used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A visit to Rome was desirable and necessary in diplomatic interests, and a little diplomatic reflection might not be amiss for Emma.
the state of being absent
From this reading BUT while those letters were speeding to Greville, Sir William, not unobservant that absence appeared to make the heart grow fonder, resolved to try the same prescription on his own account.
a record or narrative description of past events
From this reading BUT while those letters were speeding to Greville, Sir William, not unobservant that absence appeared to make the heart grow fonder, resolved to try the same prescription on his own account.
amissadjectiveUS /əˈmɪs/
not functioning properly
From this reading A visit to Rome was desirable and necessary in diplomatic interests, and a little diplomatic reflection might not be amiss for Emma.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading He had come to be so necessary a part of her daily life that it would be as well she should realize how much she owed to his presence—an experiment he would not have ventured earlier but felt might be well essayed now.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A visit to Rome was desirable and necessary in diplomatic interests, and a little diplomatic reflection might not be amiss for Emma.
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading BUT while those letters were speeding to Greville, Sir William, not unobservant that absence appeared to make the heart grow fonder, resolved to try the same prescription on his own account.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading He had come to be so necessary a part of her daily life that it would be as well she should realize how much she owed to his presence—an experiment he would not have ventured earlier but felt might be well essayed now.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading A visit to Rome was desirable and necessary in diplomatic interests, and a little diplomatic reflection might not be amiss for Emma.
delighting the senses or exciting intellectual or emotional admiration
From this reading They met a day or two later in the beautiful boudoir he had lately fitted for her with great mirrors entirely covering the wall opposite the Chinese-fashion semi-circular window to reflect and repeat the glorious sea and sky beyond.
on the far side of; further than
From this reading They met a day or two later in the beautiful boudoir he had lately fitted for her with great mirrors entirely covering the wall opposite the Chinese-fashion semi-circular window to reflect and repeat the glorious sea and sky beyond.
boudoirnounUS /ˈbuːdɔɪr/
a lady's bedroom or private sitting room
From this reading They met a day or two later in the beautiful boudoir he had lately fitted for her with great mirrors entirely covering the wall opposite the Chinese-fashion semi-circular window to reflect and repeat the glorious sea and sky beyond.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading BUT while those letters were speeding to Greville, Sir William, not unobservant that absence appeared to make the heart grow fonder, resolved to try the same prescription on his own account.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading He had proved on that celebrated evening that chaste indignation might be surmounted by the wish to shine, and it emboldened him.
celebratedadjectiveUS /ˈseləbreɪtɪd/
widely known and esteemed
From this reading He had proved on that celebrated evening that chaste indignation might be surmounted by the wish to shine, and it emboldened him.
chasteadjectiveUS /tʃeɪst/
morally pure (especially not having experienced sexual intercourse)
From this reading He had proved on that celebrated evening that chaste indignation might be surmounted by the wish to shine, and it emboldened him.
Chinese-fashion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They met a day or two later in the beautiful boudoir he had lately fitted for her with great mirrors entirely covering the wall opposite the Chinese-fashion semi-circular window to reflect and repeat the glorious sea and sky beyond.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading He had come to be so necessary a part of her daily life that it would be as well she should realize how much she owed to his presence—an experiment he would not have ventured earlier but felt might be well essayed now.
coveringnounUS /ˈkʌvərɪŋ/
a natural object that covers or envelops
From this reading They met a day or two later in the beautiful boudoir he had lately fitted for her with great mirrors entirely covering the wall opposite the Chinese-fashion semi-circular window to reflect and repeat the glorious sea and sky beyond.
every day; without missing a day
From this reading He had come to be so necessary a part of her daily life that it would be as well she should realize how much she owed to his presence—an experiment he would not have ventured earlier but felt might be well essayed now.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading They met a day or two later in the beautiful boudoir he had lately fitted for her with great mirrors entirely covering the wall opposite the Chinese-fashion semi-circular window to reflect and repeat the glorious sea and sky beyond.
desirableadjectiveUS /dɪˈzaɪrəbəl/
worth having or seeking or achieving
From this reading A visit to Rome was desirable and necessary in diplomatic interests, and a little diplomatic reflection might not be amiss for Emma.
diplomaticadjectiveUS /ˌdɪpləˈmætɪk/
relating to or characteristic of diplomacy
From this reading A visit to Rome was desirable and necessary in diplomatic interests, and a little diplomatic reflection might not be amiss for Emma.
earlier in time; previously
From this reading He had come to be so necessary a part of her daily life that it would be as well she should realize how much she owed to his presence—an experiment he would not have ventured earlier but felt might be well essayed now.
emboldenedadjectiveUS /emˈboʊldənd/
made bold or courageous
From this reading He had proved on that celebrated evening that chaste indignation might be surmounted by the wish to shine, and it emboldened him.
Emma
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A visit to Rome was desirable and necessary in diplomatic interests, and a little diplomatic reflection might not be amiss for Emma.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading They met a day or two later in the beautiful boudoir he had lately fitted for her with great mirrors entirely covering the wall opposite the Chinese-fashion semi-circular window to reflect and repeat the glorious sea and sky beyond.
essayed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had come to be so necessary a part of her daily life that it would be as well she should realize how much she owed to his presence—an experiment he would not have ventured earlier but felt might be well essayed now.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading He had proved on that celebrated evening that chaste indignation might be surmounted by the wish to shine, and it emboldened him.
experimentnounUS /ɪkˈsperəmənt/
the act of conducting a controlled test or investigation
From this reading He had come to be so necessary a part of her daily life that it would be as well she should realize how much she owed to his presence—an experiment he would not have ventured earlier but felt might be well essayed now.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading He had come to be so necessary a part of her daily life that it would be as well she should realize how much she owed to his presence—an experiment he would not have ventured earlier but felt might be well essayed now.
fittedadjectiveUS /ˈfɪtəd/
being the right size and shape to fit as desired
From this reading They met a day or two later in the beautiful boudoir he had lately fitted for her with great mirrors entirely covering the wall opposite the Chinese-fashion semi-circular window to reflect and repeat the glorious sea and sky beyond.
fonderadjectiveUS /ˈfɑːndər/
comparative of “fond” — having or displaying warmth or affection
From this reading BUT while those letters were speeding to Greville, Sir William, not unobservant that absence appeared to make the heart grow fonder, resolved to try the same prescription on his own account.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading A visit to Rome was desirable and necessary in diplomatic interests, and a little diplomatic reflection might not be amiss for Emma.
having or deserving or conferring glory
From this reading They met a day or two later in the beautiful boudoir he had lately fitted for her with great mirrors entirely covering the wall opposite the Chinese-fashion semi-circular window to reflect and repeat the glorious sea and sky beyond.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading They met a day or two later in the beautiful boudoir he had lately fitted for her with great mirrors entirely covering the wall opposite the Chinese-fashion semi-circular window to reflect and repeat the glorious sea and sky beyond.
Greville
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BUT while those letters were speeding to Greville, Sir William, not unobservant that absence appeared to make the heart grow fonder, resolved to try the same prescription on his own account.
pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become
From this reading BUT while those letters were speeding to Greville, Sir William, not unobservant that absence appeared to make the heart grow fonder, resolved to try the same prescription on his own account.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading He had come to be so necessary a part of her daily life that it would be as well she should realize how much she owed to his presence—an experiment he would not have ventured earlier but felt might be well essayed now.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading He had come to be so necessary a part of her daily life that it would be as well she should realize how much she owed to his presence—an experiment he would not have ventured earlier but felt might be well essayed now.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He had come to be so necessary a part of her daily life that it would be as well she should realize how much she owed to his presence—an experiment he would not have ventured earlier but felt might be well essayed now.
the locus of feelings and intuitions
From this reading BUT while those letters were speeding to Greville, Sir William, not unobservant that absence appeared to make the heart grow fonder, resolved to try the same prescription on his own account.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading He had come to be so necessary a part of her daily life that it would be as well she should realize how much she owed to his presence—an experiment he would not have ventured earlier but felt might be well essayed now.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He had proved on that celebrated evening that chaste indignation might be surmounted by the wish to shine, and it emboldened him.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading BUT while those letters were speeding to Greville, Sir William, not unobservant that absence appeared to make the heart grow fonder, resolved to try the same prescription on his own account.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had come to be so necessary a part of her daily life that it would be as well she should realize how much she owed to his presence—an experiment he would not have ventured earlier but felt might be well essayed now.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A visit to Rome was desirable and necessary in diplomatic interests, and a little diplomatic reflection might not be amiss for Emma.
a feeling of righteous anger
From this reading He had proved on that celebrated evening that chaste indignation might be surmounted by the wish to shine, and it emboldened him.
plural of “interest” — a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
From this reading A visit to Rome was desirable and necessary in diplomatic interests, and a little diplomatic reflection might not be amiss for Emma.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading He had come to be so necessary a part of her daily life that it would be as well she should realize how much she owed to his presence—an experiment he would not have ventured earlier but felt might be well essayed now.
in the recent past
From this reading They met a day or two later in the beautiful boudoir he had lately fitted for her with great mirrors entirely covering the wall opposite the Chinese-fashion semi-circular window to reflect and repeat the glorious sea and sky beyond.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading They met a day or two later in the beautiful boudoir he had lately fitted for her with great mirrors entirely covering the wall opposite the Chinese-fashion semi-circular window to reflect and repeat the glorious sea and sky beyond.
the literary culture
From this reading BUT while those letters were speeding to Greville, Sir William, not unobservant that absence appeared to make the heart grow fonder, resolved to try the same prescription on his own account.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading He had come to be so necessary a part of her daily life that it would be as well she should realize how much she owed to his presence—an experiment he would not have ventured earlier but felt might be well essayed now.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading A visit to Rome was desirable and necessary in diplomatic interests, and a little diplomatic reflection might not be amiss for Emma.
engage in
From this reading BUT while those letters were speeding to Greville, Sir William, not unobservant that absence appeared to make the heart grow fonder, resolved to try the same prescription on his own account.
inflected form of “meet” — come together
From this reading They met a day or two later in the beautiful boudoir he had lately fitted for her with great mirrors entirely covering the wall opposite the Chinese-fashion semi-circular window to reflect and repeat the glorious sea and sky beyond.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading A visit to Rome was desirable and necessary in diplomatic interests, and a little diplomatic reflection might not be amiss for Emma.
mirrorsnounUS /ˈmɪrərz/
plural of “mirror” — polished surface that forms images by reflecting light
From this reading They met a day or two later in the beautiful boudoir he had lately fitted for her with great mirrors entirely covering the wall opposite the Chinese-fashion semi-circular window to reflect and repeat the glorious sea and sky beyond.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading He had come to be so necessary a part of her daily life that it would be as well she should realize how much she owed to his presence—an experiment he would not have ventured earlier but felt might be well essayed now.
absolutely essential
From this reading A visit to Rome was desirable and necessary in diplomatic interests, and a little diplomatic reflection might not be amiss for Emma.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading BUT while those letters were speeding to Greville, Sir William, not unobservant that absence appeared to make the heart grow fonder, resolved to try the same prescription on his own account.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading He had come to be so necessary a part of her daily life that it would be as well she should realize how much she owed to his presence—an experiment he would not have ventured earlier but felt might be well essayed now.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading He had come to be so necessary a part of her daily life that it would be as well she should realize how much she owed to his presence—an experiment he would not have ventured earlier but felt might be well essayed now.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading BUT while those letters were speeding to Greville, Sir William, not unobservant that absence appeared to make the heart grow fonder, resolved to try the same prescription on his own account.
being directly across from each other; facing
From this reading They met a day or two later in the beautiful boudoir he had lately fitted for her with great mirrors entirely covering the wall opposite the Chinese-fashion semi-circular window to reflect and repeat the glorious sea and sky beyond.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading They met a day or two later in the beautiful boudoir he had lately fitted for her with great mirrors entirely covering the wall opposite the Chinese-fashion semi-circular window to reflect and repeat the glorious sea and sky beyond.
owedverbUS /oʊd/
past form of “owe” — be obliged to pay or repay
From this reading He had come to be so necessary a part of her daily life that it would be as well she should realize how much she owed to his presence—an experiment he would not have ventured earlier but felt might be well essayed now.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading BUT while those letters were speeding to Greville, Sir William, not unobservant that absence appeared to make the heart grow fonder, resolved to try the same prescription on his own account.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading He had come to be so necessary a part of her daily life that it would be as well she should realize how much she owed to his presence—an experiment he would not have ventured earlier but felt might be well essayed now.
prescriptionnounUS /prəˈskrɪpʃən/
directions prescribed beforehand; the action of prescribing authoritative rules or directions
From this reading BUT while those letters were speeding to Greville, Sir William, not unobservant that absence appeared to make the heart grow fonder, resolved to try the same prescription on his own account.
the state of being present; current existence
From this reading He had come to be so necessary a part of her daily life that it would be as well she should realize how much she owed to his presence—an experiment he would not have ventured earlier but felt might be well essayed now.
established beyond doubt
From this reading He had proved on that celebrated evening that chaste indignation might be surmounted by the wish to shine, and it emboldened him.
be fully aware or cognizant of
From this reading He had come to be so necessary a part of her daily life that it would be as well she should realize how much she owed to his presence—an experiment he would not have ventured earlier but felt might be well essayed now.
reflectverbUS /rɪˈflekt/
manifest or bring back
From this reading They met a day or two later in the beautiful boudoir he had lately fitted for her with great mirrors entirely covering the wall opposite the Chinese-fashion semi-circular window to reflect and repeat the glorious sea and sky beyond.
a calm, lengthy, intent consideration
From this reading A visit to Rome was desirable and necessary in diplomatic interests, and a little diplomatic reflection might not be amiss for Emma.
to say, state, or perform again
From this reading They met a day or two later in the beautiful boudoir he had lately fitted for her with great mirrors entirely covering the wall opposite the Chinese-fashion semi-circular window to reflect and repeat the glorious sea and sky beyond.
determined
From this reading BUT while those letters were speeding to Greville, Sir William, not unobservant that absence appeared to make the heart grow fonder, resolved to try the same prescription on his own account.
capital and largest city of Italy; on the Tiber; seat of the Roman Catholic Church; formerly the capital of the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire
From this reading A visit to Rome was desirable and necessary in diplomatic interests, and a little diplomatic reflection might not be amiss for Emma.
Identical; not different.
From this reading BUT while those letters were speeding to Greville, Sir William, not unobservant that absence appeared to make the heart grow fonder, resolved to try the same prescription on his own account.
a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
From this reading They met a day or two later in the beautiful boudoir he had lately fitted for her with great mirrors entirely covering the wall opposite the Chinese-fashion semi-circular window to reflect and repeat the glorious sea and sky beyond.
semi-circular
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They met a day or two later in the beautiful boudoir he had lately fitted for her with great mirrors entirely covering the wall opposite the Chinese-fashion semi-circular window to reflect and repeat the glorious sea and sky beyond.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He had come to be so necessary a part of her daily life that it would be as well she should realize how much she owed to his presence—an experiment he would not have ventured earlier but felt might be well essayed now.
shineverbUS /ʃaɪn/
be bright by reflecting or casting light
From this reading He had proved on that celebrated evening that chaste indignation might be surmounted by the wish to shine, and it emboldened him.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading He had come to be so necessary a part of her daily life that it would be as well she should realize how much she owed to his presence—an experiment he would not have ventured earlier but felt might be well essayed now.
term of address for a man
From this reading BUT while those letters were speeding to Greville, Sir William, not unobservant that absence appeared to make the heart grow fonder, resolved to try the same prescription on his own account.
the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth
From this reading They met a day or two later in the beautiful boudoir he had lately fitted for her with great mirrors entirely covering the wall opposite the Chinese-fashion semi-circular window to reflect and repeat the glorious sea and sky beyond.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading He had come to be so necessary a part of her daily life that it would be as well she should realize how much she owed to his presence—an experiment he would not have ventured earlier but felt might be well essayed now.
speedingnounUS /ˈspiːdɪŋ/
changing location rapidly
From this reading BUT while those letters were speeding to Greville, Sir William, not unobservant that absence appeared to make the heart grow fonder, resolved to try the same prescription on his own account.
surmountedadjectiveUS /sərˈmaʊntɪd/
having something on top
From this reading He had proved on that celebrated evening that chaste indignation might be surmounted by the wish to shine, and it emboldened him.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading BUT while those letters were speeding to Greville, Sir William, not unobservant that absence appeared to make the heart grow fonder, resolved to try the same prescription on his own account.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading BUT while those letters were speeding to Greville, Sir William, not unobservant that absence appeared to make the heart grow fonder, resolved to try the same prescription on his own account.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They met a day or two later in the beautiful boudoir he had lately fitted for her with great mirrors entirely covering the wall opposite the Chinese-fashion semi-circular window to reflect and repeat the glorious sea and sky beyond.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading BUT while those letters were speeding to Greville, Sir William, not unobservant that absence appeared to make the heart grow fonder, resolved to try the same prescription on his own account.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading BUT while those letters were speeding to Greville, Sir William, not unobservant that absence appeared to make the heart grow fonder, resolved to try the same prescription on his own account.
make an effort or attempt
From this reading BUT while those letters were speeding to Greville, Sir William, not unobservant that absence appeared to make the heart grow fonder, resolved to try the same prescription on his own account.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading They met a day or two later in the beautiful boudoir he had lately fitted for her with great mirrors entirely covering the wall opposite the Chinese-fashion semi-circular window to reflect and repeat the glorious sea and sky beyond.
unobservantadjective
not consciously observing
From this reading BUT while those letters were speeding to Greville, Sir William, not unobservant that absence appeared to make the heart grow fonder, resolved to try the same prescription on his own account.
past form of “venture” — proceed somewhere despite the risk of possible dangers
From this reading He had come to be so necessary a part of her daily life that it would be as well she should realize how much she owed to his presence—an experiment he would not have ventured earlier but felt might be well essayed now.
go to see a place, as for entertainment
From this reading A visit to Rome was desirable and necessary in diplomatic interests, and a little diplomatic reflection might not be amiss for Emma.
an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure
From this reading They met a day or two later in the beautiful boudoir he had lately fitted for her with great mirrors entirely covering the wall opposite the Chinese-fashion semi-circular window to reflect and repeat the glorious sea and sky beyond.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A visit to Rome was desirable and necessary in diplomatic interests, and a little diplomatic reflection might not be amiss for Emma.
(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 He had come to be so necessary a part of her daily life that it would be as well she should realize how much she owed to his presence—an experiment he would not have ventured earlier but felt might be well essayed now.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading BUT while those letters were speeding to Greville, Sir William, not unobservant that absence appeared to make the heart grow fonder, resolved to try the same prescription on his own account.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading BUT while those letters were speeding to Greville, Sir William, not unobservant that absence appeared to make the heart grow fonder, resolved to try the same prescription on his own account.
William
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BUT while those letters were speeding to Greville, Sir William, not unobservant that absence appeared to make the heart grow fonder, resolved to try the same prescription on his own account.
a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air
From this reading They met a day or two later in the beautiful boudoir he had lately fitted for her with great mirrors entirely covering the wall opposite the Chinese-fashion semi-circular window to reflect and repeat the glorious sea and sky beyond.
hope for; have a wish
From this reading He had proved on that celebrated evening that chaste indignation might be surmounted by the wish to shine, and it emboldened him.
in the company of; together with
From this reading They met a day or two later in the beautiful boudoir he had lately fitted for her with great mirrors entirely covering the wall opposite the Chinese-fashion semi-circular window to reflect and repeat the glorious sea and sky beyond.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading He had come to be so necessary a part of her daily life that it would be as well she should realize how much she owed to his presence—an experiment he would not have ventured earlier but felt might be well essayed now.
