used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading She had grown dizzy and blind suddenly, and it was with a relief that was almost hysterical that she welcomed a young man who interrupted the tete-a-tete.
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading She knew perfectly well that that was not what Stolliker would have had her do, that she was losing an opportunity that she might never be able to regain; but she could not help that, and when one of the men who had played at the other table bent over her to inquire how she had enjoyed the game, she looked into his face with an interest, an animation, that caused Pierrepont to turn away with a weary sigh.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading Carlita's heart was beating so that Pierrepont's words were almost drowned in the sound.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading She knew perfectly well that that was not what Stolliker would have had her do, that she was losing an opportunity that she might never be able to regain; but she could not help that, and when one of the men who had played at the other table bent over her to inquire how she had enjoyed the game, she looked into his face with an interest, an animation, that caused Pierrepont to turn away with a weary sigh.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading She had grown dizzy and blind suddenly, and it was with a relief that was almost hysterical that she welcomed a young man who interrupted the tete-a-tete.
animationnounUS /ˌænəˈmeɪʃən/
the condition of living or the state of being alive
From this reading She knew perfectly well that that was not what Stolliker would have had her do, that she was losing an opportunity that she might never be able to regain; but she could not help that, and when one of the men who had played at the other table bent over her to inquire how she had enjoyed the game, she looked into his face with an interest, an animation, that caused Pierrepont to turn away with a weary sigh.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading She knew perfectly well that that was not what Stolliker would have had her do, that she was losing an opportunity that she might never be able to regain; but she could not help that, and when one of the men who had played at the other table bent over her to inquire how she had enjoyed the game, she looked into his face with an interest, an animation, that caused Pierrepont to turn away with a weary sigh.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading She knew perfectly well that that was not what Stolliker would have had her do, that she was losing an opportunity that she might never be able to regain; but she could not help that, and when one of the men who had played at the other table bent over her to inquire how she had enjoyed the game, she looked into his face with an interest, an animation, that caused Pierrepont to turn away with a weary sigh.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading She knew perfectly well that that was not what Stolliker would have had her do, that she was losing an opportunity that she might never be able to regain; but she could not help that, and when one of the men who had played at the other table bent over her to inquire how she had enjoyed the game, she looked into his face with an interest, an animation, that caused Pierrepont to turn away with a weary sigh.
the act of overcoming or outdoing
From this reading Carlita's heart was beating so that Pierrepont's words were almost drowned in the sound.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The supper was of the best; but when she left the table, it would have been impossible for Carlita to have told one thing that had been served.
a relatively permanent inclination to react in a particular way
From this reading She knew perfectly well that that was not what Stolliker would have had her do, that she was losing an opportunity that she might never be able to regain; but she could not help that, and when one of the men who had played at the other table bent over her to inquire how she had enjoyed the game, she looked into his face with an interest, an animation, that caused Pierrepont to turn away with a weary sigh.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading The supper was of the best; but when she left the table, it would have been impossible for Carlita to have told one thing that had been served.
people who have severe visual impairments, considered as a group
From this reading She had grown dizzy and blind suddenly, and it was with a relief that was almost hysterical that she welcomed a young man who interrupted the tete-a-tete.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading She knew perfectly well that that was not what Stolliker would have had her do, that she was losing an opportunity that she might never be able to regain; but she could not help that, and when one of the men who had played at the other table bent over her to inquire how she had enjoyed the game, she looked into his face with an interest, an animation, that caused Pierrepont to turn away with a weary sigh.
Carlita
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The supper was of the best; but when she left the table, it would have been impossible for Carlita to have told one thing that had been served.
Carlita's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Carlita's heart was beating so that Pierrepont's words were almost drowned in the sound.
past form of “cause” — give rise to; cause to happen or occur, not always intentionally
From this reading She knew perfectly well that that was not what Stolliker would have had her do, that she was losing an opportunity that she might never be able to regain; but she could not help that, and when one of the men who had played at the other table bent over her to inquire how she had enjoyed the game, she looked into his face with an interest, an animation, that caused Pierrepont to turn away with a weary sigh.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading She knew perfectly well that that was not what Stolliker would have had her do, that she was losing an opportunity that she might never be able to regain; but she could not help that, and when one of the men who had played at the other table bent over her to inquire how she had enjoyed the game, she looked into his face with an interest, an animation, that caused Pierrepont to turn away with a weary sigh.
dizzyadjectiveUS /ˈdɪzi/
having or causing a whirling sensation; liable to falling
From this reading She had grown dizzy and blind suddenly, and it was with a relief that was almost hysterical that she welcomed a young man who interrupted the tete-a-tete.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading She knew perfectly well that that was not what Stolliker would have had her do, that she was losing an opportunity that she might never be able to regain; but she could not help that, and when one of the men who had played at the other table bent over her to inquire how she had enjoyed the game, she looked into his face with an interest, an animation, that caused Pierrepont to turn away with a weary sigh.
drownedverbUS /draʊnd/
past form of “drown” — cover completely or make imperceptible
From this reading Carlita's heart was beating so that Pierrepont's words were almost drowned in the sound.
past form of “enjoy” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in
From this reading She knew perfectly well that that was not what Stolliker would have had her do, that she was losing an opportunity that she might never be able to regain; but she could not help that, and when one of the men who had played at the other table bent over her to inquire how she had enjoyed the game, she looked into his face with an interest, an animation, that caused Pierrepont to turn away with a weary sigh.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading She knew perfectly well that that was not what Stolliker would have had her do, that she was losing an opportunity that she might never be able to regain; but she could not help that, and when one of the men who had played at the other table bent over her to inquire how she had enjoyed the game, she looked into his face with an interest, an animation, that caused Pierrepont to turn away with a weary sigh.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It seemed impossible for her to reply.
a contest with rules to determine a winner
From this reading She knew perfectly well that that was not what Stolliker would have had her do, that she was losing an opportunity that she might never be able to regain; but she could not help that, and when one of the men who had played at the other table bent over her to inquire how she had enjoyed the game, she looked into his face with an interest, an animation, that caused Pierrepont to turn away with a weary sigh.
(of animals) fully developed
From this reading She had grown dizzy and blind suddenly, and it was with a relief that was almost hysterical that she welcomed a young man who interrupted the tete-a-tete.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading She had grown dizzy and blind suddenly, and it was with a relief that was almost hysterical that she welcomed a young man who interrupted the tete-a-tete.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading She knew perfectly well that that was not what Stolliker would have had her do, that she was losing an opportunity that she might never be able to regain; but she could not help that, and when one of the men who had played at the other table bent over her to inquire how she had enjoyed the game, she looked into his face with an interest, an animation, that caused Pierrepont to turn away with a weary sigh.
the locus of feelings and intuitions
From this reading Carlita's heart was beating so that Pierrepont's words were almost drowned in the sound.
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading She knew perfectly well that that was not what Stolliker would have had her do, that she was losing an opportunity that she might never be able to regain; but she could not help that, and when one of the men who had played at the other table bent over her to inquire how she had enjoyed the game, she looked into his face with an interest, an animation, that caused Pierrepont to turn away with a weary sigh.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading It seemed impossible for her to reply.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading She knew perfectly well that that was not what Stolliker would have had her do, that she was losing an opportunity that she might never be able to regain; but she could not help that, and when one of the men who had played at the other table bent over her to inquire how she had enjoyed the game, she looked into his face with an interest, an animation, that caused Pierrepont to turn away with a weary sigh.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She knew perfectly well that that was not what Stolliker would have had her do, that she was losing an opportunity that she might never be able to regain; but she could not help that, and when one of the men who had played at the other table bent over her to inquire how she had enjoyed the game, she looked into his face with an interest, an animation, that caused Pierrepont to turn away with a weary sigh.
hystericaladjectiveUS /hɪˈsterɪkəl/
characterized by or arising from psychoneurotic hysteria
From this reading She had grown dizzy and blind suddenly, and it was with a relief that was almost hysterical that she welcomed a young man who interrupted the tete-a-tete.
not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with
From this reading It seemed impossible for her to reply.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Carlita's heart was beating so that Pierrepont's words were almost drowned in the sound.
inquireverbUS /ˌɪnˈkwaɪr/
address a question to and expect an answer from
From this reading She knew perfectly well that that was not what Stolliker would have had her do, that she was losing an opportunity that she might never be able to regain; but she could not help that, and when one of the men who had played at the other table bent over her to inquire how she had enjoyed the game, she looked into his face with an interest, an animation, that caused Pierrepont to turn away with a weary sigh.
a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
From this reading She knew perfectly well that that was not what Stolliker would have had her do, that she was losing an opportunity that she might never be able to regain; but she could not help that, and when one of the men who had played at the other table bent over her to inquire how she had enjoyed the game, she looked into his face with an interest, an animation, that caused Pierrepont to turn away with a weary sigh.
discontinued temporarily
From this reading She had grown dizzy and blind suddenly, and it was with a relief that was almost hysterical that she welcomed a young man who interrupted the tete-a-tete.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading She knew perfectly well that that was not what Stolliker would have had her do, that she was losing an opportunity that she might never be able to regain; but she could not help that, and when one of the men who had played at the other table bent over her to inquire how she had enjoyed the game, she looked into his face with an interest, an animation, that caused Pierrepont to turn away with a weary sigh.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It seemed impossible for her to reply.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading She knew perfectly well that that was not what Stolliker would have had her do, that she was losing an opportunity that she might never be able to regain; but she could not help that, and when one of the men who had played at the other table bent over her to inquire how she had enjoyed the game, she looked into his face with an interest, an animation, that caused Pierrepont to turn away with a weary sigh.
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 The supper was of the best; but when she left the table, it would have been impossible for Carlita to have told one thing that had been served.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading She knew perfectly well that that was not what Stolliker would have had her do, that she was losing an opportunity that she might never be able to regain; but she could not help that, and when one of the men who had played at the other table bent over her to inquire how she had enjoyed the game, she looked into his face with an interest, an animation, that caused Pierrepont to turn away with a weary sigh.
-ing form of “lose” — fail to keep or to maintain; cease to have, either physically or in an abstract sense
From this reading She knew perfectly well that that was not what Stolliker would have had her do, that she was losing an opportunity that she might never be able to regain; but she could not help that, and when one of the men who had played at the other table bent over her to inquire how she had enjoyed the game, she looked into his face with an interest, an animation, that caused Pierrepont to turn away with a weary sigh.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading She had grown dizzy and blind suddenly, and it was with a relief that was almost hysterical that she welcomed a young man who interrupted the tete-a-tete.
the force of workers available
From this reading She knew perfectly well that that was not what Stolliker would have had her do, that she was losing an opportunity that she might never be able to regain; but she could not help that, and when one of the men who had played at the other table bent over her to inquire how she had enjoyed the game, she looked into his face with an interest, an animation, that caused Pierrepont to turn away with a weary sigh.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading She knew perfectly well that that was not what Stolliker would have had her do, that she was losing an opportunity that she might never be able to regain; but she could not help that, and when one of the men who had played at the other table bent over her to inquire how she had enjoyed the game, she looked into his face with an interest, an animation, that caused Pierrepont to turn away with a weary sigh.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading She knew perfectly well that that was not what Stolliker would have had her do, that she was losing an opportunity that she might never be able to regain; but she could not help that, and when one of the men who had played at the other table bent over her to inquire how she had enjoyed the game, she looked into his face with an interest, an animation, that caused Pierrepont to turn away with a weary sigh.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading She knew perfectly well that that was not what Stolliker would have had her do, that she was losing an opportunity that she might never be able to regain; but she could not help that, and when one of the men who had played at the other table bent over her to inquire how she had enjoyed the game, she looked into his face with an interest, an animation, that caused Pierrepont to turn away with a weary sigh.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading She knew perfectly well that that was not what Stolliker would have had her do, that she was losing an opportunity that she might never be able to regain; but she could not help that, and when one of the men who had played at the other table bent over her to inquire how she had enjoyed the game, she looked into his face with an interest, an animation, that caused Pierrepont to turn away with a weary sigh.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading She knew perfectly well that that was not what Stolliker would have had her do, that she was losing an opportunity that she might never be able to regain; but she could not help that, and when one of the men who had played at the other table bent over her to inquire how she had enjoyed the game, she looked into his face with an interest, an animation, that caused Pierrepont to turn away with a weary sigh.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading She knew perfectly well that that was not what Stolliker would have had her do, that she was losing an opportunity that she might never be able to regain; but she could not help that, and when one of the men who had played at the other table bent over her to inquire how she had enjoyed the game, she looked into his face with an interest, an animation, that caused Pierrepont to turn away with a weary sigh.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading She knew perfectly well that that was not what Stolliker would have had her do, that she was losing an opportunity that she might never be able to regain; but she could not help that, and when one of the men who had played at the other table bent over her to inquire how she had enjoyed the game, she looked into his face with an interest, an animation, that caused Pierrepont to turn away with a weary sigh.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading She knew perfectly well that that was not what Stolliker would have had her do, that she was losing an opportunity that she might never be able to regain; but she could not help that, and when one of the men who had played at the other table bent over her to inquire how she had enjoyed the game, she looked into his face with an interest, an animation, that caused Pierrepont to turn away with a weary sigh.
completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers
From this reading She knew perfectly well that that was not what Stolliker would have had her do, that she was losing an opportunity that she might never be able to regain; but she could not help that, and when one of the men who had played at the other table bent over her to inquire how she had enjoyed the game, she looked into his face with an interest, an animation, that caused Pierrepont to turn away with a weary sigh.
Pierrepont
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She knew perfectly well that that was not what Stolliker would have had her do, that she was losing an opportunity that she might never be able to regain; but she could not help that, and when one of the men who had played at the other table bent over her to inquire how she had enjoyed the game, she looked into his face with an interest, an animation, that caused Pierrepont to turn away with a weary sigh.
Pierrepont's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Carlita's heart was beating so that Pierrepont's words were almost drowned in the sound.
(of games) engaged in
From this reading She knew perfectly well that that was not what Stolliker would have had her do, that she was losing an opportunity that she might never be able to regain; but she could not help that, and when one of the men who had played at the other table bent over her to inquire how she had enjoyed the game, she looked into his face with an interest, an animation, that caused Pierrepont to turn away with a weary sigh.
regainverbUS /rɪˈɡeɪn/
get or find back; recover the use of
From this reading She knew perfectly well that that was not what Stolliker would have had her do, that she was losing an opportunity that she might never be able to regain; but she could not help that, and when one of the men who had played at the other table bent over her to inquire how she had enjoyed the game, she looked into his face with an interest, an animation, that caused Pierrepont to turn away with a weary sigh.
the feeling that comes when something burdensome is removed or reduced
From this reading She had grown dizzy and blind suddenly, and it was with a relief that was almost hysterical that she welcomed a young man who interrupted the tete-a-tete.
a statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation
From this reading It seemed impossible for her to reply.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading It seemed impossible for her to reply.
past form of “serve” — serve a purpose, role, or function
From this reading The supper was of the best; but when she left the table, it would have been impossible for Carlita to have told one thing that had been served.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She had grown dizzy and blind suddenly, and it was with a relief that was almost hysterical that she welcomed a young man who interrupted the tete-a-tete.
heave or utter a sigh; breathe deeply and heavily
From this reading She knew perfectly well that that was not what Stolliker would have had her do, that she was losing an opportunity that she might never be able to regain; but she could not help that, and when one of the men who had played at the other table bent over her to inquire how she had enjoyed the game, she looked into his face with an interest, an animation, that caused Pierrepont to turn away with a weary sigh.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Carlita's heart was beating so that Pierrepont's words were almost drowned in the sound.
the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading Carlita's heart was beating so that Pierrepont's words were almost drowned in the sound.
Stolliker
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She knew perfectly well that that was not what Stolliker would have had her do, that she was losing an opportunity that she might never be able to regain; but she could not help that, and when one of the men who had played at the other table bent over her to inquire how she had enjoyed the game, she looked into his face with an interest, an animation, that caused Pierrepont to turn away with a weary sigh.
happening unexpectedly
From this reading She had grown dizzy and blind suddenly, and it was with a relief that was almost hysterical that she welcomed a young man who interrupted the tete-a-tete.
a light evening meal; served in early evening if dinner is at midday or served late in the evening at bedtime
From this reading The supper was of the best; but when she left the table, it would have been impossible for Carlita to have told one thing that had been served.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading She knew perfectly well that that was not what Stolliker would have had her do, that she was losing an opportunity that she might never be able to regain; but she could not help that, and when one of the men who had played at the other table bent over her to inquire how she had enjoyed the game, she looked into his face with an interest, an animation, that caused Pierrepont to turn away with a weary sigh.
tete-a-tetenoun
a private conversation between two people
From this reading She had grown dizzy and blind suddenly, and it was with a relief that was almost hysterical that she welcomed a young man who interrupted the tete-a-tete.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Carlita's heart was beating so that Pierrepont's words were almost drowned in the sound.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Carlita's heart was beating so that Pierrepont's words were almost drowned in the sound.
a special situation
From this reading The supper was of the best; but when she left the table, it would have been impossible for Carlita to have told one thing that had been served.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It seemed impossible for her to reply.
inflected form of “tell” — express in words
From this reading The supper was of the best; but when she left the table, it would have been impossible for Carlita to have told one thing that had been served.
change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense
From this reading She knew perfectly well that that was not what Stolliker would have had her do, that she was losing an opportunity that she might never be able to regain; but she could not help that, and when one of the men who had played at the other table bent over her to inquire how she had enjoyed the game, she looked into his face with an interest, an animation, that caused Pierrepont to turn away with a weary sigh.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Carlita's heart was beating so that Pierrepont's words were almost drowned in the sound.
exhaust or get tired through overuse or great strain or stress
From this reading She knew perfectly well that that was not what Stolliker would have had her do, that she was losing an opportunity that she might never be able to regain; but she could not help that, and when one of the men who had played at the other table bent over her to inquire how she had enjoyed the game, she looked into his face with an interest, an animation, that caused Pierrepont to turn away with a weary sigh.
welcomedverbUS /ˈwelkəmd/
past form of “welcome” — accept gladly
From this reading She had grown dizzy and blind suddenly, and it was with a relief that was almost hysterical that she welcomed a young man who interrupted the tete-a-tete.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading She knew perfectly well that that was not what Stolliker would have had her do, that she was losing an opportunity that she might never be able to regain; but she could not help that, and when one of the men who had played at the other table bent over her to inquire how she had enjoyed the game, she looked into his face with an interest, an animation, that caused Pierrepont to turn away with a weary sigh.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Carlita's heart was beating so that Pierrepont's words were almost drowned in the sound.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading She knew perfectly well that that was not what Stolliker would have had her do, that she was losing an opportunity that she might never be able to regain; but she could not help that, and when one of the men who had played at the other table bent over her to inquire how she had enjoyed the game, she looked into his face with an interest, an animation, that caused Pierrepont to turn away with a weary sigh.
at the time that
From this reading She knew perfectly well that that was not what Stolliker would have had her do, that she was losing an opportunity that she might never be able to regain; but she could not help that, and when one of the men who had played at the other table bent over her to inquire how she had enjoyed the game, she looked into his face with an interest, an animation, that caused Pierrepont to turn away with a weary sigh.
which person or people
From this reading She had grown dizzy and blind suddenly, and it was with a relief that was almost hysterical that she welcomed a young man who interrupted the tete-a-tete.
in the company of; together with
From this reading She had grown dizzy and blind suddenly, and it was with a relief that was almost hysterical that she welcomed a young man who interrupted the tete-a-tete.
the words that are spoken
From this reading Carlita's heart was beating so that Pierrepont's words were almost drowned in the sound.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading She knew perfectly well that that was not what Stolliker would have had her do, that she was losing an opportunity that she might never be able to regain; but she could not help that, and when one of the men who had played at the other table bent over her to inquire how she had enjoyed the game, she looked into his face with an interest, an animation, that caused Pierrepont to turn away with a weary sigh.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading She had grown dizzy and blind suddenly, and it was with a relief that was almost hysterical that she welcomed a young man who interrupted the tete-a-tete.
