used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading She sat with her knitting on the table beside her ready to be picked up at every spare moment, on the principle that every second was of value—a short-sighted, unimaginative woman whose whole attention was concentrated upon the accomplishment of her own salvation.
accomplishmentnounUS /əˈkɑːmplɪʃmənt/
the action of accomplishing something
From this reading She sat with her knitting on the table beside her ready to be picked up at every spare moment, on the principle that every second was of value—a short-sighted, unimaginative woman whose whole attention was concentrated upon the accomplishment of her own salvation.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading THE BREAK-DOWN Four people sat at the old oak table in the oak-raftered dining-room of the Bishop’s palace that day, and no greater contrast than they presented could well have existed among beings of the same race.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Dr. Rotherby—the Bishop—sat in pre-occupied silence scanning an ecclesiastical paper while he ate.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE BREAK-DOWN Four people sat at the old oak table in the oak-raftered dining-room of the Bishop’s palace that day, and no greater contrast than they presented could well have existed among beings of the same race.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading He never encouraged conversation at any meal save dinner, and his sister, Miss Rotherby, nervous, pinched, and dyspeptic, supported him dutifully in this as in every other whim.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading He never encouraged conversation at any meal save dinner, and his sister, Miss Rotherby, nervous, pinched, and dyspeptic, supported him dutifully in this as in every other whim.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading THE BREAK-DOWN Four people sat at the old oak table in the oak-raftered dining-room of the Bishop’s palace that day, and no greater contrast than they presented could well have existed among beings of the same race.
goddess of criminal rashness and its punishment
From this reading Dr. Rotherby—the Bishop—sat in pre-occupied silence scanning an ecclesiastical paper while he ate.
the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others
From this reading She sat with her knitting on the table beside her ready to be picked up at every spare moment, on the principle that every second was of value—a short-sighted, unimaginative woman whose whole attention was concentrated upon the accomplishment of her own salvation.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading She sat with her knitting on the table beside her ready to be picked up at every spare moment, on the principle that every second was of value—a short-sighted, unimaginative woman whose whole attention was concentrated upon the accomplishment of her own salvation.
beingsnounUS /ˈbiːɪŋz/
plural of “being” — the state or fact of existing
From this reading THE BREAK-DOWN Four people sat at the old oak table in the oak-raftered dining-room of the Bishop’s palace that day, and no greater contrast than they presented could well have existed among beings of the same race.
next to; at the side of
From this reading She sat with her knitting on the table beside her ready to be picked up at every spare moment, on the principle that every second was of value—a short-sighted, unimaginative woman whose whole attention was concentrated upon the accomplishment of her own salvation.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading Montague Rotherby, the sunburnt man of travel, sat between the two, and wondered what he was doing there.
a senior member of the Christian clergy having spiritual and administrative authority; appointed in Christian churches to oversee priests or ministers; considered in some churches to be successors of the twelve Apostles of Christ
From this reading Dr. Rotherby—the Bishop—sat in pre-occupied silence scanning an ecclesiastical paper while he ate.
Bishop'snounUS /ˈbɪʃəps/
possessive form of “bishop” — a senior member of the Christian clergy having spiritual and administrative authority; appointed in Christian churches to oversee priests or ministers; considered in some churches to be successors of the twelve Apostles of Christ
From this reading THE BREAK-DOWN Four people sat at the old oak table in the oak-raftered dining-room of the Bishop’s palace that day, and no greater contrast than they presented could well have existed among beings of the same race.
BREAK-DOWN
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE BREAK-DOWN Four people sat at the old oak table in the oak-raftered dining-room of the Bishop’s palace that day, and no greater contrast than they presented could well have existed among beings of the same race.
concentratedadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːnsəntreɪtɪd/
gathered together or made less diffuse
From this reading She sat with her knitting on the table beside her ready to be picked up at every spare moment, on the principle that every second was of value—a short-sighted, unimaginative woman whose whole attention was concentrated upon the accomplishment of her own salvation.
contrastnounUS /ˈkɑːntræst/
the opposition or dissimilarity of things that are compared
From this reading THE BREAK-DOWN Four people sat at the old oak table in the oak-raftered dining-room of the Bishop’s palace that day, and no greater contrast than they presented could well have existed among beings of the same race.
the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.
From this reading He never encouraged conversation at any meal save dinner, and his sister, Miss Rotherby, nervous, pinched, and dyspeptic, supported him dutifully in this as in every other whim.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading THE BREAK-DOWN Four people sat at the old oak table in the oak-raftered dining-room of the Bishop’s palace that day, and no greater contrast than they presented could well have existed among beings of the same race.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading THE BREAK-DOWN Four people sat at the old oak table in the oak-raftered dining-room of the Bishop’s palace that day, and no greater contrast than they presented could well have existed among beings of the same race.
dining-roomnoun
a room used for dining
From this reading THE BREAK-DOWN Four people sat at the old oak table in the oak-raftered dining-room of the Bishop’s palace that day, and no greater contrast than they presented could well have existed among beings of the same race.
the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday
From this reading He never encouraged conversation at any meal save dinner, and his sister, Miss Rotherby, nervous, pinched, and dyspeptic, supported him dutifully in this as in every other whim.
-ing form of “do” — engage in
From this reading Montague Rotherby, the sunburnt man of travel, sat between the two, and wondered what he was doing there.
Dr
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Dr. Rotherby—the Bishop—sat in pre-occupied silence scanning an ecclesiastical paper while he ate.
dutifullyadverbUS /ˈduːtifəli/
out of a sense of duty; in a dutiful manner
From this reading He never encouraged conversation at any meal save dinner, and his sister, Miss Rotherby, nervous, pinched, and dyspeptic, supported him dutifully in this as in every other whim.
dyspepticadjectiveUS /ˌdɪˈspeptɪk/
suffering from dyspepsia
From this reading He never encouraged conversation at any meal save dinner, and his sister, Miss Rotherby, nervous, pinched, and dyspeptic, supported him dutifully in this as in every other whim.
ecclesiasticaladjectiveUS /ɪˌkliːziˈæstɪkəl/
of or associated with a church (especially a Christian Church)
From this reading Dr. Rotherby—the Bishop—sat in pre-occupied silence scanning an ecclesiastical paper while he ate.
encouragedadjectiveUS /enˈkɜːrɪdʒd/
inspired with confidence
From this reading He never encouraged conversation at any meal save dinner, and his sister, Miss Rotherby, nervous, pinched, and dyspeptic, supported him dutifully in this as in every other whim.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading He never encouraged conversation at any meal save dinner, and his sister, Miss Rotherby, nervous, pinched, and dyspeptic, supported him dutifully in this as in every other whim.
existedverbUS /ɪɡˈzɪstəd/
past form of “exist” — have an existence, be extant
From this reading THE BREAK-DOWN Four people sat at the old oak table in the oak-raftered dining-room of the Bishop’s palace that day, and no greater contrast than they presented could well have existed among beings of the same race.
the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
From this reading THE BREAK-DOWN Four people sat at the old oak table in the oak-raftered dining-room of the Bishop’s palace that day, and no greater contrast than they presented could well have existed among beings of the same race.
greater in size or importance or degree
From this reading THE BREAK-DOWN Four people sat at the old oak table in the oak-raftered dining-room of the Bishop’s palace that day, and no greater contrast than they presented could well have existed among beings of the same race.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading THE BREAK-DOWN Four people sat at the old oak table in the oak-raftered dining-room of the Bishop’s palace that day, and no greater contrast than they presented could well have existed among beings of the same race.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Dr. Rotherby—the Bishop—sat in pre-occupied silence scanning an ecclesiastical paper while he ate.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading She sat with her knitting on the table beside her ready to be picked up at every spare moment, on the principle that every second was of value—a short-sighted, unimaginative woman whose whole attention was concentrated upon the accomplishment of her own salvation.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He never encouraged conversation at any meal save dinner, and his sister, Miss Rotherby, nervous, pinched, and dyspeptic, supported him dutifully in this as in every other whim.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading He never encouraged conversation at any meal save dinner, and his sister, Miss Rotherby, nervous, pinched, and dyspeptic, supported him dutifully in this as in every other whim.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE BREAK-DOWN Four people sat at the old oak table in the oak-raftered dining-room of the Bishop’s palace that day, and no greater contrast than they presented could well have existed among beings of the same race.
knittingnounUS /ˈnɪtɪŋ/
needlework created by interlacing yarn in a series of connected loops using straight eyeless needles or by machine
From this reading She sat with her knitting on the table beside her ready to be picked up at every spare moment, on the principle that every second was of value—a short-sighted, unimaginative woman whose whole attention was concentrated upon the accomplishment of her own salvation.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Montague Rotherby, the sunburnt man of travel, sat between the two, and wondered what he was doing there.
the food served and eaten at one time
From this reading He never encouraged conversation at any meal save dinner, and his sister, Miss Rotherby, nervous, pinched, and dyspeptic, supported him dutifully in this as in every other whim.
fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind
From this reading He never encouraged conversation at any meal save dinner, and his sister, Miss Rotherby, nervous, pinched, and dyspeptic, supported him dutifully in this as in every other whim.
a particular point in time
From this reading She sat with her knitting on the table beside her ready to be picked up at every spare moment, on the principle that every second was of value—a short-sighted, unimaginative woman whose whole attention was concentrated upon the accomplishment of her own salvation.
Montague
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Montague Rotherby, the sunburnt man of travel, sat between the two, and wondered what he was doing there.
easily agitated
From this reading He never encouraged conversation at any meal save dinner, and his sister, Miss Rotherby, nervous, pinched, and dyspeptic, supported him dutifully in this as in every other whim.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading He never encouraged conversation at any meal save dinner, and his sister, Miss Rotherby, nervous, pinched, and dyspeptic, supported him dutifully in this as in every other whim.
not any; not one
From this reading THE BREAK-DOWN Four people sat at the old oak table in the oak-raftered dining-room of the Bishop’s palace that day, and no greater contrast than they presented could well have existed among beings of the same race.
the hard durable wood of any oak; used especially for furniture and flooring
From this reading THE BREAK-DOWN Four people sat at the old oak table in the oak-raftered dining-room of the Bishop’s palace that day, and no greater contrast than they presented could well have existed among beings of the same race.
oak-raftered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE BREAK-DOWN Four people sat at the old oak table in the oak-raftered dining-room of the Bishop’s palace that day, and no greater contrast than they presented could well have existed among beings of the same race.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE BREAK-DOWN Four people sat at the old oak table in the oak-raftered dining-room of the Bishop’s palace that day, and no greater contrast than they presented could well have existed among beings of the same race.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading THE BREAK-DOWN Four people sat at the old oak table in the oak-raftered dining-room of the Bishop’s palace that day, and no greater contrast than they presented could well have existed among beings of the same race.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading She sat with her knitting on the table beside her ready to be picked up at every spare moment, on the principle that every second was of value—a short-sighted, unimaginative woman whose whole attention was concentrated upon the accomplishment of her own salvation.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading He never encouraged conversation at any meal save dinner, and his sister, Miss Rotherby, nervous, pinched, and dyspeptic, supported him dutifully in this as in every other whim.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading She sat with her knitting on the table beside her ready to be picked up at every spare moment, on the principle that every second was of value—a short-sighted, unimaginative woman whose whole attention was concentrated upon the accomplishment of her own salvation.
a large and stately mansion
From this reading THE BREAK-DOWN Four people sat at the old oak table in the oak-raftered dining-room of the Bishop’s palace that day, and no greater contrast than they presented could well have existed among beings of the same race.
a material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses
From this reading Dr. Rotherby—the Bishop—sat in pre-occupied silence scanning an ecclesiastical paper while he ate.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading THE BREAK-DOWN Four people sat at the old oak table in the oak-raftered dining-room of the Bishop’s palace that day, and no greater contrast than they presented could well have existed among beings of the same race.
past form of “pick” — select carefully from a group
From this reading She sat with her knitting on the table beside her ready to be picked up at every spare moment, on the principle that every second was of value—a short-sighted, unimaginative woman whose whole attention was concentrated upon the accomplishment of her own salvation.
pinchedadjectiveUS /pɪntʃt/
sounding as if the nose were pinched
From this reading He never encouraged conversation at any meal save dinner, and his sister, Miss Rotherby, nervous, pinched, and dyspeptic, supported him dutifully in this as in every other whim.
pre-occupied
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Dr. Rotherby—the Bishop—sat in pre-occupied silence scanning an ecclesiastical paper while he ate.
past form of “present” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading THE BREAK-DOWN Four people sat at the old oak table in the oak-raftered dining-room of the Bishop’s palace that day, and no greater contrast than they presented could well have existed among beings of the same race.
principlenounUS /ˈprɪnsəpəl/
a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct
From this reading She sat with her knitting on the table beside her ready to be picked up at every spare moment, on the principle that every second was of value—a short-sighted, unimaginative woman whose whole attention was concentrated upon the accomplishment of her own salvation.
any competition
From this reading THE BREAK-DOWN Four people sat at the old oak table in the oak-raftered dining-room of the Bishop’s palace that day, and no greater contrast than they presented could well have existed among beings of the same race.
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading She sat with her knitting on the table beside her ready to be picked up at every spare moment, on the principle that every second was of value—a short-sighted, unimaginative woman whose whole attention was concentrated upon the accomplishment of her own salvation.
Rotherby
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Dr. Rotherby—the Bishop—sat in pre-occupied silence scanning an ecclesiastical paper while he ate.
salvationnounUS /sælˈveɪʃən/
(theology) the act of delivering from sin or saving from evil
From this reading She sat with her knitting on the table beside her ready to be picked up at every spare moment, on the principle that every second was of value—a short-sighted, unimaginative woman whose whole attention was concentrated upon the accomplishment of her own salvation.
Identical; not different.
From this reading THE BREAK-DOWN Four people sat at the old oak table in the oak-raftered dining-room of the Bishop’s palace that day, and no greater contrast than they presented could well have existed among beings of the same race.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading THE BREAK-DOWN Four people sat at the old oak table in the oak-raftered dining-room of the Bishop’s palace that day, and no greater contrast than they presented could well have existed among beings of the same race.
except for; apart from
From this reading He never encouraged conversation at any meal save dinner, and his sister, Miss Rotherby, nervous, pinched, and dyspeptic, supported him dutifully in this as in every other whim.
scanningnounUS /ˈskænɪŋ/
the process of translating photographs into a digital form that can be recognized by a computer
From this reading Dr. Rotherby—the Bishop—sat in pre-occupied silence scanning an ecclesiastical paper while he ate.
1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
From this reading She sat with her knitting on the table beside her ready to be picked up at every spare moment, on the principle that every second was of value—a short-sighted, unimaginative woman whose whole attention was concentrated upon the accomplishment of her own salvation.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She sat with her knitting on the table beside her ready to be picked up at every spare moment, on the principle that every second was of value—a short-sighted, unimaginative woman whose whole attention was concentrated upon the accomplishment of her own salvation.
short-sighted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She sat with her knitting on the table beside her ready to be picked up at every spare moment, on the principle that every second was of value—a short-sighted, unimaginative woman whose whole attention was concentrated upon the accomplishment of her own salvation.
Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.
From this reading Dr. Rotherby—the Bishop—sat in pre-occupied silence scanning an ecclesiastical paper while he ate.
a female person who has the same parents as another person
From this reading He never encouraged conversation at any meal save dinner, and his sister, Miss Rotherby, nervous, pinched, and dyspeptic, supported him dutifully in this as in every other whim.
refrain from harming
From this reading She sat with her knitting on the table beside her ready to be picked up at every spare moment, on the principle that every second was of value—a short-sighted, unimaginative woman whose whole attention was concentrated upon the accomplishment of her own salvation.
sunburntadjective
suffering from overexposure to direct sunlight
From this reading Montague Rotherby, the sunburnt man of travel, sat between the two, and wondered what he was doing there.
supportedadjectiveUS /səˈpɔːrtɪd/
sustained or maintained by aid (as distinct from physical support)
From this reading He never encouraged conversation at any meal save dinner, and his sister, Miss Rotherby, nervous, pinched, and dyspeptic, supported him dutifully in this as in every other whim.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading THE BREAK-DOWN Four people sat at the old oak table in the oak-raftered dining-room of the Bishop’s palace that day, and no greater contrast than they presented could well have existed among beings of the same race.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading THE BREAK-DOWN Four people sat at the old oak table in the oak-raftered dining-room of the Bishop’s palace that day, and no greater contrast than they presented could well have existed among beings of the same race.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading THE BREAK-DOWN Four people sat at the old oak table in the oak-raftered dining-room of the Bishop’s palace that day, and no greater contrast than they presented could well have existed among beings of the same race.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE BREAK-DOWN Four people sat at the old oak table in the oak-raftered dining-room of the Bishop’s palace that day, and no greater contrast than they presented could well have existed among beings of the same race.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Montague Rotherby, the sunburnt man of travel, sat between the two, and wondered what he was doing there.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading THE BREAK-DOWN Four people sat at the old oak table in the oak-raftered dining-room of the Bishop’s palace that day, and no greater contrast than they presented could well have existed among beings of the same race.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading He never encouraged conversation at any meal save dinner, and his sister, Miss Rotherby, nervous, pinched, and dyspeptic, supported him dutifully in this as in every other whim.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading She sat with her knitting on the table beside her ready to be picked up at every spare moment, on the principle that every second was of value—a short-sighted, unimaginative woman whose whole attention was concentrated upon the accomplishment of her own salvation.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Montague Rotherby, the sunburnt man of travel, sat between the two, and wondered what he was doing there.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Montague Rotherby, the sunburnt man of travel, sat between the two, and wondered what he was doing there.
unimaginativeadjectiveUS /ənɪˈmædʒɪnətɪv/
deficient in originality or creativity; lacking powers of invention
From this reading She sat with her knitting on the table beside her ready to be picked up at every spare moment, on the principle that every second was of value—a short-sighted, unimaginative woman whose whole attention was concentrated upon the accomplishment of her own salvation.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading She sat with her knitting on the table beside her ready to be picked up at every spare moment, on the principle that every second was of value—a short-sighted, unimaginative woman whose whole attention was concentrated upon the accomplishment of her own salvation.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading She sat with her knitting on the table beside her ready to be picked up at every spare moment, on the principle that every second was of value—a short-sighted, unimaginative woman whose whole attention was concentrated upon the accomplishment of her own salvation.
a numerical quantity measured or assigned or computed
From this reading She sat with her knitting on the table beside her ready to be picked up at every spare moment, on the principle that every second was of value—a short-sighted, unimaginative woman whose whole attention was concentrated upon the accomplishment of her own salvation.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading She sat with her knitting on the table beside her ready to be picked up at every spare moment, on the principle that every second was of value—a short-sighted, unimaginative woman whose whole attention was concentrated upon the accomplishment of her own salvation.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading THE BREAK-DOWN Four people sat at the old oak table in the oak-raftered dining-room of the Bishop’s palace that day, and no greater contrast than they presented could well have existed among beings of the same race.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Montague Rotherby, the sunburnt man of travel, sat between the two, and wondered what he was doing there.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Dr. Rotherby—the Bishop—sat in pre-occupied silence scanning an ecclesiastical paper while he ate.
whimnounUS /wɪm/
a sudden desire
From this reading He never encouraged conversation at any meal save dinner, and his sister, Miss Rotherby, nervous, pinched, and dyspeptic, supported him dutifully in this as in every other whim.
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading She sat with her knitting on the table beside her ready to be picked up at every spare moment, on the principle that every second was of value—a short-sighted, unimaginative woman whose whole attention was concentrated upon the accomplishment of her own salvation.
belonging to which person
From this reading She sat with her knitting on the table beside her ready to be picked up at every spare moment, on the principle that every second was of value—a short-sighted, unimaginative woman whose whole attention was concentrated upon the accomplishment of her own salvation.
in the company of; together with
From this reading She sat with her knitting on the table beside her ready to be picked up at every spare moment, on the principle that every second was of value—a short-sighted, unimaginative woman whose whole attention was concentrated upon the accomplishment of her own salvation.
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading She sat with her knitting on the table beside her ready to be picked up at every spare moment, on the principle that every second was of value—a short-sighted, unimaginative woman whose whole attention was concentrated upon the accomplishment of her own salvation.
past form of “wonder” — have a wish or desire to know something
From this reading Montague Rotherby, the sunburnt man of travel, sat between the two, and wondered what he was doing there.
