used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading _In which some contradictions are very happily reconciled._ The marquis's head-gardener had received a young fellow into his master's service, who had lived in several families of distinction.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading When she condescended to speak to him about any business he was employed in, she took notice that his answers were framed in a language vastly superior to his condition; and the respect he paid her had quite another air from that of the awkward civility of the other servants.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading He had a good face; was tolerably genteel; and having an understanding something above his condition, joined to a great deal of _second-hand_ politeness, which he had contracted while he lived at London, he appeared a very extraordinary person among the rustics who were his fellow-servants.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading His person and air had something, she thought, very distinguishing.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading He had a good face; was tolerably genteel; and having an understanding something above his condition, joined to a great deal of _second-hand_ politeness, which he had contracted while he lived at London, he appeared a very extraordinary person among the rustics who were his fellow-servants.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading He had a good face; was tolerably genteel; and having an understanding something above his condition, joined to a great deal of _second-hand_ politeness, which he had contracted while he lived at London, he appeared a very extraordinary person among the rustics who were his fellow-servants.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He had a good face; was tolerably genteel; and having an understanding something above his condition, joined to a great deal of _second-hand_ politeness, which he had contracted while he lived at London, he appeared a very extraordinary person among the rustics who were his fellow-servants.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading When she condescended to speak to him about any business he was employed in, she took notice that his answers were framed in a language vastly superior to his condition; and the respect he paid her had quite another air from that of the awkward civility of the other servants.
answersnounUS /ˈænsərz/
plural of “answer” — a statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation
From this reading When she condescended to speak to him about any business he was employed in, she took notice that his answers were framed in a language vastly superior to his condition; and the respect he paid her had quite another air from that of the awkward civility of the other servants.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading When she condescended to speak to him about any business he was employed in, she took notice that his answers were framed in a language vastly superior to his condition; and the respect he paid her had quite another air from that of the awkward civility of the other servants.
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading He had a good face; was tolerably genteel; and having an understanding something above his condition, joined to a great deal of _second-hand_ politeness, which he had contracted while he lived at London, he appeared a very extraordinary person among the rustics who were his fellow-servants.
Arabella
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Arabella, when she walked in the garden, had frequent opportunities of seeing this young man, whom she observed with a very particular attention.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading _In which some contradictions are very happily reconciled._ The marquis's head-gardener had received a young fellow into his master's service, who had lived in several families of distinction.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading He had a good face; was tolerably genteel; and having an understanding something above his condition, joined to a great deal of _second-hand_ politeness, which he had contracted while he lived at London, he appeared a very extraordinary person among the rustics who were his fellow-servants.
the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others
From this reading Arabella, when she walked in the garden, had frequent opportunities of seeing this young man, whom she observed with a very particular attention.
awkwardadjectiveUS /ˈɑːkwərd/
causing inconvenience
From this reading When she condescended to speak to him about any business he was employed in, she took notice that his answers were framed in a language vastly superior to his condition; and the respect he paid her had quite another air from that of the awkward civility of the other servants.
a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it
From this reading When she condescended to speak to him about any business he was employed in, she took notice that his answers were framed in a language vastly superior to his condition; and the respect he paid her had quite another air from that of the awkward civility of the other servants.
civilitynounUS /səˈvɪləti/
formal or perfunctory politeness
From this reading When she condescended to speak to him about any business he was employed in, she took notice that his answers were framed in a language vastly superior to his condition; and the respect he paid her had quite another air from that of the awkward civility of the other servants.
condescendedverbUS /ˌkɑːndɪˈsendɪd/
past form of “condescend” — behave in a patronizing and condescending manner
From this reading When she condescended to speak to him about any business he was employed in, she took notice that his answers were framed in a language vastly superior to his condition; and the respect he paid her had quite another air from that of the awkward civility of the other servants.
a state at a particular time
From this reading He had a good face; was tolerably genteel; and having an understanding something above his condition, joined to a great deal of _second-hand_ politeness, which he had contracted while he lived at London, he appeared a very extraordinary person among the rustics who were his fellow-servants.
contractedadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːntræktəd/
reduced in size or pulled together
From this reading He had a good face; was tolerably genteel; and having an understanding something above his condition, joined to a great deal of _second-hand_ politeness, which he had contracted while he lived at London, he appeared a very extraordinary person among the rustics who were his fellow-servants.
contradictionsnounUS /ˌkɑːntrəˈdɪkʃənz/
plural of “contradiction” — opposition between two conflicting forces or ideas
From this reading _In which some contradictions are very happily reconciled._ The marquis's head-gardener had received a young fellow into his master's service, who had lived in several families of distinction.
act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression
From this reading He had a good face; was tolerably genteel; and having an understanding something above his condition, joined to a great deal of _second-hand_ politeness, which he had contracted while he lived at London, he appeared a very extraordinary person among the rustics who were his fellow-servants.
distinctionnounUS /dɪˈstɪŋkʃən/
a discrimination between things as different and distinct on the basis of their characteristics or attributes
From this reading _In which some contradictions are very happily reconciled._ The marquis's head-gardener had received a young fellow into his master's service, who had lived in several families of distinction.
distinguishingverbUS /dɪˈstɪŋɡwɪʃɪŋ/
-ing form of “distinguish” — mark as different
From this reading His person and air had something, she thought, very distinguishing.
having your services engaged for; or having a job especially one that pays wages or a salary
From this reading When she condescended to speak to him about any business he was employed in, she took notice that his answers were framed in a language vastly superior to his condition; and the respect he paid her had quite another air from that of the awkward civility of the other servants.
beyond what is ordinary or usual; highly unusual or exceptional or remarkable
From this reading He had a good face; was tolerably genteel; and having an understanding something above his condition, joined to a great deal of _second-hand_ politeness, which he had contracted while he lived at London, he appeared a very extraordinary person among the rustics who were his fellow-servants.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading He had a good face; was tolerably genteel; and having an understanding something above his condition, joined to a great deal of _second-hand_ politeness, which he had contracted while he lived at London, he appeared a very extraordinary person among the rustics who were his fellow-servants.
plural of “family” — a social unit living together
From this reading _In which some contradictions are very happily reconciled._ The marquis's head-gardener had received a young fellow into his master's service, who had lived in several families of distinction.
a boy or man
From this reading _In which some contradictions are very happily reconciled._ The marquis's head-gardener had received a young fellow into his master's service, who had lived in several families of distinction.
fellow-servants
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had a good face; was tolerably genteel; and having an understanding something above his condition, joined to a great deal of _second-hand_ politeness, which he had contracted while he lived at London, he appeared a very extraordinary person among the rustics who were his fellow-servants.
framedadjectiveUS /freɪmd/
provided with a frame
From this reading When she condescended to speak to him about any business he was employed in, she took notice that his answers were framed in a language vastly superior to his condition; and the respect he paid her had quite another air from that of the awkward civility of the other servants.
frequentverbUS /ˈfriːkwənt/
do one's shopping at; do business with; be a customer or client of
From this reading Arabella, when she walked in the garden, had frequent opportunities of seeing this young man, whom she observed with a very particular attention.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading When she condescended to speak to him about any business he was employed in, she took notice that his answers were framed in a language vastly superior to his condition; and the respect he paid her had quite another air from that of the awkward civility of the other servants.
a plot of ground where plants are cultivated
From this reading Arabella, when she walked in the garden, had frequent opportunities of seeing this young man, whom she observed with a very particular attention.
genteeladjectiveUS /dʒenˈtiːl/
marked by refinement in taste and manners
From this reading He had a good face; was tolerably genteel; and having an understanding something above his condition, joined to a great deal of _second-hand_ politeness, which he had contracted while he lived at London, he appeared a very extraordinary person among the rustics who were his fellow-servants.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading He had a good face; was tolerably genteel; and having an understanding something above his condition, joined to a great deal of _second-hand_ politeness, which he had contracted while he lived at London, he appeared a very extraordinary person among the rustics who were his fellow-servants.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading He had a good face; was tolerably genteel; and having an understanding something above his condition, joined to a great deal of _second-hand_ politeness, which he had contracted while he lived at London, he appeared a very extraordinary person among the rustics who were his fellow-servants.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading _In which some contradictions are very happily reconciled._ The marquis's head-gardener had received a young fellow into his master's service, who had lived in several families of distinction.
happilyadverbUS /ˈhæpəli/
in a joyous manner
From this reading _In which some contradictions are very happily reconciled._ The marquis's head-gardener had received a young fellow into his master's service, who had lived in several families of distinction.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading He had a good face; was tolerably genteel; and having an understanding something above his condition, joined to a great deal of _second-hand_ politeness, which he had contracted while he lived at London, he appeared a very extraordinary person among the rustics who were his fellow-servants.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He had a good face; was tolerably genteel; and having an understanding something above his condition, joined to a great deal of _second-hand_ politeness, which he had contracted while he lived at London, he appeared a very extraordinary person among the rustics who were his fellow-servants.
head-gardener
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _In which some contradictions are very happily reconciled._ The marquis's head-gardener had received a young fellow into his master's service, who had lived in several families of distinction.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading When she condescended to speak to him about any business he was employed in, she took notice that his answers were framed in a language vastly superior to his condition; and the respect he paid her had quite another air from that of the awkward civility of the other servants.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading When she condescended to speak to him about any business he was employed in, she took notice that his answers were framed in a language vastly superior to his condition; and the respect he paid her had quite another air from that of the awkward civility of the other servants.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading _In which some contradictions are very happily reconciled._ The marquis's head-gardener had received a young fellow into his master's service, who had lived in several families of distinction.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading _In which some contradictions are very happily reconciled._ The marquis's head-gardener had received a young fellow into his master's service, who had lived in several families of distinction.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading _In which some contradictions are very happily reconciled._ The marquis's head-gardener had received a young fellow into his master's service, who had lived in several families of distinction.
of or relating to two people who are married to each other
From this reading He had a good face; was tolerably genteel; and having an understanding something above his condition, joined to a great deal of _second-hand_ politeness, which he had contracted while he lived at London, he appeared a very extraordinary person among the rustics who were his fellow-servants.
a systematic means of communicating by the use of sounds or conventional symbols
From this reading When she condescended to speak to him about any business he was employed in, she took notice that his answers were framed in a language vastly superior to his condition; and the respect he paid her had quite another air from that of the awkward civility of the other servants.
past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in
From this reading _In which some contradictions are very happily reconciled._ The marquis's head-gardener had received a young fellow into his master's service, who had lived in several families of distinction.
the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center
From this reading He had a good face; was tolerably genteel; and having an understanding something above his condition, joined to a great deal of _second-hand_ politeness, which he had contracted while he lived at London, he appeared a very extraordinary person among the rustics who were his fellow-servants.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Arabella, when she walked in the garden, had frequent opportunities of seeing this young man, whom she observed with a very particular attention.
marquis's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _In which some contradictions are very happily reconciled._ The marquis's head-gardener had received a young fellow into his master's service, who had lived in several families of distinction.
master'snounUS /ˈmæstərz/
possessive form of “master” — an artist of consummate skill
From this reading _In which some contradictions are very happily reconciled._ The marquis's head-gardener had received a young fellow into his master's service, who had lived in several families of distinction.
an announcement containing information about an event
From this reading When she condescended to speak to him about any business he was employed in, she took notice that his answers were framed in a language vastly superior to his condition; and the respect he paid her had quite another air from that of the awkward civility of the other servants.
discovered or determined by scientific observation
From this reading Arabella, when she walked in the garden, had frequent opportunities of seeing this young man, whom she observed with a very particular attention.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading _In which some contradictions are very happily reconciled._ The marquis's head-gardener had received a young fellow into his master's service, who had lived in several families of distinction.
opportunitiesnounUS /ˌɑːpərˈtuːnətiz/
plural of “opportunity” — a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading Arabella, when she walked in the garden, had frequent opportunities of seeing this young man, whom she observed with a very particular attention.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading When she condescended to speak to him about any business he was employed in, she took notice that his answers were framed in a language vastly superior to his condition; and the respect he paid her had quite another air from that of the awkward civility of the other servants.
marked by the reception of pay
From this reading When she condescended to speak to him about any business he was employed in, she took notice that his answers were framed in a language vastly superior to his condition; and the respect he paid her had quite another air from that of the awkward civility of the other servants.
unique or specific to a person or thing or category
From this reading Arabella, when she walked in the garden, had frequent opportunities of seeing this young man, whom she observed with a very particular attention.
a human being
From this reading He had a good face; was tolerably genteel; and having an understanding something above his condition, joined to a great deal of _second-hand_ politeness, which he had contracted while he lived at London, he appeared a very extraordinary person among the rustics who were his fellow-servants.
politenessnounUS /pəˈlaɪtnəs/
a courteous manner that respects accepted social usage
From this reading He had a good face; was tolerably genteel; and having an understanding something above his condition, joined to a great deal of _second-hand_ politeness, which he had contracted while he lived at London, he appeared a very extraordinary person among the rustics who were his fellow-servants.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading When she condescended to speak to him about any business he was employed in, she took notice that his answers were framed in a language vastly superior to his condition; and the respect he paid her had quite another air from that of the awkward civility of the other servants.
conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers
From this reading _In which some contradictions are very happily reconciled._ The marquis's head-gardener had received a young fellow into his master's service, who had lived in several families of distinction.
reconciledadjectiveUS /ˈrekənsaɪld/
made compatible or consistent
From this reading _In which some contradictions are very happily reconciled._ The marquis's head-gardener had received a young fellow into his master's service, who had lived in several families of distinction.
(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point
From this reading When she condescended to speak to him about any business he was employed in, she took notice that his answers were framed in a language vastly superior to his condition; and the respect he paid her had quite another air from that of the awkward civility of the other servants.
rustics
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had a good face; was tolerably genteel; and having an understanding something above his condition, joined to a great deal of _second-hand_ politeness, which he had contracted while he lived at London, he appeared a very extraordinary person among the rustics who were his fellow-servants.
second-hand
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had a good face; was tolerably genteel; and having an understanding something above his condition, joined to a great deal of _second-hand_ politeness, which he had contracted while he lived at London, he appeared a very extraordinary person among the rustics who were his fellow-servants.
perception by means of the eyes
From this reading Arabella, when she walked in the garden, had frequent opportunities of seeing this young man, whom she observed with a very particular attention.
plural of “servant” — a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)
From this reading When she condescended to speak to him about any business he was employed in, she took notice that his answers were framed in a language vastly superior to his condition; and the respect he paid her had quite another air from that of the awkward civility of the other servants.
work done by one person or group that benefits another
From this reading _In which some contradictions are very happily reconciled._ The marquis's head-gardener had received a young fellow into his master's service, who had lived in several families of distinction.
(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many
From this reading _In which some contradictions are very happily reconciled._ The marquis's head-gardener had received a young fellow into his master's service, who had lived in several families of distinction.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Arabella, when she walked in the garden, had frequent opportunities of seeing this young man, whom she observed with a very particular attention.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading _In which some contradictions are very happily reconciled._ The marquis's head-gardener had received a young fellow into his master's service, who had lived in several families of distinction.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading He had a good face; was tolerably genteel; and having an understanding something above his condition, joined to a great deal of _second-hand_ politeness, which he had contracted while he lived at London, he appeared a very extraordinary person among the rustics who were his fellow-servants.
express in speech
From this reading When she condescended to speak to him about any business he was employed in, she took notice that his answers were framed in a language vastly superior to his condition; and the respect he paid her had quite another air from that of the awkward civility of the other servants.
of high or superior quality or performance
From this reading When she condescended to speak to him about any business he was employed in, she took notice that his answers were framed in a language vastly superior to his condition; and the respect he paid her had quite another air from that of the awkward civility of the other servants.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading When she condescended to speak to him about any business he was employed in, she took notice that his answers were framed in a language vastly superior to his condition; and the respect he paid her had quite another air from that of the awkward civility of the other servants.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading _In which some contradictions are very happily reconciled._ The marquis's head-gardener had received a young fellow into his master's service, who had lived in several families of distinction.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Arabella, when she walked in the garden, had frequent opportunities of seeing this young man, whom she observed with a very particular attention.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading His person and air had something, she thought, very distinguishing.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading He had a good face; was tolerably genteel; and having an understanding something above his condition, joined to a great deal of _second-hand_ politeness, which he had contracted while he lived at London, he appeared a very extraordinary person among the rustics who were his fellow-servants.
tolerablyadverb
in an acceptable (but not outstanding) manner
From this reading He had a good face; was tolerably genteel; and having an understanding something above his condition, joined to a great deal of _second-hand_ politeness, which he had contracted while he lived at London, he appeared a very extraordinary person among the rustics who were his fellow-servants.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading When she condescended to speak to him about any business he was employed in, she took notice that his answers were framed in a language vastly superior to his condition; and the respect he paid her had quite another air from that of the awkward civility of the other servants.
the cognitive condition of someone who understands
From this reading He had a good face; was tolerably genteel; and having an understanding something above his condition, joined to a great deal of _second-hand_ politeness, which he had contracted while he lived at London, he appeared a very extraordinary person among the rustics who were his fellow-servants.
vastlyadverbUS /ˈvæstli/
to an exceedingly great extent or degree
From this reading When she condescended to speak to him about any business he was employed in, she took notice that his answers were framed in a language vastly superior to his condition; and the respect he paid her had quite another air from that of the awkward civility of the other servants.
precisely as stated
From this reading _In which some contradictions are very happily reconciled._ The marquis's head-gardener had received a young fellow into his master's service, who had lived in several families of distinction.
past form of “walk” — use one's feet to advance; advance by steps
From this reading Arabella, when she walked in the garden, had frequent opportunities of seeing this young man, whom she observed with a very particular attention.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He had a good face; was tolerably genteel; and having an understanding something above his condition, joined to a great deal of _second-hand_ politeness, which he had contracted while he lived at London, he appeared a very extraordinary person among the rustics who were his fellow-servants.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading He had a good face; was tolerably genteel; and having an understanding something above his condition, joined to a great deal of _second-hand_ politeness, which he had contracted while he lived at London, he appeared a very extraordinary person among the rustics who were his fellow-servants.
at the time that
From this reading Arabella, when she walked in the garden, had frequent opportunities of seeing this young man, whom she observed with a very particular attention.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading _In which some contradictions are very happily reconciled._ The marquis's head-gardener had received a young fellow into his master's service, who had lived in several families of distinction.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading He had a good face; was tolerably genteel; and having an understanding something above his condition, joined to a great deal of _second-hand_ politeness, which he had contracted while he lived at London, he appeared a very extraordinary person among the rustics who were his fellow-servants.
which person or people
From this reading _In which some contradictions are very happily reconciled._ The marquis's head-gardener had received a young fellow into his master's service, who had lived in several families of distinction.
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Arabella, when she walked in the garden, had frequent opportunities of seeing this young man, whom she observed with a very particular attention.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Arabella, when she walked in the garden, had frequent opportunities of seeing this young man, whom she observed with a very particular attention.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading _In which some contradictions are very happily reconciled._ The marquis's head-gardener had received a young fellow into his master's service, who had lived in several families of distinction.
