used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading At the first word a shudder passed over her whole frame; but pausing to regain her self-control, she began:-- "When I was nineteen years old, I was living in an Eastern city, in one of the happiest homes within its limits.
agitationnounUS /ˌædʒəˈteɪʃən/
a mental state of extreme emotional disturbance
From this reading Surprised at this new outburst, the lawyer sought to soothe the wounded spirit; and when she had become somewhat quiet, he, with the rest, entreated her to give them the reason for her terrible agitation.
(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 This she at first refused to do, but being urged very strongly by all the company, she at length consented.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading At the first word a shudder passed over her whole frame; but pausing to regain her self-control, she began:-- "When I was nineteen years old, I was living in an Eastern city, in one of the happiest homes within its limits.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Surprised at this new outburst, the lawyer sought to soothe the wounded spirit; and when she had become somewhat quiet, he, with the rest, entreated her to give them the reason for her terrible agitation.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading A rich and tender father, with a loving and gentle mother, and as bright and true a brother as ever a sister could want, were my companions in the delightful home of my childhood.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Surprised at this new outburst, the lawyer sought to soothe the wounded spirit; and when she had become somewhat quiet, he, with the rest, entreated her to give them the reason for her terrible agitation.
enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading Surprised at this new outburst, the lawyer sought to soothe the wounded spirit; and when she had become somewhat quiet, he, with the rest, entreated her to give them the reason for her terrible agitation.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading At the first word a shudder passed over her whole frame; but pausing to regain her self-control, she began:-- "When I was nineteen years old, I was living in an Eastern city, in one of the happiest homes within its limits.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading This she at first refused to do, but being urged very strongly by all the company, she at length consented.
emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts
From this reading A rich and tender father, with a loving and gentle mother, and as bright and true a brother as ever a sister could want, were my companions in the delightful home of my childhood.
a male with the same parents as someone else
From this reading A rich and tender father, with a loving and gentle mother, and as bright and true a brother as ever a sister could want, were my companions in the delightful home of my childhood.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading This she at first refused to do, but being urged very strongly by all the company, she at length consented.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading This she at first refused to do, but being urged very strongly by all the company, she at length consented.
the time of person's life when they are a child
From this reading A rich and tender father, with a loving and gentle mother, and as bright and true a brother as ever a sister could want, were my companions in the delightful home of my childhood.
a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts
From this reading At the first word a shudder passed over her whole frame; but pausing to regain her self-control, she began:-- "When I was nineteen years old, I was living in an Eastern city, in one of the happiest homes within its limits.
a state of being relaxed and feeling no pain
From this reading Wealth and comfort smiled upon us, and prophesied of future happiness, until, with my own hand, I plucked down upon us all the greatest curse imaginable.
plural of “companion” — a friend who is frequently in the company of another
From this reading A rich and tender father, with a loving and gentle mother, and as bright and true a brother as ever a sister could want, were my companions in the delightful home of my childhood.
an institution created to conduct business
From this reading This she at first refused to do, but being urged very strongly by all the company, she at length consented.
consentedverbUS /kənˈsentɪd/
past form of “consent” — give an affirmative reply to; respond favorably to
From this reading This she at first refused to do, but being urged very strongly by all the company, she at length consented.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading A rich and tender father, with a loving and gentle mother, and as bright and true a brother as ever a sister could want, were my companions in the delightful home of my childhood.
profane or obscene expression usually of surprise or anger
From this reading Wealth and comfort smiled upon us, and prophesied of future happiness, until, with my own hand, I plucked down upon us all the greatest curse imaginable.
greatly pleasing or entertaining
From this reading A rich and tender father, with a loving and gentle mother, and as bright and true a brother as ever a sister could want, were my companions in the delightful home of my childhood.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading This she at first refused to do, but being urged very strongly by all the company, she at length consented.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading Wealth and comfort smiled upon us, and prophesied of future happiness, until, with my own hand, I plucked down upon us all the greatest curse imaginable.
EasternadjectiveUS /ˈiːstərn/
lying toward or situated in the east
From this reading At the first word a shudder passed over her whole frame; but pausing to regain her self-control, she began:-- "When I was nineteen years old, I was living in an Eastern city, in one of the happiest homes within its limits.
entreated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Surprised at this new outburst, the lawyer sought to soothe the wounded spirit; and when she had become somewhat quiet, he, with the rest, entreated her to give them the reason for her terrible agitation.
at any time
From this reading A rich and tender father, with a loving and gentle mother, and as bright and true a brother as ever a sister could want, were my companions in the delightful home of my childhood.
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading A rich and tender father, with a loving and gentle mother, and as bright and true a brother as ever a sister could want, were my companions in the delightful home of my childhood.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading This she at first refused to do, but being urged very strongly by all the company, she at length consented.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Surprised at this new outburst, the lawyer sought to soothe the wounded spirit; and when she had become somewhat quiet, he, with the rest, entreated her to give them the reason for her terrible agitation.
enclose in or as if in a frame
From this reading At the first word a shudder passed over her whole frame; but pausing to regain her self-control, she began:-- "When I was nineteen years old, I was living in an Eastern city, in one of the happiest homes within its limits.
yet to be or coming
From this reading Wealth and comfort smiled upon us, and prophesied of future happiness, until, with my own hand, I plucked down upon us all the greatest curse imaginable.
soft and mild; not harsh or stern or severe
From this reading A rich and tender father, with a loving and gentle mother, and as bright and true a brother as ever a sister could want, were my companions in the delightful home of my childhood.
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading Surprised at this new outburst, the lawyer sought to soothe the wounded spirit; and when she had become somewhat quiet, he, with the rest, entreated her to give them the reason for her terrible agitation.
highest in quality
From this reading Wealth and comfort smiled upon us, and prophesied of future happiness, until, with my own hand, I plucked down upon us all the greatest curse imaginable.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Surprised at this new outburst, the lawyer sought to soothe the wounded spirit; and when she had become somewhat quiet, he, with the rest, entreated her to give them the reason for her terrible agitation.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading Wealth and comfort smiled upon us, and prophesied of future happiness, until, with my own hand, I plucked down upon us all the greatest curse imaginable.
happiestadjectiveUS /ˈhæpiəst/
superlative of “happy” — enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure
From this reading At the first word a shudder passed over her whole frame; but pausing to regain her self-control, she began:-- "When I was nineteen years old, I was living in an Eastern city, in one of the happiest homes within its limits.
state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy
From this reading Wealth and comfort smiled upon us, and prophesied of future happiness, until, with my own hand, I plucked down upon us all the greatest curse imaginable.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Surprised at this new outburst, the lawyer sought to soothe the wounded spirit; and when she had become somewhat quiet, he, with the rest, entreated her to give them the reason for her terrible agitation.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Surprised at this new outburst, the lawyer sought to soothe the wounded spirit; and when she had become somewhat quiet, he, with the rest, entreated her to give them the reason for her terrible agitation.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading A rich and tender father, with a loving and gentle mother, and as bright and true a brother as ever a sister could want, were my companions in the delightful home of my childhood.
homesnounUS /hoʊmz/
plural of “home” — where you live at a particular time
From this reading At the first word a shudder passed over her whole frame; but pausing to regain her self-control, she began:-- "When I was nineteen years old, I was living in an Eastern city, in one of the happiest homes within its limits.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading At the first word a shudder passed over her whole frame; but pausing to regain her self-control, she began:-- "When I was nineteen years old, I was living in an Eastern city, in one of the happiest homes within its limits.
imaginableadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈmædʒənəbəl/
capable of being imagined
From this reading Wealth and comfort smiled upon us, and prophesied of future happiness, until, with my own hand, I plucked down upon us all the greatest curse imaginable.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading At the first word a shudder passed over her whole frame; but pausing to regain her self-control, she began:-- "When I was nineteen years old, I was living in an Eastern city, in one of the happiest homes within its limits.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading At the first word a shudder passed over her whole frame; but pausing to regain her self-control, she began:-- "When I was nineteen years old, I was living in an Eastern city, in one of the happiest homes within its limits.
a professional person authorized to practice law; conducts lawsuits or gives legal advice
From this reading Surprised at this new outburst, the lawyer sought to soothe the wounded spirit; and when she had become somewhat quiet, he, with the rest, entreated her to give them the reason for her terrible agitation.
the linear extent in space from one end to the other; the longest dimension of something that is fixed in place
From this reading This she at first refused to do, but being urged very strongly by all the company, she at length consented.
limitsnounUS /ˈlɪməts/
plural of “limit” — the greatest possible degree of something
From this reading At the first word a shudder passed over her whole frame; but pausing to regain her self-control, she began:-- "When I was nineteen years old, I was living in an Eastern city, in one of the happiest homes within its limits.
the experience of being alive; the course of human events and activities
From this reading At the first word a shudder passed over her whole frame; but pausing to regain her self-control, she began:-- "When I was nineteen years old, I was living in an Eastern city, in one of the happiest homes within its limits.
feeling or showing love and affection
From this reading A rich and tender father, with a loving and gentle mother, and as bright and true a brother as ever a sister could want, were my companions in the delightful home of my childhood.
a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading A rich and tender father, with a loving and gentle mother, and as bright and true a brother as ever a sister could want, were my companions in the delightful home of my childhood.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading A rich and tender father, with a loving and gentle mother, and as bright and true a brother as ever a sister could want, were my companions in the delightful home of my childhood.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading Surprised at this new outburst, the lawyer sought to soothe the wounded spirit; and when she had become somewhat quiet, he, with the rest, entreated her to give them the reason for her terrible agitation.
nineteennounUS /ˈnaɪnˈtiːn/
the cardinal number that is the sum of eighteen and one
From this reading At the first word a shudder passed over her whole frame; but pausing to regain her self-control, she began:-- "When I was nineteen years old, I was living in an Eastern city, in one of the happiest homes within its limits.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading At the first word a shudder passed over her whole frame; but pausing to regain her self-control, she began:-- "When I was nineteen years old, I was living in an Eastern city, in one of the happiest homes within its limits.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading At the first word a shudder passed over her whole frame; but pausing to regain her self-control, she began:-- "When I was nineteen years old, I was living in an Eastern city, in one of the happiest homes within its limits.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading At the first word a shudder passed over her whole frame; but pausing to regain her self-control, she began:-- "When I was nineteen years old, I was living in an Eastern city, in one of the happiest homes within its limits.
outburstnounUS /ˈaʊtbɜːrst/
an unrestrained expression of emotion
From this reading Surprised at this new outburst, the lawyer sought to soothe the wounded spirit; and when she had become somewhat quiet, he, with the rest, entreated her to give them the reason for her terrible agitation.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading At the first word a shudder passed over her whole frame; but pausing to regain her self-control, she began:-- "When I was nineteen years old, I was living in an Eastern city, in one of the happiest homes within its limits.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading Wealth and comfort smiled upon us, and prophesied of future happiness, until, with my own hand, I plucked down upon us all the greatest curse imaginable.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading At the first word a shudder passed over her whole frame; but pausing to regain her self-control, she began:-- "When I was nineteen years old, I was living in an Eastern city, in one of the happiest homes within its limits.
pausingverbUS /ˈpɔːzɪŋ/
-ing form of “pause” — interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing
From this reading At the first word a shudder passed over her whole frame; but pausing to regain her self-control, she began:-- "When I was nineteen years old, I was living in an Eastern city, in one of the happiest homes within its limits.
pluckedadjectiveUS /plʌkt/
of a stringed instrument; sounded with the fingers or a plectrum
From this reading Wealth and comfort smiled upon us, and prophesied of future happiness, until, with my own hand, I plucked down upon us all the greatest curse imaginable.
prophesiedverbUS /ˈprɑːfəsaɪd/
inflected form of “prophesy” — predict or reveal through, or as if through, divine inspiration
From this reading Wealth and comfort smiled upon us, and prophesied of future happiness, until, with my own hand, I plucked down upon us all the greatest curse imaginable.
quietadjectiveUS /ˈkwaɪət/
characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity
From this reading Surprised at this new outburst, the lawyer sought to soothe the wounded spirit; and when she had become somewhat quiet, he, with the rest, entreated her to give them the reason for her terrible agitation.
a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading Surprised at this new outburst, the lawyer sought to soothe the wounded spirit; and when she had become somewhat quiet, he, with the rest, entreated her to give them the reason for her terrible agitation.
past form of “refuse” — show unwillingness towards
From this reading This she at first refused to do, but being urged very strongly by all the company, she at length consented.
regainverbUS /rɪˈɡeɪn/
get or find back; recover the use of
From this reading At the first word a shudder passed over her whole frame; but pausing to regain her self-control, she began:-- "When I was nineteen years old, I was living in an Eastern city, in one of the happiest homes within its limits.
not move; be in a resting position
From this reading Surprised at this new outburst, the lawyer sought to soothe the wounded spirit; and when she had become somewhat quiet, he, with the rest, entreated her to give them the reason for her terrible agitation.
possessing material wealth
From this reading A rich and tender father, with a loving and gentle mother, and as bright and true a brother as ever a sister could want, were my companions in the delightful home of my childhood.
self-controlnounUS /ˌselfkənˈtroʊl/
the act of denying yourself; controlling your impulses
From this reading At the first word a shudder passed over her whole frame; but pausing to regain her self-control, she began:-- "When I was nineteen years old, I was living in an Eastern city, in one of the happiest homes within its limits.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Surprised at this new outburst, the lawyer sought to soothe the wounded spirit; and when she had become somewhat quiet, he, with the rest, entreated her to give them the reason for her terrible agitation.
shudderverbUS /ˈʃʌdər/
shake, as from cold
From this reading At the first word a shudder passed over her whole frame; but pausing to regain her self-control, she began:-- "When I was nineteen years old, I was living in an Eastern city, in one of the happiest homes within its limits.
a female person who has the same parents as another person
From this reading A rich and tender father, with a loving and gentle mother, and as bright and true a brother as ever a sister could want, were my companions in the delightful home of my childhood.
past form of “smile” — change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure
From this reading Wealth and comfort smiled upon us, and prophesied of future happiness, until, with my own hand, I plucked down upon us all the greatest curse imaginable.
to a small degree or extent
From this reading Surprised at this new outburst, the lawyer sought to soothe the wounded spirit; and when she had become somewhat quiet, he, with the rest, entreated her to give them the reason for her terrible agitation.
sootheverbUS /suːð/
give moral or emotional strength to
From this reading Surprised at this new outburst, the lawyer sought to soothe the wounded spirit; and when she had become somewhat quiet, he, with the rest, entreated her to give them the reason for her terrible agitation.
that is looked for
From this reading Surprised at this new outburst, the lawyer sought to soothe the wounded spirit; and when she had become somewhat quiet, he, with the rest, entreated her to give them the reason for her terrible agitation.
the vital principle or animating force within living things
From this reading Surprised at this new outburst, the lawyer sought to soothe the wounded spirit; and when she had become somewhat quiet, he, with the rest, entreated her to give them the reason for her terrible agitation.
with strength or in a strong manner
From this reading This she at first refused to do, but being urged very strongly by all the company, she at length consented.
taken unawares or suddenly and feeling wonder or astonishment
From this reading Surprised at this new outburst, the lawyer sought to soothe the wounded spirit; and when she had become somewhat quiet, he, with the rest, entreated her to give them the reason for her terrible agitation.
given to sympathy or gentleness or sentimentality
From this reading A rich and tender father, with a loving and gentle mother, and as bright and true a brother as ever a sister could want, were my companions in the delightful home of my childhood.
causing fear or dread or terror
From this reading Surprised at this new outburst, the lawyer sought to soothe the wounded spirit; and when she had become somewhat quiet, he, with the rest, entreated her to give them the reason for her terrible agitation.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Surprised at this new outburst, the lawyer sought to soothe the wounded spirit; and when she had become somewhat quiet, he, with the rest, entreated her to give them the reason for her terrible agitation.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Surprised at this new outburst, the lawyer sought to soothe the wounded spirit; and when she had become somewhat quiet, he, with the rest, entreated her to give them the reason for her terrible agitation.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Surprised at this new outburst, the lawyer sought to soothe the wounded spirit; and when she had become somewhat quiet, he, with the rest, entreated her to give them the reason for her terrible agitation.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Surprised at this new outburst, the lawyer sought to soothe the wounded spirit; and when she had become somewhat quiet, he, with the rest, entreated her to give them the reason for her terrible agitation.
consistent with fact or reality; not false
From this reading A rich and tender father, with a loving and gentle mother, and as bright and true a brother as ever a sister could want, were my companions in the delightful home of my childhood.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading Wealth and comfort smiled upon us, and prophesied of future happiness, until, with my own hand, I plucked down upon us all the greatest curse imaginable.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Wealth and comfort smiled upon us, and prophesied of future happiness, until, with my own hand, I plucked down upon us all the greatest curse imaginable.
past form of “urge” — force or impel in an indicated direction
From this reading This she at first refused to do, but being urged very strongly by all the company, she at length consented.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Wealth and comfort smiled upon us, and prophesied of future happiness, until, with my own hand, I plucked down upon us all the greatest curse imaginable.
precisely as stated
From this reading This she at first refused to do, but being urged very strongly by all the company, she at length consented.
feel or have a desire for; want strongly
From this reading A rich and tender father, with a loving and gentle mother, and as bright and true a brother as ever a sister could want, were my companions in the delightful home of my childhood.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading At the first word a shudder passed over her whole frame; but pausing to regain her self-control, she began:-- "When I was nineteen years old, I was living in an Eastern city, in one of the happiest homes within its limits.
the state of being rich and affluent; having a plentiful supply of material goods and money
From this reading Wealth and comfort smiled upon us, and prophesied of future happiness, until, with my own hand, I plucked down upon us all the greatest curse imaginable.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading A rich and tender father, with a loving and gentle mother, and as bright and true a brother as ever a sister could want, were my companions in the delightful home of my childhood.
at the time that
From this reading Surprised at this new outburst, the lawyer sought to soothe the wounded spirit; and when she had become somewhat quiet, he, with the rest, entreated her to give them the reason for her terrible agitation.
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading At the first word a shudder passed over her whole frame; but pausing to regain her self-control, she began:-- "When I was nineteen years old, I was living in an Eastern city, in one of the happiest homes within its limits.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Surprised at this new outburst, the lawyer sought to soothe the wounded spirit; and when she had become somewhat quiet, he, with the rest, entreated her to give them the reason for her terrible agitation.
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading At the first word a shudder passed over her whole frame; but pausing to regain her self-control, she began:-- "When I was nineteen years old, I was living in an Eastern city, in one of the happiest homes within its limits.
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
From this reading At the first word a shudder passed over her whole frame; but pausing to regain her self-control, she began:-- "When I was nineteen years old, I was living in an Eastern city, in one of the happiest homes within its limits.
people who are wounded
From this reading Surprised at this new outburst, the lawyer sought to soothe the wounded spirit; and when she had become somewhat quiet, he, with the rest, entreated her to give them the reason for her terrible agitation.
a late time of life
From this reading At the first word a shudder passed over her whole frame; but pausing to regain her self-control, she began:-- "When I was nineteen years old, I was living in an Eastern city, in one of the happiest homes within its limits.
