acquaintancesnounUS /əˈkweɪntənsɪz/
plural of “acquaintance” — personal knowledge or information about someone or something
From this reading Ruth, on her part did not worry over this, but suggested, coldly, that it would be an almost infinite relief if two-thirds of their calling acquaintances would continue frightened for the rest of their lives.
anew
From this reading What was reasonable caution at first became not only annoying but ludicrous, as the weeks went by, and common-sense suggested that all possibility of danger from contact with them was past; there were those who _could not_ believe that it would ever be safe to call on them again.
(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 What was reasonable caution at first became not only annoying but ludicrous, as the weeks went by, and common-sense suggested that all possibility of danger from contact with them was past; there were those who _could not_ believe that it would ever be safe to call on them again.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading Ruth, on her part did not worry over this, but suggested, coldly, that it would be an almost infinite relief if two-thirds of their calling acquaintances would continue frightened for the rest of their lives.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Ruth, on her part did not worry over this, but suggested, coldly, that it would be an almost infinite relief if two-thirds of their calling acquaintances would continue frightened for the rest of their lives.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading What was reasonable caution at first became not only annoying but ludicrous, as the weeks went by, and common-sense suggested that all possibility of danger from contact with them was past; there were those who _could not_ believe that it would ever be safe to call on them again.
annoyingadjectiveUS /əˈnɔɪɪŋ/
causing irritation or annoyance
From this reading What was reasonable caution at first became not only annoying but ludicrous, as the weeks went by, and common-sense suggested that all possibility of danger from contact with them was past; there were those who _could not_ believe that it would ever be safe to call on them again.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading What was reasonable caution at first became not only annoying but ludicrous, as the weeks went by, and common-sense suggested that all possibility of danger from contact with them was past; there were those who _could not_ believe that it would ever be safe to call on them again.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading What was reasonable caution at first became not only annoying but ludicrous, as the weeks went by, and common-sense suggested that all possibility of danger from contact with them was past; there were those who _could not_ believe that it would ever be safe to call on them again.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading IT took some time for the Erskines to find their way back into the world—rather it took the world many weeks to be willing to receive them.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading IT took some time for the Erskines to find their way back into the world—rather it took the world many weeks to be willing to receive them.
inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading What was reasonable caution at first became not only annoying but ludicrous, as the weeks went by, and common-sense suggested that all possibility of danger from contact with them was past; there were those who _could not_ believe that it would ever be safe to call on them again.
accept as true; take to be true
From this reading What was reasonable caution at first became not only annoying but ludicrous, as the weeks went by, and common-sense suggested that all possibility of danger from contact with them was past; there were those who _could not_ believe that it would ever be safe to call on them again.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading What was reasonable caution at first became not only annoying but ludicrous, as the weeks went by, and common-sense suggested that all possibility of danger from contact with them was past; there were those who _could not_ believe that it would ever be safe to call on them again.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading What was reasonable caution at first became not only annoying but ludicrous, as the weeks went by, and common-sense suggested that all possibility of danger from contact with them was past; there were those who _could not_ believe that it would ever be safe to call on them again.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading What was reasonable caution at first became not only annoying but ludicrous, as the weeks went by, and common-sense suggested that all possibility of danger from contact with them was past; there were those who _could not_ believe that it would ever be safe to call on them again.
the particular occupation for which you are trained
From this reading Ruth, on her part did not worry over this, but suggested, coldly, that it would be an almost infinite relief if two-thirds of their calling acquaintances would continue frightened for the rest of their lives.
cautionnounUS /ˈkɑːʃən/
the trait of being cautious; being attentive to possible danger
From this reading What was reasonable caution at first became not only annoying but ludicrous, as the weeks went by, and common-sense suggested that all possibility of danger from contact with them was past; there were those who _could not_ believe that it would ever be safe to call on them again.
coldlyadverbUS /ˈkoʊldli/
lacking warmth of feeling; in a cold, unemotional manner
From this reading Ruth, on her part did not worry over this, but suggested, coldly, that it would be an almost infinite relief if two-thirds of their calling acquaintances would continue frightened for the rest of their lives.
common-sense
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading What was reasonable caution at first became not only annoying but ludicrous, as the weeks went by, and common-sense suggested that all possibility of danger from contact with them was past; there were those who _could not_ believe that it would ever be safe to call on them again.
contactnounUS /ˈkɑːntækt/
close interaction
From this reading What was reasonable caution at first became not only annoying but ludicrous, as the weeks went by, and common-sense suggested that all possibility of danger from contact with them was past; there were those who _could not_ believe that it would ever be safe to call on them again.
continue a certain state, condition, or activity
From this reading Ruth, on her part did not worry over this, but suggested, coldly, that it would be an almost infinite relief if two-thirds of their calling acquaintances would continue frightened for the rest of their lives.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading What was reasonable caution at first became not only annoying but ludicrous, as the weeks went by, and common-sense suggested that all possibility of danger from contact with them was past; there were those who _could not_ believe that it would ever be safe to call on them again.
the condition of being susceptible to harm or injury
From this reading What was reasonable caution at first became not only annoying but ludicrous, as the weeks went by, and common-sense suggested that all possibility of danger from contact with them was past; there were those who _could not_ believe that it would ever be safe to call on them again.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Ruth, on her part did not worry over this, but suggested, coldly, that it would be an almost infinite relief if two-thirds of their calling acquaintances would continue frightened for the rest of their lives.
of concern to or concerning the internal affairs of a nation
From this reading In the domestic world it made more trouble.
Erskines
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IT took some time for the Erskines to find their way back into the world—rather it took the world many weeks to be willing to receive them.
at any time
From this reading What was reasonable caution at first became not only annoying but ludicrous, as the weeks went by, and common-sense suggested that all possibility of danger from contact with them was past; there were those who _could not_ believe that it would ever be safe to call on them again.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading IT took some time for the Erskines to find their way back into the world—rather it took the world many weeks to be willing to receive them.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading What was reasonable caution at first became not only annoying but ludicrous, as the weeks went by, and common-sense suggested that all possibility of danger from contact with them was past; there were those who _could not_ believe that it would ever be safe to call on them again.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading IT took some time for the Erskines to find their way back into the world—rather it took the world many weeks to be willing to receive them.
made afraid
From this reading Ruth, on her part did not worry over this, but suggested, coldly, that it would be an almost infinite relief if two-thirds of their calling acquaintances would continue frightened for the rest of their lives.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading What was reasonable caution at first became not only annoying but ludicrous, as the weeks went by, and common-sense suggested that all possibility of danger from contact with them was past; there were those who _could not_ believe that it would ever be safe to call on them again.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Ruth, on her part did not worry over this, but suggested, coldly, that it would be an almost infinite relief if two-thirds of their calling acquaintances would continue frightened for the rest of their lives.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Ruth, on her part did not worry over this, but suggested, coldly, that it would be an almost infinite relief if two-thirds of their calling acquaintances would continue frightened for the rest of their lives.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In the domestic world it made more trouble.
infiniteadjectiveUS /ˈɪnfənət/
having no limits or boundaries in time or space or extent or magnitude
From this reading Ruth, on her part did not worry over this, but suggested, coldly, that it would be an almost infinite relief if two-thirds of their calling acquaintances would continue frightened for the rest of their lives.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading IT took some time for the Erskines to find their way back into the world—rather it took the world many weeks to be willing to receive them.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading IT took some time for the Erskines to find their way back into the world—rather it took the world many weeks to be willing to receive them.
plural of “life” — a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Ruth, on her part did not worry over this, but suggested, coldly, that it would be an almost infinite relief if two-thirds of their calling acquaintances would continue frightened for the rest of their lives.
ludicrousadjectiveUS /ˈluːdəkrəs/
broadly or extravagantly humorous; resembling farce
From this reading What was reasonable caution at first became not only annoying but ludicrous, as the weeks went by, and common-sense suggested that all possibility of danger from contact with them was past; there were those who _could not_ believe that it would ever be safe to call on them again.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading In the domestic world it made more trouble.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading IT took some time for the Erskines to find their way back into the world—rather it took the world many weeks to be willing to receive them.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading In the domestic world it made more trouble.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading What was reasonable caution at first became not only annoying but ludicrous, as the weeks went by, and common-sense suggested that all possibility of danger from contact with them was past; there were those who _could not_ believe that it would ever be safe to call on them again.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading What was reasonable caution at first became not only annoying but ludicrous, as the weeks went by, and common-sense suggested that all possibility of danger from contact with them was past; there were those who _could not_ believe that it would ever be safe to call on them again.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading What was reasonable caution at first became not only annoying but ludicrous, as the weeks went by, and common-sense suggested that all possibility of danger from contact with them was past; there were those who _could not_ believe that it would ever be safe to call on them again.
and nothing more
From this reading What was reasonable caution at first became not only annoying but ludicrous, as the weeks went by, and common-sense suggested that all possibility of danger from contact with them was past; there were those who _could not_ believe that it would ever be safe to call on them again.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Ruth, on her part did not worry over this, but suggested, coldly, that it would be an almost infinite relief if two-thirds of their calling acquaintances would continue frightened for the rest of their lives.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading Ruth, on her part did not worry over this, but suggested, coldly, that it would be an almost infinite relief if two-thirds of their calling acquaintances would continue frightened for the rest of their lives.
the time that has elapsed
From this reading What was reasonable caution at first became not only annoying but ludicrous, as the weeks went by, and common-sense suggested that all possibility of danger from contact with them was past; there were those who _could not_ believe that it would ever be safe to call on them again.
a future prospect or potential
From this reading What was reasonable caution at first became not only annoying but ludicrous, as the weeks went by, and common-sense suggested that all possibility of danger from contact with them was past; there were those who _could not_ believe that it would ever be safe to call on them again.
on the contrary
From this reading IT took some time for the Erskines to find their way back into the world—rather it took the world many weeks to be willing to receive them.
reasonableadjectiveUS /ˈriːzənəbəl/
showing reason or sound judgment
From this reading What was reasonable caution at first became not only annoying but ludicrous, as the weeks went by, and common-sense suggested that all possibility of danger from contact with them was past; there were those who _could not_ believe that it would ever be safe to call on them again.
get something; come into possession of
From this reading IT took some time for the Erskines to find their way back into the world—rather it took the world many weeks to be willing to receive them.
the feeling that comes when something burdensome is removed or reduced
From this reading Ruth, on her part did not worry over this, but suggested, coldly, that it would be an almost infinite relief if two-thirds of their calling acquaintances would continue frightened for the rest of their lives.
not move; be in a resting position
From this reading Ruth, on her part did not worry over this, but suggested, coldly, that it would be an almost infinite relief if two-thirds of their calling acquaintances would continue frightened for the rest of their lives.
RESTSnounUS /rests/
plural of “rest” — something left after other parts have been taken away
From this reading RESTS.
United States professional baseball player famous for hitting home runs (1895-1948)
From this reading Ruth, on her part did not worry over this, but suggested, coldly, that it would be an almost infinite relief if two-thirds of their calling acquaintances would continue frightened for the rest of their lives.
free from danger or the risk of harm
From this reading What was reasonable caution at first became not only annoying but ludicrous, as the weeks went by, and common-sense suggested that all possibility of danger from contact with them was past; there were those who _could not_ believe that it would ever be safe to call on them again.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading IT took some time for the Erskines to find their way back into the world—rather it took the world many weeks to be willing to receive them.
past form of “suggest” — make a proposal, declare a plan for something
From this reading What was reasonable caution at first became not only annoying but ludicrous, as the weeks went by, and common-sense suggested that all possibility of danger from contact with them was past; there were those who _could not_ believe that it would ever be safe to call on them again.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading What was reasonable caution at first became not only annoying but ludicrous, as the weeks went by, and common-sense suggested that all possibility of danger from contact with them was past; there were those who _could not_ believe that it would ever be safe to call on them again.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading IT took some time for the Erskines to find their way back into the world—rather it took the world many weeks to be willing to receive them.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading IT took some time for the Erskines to find their way back into the world—rather it took the world many weeks to be willing to receive them.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading IT took some time for the Erskines to find their way back into the world—rather it took the world many weeks to be willing to receive them.
in or at that place or location
From this reading What was reasonable caution at first became not only annoying but ludicrous, as the weeks went by, and common-sense suggested that all possibility of danger from contact with them was past; there were those who _could not_ believe that it would ever be safe to call on them again.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Ruth, on her part did not worry over this, but suggested, coldly, that it would be an almost infinite relief if two-thirds of their calling acquaintances would continue frightened for the rest of their lives.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading What was reasonable caution at first became not only annoying but ludicrous, as the weeks went by, and common-sense suggested that all possibility of danger from contact with them was past; there were those who _could not_ believe that it would ever be safe to call on them again.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading IT took some time for the Erskines to find their way back into the world—rather it took the world many weeks to be willing to receive them.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading IT took some time for the Erskines to find their way back into the world—rather it took the world many weeks to be willing to receive them.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading IT took some time for the Erskines to find their way back into the world—rather it took the world many weeks to be willing to receive them.
a source of difficulty
From this reading In the domestic world it made more trouble.
two-thirdsnounUS /ˌtuːˈθɜːrdz/
two of three equal parts of a divisible whole
From this reading Ruth, on her part did not worry over this, but suggested, coldly, that it would be an almost infinite relief if two-thirds of their calling acquaintances would continue frightened for the rest of their lives.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading What was reasonable caution at first became not only annoying but ludicrous, as the weeks went by, and common-sense suggested that all possibility of danger from contact with them was past; there were those who _could not_ believe that it would ever be safe to call on them again.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading IT took some time for the Erskines to find their way back into the world—rather it took the world many weeks to be willing to receive them.
plural of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading IT took some time for the Erskines to find their way back into the world—rather it took the world many weeks to be willing to receive them.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading What was reasonable caution at first became not only annoying but ludicrous, as the weeks went by, and common-sense suggested that all possibility of danger from contact with them was past; there were those who _could not_ believe that it would ever be safe to call on them again.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading What was reasonable caution at first became not only annoying but ludicrous, as the weeks went by, and common-sense suggested that all possibility of danger from contact with them was past; there were those who _could not_ believe that it would ever be safe to call on them again.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading What was reasonable caution at first became not only annoying but ludicrous, as the weeks went by, and common-sense suggested that all possibility of danger from contact with them was past; there were those who _could not_ believe that it would ever be safe to call on them again.
which person or people
From this reading What was reasonable caution at first became not only annoying but ludicrous, as the weeks went by, and common-sense suggested that all possibility of danger from contact with them was past; there were those who _could not_ believe that it would ever be safe to call on them again.
disposed or inclined toward
From this reading IT took some time for the Erskines to find their way back into the world—rather it took the world many weeks to be willing to receive them.
in the company of; together with
From this reading What was reasonable caution at first became not only annoying but ludicrous, as the weeks went by, and common-sense suggested that all possibility of danger from contact with them was past; there were those who _could not_ believe that it would ever be safe to call on them again.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading IT took some time for the Erskines to find their way back into the world—rather it took the world many weeks to be willing to receive them.
be worried, concerned, anxious, troubled, or uneasy
From this reading Ruth, on her part did not worry over this, but suggested, coldly, that it would be an almost infinite relief if two-thirds of their calling acquaintances would continue frightened for the rest of their lives.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading What was reasonable caution at first became not only annoying but ludicrous, as the weeks went by, and common-sense suggested that all possibility of danger from contact with them was past; there were those who _could not_ believe that it would ever be safe to call on them again.
