used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading It was the habit of the two to breakfast together early, while their elderly widowed cousin, who played the part of Feminine Propriety in the household in a highly self-effacing and satisfactory manner, took her tea and toast in her own rooms.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading THE THIN EDGE Across the fresh and dainty breakfast table, Dr. Miles Elliot surveyed his even more fresh and dainty niece and ward with an expression of sternest disapproval.
acted upon; influenced
From this reading Not that it affected in any perceptible degree that attractive young person's healthy appetite.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading THE THIN EDGE Across the fresh and dainty breakfast table, Dr. Miles Elliot surveyed his even more fresh and dainty niece and ward with an expression of sternest disapproval.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE THIN EDGE Across the fresh and dainty breakfast table, Dr. Miles Elliot surveyed his even more fresh and dainty niece and ward with an expression of sternest disapproval.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Not that it affected in any perceptible degree that attractive young person's healthy appetite.
appetitenounUS /ˈæpətaɪt/
a feeling of craving something
From this reading Not that it affected in any perceptible degree that attractive young person's healthy appetite.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading It was further Dr. Elliot's custom to begin the day by reprehending everything (so far as he could find it out) which Miss Esme had done, said, or thought in the previous twenty-four hours.
a complex mental state involving beliefs and feelings and values and dispositions to act in certain ways
From this reading This, as he frequently observed to her, was designed to give her a suitably humble attitude toward the scheme of creation, but didn't.
attractiveadjectiveUS /əˈtræktɪv/
pleasing to the eye or mind especially through beauty or charm
From this reading Not that it affected in any perceptible degree that attractive young person's healthy appetite.
take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading It was further Dr. Elliot's custom to begin the day by reprehending everything (so far as he could find it out) which Miss Esme had done, said, or thought in the previous twenty-four hours.
eat an early morning meal
From this reading THE THIN EDGE Across the fresh and dainty breakfast table, Dr. Miles Elliot surveyed his even more fresh and dainty niece and ward with an expression of sternest disapproval.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading This, as he frequently observed to her, was designed to give her a suitably humble attitude toward the scheme of creation, but didn't.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading It was further Dr. Elliot's custom to begin the day by reprehending everything (so far as he could find it out) which Miss Esme had done, said, or thought in the previous twenty-four hours.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading It was further Dr. Elliot's custom to begin the day by reprehending everything (so far as he could find it out) which Miss Esme had done, said, or thought in the previous twenty-four hours.
the child of your aunt or uncle
From this reading It was the habit of the two to breakfast together early, while their elderly widowed cousin, who played the part of Feminine Propriety in the household in a highly self-effacing and satisfactory manner, took her tea and toast in her own rooms.
creationnounUS /kriˈeɪʃən/
the human act of creating
From this reading This, as he frequently observed to her, was designed to give her a suitably humble attitude toward the scheme of creation, but didn't.
accepted or habitual practice
From this reading It was further Dr. Elliot's custom to begin the day by reprehending everything (so far as he could find it out) which Miss Esme had done, said, or thought in the previous twenty-four hours.
daintyadjectiveUS /ˈdeɪnti/
delicately beautiful
From this reading THE THIN EDGE Across the fresh and dainty breakfast table, Dr. Miles Elliot surveyed his even more fresh and dainty niece and ward with an expression of sternest disapproval.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading It was further Dr. Elliot's custom to begin the day by reprehending everything (so far as he could find it out) which Miss Esme had done, said, or thought in the previous twenty-four hours.
a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality
From this reading Not that it affected in any perceptible degree that attractive young person's healthy appetite.
designedadjectiveUS /dɪˈzaɪnd/
done or made or performed with purpose and intent
From this reading This, as he frequently observed to her, was designed to give her a suitably humble attitude toward the scheme of creation, but didn't.
didn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This, as he frequently observed to her, was designed to give her a suitably humble attitude toward the scheme of creation, but didn't.
disapprovalnounUS /dɪsəˈpruːvəl/
a feeling of disliking something or what someone is doing
From this reading THE THIN EDGE Across the fresh and dainty breakfast table, Dr. Miles Elliot surveyed his even more fresh and dainty niece and ward with an expression of sternest disapproval.
having finished or arrived at completion
From this reading It was further Dr. Elliot's custom to begin the day by reprehending everything (so far as he could find it out) which Miss Esme had done, said, or thought in the previous twenty-four hours.
Dr
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE THIN EDGE Across the fresh and dainty breakfast table, Dr. Miles Elliot surveyed his even more fresh and dainty niece and ward with an expression of sternest disapproval.
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 It was the habit of the two to breakfast together early, while their elderly widowed cousin, who played the part of Feminine Propriety in the household in a highly self-effacing and satisfactory manner, took her tea and toast in her own rooms.
the boundary of a surface
From this reading THE THIN EDGE Across the fresh and dainty breakfast table, Dr. Miles Elliot surveyed his even more fresh and dainty niece and ward with an expression of sternest disapproval.
elderlyadjectiveUS /ˈeldərli/
advanced in years; (“aged” is pronounced as two syllables)
From this reading It was the habit of the two to breakfast together early, while their elderly widowed cousin, who played the part of Feminine Propriety in the household in a highly self-effacing and satisfactory manner, took her tea and toast in her own rooms.
Elliot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE THIN EDGE Across the fresh and dainty breakfast table, Dr. Miles Elliot surveyed his even more fresh and dainty niece and ward with an expression of sternest disapproval.
Elliot's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was further Dr. Elliot's custom to begin the day by reprehending everything (so far as he could find it out) which Miss Esme had done, said, or thought in the previous twenty-four hours.
Esme
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was further Dr. Elliot's custom to begin the day by reprehending everything (so far as he could find it out) which Miss Esme had done, said, or thought in the previous twenty-four hours.
divisible by two
From this reading THE THIN EDGE Across the fresh and dainty breakfast table, Dr. Miles Elliot surveyed his even more fresh and dainty niece and ward with an expression of sternest disapproval.
all things; all of a situation
From this reading It was further Dr. Elliot's custom to begin the day by reprehending everything (so far as he could find it out) which Miss Esme had done, said, or thought in the previous twenty-four hours.
the feelings expressed on a person's face
From this reading THE THIN EDGE Across the fresh and dainty breakfast table, Dr. Miles Elliot surveyed his even more fresh and dainty niece and ward with an expression of sternest disapproval.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading It was further Dr. Elliot's custom to begin the day by reprehending everything (so far as he could find it out) which Miss Esme had done, said, or thought in the previous twenty-four hours.
FeminineadjectiveUS /ˈfemənən/
associated with women and not with men
From this reading It was the habit of the two to breakfast together early, while their elderly widowed cousin, who played the part of Feminine Propriety in the household in a highly self-effacing and satisfactory manner, took her tea and toast in her own rooms.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading It was further Dr. Elliot's custom to begin the day by reprehending everything (so far as he could find it out) which Miss Esme had done, said, or thought in the previous twenty-four hours.
many times at short intervals
From this reading This, as he frequently observed to her, was designed to give her a suitably humble attitude toward the scheme of creation, but didn't.
recently made, produced, or harvested
From this reading THE THIN EDGE Across the fresh and dainty breakfast table, Dr. Miles Elliot surveyed his even more fresh and dainty niece and ward with an expression of sternest disapproval.
to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)
From this reading It was further Dr. Elliot's custom to begin the day by reprehending everything (so far as he could find it out) which Miss Esme had done, said, or thought in the previous twenty-four hours.
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading This, as he frequently observed to her, was designed to give her a suitably humble attitude toward the scheme of creation, but didn't.
an established custom
From this reading It was the habit of the two to breakfast together early, while their elderly widowed cousin, who played the part of Feminine Propriety in the household in a highly self-effacing and satisfactory manner, took her tea and toast in her own rooms.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It was further Dr. Elliot's custom to begin the day by reprehending everything (so far as he could find it out) which Miss Esme had done, said, or thought in the previous twenty-four hours.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading It was further Dr. Elliot's custom to begin the day by reprehending everything (so far as he could find it out) which Miss Esme had done, said, or thought in the previous twenty-four hours.
healthyadjectiveUS /ˈhelθi/
having or indicating good health in body or mind; free from infirmity or disease
From this reading Not that it affected in any perceptible degree that attractive young person's healthy appetite.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading It was the habit of the two to breakfast together early, while their elderly widowed cousin, who played the part of Feminine Propriety in the household in a highly self-effacing and satisfactory manner, took her tea and toast in her own rooms.
to a high degree or extent; favorably or with much respect
From this reading It was the habit of the two to breakfast together early, while their elderly widowed cousin, who played the part of Feminine Propriety in the household in a highly self-effacing and satisfactory manner, took her tea and toast in her own rooms.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading THE THIN EDGE Across the fresh and dainty breakfast table, Dr. Miles Elliot surveyed his even more fresh and dainty niece and ward with an expression of sternest disapproval.
a period of time assigned for work
From this reading It was further Dr. Elliot's custom to begin the day by reprehending everything (so far as he could find it out) which Miss Esme had done, said, or thought in the previous twenty-four hours.
a social unit living together
From this reading It was the habit of the two to breakfast together early, while their elderly widowed cousin, who played the part of Feminine Propriety in the household in a highly self-effacing and satisfactory manner, took her tea and toast in her own rooms.
low or inferior in station or quality
From this reading This, as he frequently observed to her, was designed to give her a suitably humble attitude toward the scheme of creation, but didn't.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Not that it affected in any perceptible degree that attractive young person's healthy appetite.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Not that it affected in any perceptible degree that attractive young person's healthy appetite.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading It was the habit of the two to breakfast together early, while their elderly widowed cousin, who played the part of Feminine Propriety in the household in a highly self-effacing and satisfactory manner, took her tea and toast in her own rooms.
plural of “mile” — a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters
From this reading THE THIN EDGE Across the fresh and dainty breakfast table, Dr. Miles Elliot surveyed his even more fresh and dainty niece and ward with an expression of sternest disapproval.
fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind
From this reading It was further Dr. Elliot's custom to begin the day by reprehending everything (so far as he could find it out) which Miss Esme had done, said, or thought in the previous twenty-four hours.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading THE THIN EDGE Across the fresh and dainty breakfast table, Dr. Miles Elliot surveyed his even more fresh and dainty niece and ward with an expression of sternest disapproval.
niecenounUS /niːs/
a daughter of your brother or sister
From this reading THE THIN EDGE Across the fresh and dainty breakfast table, Dr. Miles Elliot surveyed his even more fresh and dainty niece and ward with an expression of sternest disapproval.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Not that it affected in any perceptible degree that attractive young person's healthy appetite.
discovered or determined by scientific observation
From this reading This, as he frequently observed to her, was designed to give her a suitably humble attitude toward the scheme of creation, but didn't.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE THIN EDGE Across the fresh and dainty breakfast table, Dr. Miles Elliot surveyed his even more fresh and dainty niece and ward with an expression of sternest disapproval.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading It was further Dr. Elliot's custom to begin the day by reprehending everything (so far as he could find it out) which Miss Esme had done, said, or thought in the previous twenty-four hours.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading It was further Dr. Elliot's custom to begin the day by reprehending everything (so far as he could find it out) which Miss Esme had done, said, or thought in the previous twenty-four hours.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading It was the habit of the two to breakfast together early, while their elderly widowed cousin, who played the part of Feminine Propriety in the household in a highly self-effacing and satisfactory manner, took her tea and toast in her own rooms.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading It was the habit of the two to breakfast together early, while their elderly widowed cousin, who played the part of Feminine Propriety in the household in a highly self-effacing and satisfactory manner, took her tea and toast in her own rooms.
perceptibleadjectiveUS /pərˈseptəbəl/
capable of being perceived by the mind or senses
From this reading Not that it affected in any perceptible degree that attractive young person's healthy appetite.
person'snounUS /ˈpɜːrsənz/
possessive form of “person” — a human being
From this reading Not that it affected in any perceptible degree that attractive young person's healthy appetite.
(of games) engaged in
From this reading It was the habit of the two to breakfast together early, while their elderly widowed cousin, who played the part of Feminine Propriety in the household in a highly self-effacing and satisfactory manner, took her tea and toast in her own rooms.
just preceding something else in time or order
From this reading It was further Dr. Elliot's custom to begin the day by reprehending everything (so far as he could find it out) which Miss Esme had done, said, or thought in the previous twenty-four hours.
ProprietynounUS /prəˈpraɪəti/
correct or appropriate behavior
From this reading It was the habit of the two to breakfast together early, while their elderly widowed cousin, who played the part of Feminine Propriety in the household in a highly self-effacing and satisfactory manner, took her tea and toast in her own rooms.
reprehending
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was further Dr. Elliot's custom to begin the day by reprehending everything (so far as he could find it out) which Miss Esme had done, said, or thought in the previous twenty-four hours.
apartment consisting of a series of connected rooms used as a living unit (as in a hotel)
From this reading It was the habit of the two to breakfast together early, while their elderly widowed cousin, who played the part of Feminine Propriety in the household in a highly self-effacing and satisfactory manner, took her tea and toast in her own rooms.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading It was further Dr. Elliot's custom to begin the day by reprehending everything (so far as he could find it out) which Miss Esme had done, said, or thought in the previous twenty-four hours.
satisfactoryadjectiveUS /ˌsætəˈsfæktri/
giving satisfaction
From this reading It was the habit of the two to breakfast together early, while their elderly widowed cousin, who played the part of Feminine Propriety in the household in a highly self-effacing and satisfactory manner, took her tea and toast in her own rooms.
an elaborate and systematic plan of action
From this reading This, as he frequently observed to her, was designed to give her a suitably humble attitude toward the scheme of creation, but didn't.
self-effacingadjective
reluctant to draw attention to yourself
From this reading It was the habit of the two to breakfast together early, while their elderly widowed cousin, who played the part of Feminine Propriety in the household in a highly self-effacing and satisfactory manner, took her tea and toast in her own rooms.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading It was further Dr. Elliot's custom to begin the day by reprehending everything (so far as he could find it out) which Miss Esme had done, said, or thought in the previous twenty-four hours.
sternestadjectiveUS /ˈstɜːrnəst/
superlative of “stern” — of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor; forbidding in aspect
From this reading THE THIN EDGE Across the fresh and dainty breakfast table, Dr. Miles Elliot surveyed his even more fresh and dainty niece and ward with an expression of sternest disapproval.
suitablyadverbUS /ˈsuːtəbli/
in accordance with what is appropriate or suitable for the circumstances
From this reading This, as he frequently observed to her, was designed to give her a suitably humble attitude toward the scheme of creation, but didn't.
surveyedverbUS /sərˈveɪd/
past form of “survey” — consider in a comprehensive way
From this reading THE THIN EDGE Across the fresh and dainty breakfast table, Dr. Miles Elliot surveyed his even more fresh and dainty niece and ward with an expression of sternest disapproval.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading THE THIN EDGE Across the fresh and dainty breakfast table, Dr. Miles Elliot surveyed his even more fresh and dainty niece and ward with an expression of sternest disapproval.
a beverage made by steeping tea leaves in water
From this reading It was the habit of the two to breakfast together early, while their elderly widowed cousin, who played the part of Feminine Propriety in the household in a highly self-effacing and satisfactory manner, took her tea and toast in her own rooms.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Not that it affected in any perceptible degree that attractive young person's healthy appetite.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE THIN EDGE Across the fresh and dainty breakfast table, Dr. Miles Elliot surveyed his even more fresh and dainty niece and ward with an expression of sternest disapproval.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading It was the habit of the two to breakfast together early, while their elderly widowed cousin, who played the part of Feminine Propriety in the household in a highly self-effacing and satisfactory manner, took her tea and toast in her own rooms.
Having little thickness or extent.
From this reading THE THIN EDGE Across the fresh and dainty breakfast table, Dr. Miles Elliot surveyed his even more fresh and dainty niece and ward with an expression of sternest disapproval.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This, as he frequently observed to her, was designed to give her a suitably humble attitude toward the scheme of creation, but didn't.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading It was further Dr. Elliot's custom to begin the day by reprehending everything (so far as he could find it out) which Miss Esme had done, said, or thought in the previous twenty-four hours.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It was the habit of the two to breakfast together early, while their elderly widowed cousin, who played the part of Feminine Propriety in the household in a highly self-effacing and satisfactory manner, took her tea and toast in her own rooms.
toastverbUS /toʊst/
make brown and crisp by heating
From this reading It was the habit of the two to breakfast together early, while their elderly widowed cousin, who played the part of Feminine Propriety in the household in a highly self-effacing and satisfactory manner, took her tea and toast in her own rooms.
in contact with each other or in proximity
From this reading It was the habit of the two to breakfast together early, while their elderly widowed cousin, who played the part of Feminine Propriety in the household in a highly self-effacing and satisfactory manner, took her tea and toast in her own rooms.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading It was the habit of the two to breakfast together early, while their elderly widowed cousin, who played the part of Feminine Propriety in the household in a highly self-effacing and satisfactory manner, took her tea and toast in her own rooms.
towardprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrd/
in the direction of
From this reading This, as he frequently observed to her, was designed to give her a suitably humble attitude toward the scheme of creation, but didn't.
twenty-fouradjectiveUS /ˈtwentifɔːr/
being four more than twenty
From this reading It was further Dr. Elliot's custom to begin the day by reprehending everything (so far as he could find it out) which Miss Esme had done, said, or thought in the previous twenty-four hours.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading It was the habit of the two to breakfast together early, while their elderly widowed cousin, who played the part of Feminine Propriety in the household in a highly self-effacing and satisfactory manner, took her tea and toast in her own rooms.
wardnounUS /wɔːrd/
a person who is under the protection or in the custody of another
From this reading THE THIN EDGE Across the fresh and dainty breakfast table, Dr. Miles Elliot surveyed his even more fresh and dainty niece and ward with an expression of sternest disapproval.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was the habit of the two to breakfast together early, while their elderly widowed cousin, who played the part of Feminine Propriety in the household in a highly self-effacing and satisfactory manner, took her tea and toast in her own rooms.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading It was further Dr. Elliot's custom to begin the day by reprehending everything (so far as he could find it out) which Miss Esme had done, said, or thought in the previous twenty-four hours.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading It was the habit of the two to breakfast together early, while their elderly widowed cousin, who played the part of Feminine Propriety in the household in a highly self-effacing and satisfactory manner, took her tea and toast in her own rooms.
which person or people
From this reading It was the habit of the two to breakfast together early, while their elderly widowed cousin, who played the part of Feminine Propriety in the household in a highly self-effacing and satisfactory manner, took her tea and toast in her own rooms.
widowedadjectiveUS /ˈwɪdoʊd/
single because of death of the spouse
From this reading It was the habit of the two to breakfast together early, while their elderly widowed cousin, who played the part of Feminine Propriety in the household in a highly self-effacing and satisfactory manner, took her tea and toast in her own rooms.
in the company of; together with
From this reading THE THIN EDGE Across the fresh and dainty breakfast table, Dr. Miles Elliot surveyed his even more fresh and dainty niece and ward with an expression of sternest disapproval.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading Not that it affected in any perceptible degree that attractive young person's healthy appetite.
