used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Silent the girls sat, occasionally interchanging a remark respecting the dress of some lady; and as a witticism was sure to follow from Rose, which Blanche was afraid might be overheard, even this sort of conversation was sparing, though so much food was offered.
AboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading About three quarters of an hour before, Rose and Blanche were seated on an ottoman, between two elderly women, ugly enough to be erudite, and repulsive enough to forbid any attempt at conversation.
having fair knowledge of
From this reading HOW ROSE BECAME ACQUAINTED WITH OUR UGLY HERO.
filled with fear or apprehension
From this reading Silent the girls sat, occasionally interchanging a remark respecting the dress of some lady; and as a witticism was sure to follow from Rose, which Blanche was afraid might be overheard, even this sort of conversation was sparing, though so much food was offered.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading About three quarters of an hour before, Rose and Blanche were seated on an ottoman, between two elderly women, ugly enough to be erudite, and repulsive enough to forbid any attempt at conversation.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading About three quarters of an hour before, Rose and Blanche were seated on an ottoman, between two elderly women, ugly enough to be erudite, and repulsive enough to forbid any attempt at conversation.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading About three quarters of an hour before, Rose and Blanche were seated on an ottoman, between two elderly women, ugly enough to be erudite, and repulsive enough to forbid any attempt at conversation.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Silent the girls sat, occasionally interchanging a remark respecting the dress of some lady; and as a witticism was sure to follow from Rose, which Blanche was afraid might be overheard, even this sort of conversation was sparing, though so much food was offered.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading About three quarters of an hour before, Rose and Blanche were seated on an ottoman, between two elderly women, ugly enough to be erudite, and repulsive enough to forbid any attempt at conversation.
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading About three quarters of an hour before, Rose and Blanche were seated on an ottoman, between two elderly women, ugly enough to be erudite, and repulsive enough to forbid any attempt at conversation.
avoidedverbUS /əˈvɔɪdɪd/
past form of “avoid” — stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something
From this reading They knew scarcely any one, for their stepmother studiously avoided introducing them.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading About three quarters of an hour before, Rose and Blanche were seated on an ottoman, between two elderly women, ugly enough to be erudite, and repulsive enough to forbid any attempt at conversation.
inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading HOW ROSE BECAME ACQUAINTED WITH OUR UGLY HERO.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading About three quarters of an hour before, Rose and Blanche were seated on an ottoman, between two elderly women, ugly enough to be erudite, and repulsive enough to forbid any attempt at conversation.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading About three quarters of an hour before, Rose and Blanche were seated on an ottoman, between two elderly women, ugly enough to be erudite, and repulsive enough to forbid any attempt at conversation.
Blanche
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading About three quarters of an hour before, Rose and Blanche were seated on an ottoman, between two elderly women, ugly enough to be erudite, and repulsive enough to forbid any attempt at conversation.
the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.
From this reading About three quarters of an hour before, Rose and Blanche were seated on an ottoman, between two elderly women, ugly enough to be erudite, and repulsive enough to forbid any attempt at conversation.
put on clothes
From this reading Silent the girls sat, occasionally interchanging a remark respecting the dress of some lady; and as a witticism was sure to follow from Rose, which Blanche was afraid might be overheard, even this sort of conversation was sparing, though so much food was offered.
elderlyadjectiveUS /ˈeldərli/
advanced in years; (“aged” is pronounced as two syllables)
From this reading About three quarters of an hour before, Rose and Blanche were seated on an ottoman, between two elderly women, ugly enough to be erudite, and repulsive enough to forbid any attempt at conversation.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading About three quarters of an hour before, Rose and Blanche were seated on an ottoman, between two elderly women, ugly enough to be erudite, and repulsive enough to forbid any attempt at conversation.
eruditeadjectiveUS /ˈerədaɪt/
having or showing profound knowledge
From this reading About three quarters of an hour before, Rose and Blanche were seated on an ottoman, between two elderly women, ugly enough to be erudite, and repulsive enough to forbid any attempt at conversation.
divisible by two
From this reading Silent the girls sat, occasionally interchanging a remark respecting the dress of some lady; and as a witticism was sure to follow from Rose, which Blanche was afraid might be overheard, even this sort of conversation was sparing, though so much food was offered.
to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading Silent the girls sat, occasionally interchanging a remark respecting the dress of some lady; and as a witticism was sure to follow from Rose, which Blanche was afraid might be overheard, even this sort of conversation was sparing, though so much food was offered.
any substance that can be metabolized by an animal to give energy and build tissue
From this reading Silent the girls sat, occasionally interchanging a remark respecting the dress of some lady; and as a witticism was sure to follow from Rose, which Blanche was afraid might be overheard, even this sort of conversation was sparing, though so much food was offered.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading They knew scarcely any one, for their stepmother studiously avoided introducing them.
forbidverbUS /fərˈbɪd/
command against
From this reading About three quarters of an hour before, Rose and Blanche were seated on an ottoman, between two elderly women, ugly enough to be erudite, and repulsive enough to forbid any attempt at conversation.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Silent the girls sat, occasionally interchanging a remark respecting the dress of some lady; and as a witticism was sure to follow from Rose, which Blanche was afraid might be overheard, even this sort of conversation was sparing, though so much food was offered.
plural of “girl” — a young female
From this reading Silent the girls sat, occasionally interchanging a remark respecting the dress of some lady; and as a witticism was sure to follow from Rose, which Blanche was afraid might be overheard, even this sort of conversation was sparing, though so much food was offered.
a man distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength
From this reading HOW ROSE BECAME ACQUAINTED WITH OUR UGLY HERO.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading About three quarters of an hour before, Rose and Blanche were seated on an ottoman, between two elderly women, ugly enough to be erudite, and repulsive enough to forbid any attempt at conversation.
HOW
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading HOW ROSE BECAME ACQUAINTED WITH OUR UGLY HERO.
interchanging
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Silent the girls sat, occasionally interchanging a remark respecting the dress of some lady; and as a witticism was sure to follow from Rose, which Blanche was afraid might be overheard, even this sort of conversation was sparing, though so much food was offered.
introducingverbUS /ˌɪntrəˈduːsɪŋ/
-ing form of “introduce” — cause to come to know personally
From this reading They knew scarcely any one, for their stepmother studiously avoided introducing them.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading They knew scarcely any one, for their stepmother studiously avoided introducing them.
a polite name for any woman
From this reading Silent the girls sat, occasionally interchanging a remark respecting the dress of some lady; and as a witticism was sure to follow from Rose, which Blanche was afraid might be overheard, even this sort of conversation was sparing, though so much food was offered.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Silent the girls sat, occasionally interchanging a remark respecting the dress of some lady; and as a witticism was sure to follow from Rose, which Blanche was afraid might be overheard, even this sort of conversation was sparing, though so much food was offered.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading Silent the girls sat, occasionally interchanging a remark respecting the dress of some lady; and as a witticism was sure to follow from Rose, which Blanche was afraid might be overheard, even this sort of conversation was sparing, though so much food was offered.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Not a soul spoke to them.
sporadically and infrequently
From this reading Silent the girls sat, occasionally interchanging a remark respecting the dress of some lady; and as a witticism was sure to follow from Rose, which Blanche was afraid might be overheard, even this sort of conversation was sparing, though so much food was offered.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading About three quarters of an hour before, Rose and Blanche were seated on an ottoman, between two elderly women, ugly enough to be erudite, and repulsive enough to forbid any attempt at conversation.
past form of “offer” — make available or accessible, provide or furnish
From this reading Silent the girls sat, occasionally interchanging a remark respecting the dress of some lady; and as a witticism was sure to follow from Rose, which Blanche was afraid might be overheard, even this sort of conversation was sparing, though so much food was offered.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading About three quarters of an hour before, Rose and Blanche were seated on an ottoman, between two elderly women, ugly enough to be erudite, and repulsive enough to forbid any attempt at conversation.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading They knew scarcely any one, for their stepmother studiously avoided introducing them.
ottomannounUS /ˈɑːtəmən/
a Turk (especially a Turk who is a member of the tribe of Osman I)
From this reading About three quarters of an hour before, Rose and Blanche were seated on an ottoman, between two elderly women, ugly enough to be erudite, and repulsive enough to forbid any attempt at conversation.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading HOW ROSE BECAME ACQUAINTED WITH OUR UGLY HERO.
overheardverbUS /ˈoʊvərˈhɜːrd/
inflected form of “overhear” — hear, usually without the knowledge of the speakers
From this reading Silent the girls sat, occasionally interchanging a remark respecting the dress of some lady; and as a witticism was sure to follow from Rose, which Blanche was afraid might be overheard, even this sort of conversation was sparing, though so much food was offered.
housing available for people to live in
From this reading About three quarters of an hour before, Rose and Blanche were seated on an ottoman, between two elderly women, ugly enough to be erudite, and repulsive enough to forbid any attempt at conversation.
a statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief or adds information
From this reading Silent the girls sat, occasionally interchanging a remark respecting the dress of some lady; and as a witticism was sure to follow from Rose, which Blanche was afraid might be overheard, even this sort of conversation was sparing, though so much food was offered.
repulsiveadjectiveUS /riˈpʌlsɪv/
offensive to the mind
From this reading About three quarters of an hour before, Rose and Blanche were seated on an ottoman, between two elderly women, ugly enough to be erudite, and repulsive enough to forbid any attempt at conversation.
respectingverbUS /riˈspektɪŋ/
-ing form of “respect” — regard highly; think much of
From this reading Silent the girls sat, occasionally interchanging a remark respecting the dress of some lady; and as a witticism was sure to follow from Rose, which Blanche was afraid might be overheard, even this sort of conversation was sparing, though so much food was offered.
any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses
From this reading HOW ROSE BECAME ACQUAINTED WITH OUR UGLY HERO.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading Silent the girls sat, occasionally interchanging a remark respecting the dress of some lady; and as a witticism was sure to follow from Rose, which Blanche was afraid might be overheard, even this sort of conversation was sparing, though so much food was offered.
only a very short time before
From this reading They knew scarcely any one, for their stepmother studiously avoided introducing them.
(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks
From this reading About three quarters of an hour before, Rose and Blanche were seated on an ottoman, between two elderly women, ugly enough to be erudite, and repulsive enough to forbid any attempt at conversation.
marked by absence of sound
From this reading Silent the girls sat, occasionally interchanging a remark respecting the dress of some lady; and as a witticism was sure to follow from Rose, which Blanche was afraid might be overheard, even this sort of conversation was sparing, though so much food was offered.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Silent the girls sat, occasionally interchanging a remark respecting the dress of some lady; and as a witticism was sure to follow from Rose, which Blanche was afraid might be overheard, even this sort of conversation was sparing, though so much food was offered.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Silent the girls sat, occasionally interchanging a remark respecting the dress of some lady; and as a witticism was sure to follow from Rose, which Blanche was afraid might be overheard, even this sort of conversation was sparing, though so much food was offered.
a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading Silent the girls sat, occasionally interchanging a remark respecting the dress of some lady; and as a witticism was sure to follow from Rose, which Blanche was afraid might be overheard, even this sort of conversation was sparing, though so much food was offered.
the immaterial part of a person; the actuating cause of an individual life
From this reading Not a soul spoke to them.
sparingadjectiveUS /ˈsperɪŋ/
avoiding waste
From this reading Silent the girls sat, occasionally interchanging a remark respecting the dress of some lady; and as a witticism was sure to follow from Rose, which Blanche was afraid might be overheard, even this sort of conversation was sparing, though so much food was offered.
support consisting of a radial member of a wheel joining the hub to the rim
From this reading Not a soul spoke to them.
stepmothernounUS /ˈstepmʌðər/
the wife of your father by a subsequent marriage
From this reading They knew scarcely any one, for their stepmother studiously avoided introducing them.
studiouslyadverbUS /ˈstuːdiəsli/
in a studious manner
From this reading They knew scarcely any one, for their stepmother studiously avoided introducing them.
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading Silent the girls sat, occasionally interchanging a remark respecting the dress of some lady; and as a witticism was sure to follow from Rose, which Blanche was afraid might be overheard, even this sort of conversation was sparing, though so much food was offered.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Silent the girls sat, occasionally interchanging a remark respecting the dress of some lady; and as a witticism was sure to follow from Rose, which Blanche was afraid might be overheard, even this sort of conversation was sparing, though so much food was offered.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading They knew scarcely any one, for their stepmother studiously avoided introducing them.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Not a soul spoke to them.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They knew scarcely any one, for their stepmother studiously avoided introducing them.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Silent the girls sat, occasionally interchanging a remark respecting the dress of some lady; and as a witticism was sure to follow from Rose, which Blanche was afraid might be overheard, even this sort of conversation was sparing, though so much food was offered.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Silent the girls sat, occasionally interchanging a remark respecting the dress of some lady; and as a witticism was sure to follow from Rose, which Blanche was afraid might be overheard, even this sort of conversation was sparing, though so much food was offered.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading About three quarters of an hour before, Rose and Blanche were seated on an ottoman, between two elderly women, ugly enough to be erudite, and repulsive enough to forbid any attempt at conversation.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading About three quarters of an hour before, Rose and Blanche were seated on an ottoman, between two elderly women, ugly enough to be erudite, and repulsive enough to forbid any attempt at conversation.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading About three quarters of an hour before, Rose and Blanche were seated on an ottoman, between two elderly women, ugly enough to be erudite, and repulsive enough to forbid any attempt at conversation.
displeasing to the senses
From this reading HOW ROSE BECAME ACQUAINTED WITH OUR UGLY HERO.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Silent the girls sat, occasionally interchanging a remark respecting the dress of some lady; and as a witticism was sure to follow from Rose, which Blanche was afraid might be overheard, even this sort of conversation was sparing, though so much food was offered.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading About three quarters of an hour before, Rose and Blanche were seated on an ottoman, between two elderly women, ugly enough to be erudite, and repulsive enough to forbid any attempt at conversation.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Silent the girls sat, occasionally interchanging a remark respecting the dress of some lady; and as a witticism was sure to follow from Rose, which Blanche was afraid might be overheard, even this sort of conversation was sparing, though so much food was offered.
in the company of; together with
From this reading HOW ROSE BECAME ACQUAINTED WITH OUR UGLY HERO.
witticismnoun
a message whose ingenuity or verbal skill or incongruity has the power to evoke laughter
From this reading Silent the girls sat, occasionally interchanging a remark respecting the dress of some lady; and as a witticism was sure to follow from Rose, which Blanche was afraid might be overheard, even this sort of conversation was sparing, though so much food was offered.
plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading About three quarters of an hour before, Rose and Blanche were seated on an ottoman, between two elderly women, ugly enough to be erudite, and repulsive enough to forbid any attempt at conversation.
