adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Among them were two cousins of Lady Cecilia’s, whom Helen had known at Cecilhurst before they went abroad, while she was still almost a child.
abroadadverbUS /əˈbrɔːd/
to or in a foreign country
From this reading Among them were two cousins of Lady Cecilia’s, whom Helen had known at Cecilhurst before they went abroad, while she was still almost a child.
alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/
(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 When Helen last saw her, she was tolerably well-looking, very fashionable, and remarkable for high spirits, with a love for _quizzing_, and for all that is vulgarly called _fun_, and a talent for ridicule, which she indulged at everybody’s expense.
almostadverbUS /ˈɔːlmoʊst/
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading Among them were two cousins of Lady Cecilia’s, whom Helen had known at Cecilhurst before they went abroad, while she was still almost a child.
alwaysadverbUS /ˈɔːlweɪz/
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading She had always amused Cecilia, who thought her more diverting than really ill-natured; but Helen thought her more ill-natured than diverting, never liked her, and had her own private reasons for thinking that she was no good friend to Cecilia: but now, in consequence either of the wear and tear of London life, or of a disappointment in love or matrimony, she had lost the fresh plumpness of youth; and gone too was that spirit of mirth, if not of good humour, which used to enliven her countenance.
AmongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading Among them were two cousins of Lady Cecilia’s, whom Helen had known at Cecilhurst before they went abroad, while she was still almost a child.
amusedadjectiveUS /əˈmjuːzd/
pleasantly occupied
From this reading She had always amused Cecilia, who thought her more diverting than really ill-natured; but Helen thought her more ill-natured than diverting, never liked her, and had her own private reasons for thinking that she was no good friend to Cecilia: but now, in consequence either of the wear and tear of London life, or of a disappointment in love or matrimony, she had lost the fresh plumpness of youth; and gone too was that spirit of mirth, if not of good humour, which used to enliven her countenance.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading When Helen last saw her, she was tolerably well-looking, very fashionable, and remarkable for high spirits, with a love for _quizzing_, and for all that is vulgarly called _fun_, and a talent for ridicule, which she indulged at everybody’s expense.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The party now at Clarendon Park consisted chiefly of young people.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Among them were two cousins of Lady Cecilia’s, whom Helen had known at Cecilhurst before they went abroad, while she was still almost a child.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading She had always amused Cecilia, who thought her more diverting than really ill-natured; but Helen thought her more ill-natured than diverting, never liked her, and had her own private reasons for thinking that she was no good friend to Cecilia: but now, in consequence either of the wear and tear of London life, or of a disappointment in love or matrimony, she had lost the fresh plumpness of youth; and gone too was that spirit of mirth, if not of good humour, which used to enliven her countenance.
calledverbUS /kɔːld/
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading When Helen last saw her, she was tolerably well-looking, very fashionable, and remarkable for high spirits, with a love for _quizzing_, and for all that is vulgarly called _fun_, and a talent for ridicule, which she indulged at everybody’s expense.
Cecilhurst
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Among them were two cousins of Lady Cecilia’s, whom Helen had known at Cecilhurst before they went abroad, while she was still almost a child.
Cecilia
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lady Katrine Hawksby, the elder, was several years older than Cecilia.
Cecilia's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Among them were two cousins of Lady Cecilia’s, whom Helen had known at Cecilhurst before they went abroad, while she was still almost a child.
chieflyadverbUS /ˈtʃiːfli/
for the most part
From this reading The party now at Clarendon Park consisted chiefly of young people.
childnounUS /tʃaɪld/
a young person of either sex
From this reading Among them were two cousins of Lady Cecilia’s, whom Helen had known at Cecilhurst before they went abroad, while she was still almost a child.
Clarendon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The party now at Clarendon Park consisted chiefly of young people.
consequencenounUS /ˈkɑːnsəkwəns/
a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
From this reading She had always amused Cecilia, who thought her more diverting than really ill-natured; but Helen thought her more ill-natured than diverting, never liked her, and had her own private reasons for thinking that she was no good friend to Cecilia: but now, in consequence either of the wear and tear of London life, or of a disappointment in love or matrimony, she had lost the fresh plumpness of youth; and gone too was that spirit of mirth, if not of good humour, which used to enliven her countenance.
consistedverbUS /kənˈsɪstəd/
past form of “consist” — originate
From this reading The party now at Clarendon Park consisted chiefly of young people.
countenancenounUS /ˈkaʊntənəns/
the appearance conveyed by a person's face
From this reading She had always amused Cecilia, who thought her more diverting than really ill-natured; but Helen thought her more ill-natured than diverting, never liked her, and had her own private reasons for thinking that she was no good friend to Cecilia: but now, in consequence either of the wear and tear of London life, or of a disappointment in love or matrimony, she had lost the fresh plumpness of youth; and gone too was that spirit of mirth, if not of good humour, which used to enliven her countenance.
cousinsnounUS /ˈkʌzənz/
plural of “cousin” — the child of your aunt or uncle
From this reading Among them were two cousins of Lady Cecilia’s, whom Helen had known at Cecilhurst before they went abroad, while she was still almost a child.
disappointmentnounUS /ˌdɪsəˈpɔɪntmənt/
a feeling of dissatisfaction that results when your expectations are not realized
From this reading She had always amused Cecilia, who thought her more diverting than really ill-natured; but Helen thought her more ill-natured than diverting, never liked her, and had her own private reasons for thinking that she was no good friend to Cecilia: but now, in consequence either of the wear and tear of London life, or of a disappointment in love or matrimony, she had lost the fresh plumpness of youth; and gone too was that spirit of mirth, if not of good humour, which used to enliven her countenance.
divertingadjectiveUS /daɪˈvɜːrtɪŋ/
providing enjoyment; pleasantly entertaining
From this reading She had always amused Cecilia, who thought her more diverting than really ill-natured; but Helen thought her more ill-natured than diverting, never liked her, and had her own private reasons for thinking that she was no good friend to Cecilia: but now, in consequence either of the wear and tear of London life, or of a disappointment in love or matrimony, she had lost the fresh plumpness of youth; and gone too was that spirit of mirth, if not of good humour, which used to enliven her countenance.
eitherdeterminerUS /ˈiːðər/
one or the other of two
From this reading She had always amused Cecilia, who thought her more diverting than really ill-natured; but Helen thought her more ill-natured than diverting, never liked her, and had her own private reasons for thinking that she was no good friend to Cecilia: but now, in consequence either of the wear and tear of London life, or of a disappointment in love or matrimony, she had lost the fresh plumpness of youth; and gone too was that spirit of mirth, if not of good humour, which used to enliven her countenance.
eldernounUS /ˈeldər/
a person who is older than you are
From this reading Lady Katrine Hawksby, the elder, was several years older than Cecilia.
enlivenverbUS /enˈlaɪvən/
heighten or intensify
From this reading She had always amused Cecilia, who thought her more diverting than really ill-natured; but Helen thought her more ill-natured than diverting, never liked her, and had her own private reasons for thinking that she was no good friend to Cecilia: but now, in consequence either of the wear and tear of London life, or of a disappointment in love or matrimony, she had lost the fresh plumpness of youth; and gone too was that spirit of mirth, if not of good humour, which used to enliven her countenance.
everybody's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Helen last saw her, she was tolerably well-looking, very fashionable, and remarkable for high spirits, with a love for _quizzing_, and for all that is vulgarly called _fun_, and a talent for ridicule, which she indulged at everybody’s expense.
expensenounUS /ɪkˈspens/
amounts paid for goods and services that may be currently tax deductible (as opposed to capital expenditures)
From this reading When Helen last saw her, she was tolerably well-looking, very fashionable, and remarkable for high spirits, with a love for _quizzing_, and for all that is vulgarly called _fun_, and a talent for ridicule, which she indulged at everybody’s expense.
fashionableadjectiveUS /ˈfæʃənəbəl/
being or in accordance with current social fashions
From this reading When Helen last saw her, she was tolerably well-looking, very fashionable, and remarkable for high spirits, with a love for _quizzing_, and for all that is vulgarly called _fun_, and a talent for ridicule, which she indulged at everybody’s expense.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading When Helen last saw her, she was tolerably well-looking, very fashionable, and remarkable for high spirits, with a love for _quizzing_, and for all that is vulgarly called _fun_, and a talent for ridicule, which she indulged at everybody’s expense.
freshadjectiveUS /freʃ/
recently made, produced, or harvested
From this reading She had always amused Cecilia, who thought her more diverting than really ill-natured; but Helen thought her more ill-natured than diverting, never liked her, and had her own private reasons for thinking that she was no good friend to Cecilia: but now, in consequence either of the wear and tear of London life, or of a disappointment in love or matrimony, she had lost the fresh plumpness of youth; and gone too was that spirit of mirth, if not of good humour, which used to enliven her countenance.
friendnounUS /frend/
a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading She had always amused Cecilia, who thought her more diverting than really ill-natured; but Helen thought her more ill-natured than diverting, never liked her, and had her own private reasons for thinking that she was no good friend to Cecilia: but now, in consequence either of the wear and tear of London life, or of a disappointment in love or matrimony, she had lost the fresh plumpness of youth; and gone too was that spirit of mirth, if not of good humour, which used to enliven her countenance.
funnounUS /fʌn/
activities that are enjoyable or amusing
From this reading When Helen last saw her, she was tolerably well-looking, very fashionable, and remarkable for high spirits, with a love for _quizzing_, and for all that is vulgarly called _fun_, and a talent for ridicule, which she indulged at everybody’s expense.
goneadjectiveUS /ɡɔːn/
destroyed or killed
From this reading She had always amused Cecilia, who thought her more diverting than really ill-natured; but Helen thought her more ill-natured than diverting, never liked her, and had her own private reasons for thinking that she was no good friend to Cecilia: but now, in consequence either of the wear and tear of London life, or of a disappointment in love or matrimony, she had lost the fresh plumpness of youth; and gone too was that spirit of mirth, if not of good humour, which used to enliven her countenance.
goodadjectiveUS /ɡʊd/
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading She had always amused Cecilia, who thought her more diverting than really ill-natured; but Helen thought her more ill-natured than diverting, never liked her, and had her own private reasons for thinking that she was no good friend to Cecilia: but now, in consequence either of the wear and tear of London life, or of a disappointment in love or matrimony, she had lost the fresh plumpness of youth; and gone too was that spirit of mirth, if not of good humour, which used to enliven her countenance.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Among them were two cousins of Lady Cecilia’s, whom Helen had known at Cecilhurst before they went abroad, while she was still almost a child.
Hawksby
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lady Katrine Hawksby, the elder, was several years older than Cecilia.
HelennounUS /ˈhelən/
(Greek mythology) the beautiful daughter of Zeus and Leda who was abducted by Paris; the Greek army sailed to Troy to get her back which resulted in the Trojan War
From this reading Among them were two cousins of Lady Cecilia’s, whom Helen had known at Cecilhurst before they went abroad, while she was still almost a child.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading When Helen last saw her, she was tolerably well-looking, very fashionable, and remarkable for high spirits, with a love for _quizzing_, and for all that is vulgarly called _fun_, and a talent for ridicule, which she indulged at everybody’s expense.
highadjectiveUS /haɪ/
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading When Helen last saw her, she was tolerably well-looking, very fashionable, and remarkable for high spirits, with a love for _quizzing_, and for all that is vulgarly called _fun_, and a talent for ridicule, which she indulged at everybody’s expense.
humournounUS /ˈhjuːmər/
a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling
From this reading She had always amused Cecilia, who thought her more diverting than really ill-natured; but Helen thought her more ill-natured than diverting, never liked her, and had her own private reasons for thinking that she was no good friend to Cecilia: but now, in consequence either of the wear and tear of London life, or of a disappointment in love or matrimony, she had lost the fresh plumpness of youth; and gone too was that spirit of mirth, if not of good humour, which used to enliven her countenance.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading She had always amused Cecilia, who thought her more diverting than really ill-natured; but Helen thought her more ill-natured than diverting, never liked her, and had her own private reasons for thinking that she was no good friend to Cecilia: but now, in consequence either of the wear and tear of London life, or of a disappointment in love or matrimony, she had lost the fresh plumpness of youth; and gone too was that spirit of mirth, if not of good humour, which used to enliven her countenance.
ill-naturedadjective
having an irritable and unpleasant disposition
From this reading She had always amused Cecilia, who thought her more diverting than really ill-natured; but Helen thought her more ill-natured than diverting, never liked her, and had her own private reasons for thinking that she was no good friend to Cecilia: but now, in consequence either of the wear and tear of London life, or of a disappointment in love or matrimony, she had lost the fresh plumpness of youth; and gone too was that spirit of mirth, if not of good humour, which used to enliven her countenance.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading She had always amused Cecilia, who thought her more diverting than really ill-natured; but Helen thought her more ill-natured than diverting, never liked her, and had her own private reasons for thinking that she was no good friend to Cecilia: but now, in consequence either of the wear and tear of London life, or of a disappointment in love or matrimony, she had lost the fresh plumpness of youth; and gone too was that spirit of mirth, if not of good humour, which used to enliven her countenance.
indulgedverbUS /ˌɪnˈdʌldʒd/
past form of “indulge” — give free rein to
From this reading When Helen last saw her, she was tolerably well-looking, very fashionable, and remarkable for high spirits, with a love for _quizzing_, and for all that is vulgarly called _fun_, and a talent for ridicule, which she indulged at everybody’s expense.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading When Helen last saw her, she was tolerably well-looking, very fashionable, and remarkable for high spirits, with a love for _quizzing_, and for all that is vulgarly called _fun_, and a talent for ridicule, which she indulged at everybody’s expense.
Katrine
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lady Katrine Hawksby, the elder, was several years older than Cecilia.
knownadjectiveUS /noʊn/
apprehended with certainty
From this reading Among them were two cousins of Lady Cecilia’s, whom Helen had known at Cecilhurst before they went abroad, while she was still almost a child.
LadynounUS /ˈleɪdi/
a polite name for any woman
From this reading Among them were two cousins of Lady Cecilia’s, whom Helen had known at Cecilhurst before they went abroad, while she was still almost a child.
lastadjectiveUS /læst/
immediately past
From this reading When Helen last saw her, she was tolerably well-looking, very fashionable, and remarkable for high spirits, with a love for _quizzing_, and for all that is vulgarly called _fun_, and a talent for ridicule, which she indulged at everybody’s expense.
lifenounUS /laɪf/
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading She had always amused Cecilia, who thought her more diverting than really ill-natured; but Helen thought her more ill-natured than diverting, never liked her, and had her own private reasons for thinking that she was no good friend to Cecilia: but now, in consequence either of the wear and tear of London life, or of a disappointment in love or matrimony, she had lost the fresh plumpness of youth; and gone too was that spirit of mirth, if not of good humour, which used to enliven her countenance.
likedadjectiveUS /laɪkt/
found pleasant or attractive; often used as a combining form
From this reading She had always amused Cecilia, who thought her more diverting than really ill-natured; but Helen thought her more ill-natured than diverting, never liked her, and had her own private reasons for thinking that she was no good friend to Cecilia: but now, in consequence either of the wear and tear of London life, or of a disappointment in love or matrimony, she had lost the fresh plumpness of youth; and gone too was that spirit of mirth, if not of good humour, which used to enliven her countenance.
LondonnounUS /ˈlʌndən/
the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center
From this reading She had always amused Cecilia, who thought her more diverting than really ill-natured; but Helen thought her more ill-natured than diverting, never liked her, and had her own private reasons for thinking that she was no good friend to Cecilia: but now, in consequence either of the wear and tear of London life, or of a disappointment in love or matrimony, she had lost the fresh plumpness of youth; and gone too was that spirit of mirth, if not of good humour, which used to enliven her countenance.
lostadjectiveUS /lɔːst/
no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered
From this reading She had always amused Cecilia, who thought her more diverting than really ill-natured; but Helen thought her more ill-natured than diverting, never liked her, and had her own private reasons for thinking that she was no good friend to Cecilia: but now, in consequence either of the wear and tear of London life, or of a disappointment in love or matrimony, she had lost the fresh plumpness of youth; and gone too was that spirit of mirth, if not of good humour, which used to enliven her countenance.
lovenounUS /lʌv/
a strong positive emotion of regard and affection
From this reading When Helen last saw her, she was tolerably well-looking, very fashionable, and remarkable for high spirits, with a love for _quizzing_, and for all that is vulgarly called _fun_, and a talent for ridicule, which she indulged at everybody’s expense.
matrimonynounUS /ˈmætrəmoʊni/
the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce)
From this reading She had always amused Cecilia, who thought her more diverting than really ill-natured; but Helen thought her more ill-natured than diverting, never liked her, and had her own private reasons for thinking that she was no good friend to Cecilia: but now, in consequence either of the wear and tear of London life, or of a disappointment in love or matrimony, she had lost the fresh plumpness of youth; and gone too was that spirit of mirth, if not of good humour, which used to enliven her countenance.
mirthnounUS /mɜːrθ/
great merriment
From this reading She had always amused Cecilia, who thought her more diverting than really ill-natured; but Helen thought her more ill-natured than diverting, never liked her, and had her own private reasons for thinking that she was no good friend to Cecilia: but now, in consequence either of the wear and tear of London life, or of a disappointment in love or matrimony, she had lost the fresh plumpness of youth; and gone too was that spirit of mirth, if not of good humour, which used to enliven her countenance.
moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading She had always amused Cecilia, who thought her more diverting than really ill-natured; but Helen thought her more ill-natured than diverting, never liked her, and had her own private reasons for thinking that she was no good friend to Cecilia: but now, in consequence either of the wear and tear of London life, or of a disappointment in love or matrimony, she had lost the fresh plumpness of youth; and gone too was that spirit of mirth, if not of good humour, which used to enliven her countenance.
neveradverbUS /ˈnevər/
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading She had always amused Cecilia, who thought her more diverting than really ill-natured; but Helen thought her more ill-natured than diverting, never liked her, and had her own private reasons for thinking that she was no good friend to Cecilia: but now, in consequence either of the wear and tear of London life, or of a disappointment in love or matrimony, she had lost the fresh plumpness of youth; and gone too was that spirit of mirth, if not of good humour, which used to enliven her countenance.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading She had always amused Cecilia, who thought her more diverting than really ill-natured; but Helen thought her more ill-natured than diverting, never liked her, and had her own private reasons for thinking that she was no good friend to Cecilia: but now, in consequence either of the wear and tear of London life, or of a disappointment in love or matrimony, she had lost the fresh plumpness of youth; and gone too was that spirit of mirth, if not of good humour, which used to enliven her countenance.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading She had always amused Cecilia, who thought her more diverting than really ill-natured; but Helen thought her more ill-natured than diverting, never liked her, and had her own private reasons for thinking that she was no good friend to Cecilia: but now, in consequence either of the wear and tear of London life, or of a disappointment in love or matrimony, she had lost the fresh plumpness of youth; and gone too was that spirit of mirth, if not of good humour, which used to enliven her countenance.
nowadverbUS /naʊ/
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading The party now at Clarendon Park consisted chiefly of young people.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The party now at Clarendon Park consisted chiefly of young people.
olderadjectiveUS /ˈoʊldər/
advanced in years; (“aged” is pronounced as two syllables)
From this reading Lady Katrine Hawksby, the elder, was several years older than Cecilia.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading She had always amused Cecilia, who thought her more diverting than really ill-natured; but Helen thought her more ill-natured than diverting, never liked her, and had her own private reasons for thinking that she was no good friend to Cecilia: but now, in consequence either of the wear and tear of London life, or of a disappointment in love or matrimony, she had lost the fresh plumpness of youth; and gone too was that spirit of mirth, if not of good humour, which used to enliven her countenance.
ownverbUS /oʊn/
have ownership or possession of
From this reading She had always amused Cecilia, who thought her more diverting than really ill-natured; but Helen thought her more ill-natured than diverting, never liked her, and had her own private reasons for thinking that she was no good friend to Cecilia: but now, in consequence either of the wear and tear of London life, or of a disappointment in love or matrimony, she had lost the fresh plumpness of youth; and gone too was that spirit of mirth, if not of good humour, which used to enliven her countenance.
ParknounUS /pɑːrk/
a large area of land preserved in its natural state as public property
From this reading The party now at Clarendon Park consisted chiefly of young people.
partynounUS /ˈpɑːrti/
an organization to gain political power
From this reading The party now at Clarendon Park consisted chiefly of young people.
peoplenounUS /ˈpiːpəl/
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading The party now at Clarendon Park consisted chiefly of young people.
plumpnessnoun
the bodily property of being well rounded
From this reading She had always amused Cecilia, who thought her more diverting than really ill-natured; but Helen thought her more ill-natured than diverting, never liked her, and had her own private reasons for thinking that she was no good friend to Cecilia: but now, in consequence either of the wear and tear of London life, or of a disappointment in love or matrimony, she had lost the fresh plumpness of youth; and gone too was that spirit of mirth, if not of good humour, which used to enliven her countenance.
privateadjectiveUS /ˈpraɪvət/
confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy
From this reading She had always amused Cecilia, who thought her more diverting than really ill-natured; but Helen thought her more ill-natured than diverting, never liked her, and had her own private reasons for thinking that she was no good friend to Cecilia: but now, in consequence either of the wear and tear of London life, or of a disappointment in love or matrimony, she had lost the fresh plumpness of youth; and gone too was that spirit of mirth, if not of good humour, which used to enliven her countenance.
quizzingverbUS /ˈkwɪzɪŋ/
inflected form of “quiz” — examine someone's knowledge of something
From this reading When Helen last saw her, she was tolerably well-looking, very fashionable, and remarkable for high spirits, with a love for _quizzing_, and for all that is vulgarly called _fun_, and a talent for ridicule, which she indulged at everybody’s expense.
reallyadverbUS /ˈrɪli/
in accordance with truth or fact or reality
From this reading She had always amused Cecilia, who thought her more diverting than really ill-natured; but Helen thought her more ill-natured than diverting, never liked her, and had her own private reasons for thinking that she was no good friend to Cecilia: but now, in consequence either of the wear and tear of London life, or of a disappointment in love or matrimony, she had lost the fresh plumpness of youth; and gone too was that spirit of mirth, if not of good humour, which used to enliven her countenance.
reasonsnounUS /ˈriːzənz/
plural of “reason” — a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading She had always amused Cecilia, who thought her more diverting than really ill-natured; but Helen thought her more ill-natured than diverting, never liked her, and had her own private reasons for thinking that she was no good friend to Cecilia: but now, in consequence either of the wear and tear of London life, or of a disappointment in love or matrimony, she had lost the fresh plumpness of youth; and gone too was that spirit of mirth, if not of good humour, which used to enliven her countenance.
remarkableadjectiveUS /rɪˈmɑːrkəbəl/
unusual or striking
From this reading When Helen last saw her, she was tolerably well-looking, very fashionable, and remarkable for high spirits, with a love for _quizzing_, and for all that is vulgarly called _fun_, and a talent for ridicule, which she indulged at everybody’s expense.
ridiculenounUS /ˈrɪdəkjuːl/
language or behavior intended to mock or humiliate
From this reading When Helen last saw her, she was tolerably well-looking, very fashionable, and remarkable for high spirits, with a love for _quizzing_, and for all that is vulgarly called _fun_, and a talent for ridicule, which she indulged at everybody’s expense.
sawverbUS /sɔː/
cut with a saw
From this reading When Helen last saw her, she was tolerably well-looking, very fashionable, and remarkable for high spirits, with a love for _quizzing_, and for all that is vulgarly called _fun_, and a talent for ridicule, which she indulged at everybody’s expense.
severaladjectiveUS /ˈsevrəl/
(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many
From this reading Lady Katrine Hawksby, the elder, was several years older than Cecilia.
shepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Among them were two cousins of Lady Cecilia’s, whom Helen had known at Cecilhurst before they went abroad, while she was still almost a child.
spiritnounUS /ˈspɪrət/
the vital principle or animating force within living things
From this reading She had always amused Cecilia, who thought her more diverting than really ill-natured; but Helen thought her more ill-natured than diverting, never liked her, and had her own private reasons for thinking that she was no good friend to Cecilia: but now, in consequence either of the wear and tear of London life, or of a disappointment in love or matrimony, she had lost the fresh plumpness of youth; and gone too was that spirit of mirth, if not of good humour, which used to enliven her countenance.
spiritsnounUS /ˈspɪrɪts/
an alcoholic beverage that is distilled rather than fermented
From this reading When Helen last saw her, she was tolerably well-looking, very fashionable, and remarkable for high spirits, with a love for _quizzing_, and for all that is vulgarly called _fun_, and a talent for ridicule, which she indulged at everybody’s expense.
stilladjectiveUS /stɪl/
not in physical motion
From this reading Among them were two cousins of Lady Cecilia’s, whom Helen had known at Cecilhurst before they went abroad, while she was still almost a child.
talentnounUS /ˈtælənt/
natural abilities or qualities
From this reading When Helen last saw her, she was tolerably well-looking, very fashionable, and remarkable for high spirits, with a love for _quizzing_, and for all that is vulgarly called _fun_, and a talent for ridicule, which she indulged at everybody’s expense.
tearverbUS /ter/
separate or cause to separate abruptly
From this reading She had always amused Cecilia, who thought her more diverting than really ill-natured; but Helen thought her more ill-natured than diverting, never liked her, and had her own private reasons for thinking that she was no good friend to Cecilia: but now, in consequence either of the wear and tear of London life, or of a disappointment in love or matrimony, she had lost the fresh plumpness of youth; and gone too was that spirit of mirth, if not of good humour, which used to enliven her countenance.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Lady Katrine Hawksby, the elder, was several years older than Cecilia.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading When Helen last saw her, she was tolerably well-looking, very fashionable, and remarkable for high spirits, with a love for _quizzing_, and for all that is vulgarly called _fun_, and a talent for ridicule, which she indulged at everybody’s expense.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The party now at Clarendon Park consisted chiefly of young people.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Among them were two cousins of Lady Cecilia’s, whom Helen had known at Cecilhurst before they went abroad, while she was still almost a child.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Among them were two cousins of Lady Cecilia’s, whom Helen had known at Cecilhurst before they went abroad, while she was still almost a child.
thinkingnounUS /ˈθɪŋkɪŋ/
the process of using your mind to consider something carefully
From this reading She had always amused Cecilia, who thought her more diverting than really ill-natured; but Helen thought her more ill-natured than diverting, never liked her, and had her own private reasons for thinking that she was no good friend to Cecilia: but now, in consequence either of the wear and tear of London life, or of a disappointment in love or matrimony, she had lost the fresh plumpness of youth; and gone too was that spirit of mirth, if not of good humour, which used to enliven her countenance.
thoughtnounUS /θɔːt/
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading She had always amused Cecilia, who thought her more diverting than really ill-natured; but Helen thought her more ill-natured than diverting, never liked her, and had her own private reasons for thinking that she was no good friend to Cecilia: but now, in consequence either of the wear and tear of London life, or of a disappointment in love or matrimony, she had lost the fresh plumpness of youth; and gone too was that spirit of mirth, if not of good humour, which used to enliven her countenance.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading She had always amused Cecilia, who thought her more diverting than really ill-natured; but Helen thought her more ill-natured than diverting, never liked her, and had her own private reasons for thinking that she was no good friend to Cecilia: but now, in consequence either of the wear and tear of London life, or of a disappointment in love or matrimony, she had lost the fresh plumpness of youth; and gone too was that spirit of mirth, if not of good humour, which used to enliven her countenance.
tolerablyadverb
in an acceptable (but not outstanding) manner
From this reading When Helen last saw her, she was tolerably well-looking, very fashionable, and remarkable for high spirits, with a love for _quizzing_, and for all that is vulgarly called _fun_, and a talent for ridicule, which she indulged at everybody’s expense.
tooadverbUS /tuː/
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading She had always amused Cecilia, who thought her more diverting than really ill-natured; but Helen thought her more ill-natured than diverting, never liked her, and had her own private reasons for thinking that she was no good friend to Cecilia: but now, in consequence either of the wear and tear of London life, or of a disappointment in love or matrimony, she had lost the fresh plumpness of youth; and gone too was that spirit of mirth, if not of good humour, which used to enliven her countenance.
twonounUS /tuː/
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Among them were two cousins of Lady Cecilia’s, whom Helen had known at Cecilhurst before they went abroad, while she was still almost a child.
usedadjectiveUS /juːzd/
employed in accomplishing something
From this reading She had always amused Cecilia, who thought her more diverting than really ill-natured; but Helen thought her more ill-natured than diverting, never liked her, and had her own private reasons for thinking that she was no good friend to Cecilia: but now, in consequence either of the wear and tear of London life, or of a disappointment in love or matrimony, she had lost the fresh plumpness of youth; and gone too was that spirit of mirth, if not of good humour, which used to enliven her countenance.
veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/
precisely as stated
From this reading When Helen last saw her, she was tolerably well-looking, very fashionable, and remarkable for high spirits, with a love for _quizzing_, and for all that is vulgarly called _fun_, and a talent for ridicule, which she indulged at everybody’s expense.
vulgarlyadverb
in a smutty manner
From this reading When Helen last saw her, she was tolerably well-looking, very fashionable, and remarkable for high spirits, with a love for _quizzing_, and for all that is vulgarly called _fun_, and a talent for ridicule, which she indulged at everybody’s expense.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Among them were two cousins of Lady Cecilia’s, whom Helen had known at Cecilhurst before they went abroad, while she was still almost a child.
wearverbUS /wer/
be dressed in
From this reading She had always amused Cecilia, who thought her more diverting than really ill-natured; but Helen thought her more ill-natured than diverting, never liked her, and had her own private reasons for thinking that she was no good friend to Cecilia: but now, in consequence either of the wear and tear of London life, or of a disappointment in love or matrimony, she had lost the fresh plumpness of youth; and gone too was that spirit of mirth, if not of good humour, which used to enliven her countenance.
well-looking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Helen last saw her, she was tolerably well-looking, very fashionable, and remarkable for high spirits, with a love for _quizzing_, and for all that is vulgarly called _fun_, and a talent for ridicule, which she indulged at everybody’s expense.
wentverbUS /went/
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Among them were two cousins of Lady Cecilia’s, whom Helen had known at Cecilhurst before they went abroad, while she was still almost a child.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Among them were two cousins of Lady Cecilia’s, whom Helen had known at Cecilhurst before they went abroad, while she was still almost a child.
WhenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading When Helen last saw her, she was tolerably well-looking, very fashionable, and remarkable for high spirits, with a love for _quizzing_, and for all that is vulgarly called _fun_, and a talent for ridicule, which she indulged at everybody’s expense.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading When Helen last saw her, she was tolerably well-looking, very fashionable, and remarkable for high spirits, with a love for _quizzing_, and for all that is vulgarly called _fun_, and a talent for ridicule, which she indulged at everybody’s expense.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Among them were two cousins of Lady Cecilia’s, whom Helen had known at Cecilhurst before they went abroad, while she was still almost a child.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading She had always amused Cecilia, who thought her more diverting than really ill-natured; but Helen thought her more ill-natured than diverting, never liked her, and had her own private reasons for thinking that she was no good friend to Cecilia: but now, in consequence either of the wear and tear of London life, or of a disappointment in love or matrimony, she had lost the fresh plumpness of youth; and gone too was that spirit of mirth, if not of good humour, which used to enliven her countenance.
whompronounUS /huːm/
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Among them were two cousins of Lady Cecilia’s, whom Helen had known at Cecilhurst before they went abroad, while she was still almost a child.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading When Helen last saw her, she was tolerably well-looking, very fashionable, and remarkable for high spirits, with a love for _quizzing_, and for all that is vulgarly called _fun_, and a talent for ridicule, which she indulged at everybody’s expense.
yearsnounUS /jɪrz/
a late time of life
From this reading Lady Katrine Hawksby, the elder, was several years older than Cecilia.
youngadjectiveUS /jʌŋ/
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading The party now at Clarendon Park consisted chiefly of young people.
youthnounUS /juːθ/
a young person (especially a young man or boy)
From this reading She had always amused Cecilia, who thought her more diverting than really ill-natured; but Helen thought her more ill-natured than diverting, never liked her, and had her own private reasons for thinking that she was no good friend to Cecilia: but now, in consequence either of the wear and tear of London life, or of a disappointment in love or matrimony, she had lost the fresh plumpness of youth; and gone too was that spirit of mirth, if not of good humour, which used to enliven her countenance.
