adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading They found apartments prepared for them at Clermont-park, and servants ready to attend, with the officious promptitude with which a great man’s domestics usually wait upon those who are supposed to stand high in their master’s favour.
acceptedadjectiveUS /ækˈseptɪd/
generally approved or compelling recognition
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Percy accepted of Lord Oldborough’s invitation.
affairsnounUS /əˈferz/
matters of personal concern
From this reading From the moment he was introduced to the wife and daughters of his friend, he seemed to throw aside the reserve and coldness of his manner--to forget at once the statesman and the minister, the affairs of Europe and the intrigues of the cabinet--to live entirely for the present moment and the present company.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading During his illness Lord Oldborough had always breakfasted in his own room; but his lordship appeared at the breakfast-table the morning after the ball, ready to receive his guests.
alwaysadverbUS /ˈɔːlweɪz/
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading During his illness Lord Oldborough had always breakfasted in his own room; but his lordship appeared at the breakfast-table the morning after the ball, ready to receive his guests.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Percy accepted of Lord Oldborough’s invitation.
apartmentsnounUS /əˈpɑːrtmənts/
plural of “apartment” — a suite of rooms usually on one floor of an apartment house
From this reading They found apartments prepared for them at Clermont-park, and servants ready to attend, with the officious promptitude with which a great man’s domestics usually wait upon those who are supposed to stand high in their master’s favour.
appearedverbUS /əˈpɪrd/
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading During his illness Lord Oldborough had always breakfasted in his own room; but his lordship appeared at the breakfast-table the morning after the ball, ready to receive his guests.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading They found apartments prepared for them at Clermont-park, and servants ready to attend, with the officious promptitude with which a great man’s domestics usually wait upon those who are supposed to stand high in their master’s favour.
asideadverbUS /əˈsaɪd/
on or to one side
From this reading From the moment he was introduced to the wife and daughters of his friend, he seemed to throw aside the reserve and coldness of his manner--to forget at once the statesman and the minister, the affairs of Europe and the intrigues of the cabinet--to live entirely for the present moment and the present company.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading They found apartments prepared for them at Clermont-park, and servants ready to attend, with the officious promptitude with which a great man’s domestics usually wait upon those who are supposed to stand high in their master’s favour.
attendverbUS /əˈtend/
be present at (meetings, church services, university), etc.
From this reading They found apartments prepared for them at Clermont-park, and servants ready to attend, with the officious promptitude with which a great man’s domestics usually wait upon those who are supposed to stand high in their master’s favour.
ballnounUS /bɔːl/
round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games
From this reading During his illness Lord Oldborough had always breakfasted in his own room; but his lordship appeared at the breakfast-table the morning after the ball, ready to receive his guests.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Nothing could be more gracious, more polite, more kind, than his reception of Mr. Percy and his family.
breakfast-table
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During his illness Lord Oldborough had always breakfasted in his own room; but his lordship appeared at the breakfast-table the morning after the ball, ready to receive his guests.
breakfasted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During his illness Lord Oldborough had always breakfasted in his own room; but his lordship appeared at the breakfast-table the morning after the ball, ready to receive his guests.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading During his illness Lord Oldborough had always breakfasted in his own room; but his lordship appeared at the breakfast-table the morning after the ball, ready to receive his guests.
cabinetnounUS /ˈkæbənət/
a piece of furniture resembling a cupboard with doors and shelves and drawers; for storage or display
From this reading From the moment he was introduced to the wife and daughters of his friend, he seemed to throw aside the reserve and coldness of his manner--to forget at once the statesman and the minister, the affairs of Europe and the intrigues of the cabinet--to live entirely for the present moment and the present company.
Clermont-park
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They found apartments prepared for them at Clermont-park, and servants ready to attend, with the officious promptitude with which a great man’s domestics usually wait upon those who are supposed to stand high in their master’s favour.
coldnessnounUS /ˈkoʊldnəs/
the sensation produced by low temperatures
From this reading From the moment he was introduced to the wife and daughters of his friend, he seemed to throw aside the reserve and coldness of his manner--to forget at once the statesman and the minister, the affairs of Europe and the intrigues of the cabinet--to live entirely for the present moment and the present company.
companynounUS /ˈkʌmpəniː/
an institution created to conduct business
From this reading From the moment he was introduced to the wife and daughters of his friend, he seemed to throw aside the reserve and coldness of his manner--to forget at once the statesman and the minister, the affairs of Europe and the intrigues of the cabinet--to live entirely for the present moment and the present company.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Nothing could be more gracious, more polite, more kind, than his reception of Mr. Percy and his family.
daughtersnounUS /ˈdɔːtərz/
plural of “daughter” — a female human offspring
From this reading From the moment he was introduced to the wife and daughters of his friend, he seemed to throw aside the reserve and coldness of his manner--to forget at once the statesman and the minister, the affairs of Europe and the intrigues of the cabinet--to live entirely for the present moment and the present company.
domesticsnounUS /dəˈmestɪks/
plural of “domestic” — a servant who is paid to perform menial tasks around the household
From this reading They found apartments prepared for them at Clermont-park, and servants ready to attend, with the officious promptitude with which a great man’s domestics usually wait upon those who are supposed to stand high in their master’s favour.
DuringprepositionUS /ˈdʊrɪŋ/
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading During his illness Lord Oldborough had always breakfasted in his own room; but his lordship appeared at the breakfast-table the morning after the ball, ready to receive his guests.
entirelyadverbUS /ɪnˈtaɪərli/
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading From the moment he was introduced to the wife and daughters of his friend, he seemed to throw aside the reserve and coldness of his manner--to forget at once the statesman and the minister, the affairs of Europe and the intrigues of the cabinet--to live entirely for the present moment and the present company.
EuropenounUS /ˈjʊrəp/
the 2nd smallest continent (actually a vast peninsula of Eurasia); the British use “Europe” to refer to all of the continent except the British Isles
From this reading From the moment he was introduced to the wife and daughters of his friend, he seemed to throw aside the reserve and coldness of his manner--to forget at once the statesman and the minister, the affairs of Europe and the intrigues of the cabinet--to live entirely for the present moment and the present company.
familynounUS /ˈfæməli/
a social unit living together
From this reading Nothing could be more gracious, more polite, more kind, than his reception of Mr. Percy and his family.
favournounUS /ˈfeɪvər/
a feeling of favorable regard
From this reading They found apartments prepared for them at Clermont-park, and servants ready to attend, with the officious promptitude with which a great man’s domestics usually wait upon those who are supposed to stand high in their master’s favour.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading They found apartments prepared for them at Clermont-park, and servants ready to attend, with the officious promptitude with which a great man’s domestics usually wait upon those who are supposed to stand high in their master’s favour.
forgetverbUS /fərˈɡet/
dismiss from the mind; stop remembering
From this reading From the moment he was introduced to the wife and daughters of his friend, he seemed to throw aside the reserve and coldness of his manner--to forget at once the statesman and the minister, the affairs of Europe and the intrigues of the cabinet--to live entirely for the present moment and the present company.
foundverbUS /faʊnd/
set up or found
From this reading They found apartments prepared for them at Clermont-park, and servants ready to attend, with the officious promptitude with which a great man’s domestics usually wait upon those who are supposed to stand high in their master’s favour.
friendnounUS /frend/
a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading From the moment he was introduced to the wife and daughters of his friend, he seemed to throw aside the reserve and coldness of his manner--to forget at once the statesman and the minister, the affairs of Europe and the intrigues of the cabinet--to live entirely for the present moment and the present company.
FromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading From the moment he was introduced to the wife and daughters of his friend, he seemed to throw aside the reserve and coldness of his manner--to forget at once the statesman and the minister, the affairs of Europe and the intrigues of the cabinet--to live entirely for the present moment and the present company.
graciousadjectiveUS /ˈɡreɪʃəs/
characterized by charm, good taste, and generosity of spirit
From this reading Nothing could be more gracious, more polite, more kind, than his reception of Mr. Percy and his family.
greatadjectiveUS /ɡreɪt/
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading They found apartments prepared for them at Clermont-park, and servants ready to attend, with the officious promptitude with which a great man’s domestics usually wait upon those who are supposed to stand high in their master’s favour.
guestsnounUS /ɡests/
plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended
From this reading During his illness Lord Oldborough had always breakfasted in his own room; but his lordship appeared at the breakfast-table the morning after the ball, ready to receive his guests.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading During his illness Lord Oldborough had always breakfasted in his own room; but his lordship appeared at the breakfast-table the morning after the ball, ready to receive his guests.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading From the moment he was introduced to the wife and daughters of his friend, he seemed to throw aside the reserve and coldness of his manner--to forget at once the statesman and the minister, the affairs of Europe and the intrigues of the cabinet--to live entirely for the present moment and the present company.
highadjectiveUS /haɪ/
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading They found apartments prepared for them at Clermont-park, and servants ready to attend, with the officious promptitude with which a great man’s domestics usually wait upon those who are supposed to stand high in their master’s favour.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading During his illness Lord Oldborough had always breakfasted in his own room; but his lordship appeared at the breakfast-table the morning after the ball, ready to receive his guests.
illnessnounUS /ˈɪlnəs/
impairment of normal physiological function affecting part or all of an organism
From this reading During his illness Lord Oldborough had always breakfasted in his own room; but his lordship appeared at the breakfast-table the morning after the ball, ready to receive his guests.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading They found apartments prepared for them at Clermont-park, and servants ready to attend, with the officious promptitude with which a great man’s domestics usually wait upon those who are supposed to stand high in their master’s favour.
intriguesnounUS /ˌɪnˈtriːɡz/
plural of “intrigue” — a crafty and involved plot to achieve your (usually sinister) ends
From this reading From the moment he was introduced to the wife and daughters of his friend, he seemed to throw aside the reserve and coldness of his manner--to forget at once the statesman and the minister, the affairs of Europe and the intrigues of the cabinet--to live entirely for the present moment and the present company.
introducedverbUS /ˌɪntrəˈduːst/
past form of “introduce” — cause to come to know personally
From this reading From the moment he was introduced to the wife and daughters of his friend, he seemed to throw aside the reserve and coldness of his manner--to forget at once the statesman and the minister, the affairs of Europe and the intrigues of the cabinet--to live entirely for the present moment and the present company.
invitationnounUS /ˌɪnvɪˈteɪʃən/
a request (spoken or written) to participate or be present or take part in something
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Percy accepted of Lord Oldborough’s invitation.
kindadjectiveUS /kaɪnd/
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading Nothing could be more gracious, more polite, more kind, than his reception of Mr. Percy and his family.
liveverbUS /laɪv/
be an inhabitant of or reside in
From this reading From the moment he was introduced to the wife and daughters of his friend, he seemed to throw aside the reserve and coldness of his manner--to forget at once the statesman and the minister, the affairs of Europe and the intrigues of the cabinet--to live entirely for the present moment and the present company.
LordnounUS /lɔːrd/
terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Percy accepted of Lord Oldborough’s invitation.
lordshipnounUS /ˈlɔːrdʃɪp/
a title used to address any British peer except a duke and extended to a bishop or a judge
From this reading During his illness Lord Oldborough had always breakfasted in his own room; but his lordship appeared at the breakfast-table the morning after the ball, ready to receive his guests.
man'snounUS /mænz/
possessive form of “man” — an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading They found apartments prepared for them at Clermont-park, and servants ready to attend, with the officious promptitude with which a great man’s domestics usually wait upon those who are supposed to stand high in their master’s favour.
mannernounUS /ˈmænər/
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading From the moment he was introduced to the wife and daughters of his friend, he seemed to throw aside the reserve and coldness of his manner--to forget at once the statesman and the minister, the affairs of Europe and the intrigues of the cabinet--to live entirely for the present moment and the present company.
master'snounUS /ˈmæstərz/
possessive form of “master” — an artist of consummate skill
From this reading They found apartments prepared for them at Clermont-park, and servants ready to attend, with the officious promptitude with which a great man’s domestics usually wait upon those who are supposed to stand high in their master’s favour.
ministernounUS /ˈmɪnəstər/
a person authorized to conduct religious worship
From this reading From the moment he was introduced to the wife and daughters of his friend, he seemed to throw aside the reserve and coldness of his manner--to forget at once the statesman and the minister, the affairs of Europe and the intrigues of the cabinet--to live entirely for the present moment and the present company.
momentnounUS /ˈmoʊmənt/
a particular point in time
From this reading From the moment he was introduced to the wife and daughters of his friend, he seemed to throw aside the reserve and coldness of his manner--to forget at once the statesman and the minister, the affairs of Europe and the intrigues of the cabinet--to live entirely for the present moment and the present company.
moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Nothing could be more gracious, more polite, more kind, than his reception of Mr. Percy and his family.
morningnounUS /ˈmɔːrnɪŋ/
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading During his illness Lord Oldborough had always breakfasted in his own room; but his lordship appeared at the breakfast-table the morning after the ball, ready to receive his guests.
MrnounUS /ˈmɪstər/
a form of address for a man
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Percy accepted of Lord Oldborough’s invitation.
MrsnounUS /ˈmɪsɪz/
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Percy accepted of Lord Oldborough’s invitation.
NothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/
not one thing; not anything
From this reading Nothing could be more gracious, more polite, more kind, than his reception of Mr. Percy and his family.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Percy accepted of Lord Oldborough’s invitation.
officiousadjective
intrusive in a meddling or offensive manner
From this reading They found apartments prepared for them at Clermont-park, and servants ready to attend, with the officious promptitude with which a great man’s domestics usually wait upon those who are supposed to stand high in their master’s favour.
Oldborough
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During his illness Lord Oldborough had always breakfasted in his own room; but his lordship appeared at the breakfast-table the morning after the ball, ready to receive his guests.
Oldborough's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Percy accepted of Lord Oldborough’s invitation.
onceadverbUS /wʌns/
on one occasion
From this reading From the moment he was introduced to the wife and daughters of his friend, he seemed to throw aside the reserve and coldness of his manner--to forget at once the statesman and the minister, the affairs of Europe and the intrigues of the cabinet--to live entirely for the present moment and the present company.
ownverbUS /oʊn/
have ownership or possession of
From this reading During his illness Lord Oldborough had always breakfasted in his own room; but his lordship appeared at the breakfast-table the morning after the ball, ready to receive his guests.
PercynounUS /ˈpɜːrsi/
United States writer whose novels explored human alienation (1916-1990)
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Percy accepted of Lord Oldborough’s invitation.
politeadjectiveUS /pəˈlaɪt/
showing regard for others in manners, speech, behavior, etc.
From this reading Nothing could be more gracious, more polite, more kind, than his reception of Mr. Percy and his family.
preparedadjectiveUS /priˈperd/
made ready or fit or suitable beforehand
From this reading They found apartments prepared for them at Clermont-park, and servants ready to attend, with the officious promptitude with which a great man’s domestics usually wait upon those who are supposed to stand high in their master’s favour.
presentverbUS /ˈprezənt/
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading From the moment he was introduced to the wife and daughters of his friend, he seemed to throw aside the reserve and coldness of his manner--to forget at once the statesman and the minister, the affairs of Europe and the intrigues of the cabinet--to live entirely for the present moment and the present company.
promptitudenoun
the characteristic of doing things without delay
From this reading They found apartments prepared for them at Clermont-park, and servants ready to attend, with the officious promptitude with which a great man’s domestics usually wait upon those who are supposed to stand high in their master’s favour.
readyadjectiveUS /ˈredi/
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading They found apartments prepared for them at Clermont-park, and servants ready to attend, with the officious promptitude with which a great man’s domestics usually wait upon those who are supposed to stand high in their master’s favour.
receiveverbUS /rəˈsiːv/
get something; come into possession of
From this reading During his illness Lord Oldborough had always breakfasted in his own room; but his lordship appeared at the breakfast-table the morning after the ball, ready to receive his guests.
receptionnounUS /rɪˈsepʃən/
the manner in which something is greeted
From this reading Nothing could be more gracious, more polite, more kind, than his reception of Mr. Percy and his family.
reservenounUS /rɪˈzɜːrv/
formality and propriety of manner
From this reading From the moment he was introduced to the wife and daughters of his friend, he seemed to throw aside the reserve and coldness of his manner--to forget at once the statesman and the minister, the affairs of Europe and the intrigues of the cabinet--to live entirely for the present moment and the present company.
roomnounUS /ruːm/
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading During his illness Lord Oldborough had always breakfasted in his own room; but his lordship appeared at the breakfast-table the morning after the ball, ready to receive his guests.
seemedverbUS /siːmd/
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading From the moment he was introduced to the wife and daughters of his friend, he seemed to throw aside the reserve and coldness of his manner--to forget at once the statesman and the minister, the affairs of Europe and the intrigues of the cabinet--to live entirely for the present moment and the present company.
servantsnounUS /ˈsɜːrvənts/
plural of “servant” — a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)
From this reading They found apartments prepared for them at Clermont-park, and servants ready to attend, with the officious promptitude with which a great man’s domestics usually wait upon those who are supposed to stand high in their master’s favour.
standverbUS /stænd/
be standing; be upright
From this reading They found apartments prepared for them at Clermont-park, and servants ready to attend, with the officious promptitude with which a great man’s domestics usually wait upon those who are supposed to stand high in their master’s favour.
statesmannounUS /ˈsteɪtsmən/
a man who is a respected leader in national or international affairs
From this reading From the moment he was introduced to the wife and daughters of his friend, he seemed to throw aside the reserve and coldness of his manner--to forget at once the statesman and the minister, the affairs of Europe and the intrigues of the cabinet--to live entirely for the present moment and the present company.
supposedadjectiveUS /səˈpoʊzd/
required or under orders
From this reading They found apartments prepared for them at Clermont-park, and servants ready to attend, with the officious promptitude with which a great man’s domestics usually wait upon those who are supposed to stand high in their master’s favour.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Nothing could be more gracious, more polite, more kind, than his reception of Mr. Percy and his family.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading They found apartments prepared for them at Clermont-park, and servants ready to attend, with the officious promptitude with which a great man’s domestics usually wait upon those who are supposed to stand high in their master’s favour.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading They found apartments prepared for them at Clermont-park, and servants ready to attend, with the officious promptitude with which a great man’s domestics usually wait upon those who are supposed to stand high in their master’s favour.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading They found apartments prepared for them at Clermont-park, and servants ready to attend, with the officious promptitude with which a great man’s domestics usually wait upon those who are supposed to stand high in their master’s favour.
TheypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They found apartments prepared for them at Clermont-park, and servants ready to attend, with the officious promptitude with which a great man’s domestics usually wait upon those who are supposed to stand high in their master’s favour.
thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading They found apartments prepared for them at Clermont-park, and servants ready to attend, with the officious promptitude with which a great man’s domestics usually wait upon those who are supposed to stand high in their master’s favour.
throwverbUS /θroʊ/
propel through the air
From this reading From the moment he was introduced to the wife and daughters of his friend, he seemed to throw aside the reserve and coldness of his manner--to forget at once the statesman and the minister, the affairs of Europe and the intrigues of the cabinet--to live entirely for the present moment and the present company.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading They found apartments prepared for them at Clermont-park, and servants ready to attend, with the officious promptitude with which a great man’s domestics usually wait upon those who are supposed to stand high in their master’s favour.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading They found apartments prepared for them at Clermont-park, and servants ready to attend, with the officious promptitude with which a great man’s domestics usually wait upon those who are supposed to stand high in their master’s favour.
usuallyadverbUS /ˈjuːʒəwəli/
under normal conditions
From this reading They found apartments prepared for them at Clermont-park, and servants ready to attend, with the officious promptitude with which a great man’s domestics usually wait upon those who are supposed to stand high in their master’s favour.
waitverbUS /weɪt/
stay in one place and anticipate or expect something
From this reading They found apartments prepared for them at Clermont-park, and servants ready to attend, with the officious promptitude with which a great man’s domestics usually wait upon those who are supposed to stand high in their master’s favour.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading From the moment he was introduced to the wife and daughters of his friend, he seemed to throw aside the reserve and coldness of his manner--to forget at once the statesman and the minister, the affairs of Europe and the intrigues of the cabinet--to live entirely for the present moment and the present company.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading They found apartments prepared for them at Clermont-park, and servants ready to attend, with the officious promptitude with which a great man’s domestics usually wait upon those who are supposed to stand high in their master’s favour.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading They found apartments prepared for them at Clermont-park, and servants ready to attend, with the officious promptitude with which a great man’s domestics usually wait upon those who are supposed to stand high in their master’s favour.
wifenounUS /waɪf/
a married woman; a man's partner in marriage
From this reading From the moment he was introduced to the wife and daughters of his friend, he seemed to throw aside the reserve and coldness of his manner--to forget at once the statesman and the minister, the affairs of Europe and the intrigues of the cabinet--to live entirely for the present moment and the present company.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading They found apartments prepared for them at Clermont-park, and servants ready to attend, with the officious promptitude with which a great man’s domestics usually wait upon those who are supposed to stand high in their master’s favour.
