adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
actorsnounUS /ˈæktərz/
plural of “actor” — a theatrical performer
From this reading It seemed indeed as if the incident were finally closed, the chief actors in the drama having deliberately vacated the centre of the stage.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
anxietynounUS /æŋˈzaɪəti/
(psychiatry) a relatively permanent state of worry and nervousness occurring in a variety of mental disorders, usually accompanied by compulsive behavior or attacks of panic
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
anyadjectiveUS /ˈeni/
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
appearedverbUS /əˈpɪrd/
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Lacqueys appeared, throwing open the doors.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading It seemed indeed as if the incident were finally closed, the chief actors in the drama having deliberately vacated the centre of the stage.
becameverbUS /bɪˈkeɪm/
inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
beganverbUS /bɪˈɡæn/
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
Blakeney's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
bowlnounUS /boʊl/
a round vessel that is open at the top; used chiefly for holding food or liquids
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
breakverbUS /breɪk/
terminate
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
brokeadjectiveUS /broʊk/
lacking funds
From this reading From a distance the sound of dance music once more broke upon the ear.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
causenounUS /kɑːz/
events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
centrenounUS /ˈsentər/
a low-lying region in central France
From this reading It seemed indeed as if the incident were finally closed, the chief actors in the drama having deliberately vacated the centre of the stage.
challengeverbUS /ˈtʃæləndʒ/
take exception to
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
checkedadjectiveUS /tʃekt/
patterned with alternating squares of color
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
chiefnounUS /tʃiːf/
a person who is in charge
From this reading It seemed indeed as if the incident were finally closed, the chief actors in the drama having deliberately vacated the centre of the stage.
closedadjectiveUS /kloʊzd/
not open or affording passage or access
From this reading It seemed indeed as if the incident were finally closed, the chief actors in the drama having deliberately vacated the centre of the stage.
compactnounUS /ˈkɑːmpækt/
a small cosmetics case with a mirror; to be carried in a woman's purse
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
crowdverbUS /kraʊd/
cause to herd, drive, or crowd together
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
dancenounUS /dæns/
an artistic form of nonverbal communication
From this reading From a distance the sound of dance music once more broke upon the ear.
dangernounUS /ˈdeɪndʒər/
the condition of being susceptible to harm or injury
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
deliberatelyadverbUS /dɪˈlɪbərətli/
with intention; in an intentional manner
From this reading It seemed indeed as if the incident were finally closed, the chief actors in the drama having deliberately vacated the centre of the stage.
desultoryadjectiveUS /ˈdesəltɔːri/
marked by lack of definite plan or regularity or purpose; jumping from one thing to another
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
distancenounUS /ˈdɪstəns/
the property created by the space between two objects or points
From this reading From a distance the sound of dance music once more broke upon the ear.
doorsnounUS /dɔːrz/
plural of “door” — a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading Lacqueys appeared, throwing open the doors.
dramanounUS /ˈdrɑːmə/
a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage
From this reading It seemed indeed as if the incident were finally closed, the chief actors in the drama having deliberately vacated the centre of the stage.
earnounUS /iːr/
the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium
From this reading From a distance the sound of dance music once more broke upon the ear.
else
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
everyonepronounUS /ˈevriwʌn/
every person
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
evidentlyadverbUS /ˈevədəntli/
unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
finallyadverbUS /ˈfaɪnəli/
after an unspecified period of time or an especially long delay
From this reading It seemed indeed as if the incident were finally closed, the chief actors in the drama having deliberately vacated the centre of the stage.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
FromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading From a distance the sound of dance music once more broke upon the ear.
generaladjectiveUS /ˈdʒenərəl/
applying to all or most members of a category or group
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
genialadjectiveUS /ˈdʒiːnjəl/
diffusing warmth and friendliness
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
gladadjectiveUS /ɡlæd/
showing or causing joy and pleasure; especially made happy
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
good-humour
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
gracenounUS /ɡreɪs/
(Christian theology) a state of sanctification by God; the state of one who is under such divine influence
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
groupsnounUS /ɡruːps/
plural of “group” — any number of entities (members) considered as a unit
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading It seemed indeed as if the incident were finally closed, the chief actors in the drama having deliberately vacated the centre of the stage.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
hostnounUS /hoʊst/
a person who invites guests to a social event (such as a party in his or her own home) and who is responsible for them while they are there
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading It seemed indeed as if the incident were finally closed, the chief actors in the drama having deliberately vacated the centre of the stage.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It seemed indeed as if the incident were finally closed, the chief actors in the drama having deliberately vacated the centre of the stage.
incidentnounUS /ˈɪnsədənt/
a single distinct event
From this reading It seemed indeed as if the incident were finally closed, the chief actors in the drama having deliberately vacated the centre of the stage.
indeedadverbUS /ˌɪnˈdiːd/
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading It seemed indeed as if the incident were finally closed, the chief actors in the drama having deliberately vacated the centre of the stage.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It seemed indeed as if the incident were finally closed, the chief actors in the drama having deliberately vacated the centre of the stage.
joinverbUS /dʒɔɪn/
become part of; become a member of a group or organization
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
Lacqueys
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lacqueys appeared, throwing open the doors.
laughternounUS /ˈlæftər/
the sound of laughing
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
light-heartedness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
littleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
lookverbUS /lʊk/
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
massnounUS /mæs/
the property of a body that causes it to have weight in a gravitational field
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
matternounUS /ˈmætər/
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
mennounUS /men/
the force of workers available
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
merryadjectiveUS /ˈmeri/
full of or showing high-spirited merriment
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
momentnounUS /ˈmoʊmənt/
a particular point in time
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
musicnounUS /ˈmjuːzɪk/
an artistic form of auditory communication incorporating instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner
From this reading From a distance the sound of dance music once more broke upon the ear.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It seemed indeed as if the incident were finally closed, the chief actors in the drama having deliberately vacated the centre of the stage.
offeredverbUS /ˈɔːfərd/
past form of “offer” — make available or accessible, provide or furnish
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
onceadverbUS /wʌns/
on one occasion
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
openverbUS /ˈoʊ.pən/
To move from a closed position.
From this reading Lacqueys appeared, throwing open the doors.
oppressiveadjectiveUS /əˈpresɪv/
weighing heavily on the senses or spirit
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
presentverbUS /ˈprezənt/
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
punchverbUS /pʌntʃ/
deliver a quick blow to
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
putverbUS /pʊt/
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
rightadverbUS /raɪt/
precisely, exactly
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
roundnounUS /raʊnd/
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
seemedverbUS /siːmd/
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading It seemed indeed as if the incident were finally closed, the chief actors in the drama having deliberately vacated the centre of the stage.
sensenounUS /sens/
a general conscious awareness
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
seriousadjectiveUS /ˈsɪriəs/
concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
smalladjectiveUS /smɔːl/
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
soundnounUS /saʊnd/
the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading From a distance the sound of dance music once more broke upon the ear.
spiritsnounUS /ˈspɪrɪts/
an alcoholic beverage that is distilled rather than fermented
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
stagenounUS /steɪdʒ/
any distinct time period in a sequence of events
From this reading It seemed indeed as if the incident were finally closed, the chief actors in the drama having deliberately vacated the centre of the stage.
stoodverbUS /stʊd/
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
sundryadjectiveUS /ˈsʌndri/
consisting of a haphazard assortment of different kinds
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
tablenounUS /ˈteɪbəl/
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
talkverbUS /tɔːk/
exchange thoughts; talk with
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It seemed indeed as if the incident were finally closed, the chief actors in the drama having deliberately vacated the centre of the stage.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
thenadverbUS /ðen/
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
throwingverbUS /ˈθroʊɪŋ/
-ing form of “throw” — propel through the air
From this reading Lacqueys appeared, throwing open the doors.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
unknownadjectiveUS /ənˈnoʊn/
not known
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
upadjectiveUS /ʌp/
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
vacatedverbUS /veɪˈkeɪtɪd/
past form of “vacate” — leave (a job, post, or position) voluntarily
From this reading It seemed indeed as if the incident were finally closed, the chief actors in the drama having deliberately vacated the centre of the stage.
weighedverbUS /weɪd/
past form of “weigh” — have a certain weight
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading It seemed indeed as if the incident were finally closed, the chief actors in the drama having deliberately vacated the centre of the stage.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The little crowd which had stood in a compact mass round the table, began to break up into sundry small groups: laughter and desultory talk, checked for a moment by that oppressive sense of unknown danger, which had weighed on the spirits of those present, once more became general.
whynounUS /waɪ/
the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
youngeradjectiveUS /ˈjʌŋɡər/
used of the younger of two persons of the same name especially used to distinguish a son from his father
From this reading Blakeney's light-heartedness had put everyone into good-humour; since he evidently did not look upon the challenge as a matter of serious moment, why then, no one else had any cause for anxiety, and the younger men were right glad to join in that bowl of punch which their genial host had offered with so merry a grace.
