used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading There was Gerald’s uncle Arnold, a long mean-faced man, and his wife, Beatrice.
personal knowledge or information about someone or something
From this reading LILITH OF OLD Roland made during this week the acquaintance of several members of the family who had hitherto been only names to him.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading Afterwards, when he looked back and considered how large a part she had played, if indirectly, in his life, and for that matter in the lives of all of them, he could not help thinking that his first sight of her had been prophetic, certainly dramatic.
(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 Afterwards, when he looked back and considered how large a part she had played, if indirectly, in his life, and for that matter in the lives of all of them, he could not help thinking that his first sight of her had been prophetic, certainly dramatic.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading There was Gerald’s uncle Arnold, a long mean-faced man, and his wife, Beatrice.
ArnoldnounUS /ˈɑːrnəld/
English poet and literary critic (1822-1888)
From this reading There was Gerald’s uncle Arnold, a long mean-faced man, and his wife, Beatrice.
past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress
From this reading He had just arrived, had been met by Muriel and Mr. Marston and his brother in the hall, and Muriel had insisted on taking him away at once to see her rabbits.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading She had come to regard him as her special friend.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading He had just arrived, had been met by Muriel and Mr. Marston and his brother in the hall, and Muriel had insisted on taking him away at once to see her rabbits.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading He had just arrived, had been met by Muriel and Mr. Marston and his brother in the hall, and Muriel had insisted on taking him away at once to see her rabbits.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading Afterwards, when he looked back and considered how large a part she had played, if indirectly, in his life, and for that matter in the lives of all of them, he could not help thinking that his first sight of her had been prophetic, certainly dramatic.
BeatricenounUS /ˈbiːətrəs/
the woman who guided Dante through Paradise in the Divine Comedy
From this reading There was Gerald’s uncle Arnold, a long mean-faced man, and his wife, Beatrice.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading LILITH OF OLD Roland made during this week the acquaintance of several members of the family who had hitherto been only names to him.
a male with the same parents as someone else
From this reading He had just arrived, had been met by Muriel and Mr. Marston and his brother in the hall, and Muriel had insisted on taking him away at once to see her rabbits.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading He had just arrived, had been met by Muriel and Mr. Marston and his brother in the hall, and Muriel had insisted on taking him away at once to see her rabbits.
definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)
From this reading Afterwards, when he looked back and considered how large a part she had played, if indirectly, in his life, and for that matter in the lives of all of them, he could not help thinking that his first sight of her had been prophetic, certainly dramatic.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading She had come to regard him as her special friend.
carefully weighed
From this reading Afterwards, when he looked back and considered how large a part she had played, if indirectly, in his life, and for that matter in the lives of all of them, he could not help thinking that his first sight of her had been prophetic, certainly dramatic.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Afterwards, when he looked back and considered how large a part she had played, if indirectly, in his life, and for that matter in the lives of all of them, he could not help thinking that his first sight of her had been prophetic, certainly dramatic.
dramaticadjectiveUS /drəˈmætɪk/
suitable to or characteristic of drama
From this reading Afterwards, when he looked back and considered how large a part she had played, if indirectly, in his life, and for that matter in the lives of all of them, he could not help thinking that his first sight of her had been prophetic, certainly dramatic.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading LILITH OF OLD Roland made during this week the acquaintance of several members of the family who had hitherto been only names to him.
a social unit living together
From this reading LILITH OF OLD Roland made during this week the acquaintance of several members of the family who had hitherto been only names to him.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading Afterwards, when he looked back and considered how large a part she had played, if indirectly, in his life, and for that matter in the lives of all of them, he could not help thinking that his first sight of her had been prophetic, certainly dramatic.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Afterwards, when he looked back and considered how large a part she had played, if indirectly, in his life, and for that matter in the lives of all of them, he could not help thinking that his first sight of her had been prophetic, certainly dramatic.
a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading She had come to regard him as her special friend.
Gerald's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was Gerald’s uncle Arnold, a long mean-faced man, and his wife, Beatrice.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading LILITH OF OLD Roland made during this week the acquaintance of several members of the family who had hitherto been only names to him.
an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open
From this reading He had just arrived, had been met by Muriel and Mr. Marston and his brother in the hall, and Muriel had insisted on taking him away at once to see her rabbits.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Afterwards, when he looked back and considered how large a part she had played, if indirectly, in his life, and for that matter in the lives of all of them, he could not help thinking that his first sight of her had been prophetic, certainly dramatic.
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading Afterwards, when he looked back and considered how large a part she had played, if indirectly, in his life, and for that matter in the lives of all of them, he could not help thinking that his first sight of her had been prophetic, certainly dramatic.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Afterwards, when he looked back and considered how large a part she had played, if indirectly, in his life, and for that matter in the lives of all of them, he could not help thinking that his first sight of her had been prophetic, certainly dramatic.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading LILITH OF OLD Roland made during this week the acquaintance of several members of the family who had hitherto been only names to him.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading There was Gerald’s uncle Arnold, a long mean-faced man, and his wife, Beatrice.
used in negative statement to describe a situation that has existed up to this point or up to the present time
From this reading LILITH OF OLD Roland made during this week the acquaintance of several members of the family who had hitherto been only names to him.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Afterwards, when he looked back and considered how large a part she had played, if indirectly, in his life, and for that matter in the lives of all of them, he could not help thinking that his first sight of her had been prophetic, certainly dramatic.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Afterwards, when he looked back and considered how large a part she had played, if indirectly, in his life, and for that matter in the lives of all of them, he could not help thinking that his first sight of her had been prophetic, certainly dramatic.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Afterwards, when he looked back and considered how large a part she had played, if indirectly, in his life, and for that matter in the lives of all of them, he could not help thinking that his first sight of her had been prophetic, certainly dramatic.
indirectlyadverbUS /ˌɪndərˈektliː/
not in a forthright manner
From this reading Afterwards, when he looked back and considered how large a part she had played, if indirectly, in his life, and for that matter in the lives of all of them, he could not help thinking that his first sight of her had been prophetic, certainly dramatic.
past form of “insist” — be emphatic or resolute and refuse to budge
From this reading He had just arrived, had been met by Muriel and Mr. Marston and his brother in the hall, and Muriel had insisted on taking him away at once to see her rabbits.
and nothing more
From this reading He had just arrived, had been met by Muriel and Mr. Marston and his brother in the hall, and Muriel had insisted on taking him away at once to see her rabbits.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Afterwards, when he looked back and considered how large a part she had played, if indirectly, in his life, and for that matter in the lives of all of them, he could not help thinking that his first sight of her had been prophetic, certainly dramatic.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Afterwards, when he looked back and considered how large a part she had played, if indirectly, in his life, and for that matter in the lives of all of them, he could not help thinking that his first sight of her had been prophetic, certainly dramatic.
LILITHnounUS /ˈlɪlɪθ/
in ancient Semitic folklore: a female demon who attacks children
From this reading LILITH OF OLD Roland made during this week the acquaintance of several members of the family who had hitherto been only names to him.
plural of “life” — a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Afterwards, when he looked back and considered how large a part she had played, if indirectly, in his life, and for that matter in the lives of all of them, he could not help thinking that his first sight of her had been prophetic, certainly dramatic.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading There was Gerald’s uncle Arnold, a long mean-faced man, and his wife, Beatrice.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading Afterwards, when he looked back and considered how large a part she had played, if indirectly, in his life, and for that matter in the lives of all of them, he could not help thinking that his first sight of her had been prophetic, certainly dramatic.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading LILITH OF OLD Roland made during this week the acquaintance of several members of the family who had hitherto been only names to him.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading There was Gerald’s uncle Arnold, a long mean-faced man, and his wife, Beatrice.
Marston
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had just arrived, had been met by Muriel and Mr. Marston and his brother in the hall, and Muriel had insisted on taking him away at once to see her rabbits.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading Afterwards, when he looked back and considered how large a part she had played, if indirectly, in his life, and for that matter in the lives of all of them, he could not help thinking that his first sight of her had been prophetic, certainly dramatic.
mean-faced
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was Gerald’s uncle Arnold, a long mean-faced man, and his wife, Beatrice.
plural of “member” — one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)
From this reading LILITH OF OLD Roland made during this week the acquaintance of several members of the family who had hitherto been only names to him.
inflected form of “meet” — come together
From this reading He had just arrived, had been met by Muriel and Mr. Marston and his brother in the hall, and Muriel had insisted on taking him away at once to see her rabbits.
a form of address for a man
From this reading He had just arrived, had been met by Muriel and Mr. Marston and his brother in the hall, and Muriel had insisted on taking him away at once to see her rabbits.
Muriel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had just arrived, had been met by Muriel and Mr. Marston and his brother in the hall, and Muriel had insisted on taking him away at once to see her rabbits.
verbal abuse; a crude substitute for argument
From this reading LILITH OF OLD Roland made during this week the acquaintance of several members of the family who had hitherto been only names to him.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Afterwards, when he looked back and considered how large a part she had played, if indirectly, in his life, and for that matter in the lives of all of them, he could not help thinking that his first sight of her had been prophetic, certainly dramatic.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading LILITH OF OLD Roland made during this week the acquaintance of several members of the family who had hitherto been only names to him.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading LILITH OF OLD Roland made during this week the acquaintance of several members of the family who had hitherto been only names to him.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading He had just arrived, had been met by Muriel and Mr. Marston and his brother in the hall, and Muriel had insisted on taking him away at once to see her rabbits.
on one occasion
From this reading He had just arrived, had been met by Muriel and Mr. Marston and his brother in the hall, and Muriel had insisted on taking him away at once to see her rabbits.
and nothing more
From this reading LILITH OF OLD Roland made during this week the acquaintance of several members of the family who had hitherto been only names to him.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading Afterwards, when he looked back and considered how large a part she had played, if indirectly, in his life, and for that matter in the lives of all of them, he could not help thinking that his first sight of her had been prophetic, certainly dramatic.
(of games) engaged in
From this reading Afterwards, when he looked back and considered how large a part she had played, if indirectly, in his life, and for that matter in the lives of all of them, he could not help thinking that his first sight of her had been prophetic, certainly dramatic.
propheticadjectiveUS /prəˈfetɪk/
foretelling events as if by supernatural intervention
From this reading Afterwards, when he looked back and considered how large a part she had played, if indirectly, in his life, and for that matter in the lives of all of them, he could not help thinking that his first sight of her had been prophetic, certainly dramatic.
rabbitsnounUS /ˈræbəts/
plural of “rabbit” — any of various burrowing animals of the family Leporidae having long ears and short tails; some domesticated and raised for pets or food
From this reading He had just arrived, had been met by Muriel and Mr. Marston and his brother in the hall, and Muriel had insisted on taking him away at once to see her rabbits.
(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point
From this reading She had come to regard him as her special friend.
Roland
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading LILITH OF OLD Roland made during this week the acquaintance of several members of the family who had hitherto been only names to him.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading He had just arrived, had been met by Muriel and Mr. Marston and his brother in the hall, and Muriel had insisted on taking him away at once to see her rabbits.
(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many
From this reading LILITH OF OLD Roland made during this week the acquaintance of several members of the family who had hitherto been only names to him.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Afterwards, when he looked back and considered how large a part she had played, if indirectly, in his life, and for that matter in the lives of all of them, he could not help thinking that his first sight of her had been prophetic, certainly dramatic.
an instance of visual perception
From this reading Afterwards, when he looked back and considered how large a part she had played, if indirectly, in his life, and for that matter in the lives of all of them, he could not help thinking that his first sight of her had been prophetic, certainly dramatic.
unique or specific to a person or thing or category
From this reading She had come to regard him as her special friend.
the act of someone who picks up or takes something
From this reading He had just arrived, had been met by Muriel and Mr. Marston and his brother in the hall, and Muriel had insisted on taking him away at once to see her rabbits.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Afterwards, when he looked back and considered how large a part she had played, if indirectly, in his life, and for that matter in the lives of all of them, he could not help thinking that his first sight of her had been prophetic, certainly dramatic.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading LILITH OF OLD Roland made during this week the acquaintance of several members of the family who had hitherto been only names to him.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Afterwards, when he looked back and considered how large a part she had played, if indirectly, in his life, and for that matter in the lives of all of them, he could not help thinking that his first sight of her had been prophetic, certainly dramatic.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There was Gerald’s uncle Arnold, a long mean-faced man, and his wife, Beatrice.
the process of using your mind to consider something carefully
From this reading Afterwards, when he looked back and considered how large a part she had played, if indirectly, in his life, and for that matter in the lives of all of them, he could not help thinking that his first sight of her had been prophetic, certainly dramatic.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading LILITH OF OLD Roland made during this week the acquaintance of several members of the family who had hitherto been only names to him.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading LILITH OF OLD Roland made during this week the acquaintance of several members of the family who had hitherto been only names to him.
the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt
From this reading There was Gerald’s uncle Arnold, a long mean-faced man, and his wife, Beatrice.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading There was Gerald’s uncle Arnold, a long mean-faced man, and his wife, Beatrice.
any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading LILITH OF OLD Roland made during this week the acquaintance of several members of the family who had hitherto been only names to him.
at the time that
From this reading Afterwards, when he looked back and considered how large a part she had played, if indirectly, in his life, and for that matter in the lives of all of them, he could not help thinking that his first sight of her had been prophetic, certainly dramatic.
which person or people
From this reading LILITH OF OLD Roland made during this week the acquaintance of several members of the family who had hitherto been only names to him.
a married woman; a man's partner in marriage
From this reading There was Gerald’s uncle Arnold, a long mean-faced man, and his wife, Beatrice.
