used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Diana's mind was so absorbed by her love for David, that she scarcely realised how completely she kept it out of her letters; or that his reticence might merely have been a reflection of her own.
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading This, often written side by side with her letter for the mail, she would seal up in an envelope addressed to David, and place in a compartment of the sandal-wood box in which she kept all his letters, with a vague idea that some day she herself would be able to place in his hands these unposted missives.
giving or marked by complete attention to
From this reading Diana's mind was so absorbed by her love for David, that she scarcely realised how completely she kept it out of her letters; or that his reticence might merely have been a reflection of her own.
(of mail) marked with a destination
From this reading This, often written side by side with her letter for the mail, she would seal up in an envelope addressed to David, and place in a compartment of the sandal-wood box in which she kept all his letters, with a vague idea that some day she herself would be able to place in his hands these unposted missives.
the part of the day between noon and evening
From this reading One afternoon, just as she was closing both envelopes, callers arrived.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading This, often written side by side with her letter for the mail, she would seal up in an envelope addressed to David, and place in a compartment of the sandal-wood box in which she kept all his letters, with a vague idea that some day she herself would be able to place in his hands these unposted missives.
in addition
From this reading Also she every now and then relieved her feelings by writing him a complete outpouring.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading This, often written side by side with her letter for the mail, she would seal up in an envelope addressed to David, and place in a compartment of the sandal-wood box in which she kept all his letters, with a vague idea that some day she herself would be able to place in his hands these unposted missives.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Also she every now and then relieved her feelings by writing him a complete outpouring.
past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress
From this reading THE PROPERTY OF THE CROWN The summer passed in perpetual expectation; which, when autumn arrived, seemed ripe for fulfilment.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading One afternoon, just as she was closing both envelopes, callers arrived.
the season when the leaves fall from the trees
From this reading THE PROPERTY OF THE CROWN The summer passed in perpetual expectation; which, when autumn arrived, seemed ripe for fulfilment.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading This, often written side by side with her letter for the mail, she would seal up in an envelope addressed to David, and place in a compartment of the sandal-wood box in which she kept all his letters, with a vague idea that some day she herself would be able to place in his hands these unposted missives.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Diana's mind was so absorbed by her love for David, that she scarcely realised how completely she kept it out of her letters; or that his reticence might merely have been a reflection of her own.
the two together, not just one
From this reading One afternoon, just as she was closing both envelopes, callers arrived.
a (usually rectangular) container; may have a lid
From this reading This, often written side by side with her letter for the mail, she would seal up in an envelope addressed to David, and place in a compartment of the sandal-wood box in which she kept all his letters, with a vague idea that some day she herself would be able to place in his hands these unposted missives.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Diana's mind was so absorbed by her love for David, that she scarcely realised how completely she kept it out of her letters; or that his reticence might merely have been a reflection of her own.
callersnounUS /ˈkɔːlərz/
plural of “caller” — a social or business visitor
From this reading One afternoon, just as she was closing both envelopes, callers arrived.
closingnounUS /ˈkloʊzɪŋ/
the act of closing something
From this reading One afternoon, just as she was closing both envelopes, callers arrived.
compartmentnounUS /kəmˈpɑːrtmənt/
a space into which an area is subdivided
From this reading This, often written side by side with her letter for the mail, she would seal up in an envelope addressed to David, and place in a compartment of the sandal-wood box in which she kept all his letters, with a vague idea that some day she herself would be able to place in his hands these unposted missives.
come or bring to a finish or an end
From this reading Also she every now and then relieved her feelings by writing him a complete outpouring.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading Diana's mind was so absorbed by her love for David, that she scarcely realised how completely she kept it out of her letters; or that his reticence might merely have been a reflection of her own.
the Crown (or the reigning monarch) as the symbol of the power and authority of a monarchy
From this reading THE PROPERTY OF THE CROWN The summer passed in perpetual expectation; which, when autumn arrived, seemed ripe for fulfilment.
patron saint of Wales (circa 520-600)
From this reading Diana's mind was so absorbed by her love for David, that she scarcely realised how completely she kept it out of her letters; or that his reticence might merely have been a reflection of her own.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading This, often written side by side with her letter for the mail, she would seal up in an envelope addressed to David, and place in a compartment of the sandal-wood box in which she kept all his letters, with a vague idea that some day she herself would be able to place in his hands these unposted missives.
Diana'snounUS /daɪˈænəz/
possessive form of “diana” — English aristocrat who was the first wife of Prince Charles; her death in an automobile accident in Paris produced intense national mourning (1961-1997)
From this reading Diana's mind was so absorbed by her love for David, that she scarcely realised how completely she kept it out of her letters; or that his reticence might merely have been a reflection of her own.
envelopenounUS /ˈenvəloʊp/
a flat (usually rectangular) container for a letter, thin package, etc.
From this reading This, often written side by side with her letter for the mail, she would seal up in an envelope addressed to David, and place in a compartment of the sandal-wood box in which she kept all his letters, with a vague idea that some day she herself would be able to place in his hands these unposted missives.
envelopesnounUS /ˈenvəloʊps/
plural of “envelope” — a flat (usually rectangular) container for a letter, thin package, etc.
From this reading One afternoon, just as she was closing both envelopes, callers arrived.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading Also she every now and then relieved her feelings by writing him a complete outpouring.
expectationnounUS /ˌekspekˈteɪʃən/
belief about (or mental picture of) the future
From this reading THE PROPERTY OF THE CROWN The summer passed in perpetual expectation; which, when autumn arrived, seemed ripe for fulfilment.
emotional or moral sensitivity (especially in relation to personal principles or dignity)
From this reading Also she every now and then relieved her feelings by writing him a complete outpouring.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading THE PROPERTY OF THE CROWN The summer passed in perpetual expectation; which, when autumn arrived, seemed ripe for fulfilment.
fulfilmentnoun
a feeling of satisfaction at having achieved your desires
From this reading THE PROPERTY OF THE CROWN The summer passed in perpetual expectation; which, when autumn arrived, seemed ripe for fulfilment.
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading This, often written side by side with her letter for the mail, she would seal up in an envelope addressed to David, and place in a compartment of the sandal-wood box in which she kept all his letters, with a vague idea that some day she herself would be able to place in his hands these unposted missives.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Diana's mind was so absorbed by her love for David, that she scarcely realised how completely she kept it out of her letters; or that his reticence might merely have been a reflection of her own.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Diana's mind was so absorbed by her love for David, that she scarcely realised how completely she kept it out of her letters; or that his reticence might merely have been a reflection of her own.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading This, often written side by side with her letter for the mail, she would seal up in an envelope addressed to David, and place in a compartment of the sandal-wood box in which she kept all his letters, with a vague idea that some day she herself would be able to place in his hands these unposted missives.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Also she every now and then relieved her feelings by writing him a complete outpouring.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Diana's mind was so absorbed by her love for David, that she scarcely realised how completely she kept it out of her letters; or that his reticence might merely have been a reflection of her own.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Diana's mind was so absorbed by her love for David, that she scarcely realised how completely she kept it out of her letters; or that his reticence might merely have been a reflection of her own.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading This, often written side by side with her letter for the mail, she would seal up in an envelope addressed to David, and place in a compartment of the sandal-wood box in which she kept all his letters, with a vague idea that some day she herself would be able to place in his hands these unposted missives.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE PROPERTY OF THE CROWN The summer passed in perpetual expectation; which, when autumn arrived, seemed ripe for fulfilment.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Diana's mind was so absorbed by her love for David, that she scarcely realised how completely she kept it out of her letters; or that his reticence might merely have been a reflection of her own.
and nothing more
From this reading One afternoon, just as she was closing both envelopes, callers arrived.
(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
From this reading Diana's mind was so absorbed by her love for David, that she scarcely realised how completely she kept it out of her letters; or that his reticence might merely have been a reflection of her own.
a written message addressed to a person or organization
From this reading This, often written side by side with her letter for the mail, she would seal up in an envelope addressed to David, and place in a compartment of the sandal-wood box in which she kept all his letters, with a vague idea that some day she herself would be able to place in his hands these unposted missives.
the literary culture
From this reading Diana's mind was so absorbed by her love for David, that she scarcely realised how completely she kept it out of her letters; or that his reticence might merely have been a reflection of her own.
a strong positive emotion of regard and affection
From this reading Diana's mind was so absorbed by her love for David, that she scarcely realised how completely she kept it out of her letters; or that his reticence might merely have been a reflection of her own.
mailnounUS /meɪl/
the bags of letters and packages that are transported by the postal service
From this reading This, often written side by side with her letter for the mail, she would seal up in an envelope addressed to David, and place in a compartment of the sandal-wood box in which she kept all his letters, with a vague idea that some day she herself would be able to place in his hands these unposted missives.
and nothing more
From this reading Diana's mind was so absorbed by her love for David, that she scarcely realised how completely she kept it out of her letters; or that his reticence might merely have been a reflection of her own.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Diana's mind was so absorbed by her love for David, that she scarcely realised how completely she kept it out of her letters; or that his reticence might merely have been a reflection of her own.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading Diana's mind was so absorbed by her love for David, that she scarcely realised how completely she kept it out of her letters; or that his reticence might merely have been a reflection of her own.
missives
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This, often written side by side with her letter for the mail, she would seal up in an envelope addressed to David, and place in a compartment of the sandal-wood box in which she kept all his letters, with a vague idea that some day she herself would be able to place in his hands these unposted missives.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Also she every now and then relieved her feelings by writing him a complete outpouring.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE PROPERTY OF THE CROWN The summer passed in perpetual expectation; which, when autumn arrived, seemed ripe for fulfilment.
many times at short intervals
From this reading This, often written side by side with her letter for the mail, she would seal up in an envelope addressed to David, and place in a compartment of the sandal-wood box in which she kept all his letters, with a vague idea that some day she herself would be able to place in his hands these unposted missives.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading One afternoon, just as she was closing both envelopes, callers arrived.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Diana's mind was so absorbed by her love for David, that she scarcely realised how completely she kept it out of her letters; or that his reticence might merely have been a reflection of her own.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Diana's mind was so absorbed by her love for David, that she scarcely realised how completely she kept it out of her letters; or that his reticence might merely have been a reflection of her own.
outpouringnounUS /ˌaʊtˈpɔːrɪŋ/
a natural flow of ground water
From this reading Also she every now and then relieved her feelings by writing him a complete outpouring.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading Diana's mind was so absorbed by her love for David, that she scarcely realised how completely she kept it out of her letters; or that his reticence might merely have been a reflection of her own.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading THE PROPERTY OF THE CROWN The summer passed in perpetual expectation; which, when autumn arrived, seemed ripe for fulfilment.
perpetualadjectiveUS /pərˈpetʃuːəl/
continuing forever or indefinitely
From this reading THE PROPERTY OF THE CROWN The summer passed in perpetual expectation; which, when autumn arrived, seemed ripe for fulfilment.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading This, often written side by side with her letter for the mail, she would seal up in an envelope addressed to David, and place in a compartment of the sandal-wood box in which she kept all his letters, with a vague idea that some day she herself would be able to place in his hands these unposted missives.
something owned; any tangible or intangible possession that is owned by someone
From this reading THE PROPERTY OF THE CROWN The summer passed in perpetual expectation; which, when autumn arrived, seemed ripe for fulfilment.
realisedadjectiveUS /ˈriːəlaɪzd/
successfully completed or brought to an end
From this reading Diana's mind was so absorbed by her love for David, that she scarcely realised how completely she kept it out of her letters; or that his reticence might merely have been a reflection of her own.
a calm, lengthy, intent consideration
From this reading Diana's mind was so absorbed by her love for David, that she scarcely realised how completely she kept it out of her letters; or that his reticence might merely have been a reflection of her own.
(of pain or sorrow) made easier to bear
From this reading Also she every now and then relieved her feelings by writing him a complete outpouring.
reticencenounUS /ˈretɪsəns/
the trait of being uncommunicative; not volunteering anything more than necessary
From this reading Diana's mind was so absorbed by her love for David, that she scarcely realised how completely she kept it out of her letters; or that his reticence might merely have been a reflection of her own.
ripeadjectiveUS /raɪp/
fully developed or matured and ready to be eaten or used
From this reading THE PROPERTY OF THE CROWN The summer passed in perpetual expectation; which, when autumn arrived, seemed ripe for fulfilment.
sandal-wood
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This, often written side by side with her letter for the mail, she would seal up in an envelope addressed to David, and place in a compartment of the sandal-wood box in which she kept all his letters, with a vague idea that some day she herself would be able to place in his hands these unposted missives.
only a very short time before
From this reading Diana's mind was so absorbed by her love for David, that she scarcely realised how completely she kept it out of her letters; or that his reticence might merely have been a reflection of her own.
sealverbUS /siːl/
make tight; secure against leakage
From this reading This, often written side by side with her letter for the mail, she would seal up in an envelope addressed to David, and place in a compartment of the sandal-wood box in which she kept all his letters, with a vague idea that some day she herself would be able to place in his hands these unposted missives.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading THE PROPERTY OF THE CROWN The summer passed in perpetual expectation; which, when autumn arrived, seemed ripe for fulfilment.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Diana's mind was so absorbed by her love for David, that she scarcely realised how completely she kept it out of her letters; or that his reticence might merely have been a reflection of her own.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading This, often written side by side with her letter for the mail, she would seal up in an envelope addressed to David, and place in a compartment of the sandal-wood box in which she kept all his letters, with a vague idea that some day she herself would be able to place in his hands these unposted missives.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Diana's mind was so absorbed by her love for David, that she scarcely realised how completely she kept it out of her letters; or that his reticence might merely have been a reflection of her own.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading This, often written side by side with her letter for the mail, she would seal up in an envelope addressed to David, and place in a compartment of the sandal-wood box in which she kept all his letters, with a vague idea that some day she herself would be able to place in his hands these unposted missives.
the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox
From this reading THE PROPERTY OF THE CROWN The summer passed in perpetual expectation; which, when autumn arrived, seemed ripe for fulfilment.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Diana's mind was so absorbed by her love for David, that she scarcely realised how completely she kept it out of her letters; or that his reticence might merely have been a reflection of her own.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE PROPERTY OF THE CROWN The summer passed in perpetual expectation; which, when autumn arrived, seemed ripe for fulfilment.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Also she every now and then relieved her feelings by writing him a complete outpouring.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading This, often written side by side with her letter for the mail, she would seal up in an envelope addressed to David, and place in a compartment of the sandal-wood box in which she kept all his letters, with a vague idea that some day she herself would be able to place in his hands these unposted missives.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This, often written side by side with her letter for the mail, she would seal up in an envelope addressed to David, and place in a compartment of the sandal-wood box in which she kept all his letters, with a vague idea that some day she herself would be able to place in his hands these unposted missives.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading This, often written side by side with her letter for the mail, she would seal up in an envelope addressed to David, and place in a compartment of the sandal-wood box in which she kept all his letters, with a vague idea that some day she herself would be able to place in his hands these unposted missives.
unposted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This, often written side by side with her letter for the mail, she would seal up in an envelope addressed to David, and place in a compartment of the sandal-wood box in which she kept all his letters, with a vague idea that some day she herself would be able to place in his hands these unposted missives.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading This, often written side by side with her letter for the mail, she would seal up in an envelope addressed to David, and place in a compartment of the sandal-wood box in which she kept all his letters, with a vague idea that some day she herself would be able to place in his hands these unposted missives.
not clearly expressed or understood
From this reading This, often written side by side with her letter for the mail, she would seal up in an envelope addressed to David, and place in a compartment of the sandal-wood box in which she kept all his letters, with a vague idea that some day she herself would be able to place in his hands these unposted missives.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Diana's mind was so absorbed by her love for David, that she scarcely realised how completely she kept it out of her letters; or that his reticence might merely have been a reflection of her own.
at the time that
From this reading THE PROPERTY OF THE CROWN The summer passed in perpetual expectation; which, when autumn arrived, seemed ripe for fulfilment.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading THE PROPERTY OF THE CROWN The summer passed in perpetual expectation; which, when autumn arrived, seemed ripe for fulfilment.
in the company of; together with
From this reading This, often written side by side with her letter for the mail, she would seal up in an envelope addressed to David, and place in a compartment of the sandal-wood box in which she kept all his letters, with a vague idea that some day she herself would be able to place in his hands these unposted missives.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading This, often written side by side with her letter for the mail, she would seal up in an envelope addressed to David, and place in a compartment of the sandal-wood box in which she kept all his letters, with a vague idea that some day she herself would be able to place in his hands these unposted missives.
the act of creating written works
From this reading Also she every now and then relieved her feelings by writing him a complete outpouring.
set down in writing in any of various ways
From this reading This, often written side by side with her letter for the mail, she would seal up in an envelope addressed to David, and place in a compartment of the sandal-wood box in which she kept all his letters, with a vague idea that some day she herself would be able to place in his hands these unposted missives.
