what had happened, and had written her from the train a most humble apology for failing to be at her home at eight o'clock as he had promised.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Just how much her depression was due to missing him, and how much was the result of self-reproach, she could not have told.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading It did not help matters that Nelson seemed to consider himself entirely to blame for what had happened, and had written her from the train a most humble apology for failing to be at her home at eight o'clock as he had promised.
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading It did not help matters that Nelson seemed to consider himself entirely to blame for what had happened, and had written her from the train a most humble apology for failing to be at her home at eight o'clock as he had promised.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Just how much her depression was due to missing him, and how much was the result of self-reproach, she could not have told.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Just how much her depression was due to missing him, and how much was the result of self-reproach, she could not have told.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading It did not help matters that Nelson seemed to consider himself entirely to blame for what had happened, and had written her from the train a most humble apology for failing to be at her home at eight o'clock as he had promised.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Each time she realized his absence she remembered with a pang the hurt wonder of his face that night in the station.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading It did not help matters that Nelson seemed to consider himself entirely to blame for what had happened, and had written her from the train a most humble apology for failing to be at her home at eight o'clock as he had promised.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Just how much her depression was due to missing him, and how much was the result of self-reproach, she could not have told.
low or inferior in station or quality
From this reading It did not help matters that Nelson seemed to consider himself entirely to blame for what had happened, and had written her from the train a most humble apology for failing to be at her home at eight o'clock as he had promised.
be the source of pain
From this reading Each time she realized his absence she remembered with a pang the hurt wonder of his face that night in the station.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Each time she realized his absence she remembered with a pang the hurt wonder of his face that night in the station.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It did not help matters that Nelson seemed to consider himself entirely to blame for what had happened, and had written her from the train a most humble apology for failing to be at her home at eight o'clock as he had promised.
and nothing more
From this reading Just how much her depression was due to missing him, and how much was the result of self-reproach, she could not have told.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading In fact, his assumption that she could not possibly be in the wrong only made Ruth the more conscious of her pettiness.
plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern
From this reading It did not help matters that Nelson seemed to consider himself entirely to blame for what had happened, and had written her from the train a most humble apology for failing to be at her home at eight o'clock as he had promised.
not able to be found
From this reading Just how much her depression was due to missing him, and how much was the result of self-reproach, she could not have told.
mopednounUS /moʊpt/
a motorbike that can be pedaled or driven by a low-powered gasoline engine
From this reading PEGGY GIVES A DINNER PARTY RUTH moped after Nelson's departure.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading In fact, his assumption that she could not possibly be in the wrong only made Ruth the more conscious of her pettiness.
used to form the superlative
From this reading It did not help matters that Nelson seemed to consider himself entirely to blame for what had happened, and had written her from the train a most humble apology for failing to be at her home at eight o'clock as he had promised.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading Just how much her depression was due to missing him, and how much was the result of self-reproach, she could not have told.
NelsonnounUS /ˈnelsən/
English admiral who defeated the French fleets of Napoleon but was mortally wounded at Trafalgar (1758-1805)
From this reading It did not help matters that Nelson seemed to consider himself entirely to blame for what had happened, and had written her from the train a most humble apology for failing to be at her home at eight o'clock as he had promised.
Nelson'snounUS /ˈnelsənz/
possessive form of “nelson” — English admiral who defeated the French fleets of Napoleon but was mortally wounded at Trafalgar (1758-1805)
From this reading PEGGY GIVES A DINNER PARTY RUTH moped after Nelson's departure.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading Each time she realized his absence she remembered with a pang the hurt wonder of his face that night in the station.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Just how much her depression was due to missing him, and how much was the result of self-reproach, she could not have told.
o'clockadverbUS /əˈklɑːk/
according to the clock
From this reading It did not help matters that Nelson seemed to consider himself entirely to blame for what had happened, and had written her from the train a most humble apology for failing to be at her home at eight o'clock as he had promised.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Just how much her depression was due to missing him, and how much was the result of self-reproach, she could not have told.
and nothing more
From this reading In fact, his assumption that she could not possibly be in the wrong only made Ruth the more conscious of her pettiness.
pangnounUS /pæŋ/
a sudden sharp feeling
From this reading Each time she realized his absence she remembered with a pang the hurt wonder of his face that night in the station.
an organization to gain political power
From this reading PEGGY GIVES A DINNER PARTY RUTH moped after Nelson's departure.
PEGGY
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading PEGGY GIVES A DINNER PARTY RUTH moped after Nelson's departure.
pettinessnounUS /ˈpetinəs/
narrowness of mind or ideas or views
From this reading In fact, his assumption that she could not possibly be in the wrong only made Ruth the more conscious of her pettiness.
by chance
From this reading In fact, his assumption that she could not possibly be in the wrong only made Ruth the more conscious of her pettiness.
past form of “promise” — make a promise or commitment
From this reading It did not help matters that Nelson seemed to consider himself entirely to blame for what had happened, and had written her from the train a most humble apology for failing to be at her home at eight o'clock as he had promised.
successfully completed or brought to an end
From this reading Each time she realized his absence she remembered with a pang the hurt wonder of his face that night in the station.
past form of “remember” — recall knowledge from memory; have a recollection
From this reading Each time she realized his absence she remembered with a pang the hurt wonder of his face that night in the station.
a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
From this reading Just how much her depression was due to missing him, and how much was the result of self-reproach, she could not have told.
United States professional baseball player famous for hitting home runs (1895-1948)
From this reading PEGGY GIVES A DINNER PARTY RUTH moped after Nelson's departure.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading It did not help matters that Nelson seemed to consider himself entirely to blame for what had happened, and had written her from the train a most humble apology for failing to be at her home at eight o'clock as he had promised.
self-reproachnoun
a feeling of deep regret (usually for some misdeed)
From this reading Just how much her depression was due to missing him, and how much was the result of self-reproach, she could not have told.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Just how much her depression was due to missing him, and how much was the result of self-reproach, she could not have told.
a facility equipped with special equipment and personnel for a particular purpose
From this reading Each time she realized his absence she remembered with a pang the hurt wonder of his face that night in the station.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Each time she realized his absence she remembered with a pang the hurt wonder of his face that night in the station.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Just how much her depression was due to missing him, and how much was the result of self-reproach, she could not have told.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading Each time she realized his absence she remembered with a pang the hurt wonder of his face that night in the station.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Just how much her depression was due to missing him, and how much was the result of self-reproach, she could not have told.
inflected form of “tell” — express in words
From this reading Just how much her depression was due to missing him, and how much was the result of self-reproach, she could not have told.
create by training and teaching
From this reading It did not help matters that Nelson seemed to consider himself entirely to blame for what had happened, and had written her from the train a most humble apology for failing to be at her home at eight o'clock as he had promised.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Just how much her depression was due to missing him, and how much was the result of self-reproach, she could not have told.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading It did not help matters that Nelson seemed to consider himself entirely to blame for what had happened, and had written her from the train a most humble apology for failing to be at her home at eight o'clock as he had promised.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Each time she realized his absence she remembered with a pang the hurt wonder of his face that night in the station.
the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising
From this reading Each time she realized his absence she remembered with a pang the hurt wonder of his face that night in the station.
set down in writing in any of various ways
From this reading It did not help matters that Nelson seemed to consider himself entirely to blame for what had happened, and had written her from the train a most humble apology for failing to be at her home at eight o'clock as he had promised.
not correct; not in conformity with fact or truth
From this reading In fact, his assumption that she could not possibly be in the wrong only made Ruth the more conscious of her pettiness.
