used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading For a time this sometimes seemed to succeed, and she certainly became prettier; but disappointment always ensued; a little over-exertion or excitement was sure to bring on illness, and there were even more painful causes for her collapses.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Her mother had joined Miss Gattoni, and they had roamed about the Continent in the various resorts of seekers of health and of pleasure, hoping to distract her mind and restore her strength and spirits.
(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 THE STAFF Five years later almost all the members of the Morton family were met once more at Westhaven.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading THE STAFF Five years later almost all the members of the Morton family were met once more at Westhaven.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading She had always been more or less delicate, and she had never entirely recovered the effect of the distress she had brought upon herself by that foolish crime towards her little cousin.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading She had always been more or less delicate, and she had never entirely recovered the effect of the distress she had brought upon herself by that foolish crime towards her little cousin.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading THE STAFF Five years later almost all the members of the Morton family were met once more at Westhaven.
inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading For a time this sometimes seemed to succeed, and she certainly became prettier; but disappointment always ensued; a little over-exertion or excitement was sure to bring on illness, and there were even more painful causes for her collapses.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading She had always been more or less delicate, and she had never entirely recovered the effect of the distress she had brought upon herself by that foolish crime towards her little cousin.
take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading For a time this sometimes seemed to succeed, and she certainly became prettier; but disappointment always ensued; a little over-exertion or excitement was sure to bring on illness, and there were even more painful causes for her collapses.
inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading She had always been more or less delicate, and she had never entirely recovered the effect of the distress she had brought upon herself by that foolish crime towards her little cousin.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading For a time this sometimes seemed to succeed, and she certainly became prettier; but disappointment always ensued; a little over-exertion or excitement was sure to bring on illness, and there were even more painful causes for her collapses.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading She had always been more or less delicate, and she had never entirely recovered the effect of the distress she had brought upon herself by that foolish crime towards her little cousin.
causesnounUS /ˈkɑːzəz/
plural of “cause” — events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something
From this reading For a time this sometimes seemed to succeed, and she certainly became prettier; but disappointment always ensued; a little over-exertion or excitement was sure to bring on illness, and there were even more painful causes for her collapses.
definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)
From this reading For a time this sometimes seemed to succeed, and she certainly became prettier; but disappointment always ensued; a little over-exertion or excitement was sure to bring on illness, and there were even more painful causes for her collapses.
collapsesnounUS /kəˈlæpsɪz/
plural of “collapse” — an abrupt failure of function or complete physical exhaustion
From this reading For a time this sometimes seemed to succeed, and she certainly became prettier; but disappointment always ensued; a little over-exertion or excitement was sure to bring on illness, and there were even more painful causes for her collapses.
ContinentnounUS /ˈkɑːntənənt/
one of the large landmasses of the earth
From this reading Her mother had joined Miss Gattoni, and they had roamed about the Continent in the various resorts of seekers of health and of pleasure, hoping to distract her mind and restore her strength and spirits.
the child of your aunt or uncle
From this reading She had always been more or less delicate, and she had never entirely recovered the effect of the distress she had brought upon herself by that foolish crime towards her little cousin.
(criminal law) an act punishable by law; usually considered an evil act
From this reading She had always been more or less delicate, and she had never entirely recovered the effect of the distress she had brought upon herself by that foolish crime towards her little cousin.
exquisitely fine and subtle and pleasing; susceptible to injury
From this reading She had always been more or less delicate, and she had never entirely recovered the effect of the distress she had brought upon herself by that foolish crime towards her little cousin.
a feeling of dissatisfaction that results when your expectations are not realized
From this reading For a time this sometimes seemed to succeed, and she certainly became prettier; but disappointment always ensued; a little over-exertion or excitement was sure to bring on illness, and there were even more painful causes for her collapses.
distractverbUS /dɪˈstrækt/
draw someone's attention away from something
From this reading Her mother had joined Miss Gattoni, and they had roamed about the Continent in the various resorts of seekers of health and of pleasure, hoping to distract her mind and restore her strength and spirits.
psychological suffering
From this reading She had always been more or less delicate, and she had never entirely recovered the effect of the distress she had brought upon herself by that foolish crime towards her little cousin.
dyingadjectiveUS /ˈdaɪɪŋ/
in or associated with the process of passing from life or ceasing to be
From this reading Ida was slowly dying.
a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
From this reading She had always been more or less delicate, and she had never entirely recovered the effect of the distress she had brought upon herself by that foolish crime towards her little cousin.
ensuedverbUS /ɪnˈsuːd/
past form of “ensue” — issue or terminate (in a specified way, state, etc.); end
From this reading For a time this sometimes seemed to succeed, and she certainly became prettier; but disappointment always ensued; a little over-exertion or excitement was sure to bring on illness, and there were even more painful causes for her collapses.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading She had always been more or less delicate, and she had never entirely recovered the effect of the distress she had brought upon herself by that foolish crime towards her little cousin.
divisible by two
From this reading For a time this sometimes seemed to succeed, and she certainly became prettier; but disappointment always ensued; a little over-exertion or excitement was sure to bring on illness, and there were even more painful causes for her collapses.
the feeling of lively and cheerful joy
From this reading For a time this sometimes seemed to succeed, and she certainly became prettier; but disappointment always ensued; a little over-exertion or excitement was sure to bring on illness, and there were even more painful causes for her collapses.
a social unit living together
From this reading THE STAFF Five years later almost all the members of the Morton family were met once more at Westhaven.
the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one
From this reading THE STAFF Five years later almost all the members of the Morton family were met once more at Westhaven.
devoid of good sense or judgment
From this reading She had always been more or less delicate, and she had never entirely recovered the effect of the distress she had brought upon herself by that foolish crime towards her little cousin.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading For a time this sometimes seemed to succeed, and she certainly became prettier; but disappointment always ensued; a little over-exertion or excitement was sure to bring on illness, and there were even more painful causes for her collapses.
Gattoni
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her mother had joined Miss Gattoni, and they had roamed about the Continent in the various resorts of seekers of health and of pleasure, hoping to distract her mind and restore her strength and spirits.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading She had always been more or less delicate, and she had never entirely recovered the effect of the distress she had brought upon herself by that foolish crime towards her little cousin.
a healthy state of wellbeing free from disease
From this reading Her mother had joined Miss Gattoni, and they had roamed about the Continent in the various resorts of seekers of health and of pleasure, hoping to distract her mind and restore her strength and spirits.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading She had always been more or less delicate, and she had never entirely recovered the effect of the distress she had brought upon herself by that foolish crime towards her little cousin.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading She had always been more or less delicate, and she had never entirely recovered the effect of the distress she had brought upon herself by that foolish crime towards her little cousin.
hopingverbUS /ˈhoʊpɪŋ/
-ing form of “hope” — expect and wish
From this reading Her mother had joined Miss Gattoni, and they had roamed about the Continent in the various resorts of seekers of health and of pleasure, hoping to distract her mind and restore her strength and spirits.
IdanounUS /ˈaɪdə/
an agency of the United Nations affiliated with the World Bank
From this reading Ida was slowly dying.
illnessnounUS /ˈɪlnəs/
impairment of normal physiological function affecting part or all of an organism
From this reading For a time this sometimes seemed to succeed, and she certainly became prettier; but disappointment always ensued; a little over-exertion or excitement was sure to bring on illness, and there were even more painful causes for her collapses.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Her mother had joined Miss Gattoni, and they had roamed about the Continent in the various resorts of seekers of health and of pleasure, hoping to distract her mind and restore her strength and spirits.
of or relating to two people who are married to each other
From this reading Her mother had joined Miss Gattoni, and they had roamed about the Continent in the various resorts of seekers of health and of pleasure, hoping to distract her mind and restore her strength and spirits.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading THE STAFF Five years later almost all the members of the Morton family were met once more at Westhaven.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading She had always been more or less delicate, and she had never entirely recovered the effect of the distress she had brought upon herself by that foolish crime towards her little cousin.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading She had always been more or less delicate, and she had never entirely recovered the effect of the distress she had brought upon herself by that foolish crime towards her little cousin.
plural of “member” — one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)
From this reading THE STAFF Five years later almost all the members of the Morton family were met once more at Westhaven.
inflected form of “meet” — come together
From this reading THE STAFF Five years later almost all the members of the Morton family were met once more at Westhaven.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading Her mother had joined Miss Gattoni, and they had roamed about the Continent in the various resorts of seekers of health and of pleasure, hoping to distract her mind and restore her strength and spirits.
fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind
From this reading Her mother had joined Miss Gattoni, and they had roamed about the Continent in the various resorts of seekers of health and of pleasure, hoping to distract her mind and restore her strength and spirits.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading THE STAFF Five years later almost all the members of the Morton family were met once more at Westhaven.
MortonnounUS /ˈmɔːrtən/
United States jazz musician who moved from ragtime to New Orleans jazz (1885-1941)
From this reading THE STAFF Five years later almost all the members of the Morton family were met once more at Westhaven.
a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading Her mother had joined Miss Gattoni, and they had roamed about the Continent in the various resorts of seekers of health and of pleasure, hoping to distract her mind and restore her strength and spirits.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading She had always been more or less delicate, and she had never entirely recovered the effect of the distress she had brought upon herself by that foolish crime towards her little cousin.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE STAFF Five years later almost all the members of the Morton family were met once more at Westhaven.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading For a time this sometimes seemed to succeed, and she certainly became prettier; but disappointment always ensued; a little over-exertion or excitement was sure to bring on illness, and there were even more painful causes for her collapses.
on one occasion
From this reading THE STAFF Five years later almost all the members of the Morton family were met once more at Westhaven.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading She had always been more or less delicate, and she had never entirely recovered the effect of the distress she had brought upon herself by that foolish crime towards her little cousin.
over-exertion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For a time this sometimes seemed to succeed, and she certainly became prettier; but disappointment always ensued; a little over-exertion or excitement was sure to bring on illness, and there were even more painful causes for her collapses.
causing physical or psychological pain
From this reading For a time this sometimes seemed to succeed, and she certainly became prettier; but disappointment always ensued; a little over-exertion or excitement was sure to bring on illness, and there were even more painful causes for her collapses.
a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience
From this reading Her mother had joined Miss Gattoni, and they had roamed about the Continent in the various resorts of seekers of health and of pleasure, hoping to distract her mind and restore her strength and spirits.
prettieradjectiveUS /ˈprɪtiər/
comparative of “pretty” — pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing
From this reading For a time this sometimes seemed to succeed, and she certainly became prettier; but disappointment always ensued; a little over-exertion or excitement was sure to bring on illness, and there were even more painful causes for her collapses.
freed from illness or injury
From this reading She had always been more or less delicate, and she had never entirely recovered the effect of the distress she had brought upon herself by that foolish crime towards her little cousin.
resortsnounUS /rɪˈzɔːrts/
plural of “resort” — a hotel located in a resort area
From this reading Her mother had joined Miss Gattoni, and they had roamed about the Continent in the various resorts of seekers of health and of pleasure, hoping to distract her mind and restore her strength and spirits.
restoreverbUS /rɪˈstɔːr/
return to its original or usable and functioning condition
From this reading Her mother had joined Miss Gattoni, and they had roamed about the Continent in the various resorts of seekers of health and of pleasure, hoping to distract her mind and restore her strength and spirits.
roamedverbUS /roʊmd/
past form of “roam” — move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment
From this reading Her mother had joined Miss Gattoni, and they had roamed about the Continent in the various resorts of seekers of health and of pleasure, hoping to distract her mind and restore her strength and spirits.
seekersnounUS /ˈsiːkərz/
plural of “seeker” — someone making a search or inquiry
From this reading Her mother had joined Miss Gattoni, and they had roamed about the Continent in the various resorts of seekers of health and of pleasure, hoping to distract her mind and restore her strength and spirits.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading For a time this sometimes seemed to succeed, and she certainly became prettier; but disappointment always ensued; a little over-exertion or excitement was sure to bring on illness, and there were even more painful causes for her collapses.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She had always been more or less delicate, and she had never entirely recovered the effect of the distress she had brought upon herself by that foolish crime towards her little cousin.
without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)
From this reading Ida was slowly dying.
on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always
From this reading For a time this sometimes seemed to succeed, and she certainly became prettier; but disappointment always ensued; a little over-exertion or excitement was sure to bring on illness, and there were even more painful causes for her collapses.
an alcoholic beverage that is distilled rather than fermented
From this reading Her mother had joined Miss Gattoni, and they had roamed about the Continent in the various resorts of seekers of health and of pleasure, hoping to distract her mind and restore her strength and spirits.
STAFFnounUS /stæf/
personnel who assist their superior in carrying out an assigned task
From this reading THE STAFF Five years later almost all the members of the Morton family were met once more at Westhaven.
the property of being physically or mentally strong
From this reading Her mother had joined Miss Gattoni, and they had roamed about the Continent in the various resorts of seekers of health and of pleasure, hoping to distract her mind and restore her strength and spirits.
attain success or reach a desired goal
From this reading For a time this sometimes seemed to succeed, and she certainly became prettier; but disappointment always ensued; a little over-exertion or excitement was sure to bring on illness, and there were even more painful causes for her collapses.
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading For a time this sometimes seemed to succeed, and she certainly became prettier; but disappointment always ensued; a little over-exertion or excitement was sure to bring on illness, and there were even more painful causes for her collapses.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading She had always been more or less delicate, and she had never entirely recovered the effect of the distress she had brought upon herself by that foolish crime towards her little cousin.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE STAFF Five years later almost all the members of the Morton family were met once more at Westhaven.
in or at that place or location
From this reading For a time this sometimes seemed to succeed, and she certainly became prettier; but disappointment always ensued; a little over-exertion or excitement was sure to bring on illness, and there were even more painful causes for her collapses.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Her mother had joined Miss Gattoni, and they had roamed about the Continent in the various resorts of seekers of health and of pleasure, hoping to distract her mind and restore her strength and spirits.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading For a time this sometimes seemed to succeed, and she certainly became prettier; but disappointment always ensued; a little over-exertion or excitement was sure to bring on illness, and there were even more painful causes for her collapses.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading For a time this sometimes seemed to succeed, and she certainly became prettier; but disappointment always ensued; a little over-exertion or excitement was sure to bring on illness, and there were even more painful causes for her collapses.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Her mother had joined Miss Gattoni, and they had roamed about the Continent in the various resorts of seekers of health and of pleasure, hoping to distract her mind and restore her strength and spirits.
in the direction of
From this reading She had always been more or less delicate, and she had never entirely recovered the effect of the distress she had brought upon herself by that foolish crime towards her little cousin.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading She had always been more or less delicate, and she had never entirely recovered the effect of the distress she had brought upon herself by that foolish crime towards her little cousin.
of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity
From this reading Her mother had joined Miss Gattoni, and they had roamed about the Continent in the various resorts of seekers of health and of pleasure, hoping to distract her mind and restore her strength and spirits.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Ida was slowly dying.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading THE STAFF Five years later almost all the members of the Morton family were met once more at Westhaven.
Westhaven
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE STAFF Five years later almost all the members of the Morton family were met once more at Westhaven.
a late time of life
From this reading THE STAFF Five years later almost all the members of the Morton family were met once more at Westhaven.
