used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading On the one hand, it might be argued that Lady Heritage and Mr. Ember, having passed the greater part of last night abroad upon their mysterious business, would be most unlikely to spend a second sleepless night so soon, and Jane might, therefore, count on finding the coast clear for a little exploring on her own account.
to or in a foreign country
From this reading On the one hand, it might be argued that Lady Heritage and Mr. Ember, having passed the greater part of last night abroad upon their mysterious business, would be most unlikely to spend a second sleepless night so soon, and Jane might, therefore, count on finding the coast clear for a little exploring on her own account.
a record or narrative description of past events
From this reading On the one hand, it might be argued that Lady Heritage and Mr. Ember, having passed the greater part of last night abroad upon their mysterious business, would be most unlikely to spend a second sleepless night so soon, and Jane might, therefore, count on finding the coast clear for a little exploring on her own account.
acquireverbUS /əˈkwaɪər/
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading On the other hand, an equally logical train of thought suggested that these midnight comings and goings might be part of a routine, and that Jane, if on the watch, might acquire some very valuable information.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading On the other hand, an equally logical train of thought suggested that these midnight comings and goings might be part of a routine, and that Jane, if on the watch, might acquire some very valuable information.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Two entirely opposite lines of reasoning had ended in inducing one and the same decision.
arguedverbUS /ˈɑːrɡjuːd/
past form of “argue” — present reasons and arguments
From this reading On the one hand, it might be argued that Lady Heritage and Mr. Ember, having passed the greater part of last night abroad upon their mysterious business, would be most unlikely to spend a second sleepless night so soon, and Jane might, therefore, count on finding the coast clear for a little exploring on her own account.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading She therefore locked her door and proceeded to consider the question of what she should wear with as much attention as if she had been going to a ball.
the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others
From this reading She therefore locked her door and proceeded to consider the question of what she should wear with as much attention as if she had been going to a ball.
round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games
From this reading She therefore locked her door and proceeded to consider the question of what she should wear with as much attention as if she had been going to a ball.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading On the one hand, it might be argued that Lady Heritage and Mr. Ember, having passed the greater part of last night abroad upon their mysterious business, would be most unlikely to spend a second sleepless night so soon, and Jane might, therefore, count on finding the coast clear for a little exploring on her own account.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading She therefore locked her door and proceeded to consider the question of what she should wear with as much attention as if she had been going to a ball.
a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it
From this reading On the one hand, it might be argued that Lady Heritage and Mr. Ember, having passed the greater part of last night abroad upon their mysterious business, would be most unlikely to spend a second sleepless night so soon, and Jane might, therefore, count on finding the coast clear for a little exploring on her own account.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Jane went to her room that night, but she did not undress.
rid of obstructions
From this reading On the one hand, it might be argued that Lady Heritage and Mr. Ember, having passed the greater part of last night abroad upon their mysterious business, would be most unlikely to spend a second sleepless night so soon, and Jane might, therefore, count on finding the coast clear for a little exploring on her own account.
the shore of a sea or ocean
From this reading On the one hand, it might be argued that Lady Heritage and Mr. Ember, having passed the greater part of last night abroad upon their mysterious business, would be most unlikely to spend a second sleepless night so soon, and Jane might, therefore, count on finding the coast clear for a little exploring on her own account.
comingsnounUS /ˈkʌmɪŋz/
plural of “coming” — the act of drawing spatially closer to something
From this reading On the other hand, an equally logical train of thought suggested that these midnight comings and goings might be part of a routine, and that Jane, if on the watch, might acquire some very valuable information.
deem to be
From this reading She therefore locked her door and proceeded to consider the question of what she should wear with as much attention as if she had been going to a ball.
determine the number or amount of
From this reading On the one hand, it might be argued that Lady Heritage and Mr. Ember, having passed the greater part of last night abroad upon their mysterious business, would be most unlikely to spend a second sleepless night so soon, and Jane might, therefore, count on finding the coast clear for a little exploring on her own account.
the act of making up your mind about something
From this reading Two entirely opposite lines of reasoning had ended in inducing one and the same decision.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Jane went to her room that night, but she did not undress.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading She therefore locked her door and proceeded to consider the question of what she should wear with as much attention as if she had been going to a ball.
EmbernounUS /ˈembər/
a hot fragment of wood or coal that is left from a fire and is glowing or smoldering
From this reading On the one hand, it might be argued that Lady Heritage and Mr. Ember, having passed the greater part of last night abroad upon their mysterious business, would be most unlikely to spend a second sleepless night so soon, and Jane might, therefore, count on finding the coast clear for a little exploring on her own account.
endedadjectiveUS /ˈendəd/
having come or been brought to a conclusion
From this reading Two entirely opposite lines of reasoning had ended in inducing one and the same decision.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading Two entirely opposite lines of reasoning had ended in inducing one and the same decision.
to the same degree (often followed by “as”)
From this reading On the other hand, an equally logical train of thought suggested that these midnight comings and goings might be part of a routine, and that Jane, if on the watch, might acquire some very valuable information.
exploringverbUS /ɪkˈsplɔːrɪŋ/
-ing form of “explore” — inquire into
From this reading On the one hand, it might be argued that Lady Heritage and Mr. Ember, having passed the greater part of last night abroad upon their mysterious business, would be most unlikely to spend a second sleepless night so soon, and Jane might, therefore, count on finding the coast clear for a little exploring on her own account.
the act of determining the properties of something, usually by research or calculation
From this reading On the one hand, it might be argued that Lady Heritage and Mr. Ember, having passed the greater part of last night abroad upon their mysterious business, would be most unlikely to spend a second sleepless night so soon, and Jane might, therefore, count on finding the coast clear for a little exploring on her own account.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading On the one hand, it might be argued that Lady Heritage and Mr. Ember, having passed the greater part of last night abroad upon their mysterious business, would be most unlikely to spend a second sleepless night so soon, and Jane might, therefore, count on finding the coast clear for a little exploring on her own account.
the act of departing
From this reading She therefore locked her door and proceeded to consider the question of what she should wear with as much attention as if she had been going to a ball.
goingsnounUS /ˈɡoʊɪŋz/
plural of “going” — the act of departing
From this reading On the other hand, an equally logical train of thought suggested that these midnight comings and goings might be part of a routine, and that Jane, if on the watch, might acquire some very valuable information.
greater in size or importance or degree
From this reading On the one hand, it might be argued that Lady Heritage and Mr. Ember, having passed the greater part of last night abroad upon their mysterious business, would be most unlikely to spend a second sleepless night so soon, and Jane might, therefore, count on finding the coast clear for a little exploring on her own account.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Two entirely opposite lines of reasoning had ended in inducing one and the same decision.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading On the one hand, it might be argued that Lady Heritage and Mr. Ember, having passed the greater part of last night abroad upon their mysterious business, would be most unlikely to spend a second sleepless night so soon, and Jane might, therefore, count on finding the coast clear for a little exploring on her own account.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading On the one hand, it might be argued that Lady Heritage and Mr. Ember, having passed the greater part of last night abroad upon their mysterious business, would be most unlikely to spend a second sleepless night so soon, and Jane might, therefore, count on finding the coast clear for a little exploring on her own account.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Jane went to her room that night, but she did not undress.
HeritagenounUS /ˈherətədʒ/
practices that are handed down from the past by tradition
From this reading On the one hand, it might be argued that Lady Heritage and Mr. Ember, having passed the greater part of last night abroad upon their mysterious business, would be most unlikely to spend a second sleepless night so soon, and Jane might, therefore, count on finding the coast clear for a little exploring on her own account.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading On the other hand, an equally logical train of thought suggested that these midnight comings and goings might be part of a routine, and that Jane, if on the watch, might acquire some very valuable information.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Two entirely opposite lines of reasoning had ended in inducing one and the same decision.
inducingnounUS /ˌɪnˈduːsɪŋ/
act of bringing about a desired result
From this reading Two entirely opposite lines of reasoning had ended in inducing one and the same decision.
a message received and understood
From this reading On the other hand, an equally logical train of thought suggested that these midnight comings and goings might be part of a routine, and that Jane, if on the watch, might acquire some very valuable information.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading On the one hand, it might be argued that Lady Heritage and Mr. Ember, having passed the greater part of last night abroad upon their mysterious business, would be most unlikely to spend a second sleepless night so soon, and Jane might, therefore, count on finding the coast clear for a little exploring on her own account.
Jane
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Jane went to her room that night, but she did not undress.
a polite name for any woman
From this reading On the one hand, it might be argued that Lady Heritage and Mr. Ember, having passed the greater part of last night abroad upon their mysterious business, would be most unlikely to spend a second sleepless night so soon, and Jane might, therefore, count on finding the coast clear for a little exploring on her own account.
immediately past
From this reading On the one hand, it might be argued that Lady Heritage and Mr. Ember, having passed the greater part of last night abroad upon their mysterious business, would be most unlikely to spend a second sleepless night so soon, and Jane might, therefore, count on finding the coast clear for a little exploring on her own account.
plural of “line” — a formation of people or things one beside another
From this reading Two entirely opposite lines of reasoning had ended in inducing one and the same decision.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading On the one hand, it might be argued that Lady Heritage and Mr. Ember, having passed the greater part of last night abroad upon their mysterious business, would be most unlikely to spend a second sleepless night so soon, and Jane might, therefore, count on finding the coast clear for a little exploring on her own account.
past form of “lock” — fasten with a lock
From this reading She therefore locked her door and proceeded to consider the question of what she should wear with as much attention as if she had been going to a ball.
logicaladjectiveUS /ˈlɑːdʒɪkəl/
capable of or reflecting the capability for correct and valid reasoning
From this reading On the other hand, an equally logical train of thought suggested that these midnight comings and goings might be part of a routine, and that Jane, if on the watch, might acquire some very valuable information.
12 o'clock at night; the middle of the night
From this reading On the other hand, an equally logical train of thought suggested that these midnight comings and goings might be part of a routine, and that Jane, if on the watch, might acquire some very valuable information.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading On the one hand, it might be argued that Lady Heritage and Mr. Ember, having passed the greater part of last night abroad upon their mysterious business, would be most unlikely to spend a second sleepless night so soon, and Jane might, therefore, count on finding the coast clear for a little exploring on her own account.
used to form the superlative
From this reading On the one hand, it might be argued that Lady Heritage and Mr. Ember, having passed the greater part of last night abroad upon their mysterious business, would be most unlikely to spend a second sleepless night so soon, and Jane might, therefore, count on finding the coast clear for a little exploring on her own account.
a form of address for a man
From this reading On the one hand, it might be argued that Lady Heritage and Mr. Ember, having passed the greater part of last night abroad upon their mysterious business, would be most unlikely to spend a second sleepless night so soon, and Jane might, therefore, count on finding the coast clear for a little exploring on her own account.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading She therefore locked her door and proceeded to consider the question of what she should wear with as much attention as if she had been going to a ball.
of an obscure nature
From this reading On the one hand, it might be argued that Lady Heritage and Mr. Ember, having passed the greater part of last night abroad upon their mysterious business, would be most unlikely to spend a second sleepless night so soon, and Jane might, therefore, count on finding the coast clear for a little exploring on her own account.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading Jane went to her room that night, but she did not undress.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Jane went to her room that night, but she did not undress.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Two entirely opposite lines of reasoning had ended in inducing one and the same decision.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading On the one hand, it might be argued that Lady Heritage and Mr. Ember, having passed the greater part of last night abroad upon their mysterious business, would be most unlikely to spend a second sleepless night so soon, and Jane might, therefore, count on finding the coast clear for a little exploring on her own account.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Two entirely opposite lines of reasoning had ended in inducing one and the same decision.
being directly across from each other; facing
From this reading Two entirely opposite lines of reasoning had ended in inducing one and the same decision.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading On the other hand, an equally logical train of thought suggested that these midnight comings and goings might be part of a routine, and that Jane, if on the watch, might acquire some very valuable information.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading On the one hand, it might be argued that Lady Heritage and Mr. Ember, having passed the greater part of last night abroad upon their mysterious business, would be most unlikely to spend a second sleepless night so soon, and Jane might, therefore, count on finding the coast clear for a little exploring on her own account.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading On the one hand, it might be argued that Lady Heritage and Mr. Ember, having passed the greater part of last night abroad upon their mysterious business, would be most unlikely to spend a second sleepless night so soon, and Jane might, therefore, count on finding the coast clear for a little exploring on her own account.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading On the one hand, it might be argued that Lady Heritage and Mr. Ember, having passed the greater part of last night abroad upon their mysterious business, would be most unlikely to spend a second sleepless night so soon, and Jane might, therefore, count on finding the coast clear for a little exploring on her own account.
past form of “proceed” — continue talking
From this reading She therefore locked her door and proceeded to consider the question of what she should wear with as much attention as if she had been going to a ball.
challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of
From this reading She therefore locked her door and proceeded to consider the question of what she should wear with as much attention as if she had been going to a ball.
reasoningnounUS /ˈriːzənɪŋ/
thinking that is coherent and logical
From this reading Two entirely opposite lines of reasoning had ended in inducing one and the same decision.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading Jane went to her room that night, but she did not undress.
routinenounUS /ruːˈtiːn/
an unvarying or habitual method or procedure
From this reading On the other hand, an equally logical train of thought suggested that these midnight comings and goings might be part of a routine, and that Jane, if on the watch, might acquire some very valuable information.
Identical; not different.
From this reading Two entirely opposite lines of reasoning had ended in inducing one and the same decision.
1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
From this reading On the one hand, it might be argued that Lady Heritage and Mr. Ember, having passed the greater part of last night abroad upon their mysterious business, would be most unlikely to spend a second sleepless night so soon, and Jane might, therefore, count on finding the coast clear for a little exploring on her own account.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Jane went to her room that night, but she did not undress.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading She therefore locked her door and proceeded to consider the question of what she should wear with as much attention as if she had been going to a ball.
sleeplessadjectiveUS /ˈsliːpləs/
experiencing or accompanied by sleeplessness
From this reading On the one hand, it might be argued that Lady Heritage and Mr. Ember, having passed the greater part of last night abroad upon their mysterious business, would be most unlikely to spend a second sleepless night so soon, and Jane might, therefore, count on finding the coast clear for a little exploring on her own account.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading On the one hand, it might be argued that Lady Heritage and Mr. Ember, having passed the greater part of last night abroad upon their mysterious business, would be most unlikely to spend a second sleepless night so soon, and Jane might, therefore, count on finding the coast clear for a little exploring on her own account.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading On the other hand, an equally logical train of thought suggested that these midnight comings and goings might be part of a routine, and that Jane, if on the watch, might acquire some very valuable information.
in the near future
From this reading On the one hand, it might be argued that Lady Heritage and Mr. Ember, having passed the greater part of last night abroad upon their mysterious business, would be most unlikely to spend a second sleepless night so soon, and Jane might, therefore, count on finding the coast clear for a little exploring on her own account.
use up a period of time in a specific way
From this reading On the one hand, it might be argued that Lady Heritage and Mr. Ember, having passed the greater part of last night abroad upon their mysterious business, would be most unlikely to spend a second sleepless night so soon, and Jane might, therefore, count on finding the coast clear for a little exploring on her own account.
past form of “suggest” — make a proposal, declare a plan for something
From this reading On the other hand, an equally logical train of thought suggested that these midnight comings and goings might be part of a routine, and that Jane, if on the watch, might acquire some very valuable information.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Jane went to her room that night, but she did not undress.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Two entirely opposite lines of reasoning had ended in inducing one and the same decision.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading On the one hand, it might be argued that Lady Heritage and Mr. Ember, having passed the greater part of last night abroad upon their mysterious business, would be most unlikely to spend a second sleepless night so soon, and Jane might, therefore, count on finding the coast clear for a little exploring on her own account.
for that reason; as a result
From this reading On the one hand, it might be argued that Lady Heritage and Mr. Ember, having passed the greater part of last night abroad upon their mysterious business, would be most unlikely to spend a second sleepless night so soon, and Jane might, therefore, count on finding the coast clear for a little exploring on her own account.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading On the other hand, an equally logical train of thought suggested that these midnight comings and goings might be part of a routine, and that Jane, if on the watch, might acquire some very valuable information.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading On the other hand, an equally logical train of thought suggested that these midnight comings and goings might be part of a routine, and that Jane, if on the watch, might acquire some very valuable information.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Jane went to her room that night, but she did not undress.
create by training and teaching
From this reading On the other hand, an equally logical train of thought suggested that these midnight comings and goings might be part of a routine, and that Jane, if on the watch, might acquire some very valuable information.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Two entirely opposite lines of reasoning had ended in inducing one and the same decision.
undressverbUS /ənˈdres/
get undressed
From this reading Jane went to her room that night, but she did not undress.
unlikelyadjectiveUS /ənˈlaɪkli/
not likely to be true or to occur or to have occurred
From this reading On the one hand, it might be argued that Lady Heritage and Mr. Ember, having passed the greater part of last night abroad upon their mysterious business, would be most unlikely to spend a second sleepless night so soon, and Jane might, therefore, count on finding the coast clear for a little exploring on her own account.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading On the one hand, it might be argued that Lady Heritage and Mr. Ember, having passed the greater part of last night abroad upon their mysterious business, would be most unlikely to spend a second sleepless night so soon, and Jane might, therefore, count on finding the coast clear for a little exploring on her own account.
having great material or monetary value especially for use or exchange
From this reading On the other hand, an equally logical train of thought suggested that these midnight comings and goings might be part of a routine, and that Jane, if on the watch, might acquire some very valuable information.
precisely as stated
From this reading On the other hand, an equally logical train of thought suggested that these midnight comings and goings might be part of a routine, and that Jane, if on the watch, might acquire some very valuable information.
look attentively
From this reading On the other hand, an equally logical train of thought suggested that these midnight comings and goings might be part of a routine, and that Jane, if on the watch, might acquire some very valuable information.
be dressed in
From this reading She therefore locked her door and proceeded to consider the question of what she should wear with as much attention as if she had been going to a ball.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Jane went to her room that night, but she did not undress.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading She therefore locked her door and proceeded to consider the question of what she should wear with as much attention as if she had been going to a ball.
in the company of; together with
From this reading She therefore locked her door and proceeded to consider the question of what she should wear with as much attention as if she had been going to a ball.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading On the one hand, it might be argued that Lady Heritage and Mr. Ember, having passed the greater part of last night abroad upon their mysterious business, would be most unlikely to spend a second sleepless night so soon, and Jane might, therefore, count on finding the coast clear for a little exploring on her own account.
