used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A quiet and most beautiful life was that which Catharine led, in her country home.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading She was left completely mistress of her own time, with those kind old people, who were always too happy when Elsie was alone with themselves; but with all the resources of enjoyment about her, a strange nervousness possessed the young woman.
(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 She was left completely mistress of her own time, with those kind old people, who were always too happy when Elsie was alone with themselves; but with all the resources of enjoyment about her, a strange nervousness possessed the young woman.
allusionnounUS /əˈluːʒən/
passing reference or indirect mention
From this reading Notwithstanding the entire frankness of the old people, and the paternal interest with which they regarded her, there was a sort of dignified gentleness about them that forbade any allusion to the subject that haunted her thoughts continually.
aloneadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/
Having no one else present.
From this reading She was left completely mistress of her own time, with those kind old people, who were always too happy when Elsie was alone with themselves; but with all the resources of enjoyment about her, a strange nervousness possessed the young woman.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading She was left completely mistress of her own time, with those kind old people, who were always too happy when Elsie was alone with themselves; but with all the resources of enjoyment about her, a strange nervousness possessed the young woman.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A quiet and most beautiful life was that which Catharine led, in her country home.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Notwithstanding the entire frankness of the old people, and the paternal interest with which they regarded her, there was a sort of dignified gentleness about them that forbade any allusion to the subject that haunted her thoughts continually.
delighting the senses or exciting intellectual or emotional admiration
From this reading A quiet and most beautiful life was that which Catharine led, in her country home.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading She was left completely mistress of her own time, with those kind old people, who were always too happy when Elsie was alone with themselves; but with all the resources of enjoyment about her, a strange nervousness possessed the young woman.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading How came her husband’s portrait in that library, and what was the secret of its strange effect upon the demented daughter of the house?
Catharine
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A quiet and most beautiful life was that which Catharine led, in her country home.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading She was left completely mistress of her own time, with those kind old people, who were always too happy when Elsie was alone with themselves; but with all the resources of enjoyment about her, a strange nervousness possessed the young woman.
continuallyadverbUS /kənˈtɪnjuːəli/
seemingly without interruption
From this reading Notwithstanding the entire frankness of the old people, and the paternal interest with which they regarded her, there was a sort of dignified gentleness about them that forbade any allusion to the subject that haunted her thoughts continually.
a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading A quiet and most beautiful life was that which Catharine led, in her country home.
a female human offspring
From this reading How came her husband’s portrait in that library, and what was the secret of its strange effect upon the demented daughter of the house?
dementedadjectiveUS /dɪˈmentɪd/
affected with madness or insanity
From this reading How came her husband’s portrait in that library, and what was the secret of its strange effect upon the demented daughter of the house?
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Why did it hang pendent with hers?
dignifiedadjectiveUS /ˈdɪɡnəfaɪd/
having or expressing dignity; especially formality or stateliness in bearing or appearance
From this reading Notwithstanding the entire frankness of the old people, and the paternal interest with which they regarded her, there was a sort of dignified gentleness about them that forbade any allusion to the subject that haunted her thoughts continually.
a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
From this reading How came her husband’s portrait in that library, and what was the secret of its strange effect upon the demented daughter of the house?
Elsie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was left completely mistress of her own time, with those kind old people, who were always too happy when Elsie was alone with themselves; but with all the resources of enjoyment about her, a strange nervousness possessed the young woman.
enjoymentnounUS /ˌenˈdʒɔɪmənt/
the pleasure felt when having a good time
From this reading She was left completely mistress of her own time, with those kind old people, who were always too happy when Elsie was alone with themselves; but with all the resources of enjoyment about her, a strange nervousness possessed the young woman.
constituting the full quantity or extent; complete
From this reading Notwithstanding the entire frankness of the old people, and the paternal interest with which they regarded her, there was a sort of dignified gentleness about them that forbade any allusion to the subject that haunted her thoughts continually.
forbadeverbUS /fərˈbeɪd/
inflected form of “forbid” — command against
From this reading Notwithstanding the entire frankness of the old people, and the paternal interest with which they regarded her, there was a sort of dignified gentleness about them that forbade any allusion to the subject that haunted her thoughts continually.
franknessnounUS /ˈfræŋknəs/
the quality of being honest and straightforward in attitude and speech
From this reading Notwithstanding the entire frankness of the old people, and the paternal interest with which they regarded her, there was a sort of dignified gentleness about them that forbade any allusion to the subject that haunted her thoughts continually.
gentlenessnounUS /ˈdʒentəlnəs/
the property possessed by a slope that is very gradual
From this reading Notwithstanding the entire frankness of the old people, and the paternal interest with which they regarded her, there was a sort of dignified gentleness about them that forbade any allusion to the subject that haunted her thoughts continually.
be suspended or hanging
From this reading Why did it hang pendent with hers?
enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure
From this reading She was left completely mistress of her own time, with those kind old people, who were always too happy when Elsie was alone with themselves; but with all the resources of enjoyment about her, a strange nervousness possessed the young woman.
hauntedadjectiveUS /ˈhɔːntɪd/
having or showing excessive or compulsive concern with something
From this reading Notwithstanding the entire frankness of the old people, and the paternal interest with which they regarded her, there was a sort of dignified gentleness about them that forbade any allusion to the subject that haunted her thoughts continually.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading A quiet and most beautiful life was that which Catharine led, in her country home.
the one or ones belonging to her
From this reading Why did it hang pendent with hers?
where you live at a particular time
From this reading A quiet and most beautiful life was that which Catharine led, in her country home.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading How came her husband’s portrait in that library, and what was the secret of its strange effect upon the demented daughter of the house?
How
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How came her husband’s portrait in that library, and what was the secret of its strange effect upon the demented daughter of the house?
husband'snounUS /ˈhʌzbəndz/
possessive form of “husband” — a married man; a woman's partner in marriage
From this reading How came her husband’s portrait in that library, and what was the secret of its strange effect upon the demented daughter of the house?
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A quiet and most beautiful life was that which Catharine led, in her country home.
a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
From this reading Notwithstanding the entire frankness of the old people, and the paternal interest with which they regarded her, there was a sort of dignified gentleness about them that forbade any allusion to the subject that haunted her thoughts continually.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Why did it hang pendent with hers?
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading How came her husband’s portrait in that library, and what was the secret of its strange effect upon the demented daughter of the house?
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading She was left completely mistress of her own time, with those kind old people, who were always too happy when Elsie was alone with themselves; but with all the resources of enjoyment about her, a strange nervousness possessed the young woman.
diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used
From this reading A quiet and most beautiful life was that which Catharine led, in her country home.
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading She was left completely mistress of her own time, with those kind old people, who were always too happy when Elsie was alone with themselves; but with all the resources of enjoyment about her, a strange nervousness possessed the young woman.
a room where books are kept
From this reading How came her husband’s portrait in that library, and what was the secret of its strange effect upon the demented daughter of the house?
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading A quiet and most beautiful life was that which Catharine led, in her country home.
an adulterous woman; a woman who has an ongoing extramarital sexual relationship with a man
From this reading She was left completely mistress of her own time, with those kind old people, who were always too happy when Elsie was alone with themselves; but with all the resources of enjoyment about her, a strange nervousness possessed the young woman.
used to form the superlative
From this reading A quiet and most beautiful life was that which Catharine led, in her country home.
nervousnessnounUS /ˈnɜːrvəsnəs/
the anxious feeling you have when you have the jitters
From this reading She was left completely mistress of her own time, with those kind old people, who were always too happy when Elsie was alone with themselves; but with all the resources of enjoyment about her, a strange nervousness possessed the young woman.
despite anything to the contrary (usually preceding a concession)
From this reading Notwithstanding the entire frankness of the old people, and the paternal interest with which they regarded her, there was a sort of dignified gentleness about them that forbade any allusion to the subject that haunted her thoughts continually.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading She was left completely mistress of her own time, with those kind old people, who were always too happy when Elsie was alone with themselves; but with all the resources of enjoyment about her, a strange nervousness possessed the young woman.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading She was left completely mistress of her own time, with those kind old people, who were always too happy when Elsie was alone with themselves; but with all the resources of enjoyment about her, a strange nervousness possessed the young woman.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading She was left completely mistress of her own time, with those kind old people, who were always too happy when Elsie was alone with themselves; but with all the resources of enjoyment about her, a strange nervousness possessed the young woman.
paternaladjectiveUS /pəˈtɜːrnəl/
belonging to or inherited from one's father
From this reading Notwithstanding the entire frankness of the old people, and the paternal interest with which they regarded her, there was a sort of dignified gentleness about them that forbade any allusion to the subject that haunted her thoughts continually.
pendentnoun
an adornment that hangs from a piece of jewelry (necklace or earring)
From this reading Why did it hang pendent with hers?
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading She was left completely mistress of her own time, with those kind old people, who were always too happy when Elsie was alone with themselves; but with all the resources of enjoyment about her, a strange nervousness possessed the young woman.
a word picture of a person's appearance and character
From this reading How came her husband’s portrait in that library, and what was the secret of its strange effect upon the demented daughter of the house?
influenced or controlled by a powerful force such as a strong emotion
From this reading She was left completely mistress of her own time, with those kind old people, who were always too happy when Elsie was alone with themselves; but with all the resources of enjoyment about her, a strange nervousness possessed the young woman.
quietadjectiveUS /ˈkwaɪət/
characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity
From this reading A quiet and most beautiful life was that which Catharine led, in her country home.
past form of “regard” — deem to be
From this reading Notwithstanding the entire frankness of the old people, and the paternal interest with which they regarded her, there was a sort of dignified gentleness about them that forbade any allusion to the subject that haunted her thoughts continually.
resourcesnounUS /ˈriːsɔːrsɪz/
plural of “resource” — available source of wealth; a new or reserve supply that can be drawn upon when needed
From this reading She was left completely mistress of her own time, with those kind old people, who were always too happy when Elsie was alone with themselves; but with all the resources of enjoyment about her, a strange nervousness possessed the young woman.
Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.
From this reading How came her husband’s portrait in that library, and what was the secret of its strange effect upon the demented daughter of the house?
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She was left completely mistress of her own time, with those kind old people, who were always too happy when Elsie was alone with themselves; but with all the resources of enjoyment about her, a strange nervousness possessed the young woman.
a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading Notwithstanding the entire frankness of the old people, and the paternal interest with which they regarded her, there was a sort of dignified gentleness about them that forbade any allusion to the subject that haunted her thoughts continually.
being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
From this reading She was left completely mistress of her own time, with those kind old people, who were always too happy when Elsie was alone with themselves; but with all the resources of enjoyment about her, a strange nervousness possessed the young woman.
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading Notwithstanding the entire frankness of the old people, and the paternal interest with which they regarded her, there was a sort of dignified gentleness about them that forbade any allusion to the subject that haunted her thoughts continually.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading A quiet and most beautiful life was that which Catharine led, in her country home.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading She was left completely mistress of her own time, with those kind old people, who were always too happy when Elsie was alone with themselves; but with all the resources of enjoyment about her, a strange nervousness possessed the young woman.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Notwithstanding the entire frankness of the old people, and the paternal interest with which they regarded her, there was a sort of dignified gentleness about them that forbade any allusion to the subject that haunted her thoughts continually.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading She was left completely mistress of her own time, with those kind old people, who were always too happy when Elsie was alone with themselves; but with all the resources of enjoyment about her, a strange nervousness possessed the young woman.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Notwithstanding the entire frankness of the old people, and the paternal interest with which they regarded her, there was a sort of dignified gentleness about them that forbade any allusion to the subject that haunted her thoughts continually.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Notwithstanding the entire frankness of the old people, and the paternal interest with which they regarded her, there was a sort of dignified gentleness about them that forbade any allusion to the subject that haunted her thoughts continually.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading She was left completely mistress of her own time, with those kind old people, who were always too happy when Elsie was alone with themselves; but with all the resources of enjoyment about her, a strange nervousness possessed the young woman.
plural of “thought” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading Notwithstanding the entire frankness of the old people, and the paternal interest with which they regarded her, there was a sort of dignified gentleness about them that forbade any allusion to the subject that haunted her thoughts continually.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading She was left completely mistress of her own time, with those kind old people, who were always too happy when Elsie was alone with themselves; but with all the resources of enjoyment about her, a strange nervousness possessed the young woman.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Notwithstanding the entire frankness of the old people, and the paternal interest with which they regarded her, there was a sort of dignified gentleness about them that forbade any allusion to the subject that haunted her thoughts continually.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading She was left completely mistress of her own time, with those kind old people, who were always too happy when Elsie was alone with themselves; but with all the resources of enjoyment about her, a strange nervousness possessed the young woman.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading How came her husband’s portrait in that library, and what was the secret of its strange effect upon the demented daughter of the house?
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A quiet and most beautiful life was that which Catharine led, in her country home.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading She was left completely mistress of her own time, with those kind old people, who were always too happy when Elsie was alone with themselves; but with all the resources of enjoyment about her, a strange nervousness possessed the young woman.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading How came her husband’s portrait in that library, and what was the secret of its strange effect upon the demented daughter of the house?
at the time that
From this reading She was left completely mistress of her own time, with those kind old people, who were always too happy when Elsie was alone with themselves; but with all the resources of enjoyment about her, a strange nervousness possessed the young woman.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading A quiet and most beautiful life was that which Catharine led, in her country home.
which person or people
From this reading She was left completely mistress of her own time, with those kind old people, who were always too happy when Elsie was alone with themselves; but with all the resources of enjoyment about her, a strange nervousness possessed the young woman.
the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”
From this reading Why did it hang pendent with hers?
in the company of; together with
From this reading She was left completely mistress of her own time, with those kind old people, who were always too happy when Elsie was alone with themselves; but with all the resources of enjoyment about her, a strange nervousness possessed the young woman.
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading She was left completely mistress of her own time, with those kind old people, who were always too happy when Elsie was alone with themselves; but with all the resources of enjoyment about her, a strange nervousness possessed the young woman.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading She was left completely mistress of her own time, with those kind old people, who were always too happy when Elsie was alone with themselves; but with all the resources of enjoyment about her, a strange nervousness possessed the young woman.
