used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A SNAKE IN THE GRASS His studies were soon interrupted by the rustle of a dress on the staircase.
filled with fear or apprehension
From this reading She must have read his disappointment in his face; for she looked half-amused, half-provoked, and there was no less malice than mirth in her eyes while she observed-- "Blanche will be down directly, General, and don't be afraid I shall interrupt your _tête-à-tête_, for I am going away as soon as I've written a note.
(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 You can rehearse all the charming things you have got to say in the meantime."
the form of “be” used with “I”
From this reading She must have read his disappointment in his face; for she looked half-amused, half-provoked, and there was no less malice than mirth in her eyes while she observed-- "Blanche will be down directly, General, and don't be afraid I shall interrupt your _tête-à-tête_, for I am going away as soon as I've written a note.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading With difficulty he forbore rushing out to meet its wearer, but managed to preserve the composure of an ordinary morning visitor, when the door opened, and--enter Mrs. Lushington!
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading With difficulty he forbore rushing out to meet its wearer, but managed to preserve the composure of an ordinary morning visitor, when the door opened, and--enter Mrs. Lushington!
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading She must have read his disappointment in his face; for she looked half-amused, half-provoked, and there was no less malice than mirth in her eyes while she observed-- "Blanche will be down directly, General, and don't be afraid I shall interrupt your _tête-à-tête_, for I am going away as soon as I've written a note.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading She must have read his disappointment in his face; for she looked half-amused, half-provoked, and there was no less malice than mirth in her eyes while she observed-- "Blanche will be down directly, General, and don't be afraid I shall interrupt your _tête-à-tête_, for I am going away as soon as I've written a note.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading She must have read his disappointment in his face; for she looked half-amused, half-provoked, and there was no less malice than mirth in her eyes while she observed-- "Blanche will be down directly, General, and don't be afraid I shall interrupt your _tête-à-tête_, for I am going away as soon as I've written a note.
Blanche
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She must have read his disappointment in his face; for she looked half-amused, half-provoked, and there was no less malice than mirth in her eyes while she observed-- "Blanche will be down directly, General, and don't be afraid I shall interrupt your _tête-à-tête_, for I am going away as soon as I've written a note.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading With difficulty he forbore rushing out to meet its wearer, but managed to preserve the composure of an ordinary morning visitor, when the door opened, and--enter Mrs. Lushington!
showing who or what does the action
From this reading A SNAKE IN THE GRASS His studies were soon interrupted by the rustle of a dress on the staircase.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading You can rehearse all the charming things you have got to say in the meantime."
pleasing or delighting
From this reading You can rehearse all the charming things you have got to say in the meantime."
composurenounUS /kəmˈpoʊʒər/
steadiness of mind under stress
From this reading With difficulty he forbore rushing out to meet its wearer, but managed to preserve the composure of an ordinary morning visitor, when the door opened, and--enter Mrs. Lushington!
an effort that is inconvenient
From this reading With difficulty he forbore rushing out to meet its wearer, but managed to preserve the composure of an ordinary morning visitor, when the door opened, and--enter Mrs. Lushington!
without deviation
From this reading She must have read his disappointment in his face; for she looked half-amused, half-provoked, and there was no less malice than mirth in her eyes while she observed-- "Blanche will be down directly, General, and don't be afraid I shall interrupt your _tête-à-tête_, for I am going away as soon as I've written a note.
a feeling of dissatisfaction that results when your expectations are not realized
From this reading She must have read his disappointment in his face; for she looked half-amused, half-provoked, and there was no less malice than mirth in her eyes while she observed-- "Blanche will be down directly, General, and don't be afraid I shall interrupt your _tête-à-tête_, for I am going away as soon as I've written a note.
don't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She must have read his disappointment in his face; for she looked half-amused, half-provoked, and there was no less malice than mirth in her eyes while she observed-- "Blanche will be down directly, General, and don't be afraid I shall interrupt your _tête-à-tête_, for I am going away as soon as I've written a note.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading With difficulty he forbore rushing out to meet its wearer, but managed to preserve the composure of an ordinary morning visitor, when the door opened, and--enter Mrs. Lushington!
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading She must have read his disappointment in his face; for she looked half-amused, half-provoked, and there was no less malice than mirth in her eyes while she observed-- "Blanche will be down directly, General, and don't be afraid I shall interrupt your _tête-à-tête_, for I am going away as soon as I've written a note.
put on clothes
From this reading A SNAKE IN THE GRASS His studies were soon interrupted by the rustle of a dress on the staircase.
to come or go into
From this reading With difficulty he forbore rushing out to meet its wearer, but managed to preserve the composure of an ordinary morning visitor, when the door opened, and--enter Mrs. Lushington!
opinion or judgment
From this reading She must have read his disappointment in his face; for she looked half-amused, half-provoked, and there was no less malice than mirth in her eyes while she observed-- "Blanche will be down directly, General, and don't be afraid I shall interrupt your _tête-à-tête_, for I am going away as soon as I've written a note.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading She must have read his disappointment in his face; for she looked half-amused, half-provoked, and there was no less malice than mirth in her eyes while she observed-- "Blanche will be down directly, General, and don't be afraid I shall interrupt your _tête-à-tête_, for I am going away as soon as I've written a note.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading She must have read his disappointment in his face; for she looked half-amused, half-provoked, and there was no less malice than mirth in her eyes while she observed-- "Blanche will be down directly, General, and don't be afraid I shall interrupt your _tête-à-tête_, for I am going away as soon as I've written a note.
forbore
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading With difficulty he forbore rushing out to meet its wearer, but managed to preserve the composure of an ordinary morning visitor, when the door opened, and--enter Mrs. Lushington!
applying to all or most members of a category or group
From this reading She must have read his disappointment in his face; for she looked half-amused, half-provoked, and there was no less malice than mirth in her eyes while she observed-- "Blanche will be down directly, General, and don't be afraid I shall interrupt your _tête-à-tête_, for I am going away as soon as I've written a note.
the act of departing
From this reading She must have read his disappointment in his face; for she looked half-amused, half-provoked, and there was no less malice than mirth in her eyes while she observed-- "Blanche will be down directly, General, and don't be afraid I shall interrupt your _tête-à-tête_, for I am going away as soon as I've written a note.
inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading You can rehearse all the charming things you have got to say in the meantime."
shoot down, of birds
From this reading A SNAKE IN THE GRASS His studies were soon interrupted by the rustle of a dress on the staircase.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading He had recovered his _savoir-faire_.
half-amused
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She must have read his disappointment in his face; for she looked half-amused, half-provoked, and there was no less malice than mirth in her eyes while she observed-- "Blanche will be down directly, General, and don't be afraid I shall interrupt your _tête-à-tête_, for I am going away as soon as I've written a note.
half-provoked
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She must have read his disappointment in his face; for she looked half-amused, half-provoked, and there was no less malice than mirth in her eyes while she observed-- "Blanche will be down directly, General, and don't be afraid I shall interrupt your _tête-à-tête_, for I am going away as soon as I've written a note.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading She must have read his disappointment in his face; for she looked half-amused, half-provoked, and there was no less malice than mirth in her eyes while she observed-- "Blanche will be down directly, General, and don't be afraid I shall interrupt your _tête-à-tête_, for I am going away as soon as I've written a note.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading With difficulty he forbore rushing out to meet its wearer, but managed to preserve the composure of an ordinary morning visitor, when the door opened, and--enter Mrs. Lushington!
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading She must have read his disappointment in his face; for she looked half-amused, half-provoked, and there was no less malice than mirth in her eyes while she observed-- "Blanche will be down directly, General, and don't be afraid I shall interrupt your _tête-à-tête_, for I am going away as soon as I've written a note.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading A SNAKE IN THE GRASS His studies were soon interrupted by the rustle of a dress on the staircase.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading She must have read his disappointment in his face; for she looked half-amused, half-provoked, and there was no less malice than mirth in her eyes while she observed-- "Blanche will be down directly, General, and don't be afraid I shall interrupt your _tête-à-tête_, for I am going away as soon as I've written a note.
I've
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She must have read his disappointment in his face; for she looked half-amused, half-provoked, and there was no less malice than mirth in her eyes while she observed-- "Blanche will be down directly, General, and don't be afraid I shall interrupt your _tête-à-tête_, for I am going away as soon as I've written a note.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A SNAKE IN THE GRASS His studies were soon interrupted by the rustle of a dress on the staircase.
interruptverbUS /ˌɪntərˈʌpt/
make a break in
From this reading She must have read his disappointment in his face; for she looked half-amused, half-provoked, and there was no less malice than mirth in her eyes while she observed-- "Blanche will be down directly, General, and don't be afraid I shall interrupt your _tête-à-tête_, for I am going away as soon as I've written a note.
discontinued temporarily
From this reading A SNAKE IN THE GRASS His studies were soon interrupted by the rustle of a dress on the staircase.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading With difficulty he forbore rushing out to meet its wearer, but managed to preserve the composure of an ordinary morning visitor, when the door opened, and--enter Mrs. Lushington!
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading She must have read his disappointment in his face; for she looked half-amused, half-provoked, and there was no less malice than mirth in her eyes while she observed-- "Blanche will be down directly, General, and don't be afraid I shall interrupt your _tête-à-tête_, for I am going away as soon as I've written a note.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading She must have read his disappointment in his face; for she looked half-amused, half-provoked, and there was no less malice than mirth in her eyes while she observed-- "Blanche will be down directly, General, and don't be afraid I shall interrupt your _tête-à-tête_, for I am going away as soon as I've written a note.
Lushington
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading With difficulty he forbore rushing out to meet its wearer, but managed to preserve the composure of an ordinary morning visitor, when the door opened, and--enter Mrs. Lushington!
malicenounUS /ˈmæləs/
feeling a need to see others suffer
From this reading She must have read his disappointment in his face; for she looked half-amused, half-provoked, and there was no less malice than mirth in her eyes while she observed-- "Blanche will be down directly, General, and don't be afraid I shall interrupt your _tête-à-tête_, for I am going away as soon as I've written a note.
past form of “manage” — be successful; achieve a goal
From this reading With difficulty he forbore rushing out to meet its wearer, but managed to preserve the composure of an ordinary morning visitor, when the door opened, and--enter Mrs. Lushington!
the time between one event, process, or period and another
From this reading You can rehearse all the charming things you have got to say in the meantime."
come together
From this reading With difficulty he forbore rushing out to meet its wearer, but managed to preserve the composure of an ordinary morning visitor, when the door opened, and--enter Mrs. Lushington!
mirthnounUS /mɜːrθ/
great merriment
From this reading She must have read his disappointment in his face; for she looked half-amused, half-provoked, and there was no less malice than mirth in her eyes while she observed-- "Blanche will be down directly, General, and don't be afraid I shall interrupt your _tête-à-tête_, for I am going away as soon as I've written a note.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading With difficulty he forbore rushing out to meet its wearer, but managed to preserve the composure of an ordinary morning visitor, when the door opened, and--enter Mrs. Lushington!
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading With difficulty he forbore rushing out to meet its wearer, but managed to preserve the composure of an ordinary morning visitor, when the door opened, and--enter Mrs. Lushington!
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading She must have read his disappointment in his face; for she looked half-amused, half-provoked, and there was no less malice than mirth in her eyes while she observed-- "Blanche will be down directly, General, and don't be afraid I shall interrupt your _tête-à-tête_, for I am going away as soon as I've written a note.
not any; not one
From this reading She must have read his disappointment in his face; for she looked half-amused, half-provoked, and there was no less malice than mirth in her eyes while she observed-- "Blanche will be down directly, General, and don't be afraid I shall interrupt your _tête-à-tête_, for I am going away as soon as I've written a note.
a brief written record
From this reading She must have read his disappointment in his face; for she looked half-amused, half-provoked, and there was no less malice than mirth in her eyes while she observed-- "Blanche will be down directly, General, and don't be afraid I shall interrupt your _tête-à-tête_, for I am going away as soon as I've written a note.
discovered or determined by scientific observation
From this reading She must have read his disappointment in his face; for she looked half-amused, half-provoked, and there was no less malice than mirth in her eyes while she observed-- "Blanche will be down directly, General, and don't be afraid I shall interrupt your _tête-à-tête_, for I am going away as soon as I've written a note.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A SNAKE IN THE GRASS His studies were soon interrupted by the rustle of a dress on the staircase.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading A SNAKE IN THE GRASS His studies were soon interrupted by the rustle of a dress on the staircase.
used of mouth or eyes
From this reading With difficulty he forbore rushing out to meet its wearer, but managed to preserve the composure of an ordinary morning visitor, when the door opened, and--enter Mrs. Lushington!
a judge of a probate court
From this reading With difficulty he forbore rushing out to meet its wearer, but managed to preserve the composure of an ordinary morning visitor, when the door opened, and--enter Mrs. Lushington!
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading With difficulty he forbore rushing out to meet its wearer, but managed to preserve the composure of an ordinary morning visitor, when the door opened, and--enter Mrs. Lushington!
preserveverbUS /prəˈzɜːrv/
keep or maintain in unaltered condition; cause to remain or last
From this reading With difficulty he forbore rushing out to meet its wearer, but managed to preserve the composure of an ordinary morning visitor, when the door opened, and--enter Mrs. Lushington!
interpret something that is written or printed
From this reading She must have read his disappointment in his face; for she looked half-amused, half-provoked, and there was no less malice than mirth in her eyes while she observed-- "Blanche will be down directly, General, and don't be afraid I shall interrupt your _tête-à-tête_, for I am going away as soon as I've written a note.
freed from illness or injury
From this reading He had recovered his _savoir-faire_.
rehearseverbUS /riˈhɜːrs/
engage in a rehearsal
From this reading You can rehearse all the charming things you have got to say in the meantime."
(American football) an attempt to advance the ball by running into the line
From this reading With difficulty he forbore rushing out to meet its wearer, but managed to preserve the composure of an ordinary morning visitor, when the door opened, and--enter Mrs. Lushington!
rustleverbUS /ˈrʌsəl/
make a dry crackling sound
From this reading A SNAKE IN THE GRASS His studies were soon interrupted by the rustle of a dress on the staircase.
savoir-fairenoun
social skill
From this reading He had recovered his _savoir-faire_.
express in words
From this reading You can rehearse all the charming things you have got to say in the meantime."
used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest
From this reading She must have read his disappointment in his face; for she looked half-amused, half-provoked, and there was no less malice than mirth in her eyes while she observed-- "Blanche will be down directly, General, and don't be afraid I shall interrupt your _tête-à-tête_, for I am going away as soon as I've written a note.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She must have read his disappointment in his face; for she looked half-amused, half-provoked, and there was no less malice than mirth in her eyes while she observed-- "Blanche will be down directly, General, and don't be afraid I shall interrupt your _tête-à-tête_, for I am going away as soon as I've written a note.
SNAKEnounUS /sneɪk/
limbless scaly elongate reptile; some are venomous
From this reading A SNAKE IN THE GRASS His studies were soon interrupted by the rustle of a dress on the staircase.
in the near future
From this reading A SNAKE IN THE GRASS His studies were soon interrupted by the rustle of a dress on the staircase.
staircasenounUS /ˈsterkeɪs/
a way of access (upward and downward) consisting of a set of steps
From this reading A SNAKE IN THE GRASS His studies were soon interrupted by the rustle of a dress on the staircase.
studiesnounUS /ˈstʌdiz/
plural of “study” — a detailed critical inspection
From this reading A SNAKE IN THE GRASS His studies were soon interrupted by the rustle of a dress on the staircase.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading She must have read his disappointment in his face; for she looked half-amused, half-provoked, and there was no less malice than mirth in her eyes while she observed-- "Blanche will be down directly, General, and don't be afraid I shall interrupt your _tête-à-tête_, for I am going away as soon as I've written a note.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A SNAKE IN THE GRASS His studies were soon interrupted by the rustle of a dress on the staircase.
in or at that place or location
From this reading She must have read his disappointment in his face; for she looked half-amused, half-provoked, and there was no less malice than mirth in her eyes while she observed-- "Blanche will be down directly, General, and don't be afraid I shall interrupt your _tête-à-tête_, for I am going away as soon as I've written a note.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading You can rehearse all the charming things you have got to say in the meantime."
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading With difficulty he forbore rushing out to meet its wearer, but managed to preserve the composure of an ordinary morning visitor, when the door opened, and--enter Mrs. Lushington!
tête-à-tête
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She must have read his disappointment in his face; for she looked half-amused, half-provoked, and there was no less malice than mirth in her eyes while she observed-- "Blanche will be down directly, General, and don't be afraid I shall interrupt your _tête-à-tête_, for I am going away as soon as I've written a note.
someone who visits
From this reading With difficulty he forbore rushing out to meet its wearer, but managed to preserve the composure of an ordinary morning visitor, when the door opened, and--enter Mrs. Lushington!
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading She must have read his disappointment in his face; for she looked half-amused, half-provoked, and there was no less malice than mirth in her eyes while she observed-- "Blanche will be down directly, General, and don't be afraid I shall interrupt your _tête-à-tête_, for I am going away as soon as I've written a note.
wearernounUS /ˈwerər/
a person who wears or carries or displays something as a body covering or accessory
From this reading With difficulty he forbore rushing out to meet its wearer, but managed to preserve the composure of an ordinary morning visitor, when the door opened, and--enter Mrs. Lushington!
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading A SNAKE IN THE GRASS His studies were soon interrupted by the rustle of a dress on the staircase.
at the time that
From this reading With difficulty he forbore rushing out to meet its wearer, but managed to preserve the composure of an ordinary morning visitor, when the door opened, and--enter Mrs. Lushington!
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading She must have read his disappointment in his face; for she looked half-amused, half-provoked, and there was no less malice than mirth in her eyes while she observed-- "Blanche will be down directly, General, and don't be afraid I shall interrupt your _tête-à-tête_, for I am going away as soon as I've written a note.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading She must have read his disappointment in his face; for she looked half-amused, half-provoked, and there was no less malice than mirth in her eyes while she observed-- "Blanche will be down directly, General, and don't be afraid I shall interrupt your _tête-à-tête_, for I am going away as soon as I've written a note.
in the company of; together with
From this reading With difficulty he forbore rushing out to meet its wearer, but managed to preserve the composure of an ordinary morning visitor, when the door opened, and--enter Mrs. Lushington!
set down in writing in any of various ways
From this reading She must have read his disappointment in his face; for she looked half-amused, half-provoked, and there was no less malice than mirth in her eyes while she observed-- "Blanche will be down directly, General, and don't be afraid I shall interrupt your _tête-à-tête_, for I am going away as soon as I've written a note.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading You can rehearse all the charming things you have got to say in the meantime."
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading She must have read his disappointment in his face; for she looked half-amused, half-provoked, and there was no less malice than mirth in her eyes while she observed-- "Blanche will be down directly, General, and don't be afraid I shall interrupt your _tête-à-tête_, for I am going away as soon as I've written a note.
