AdeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A FINE spring, after a winter of unusual severity, promised well for the prospects of the London season.
absurdlyadverbUS /əbˈsɜːrdli/
in an absurd manner or to an absurd degree
From this reading Among the social entertainments of the time, general curiosity was excited, in the little sphere which absurdly describes itself under the big name of Society, by the announcement of a party to be given by Lady Loring, bearing the quaint title of a Sandwich Dance.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading A FINE spring, after a winter of unusual severity, promised well for the prospects of the London season.
againstprepositionUS /əˈɡenst/
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading In a word, Lady Loring’s ball was designed as a bold protest against late hours and heavy midnight meals.
AmongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading Among the social entertainments of the time, general curiosity was excited, in the little sphere which absurdly describes itself under the big name of Society, by the announcement of a party to be given by Lady Loring, bearing the quaint title of a Sandwich Dance.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The invitations were issued at an unusually early hour; and it was understood that nothing so solid and so commonplace as the customary supper was to be offered to the guests.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The invitations were issued at an unusually early hour; and it was understood that nothing so solid and so commonplace as the customary supper was to be offered to the guests.
announcementnounUS /əˈnaʊnsmənt/
a formal public statement
From this reading Among the social entertainments of the time, general curiosity was excited, in the little sphere which absurdly describes itself under the big name of Society, by the announcement of a party to be given by Lady Loring, bearing the quaint title of a Sandwich Dance.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The invitations were issued at an unusually early hour; and it was understood that nothing so solid and so commonplace as the customary supper was to be offered to the guests.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The invitations were issued at an unusually early hour; and it was understood that nothing so solid and so commonplace as the customary supper was to be offered to the guests.
ballnounUS /bɔːl/
round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games
From this reading In a word, Lady Loring’s ball was designed as a bold protest against late hours and heavy midnight meals.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Among the social entertainments of the time, general curiosity was excited, in the little sphere which absurdly describes itself under the big name of Society, by the announcement of a party to be given by Lady Loring, bearing the quaint title of a Sandwich Dance.
bearingnounUS /ˈberɪŋ/
relevant relation or interconnection
From this reading Among the social entertainments of the time, general curiosity was excited, in the little sphere which absurdly describes itself under the big name of Society, by the announcement of a party to be given by Lady Loring, bearing the quaint title of a Sandwich Dance.
bigadjectiveUS /bɪɡ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Among the social entertainments of the time, general curiosity was excited, in the little sphere which absurdly describes itself under the big name of Society, by the announcement of a party to be given by Lady Loring, bearing the quaint title of a Sandwich Dance.
boldadjectiveUS /boʊld/
fearless and daring
From this reading In a word, Lady Loring’s ball was designed as a bold protest against late hours and heavy midnight meals.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Among the social entertainments of the time, general curiosity was excited, in the little sphere which absurdly describes itself under the big name of Society, by the announcement of a party to be given by Lady Loring, bearing the quaint title of a Sandwich Dance.
commonplaceadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːmənpleɪs/
completely ordinary and unremarkable
From this reading The invitations were issued at an unusually early hour; and it was understood that nothing so solid and so commonplace as the customary supper was to be offered to the guests.
curiositynounUS /ˌkjʊriˈɑːsəti/
a state in which you want to learn more about something
From this reading Among the social entertainments of the time, general curiosity was excited, in the little sphere which absurdly describes itself under the big name of Society, by the announcement of a party to be given by Lady Loring, bearing the quaint title of a Sandwich Dance.
customaryadjectiveUS /ˈkʌstəmeri/
in accordance with convention or custom
From this reading The invitations were issued at an unusually early hour; and it was understood that nothing so solid and so commonplace as the customary supper was to be offered to the guests.
DANCEnounUS /dæns/
an artistic form of nonverbal communication
From this reading THE SANDWICH DANCE.
describesverbUS /dɪˈskraɪbz/
third-person singular of “describe” — give a description of
From this reading Among the social entertainments of the time, general curiosity was excited, in the little sphere which absurdly describes itself under the big name of Society, by the announcement of a party to be given by Lady Loring, bearing the quaint title of a Sandwich Dance.
designedadjectiveUS /dɪˈzaɪnd/
done or made or performed with purpose and intent
From this reading In a word, Lady Loring’s ball was designed as a bold protest against late hours and heavy midnight meals.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading The invitations were issued at an unusually early hour; and it was understood that nothing so solid and so commonplace as the customary supper was to be offered to the guests.
entertainmentsnounUS /ˌentərˈteɪnmənts/
plural of “entertainment” — an activity that is diverting and that holds the attention
From this reading Among the social entertainments of the time, general curiosity was excited, in the little sphere which absurdly describes itself under the big name of Society, by the announcement of a party to be given by Lady Loring, bearing the quaint title of a Sandwich Dance.
excitedadjectiveUS /ɪkˈsaɪtəd/
(of persons) excessively affected by emotion
From this reading Among the social entertainments of the time, general curiosity was excited, in the little sphere which absurdly describes itself under the big name of Society, by the announcement of a party to be given by Lady Loring, bearing the quaint title of a Sandwich Dance.
FINEadjectiveUS /faɪn/
being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition
From this reading A FINE spring, after a winter of unusual severity, promised well for the prospects of the London season.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading A FINE spring, after a winter of unusual severity, promised well for the prospects of the London season.
generaladjectiveUS /ˈdʒenərəl/
applying to all or most members of a category or group
From this reading Among the social entertainments of the time, general curiosity was excited, in the little sphere which absurdly describes itself under the big name of Society, by the announcement of a party to be given by Lady Loring, bearing the quaint title of a Sandwich Dance.
givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/
acknowledged as a supposition
From this reading Among the social entertainments of the time, general curiosity was excited, in the little sphere which absurdly describes itself under the big name of Society, by the announcement of a party to be given by Lady Loring, bearing the quaint title of a Sandwich Dance.
guestsnounUS /ɡests/
plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended
From this reading The invitations were issued at an unusually early hour; and it was understood that nothing so solid and so commonplace as the customary supper was to be offered to the guests.
heavyadjectiveUS /ˈhevi/
of comparatively great physical weight or density
From this reading In a word, Lady Loring’s ball was designed as a bold protest against late hours and heavy midnight meals.
hournounUS /ˈaʊər/
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading The invitations were issued at an unusually early hour; and it was understood that nothing so solid and so commonplace as the customary supper was to be offered to the guests.
hoursnounUS /ˈaʊərz/
a period of time assigned for work
From this reading In a word, Lady Loring’s ball was designed as a bold protest against late hours and heavy midnight meals.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Among the social entertainments of the time, general curiosity was excited, in the little sphere which absurdly describes itself under the big name of Society, by the announcement of a party to be given by Lady Loring, bearing the quaint title of a Sandwich Dance.
invitationsnounUS /ˌɪnvɪˈteɪʃənz/
plural of “invitation” — a request (spoken or written) to participate or be present or take part in something
From this reading The invitations were issued at an unusually early hour; and it was understood that nothing so solid and so commonplace as the customary supper was to be offered to the guests.
issuedverbUS /ˈɪʃuːd/
past form of “issue” — prepare and issue for public distribution or sale
From this reading The invitations were issued at an unusually early hour; and it was understood that nothing so solid and so commonplace as the customary supper was to be offered to the guests.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The invitations were issued at an unusually early hour; and it was understood that nothing so solid and so commonplace as the customary supper was to be offered to the guests.
itselfpronounUS /ˌɪtˈself/
used when the thing doing the action is also its object
From this reading Among the social entertainments of the time, general curiosity was excited, in the little sphere which absurdly describes itself under the big name of Society, by the announcement of a party to be given by Lady Loring, bearing the quaint title of a Sandwich Dance.
LadynounUS /ˈleɪdi/
a polite name for any woman
From this reading Among the social entertainments of the time, general curiosity was excited, in the little sphere which absurdly describes itself under the big name of Society, by the announcement of a party to be given by Lady Loring, bearing the quaint title of a Sandwich Dance.
lateadjectiveUS /leɪt/
being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time
From this reading In a word, Lady Loring’s ball was designed as a bold protest against late hours and heavy midnight meals.
littleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Among the social entertainments of the time, general curiosity was excited, in the little sphere which absurdly describes itself under the big name of Society, by the announcement of a party to be given by Lady Loring, bearing the quaint title of a Sandwich Dance.
LondonnounUS /ˈlʌndən/
the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center
From this reading A FINE spring, after a winter of unusual severity, promised well for the prospects of the London season.
Loring
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Among the social entertainments of the time, general curiosity was excited, in the little sphere which absurdly describes itself under the big name of Society, by the announcement of a party to be given by Lady Loring, bearing the quaint title of a Sandwich Dance.
Loring's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In a word, Lady Loring’s ball was designed as a bold protest against late hours and heavy midnight meals.
mealsnounUS /miːlz/
plural of “meal” — the food served and eaten at one time
From this reading In a word, Lady Loring’s ball was designed as a bold protest against late hours and heavy midnight meals.
midnightnounUS /ˈmɪdnaɪt/
12 o'clock at night; the middle of the night
From this reading In a word, Lady Loring’s ball was designed as a bold protest against late hours and heavy midnight meals.
nameverbUS /neɪm/
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading Among the social entertainments of the time, general curiosity was excited, in the little sphere which absurdly describes itself under the big name of Society, by the announcement of a party to be given by Lady Loring, bearing the quaint title of a Sandwich Dance.
nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/
not one thing; not anything
From this reading The invitations were issued at an unusually early hour; and it was understood that nothing so solid and so commonplace as the customary supper was to be offered to the guests.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A FINE spring, after a winter of unusual severity, promised well for the prospects of the London season.
offeredverbUS /ˈɔːfərd/
past form of “offer” — make available or accessible, provide or furnish
From this reading The invitations were issued at an unusually early hour; and it was understood that nothing so solid and so commonplace as the customary supper was to be offered to the guests.
partynounUS /ˈpɑːrti/
an organization to gain political power
From this reading Among the social entertainments of the time, general curiosity was excited, in the little sphere which absurdly describes itself under the big name of Society, by the announcement of a party to be given by Lady Loring, bearing the quaint title of a Sandwich Dance.
promisedverbUS /ˈprɑːməst/
past form of “promise” — make a promise or commitment
From this reading A FINE spring, after a winter of unusual severity, promised well for the prospects of the London season.
prospectsnounUS /ˈprɑːspekts/
plural of “prospect” — the possibility of future success
From this reading A FINE spring, after a winter of unusual severity, promised well for the prospects of the London season.
protestnounUS /ˈproʊtest/
a formal and solemn declaration of objection
From this reading In a word, Lady Loring’s ball was designed as a bold protest against late hours and heavy midnight meals.
quaintadjectiveUS /kweɪnt/
strange in an interesting or pleasing way
From this reading Among the social entertainments of the time, general curiosity was excited, in the little sphere which absurdly describes itself under the big name of Society, by the announcement of a party to be given by Lady Loring, bearing the quaint title of a Sandwich Dance.
SANDWICHnounUS /ˈsændwɪtʃ/
two (or more) slices of bread with a filling between them
From this reading THE SANDWICH DANCE.
seasonnounUS /ˈsiːzən/
a period of the year marked by special events or activities in some field
From this reading A FINE spring, after a winter of unusual severity, promised well for the prospects of the London season.
severitynounUS /sɪˈverɪti/
used of the degree of something undesirable e.g. pain or weather
From this reading A FINE spring, after a winter of unusual severity, promised well for the prospects of the London season.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading The invitations were issued at an unusually early hour; and it was understood that nothing so solid and so commonplace as the customary supper was to be offered to the guests.
socialadjectiveUS /ˈsoʊʃəl/
relating to human society and its members
From this reading Among the social entertainments of the time, general curiosity was excited, in the little sphere which absurdly describes itself under the big name of Society, by the announcement of a party to be given by Lady Loring, bearing the quaint title of a Sandwich Dance.
SocietynounUS /səˈsaɪəti/
an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization
From this reading Among the social entertainments of the time, general curiosity was excited, in the little sphere which absurdly describes itself under the big name of Society, by the announcement of a party to be given by Lady Loring, bearing the quaint title of a Sandwich Dance.
solidadjectiveUS /ˈsɑːləd/
characterized by good substantial quality
From this reading The invitations were issued at an unusually early hour; and it was understood that nothing so solid and so commonplace as the customary supper was to be offered to the guests.
spherenounUS /sfɪr/
a particular environment or walk of life
From this reading Among the social entertainments of the time, general curiosity was excited, in the little sphere which absurdly describes itself under the big name of Society, by the announcement of a party to be given by Lady Loring, bearing the quaint title of a Sandwich Dance.
springnounUS /sprɪŋ/
the season of growth
From this reading A FINE spring, after a winter of unusual severity, promised well for the prospects of the London season.
suppernounUS /ˈsʌpər/
a light evening meal; served in early evening if dinner is at midday or served late in the evening at bedtime
From this reading The invitations were issued at an unusually early hour; and it was understood that nothing so solid and so commonplace as the customary supper was to be offered to the guests.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The invitations were issued at an unusually early hour; and it was understood that nothing so solid and so commonplace as the customary supper was to be offered to the guests.
THEdeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE SANDWICH DANCE.
timenounUS /taɪm/
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading Among the social entertainments of the time, general curiosity was excited, in the little sphere which absurdly describes itself under the big name of Society, by the announcement of a party to be given by Lady Loring, bearing the quaint title of a Sandwich Dance.
titlenounUS /ˈtaɪtəl/
a heading that names a statute or legislative bill; may give a brief summary of the matters it deals with
From this reading Among the social entertainments of the time, general curiosity was excited, in the little sphere which absurdly describes itself under the big name of Society, by the announcement of a party to be given by Lady Loring, bearing the quaint title of a Sandwich Dance.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Among the social entertainments of the time, general curiosity was excited, in the little sphere which absurdly describes itself under the big name of Society, by the announcement of a party to be given by Lady Loring, bearing the quaint title of a Sandwich Dance.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading Among the social entertainments of the time, general curiosity was excited, in the little sphere which absurdly describes itself under the big name of Society, by the announcement of a party to be given by Lady Loring, bearing the quaint title of a Sandwich Dance.
understoodadjectiveUS /ˌʌndərˈstʊd/
fully apprehended as to purport or meaning or explanation
From this reading The invitations were issued at an unusually early hour; and it was understood that nothing so solid and so commonplace as the customary supper was to be offered to the guests.
unusualadjectiveUS /əˈnjuːʒuːəl/
not usual or common or ordinary
From this reading A FINE spring, after a winter of unusual severity, promised well for the prospects of the London season.
unusuallyadverbUS /əˈnjuːʒuːəli/
to a remarkable degree or extent
From this reading The invitations were issued at an unusually early hour; and it was understood that nothing so solid and so commonplace as the customary supper was to be offered to the guests.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Among the social entertainments of the time, general curiosity was excited, in the little sphere which absurdly describes itself under the big name of Society, by the announcement of a party to be given by Lady Loring, bearing the quaint title of a Sandwich Dance.
welladverbUS /wel/
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading A FINE spring, after a winter of unusual severity, promised well for the prospects of the London season.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The invitations were issued at an unusually early hour; and it was understood that nothing so solid and so commonplace as the customary supper was to be offered to the guests.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Among the social entertainments of the time, general curiosity was excited, in the little sphere which absurdly describes itself under the big name of Society, by the announcement of a party to be given by Lady Loring, bearing the quaint title of a Sandwich Dance.
winternounUS /ˈwɪntər/
the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox
From this reading A FINE spring, after a winter of unusual severity, promised well for the prospects of the London season.
wordnounUS /wɜːrd/
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
From this reading In a word, Lady Loring’s ball was designed as a bold protest against late hours and heavy midnight meals.
