used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading He scarcely dared to look at Ella, for there came a lump in his throat whenever his eyes fell on her brave, steadfast face.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading George had not known until this meeting with his old friends how much ill-health and confinement had pulled him down.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading The baronet’s comments on the situation was so inapposite, and he had such a strong sense that he was rendered ridiculous by this journey to France to chaperon his daughter in her efforts on behalf of another woman’s husband, that he gave them something to laugh at when they were only too ready to cry.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Ella was as practical as ever.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading He scarcely dared to look at Ella, for there came a lump in his throat whenever his eyes fell on her brave, steadfast face.
baronet's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The baronet’s comments on the situation was so inapposite, and he had such a strong sense that he was rendered ridiculous by this journey to France to chaperon his daughter in her efforts on behalf of another woman’s husband, that he gave them something to laugh at when they were only too ready to cry.
behalfnounUS /bɪˈhæf/
as the agent of or on someone's part (usually expressed as “on behalf of” rather than “in behalf of”)
From this reading The baronet’s comments on the situation was so inapposite, and he had such a strong sense that he was rendered ridiculous by this journey to France to chaperon his daughter in her efforts on behalf of another woman’s husband, that he gave them something to laugh at when they were only too ready to cry.
the two together, not just one
From this reading Sir Henry’s presence was a great relief to them both.
possessing or displaying courage; able to face and deal with danger or fear without flinching
From this reading He scarcely dared to look at Ella, for there came a lump in his throat whenever his eyes fell on her brave, steadfast face.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The baronet’s comments on the situation was so inapposite, and he had such a strong sense that he was rendered ridiculous by this journey to France to chaperon his daughter in her efforts on behalf of another woman’s husband, that he gave them something to laugh at when they were only too ready to cry.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading He scarcely dared to look at Ella, for there came a lump in his throat whenever his eyes fell on her brave, steadfast face.
chaperonnoun
one who accompanies and supervises a young woman or gatherings of young people
From this reading The baronet’s comments on the situation was so inapposite, and he had such a strong sense that he was rendered ridiculous by this journey to France to chaperon his daughter in her efforts on behalf of another woman’s husband, that he gave them something to laugh at when they were only too ready to cry.
commentsnounUS /ˈkɑːments/
plural of “comment” — a statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief or adds information
From this reading The baronet’s comments on the situation was so inapposite, and he had such a strong sense that he was rendered ridiculous by this journey to France to chaperon his daughter in her efforts on behalf of another woman’s husband, that he gave them something to laugh at when they were only too ready to cry.
confinementnounUS /kənˈfaɪnmənt/
concluding state of pregnancy; from the onset of contractions to the birth of a child
From this reading George had not known until this meeting with his old friends how much ill-health and confinement had pulled him down.
utter a sudden loud cry
From this reading The baronet’s comments on the situation was so inapposite, and he had such a strong sense that he was rendered ridiculous by this journey to France to chaperon his daughter in her efforts on behalf of another woman’s husband, that he gave them something to laugh at when they were only too ready to cry.
past form of “dare” — take upon oneself; act presumptuously, without permission
From this reading He scarcely dared to look at Ella, for there came a lump in his throat whenever his eyes fell on her brave, steadfast face.
a female human offspring
From this reading The baronet’s comments on the situation was so inapposite, and he had such a strong sense that he was rendered ridiculous by this journey to France to chaperon his daughter in her efforts on behalf of another woman’s husband, that he gave them something to laugh at when they were only too ready to cry.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading George had not known until this meeting with his old friends how much ill-health and confinement had pulled him down.
plural of “effort” — earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading The baronet’s comments on the situation was so inapposite, and he had such a strong sense that he was rendered ridiculous by this journey to France to chaperon his daughter in her efforts on behalf of another woman’s husband, that he gave them something to laugh at when they were only too ready to cry.
Ella
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He scarcely dared to look at Ella, for there came a lump in his throat whenever his eyes fell on her brave, steadfast face.
at any time
From this reading Ella was as practical as ever.
opinion or judgment
From this reading He scarcely dared to look at Ella, for there came a lump in his throat whenever his eyes fell on her brave, steadfast face.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading He scarcely dared to look at Ella, for there came a lump in his throat whenever his eyes fell on her brave, steadfast face.
cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow
From this reading He scarcely dared to look at Ella, for there came a lump in his throat whenever his eyes fell on her brave, steadfast face.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading He scarcely dared to look at Ella, for there came a lump in his throat whenever his eyes fell on her brave, steadfast face.
a republic in western Europe; the largest country wholly in Europe
From this reading The baronet’s comments on the situation was so inapposite, and he had such a strong sense that he was rendered ridiculous by this journey to France to chaperon his daughter in her efforts on behalf of another woman’s husband, that he gave them something to laugh at when they were only too ready to cry.
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading George had not known until this meeting with his old friends how much ill-health and confinement had pulled him down.
inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading The baronet’s comments on the situation was so inapposite, and he had such a strong sense that he was rendered ridiculous by this journey to France to chaperon his daughter in her efforts on behalf of another woman’s husband, that he gave them something to laugh at when they were only too ready to cry.
Christian martyr; patron saint of England; hero of the legend of Saint George and the Dragon in which he slew a dragon and saved a princess (?-303)
From this reading George had not known until this meeting with his old friends how much ill-health and confinement had pulled him down.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading Sir Henry’s presence was a great relief to them both.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading George had not known until this meeting with his old friends how much ill-health and confinement had pulled him down.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He scarcely dared to look at Ella, for there came a lump in his throat whenever his eyes fell on her brave, steadfast face.
Henry'snounUS /ˈhenriz/
possessive form of “henry” — a unit of inductance in which an induced electromotive force of one volt is produced when the current is varied at the rate of one ampere per second
From this reading Sir Henry’s presence was a great relief to them both.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading He scarcely dared to look at Ella, for there came a lump in his throat whenever his eyes fell on her brave, steadfast face.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading George had not known until this meeting with his old friends how much ill-health and confinement had pulled him down.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading George had not known until this meeting with his old friends how much ill-health and confinement had pulled him down.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading George had not known until this meeting with his old friends how much ill-health and confinement had pulled him down.
a married man; a woman's partner in marriage
From this reading The baronet’s comments on the situation was so inapposite, and he had such a strong sense that he was rendered ridiculous by this journey to France to chaperon his daughter in her efforts on behalf of another woman’s husband, that he gave them something to laugh at when they were only too ready to cry.
ill-health
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading George had not known until this meeting with his old friends how much ill-health and confinement had pulled him down.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading He scarcely dared to look at Ella, for there came a lump in his throat whenever his eyes fell on her brave, steadfast face.
inappositeadjective
of an inappropriate or misapplied nature
From this reading The baronet’s comments on the situation was so inapposite, and he had such a strong sense that he was rendered ridiculous by this journey to France to chaperon his daughter in her efforts on behalf of another woman’s husband, that he gave them something to laugh at when they were only too ready to cry.
undertake a journey or trip
From this reading The baronet’s comments on the situation was so inapposite, and he had such a strong sense that he was rendered ridiculous by this journey to France to chaperon his daughter in her efforts on behalf of another woman’s husband, that he gave them something to laugh at when they were only too ready to cry.
apprehended with certainty
From this reading George had not known until this meeting with his old friends how much ill-health and confinement had pulled him down.
the sound of laughing
From this reading The baronet’s comments on the situation was so inapposite, and he had such a strong sense that he was rendered ridiculous by this journey to France to chaperon his daughter in her efforts on behalf of another woman’s husband, that he gave them something to laugh at when they were only too ready to cry.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading He scarcely dared to look at Ella, for there came a lump in his throat whenever his eyes fell on her brave, steadfast face.
lumpnounUS /lʌmp/
a compact mass
From this reading He scarcely dared to look at Ella, for there came a lump in his throat whenever his eyes fell on her brave, steadfast face.
a formally arranged gathering
From this reading George had not known until this meeting with his old friends how much ill-health and confinement had pulled him down.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading George had not known until this meeting with his old friends how much ill-health and confinement had pulled him down.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading George had not known until this meeting with his old friends how much ill-health and confinement had pulled him down.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The baronet’s comments on the situation was so inapposite, and he had such a strong sense that he was rendered ridiculous by this journey to France to chaperon his daughter in her efforts on behalf of another woman’s husband, that he gave them something to laugh at when they were only too ready to cry.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading George had not known until this meeting with his old friends how much ill-health and confinement had pulled him down.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading He scarcely dared to look at Ella, for there came a lump in his throat whenever his eyes fell on her brave, steadfast face.
and nothing more
From this reading The baronet’s comments on the situation was so inapposite, and he had such a strong sense that he was rendered ridiculous by this journey to France to chaperon his daughter in her efforts on behalf of another woman’s husband, that he gave them something to laugh at when they were only too ready to cry.
concerned with actual use or practice
From this reading Ella was as practical as ever.
the state of being present; current existence
From this reading Sir Henry’s presence was a great relief to them both.
past form of “pull” — cause to move by pulling
From this reading George had not known until this meeting with his old friends how much ill-health and confinement had pulled him down.
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading The baronet’s comments on the situation was so inapposite, and he had such a strong sense that he was rendered ridiculous by this journey to France to chaperon his daughter in her efforts on behalf of another woman’s husband, that he gave them something to laugh at when they were only too ready to cry.
the feeling that comes when something burdensome is removed or reduced
From this reading Sir Henry’s presence was a great relief to them both.
past form of “render” — cause to become
From this reading The baronet’s comments on the situation was so inapposite, and he had such a strong sense that he was rendered ridiculous by this journey to France to chaperon his daughter in her efforts on behalf of another woman’s husband, that he gave them something to laugh at when they were only too ready to cry.
inspiring scornful pity
From this reading The baronet’s comments on the situation was so inapposite, and he had such a strong sense that he was rendered ridiculous by this journey to France to chaperon his daughter in her efforts on behalf of another woman’s husband, that he gave them something to laugh at when they were only too ready to cry.
only a very short time before
From this reading He scarcely dared to look at Ella, for there came a lump in his throat whenever his eyes fell on her brave, steadfast face.
a general conscious awareness
From this reading The baronet’s comments on the situation was so inapposite, and he had such a strong sense that he was rendered ridiculous by this journey to France to chaperon his daughter in her efforts on behalf of another woman’s husband, that he gave them something to laugh at when they were only too ready to cry.
term of address for a man
From this reading Sir Henry’s presence was a great relief to them both.
the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time
From this reading The baronet’s comments on the situation was so inapposite, and he had such a strong sense that he was rendered ridiculous by this journey to France to chaperon his daughter in her efforts on behalf of another woman’s husband, that he gave them something to laugh at when they were only too ready to cry.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading The baronet’s comments on the situation was so inapposite, and he had such a strong sense that he was rendered ridiculous by this journey to France to chaperon his daughter in her efforts on behalf of another woman’s husband, that he gave them something to laugh at when they were only too ready to cry.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading The baronet’s comments on the situation was so inapposite, and he had such a strong sense that he was rendered ridiculous by this journey to France to chaperon his daughter in her efforts on behalf of another woman’s husband, that he gave them something to laugh at when they were only too ready to cry.
steadfastadjectiveUS /ˈstedfæst/
marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable
From this reading He scarcely dared to look at Ella, for there came a lump in his throat whenever his eyes fell on her brave, steadfast face.
having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading The baronet’s comments on the situation was so inapposite, and he had such a strong sense that he was rendered ridiculous by this journey to France to chaperon his daughter in her efforts on behalf of another woman’s husband, that he gave them something to laugh at when they were only too ready to cry.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading The baronet’s comments on the situation was so inapposite, and he had such a strong sense that he was rendered ridiculous by this journey to France to chaperon his daughter in her efforts on behalf of another woman’s husband, that he gave them something to laugh at when they were only too ready to cry.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The baronet’s comments on the situation was so inapposite, and he had such a strong sense that he was rendered ridiculous by this journey to France to chaperon his daughter in her efforts on behalf of another woman’s husband, that he gave them something to laugh at when they were only too ready to cry.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The baronet’s comments on the situation was so inapposite, and he had such a strong sense that he was rendered ridiculous by this journey to France to chaperon his daughter in her efforts on behalf of another woman’s husband, that he gave them something to laugh at when they were only too ready to cry.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Sir Henry’s presence was a great relief to them both.
in or at that place or location
From this reading He scarcely dared to look at Ella, for there came a lump in his throat whenever his eyes fell on her brave, steadfast face.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The baronet’s comments on the situation was so inapposite, and he had such a strong sense that he was rendered ridiculous by this journey to France to chaperon his daughter in her efforts on behalf of another woman’s husband, that he gave them something to laugh at when they were only too ready to cry.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading George had not known until this meeting with his old friends how much ill-health and confinement had pulled him down.
The passage at the back of the mouth.
From this reading He scarcely dared to look at Ella, for there came a lump in his throat whenever his eyes fell on her brave, steadfast face.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading He scarcely dared to look at Ella, for there came a lump in his throat whenever his eyes fell on her brave, steadfast face.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading The baronet’s comments on the situation was so inapposite, and he had such a strong sense that he was rendered ridiculous by this journey to France to chaperon his daughter in her efforts on behalf of another woman’s husband, that he gave them something to laugh at when they were only too ready to cry.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading George had not known until this meeting with his old friends how much ill-health and confinement had pulled him down.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Sir Henry’s presence was a great relief to them both.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The baronet’s comments on the situation was so inapposite, and he had such a strong sense that he was rendered ridiculous by this journey to France to chaperon his daughter in her efforts on behalf of another woman’s husband, that he gave them something to laugh at when they were only too ready to cry.
at the time that
From this reading The baronet’s comments on the situation was so inapposite, and he had such a strong sense that he was rendered ridiculous by this journey to France to chaperon his daughter in her efforts on behalf of another woman’s husband, that he gave them something to laugh at when they were only too ready to cry.
at any time that; every time that
From this reading He scarcely dared to look at Ella, for there came a lump in his throat whenever his eyes fell on her brave, steadfast face.
in the company of; together with
From this reading George had not known until this meeting with his old friends how much ill-health and confinement had pulled him down.
woman'snounUS /ˈwʊmənz/
possessive form of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading The baronet’s comments on the situation was so inapposite, and he had such a strong sense that he was rendered ridiculous by this journey to France to chaperon his daughter in her efforts on behalf of another woman’s husband, that he gave them something to laugh at when they were only too ready to cry.
