used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A small box stood on the table before her, and she was absently turning the key backward and forward in the lock; her face was pale, and her eyes wore a strangely fixed expression.
absentlyadverb
in an absentminded or preoccupied manner
From this reading A small box stood on the table before her, and she was absently turning the key backward and forward in the lock; her face was pale, and her eyes wore a strangely fixed expression.
absorbedadjectiveUS /əbˈzɔːrbd/
giving or marked by complete attention to
From this reading When Edwin entered Toinette's room that afternoon, he found her seated on the sofa, evidently absorbed in thought, for she did not look up till he called her by name.
the part of the day between noon and evening
From this reading When Edwin entered Toinette's room that afternoon, he found her seated on the sofa, evidently absorbed in thought, for she did not look up till he called her by name.
anew
From this reading They rested on the new-comer's figure for some time, as if she found it difficult to recognize him; but it was only because she was forced to make an effort ere she could withdraw the look that had long been searching her own heart, and turn it again upon external things.
(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 That's very pleasant, but the best part of all is that you can do so with a light heart.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading They rested on the new-comer's figure for some time, as if she found it difficult to recognize him; but it was only because she was forced to make an effort ere she could withdraw the look that had long been searching her own heart, and turn it again upon external things.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A small box stood on the table before her, and she was absently turning the key backward and forward in the lock; her face was pale, and her eyes wore a strangely fixed expression.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading They rested on the new-comer's figure for some time, as if she found it difficult to recognize him; but it was only because she was forced to make an effort ere she could withdraw the look that had long been searching her own heart, and turn it again upon external things.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading "Good afternoon, my dear friend," she said without rising, as she held out her hand to him, "have you come to see me again at last?
backwardadverbUS /ˈbækwərd/
at or to or toward the back or rear
From this reading A small box stood on the table before her, and she was absently turning the key backward and forward in the lock; her face was pale, and her eyes wore a strangely fixed expression.
for the reason that
From this reading They rested on the new-comer's figure for some time, as if she found it difficult to recognize him; but it was only because she was forced to make an effort ere she could withdraw the look that had long been searching her own heart, and turn it again upon external things.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading They rested on the new-comer's figure for some time, as if she found it difficult to recognize him; but it was only because she was forced to make an effort ere she could withdraw the look that had long been searching her own heart, and turn it again upon external things.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading A small box stood on the table before her, and she was absently turning the key backward and forward in the lock; her face was pale, and her eyes wore a strangely fixed expression.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading That's very pleasant, but the best part of all is that you can do so with a light heart.
a (usually rectangular) container; may have a lid
From this reading A small box stood on the table before her, and she was absently turning the key backward and forward in the lock; her face was pale, and her eyes wore a strangely fixed expression.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading They rested on the new-comer's figure for some time, as if she found it difficult to recognize him; but it was only because she was forced to make an effort ere she could withdraw the look that had long been searching her own heart, and turn it again upon external things.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading When Edwin entered Toinette's room that afternoon, he found her seated on the sofa, evidently absorbed in thought, for she did not look up till he called her by name.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading When Edwin entered Toinette's room that afternoon, he found her seated on the sofa, evidently absorbed in thought, for she did not look up till he called her by name.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading That's very pleasant, but the best part of all is that you can do so with a light heart.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading "Good afternoon, my dear friend," she said without rising, as she held out her hand to him, "have you come to see me again at last?
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading They rested on the new-comer's figure for some time, as if she found it difficult to recognize him; but it was only because she was forced to make an effort ere she could withdraw the look that had long been searching her own heart, and turn it again upon external things.
dearly loved
From this reading "Good afternoon, my dear friend," she said without rising, as she held out her hand to him, "have you come to see me again at last?
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading When Edwin entered Toinette's room that afternoon, he found her seated on the sofa, evidently absorbed in thought, for she did not look up till he called her by name.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading They rested on the new-comer's figure for some time, as if she found it difficult to recognize him; but it was only because she was forced to make an effort ere she could withdraw the look that had long been searching her own heart, and turn it again upon external things.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading That's very pleasant, but the best part of all is that you can do so with a light heart.
EdwinnounUS /ˈedwən/
king of Northumbria who was converted to Christianity (585-633)
From this reading When Edwin entered Toinette's room that afternoon, he found her seated on the sofa, evidently absorbed in thought, for she did not look up till he called her by name.
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading They rested on the new-comer's figure for some time, as if she found it difficult to recognize him; but it was only because she was forced to make an effort ere she could withdraw the look that had long been searching her own heart, and turn it again upon external things.
past form of “enter” — to come or go into
From this reading When Edwin entered Toinette's room that afternoon, he found her seated on the sofa, evidently absorbed in thought, for she did not look up till he called her by name.
an old word for “before”
From this reading They rested on the new-comer's figure for some time, as if she found it difficult to recognize him; but it was only because she was forced to make an effort ere she could withdraw the look that had long been searching her own heart, and turn it again upon external things.
unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)
From this reading When Edwin entered Toinette's room that afternoon, he found her seated on the sofa, evidently absorbed in thought, for she did not look up till he called her by name.
the feelings expressed on a person's face
From this reading A small box stood on the table before her, and she was absently turning the key backward and forward in the lock; her face was pale, and her eyes wore a strangely fixed expression.
externaladjectiveUS /ɪkˈstɜːrnəl/
happening or arising or located outside or beyond some limits or especially surface
From this reading They rested on the new-comer's figure for some time, as if she found it difficult to recognize him; but it was only because she was forced to make an effort ere she could withdraw the look that had long been searching her own heart, and turn it again upon external things.
opinion or judgment
From this reading A small box stood on the table before her, and she was absently turning the key backward and forward in the lock; her face was pale, and her eyes wore a strangely fixed expression.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading A small box stood on the table before her, and she was absently turning the key backward and forward in the lock; her face was pale, and her eyes wore a strangely fixed expression.
a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading They rested on the new-comer's figure for some time, as if she found it difficult to recognize him; but it was only because she was forced to make an effort ere she could withdraw the look that had long been searching her own heart, and turn it again upon external things.
(of a number) having a fixed and unchanging value
From this reading A small box stood on the table before her, and she was absently turning the key backward and forward in the lock; her face was pale, and her eyes wore a strangely fixed expression.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading When Edwin entered Toinette's room that afternoon, he found her seated on the sofa, evidently absorbed in thought, for she did not look up till he called her by name.
produced by or subjected to forcing
From this reading They rested on the new-comer's figure for some time, as if she found it difficult to recognize him; but it was only because she was forced to make an effort ere she could withdraw the look that had long been searching her own heart, and turn it again upon external things.
at or to or toward the front
From this reading A small box stood on the table before her, and she was absently turning the key backward and forward in the lock; her face was pale, and her eyes wore a strangely fixed expression.
set up or found
From this reading When Edwin entered Toinette's room that afternoon, he found her seated on the sofa, evidently absorbed in thought, for she did not look up till he called her by name.
a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading "Good afternoon, my dear friend," she said without rising, as she held out her hand to him, "have you come to see me again at last?
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading "Good afternoon, my dear friend," she said without rising, as she held out her hand to him, "have you come to see me again at last?
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading They rested on the new-comer's figure for some time, as if she found it difficult to recognize him; but it was only because she was forced to make an effort ere she could withdraw the look that had long been searching her own heart, and turn it again upon external things.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading "Good afternoon, my dear friend," she said without rising, as she held out her hand to him, "have you come to see me again at last?
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading "Good afternoon, my dear friend," she said without rising, as she held out her hand to him, "have you come to see me again at last?
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading When Edwin entered Toinette's room that afternoon, he found her seated on the sofa, evidently absorbed in thought, for she did not look up till he called her by name.
the locus of feelings and intuitions
From this reading They rested on the new-comer's figure for some time, as if she found it difficult to recognize him; but it was only because she was forced to make an effort ere she could withdraw the look that had long been searching her own heart, and turn it again upon external things.
occupied or in the control of; often used in combination
From this reading "Good afternoon, my dear friend," she said without rising, as she held out her hand to him, "have you come to see me again at last?
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading When Edwin entered Toinette's room that afternoon, he found her seated on the sofa, evidently absorbed in thought, for she did not look up till he called her by name.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading They rested on the new-comer's figure for some time, as if she found it difficult to recognize him; but it was only because she was forced to make an effort ere she could withdraw the look that had long been searching her own heart, and turn it again upon external things.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading They rested on the new-comer's figure for some time, as if she found it difficult to recognize him; but it was only because she was forced to make an effort ere she could withdraw the look that had long been searching her own heart, and turn it again upon external things.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading When Edwin entered Toinette's room that afternoon, he found her seated on the sofa, evidently absorbed in thought, for she did not look up till he called her by name.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading That's very pleasant, but the best part of all is that you can do so with a light heart.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading They rested on the new-comer's figure for some time, as if she found it difficult to recognize him; but it was only because she was forced to make an effort ere she could withdraw the look that had long been searching her own heart, and turn it again upon external things.
metal device shaped in such a way that when it is inserted into the appropriate lock the lock's mechanism can be rotated
From this reading A small box stood on the table before her, and she was absently turning the key backward and forward in the lock; her face was pale, and her eyes wore a strangely fixed expression.
immediately past
From this reading "Good afternoon, my dear friend," she said without rising, as she held out her hand to him, "have you come to see me again at last?
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading That's very pleasant, but the best part of all is that you can do so with a light heart.
fasten with a lock
From this reading A small box stood on the table before her, and she was absently turning the key backward and forward in the lock; her face was pale, and her eyes wore a strangely fixed expression.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading They rested on the new-comer's figure for some time, as if she found it difficult to recognize him; but it was only because she was forced to make an effort ere she could withdraw the look that had long been searching her own heart, and turn it again upon external things.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading When Edwin entered Toinette's room that afternoon, he found her seated on the sofa, evidently absorbed in thought, for she did not look up till he called her by name.
engage in
From this reading They rested on the new-comer's figure for some time, as if she found it difficult to recognize him; but it was only because she was forced to make an effort ere she could withdraw the look that had long been searching her own heart, and turn it again upon external things.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading "Good afternoon, my dear friend," she said without rising, as she held out her hand to him, "have you come to see me again at last?
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading "Good afternoon, my dear friend," she said without rising, as she held out her hand to him, "have you come to see me again at last?
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading When Edwin entered Toinette's room that afternoon, he found her seated on the sofa, evidently absorbed in thought, for she did not look up till he called her by name.
new-comer's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They rested on the new-comer's figure for some time, as if she found it difficult to recognize him; but it was only because she was forced to make an effort ere she could withdraw the look that had long been searching her own heart, and turn it again upon external things.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading When Edwin entered Toinette's room that afternoon, he found her seated on the sofa, evidently absorbed in thought, for she did not look up till he called her by name.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading That's very pleasant, but the best part of all is that you can do so with a light heart.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading When Edwin entered Toinette's room that afternoon, he found her seated on the sofa, evidently absorbed in thought, for she did not look up till he called her by name.
and nothing more
From this reading They rested on the new-comer's figure for some time, as if she found it difficult to recognize him; but it was only because she was forced to make an effort ere she could withdraw the look that had long been searching her own heart, and turn it again upon external things.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading "Good afternoon, my dear friend," she said without rising, as she held out her hand to him, "have you come to see me again at last?
have ownership or possession of
From this reading They rested on the new-comer's figure for some time, as if she found it difficult to recognize him; but it was only because she was forced to make an effort ere she could withdraw the look that had long been searching her own heart, and turn it again upon external things.
very light colored; highly diluted with white
From this reading A small box stood on the table before her, and she was absently turning the key backward and forward in the lock; her face was pale, and her eyes wore a strangely fixed expression.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading That's very pleasant, but the best part of all is that you can do so with a light heart.
affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings
From this reading That's very pleasant, but the best part of all is that you can do so with a light heart.
recognizeverbUS /ˈrekəɡnaɪz/
accept (someone) to be what is claimed or accept his power and authority
From this reading They rested on the new-comer's figure for some time, as if she found it difficult to recognize him; but it was only because she was forced to make an effort ere she could withdraw the look that had long been searching her own heart, and turn it again upon external things.
not tired; refreshed as by sleeping or relaxing
From this reading They rested on the new-comer's figure for some time, as if she found it difficult to recognize him; but it was only because she was forced to make an effort ere she could withdraw the look that had long been searching her own heart, and turn it again upon external things.
advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status
From this reading "Good afternoon, my dear friend," she said without rising, as she held out her hand to him, "have you come to see me again at last?
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading When Edwin entered Toinette's room that afternoon, he found her seated on the sofa, evidently absorbed in thought, for she did not look up till he called her by name.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading "Good afternoon, my dear friend," she said without rising, as she held out her hand to him, "have you come to see me again at last?
diligent and thorough in inquiry or investigation
From this reading They rested on the new-comer's figure for some time, as if she found it difficult to recognize him; but it was only because she was forced to make an effort ere she could withdraw the look that had long been searching her own heart, and turn it again upon external things.
(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks
From this reading When Edwin entered Toinette's room that afternoon, he found her seated on the sofa, evidently absorbed in thought, for she did not look up till he called her by name.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading "Good afternoon, my dear friend," she said without rising, as she held out her hand to him, "have you come to see me again at last?
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading When Edwin entered Toinette's room that afternoon, he found her seated on the sofa, evidently absorbed in thought, for she did not look up till he called her by name.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading A small box stood on the table before her, and she was absently turning the key backward and forward in the lock; her face was pale, and her eyes wore a strangely fixed expression.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading That's very pleasant, but the best part of all is that you can do so with a light heart.
sofanounUS /ˈsoʊfə/
an upholstered seat for more than one person
From this reading When Edwin entered Toinette's room that afternoon, he found her seated on the sofa, evidently absorbed in thought, for she did not look up till he called her by name.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading They rested on the new-comer's figure for some time, as if she found it difficult to recognize him; but it was only because she was forced to make an effort ere she could withdraw the look that had long been searching her own heart, and turn it again upon external things.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading A small box stood on the table before her, and she was absently turning the key backward and forward in the lock; her face was pale, and her eyes wore a strangely fixed expression.
in a strange manner
From this reading A small box stood on the table before her, and she was absently turning the key backward and forward in the lock; her face was pale, and her eyes wore a strangely fixed expression.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading A small box stood on the table before her, and she was absently turning the key backward and forward in the lock; her face was pale, and her eyes wore a strangely fixed expression.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading When Edwin entered Toinette's room that afternoon, he found her seated on the sofa, evidently absorbed in thought, for she did not look up till he called her by name.
That's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That's very pleasant, but the best part of all is that you can do so with a light heart.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading When Edwin entered Toinette's room that afternoon, he found her seated on the sofa, evidently absorbed in thought, for she did not look up till he called her by name.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They rested on the new-comer's figure for some time, as if she found it difficult to recognize him; but it was only because she was forced to make an effort ere she could withdraw the look that had long been searching her own heart, and turn it again upon external things.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading They rested on the new-comer's figure for some time, as if she found it difficult to recognize him; but it was only because she was forced to make an effort ere she could withdraw the look that had long been searching her own heart, and turn it again upon external things.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading When Edwin entered Toinette's room that afternoon, he found her seated on the sofa, evidently absorbed in thought, for she did not look up till he called her by name.
up to a particular time
From this reading When Edwin entered Toinette's room that afternoon, he found her seated on the sofa, evidently absorbed in thought, for she did not look up till he called her by name.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading They rested on the new-comer's figure for some time, as if she found it difficult to recognize him; but it was only because she was forced to make an effort ere she could withdraw the look that had long been searching her own heart, and turn it again upon external things.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading They rested on the new-comer's figure for some time, as if she found it difficult to recognize him; but it was only because she was forced to make an effort ere she could withdraw the look that had long been searching her own heart, and turn it again upon external things.
Toinette's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Edwin entered Toinette's room that afternoon, he found her seated on the sofa, evidently absorbed in thought, for she did not look up till he called her by name.
change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense
From this reading They rested on the new-comer's figure for some time, as if she found it difficult to recognize him; but it was only because she was forced to make an effort ere she could withdraw the look that had long been searching her own heart, and turn it again upon external things.
the act of changing or reversing the direction of the course
From this reading A small box stood on the table before her, and she was absently turning the key backward and forward in the lock; her face was pale, and her eyes wore a strangely fixed expression.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading When Edwin entered Toinette's room that afternoon, he found her seated on the sofa, evidently absorbed in thought, for she did not look up till he called her by name.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading They rested on the new-comer's figure for some time, as if she found it difficult to recognize him; but it was only because she was forced to make an effort ere she could withdraw the look that had long been searching her own heart, and turn it again upon external things.
precisely as stated
From this reading That's very pleasant, but the best part of all is that you can do so with a light heart.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A small box stood on the table before her, and she was absently turning the key backward and forward in the lock; her face was pale, and her eyes wore a strangely fixed expression.
at the time that
From this reading When Edwin entered Toinette's room that afternoon, he found her seated on the sofa, evidently absorbed in thought, for she did not look up till he called her by name.
in the company of; together with
From this reading That's very pleasant, but the best part of all is that you can do so with a light heart.
withdrawverbUS /wɪðˈdrɔː/
pull back or move away or backward
From this reading They rested on the new-comer's figure for some time, as if she found it difficult to recognize him; but it was only because she was forced to make an effort ere she could withdraw the look that had long been searching her own heart, and turn it again upon external things.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading "Good afternoon, my dear friend," she said without rising, as she held out her hand to him, "have you come to see me again at last?
inflected form of “wear” — be dressed in
From this reading A small box stood on the table before her, and she was absently turning the key backward and forward in the lock; her face was pale, and her eyes wore a strangely fixed expression.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "Good afternoon, my dear friend," she said without rising, as she held out her hand to him, "have you come to see me again at last?
