used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Clare rode down the avenue about ten minutes later, the groom behind her leading Edgar’s horse, and her own thoughts very heavy with a hundred important affairs.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Clare rode down the avenue about ten minutes later, the groom behind her leading Edgar’s horse, and her own thoughts very heavy with a hundred important affairs.
in actual fact
From this reading The immediate subject in her mind, however, was one which was very clearly suggested by the visit which she was about to make; and when her brother joined her at the Rectory Gate, she led him up to it artfully with many seeming innocent remarks, though it was with a little timidity and nervousness that she actually introduced at last the real matter which occupied her thoughts.
matters of personal concern
From this reading Clare rode down the avenue about ten minutes later, the groom behind her leading Edgar’s horse, and her own thoughts very heavy with a hundred important affairs.
(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 will laugh, I know,” she said, “but I don’t think it at all a laughing matter, Edgar.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Clare rode down the avenue about ten minutes later, the groom behind her leading Edgar’s horse, and her own thoughts very heavy with a hundred important affairs.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Please tell me, without any nonsense, do you ever think that you must marry--some time or other?
artfullyadverbUS /ˈɑːrtfəli/
in an artful manner
From this reading The immediate subject in her mind, however, was one which was very clearly suggested by the visit which she was about to make; and when her brother joined her at the Rectory Gate, she led him up to it artfully with many seeming innocent remarks, though it was with a little timidity and nervousness that she actually introduced at last the real matter which occupied her thoughts.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The immediate subject in her mind, however, was one which was very clearly suggested by the visit which she was about to make; and when her brother joined her at the Rectory Gate, she led him up to it artfully with many seeming innocent remarks, though it was with a little timidity and nervousness that she actually introduced at last the real matter which occupied her thoughts.
a line of approach
From this reading Clare rode down the avenue about ten minutes later, the groom behind her leading Edgar’s horse, and her own thoughts very heavy with a hundred important affairs.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading Clare rode down the avenue about ten minutes later, the groom behind her leading Edgar’s horse, and her own thoughts very heavy with a hundred important affairs.
a male with the same parents as someone else
From this reading The immediate subject in her mind, however, was one which was very clearly suggested by the visit which she was about to make; and when her brother joined her at the Rectory Gate, she led him up to it artfully with many seeming innocent remarks, though it was with a little timidity and nervousness that she actually introduced at last the real matter which occupied her thoughts.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading “You will laugh, I know,” she said, “but I don’t think it at all a laughing matter, Edgar.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The immediate subject in her mind, however, was one which was very clearly suggested by the visit which she was about to make; and when her brother joined her at the Rectory Gate, she led him up to it artfully with many seeming innocent remarks, though it was with a little timidity and nervousness that she actually introduced at last the real matter which occupied her thoughts.
Clare
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Clare rode down the avenue about ten minutes later, the groom behind her leading Edgar’s horse, and her own thoughts very heavy with a hundred important affairs.
without doubt or question
From this reading The immediate subject in her mind, however, was one which was very clearly suggested by the visit which she was about to make; and when her brother joined her at the Rectory Gate, she led him up to it artfully with many seeming innocent remarks, though it was with a little timidity and nervousness that she actually introduced at last the real matter which occupied her thoughts.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading Please tell me, without any nonsense, do you ever think that you must marry--some time or other?
don't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “You will laugh, I know,” she said, “but I don’t think it at all a laughing matter, Edgar.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading Clare rode down the avenue about ten minutes later, the groom behind her leading Edgar’s horse, and her own thoughts very heavy with a hundred important affairs.
EdgarnounUS /ˈedɡər/
the younger brother of Edwy who became king of Northumbria when it renounced Edwy; on Edwy's death he succeeded to the throne of England (944-975)
From this reading “You will laugh, I know,” she said, “but I don’t think it at all a laughing matter, Edgar.
Edgar'snounUS /ˈedɡərz/
possessive form of “edgar” — the younger brother of Edwy who became king of Northumbria when it renounced Edwy; on Edwy's death he succeeded to the throne of England (944-975)
From this reading Clare rode down the avenue about ten minutes later, the groom behind her leading Edgar’s horse, and her own thoughts very heavy with a hundred important affairs.
at any time
From this reading Please tell me, without any nonsense, do you ever think that you must marry--some time or other?
a movable barrier in a fence or wall
From this reading The immediate subject in her mind, however, was one which was very clearly suggested by the visit which she was about to make; and when her brother joined her at the Rectory Gate, she led him up to it artfully with many seeming innocent remarks, though it was with a little timidity and nervousness that she actually introduced at last the real matter which occupied her thoughts.
groomverbUS /ɡruːm/
educate for a future role or function
From this reading Clare rode down the avenue about ten minutes later, the groom behind her leading Edgar’s horse, and her own thoughts very heavy with a hundred important affairs.
of comparatively great physical weight or density
From this reading Clare rode down the avenue about ten minutes later, the groom behind her leading Edgar’s horse, and her own thoughts very heavy with a hundred important affairs.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Clare rode down the avenue about ten minutes later, the groom behind her leading Edgar’s horse, and her own thoughts very heavy with a hundred important affairs.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The immediate subject in her mind, however, was one which was very clearly suggested by the visit which she was about to make; and when her brother joined her at the Rectory Gate, she led him up to it artfully with many seeming innocent remarks, though it was with a little timidity and nervousness that she actually introduced at last the real matter which occupied her thoughts.
solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times
From this reading Clare rode down the avenue about ten minutes later, the groom behind her leading Edgar’s horse, and her own thoughts very heavy with a hundred important affairs.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading The immediate subject in her mind, however, was one which was very clearly suggested by the visit which she was about to make; and when her brother joined her at the Rectory Gate, she led him up to it artfully with many seeming innocent remarks, though it was with a little timidity and nervousness that she actually introduced at last the real matter which occupied her thoughts.
ten 10s
From this reading Clare rode down the avenue about ten minutes later, the groom behind her leading Edgar’s horse, and her own thoughts very heavy with a hundred important affairs.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading “You will laugh, I know,” she said, “but I don’t think it at all a laughing matter, Edgar.
of the present time and place
From this reading The immediate subject in her mind, however, was one which was very clearly suggested by the visit which she was about to make; and when her brother joined her at the Rectory Gate, she led him up to it artfully with many seeming innocent remarks, though it was with a little timidity and nervousness that she actually introduced at last the real matter which occupied her thoughts.
of great significance or value
From this reading Clare rode down the avenue about ten minutes later, the groom behind her leading Edgar’s horse, and her own thoughts very heavy with a hundred important affairs.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The immediate subject in her mind, however, was one which was very clearly suggested by the visit which she was about to make; and when her brother joined her at the Rectory Gate, she led him up to it artfully with many seeming innocent remarks, though it was with a little timidity and nervousness that she actually introduced at last the real matter which occupied her thoughts.
free from evil or guilt
From this reading The immediate subject in her mind, however, was one which was very clearly suggested by the visit which she was about to make; and when her brother joined her at the Rectory Gate, she led him up to it artfully with many seeming innocent remarks, though it was with a little timidity and nervousness that she actually introduced at last the real matter which occupied her thoughts.
past form of “introduce” — cause to come to know personally
From this reading The immediate subject in her mind, however, was one which was very clearly suggested by the visit which she was about to make; and when her brother joined her at the Rectory Gate, she led him up to it artfully with many seeming innocent remarks, though it was with a little timidity and nervousness that she actually introduced at last the real matter which occupied her thoughts.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading I knew you would laugh; but it is not any nonsense that is in my mind.”
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The immediate subject in her mind, however, was one which was very clearly suggested by the visit which she was about to make; and when her brother joined her at the Rectory Gate, she led him up to it artfully with many seeming innocent remarks, though it was with a little timidity and nervousness that she actually introduced at last the real matter which occupied her thoughts.
of or relating to two people who are married to each other
From this reading The immediate subject in her mind, however, was one which was very clearly suggested by the visit which she was about to make; and when her brother joined her at the Rectory Gate, she led him up to it artfully with many seeming innocent remarks, though it was with a little timidity and nervousness that she actually introduced at last the real matter which occupied her thoughts.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading I knew you would laugh; but it is not any nonsense that is in my mind.”
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading “You will laugh, I know,” she said, “but I don’t think it at all a laughing matter, Edgar.
immediately past
From this reading The immediate subject in her mind, however, was one which was very clearly suggested by the visit which she was about to make; and when her brother joined her at the Rectory Gate, she led him up to it artfully with many seeming innocent remarks, though it was with a little timidity and nervousness that she actually introduced at last the real matter which occupied her thoughts.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading Clare rode down the avenue about ten minutes later, the groom behind her leading Edgar’s horse, and her own thoughts very heavy with a hundred important affairs.
the sound of laughing
From this reading “You will laugh, I know,” she said, “but I don’t think it at all a laughing matter, Edgar.
showing or feeling mirth or pleasure or happiness
From this reading “You will laugh, I know,” she said, “but I don’t think it at all a laughing matter, Edgar.
indicating the most important performer or role
From this reading Clare rode down the avenue about ten minutes later, the groom behind her leading Edgar’s horse, and her own thoughts very heavy with a hundred important affairs.
diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used
From this reading The immediate subject in her mind, however, was one which was very clearly suggested by the visit which she was about to make; and when her brother joined her at the Rectory Gate, she led him up to it artfully with many seeming innocent remarks, though it was with a little timidity and nervousness that she actually introduced at last the real matter which occupied her thoughts.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The immediate subject in her mind, however, was one which was very clearly suggested by the visit which she was about to make; and when her brother joined her at the Rectory Gate, she led him up to it artfully with many seeming innocent remarks, though it was with a little timidity and nervousness that she actually introduced at last the real matter which occupied her thoughts.
engage in
From this reading The immediate subject in her mind, however, was one which was very clearly suggested by the visit which she was about to make; and when her brother joined her at the Rectory Gate, she led him up to it artfully with many seeming innocent remarks, though it was with a little timidity and nervousness that she actually introduced at last the real matter which occupied her thoughts.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading The immediate subject in her mind, however, was one which was very clearly suggested by the visit which she was about to make; and when her brother joined her at the Rectory Gate, she led him up to it artfully with many seeming innocent remarks, though it was with a little timidity and nervousness that she actually introduced at last the real matter which occupied her thoughts.
take in marriage
From this reading Please tell me, without any nonsense, do you ever think that you must marry--some time or other?
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading The immediate subject in her mind, however, was one which was very clearly suggested by the visit which she was about to make; and when her brother joined her at the Rectory Gate, she led him up to it artfully with many seeming innocent remarks, though it was with a little timidity and nervousness that she actually introduced at last the real matter which occupied her thoughts.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Please tell me, without any nonsense, do you ever think that you must marry--some time or other?
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading The immediate subject in her mind, however, was one which was very clearly suggested by the visit which she was about to make; and when her brother joined her at the Rectory Gate, she led him up to it artfully with many seeming innocent remarks, though it was with a little timidity and nervousness that she actually introduced at last the real matter which occupied her thoughts.
a written account of what transpired at a meeting
From this reading Clare rode down the avenue about ten minutes later, the groom behind her leading Edgar’s horse, and her own thoughts very heavy with a hundred important affairs.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading Please tell me, without any nonsense, do you ever think that you must marry--some time or other?
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading I knew you would laugh; but it is not any nonsense that is in my mind.”
nervousnessnounUS /ˈnɜːrvəsnəs/
the anxious feeling you have when you have the jitters
From this reading The immediate subject in her mind, however, was one which was very clearly suggested by the visit which she was about to make; and when her brother joined her at the Rectory Gate, she led him up to it artfully with many seeming innocent remarks, though it was with a little timidity and nervousness that she actually introduced at last the real matter which occupied her thoughts.
a message that seems to convey no meaning
From this reading Please tell me, without any nonsense, do you ever think that you must marry--some time or other?
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading I knew you would laugh; but it is not any nonsense that is in my mind.”
held or filled or in use
From this reading The immediate subject in her mind, however, was one which was very clearly suggested by the visit which she was about to make; and when her brother joined her at the Rectory Gate, she led him up to it artfully with many seeming innocent remarks, though it was with a little timidity and nervousness that she actually introduced at last the real matter which occupied her thoughts.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading The immediate subject in her mind, however, was one which was very clearly suggested by the visit which she was about to make; and when her brother joined her at the Rectory Gate, she led him up to it artfully with many seeming innocent remarks, though it was with a little timidity and nervousness that she actually introduced at last the real matter which occupied her thoughts.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Please tell me, without any nonsense, do you ever think that you must marry--some time or other?
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading Please tell me, without any nonsense, do you ever think that you must marry--some time or other?
have ownership or possession of
From this reading Clare rode down the avenue about ten minutes later, the groom behind her leading Edgar’s horse, and her own thoughts very heavy with a hundred important affairs.
give pleasure to or be pleasing to
From this reading Please tell me, without any nonsense, do you ever think that you must marry--some time or other?
being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory
From this reading The immediate subject in her mind, however, was one which was very clearly suggested by the visit which she was about to make; and when her brother joined her at the Rectory Gate, she led him up to it artfully with many seeming innocent remarks, though it was with a little timidity and nervousness that she actually introduced at last the real matter which occupied her thoughts.
RectorynounUS /ˈrektəri/
an official residence provided by a church for its parson or vicar or rector
From this reading The immediate subject in her mind, however, was one which was very clearly suggested by the visit which she was about to make; and when her brother joined her at the Rectory Gate, she led him up to it artfully with many seeming innocent remarks, though it was with a little timidity and nervousness that she actually introduced at last the real matter which occupied her thoughts.
plural of “remark” — a statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief or adds information
From this reading The immediate subject in her mind, however, was one which was very clearly suggested by the visit which she was about to make; and when her brother joined her at the Rectory Gate, she led him up to it artfully with many seeming innocent remarks, though it was with a little timidity and nervousness that she actually introduced at last the real matter which occupied her thoughts.
inflected form of “ride” — sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions
From this reading Clare rode down the avenue about ten minutes later, the groom behind her leading Edgar’s horse, and her own thoughts very heavy with a hundred important affairs.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading “You will laugh, I know,” she said, “but I don’t think it at all a laughing matter, Edgar.
seemingadjectiveUS /ˈsiːmɪŋ/
appearing as such but not necessarily so
From this reading The immediate subject in her mind, however, was one which was very clearly suggested by the visit which she was about to make; and when her brother joined her at the Rectory Gate, she led him up to it artfully with many seeming innocent remarks, though it was with a little timidity and nervousness that she actually introduced at last the real matter which occupied her thoughts.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The immediate subject in her mind, however, was one which was very clearly suggested by the visit which she was about to make; and when her brother joined her at the Rectory Gate, she led him up to it artfully with many seeming innocent remarks, though it was with a little timidity and nervousness that she actually introduced at last the real matter which occupied her thoughts.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Please tell me, without any nonsense, do you ever think that you must marry--some time or other?
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading The immediate subject in her mind, however, was one which was very clearly suggested by the visit which she was about to make; and when her brother joined her at the Rectory Gate, she led him up to it artfully with many seeming innocent remarks, though it was with a little timidity and nervousness that she actually introduced at last the real matter which occupied her thoughts.
past form of “suggest” — make a proposal, declare a plan for something
From this reading The immediate subject in her mind, however, was one which was very clearly suggested by the visit which she was about to make; and when her brother joined her at the Rectory Gate, she led him up to it artfully with many seeming innocent remarks, though it was with a little timidity and nervousness that she actually introduced at last the real matter which occupied her thoughts.
express in words
From this reading Please tell me, without any nonsense, do you ever think that you must marry--some time or other?
the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
From this reading Clare rode down the avenue about ten minutes later, the groom behind her leading Edgar’s horse, and her own thoughts very heavy with a hundred important affairs.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The immediate subject in her mind, however, was one which was very clearly suggested by the visit which she was about to make; and when her brother joined her at the Rectory Gate, she led him up to it artfully with many seeming innocent remarks, though it was with a little timidity and nervousness that she actually introduced at last the real matter which occupied her thoughts.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Clare rode down the avenue about ten minutes later, the groom behind her leading Edgar’s horse, and her own thoughts very heavy with a hundred important affairs.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading “You will laugh, I know,” she said, “but I don’t think it at all a laughing matter, Edgar.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading The immediate subject in her mind, however, was one which was very clearly suggested by the visit which she was about to make; and when her brother joined her at the Rectory Gate, she led him up to it artfully with many seeming innocent remarks, though it was with a little timidity and nervousness that she actually introduced at last the real matter which occupied her thoughts.
plural of “thought” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading Clare rode down the avenue about ten minutes later, the groom behind her leading Edgar’s horse, and her own thoughts very heavy with a hundred important affairs.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading Please tell me, without any nonsense, do you ever think that you must marry--some time or other?
timiditynounUS /təˈmɪdəti/
fear of the unknown or unfamiliar or fear of making decisions
From this reading The immediate subject in her mind, however, was one which was very clearly suggested by the visit which she was about to make; and when her brother joined her at the Rectory Gate, she led him up to it artfully with many seeming innocent remarks, though it was with a little timidity and nervousness that she actually introduced at last the real matter which occupied her thoughts.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The immediate subject in her mind, however, was one which was very clearly suggested by the visit which she was about to make; and when her brother joined her at the Rectory Gate, she led him up to it artfully with many seeming innocent remarks, though it was with a little timidity and nervousness that she actually introduced at last the real matter which occupied her thoughts.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading The immediate subject in her mind, however, was one which was very clearly suggested by the visit which she was about to make; and when her brother joined her at the Rectory Gate, she led him up to it artfully with many seeming innocent remarks, though it was with a little timidity and nervousness that she actually introduced at last the real matter which occupied her thoughts.
precisely as stated
From this reading Clare rode down the avenue about ten minutes later, the groom behind her leading Edgar’s horse, and her own thoughts very heavy with a hundred important affairs.
go to see a place, as for entertainment
From this reading The immediate subject in her mind, however, was one which was very clearly suggested by the visit which she was about to make; and when her brother joined her at the Rectory Gate, she led him up to it artfully with many seeming innocent remarks, though it was with a little timidity and nervousness that she actually introduced at last the real matter which occupied her thoughts.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The immediate subject in her mind, however, was one which was very clearly suggested by the visit which she was about to make; and when her brother joined her at the Rectory Gate, she led him up to it artfully with many seeming innocent remarks, though it was with a little timidity and nervousness that she actually introduced at last the real matter which occupied her thoughts.
at the time that
From this reading The immediate subject in her mind, however, was one which was very clearly suggested by the visit which she was about to make; and when her brother joined her at the Rectory Gate, she led him up to it artfully with many seeming innocent remarks, though it was with a little timidity and nervousness that she actually introduced at last the real matter which occupied her thoughts.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The immediate subject in her mind, however, was one which was very clearly suggested by the visit which she was about to make; and when her brother joined her at the Rectory Gate, she led him up to it artfully with many seeming innocent remarks, though it was with a little timidity and nervousness that she actually introduced at last the real matter which occupied her thoughts.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading “You will laugh, I know,” she said, “but I don’t think it at all a laughing matter, Edgar.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Clare rode down the avenue about ten minutes later, the groom behind her leading Edgar’s horse, and her own thoughts very heavy with a hundred important affairs.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading Please tell me, without any nonsense, do you ever think that you must marry--some time or other?
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading I knew you would laugh; but it is not any nonsense that is in my mind.”
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “You will laugh, I know,” she said, “but I don’t think it at all a laughing matter, Edgar.
