used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A DOLL OR A BOX OF CANDY Perdita, being one of those ardent, mercurial creatures who run with winged feet to meet every event in life, whether it be joyous or disastrous, had encountered her bad quarter of an hour the morning after the dinner party.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading Hers were those swift changes of mood so disconcerting to the devils of ennui and depression; but her husband's period of reaction lasted, with but little mitigation, all the way across the continent.
the quality of having a superior or more favorable position
From this reading Perdita had a temperamental advantage.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading A DOLL OR A BOX OF CANDY Perdita, being one of those ardent, mercurial creatures who run with winged feet to meet every event in life, whether it be joyous or disastrous, had encountered her bad quarter of an hour the morning after the dinner party.
(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 Hers were those swift changes of mood so disconcerting to the devils of ennui and depression; but her husband's period of reaction lasted, with but little mitigation, all the way across the continent.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading A DOLL OR A BOX OF CANDY Perdita, being one of those ardent, mercurial creatures who run with winged feet to meet every event in life, whether it be joyous or disastrous, had encountered her bad quarter of an hour the morning after the dinner party.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Hepworth's, however, was postponed for a later and more lingering occasion.
ardentadjectiveUS /ˈɑːrdənt/
characterized by intense emotion
From this reading A DOLL OR A BOX OF CANDY Perdita, being one of those ardent, mercurial creatures who run with winged feet to meet every event in life, whether it be joyous or disastrous, had encountered her bad quarter of an hour the morning after the dinner party.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading We euphemistically limit these seasons of judgment to quarters of an hour in speaking of them, but they are quite independent of time, and may continue through days.
having undesirable or negative qualities
From this reading A DOLL OR A BOX OF CANDY Perdita, being one of those ardent, mercurial creatures who run with winged feet to meet every event in life, whether it be joyous or disastrous, had encountered her bad quarter of an hour the morning after the dinner party.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading A DOLL OR A BOX OF CANDY Perdita, being one of those ardent, mercurial creatures who run with winged feet to meet every event in life, whether it be joyous or disastrous, had encountered her bad quarter of an hour the morning after the dinner party.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading A DOLL OR A BOX OF CANDY Perdita, being one of those ardent, mercurial creatures who run with winged feet to meet every event in life, whether it be joyous or disastrous, had encountered her bad quarter of an hour the morning after the dinner party.
a (usually rectangular) container; may have a lid
From this reading A DOLL OR A BOX OF CANDY Perdita, being one of those ardent, mercurial creatures who run with winged feet to meet every event in life, whether it be joyous or disastrous, had encountered her bad quarter of an hour the morning after the dinner party.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading We euphemistically limit these seasons of judgment to quarters of an hour in speaking of them, but they are quite independent of time, and may continue through days.
CANDYnounUS /ˈkændi/
a rich sweet made of flavored sugar and often combined with fruit or nuts
From this reading A DOLL OR A BOX OF CANDY Perdita, being one of those ardent, mercurial creatures who run with winged feet to meet every event in life, whether it be joyous or disastrous, had encountered her bad quarter of an hour the morning after the dinner party.
changesnounUS /ˈtʃeɪndʒəz/
plural of “change” — an event that occurs when something passes from one state or phase to another
From this reading Hers were those swift changes of mood so disconcerting to the devils of ennui and depression; but her husband's period of reaction lasted, with but little mitigation, all the way across the continent.
continentnounUS /ˈkɑːntənənt/
one of the large landmasses of the earth
From this reading Hers were those swift changes of mood so disconcerting to the devils of ennui and depression; but her husband's period of reaction lasted, with but little mitigation, all the way across the continent.
continue a certain state, condition, or activity
From this reading We euphemistically limit these seasons of judgment to quarters of an hour in speaking of them, but they are quite independent of time, and may continue through days.
plural of “creature” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading A DOLL OR A BOX OF CANDY Perdita, being one of those ardent, mercurial creatures who run with winged feet to meet every event in life, whether it be joyous or disastrous, had encountered her bad quarter of an hour the morning after the dinner party.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading We euphemistically limit these seasons of judgment to quarters of an hour in speaking of them, but they are quite independent of time, and may continue through days.
depressionnounUS /dɪˈpreʃən/
a mental state characterized by a pessimistic sense of inadequacy and a despondent lack of activity
From this reading Hers were those swift changes of mood so disconcerting to the devils of ennui and depression; but her husband's period of reaction lasted, with but little mitigation, all the way across the continent.
devilsnounUS /ˈdevəlz/
plural of “devil” — (Judeo-Christian and Islamic religions) chief spirit of evil and adversary of God; tempter of mankind; master of Hell
From this reading Hers were those swift changes of mood so disconcerting to the devils of ennui and depression; but her husband's period of reaction lasted, with but little mitigation, all the way across the continent.
the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday
From this reading A DOLL OR A BOX OF CANDY Perdita, being one of those ardent, mercurial creatures who run with winged feet to meet every event in life, whether it be joyous or disastrous, had encountered her bad quarter of an hour the morning after the dinner party.
disastrousadjectiveUS /dɪˈzæstrəs/
(of events) having extremely unfortunate or dire consequences; bringing ruin
From this reading A DOLL OR A BOX OF CANDY Perdita, being one of those ardent, mercurial creatures who run with winged feet to meet every event in life, whether it be joyous or disastrous, had encountered her bad quarter of an hour the morning after the dinner party.
disconcertingadjectiveUS /ˌdɪskənˈsɜːrtɪŋ/
causing an emotional disturbance
From this reading Hers were those swift changes of mood so disconcerting to the devils of ennui and depression; but her husband's period of reaction lasted, with but little mitigation, all the way across the continent.
DOLLnounUS /dɑːl/
a small replica of a person; used as a toy
From this reading A DOLL OR A BOX OF CANDY Perdita, being one of those ardent, mercurial creatures who run with winged feet to meet every event in life, whether it be joyous or disastrous, had encountered her bad quarter of an hour the morning after the dinner party.
encounteredverbUS /ɪnˈkaʊntərd/
past form of “encounter” — come together
From this reading A DOLL OR A BOX OF CANDY Perdita, being one of those ardent, mercurial creatures who run with winged feet to meet every event in life, whether it be joyous or disastrous, had encountered her bad quarter of an hour the morning after the dinner party.
ennuinounUS /eˈnuːi/
the feeling of being bored by something tedious
From this reading Hers were those swift changes of mood so disconcerting to the devils of ennui and depression; but her husband's period of reaction lasted, with but little mitigation, all the way across the continent.
euphemisticallyadverbUS /ˌjuːfəˈmɪstɪkli/
in a euphemistic manner
From this reading We euphemistically limit these seasons of judgment to quarters of an hour in speaking of them, but they are quite independent of time, and may continue through days.
something that happens at a given place and time
From this reading A DOLL OR A BOX OF CANDY Perdita, being one of those ardent, mercurial creatures who run with winged feet to meet every event in life, whether it be joyous or disastrous, had encountered her bad quarter of an hour the morning after the dinner party.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading A DOLL OR A BOX OF CANDY Perdita, being one of those ardent, mercurial creatures who run with winged feet to meet every event in life, whether it be joyous or disastrous, had encountered her bad quarter of an hour the morning after the dinner party.
plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading A DOLL OR A BOX OF CANDY Perdita, being one of those ardent, mercurial creatures who run with winged feet to meet every event in life, whether it be joyous or disastrous, had encountered her bad quarter of an hour the morning after the dinner party.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Hepworth's, however, was postponed for a later and more lingering occasion.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading A DOLL OR A BOX OF CANDY Perdita, being one of those ardent, mercurial creatures who run with winged feet to meet every event in life, whether it be joyous or disastrous, had encountered her bad quarter of an hour the morning after the dinner party.
Hepworth's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Hepworth's, however, was postponed for a later and more lingering occasion.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading A DOLL OR A BOX OF CANDY Perdita, being one of those ardent, mercurial creatures who run with winged feet to meet every event in life, whether it be joyous or disastrous, had encountered her bad quarter of an hour the morning after the dinner party.
the one or ones belonging to her
From this reading Hers were those swift changes of mood so disconcerting to the devils of ennui and depression; but her husband's period of reaction lasted, with but little mitigation, all the way across the continent.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading A DOLL OR A BOX OF CANDY Perdita, being one of those ardent, mercurial creatures who run with winged feet to meet every event in life, whether it be joyous or disastrous, had encountered her bad quarter of an hour the morning after the dinner party.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading Hepworth's, however, was postponed for a later and more lingering occasion.
husband'snounUS /ˈhʌzbəndz/
possessive form of “husband” — a married man; a woman's partner in marriage
From this reading Hers were those swift changes of mood so disconcerting to the devils of ennui and depression; but her husband's period of reaction lasted, with but little mitigation, all the way across the continent.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A DOLL OR A BOX OF CANDY Perdita, being one of those ardent, mercurial creatures who run with winged feet to meet every event in life, whether it be joyous or disastrous, had encountered her bad quarter of an hour the morning after the dinner party.
independentadjectiveUS /ˌɪndɪˈpendənt/
free from external control and constraint
From this reading We euphemistically limit these seasons of judgment to quarters of an hour in speaking of them, but they are quite independent of time, and may continue through days.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading A DOLL OR A BOX OF CANDY Perdita, being one of those ardent, mercurial creatures who run with winged feet to meet every event in life, whether it be joyous or disastrous, had encountered her bad quarter of an hour the morning after the dinner party.
joyousadjectiveUS /ˈdʒɔɪəs/
full of or characterized by joy
From this reading A DOLL OR A BOX OF CANDY Perdita, being one of those ardent, mercurial creatures who run with winged feet to meet every event in life, whether it be joyous or disastrous, had encountered her bad quarter of an hour the morning after the dinner party.
an opinion formed by judging something
From this reading We euphemistically limit these seasons of judgment to quarters of an hour in speaking of them, but they are quite independent of time, and may continue through days.
lastedverbUS /ˈlæstəd/
past form of “last” — persist for a specified period of time
From this reading Hers were those swift changes of mood so disconcerting to the devils of ennui and depression; but her husband's period of reaction lasted, with but little mitigation, all the way across the continent.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading Hepworth's, however, was postponed for a later and more lingering occasion.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading A DOLL OR A BOX OF CANDY Perdita, being one of those ardent, mercurial creatures who run with winged feet to meet every event in life, whether it be joyous or disastrous, had encountered her bad quarter of an hour the morning after the dinner party.
limitnounUS /ˈlɪmət/
the greatest possible degree of something
From this reading We euphemistically limit these seasons of judgment to quarters of an hour in speaking of them, but they are quite independent of time, and may continue through days.
lingeringnounUS /ˈlɪŋɡərɪŋ/
the act of tarrying
From this reading Hepworth's, however, was postponed for a later and more lingering occasion.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Hers were those swift changes of mood so disconcerting to the devils of ennui and depression; but her husband's period of reaction lasted, with but little mitigation, all the way across the continent.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading We euphemistically limit these seasons of judgment to quarters of an hour in speaking of them, but they are quite independent of time, and may continue through days.
come together
From this reading A DOLL OR A BOX OF CANDY Perdita, being one of those ardent, mercurial creatures who run with winged feet to meet every event in life, whether it be joyous or disastrous, had encountered her bad quarter of an hour the morning after the dinner party.
mercurialadjectiveUS /mərˈkjʊriəl/
liable to sudden unpredictable change
From this reading A DOLL OR A BOX OF CANDY Perdita, being one of those ardent, mercurial creatures who run with winged feet to meet every event in life, whether it be joyous or disastrous, had encountered her bad quarter of an hour the morning after the dinner party.
mitigationnounUS /ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃən/
to act in such a way as to cause an offense to seem less serious
From this reading Hers were those swift changes of mood so disconcerting to the devils of ennui and depression; but her husband's period of reaction lasted, with but little mitigation, all the way across the continent.
a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling
From this reading Hers were those swift changes of mood so disconcerting to the devils of ennui and depression; but her husband's period of reaction lasted, with but little mitigation, all the way across the continent.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Hepworth's, however, was postponed for a later and more lingering occasion.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading A DOLL OR A BOX OF CANDY Perdita, being one of those ardent, mercurial creatures who run with winged feet to meet every event in life, whether it be joyous or disastrous, had encountered her bad quarter of an hour the morning after the dinner party.
an event that occurs at a critical time
From this reading Hepworth's, however, was postponed for a later and more lingering occasion.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A DOLL OR A BOX OF CANDY Perdita, being one of those ardent, mercurial creatures who run with winged feet to meet every event in life, whether it be joyous or disastrous, had encountered her bad quarter of an hour the morning after the dinner party.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading A DOLL OR A BOX OF CANDY Perdita, being one of those ardent, mercurial creatures who run with winged feet to meet every event in life, whether it be joyous or disastrous, had encountered her bad quarter of an hour the morning after the dinner party.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading A DOLL OR A BOX OF CANDY Perdita, being one of those ardent, mercurial creatures who run with winged feet to meet every event in life, whether it be joyous or disastrous, had encountered her bad quarter of an hour the morning after the dinner party.
an organization to gain political power
From this reading A DOLL OR A BOX OF CANDY Perdita, being one of those ardent, mercurial creatures who run with winged feet to meet every event in life, whether it be joyous or disastrous, had encountered her bad quarter of an hour the morning after the dinner party.
Perdita
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A DOLL OR A BOX OF CANDY Perdita, being one of those ardent, mercurial creatures who run with winged feet to meet every event in life, whether it be joyous or disastrous, had encountered her bad quarter of an hour the morning after the dinner party.
an amount of time
From this reading Hers were those swift changes of mood so disconcerting to the devils of ennui and depression; but her husband's period of reaction lasted, with but little mitigation, all the way across the continent.
postponedverbUS /poʊstˈpoʊnd/
past form of “postpone” — hold back to a later time
From this reading Hepworth's, however, was postponed for a later and more lingering occasion.
one of four equal parts
From this reading A DOLL OR A BOX OF CANDY Perdita, being one of those ardent, mercurial creatures who run with winged feet to meet every event in life, whether it be joyous or disastrous, had encountered her bad quarter of an hour the morning after the dinner party.
housing available for people to live in
From this reading We euphemistically limit these seasons of judgment to quarters of an hour in speaking of them, but they are quite independent of time, and may continue through days.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading We euphemistically limit these seasons of judgment to quarters of an hour in speaking of them, but they are quite independent of time, and may continue through days.
reactionnounUS /riˈækʃən/
(chemistry) a process in which one or more substances are changed into others
From this reading Hers were those swift changes of mood so disconcerting to the devils of ennui and depression; but her husband's period of reaction lasted, with but little mitigation, all the way across the continent.
move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading A DOLL OR A BOX OF CANDY Perdita, being one of those ardent, mercurial creatures who run with winged feet to meet every event in life, whether it be joyous or disastrous, had encountered her bad quarter of an hour the morning after the dinner party.
seasonsnounUS /ˈsiːzənz/
plural of “season” — a period of the year marked by special events or activities in some field
From this reading We euphemistically limit these seasons of judgment to quarters of an hour in speaking of them, but they are quite independent of time, and may continue through days.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Hers were those swift changes of mood so disconcerting to the devils of ennui and depression; but her husband's period of reaction lasted, with but little mitigation, all the way across the continent.
the utterance of intelligible speech
From this reading We euphemistically limit these seasons of judgment to quarters of an hour in speaking of them, but they are quite independent of time, and may continue through days.
moving very fast
From this reading Hers were those swift changes of mood so disconcerting to the devils of ennui and depression; but her husband's period of reaction lasted, with but little mitigation, all the way across the continent.
temperamentaladjectiveUS /ˌtemprəˈmentəl/
relating to or caused by temperament
From this reading Perdita had a temperamental advantage.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A DOLL OR A BOX OF CANDY Perdita, being one of those ardent, mercurial creatures who run with winged feet to meet every event in life, whether it be joyous or disastrous, had encountered her bad quarter of an hour the morning after the dinner party.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading We euphemistically limit these seasons of judgment to quarters of an hour in speaking of them, but they are quite independent of time, and may continue through days.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading We euphemistically limit these seasons of judgment to quarters of an hour in speaking of them, but they are quite independent of time, and may continue through days.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading We euphemistically limit these seasons of judgment to quarters of an hour in speaking of them, but they are quite independent of time, and may continue through days.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading A DOLL OR A BOX OF CANDY Perdita, being one of those ardent, mercurial creatures who run with winged feet to meet every event in life, whether it be joyous or disastrous, had encountered her bad quarter of an hour the morning after the dinner party.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading We euphemistically limit these seasons of judgment to quarters of an hour in speaking of them, but they are quite independent of time, and may continue through days.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading We euphemistically limit these seasons of judgment to quarters of an hour in speaking of them, but they are quite independent of time, and may continue through days.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A DOLL OR A BOX OF CANDY Perdita, being one of those ardent, mercurial creatures who run with winged feet to meet every event in life, whether it be joyous or disastrous, had encountered her bad quarter of an hour the morning after the dinner party.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Hepworth's, however, was postponed for a later and more lingering occasion.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Hers were those swift changes of mood so disconcerting to the devils of ennui and depression; but her husband's period of reaction lasted, with but little mitigation, all the way across the continent.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading We euphemistically limit these seasons of judgment to quarters of an hour in speaking of them, but they are quite independent of time, and may continue through days.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Hers were those swift changes of mood so disconcerting to the devils of ennui and depression; but her husband's period of reaction lasted, with but little mitigation, all the way across the continent.
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading A DOLL OR A BOX OF CANDY Perdita, being one of those ardent, mercurial creatures who run with winged feet to meet every event in life, whether it be joyous or disastrous, had encountered her bad quarter of an hour the morning after the dinner party.
which person or people
From this reading A DOLL OR A BOX OF CANDY Perdita, being one of those ardent, mercurial creatures who run with winged feet to meet every event in life, whether it be joyous or disastrous, had encountered her bad quarter of an hour the morning after the dinner party.
wingedadjectiveUS /wɪŋd/
having wings or as if having wings of a specified kind
From this reading A DOLL OR A BOX OF CANDY Perdita, being one of those ardent, mercurial creatures who run with winged feet to meet every event in life, whether it be joyous or disastrous, had encountered her bad quarter of an hour the morning after the dinner party.
in the company of; together with
From this reading A DOLL OR A BOX OF CANDY Perdita, being one of those ardent, mercurial creatures who run with winged feet to meet every event in life, whether it be joyous or disastrous, had encountered her bad quarter of an hour the morning after the dinner party.
