used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Mrs. Cole-Mortimer, who was not lavish in the matter of entertainments that cost money, had a box, and although Lydia had seen the piece before (it was in fact the very play she had attended to sketch dresses on the night of her adventure) it was a relief to sit in silence, which her hostess, with singular discretion, did not attempt to disturb.
generally approved or compelling recognition
From this reading It was during the last act that Mrs. Cole-Mortimer gave her an invitation which she accepted joyfully.
perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
From this reading It was during the last act that Mrs. Cole-Mortimer gave her an invitation which she accepted joyfully.
take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome
From this reading Mrs. Cole-Mortimer, who was not lavish in the matter of entertainments that cost money, had a box, and although Lydia had seen the piece before (it was in fact the very play she had attended to sketch dresses on the night of her adventure) it was a relief to sit in silence, which her hostess, with singular discretion, did not attempt to disturb.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Mrs. Cole-Mortimer, who was not lavish in the matter of entertainments that cost money, had a box, and although Lydia had seen the piece before (it was in fact the very play she had attended to sketch dresses on the night of her adventure) it was a relief to sit in silence, which her hostess, with singular discretion, did not attempt to disturb.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading It was during the last act that Mrs. Cole-Mortimer gave her an invitation which she accepted joyfully.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Lydia had promised to go to the theatre that night with Mrs. Cole-Mortimer, and she was glad of the excuse to leave her tragic home.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading "I've got a house at Cap Martin," said Mrs. Cole-Mortimer.
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading Mrs. Cole-Mortimer, who was not lavish in the matter of entertainments that cost money, had a box, and although Lydia had seen the piece before (it was in fact the very play she had attended to sketch dresses on the night of her adventure) it was a relief to sit in silence, which her hostess, with singular discretion, did not attempt to disturb.
playing or singing with instrumental or vocal accompaniment
From this reading Mrs. Cole-Mortimer, who was not lavish in the matter of entertainments that cost money, had a box, and although Lydia had seen the piece before (it was in fact the very play she had attended to sketch dresses on the night of her adventure) it was a relief to sit in silence, which her hostess, with singular discretion, did not attempt to disturb.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Mrs. Cole-Mortimer, who was not lavish in the matter of entertainments that cost money, had a box, and although Lydia had seen the piece before (it was in fact the very play she had attended to sketch dresses on the night of her adventure) it was a relief to sit in silence, which her hostess, with singular discretion, did not attempt to disturb.
a (usually rectangular) container; may have a lid
From this reading Mrs. Cole-Mortimer, who was not lavish in the matter of entertainments that cost money, had a box, and although Lydia had seen the piece before (it was in fact the very play she had attended to sketch dresses on the night of her adventure) it was a relief to sit in silence, which her hostess, with singular discretion, did not attempt to disturb.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading "It is only a tiny place, but I think you would rather like it.
a tight-fitting headdress
From this reading "I've got a house at Cap Martin," said Mrs. Cole-Mortimer.
Cole-Mortimer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lydia had promised to go to the theatre that night with Mrs. Cole-Mortimer, and she was glad of the excuse to leave her tragic home.
the total spent for goods or services including money and time and labor
From this reading Mrs. Cole-Mortimer, who was not lavish in the matter of entertainments that cost money, had a box, and although Lydia had seen the piece before (it was in fact the very play she had attended to sketch dresses on the night of her adventure) it was a relief to sit in silence, which her hostess, with singular discretion, did not attempt to disturb.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Mrs. Cole-Mortimer, who was not lavish in the matter of entertainments that cost money, had a box, and although Lydia had seen the piece before (it was in fact the very play she had attended to sketch dresses on the night of her adventure) it was a relief to sit in silence, which her hostess, with singular discretion, did not attempt to disturb.
discretionnounUS /dɪˈskreʃən/
freedom to act or judge on one's own
From this reading Mrs. Cole-Mortimer, who was not lavish in the matter of entertainments that cost money, had a box, and although Lydia had seen the piece before (it was in fact the very play she had attended to sketch dresses on the night of her adventure) it was a relief to sit in silence, which her hostess, with singular discretion, did not attempt to disturb.
disturbverbUS /dɪˈstɜːrb/
move deeply
From this reading Mrs. Cole-Mortimer, who was not lavish in the matter of entertainments that cost money, had a box, and although Lydia had seen the piece before (it was in fact the very play she had attended to sketch dresses on the night of her adventure) it was a relief to sit in silence, which her hostess, with singular discretion, did not attempt to disturb.
dressesnounUS /ˈdresəz/
plural of “dress” — a one-piece garment for a woman; has skirt and bodice
From this reading Mrs. Cole-Mortimer, who was not lavish in the matter of entertainments that cost money, had a box, and although Lydia had seen the piece before (it was in fact the very play she had attended to sketch dresses on the night of her adventure) it was a relief to sit in silence, which her hostess, with singular discretion, did not attempt to disturb.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading It was during the last act that Mrs. Cole-Mortimer gave her an invitation which she accepted joyfully.
entertainmentsnounUS /ˌentərˈteɪnmənts/
plural of “entertainment” — an activity that is diverting and that holds the attention
From this reading Mrs. Cole-Mortimer, who was not lavish in the matter of entertainments that cost money, had a box, and although Lydia had seen the piece before (it was in fact the very play she had attended to sketch dresses on the night of her adventure) it was a relief to sit in silence, which her hostess, with singular discretion, did not attempt to disturb.
accept an excuse for
From this reading Lydia had promised to go to the theatre that night with Mrs. Cole-Mortimer, and she was glad of the excuse to leave her tragic home.
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading Mrs. Cole-Mortimer, who was not lavish in the matter of entertainments that cost money, had a box, and although Lydia had seen the piece before (it was in fact the very play she had attended to sketch dresses on the night of her adventure) it was a relief to sit in silence, which her hostess, with singular discretion, did not attempt to disturb.
inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading It was during the last act that Mrs. Cole-Mortimer gave her an invitation which she accepted joyfully.
showing or causing joy and pleasure; especially made happy
From this reading Lydia had promised to go to the theatre that night with Mrs. Cole-Mortimer, and she was glad of the excuse to leave her tragic home.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Lydia had promised to go to the theatre that night with Mrs. Cole-Mortimer, and she was glad of the excuse to leave her tragic home.
inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading "I've got a house at Cap Martin," said Mrs. Cole-Mortimer.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Lydia had promised to go to the theatre that night with Mrs. Cole-Mortimer, and she was glad of the excuse to leave her tragic home.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Lydia had promised to go to the theatre that night with Mrs. Cole-Mortimer, and she was glad of the excuse to leave her tragic home.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading Lydia had promised to go to the theatre that night with Mrs. Cole-Mortimer, and she was glad of the excuse to leave her tragic home.
hostessnounUS /ˈhoʊstəs/
a woman host
From this reading Mrs. Cole-Mortimer, who was not lavish in the matter of entertainments that cost money, had a box, and although Lydia had seen the piece before (it was in fact the very play she had attended to sketch dresses on the night of her adventure) it was a relief to sit in silence, which her hostess, with singular discretion, did not attempt to disturb.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading "I've got a house at Cap Martin," said Mrs. Cole-Mortimer.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "It is only a tiny place, but I think you would rather like it.
I've
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I've got a house at Cap Martin," said Mrs. Cole-Mortimer.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Mrs. Cole-Mortimer, who was not lavish in the matter of entertainments that cost money, had a box, and although Lydia had seen the piece before (it was in fact the very play she had attended to sketch dresses on the night of her adventure) it was a relief to sit in silence, which her hostess, with singular discretion, did not attempt to disturb.
a request (spoken or written) to participate or be present or take part in something
From this reading It was during the last act that Mrs. Cole-Mortimer gave her an invitation which she accepted joyfully.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "It is only a tiny place, but I think you would rather like it.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Mrs. Cole-Mortimer, who was not lavish in the matter of entertainments that cost money, had a box, and although Lydia had seen the piece before (it was in fact the very play she had attended to sketch dresses on the night of her adventure) it was a relief to sit in silence, which her hostess, with singular discretion, did not attempt to disturb.
joyfullyadverbUS /ˈdʒɔɪfəli/
in a joyous and gleeful manner
From this reading It was during the last act that Mrs. Cole-Mortimer gave her an invitation which she accepted joyfully.
immediately past
From this reading It was during the last act that Mrs. Cole-Mortimer gave her an invitation which she accepted joyfully.
lavishadjectiveUS /ˈlævɪʃ/
very generous
From this reading Mrs. Cole-Mortimer, who was not lavish in the matter of entertainments that cost money, had a box, and although Lydia had seen the piece before (it was in fact the very play she had attended to sketch dresses on the night of her adventure) it was a relief to sit in silence, which her hostess, with singular discretion, did not attempt to disturb.
go away from a place
From this reading Lydia had promised to go to the theatre that night with Mrs. Cole-Mortimer, and she was glad of the excuse to leave her tragic home.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading "It is only a tiny place, but I think you would rather like it.
LydianounUS /ˈlɪdiə/
an ancient region on the coast of western Asia Minor; a powerful kingdom until conquered by the Persians in 546 BC
From this reading Lydia had promised to go to the theatre that night with Mrs. Cole-Mortimer, and she was glad of the excuse to leave her tragic home.
French bishop who is a patron saint of France (died in 397)
From this reading "I've got a house at Cap Martin," said Mrs. Cole-Mortimer.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading Mrs. Cole-Mortimer, who was not lavish in the matter of entertainments that cost money, had a box, and although Lydia had seen the piece before (it was in fact the very play she had attended to sketch dresses on the night of her adventure) it was a relief to sit in silence, which her hostess, with singular discretion, did not attempt to disturb.
the most common medium of exchange; functions as legal tender
From this reading Mrs. Cole-Mortimer, who was not lavish in the matter of entertainments that cost money, had a box, and although Lydia had seen the piece before (it was in fact the very play she had attended to sketch dresses on the night of her adventure) it was a relief to sit in silence, which her hostess, with singular discretion, did not attempt to disturb.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading Lydia had promised to go to the theatre that night with Mrs. Cole-Mortimer, and she was glad of the excuse to leave her tragic home.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading Lydia had promised to go to the theatre that night with Mrs. Cole-Mortimer, and she was glad of the excuse to leave her tragic home.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Mrs. Cole-Mortimer, who was not lavish in the matter of entertainments that cost money, had a box, and although Lydia had seen the piece before (it was in fact the very play she had attended to sketch dresses on the night of her adventure) it was a relief to sit in silence, which her hostess, with singular discretion, did not attempt to disturb.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Lydia had promised to go to the theatre that night with Mrs. Cole-Mortimer, and she was glad of the excuse to leave her tragic home.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Mrs. Cole-Mortimer, who was not lavish in the matter of entertainments that cost money, had a box, and although Lydia had seen the piece before (it was in fact the very play she had attended to sketch dresses on the night of her adventure) it was a relief to sit in silence, which her hostess, with singular discretion, did not attempt to disturb.
and nothing more
From this reading "It is only a tiny place, but I think you would rather like it.
a separate part of a whole
From this reading Mrs. Cole-Mortimer, who was not lavish in the matter of entertainments that cost money, had a box, and although Lydia had seen the piece before (it was in fact the very play she had attended to sketch dresses on the night of her adventure) it was a relief to sit in silence, which her hostess, with singular discretion, did not attempt to disturb.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading "It is only a tiny place, but I think you would rather like it.
participate in games or sport
From this reading Mrs. Cole-Mortimer, who was not lavish in the matter of entertainments that cost money, had a box, and although Lydia had seen the piece before (it was in fact the very play she had attended to sketch dresses on the night of her adventure) it was a relief to sit in silence, which her hostess, with singular discretion, did not attempt to disturb.
past form of “promise” — make a promise or commitment
From this reading Lydia had promised to go to the theatre that night with Mrs. Cole-Mortimer, and she was glad of the excuse to leave her tragic home.
on the contrary
From this reading "It is only a tiny place, but I think you would rather like it.
the feeling that comes when something burdensome is removed or reduced
From this reading Mrs. Cole-Mortimer, who was not lavish in the matter of entertainments that cost money, had a box, and although Lydia had seen the piece before (it was in fact the very play she had attended to sketch dresses on the night of her adventure) it was a relief to sit in silence, which her hostess, with singular discretion, did not attempt to disturb.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading "I've got a house at Cap Martin," said Mrs. Cole-Mortimer.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading Mrs. Cole-Mortimer, who was not lavish in the matter of entertainments that cost money, had a box, and although Lydia had seen the piece before (it was in fact the very play she had attended to sketch dresses on the night of her adventure) it was a relief to sit in silence, which her hostess, with singular discretion, did not attempt to disturb.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Lydia had promised to go to the theatre that night with Mrs. Cole-Mortimer, and she was glad of the excuse to leave her tragic home.
Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.
From this reading Mrs. Cole-Mortimer, who was not lavish in the matter of entertainments that cost money, had a box, and although Lydia had seen the piece before (it was in fact the very play she had attended to sketch dresses on the night of her adventure) it was a relief to sit in silence, which her hostess, with singular discretion, did not attempt to disturb.
unusual or striking
From this reading Mrs. Cole-Mortimer, who was not lavish in the matter of entertainments that cost money, had a box, and although Lydia had seen the piece before (it was in fact the very play she had attended to sketch dresses on the night of her adventure) it was a relief to sit in silence, which her hostess, with singular discretion, did not attempt to disturb.
be seated
From this reading Mrs. Cole-Mortimer, who was not lavish in the matter of entertainments that cost money, had a box, and although Lydia had seen the piece before (it was in fact the very play she had attended to sketch dresses on the night of her adventure) it was a relief to sit in silence, which her hostess, with singular discretion, did not attempt to disturb.
sketchnounUS /sketʃ/
preliminary drawing for later elaboration
From this reading Mrs. Cole-Mortimer, who was not lavish in the matter of entertainments that cost money, had a box, and although Lydia had seen the piece before (it was in fact the very play she had attended to sketch dresses on the night of her adventure) it was a relief to sit in silence, which her hostess, with singular discretion, did not attempt to disturb.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Lydia had promised to go to the theatre that night with Mrs. Cole-Mortimer, and she was glad of the excuse to leave her tragic home.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Lydia had promised to go to the theatre that night with Mrs. Cole-Mortimer, and she was glad of the excuse to leave her tragic home.
a building where theatrical performances or motion-picture shows can be presented
From this reading Lydia had promised to go to the theatre that night with Mrs. Cole-Mortimer, and she was glad of the excuse to leave her tragic home.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading "It is only a tiny place, but I think you would rather like it.
very small
From this reading "It is only a tiny place, but I think you would rather like it.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Lydia had promised to go to the theatre that night with Mrs. Cole-Mortimer, and she was glad of the excuse to leave her tragic home.
tragicadjectiveUS /ˈtrædʒɪk/
very sad; especially involving grief or death or destruction
From this reading Lydia had promised to go to the theatre that night with Mrs. Cole-Mortimer, and she was glad of the excuse to leave her tragic home.
precisely as stated
From this reading Mrs. Cole-Mortimer, who was not lavish in the matter of entertainments that cost money, had a box, and although Lydia had seen the piece before (it was in fact the very play she had attended to sketch dresses on the night of her adventure) it was a relief to sit in silence, which her hostess, with singular discretion, did not attempt to disturb.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Lydia had promised to go to the theatre that night with Mrs. Cole-Mortimer, and she was glad of the excuse to leave her tragic home.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Mrs. Cole-Mortimer, who was not lavish in the matter of entertainments that cost money, had a box, and although Lydia had seen the piece before (it was in fact the very play she had attended to sketch dresses on the night of her adventure) it was a relief to sit in silence, which her hostess, with singular discretion, did not attempt to disturb.
which person or people
From this reading Mrs. Cole-Mortimer, who was not lavish in the matter of entertainments that cost money, had a box, and although Lydia had seen the piece before (it was in fact the very play she had attended to sketch dresses on the night of her adventure) it was a relief to sit in silence, which her hostess, with singular discretion, did not attempt to disturb.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Lydia had promised to go to the theatre that night with Mrs. Cole-Mortimer, and she was glad of the excuse to leave her tragic home.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading "It is only a tiny place, but I think you would rather like it.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "It is only a tiny place, but I think you would rather like it.
