used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading It was a matter of necessity with Mrs. Ogilvie to purchase a new dress for the wedding.
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading Is it absolutely incumbent upon me, as the mother of the bridegroom, to dress in grey satin, or have I sufficiently scandalized my neighbours all my life to be able to wear what I like?'
completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers
From this reading Is it absolutely incumbent upon me, as the mother of the bridegroom, to dress in grey satin, or have I sufficiently scandalized my neighbours all my life to be able to wear what I like?'
having companions or an escort
From this reading Usually her maid accompanied her when Mrs. Ogilvie went up to London; but, in her wilful way, she had decided to-day that maids were useless, and that her present maid had round eyes that stared at her from the opposite side of the carriage when they travelled together.
(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 Is it absolutely incumbent upon me, as the mother of the bridegroom, to dress in grey satin, or have I sufficiently scandalized my neighbours all my life to be able to wear what I like?'
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading Wherefore, in the week following the night of the ball, she went to London for the day, while builders and carpenters were already at work repairing the ruined tower.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Wherefore, in the week following the night of the ball, she went to London for the day, while builders and carpenters were already at work repairing the ruined tower.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Is it absolutely incumbent upon me, as the mother of the bridegroom, to dress in grey satin, or have I sufficiently scandalized my neighbours all my life to be able to wear what I like?'
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Wherefore, in the week following the night of the ball, she went to London for the day, while builders and carpenters were already at work repairing the ruined tower.
round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games
From this reading Wherefore, in the week following the night of the ball, she went to London for the day, while builders and carpenters were already at work repairing the ruined tower.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading 'It will be inconvenient,' she said, 'to go up and see my dressmaker later when the house is full.
bridegroomnounUS /ˈbraɪdɡruːm/
a man who has recently been married
From this reading Is it absolutely incumbent upon me, as the mother of the bridegroom, to dress in grey satin, or have I sufficiently scandalized my neighbours all my life to be able to wear what I like?'
buildersnounUS /ˈbɪldərz/
plural of “builder” — a substance added to soaps or detergents to increase their cleansing action
From this reading Wherefore, in the week following the night of the ball, she went to London for the day, while builders and carpenters were already at work repairing the ruined tower.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Usually her maid accompanied her when Mrs. Ogilvie went up to London; but, in her wilful way, she had decided to-day that maids were useless, and that her present maid had round eyes that stared at her from the opposite side of the carriage when they travelled together.
carpentersnounUS /ˈkɑːrpəntərz/
plural of “carpenter” — a woodworker who makes or repairs wooden objects
From this reading Wherefore, in the week following the night of the ball, she went to London for the day, while builders and carpenters were already at work repairing the ruined tower.
a railcar where passengers ride
From this reading Usually her maid accompanied her when Mrs. Ogilvie went up to London; but, in her wilful way, she had decided to-day that maids were useless, and that her present maid had round eyes that stared at her from the opposite side of the carriage when they travelled together.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading Wherefore, in the week following the night of the ball, she went to London for the day, while builders and carpenters were already at work repairing the ruined tower.
recognizable; marked
From this reading Usually her maid accompanied her when Mrs. Ogilvie went up to London; but, in her wilful way, she had decided to-day that maids were useless, and that her present maid had round eyes that stared at her from the opposite side of the carriage when they travelled together.
put on clothes
From this reading It was a matter of necessity with Mrs. Ogilvie to purchase a new dress for the wedding.
dressmakernounUS /ˈdresmeɪkər/
someone who makes or mends dresses
From this reading 'It will be inconvenient,' she said, 'to go up and see my dressmaker later when the house is full.
opinion or judgment
From this reading Usually her maid accompanied her when Mrs. Ogilvie went up to London; but, in her wilful way, she had decided to-day that maids were useless, and that her present maid had round eyes that stared at her from the opposite side of the carriage when they travelled together.
about to be mentioned or specified
From this reading Wherefore, in the week following the night of the ball, she went to London for the day, while builders and carpenters were already at work repairing the ruined tower.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It was a matter of necessity with Mrs. Ogilvie to purchase a new dress for the wedding.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Usually her maid accompanied her when Mrs. Ogilvie went up to London; but, in her wilful way, she had decided to-day that maids were useless, and that her present maid had round eyes that stared at her from the opposite side of the carriage when they travelled together.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading 'It will be inconvenient,' she said, 'to go up and see my dressmaker later when the house is full.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading 'It will be inconvenient,' she said, 'to go up and see my dressmaker later when the house is full.
of an achromatic color of any lightness intermediate between the extremes of white and black
From this reading Is it absolutely incumbent upon me, as the mother of the bridegroom, to dress in grey satin, or have I sufficiently scandalized my neighbours all my life to be able to wear what I like?'
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Usually her maid accompanied her when Mrs. Ogilvie went up to London; but, in her wilful way, she had decided to-day that maids were useless, and that her present maid had round eyes that stared at her from the opposite side of the carriage when they travelled together.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Is it absolutely incumbent upon me, as the mother of the bridegroom, to dress in grey satin, or have I sufficiently scandalized my neighbours all my life to be able to wear what I like?'
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Usually her maid accompanied her when Mrs. Ogilvie went up to London; but, in her wilful way, she had decided to-day that maids were useless, and that her present maid had round eyes that stared at her from the opposite side of the carriage when they travelled together.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading 'It will be inconvenient,' she said, 'to go up and see my dressmaker later when the house is full.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading Is it absolutely incumbent upon me, as the mother of the bridegroom, to dress in grey satin, or have I sufficiently scandalized my neighbours all my life to be able to wear what I like?'
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Wherefore, in the week following the night of the ball, she went to London for the day, while builders and carpenters were already at work repairing the ruined tower.
inconvenientadjectiveUS /ˌɪnkənˈviːnjənt/
not suited to your comfort, purpose or needs
From this reading 'It will be inconvenient,' she said, 'to go up and see my dressmaker later when the house is full.
incumbentadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈkʌmbənt/
lying or leaning on something else
From this reading Is it absolutely incumbent upon me, as the mother of the bridegroom, to dress in grey satin, or have I sufficiently scandalized my neighbours all my life to be able to wear what I like?'
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading 'It will be inconvenient,' she said, 'to go up and see my dressmaker later when the house is full.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was a matter of necessity with Mrs. Ogilvie to purchase a new dress for the wedding.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading 'It will be inconvenient,' she said, 'to go up and see my dressmaker later when the house is full.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Is it absolutely incumbent upon me, as the mother of the bridegroom, to dress in grey satin, or have I sufficiently scandalized my neighbours all my life to be able to wear what I like?'
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading Is it absolutely incumbent upon me, as the mother of the bridegroom, to dress in grey satin, or have I sufficiently scandalized my neighbours all my life to be able to wear what I like?'
the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center
From this reading Wherefore, in the week following the night of the ball, she went to London for the day, while builders and carpenters were already at work repairing the ruined tower.
a female domestic
From this reading Usually her maid accompanied her when Mrs. Ogilvie went up to London; but, in her wilful way, she had decided to-day that maids were useless, and that her present maid had round eyes that stared at her from the opposite side of the carriage when they travelled together.
maidsnounUS /meɪdz/
plural of “maid” — a female domestic
From this reading Usually her maid accompanied her when Mrs. Ogilvie went up to London; but, in her wilful way, she had decided to-day that maids were useless, and that her present maid had round eyes that stared at her from the opposite side of the carriage when they travelled together.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading It was a matter of necessity with Mrs. Ogilvie to purchase a new dress for the wedding.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Is it absolutely incumbent upon me, as the mother of the bridegroom, to dress in grey satin, or have I sufficiently scandalized my neighbours all my life to be able to wear what I like?'
a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading Is it absolutely incumbent upon me, as the mother of the bridegroom, to dress in grey satin, or have I sufficiently scandalized my neighbours all my life to be able to wear what I like?'
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading It was a matter of necessity with Mrs. Ogilvie to purchase a new dress for the wedding.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading 'It will be inconvenient,' she said, 'to go up and see my dressmaker later when the house is full.
the condition of being essential or indispensable
From this reading It was a matter of necessity with Mrs. Ogilvie to purchase a new dress for the wedding.
neighboursnounUS /ˈneɪbərz/
plural of “neighbour” — a person who lives (or is located) near another
From this reading Is it absolutely incumbent upon me, as the mother of the bridegroom, to dress in grey satin, or have I sufficiently scandalized my neighbours all my life to be able to wear what I like?'
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading It was a matter of necessity with Mrs. Ogilvie to purchase a new dress for the wedding.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading Wherefore, in the week following the night of the ball, she went to London for the day, while builders and carpenters were already at work repairing the ruined tower.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It was a matter of necessity with Mrs. Ogilvie to purchase a new dress for the wedding.
Ogilvie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a matter of necessity with Mrs. Ogilvie to purchase a new dress for the wedding.
being directly across from each other; facing
From this reading Usually her maid accompanied her when Mrs. Ogilvie went up to London; but, in her wilful way, she had decided to-day that maids were useless, and that her present maid had round eyes that stared at her from the opposite side of the carriage when they travelled together.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Is it absolutely incumbent upon me, as the mother of the bridegroom, to dress in grey satin, or have I sufficiently scandalized my neighbours all my life to be able to wear what I like?'
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading Usually her maid accompanied her when Mrs. Ogilvie went up to London; but, in her wilful way, she had decided to-day that maids were useless, and that her present maid had round eyes that stared at her from the opposite side of the carriage when they travelled together.
purchasenounUS /ˈpɜːrtʃəs/
the acquisition of something for payment
From this reading It was a matter of necessity with Mrs. Ogilvie to purchase a new dress for the wedding.
repairingverbUS /rɪˈperɪŋ/
-ing form of “repair” — restore by replacing a part or putting together what is torn or broken
From this reading Wherefore, in the week following the night of the ball, she went to London for the day, while builders and carpenters were already at work repairing the ruined tower.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading Usually her maid accompanied her when Mrs. Ogilvie went up to London; but, in her wilful way, she had decided to-day that maids were useless, and that her present maid had round eyes that stared at her from the opposite side of the carriage when they travelled together.
destroyed physically or morally
From this reading Wherefore, in the week following the night of the ball, she went to London for the day, while builders and carpenters were already at work repairing the ruined tower.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading 'It will be inconvenient,' she said, 'to go up and see my dressmaker later when the house is full.
satinnounUS /ˈsætən/
a smooth fabric of silk or rayon; has a glossy face and a dull back
From this reading Is it absolutely incumbent upon me, as the mother of the bridegroom, to dress in grey satin, or have I sufficiently scandalized my neighbours all my life to be able to wear what I like?'
scandalizedverbUS /ˈskændəlaɪzd/
past form of “scandalize” — strike with disgust or revulsion
From this reading Is it absolutely incumbent upon me, as the mother of the bridegroom, to dress in grey satin, or have I sufficiently scandalized my neighbours all my life to be able to wear what I like?'
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading 'It will be inconvenient,' she said, 'to go up and see my dressmaker later when the house is full.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Wherefore, in the week following the night of the ball, she went to London for the day, while builders and carpenters were already at work repairing the ruined tower.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading Usually her maid accompanied her when Mrs. Ogilvie went up to London; but, in her wilful way, she had decided to-day that maids were useless, and that her present maid had round eyes that stared at her from the opposite side of the carriage when they travelled together.
past form of “stare” — look at with fixed eyes
From this reading Usually her maid accompanied her when Mrs. Ogilvie went up to London; but, in her wilful way, she had decided to-day that maids were useless, and that her present maid had round eyes that stared at her from the opposite side of the carriage when they travelled together.
to a sufficient degree
From this reading Is it absolutely incumbent upon me, as the mother of the bridegroom, to dress in grey satin, or have I sufficiently scandalized my neighbours all my life to be able to wear what I like?'
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Usually her maid accompanied her when Mrs. Ogilvie went up to London; but, in her wilful way, she had decided to-day that maids were useless, and that her present maid had round eyes that stared at her from the opposite side of the carriage when they travelled together.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It was a matter of necessity with Mrs. Ogilvie to purchase a new dress for the wedding.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Usually her maid accompanied her when Mrs. Ogilvie went up to London; but, in her wilful way, she had decided to-day that maids were useless, and that her present maid had round eyes that stared at her from the opposite side of the carriage when they travelled together.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It was a matter of necessity with Mrs. Ogilvie to purchase a new dress for the wedding.
to-day
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Usually her maid accompanied her when Mrs. Ogilvie went up to London; but, in her wilful way, she had decided to-day that maids were useless, and that her present maid had round eyes that stared at her from the opposite side of the carriage when they travelled together.
in contact with each other or in proximity
From this reading Usually her maid accompanied her when Mrs. Ogilvie went up to London; but, in her wilful way, she had decided to-day that maids were useless, and that her present maid had round eyes that stared at her from the opposite side of the carriage when they travelled together.
a structure taller than its diameter; can stand alone or be attached to a larger building
From this reading Wherefore, in the week following the night of the ball, she went to London for the day, while builders and carpenters were already at work repairing the ruined tower.
travelledadjectiveUS /ˈtrævəld/
familiar with many parts of the world
From this reading Usually her maid accompanied her when Mrs. Ogilvie went up to London; but, in her wilful way, she had decided to-day that maids were useless, and that her present maid had round eyes that stared at her from the opposite side of the carriage when they travelled together.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading 'It will be inconvenient,' she said, 'to go up and see my dressmaker later when the house is full.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Is it absolutely incumbent upon me, as the mother of the bridegroom, to dress in grey satin, or have I sufficiently scandalized my neighbours all my life to be able to wear what I like?'
having no beneficial use or incapable of functioning usefully
From this reading Usually her maid accompanied her when Mrs. Ogilvie went up to London; but, in her wilful way, she had decided to-day that maids were useless, and that her present maid had round eyes that stared at her from the opposite side of the carriage when they travelled together.
under normal conditions
From this reading Usually her maid accompanied her when Mrs. Ogilvie went up to London; but, in her wilful way, she had decided to-day that maids were useless, and that her present maid had round eyes that stared at her from the opposite side of the carriage when they travelled together.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was a matter of necessity with Mrs. Ogilvie to purchase a new dress for the wedding.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Usually her maid accompanied her when Mrs. Ogilvie went up to London; but, in her wilful way, she had decided to-day that maids were useless, and that her present maid had round eyes that stared at her from the opposite side of the carriage when they travelled together.
be dressed in
From this reading Is it absolutely incumbent upon me, as the mother of the bridegroom, to dress in grey satin, or have I sufficiently scandalized my neighbours all my life to be able to wear what I like?'
the social event at which the ceremony of marriage is performed
From this reading It was a matter of necessity with Mrs. Ogilvie to purchase a new dress for the wedding.
any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading Wherefore, in the week following the night of the ball, she went to London for the day, while builders and carpenters were already at work repairing the ruined tower.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Wherefore, in the week following the night of the ball, she went to London for the day, while builders and carpenters were already at work repairing the ruined tower.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Wherefore, in the week following the night of the ball, she went to London for the day, while builders and carpenters were already at work repairing the ruined tower.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Is it absolutely incumbent upon me, as the mother of the bridegroom, to dress in grey satin, or have I sufficiently scandalized my neighbours all my life to be able to wear what I like?'
at the time that
From this reading 'It will be inconvenient,' she said, 'to go up and see my dressmaker later when the house is full.
WhereforeadverbUS /werˈfɔːr/
an old word meaning “why” or “for that reason”
From this reading Wherefore, in the week following the night of the ball, she went to London for the day, while builders and carpenters were already at work repairing the ruined tower.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Wherefore, in the week following the night of the ball, she went to London for the day, while builders and carpenters were already at work repairing the ruined tower.
wilfuladjective
done by design
From this reading Usually her maid accompanied her when Mrs. Ogilvie went up to London; but, in her wilful way, she had decided to-day that maids were useless, and that her present maid had round eyes that stared at her from the opposite side of the carriage when they travelled together.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading 'It will be inconvenient,' she said, 'to go up and see my dressmaker later when the house is full.
in the company of; together with
From this reading It was a matter of necessity with Mrs. Ogilvie to purchase a new dress for the wedding.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading Wherefore, in the week following the night of the ball, she went to London for the day, while builders and carpenters were already at work repairing the ruined tower.
