used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Colonel Piercey and Margaret Osborne sat opposite to each other, but concealed from each other by the huge bouquet of flowers which occupied the central place; and neither of them, in the shock and strangeness of the occasion, found a word to say.
the feeling that accompanies something extremely surprising
From this reading They were both paralysed, so to speak, by the unimaginable circumstances in which they found themselves, overwhelmed with an amazement which grew as the meal went on.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading They were both paralysed, so to speak, by the unimaginable circumstances in which they found themselves, overwhelmed with an amazement which grew as the meal went on.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Colonel Piercey and Margaret Osborne sat opposite to each other, but concealed from each other by the huge bouquet of flowers which occupied the central place; and neither of them, in the shock and strangeness of the occasion, found a word to say.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading They were both paralysed, so to speak, by the unimaginable circumstances in which they found themselves, overwhelmed with an amazement which grew as the meal went on.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading It may easily be supposed that there was not much conversation at the table thus surrounded.
goddess of criminal rashness and its punishment
From this reading Gervase, in his father’s seat, ate voraciously, and laughed a good deal, but said little.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading It may easily be supposed that there was not much conversation at the table thus surrounded.
the two together, not just one
From this reading They were both paralysed, so to speak, by the unimaginable circumstances in which they found themselves, overwhelmed with an amazement which grew as the meal went on.
bouquetnounUS /buːˈkeɪ/
an arrangement of flowers that is usually given as a present
From this reading Colonel Piercey and Margaret Osborne sat opposite to each other, but concealed from each other by the huge bouquet of flowers which occupied the central place; and neither of them, in the shock and strangeness of the occasion, found a word to say.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Colonel Piercey and Margaret Osborne sat opposite to each other, but concealed from each other by the huge bouquet of flowers which occupied the central place; and neither of them, in the shock and strangeness of the occasion, found a word to say.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Colonel Piercey and Margaret Osborne sat opposite to each other, but concealed from each other by the huge bouquet of flowers which occupied the central place; and neither of them, in the shock and strangeness of the occasion, found a word to say.
centraladjectiveUS /ˈsentrəl/
serving as an essential component
From this reading Colonel Piercey and Margaret Osborne sat opposite to each other, but concealed from each other by the huge bouquet of flowers which occupied the central place; and neither of them, in the shock and strangeness of the occasion, found a word to say.
your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)
From this reading They were both paralysed, so to speak, by the unimaginable circumstances in which they found themselves, overwhelmed with an amazement which grew as the meal went on.
a commissioned military officer in the United States Army or Air Force or Marines who ranks above a lieutenant colonel and below a brigadier general
From this reading Colonel Piercey and Margaret Osborne sat opposite to each other, but concealed from each other by the huge bouquet of flowers which occupied the central place; and neither of them, in the shock and strangeness of the occasion, found a word to say.
not accessible to view
From this reading Colonel Piercey and Margaret Osborne sat opposite to each other, but concealed from each other by the huge bouquet of flowers which occupied the central place; and neither of them, in the shock and strangeness of the occasion, found a word to say.
the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.
From this reading It may easily be supposed that there was not much conversation at the table thus surrounded.
act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression
From this reading Gervase, in his father’s seat, ate voraciously, and laughed a good deal, but said little.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading Colonel Piercey and Margaret Osborne sat opposite to each other, but concealed from each other by the huge bouquet of flowers which occupied the central place; and neither of them, in the shock and strangeness of the occasion, found a word to say.
with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)
From this reading It may easily be supposed that there was not much conversation at the table thus surrounded.
father'snounUS /ˈfɑːðərz/
possessive form of “father” — a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading Gervase, in his father’s seat, ate voraciously, and laughed a good deal, but said little.
plural of “flower” — a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms
From this reading Colonel Piercey and Margaret Osborne sat opposite to each other, but concealed from each other by the huge bouquet of flowers which occupied the central place; and neither of them, in the shock and strangeness of the occasion, found a word to say.
set up or found
From this reading Colonel Piercey and Margaret Osborne sat opposite to each other, but concealed from each other by the huge bouquet of flowers which occupied the central place; and neither of them, in the shock and strangeness of the occasion, found a word to say.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Colonel Piercey and Margaret Osborne sat opposite to each other, but concealed from each other by the huge bouquet of flowers which occupied the central place; and neither of them, in the shock and strangeness of the occasion, found a word to say.
Gervase
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gervase, in his father’s seat, ate voraciously, and laughed a good deal, but said little.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading Gervase, in his father’s seat, ate voraciously, and laughed a good deal, but said little.
inflected form of “grow” — pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become
From this reading They were both paralysed, so to speak, by the unimaginable circumstances in which they found themselves, overwhelmed with an amazement which grew as the meal went on.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Gervase, in his father’s seat, ate voraciously, and laughed a good deal, but said little.
unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope
From this reading Colonel Piercey and Margaret Osborne sat opposite to each other, but concealed from each other by the huge bouquet of flowers which occupied the central place; and neither of them, in the shock and strangeness of the occasion, found a word to say.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Colonel Piercey and Margaret Osborne sat opposite to each other, but concealed from each other by the huge bouquet of flowers which occupied the central place; and neither of them, in the shock and strangeness of the occasion, found a word to say.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It may easily be supposed that there was not much conversation at the table thus surrounded.
past form of “laugh” — produce laughter
From this reading Gervase, in his father’s seat, ate voraciously, and laughed a good deal, but said little.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Gervase, in his father’s seat, ate voraciously, and laughed a good deal, but said little.
Margaret
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Colonel Piercey and Margaret Osborne sat opposite to each other, but concealed from each other by the huge bouquet of flowers which occupied the central place; and neither of them, in the shock and strangeness of the occasion, found a word to say.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading It may easily be supposed that there was not much conversation at the table thus surrounded.
the food served and eaten at one time
From this reading They were both paralysed, so to speak, by the unimaginable circumstances in which they found themselves, overwhelmed with an amazement which grew as the meal went on.
an adulterous woman; a woman who has an ongoing extramarital sexual relationship with a man
From this reading Patty was mistress of the occasion.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading It may easily be supposed that there was not much conversation at the table thus surrounded.
not one and not the other of two
From this reading Colonel Piercey and Margaret Osborne sat opposite to each other, but concealed from each other by the huge bouquet of flowers which occupied the central place; and neither of them, in the shock and strangeness of the occasion, found a word to say.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading It may easily be supposed that there was not much conversation at the table thus surrounded.
an event that occurs at a critical time
From this reading Colonel Piercey and Margaret Osborne sat opposite to each other, but concealed from each other by the huge bouquet of flowers which occupied the central place; and neither of them, in the shock and strangeness of the occasion, found a word to say.
held or filled or in use
From this reading Colonel Piercey and Margaret Osborne sat opposite to each other, but concealed from each other by the huge bouquet of flowers which occupied the central place; and neither of them, in the shock and strangeness of the occasion, found a word to say.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Colonel Piercey and Margaret Osborne sat opposite to each other, but concealed from each other by the huge bouquet of flowers which occupied the central place; and neither of them, in the shock and strangeness of the occasion, found a word to say.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading They were both paralysed, so to speak, by the unimaginable circumstances in which they found themselves, overwhelmed with an amazement which grew as the meal went on.
being directly across from each other; facing
From this reading Colonel Piercey and Margaret Osborne sat opposite to each other, but concealed from each other by the huge bouquet of flowers which occupied the central place; and neither of them, in the shock and strangeness of the occasion, found a word to say.
OsbornenounUS /ˈɔːzbɔːrn/
English playwright (1929-1994)
From this reading Colonel Piercey and Margaret Osborne sat opposite to each other, but concealed from each other by the huge bouquet of flowers which occupied the central place; and neither of them, in the shock and strangeness of the occasion, found a word to say.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading Colonel Piercey and Margaret Osborne sat opposite to each other, but concealed from each other by the huge bouquet of flowers which occupied the central place; and neither of them, in the shock and strangeness of the occasion, found a word to say.
overwhelmedverbUS /ˌoʊvərˈwelmd/
past form of “overwhelm” — overcome, as with emotions or perceptual stimuli
From this reading They were both paralysed, so to speak, by the unimaginable circumstances in which they found themselves, overwhelmed with an amazement which grew as the meal went on.
paralysed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were both paralysed, so to speak, by the unimaginable circumstances in which they found themselves, overwhelmed with an amazement which grew as the meal went on.
PattynounUS /ˈpæti/
small flat mass of chopped food
From this reading Patty was mistress of the occasion.
Piercey
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Colonel Piercey and Margaret Osborne sat opposite to each other, but concealed from each other by the huge bouquet of flowers which occupied the central place; and neither of them, in the shock and strangeness of the occasion, found a word to say.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading Colonel Piercey and Margaret Osborne sat opposite to each other, but concealed from each other by the huge bouquet of flowers which occupied the central place; and neither of them, in the shock and strangeness of the occasion, found a word to say.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading Gervase, in his father’s seat, ate voraciously, and laughed a good deal, but said little.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading Colonel Piercey and Margaret Osborne sat opposite to each other, but concealed from each other by the huge bouquet of flowers which occupied the central place; and neither of them, in the shock and strangeness of the occasion, found a word to say.
express in words
From this reading Colonel Piercey and Margaret Osborne sat opposite to each other, but concealed from each other by the huge bouquet of flowers which occupied the central place; and neither of them, in the shock and strangeness of the occasion, found a word to say.
a space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or on a train or airplane)
From this reading Gervase, in his father’s seat, ate voraciously, and laughed a good deal, but said little.
the feeling of distress and disbelief that you have when something bad happens accidentally
From this reading Colonel Piercey and Margaret Osborne sat opposite to each other, but concealed from each other by the huge bouquet of flowers which occupied the central place; and neither of them, in the shock and strangeness of the occasion, found a word to say.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading They were both paralysed, so to speak, by the unimaginable circumstances in which they found themselves, overwhelmed with an amazement which grew as the meal went on.
express in speech
From this reading They were both paralysed, so to speak, by the unimaginable circumstances in which they found themselves, overwhelmed with an amazement which grew as the meal went on.
strangenessnounUS /ˈstreɪndʒnəs/
unusualness as a consequence of not being well known
From this reading Colonel Piercey and Margaret Osborne sat opposite to each other, but concealed from each other by the huge bouquet of flowers which occupied the central place; and neither of them, in the shock and strangeness of the occasion, found a word to say.
required or under orders
From this reading It may easily be supposed that there was not much conversation at the table thus surrounded.
confined on all sides
From this reading It may easily be supposed that there was not much conversation at the table thus surrounded.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading It may easily be supposed that there was not much conversation at the table thus surrounded.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It may easily be supposed that there was not much conversation at the table thus surrounded.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It may easily be supposed that there was not much conversation at the table thus surrounded.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Colonel Piercey and Margaret Osborne sat opposite to each other, but concealed from each other by the huge bouquet of flowers which occupied the central place; and neither of them, in the shock and strangeness of the occasion, found a word to say.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading They were both paralysed, so to speak, by the unimaginable circumstances in which they found themselves, overwhelmed with an amazement which grew as the meal went on.
in or at that place or location
From this reading It may easily be supposed that there was not much conversation at the table thus surrounded.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They were both paralysed, so to speak, by the unimaginable circumstances in which they found themselves, overwhelmed with an amazement which grew as the meal went on.
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
From this reading It may easily be supposed that there was not much conversation at the table thus surrounded.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Colonel Piercey and Margaret Osborne sat opposite to each other, but concealed from each other by the huge bouquet of flowers which occupied the central place; and neither of them, in the shock and strangeness of the occasion, found a word to say.
unimaginableadjectiveUS /ˌʌnɪˈmædʒɪnəbəl/
totally unlikely
From this reading They were both paralysed, so to speak, by the unimaginable circumstances in which they found themselves, overwhelmed with an amazement which grew as the meal went on.
voraciouslyadverb
in an eagerly voracious manner
From this reading Gervase, in his father’s seat, ate voraciously, and laughed a good deal, but said little.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It may easily be supposed that there was not much conversation at the table thus surrounded.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading They were both paralysed, so to speak, by the unimaginable circumstances in which they found themselves, overwhelmed with an amazement which grew as the meal went on.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading They were both paralysed, so to speak, by the unimaginable circumstances in which they found themselves, overwhelmed with an amazement which grew as the meal went on.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Colonel Piercey and Margaret Osborne sat opposite to each other, but concealed from each other by the huge bouquet of flowers which occupied the central place; and neither of them, in the shock and strangeness of the occasion, found a word to say.
in the company of; together with
From this reading They were both paralysed, so to speak, by the unimaginable circumstances in which they found themselves, overwhelmed with an amazement which grew as the meal went on.
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
From this reading Colonel Piercey and Margaret Osborne sat opposite to each other, but concealed from each other by the huge bouquet of flowers which occupied the central place; and neither of them, in the shock and strangeness of the occasion, found a word to say.
