Chapter XI

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading Other people having breakfast in the room glanced from time to time at the lady with the short hair who was sitting all alone at a table near the window.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading There was talk about the inclemency of the weather, the unusualness of it so late in the year; and these juvenile aids were sympathetic and thoughtful, saying “Auntie, you won’t venture out, of course.”

to or in a foreign country

From this reading Gently stirred by the vapid curiosity that would seem to be the atmosphere itself in private hotels, they had already put themselves to the trouble of ascertaining that she was a Miss Verinder who had arrived last night from foreign parts, and they wondered if the oddly shortened hair meant that she had suffered from a fever while abroad.

personal knowledge or information about someone or something

From this reading One or two of the old ladies determined, since she was obviously quite proper and genteel, to make her acquaintance before luncheon--by rolling a ball of crochet silk across the floor at her, by inquiring if they had inadvertently taken her chair, or by some other polite method usual in such places.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading One or two of the old ladies determined, since she was obviously quite proper and genteel, to make her acquaintance before luncheon--by rolling a ball of crochet silk across the floor at her, by inquiring if they had inadvertently taken her chair, or by some other polite method usual in such places.

a serious (often fatal) disease of the immune system transmitted through blood products especially by sexual contact or contaminated needles

From this reading There was talk about the inclemency of the weather, the unusualness of it so late in the year; and these juvenile aids were sympathetic and thoughtful, saying “Auntie, you won’t venture out, of course.”

(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 Other people having breakfast in the room glanced from time to time at the lady with the short hair who was sitting all alone at a table near the window.

Having no one else present.

From this reading Other people having breakfast in the room glanced from time to time at the lady with the short hair who was sitting all alone at a table near the window.

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading Gently stirred by the vapid curiosity that would seem to be the atmosphere itself in private hotels, they had already put themselves to the trouble of ascertaining that she was a Miss Verinder who had arrived last night from foreign parts, and they wondered if the oddly shortened hair meant that she had suffered from a fever while abroad.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading Gently stirred by the vapid curiosity that would seem to be the atmosphere itself in private hotels, they had already put themselves to the trouble of ascertaining that she was a Miss Verinder who had arrived last night from foreign parts, and they wondered if the oddly shortened hair meant that she had suffered from a fever while abroad.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading A large proportion of the visitors were old ladies, some of them very old indeed, and each had a comparatively young lady as attendant or companion--a granddaughter or great-niece, or merely a nice girl glad to see London under any conditions--who readjusted the white woollen shawl, cut bread into convenient slices, and made herself generally serviceable.

past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress

From this reading Gently stirred by the vapid curiosity that would seem to be the atmosphere itself in private hotels, they had already put themselves to the trouble of ascertaining that she was a Miss Verinder who had arrived last night from foreign parts, and they wondered if the oddly shortened hair meant that she had suffered from a fever while abroad.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading A large proportion of the visitors were old ladies, some of them very old indeed, and each had a comparatively young lady as attendant or companion--a granddaughter or great-niece, or merely a nice girl glad to see London under any conditions--who readjusted the white woollen shawl, cut bread into convenient slices, and made herself generally serviceable.

-ing form of “ascertain” — establish after a calculation, investigation, experiment, survey, or study

From this reading Gently stirred by the vapid curiosity that would seem to be the atmosphere itself in private hotels, they had already put themselves to the trouble of ascertaining that she was a Miss Verinder who had arrived last night from foreign parts, and they wondered if the oddly shortened hair meant that she had suffered from a fever while abroad.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Other people having breakfast in the room glanced from time to time at the lady with the short hair who was sitting all alone at a table near the window.

a particular environment or surrounding influence

From this reading Gently stirred by the vapid curiosity that would seem to be the atmosphere itself in private hotels, they had already put themselves to the trouble of ascertaining that she was a Miss Verinder who had arrived last night from foreign parts, and they wondered if the oddly shortened hair meant that she had suffered from a fever while abroad.

someone who waits on or tends to or attends to the needs of another

From this reading A large proportion of the visitors were old ladies, some of them very old indeed, and each had a comparatively young lady as attendant or companion--a granddaughter or great-niece, or merely a nice girl glad to see London under any conditions--who readjusted the white woollen shawl, cut bread into convenient slices, and made herself generally serviceable.

the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle

From this reading There was talk about the inclemency of the weather, the unusualness of it so late in the year; and these juvenile aids were sympathetic and thoughtful, saying “Auntie, you won’t venture out, of course.”

round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games

From this reading One or two of the old ladies determined, since she was obviously quite proper and genteel, to make her acquaintance before luncheon--by rolling a ball of crochet silk across the floor at her, by inquiring if they had inadvertently taken her chair, or by some other polite method usual in such places.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading Gently stirred by the vapid curiosity that would seem to be the atmosphere itself in private hotels, they had already put themselves to the trouble of ascertaining that she was a Miss Verinder who had arrived last night from foreign parts, and they wondered if the oddly shortened hair meant that she had suffered from a fever while abroad.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading One or two of the old ladies determined, since she was obviously quite proper and genteel, to make her acquaintance before luncheon--by rolling a ball of crochet silk across the floor at her, by inquiring if they had inadvertently taken her chair, or by some other polite method usual in such places.

food made from dough of flour or meal and usually raised with yeast or baking powder and then baked

From this reading A large proportion of the visitors were old ladies, some of them very old indeed, and each had a comparatively young lady as attendant or companion--a granddaughter or great-niece, or merely a nice girl glad to see London under any conditions--who readjusted the white woollen shawl, cut bread into convenient slices, and made herself generally serviceable.

eat an early morning meal

From this reading Other people having breakfast in the room glanced from time to time at the lady with the short hair who was sitting all alone at a table near the window.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Gently stirred by the vapid curiosity that would seem to be the atmosphere itself in private hotels, they had already put themselves to the trouble of ascertaining that she was a Miss Verinder who had arrived last night from foreign parts, and they wondered if the oddly shortened hair meant that she had suffered from a fever while abroad.

a seat for one person, with a support for the back

From this reading One or two of the old ladies determined, since she was obviously quite proper and genteel, to make her acquaintance before luncheon--by rolling a ball of crochet silk across the floor at her, by inquiring if they had inadvertently taken her chair, or by some other polite method usual in such places.

a friend who is frequently in the company of another

From this reading A large proportion of the visitors were old ladies, some of them very old indeed, and each had a comparatively young lady as attendant or companion--a granddaughter or great-niece, or merely a nice girl glad to see London under any conditions--who readjusted the white woollen shawl, cut bread into convenient slices, and made herself generally serviceable.

in a relative manner; by comparison to something else

From this reading A large proportion of the visitors were old ladies, some of them very old indeed, and each had a comparatively young lady as attendant or companion--a granddaughter or great-niece, or merely a nice girl glad to see London under any conditions--who readjusted the white woollen shawl, cut bread into convenient slices, and made herself generally serviceable.

the prevailing context that influences the performance or the outcome of a process

From this reading A large proportion of the visitors were old ladies, some of them very old indeed, and each had a comparatively young lady as attendant or companion--a granddaughter or great-niece, or merely a nice girl glad to see London under any conditions--who readjusted the white woollen shawl, cut bread into convenient slices, and made herself generally serviceable.

suited to your comfort or purpose or needs

From this reading A large proportion of the visitors were old ladies, some of them very old indeed, and each had a comparatively young lady as attendant or companion--a granddaughter or great-niece, or merely a nice girl glad to see London under any conditions--who readjusted the white woollen shawl, cut bread into convenient slices, and made herself generally serviceable.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading There was talk about the inclemency of the weather, the unusualness of it so late in the year; and these juvenile aids were sympathetic and thoughtful, saying “Auntie, you won’t venture out, of course.”

create by looping or crocheting

From this reading One or two of the old ladies determined, since she was obviously quite proper and genteel, to make her acquaintance before luncheon--by rolling a ball of crochet silk across the floor at her, by inquiring if they had inadvertently taken her chair, or by some other polite method usual in such places.

a state in which you want to learn more about something

From this reading Gently stirred by the vapid curiosity that would seem to be the atmosphere itself in private hotels, they had already put themselves to the trouble of ascertaining that she was a Miss Verinder who had arrived last night from foreign parts, and they wondered if the oddly shortened hair meant that she had suffered from a fever while abroad.

separate with or as if with an instrument

From this reading A large proportion of the visitors were old ladies, some of them very old indeed, and each had a comparatively young lady as attendant or companion--a granddaughter or great-niece, or merely a nice girl glad to see London under any conditions--who readjusted the white woollen shawl, cut bread into convenient slices, and made herself generally serviceable.

characterized by great determination

From this reading One or two of the old ladies determined, since she was obviously quite proper and genteel, to make her acquaintance before luncheon--by rolling a ball of crochet silk across the floor at her, by inquiring if they had inadvertently taken her chair, or by some other polite method usual in such places.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading A large proportion of the visitors were old ladies, some of them very old indeed, and each had a comparatively young lady as attendant or companion--a granddaughter or great-niece, or merely a nice girl glad to see London under any conditions--who readjusted the white woollen shawl, cut bread into convenient slices, and made herself generally serviceable.

a rise in the temperature of the body; frequently a symptom of infection

From this reading Gently stirred by the vapid curiosity that would seem to be the atmosphere itself in private hotels, they had already put themselves to the trouble of ascertaining that she was a Miss Verinder who had arrived last night from foreign parts, and they wondered if the oddly shortened hair meant that she had suffered from a fever while abroad.

the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)

From this reading One or two of the old ladies determined, since she was obviously quite proper and genteel, to make her acquaintance before luncheon--by rolling a ball of crochet silk across the floor at her, by inquiring if they had inadvertently taken her chair, or by some other polite method usual in such places.

of concern to or concerning the affairs of other nations (other than your own)

From this reading Gently stirred by the vapid curiosity that would seem to be the atmosphere itself in private hotels, they had already put themselves to the trouble of ascertaining that she was a Miss Verinder who had arrived last night from foreign parts, and they wondered if the oddly shortened hair meant that she had suffered from a fever while abroad.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Other people having breakfast in the room glanced from time to time at the lady with the short hair who was sitting all alone at a table near the window.

usually; as a rule

From this reading A large proportion of the visitors were old ladies, some of them very old indeed, and each had a comparatively young lady as attendant or companion--a granddaughter or great-niece, or merely a nice girl glad to see London under any conditions--who readjusted the white woollen shawl, cut bread into convenient slices, and made herself generally serviceable.

marked by refinement in taste and manners

From this reading One or two of the old ladies determined, since she was obviously quite proper and genteel, to make her acquaintance before luncheon--by rolling a ball of crochet silk across the floor at her, by inquiring if they had inadvertently taken her chair, or by some other polite method usual in such places.

in a gradual manner

From this reading Gently stirred by the vapid curiosity that would seem to be the atmosphere itself in private hotels, they had already put themselves to the trouble of ascertaining that she was a Miss Verinder who had arrived last night from foreign parts, and they wondered if the oddly shortened hair meant that she had suffered from a fever while abroad.

a young female

From this reading A large proportion of the visitors were old ladies, some of them very old indeed, and each had a comparatively young lady as attendant or companion--a granddaughter or great-niece, or merely a nice girl glad to see London under any conditions--who readjusted the white woollen shawl, cut bread into convenient slices, and made herself generally serviceable.

showing or causing joy and pleasure; especially made happy

From this reading A large proportion of the visitors were old ladies, some of them very old indeed, and each had a comparatively young lady as attendant or companion--a granddaughter or great-niece, or merely a nice girl glad to see London under any conditions--who readjusted the white woollen shawl, cut bread into convenient slices, and made herself generally serviceable.

past form of “glance” — throw a glance at; take a brief look at

From this reading Other people having breakfast in the room glanced from time to time at the lady with the short hair who was sitting all alone at a table near the window.

a female grandchild

From this reading A large proportion of the visitors were old ladies, some of them very old indeed, and each had a comparatively young lady as attendant or companion--a granddaughter or great-niece, or merely a nice girl glad to see London under any conditions--who readjusted the white woollen shawl, cut bread into convenient slices, and made herself generally serviceable.

a daughter of your niece or nephew

From this reading A large proportion of the visitors were old ladies, some of them very old indeed, and each had a comparatively young lady as attendant or companion--a granddaughter or great-niece, or merely a nice girl glad to see London under any conditions--who readjusted the white woollen shawl, cut bread into convenient slices, and made herself generally serviceable.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading Gently stirred by the vapid curiosity that would seem to be the atmosphere itself in private hotels, they had already put themselves to the trouble of ascertaining that she was a Miss Verinder who had arrived last night from foreign parts, and they wondered if the oddly shortened hair meant that she had suffered from a fever while abroad.

a covering for the body (or parts of it) consisting of a dense growth of threadlike structures (as on the human head); helps to prevent heat loss

From this reading Other people having breakfast in the room glanced from time to time at the lady with the short hair who was sitting all alone at a table near the window.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading Other people having breakfast in the room glanced from time to time at the lady with the short hair who was sitting all alone at a table near the window.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading One or two of the old ladies determined, since she was obviously quite proper and genteel, to make her acquaintance before luncheon--by rolling a ball of crochet silk across the floor at her, by inquiring if they had inadvertently taken her chair, or by some other polite method usual in such places.

used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object

From this reading A large proportion of the visitors were old ladies, some of them very old indeed, and each had a comparatively young lady as attendant or companion--a granddaughter or great-niece, or merely a nice girl glad to see London under any conditions--who readjusted the white woollen shawl, cut bread into convenient slices, and made herself generally serviceable.

plural of “hotel” — a building where travelers can pay for lodging and meals and other services

From this reading Gently stirred by the vapid curiosity that would seem to be the atmosphere itself in private hotels, they had already put themselves to the trouble of ascertaining that she was a Miss Verinder who had arrived last night from foreign parts, and they wondered if the oddly shortened hair meant that she had suffered from a fever while abroad.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Gently stirred by the vapid curiosity that would seem to be the atmosphere itself in private hotels, they had already put themselves to the trouble of ascertaining that she was a Miss Verinder who had arrived last night from foreign parts, and they wondered if the oddly shortened hair meant that she had suffered from a fever while abroad.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading Other people having breakfast in the room glanced from time to time at the lady with the short hair who was sitting all alone at a table near the window.

without knowledge or intention

From this reading One or two of the old ladies determined, since she was obviously quite proper and genteel, to make her acquaintance before luncheon--by rolling a ball of crochet silk across the floor at her, by inquiring if they had inadvertently taken her chair, or by some other polite method usual in such places.

weather unsuitable for outdoor activities

From this reading There was talk about the inclemency of the weather, the unusualness of it so late in the year; and these juvenile aids were sympathetic and thoughtful, saying “Auntie, you won’t venture out, of course.”

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading A large proportion of the visitors were old ladies, some of them very old indeed, and each had a comparatively young lady as attendant or companion--a granddaughter or great-niece, or merely a nice girl glad to see London under any conditions--who readjusted the white woollen shawl, cut bread into convenient slices, and made herself generally serviceable.

given to inquiry

From this reading One or two of the old ladies determined, since she was obviously quite proper and genteel, to make her acquaintance before luncheon--by rolling a ball of crochet silk across the floor at her, by inquiring if they had inadvertently taken her chair, or by some other polite method usual in such places.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading A large proportion of the visitors were old ladies, some of them very old indeed, and each had a comparatively young lady as attendant or companion--a granddaughter or great-niece, or merely a nice girl glad to see London under any conditions--who readjusted the white woollen shawl, cut bread into convenient slices, and made herself generally serviceable.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading There was talk about the inclemency of the weather, the unusualness of it so late in the year; and these juvenile aids were sympathetic and thoughtful, saying “Auntie, you won’t venture out, of course.”

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading Gently stirred by the vapid curiosity that would seem to be the atmosphere itself in private hotels, they had already put themselves to the trouble of ascertaining that she was a Miss Verinder who had arrived last night from foreign parts, and they wondered if the oddly shortened hair meant that she had suffered from a fever while abroad.

of or relating to or characteristic of or appropriate for children or young people

From this reading There was talk about the inclemency of the weather, the unusualness of it so late in the year; and these juvenile aids were sympathetic and thoughtful, saying “Auntie, you won’t venture out, of course.”

plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman

From this reading One or two of the old ladies determined, since she was obviously quite proper and genteel, to make her acquaintance before luncheon--by rolling a ball of crochet silk across the floor at her, by inquiring if they had inadvertently taken her chair, or by some other polite method usual in such places.

a polite name for any woman

From this reading Other people having breakfast in the room glanced from time to time at the lady with the short hair who was sitting all alone at a table near the window.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading A large proportion of the visitors were old ladies, some of them very old indeed, and each had a comparatively young lady as attendant or companion--a granddaughter or great-niece, or merely a nice girl glad to see London under any conditions--who readjusted the white woollen shawl, cut bread into convenient slices, and made herself generally serviceable.

immediately past

From this reading Gently stirred by the vapid curiosity that would seem to be the atmosphere itself in private hotels, they had already put themselves to the trouble of ascertaining that she was a Miss Verinder who had arrived last night from foreign parts, and they wondered if the oddly shortened hair meant that she had suffered from a fever while abroad.

being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time

From this reading There was talk about the inclemency of the weather, the unusualness of it so late in the year; and these juvenile aids were sympathetic and thoughtful, saying “Auntie, you won’t venture out, of course.”

the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center

From this reading A large proportion of the visitors were old ladies, some of them very old indeed, and each had a comparatively young lady as attendant or companion--a granddaughter or great-niece, or merely a nice girl glad to see London under any conditions--who readjusted the white woollen shawl, cut bread into convenient slices, and made herself generally serviceable.

a midday meal

From this reading One or two of the old ladies determined, since she was obviously quite proper and genteel, to make her acquaintance before luncheon--by rolling a ball of crochet silk across the floor at her, by inquiring if they had inadvertently taken her chair, or by some other polite method usual in such places.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading A large proportion of the visitors were old ladies, some of them very old indeed, and each had a comparatively young lady as attendant or companion--a granddaughter or great-niece, or merely a nice girl glad to see London under any conditions--who readjusted the white woollen shawl, cut bread into convenient slices, and made herself generally serviceable.

engage in

From this reading One or two of the old ladies determined, since she was obviously quite proper and genteel, to make her acquaintance before luncheon--by rolling a ball of crochet silk across the floor at her, by inquiring if they had inadvertently taken her chair, or by some other polite method usual in such places.

inflected form of “mean” — mean or intend to express or convey

From this reading Gently stirred by the vapid curiosity that would seem to be the atmosphere itself in private hotels, they had already put themselves to the trouble of ascertaining that she was a Miss Verinder who had arrived last night from foreign parts, and they wondered if the oddly shortened hair meant that she had suffered from a fever while abroad.

and nothing more

From this reading A large proportion of the visitors were old ladies, some of them very old indeed, and each had a comparatively young lady as attendant or companion--a granddaughter or great-niece, or merely a nice girl glad to see London under any conditions--who readjusted the white woollen shawl, cut bread into convenient slices, and made herself generally serviceable.

a way of doing something, especially a systematic way; implies an orderly logical arrangement (usually in steps)

From this reading One or two of the old ladies determined, since she was obviously quite proper and genteel, to make her acquaintance before luncheon--by rolling a ball of crochet silk across the floor at her, by inquiring if they had inadvertently taken her chair, or by some other polite method usual in such places.

fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind

From this reading Gently stirred by the vapid curiosity that would seem to be the atmosphere itself in private hotels, they had already put themselves to the trouble of ascertaining that she was a Miss Verinder who had arrived last night from foreign parts, and they wondered if the oddly shortened hair meant that she had suffered from a fever while abroad.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading Other people having breakfast in the room glanced from time to time at the lady with the short hair who was sitting all alone at a table near the window.

pleasant or pleasing or agreeable in nature or appearance

From this reading A large proportion of the visitors were old ladies, some of them very old indeed, and each had a comparatively young lady as attendant or companion--a granddaughter or great-niece, or merely a nice girl glad to see London under any conditions--who readjusted the white woollen shawl, cut bread into convenient slices, and made herself generally serviceable.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading Gently stirred by the vapid curiosity that would seem to be the atmosphere itself in private hotels, they had already put themselves to the trouble of ascertaining that she was a Miss Verinder who had arrived last night from foreign parts, and they wondered if the oddly shortened hair meant that she had suffered from a fever while abroad.

unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)

From this reading One or two of the old ladies determined, since she was obviously quite proper and genteel, to make her acquaintance before luncheon--by rolling a ball of crochet silk across the floor at her, by inquiring if they had inadvertently taken her chair, or by some other polite method usual in such places.

in a manner differing from the usual or expected

From this reading Gently stirred by the vapid curiosity that would seem to be the atmosphere itself in private hotels, they had already put themselves to the trouble of ascertaining that she was a Miss Verinder who had arrived last night from foreign parts, and they wondered if the oddly shortened hair meant that she had suffered from a fever while abroad.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Gently stirred by the vapid curiosity that would seem to be the atmosphere itself in private hotels, they had already put themselves to the trouble of ascertaining that she was a Miss Verinder who had arrived last night from foreign parts, and they wondered if the oddly shortened hair meant that she had suffered from a fever while abroad.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading One or two of the old ladies determined, since she was obviously quite proper and genteel, to make her acquaintance before luncheon--by rolling a ball of crochet silk across the floor at her, by inquiring if they had inadvertently taken her chair, or by some other polite method usual in such places.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading One or two of the old ladies determined, since she was obviously quite proper and genteel, to make her acquaintance before luncheon--by rolling a ball of crochet silk across the floor at her, by inquiring if they had inadvertently taken her chair, or by some other polite method usual in such places.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading One or two of the old ladies determined, since she was obviously quite proper and genteel, to make her acquaintance before luncheon--by rolling a ball of crochet silk across the floor at her, by inquiring if they had inadvertently taken her chair, or by some other polite method usual in such places.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Other people having breakfast in the room glanced from time to time at the lady with the short hair who was sitting all alone at a table near the window.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading There was talk about the inclemency of the weather, the unusualness of it so late in the year; and these juvenile aids were sympathetic and thoughtful, saying “Auntie, you won’t venture out, of course.”

the local environment

From this reading Gently stirred by the vapid curiosity that would seem to be the atmosphere itself in private hotels, they had already put themselves to the trouble of ascertaining that she was a Miss Verinder who had arrived last night from foreign parts, and they wondered if the oddly shortened hair meant that she had suffered from a fever while abroad.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading Other people having breakfast in the room glanced from time to time at the lady with the short hair who was sitting all alone at a table near the window.

plural of “place” — a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading One or two of the old ladies determined, since she was obviously quite proper and genteel, to make her acquaintance before luncheon--by rolling a ball of crochet silk across the floor at her, by inquiring if they had inadvertently taken her chair, or by some other polite method usual in such places.

showing regard for others in manners, speech, behavior, etc.

From this reading One or two of the old ladies determined, since she was obviously quite proper and genteel, to make her acquaintance before luncheon--by rolling a ball of crochet silk across the floor at her, by inquiring if they had inadvertently taken her chair, or by some other polite method usual in such places.

confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy

From this reading Gently stirred by the vapid curiosity that would seem to be the atmosphere itself in private hotels, they had already put themselves to the trouble of ascertaining that she was a Miss Verinder who had arrived last night from foreign parts, and they wondered if the oddly shortened hair meant that she had suffered from a fever while abroad.

marked by suitability or rightness or appropriateness

From this reading One or two of the old ladies determined, since she was obviously quite proper and genteel, to make her acquaintance before luncheon--by rolling a ball of crochet silk across the floor at her, by inquiring if they had inadvertently taken her chair, or by some other polite method usual in such places.

the quotient obtained when the magnitude of a part is divided by the magnitude of the whole

From this reading A large proportion of the visitors were old ladies, some of them very old indeed, and each had a comparatively young lady as attendant or companion--a granddaughter or great-niece, or merely a nice girl glad to see London under any conditions--who readjusted the white woollen shawl, cut bread into convenient slices, and made herself generally serviceable.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Gently stirred by the vapid curiosity that would seem to be the atmosphere itself in private hotels, they had already put themselves to the trouble of ascertaining that she was a Miss Verinder who had arrived last night from foreign parts, and they wondered if the oddly shortened hair meant that she had suffered from a fever while abroad.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading One or two of the old ladies determined, since she was obviously quite proper and genteel, to make her acquaintance before luncheon--by rolling a ball of crochet silk across the floor at her, by inquiring if they had inadvertently taken her chair, or by some other polite method usual in such places.

past form of “readjust” — adjust anew

From this reading A large proportion of the visitors were old ladies, some of them very old indeed, and each had a comparatively young lady as attendant or companion--a granddaughter or great-niece, or merely a nice girl glad to see London under any conditions--who readjusted the white woollen shawl, cut bread into convenient slices, and made herself generally serviceable.

uttered with a trill

From this reading One or two of the old ladies determined, since she was obviously quite proper and genteel, to make her acquaintance before luncheon--by rolling a ball of crochet silk across the floor at her, by inquiring if they had inadvertently taken her chair, or by some other polite method usual in such places.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading Other people having breakfast in the room glanced from time to time at the lady with the short hair who was sitting all alone at a table near the window.

a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations

From this reading There was talk about the inclemency of the weather, the unusualness of it so late in the year; and these juvenile aids were sympathetic and thoughtful, saying “Auntie, you won’t venture out, of course.”

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading A large proportion of the visitors were old ladies, some of them very old indeed, and each had a comparatively young lady as attendant or companion--a granddaughter or great-niece, or merely a nice girl glad to see London under any conditions--who readjusted the white woollen shawl, cut bread into convenient slices, and made herself generally serviceable.

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading Gently stirred by the vapid curiosity that would seem to be the atmosphere itself in private hotels, they had already put themselves to the trouble of ascertaining that she was a Miss Verinder who had arrived last night from foreign parts, and they wondered if the oddly shortened hair meant that she had suffered from a fever while abroad.

ready for service or able to give long service

From this reading A large proportion of the visitors were old ladies, some of them very old indeed, and each had a comparatively young lady as attendant or companion--a granddaughter or great-niece, or merely a nice girl glad to see London under any conditions--who readjusted the white woollen shawl, cut bread into convenient slices, and made herself generally serviceable.

cloak consisting of an oblong piece of cloth used to cover the head and shoulders

From this reading A large proportion of the visitors were old ladies, some of them very old indeed, and each had a comparatively young lady as attendant or companion--a granddaughter or great-niece, or merely a nice girl glad to see London under any conditions--who readjusted the white woollen shawl, cut bread into convenient slices, and made herself generally serviceable.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Gently stirred by the vapid curiosity that would seem to be the atmosphere itself in private hotels, they had already put themselves to the trouble of ascertaining that she was a Miss Verinder who had arrived last night from foreign parts, and they wondered if the oddly shortened hair meant that she had suffered from a fever while abroad.

primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration

From this reading Other people having breakfast in the room glanced from time to time at the lady with the short hair who was sitting all alone at a table near the window.

cut short

From this reading Gently stirred by the vapid curiosity that would seem to be the atmosphere itself in private hotels, they had already put themselves to the trouble of ascertaining that she was a Miss Verinder who had arrived last night from foreign parts, and they wondered if the oddly shortened hair meant that she had suffered from a fever while abroad.

a fabric made from the fine threads produced by certain insect larvae

From this reading One or two of the old ladies determined, since she was obviously quite proper and genteel, to make her acquaintance before luncheon--by rolling a ball of crochet silk across the floor at her, by inquiring if they had inadvertently taken her chair, or by some other polite method usual in such places.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading One or two of the old ladies determined, since she was obviously quite proper and genteel, to make her acquaintance before luncheon--by rolling a ball of crochet silk across the floor at her, by inquiring if they had inadvertently taken her chair, or by some other polite method usual in such places.

(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)

From this reading Other people having breakfast in the room glanced from time to time at the lady with the short hair who was sitting all alone at a table near the window.

plural of “slice” — a share of something

From this reading A large proportion of the visitors were old ladies, some of them very old indeed, and each had a comparatively young lady as attendant or companion--a granddaughter or great-niece, or merely a nice girl glad to see London under any conditions--who readjusted the white woollen shawl, cut bread into convenient slices, and made herself generally serviceable.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading There was talk about the inclemency of the weather, the unusualness of it so late in the year; and these juvenile aids were sympathetic and thoughtful, saying “Auntie, you won’t venture out, of course.”

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading One or two of the old ladies determined, since she was obviously quite proper and genteel, to make her acquaintance before luncheon--by rolling a ball of crochet silk across the floor at her, by inquiring if they had inadvertently taken her chair, or by some other polite method usual in such places.

being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion

From this reading Gently stirred by the vapid curiosity that would seem to be the atmosphere itself in private hotels, they had already put themselves to the trouble of ascertaining that she was a Miss Verinder who had arrived last night from foreign parts, and they wondered if the oddly shortened hair meant that she had suffered from a fever while abroad.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading One or two of the old ladies determined, since she was obviously quite proper and genteel, to make her acquaintance before luncheon--by rolling a ball of crochet silk across the floor at her, by inquiring if they had inadvertently taken her chair, or by some other polite method usual in such places.

past form of “suffer” — undergo or be subjected to

From this reading Gently stirred by the vapid curiosity that would seem to be the atmosphere itself in private hotels, they had already put themselves to the trouble of ascertaining that she was a Miss Verinder who had arrived last night from foreign parts, and they wondered if the oddly shortened hair meant that she had suffered from a fever while abroad.

of or relating to the sympathetic nervous system

From this reading There was talk about the inclemency of the weather, the unusualness of it so late in the year; and these juvenile aids were sympathetic and thoughtful, saying “Auntie, you won’t venture out, of course.”

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading Other people having breakfast in the room glanced from time to time at the lady with the short hair who was sitting all alone at a table near the window.

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading One or two of the old ladies determined, since she was obviously quite proper and genteel, to make her acquaintance before luncheon--by rolling a ball of crochet silk across the floor at her, by inquiring if they had inadvertently taken her chair, or by some other polite method usual in such places.

exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading There was talk about the inclemency of the weather, the unusualness of it so late in the year; and these juvenile aids were sympathetic and thoughtful, saying “Auntie, you won’t venture out, of course.”

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Gently stirred by the vapid curiosity that would seem to be the atmosphere itself in private hotels, they had already put themselves to the trouble of ascertaining that she was a Miss Verinder who had arrived last night from foreign parts, and they wondered if the oddly shortened hair meant that she had suffered from a fever while abroad.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading Other people having breakfast in the room glanced from time to time at the lady with the short hair who was sitting all alone at a table near the window.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading A large proportion of the visitors were old ladies, some of them very old indeed, and each had a comparatively young lady as attendant or companion--a granddaughter or great-niece, or merely a nice girl glad to see London under any conditions--who readjusted the white woollen shawl, cut bread into convenient slices, and made herself generally serviceable.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading Gently stirred by the vapid curiosity that would seem to be the atmosphere itself in private hotels, they had already put themselves to the trouble of ascertaining that she was a Miss Verinder who had arrived last night from foreign parts, and they wondered if the oddly shortened hair meant that she had suffered from a fever while abroad.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There was talk about the inclemency of the weather, the unusualness of it so late in the year; and these juvenile aids were sympathetic and thoughtful, saying “Auntie, you won’t venture out, of course.”

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading There was talk about the inclemency of the weather, the unusualness of it so late in the year; and these juvenile aids were sympathetic and thoughtful, saying “Auntie, you won’t venture out, of course.”

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Gently stirred by the vapid curiosity that would seem to be the atmosphere itself in private hotels, they had already put themselves to the trouble of ascertaining that she was a Miss Verinder who had arrived last night from foreign parts, and they wondered if the oddly shortened hair meant that she had suffered from a fever while abroad.

having intellectual depth

From this reading There was talk about the inclemency of the weather, the unusualness of it so late in the year; and these juvenile aids were sympathetic and thoughtful, saying “Auntie, you won’t venture out, of course.”

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Other people having breakfast in the room glanced from time to time at the lady with the short hair who was sitting all alone at a table near the window.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading Other people having breakfast in the room glanced from time to time at the lady with the short hair who was sitting all alone at a table near the window.

a source of difficulty

From this reading Gently stirred by the vapid curiosity that would seem to be the atmosphere itself in private hotels, they had already put themselves to the trouble of ascertaining that she was a Miss Verinder who had arrived last night from foreign parts, and they wondered if the oddly shortened hair meant that she had suffered from a fever while abroad.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading One or two of the old ladies determined, since she was obviously quite proper and genteel, to make her acquaintance before luncheon--by rolling a ball of crochet silk across the floor at her, by inquiring if they had inadvertently taken her chair, or by some other polite method usual in such places.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading A large proportion of the visitors were old ladies, some of them very old indeed, and each had a comparatively young lady as attendant or companion--a granddaughter or great-niece, or merely a nice girl glad to see London under any conditions--who readjusted the white woollen shawl, cut bread into convenient slices, and made herself generally serviceable.

uncommonness by virtue of being unusual

From this reading There was talk about the inclemency of the weather, the unusualness of it so late in the year; and these juvenile aids were sympathetic and thoughtful, saying “Auntie, you won’t venture out, of course.”

occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure

From this reading One or two of the old ladies determined, since she was obviously quite proper and genteel, to make her acquaintance before luncheon--by rolling a ball of crochet silk across the floor at her, by inquiring if they had inadvertently taken her chair, or by some other polite method usual in such places.

lacking taste or flavor or tang

From this reading Gently stirred by the vapid curiosity that would seem to be the atmosphere itself in private hotels, they had already put themselves to the trouble of ascertaining that she was a Miss Verinder who had arrived last night from foreign parts, and they wondered if the oddly shortened hair meant that she had suffered from a fever while abroad.

any venturesome undertaking especially one with an uncertain outcome

From this reading There was talk about the inclemency of the weather, the unusualness of it so late in the year; and these juvenile aids were sympathetic and thoughtful, saying “Auntie, you won’t venture out, of course.”

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Gently stirred by the vapid curiosity that would seem to be the atmosphere itself in private hotels, they had already put themselves to the trouble of ascertaining that she was a Miss Verinder who had arrived last night from foreign parts, and they wondered if the oddly shortened hair meant that she had suffered from a fever while abroad.

precisely as stated

From this reading A large proportion of the visitors were old ladies, some of them very old indeed, and each had a comparatively young lady as attendant or companion--a granddaughter or great-niece, or merely a nice girl glad to see London under any conditions--who readjusted the white woollen shawl, cut bread into convenient slices, and made herself generally serviceable.

plural of “visitor” — someone who visits

From this reading A large proportion of the visitors were old ladies, some of them very old indeed, and each had a comparatively young lady as attendant or companion--a granddaughter or great-niece, or merely a nice girl glad to see London under any conditions--who readjusted the white woollen shawl, cut bread into convenient slices, and made herself generally serviceable.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading Other people having breakfast in the room glanced from time to time at the lady with the short hair who was sitting all alone at a table near the window.

the atmospheric conditions that comprise the state of the atmosphere in terms of temperature and wind and clouds and precipitation

From this reading There was talk about the inclemency of the weather, the unusualness of it so late in the year; and these juvenile aids were sympathetic and thoughtful, saying “Auntie, you won’t venture out, of course.”

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading A large proportion of the visitors were old ladies, some of them very old indeed, and each had a comparatively young lady as attendant or companion--a granddaughter or great-niece, or merely a nice girl glad to see London under any conditions--who readjusted the white woollen shawl, cut bread into convenient slices, and made herself generally serviceable.

during the time that

From this reading Gently stirred by the vapid curiosity that would seem to be the atmosphere itself in private hotels, they had already put themselves to the trouble of ascertaining that she was a Miss Verinder who had arrived last night from foreign parts, and they wondered if the oddly shortened hair meant that she had suffered from a fever while abroad.

a Caucasian

From this reading A large proportion of the visitors were old ladies, some of them very old indeed, and each had a comparatively young lady as attendant or companion--a granddaughter or great-niece, or merely a nice girl glad to see London under any conditions--who readjusted the white woollen shawl, cut bread into convenient slices, and made herself generally serviceable.

which person or people

From this reading Other people having breakfast in the room glanced from time to time at the lady with the short hair who was sitting all alone at a table near the window.

a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air

From this reading Other people having breakfast in the room glanced from time to time at the lady with the short hair who was sitting all alone at a table near the window.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Other people having breakfast in the room glanced from time to time at the lady with the short hair who was sitting all alone at a table near the window.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading There was talk about the inclemency of the weather, the unusualness of it so late in the year; and these juvenile aids were sympathetic and thoughtful, saying “Auntie, you won’t venture out, of course.”

past form of “wonder” — have a wish or desire to know something

From this reading Gently stirred by the vapid curiosity that would seem to be the atmosphere itself in private hotels, they had already put themselves to the trouble of ascertaining that she was a Miss Verinder who had arrived last night from foreign parts, and they wondered if the oddly shortened hair meant that she had suffered from a fever while abroad.

a fabric made from the hair of sheep

From this reading A large proportion of the visitors were old ladies, some of them very old indeed, and each had a comparatively young lady as attendant or companion--a granddaughter or great-niece, or merely a nice girl glad to see London under any conditions--who readjusted the white woollen shawl, cut bread into convenient slices, and made herself generally serviceable.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading Gently stirred by the vapid curiosity that would seem to be the atmosphere itself in private hotels, they had already put themselves to the trouble of ascertaining that she was a Miss Verinder who had arrived last night from foreign parts, and they wondered if the oddly shortened hair meant that she had suffered from a fever while abroad.

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading There was talk about the inclemency of the weather, the unusualness of it so late in the year; and these juvenile aids were sympathetic and thoughtful, saying “Auntie, you won’t venture out, of course.”

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading There was talk about the inclemency of the weather, the unusualness of it so late in the year; and these juvenile aids were sympathetic and thoughtful, saying “Auntie, you won’t venture out, of course.”

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading A large proportion of the visitors were old ladies, some of them very old indeed, and each had a comparatively young lady as attendant or companion--a granddaughter or great-niece, or merely a nice girl glad to see London under any conditions--who readjusted the white woollen shawl, cut bread into convenient slices, and made herself generally serviceable.