used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A sharp ring at the door-bell made Mrs. Duncan start from her seat, with the exclamation, “I really believe I was nodding!”
declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of
From this reading A cheery voice asking if Mrs. Duncan was at home made her look up with a pleased smile of expectation on her sweet face, and in another moment the door opened to admit a silver-haired old gentleman, with kindly blue eyes and a most benevolent expression.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Slipping out of the room she said in a whisper to the maid who passed on her way to the hall door, “The doctor is out if it is anyone to see him, Janet, and Mr. Magnus will not be in for half an hour yet;” then quietly and quickly returned to her seat by the fire, and picked up her knitting, over which she had so nearly dozed off to sleep.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Slipping out of the room she said in a whisper to the maid who passed on her way to the hall door, “The doctor is out if it is anyone to see him, Janet, and Mr. Magnus will not be in for half an hour yet;” then quietly and quickly returned to her seat by the fire, and picked up her knitting, over which she had so nearly dozed off to sleep.
declared publicly; made widely known
From this reading “Mr. Mellis!” announced Janet, and withdrew.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading A cheery voice asking if Mrs. Duncan was at home made her look up with a pleased smile of expectation on her sweet face, and in another moment the door opened to admit a silver-haired old gentleman, with kindly blue eyes and a most benevolent expression.
any person at all
From this reading Slipping out of the room she said in a whisper to the maid who passed on her way to the hall door, “The doctor is out if it is anyone to see him, Janet, and Mr. Magnus will not be in for half an hour yet;” then quietly and quickly returned to her seat by the fire, and picked up her knitting, over which she had so nearly dozed off to sleep.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading “How good of you to come and see me, dear friend!” exclaimed Mrs. Duncan, as she shook hands with her visitor; “and on such a day too!
the verbal act of requesting
From this reading A cheery voice asking if Mrs. Duncan was at home made her look up with a pleased smile of expectation on her sweet face, and in another moment the door opened to admit a silver-haired old gentleman, with kindly blue eyes and a most benevolent expression.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading A sharp ring at the door-bell made Mrs. Duncan start from her seat, with the exclamation, “I really believe I was nodding!”
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Slipping out of the room she said in a whisper to the maid who passed on her way to the hall door, “The doctor is out if it is anyone to see him, Janet, and Mr. Magnus will not be in for half an hour yet;” then quietly and quickly returned to her seat by the fire, and picked up her knitting, over which she had so nearly dozed off to sleep.
accept as true; take to be true
From this reading A sharp ring at the door-bell made Mrs. Duncan start from her seat, with the exclamation, “I really believe I was nodding!”
benevolentadjectiveUS /bəˈnevələnt/
intending or showing kindness
From this reading A cheery voice asking if Mrs. Duncan was at home made her look up with a pleased smile of expectation on her sweet face, and in another moment the door opened to admit a silver-haired old gentleman, with kindly blue eyes and a most benevolent expression.
of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky
From this reading A cheery voice asking if Mrs. Duncan was at home made her look up with a pleased smile of expectation on her sweet face, and in another moment the door opened to admit a silver-haired old gentleman, with kindly blue eyes and a most benevolent expression.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Slipping out of the room she said in a whisper to the maid who passed on her way to the hall door, “The doctor is out if it is anyone to see him, Janet, and Mr. Magnus will not be in for half an hour yet;” then quietly and quickly returned to her seat by the fire, and picked up her knitting, over which she had so nearly dozed off to sleep.
cheeryadjectiveUS /ˈtʃɪri/
bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer
From this reading A cheery voice asking if Mrs. Duncan was at home made her look up with a pleased smile of expectation on her sweet face, and in another moment the door opened to admit a silver-haired old gentleman, with kindly blue eyes and a most benevolent expression.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading “How good of you to come and see me, dear friend!” exclaimed Mrs. Duncan, as she shook hands with her visitor; “and on such a day too!
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading “How good of you to come and see me, dear friend!” exclaimed Mrs. Duncan, as she shook hands with her visitor; “and on such a day too!
dearly loved
From this reading “How good of you to come and see me, dear friend!” exclaimed Mrs. Duncan, as she shook hands with her visitor; “and on such a day too!
a licensed medical practitioner
From this reading Slipping out of the room she said in a whisper to the maid who passed on her way to the hall door, “The doctor is out if it is anyone to see him, Janet, and Mr. Magnus will not be in for half an hour yet;” then quietly and quickly returned to her seat by the fire, and picked up her knitting, over which she had so nearly dozed off to sleep.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading Slipping out of the room she said in a whisper to the maid who passed on her way to the hall door, “The doctor is out if it is anyone to see him, Janet, and Mr. Magnus will not be in for half an hour yet;” then quietly and quickly returned to her seat by the fire, and picked up her knitting, over which she had so nearly dozed off to sleep.
door-bell
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A sharp ring at the door-bell made Mrs. Duncan start from her seat, with the exclamation, “I really believe I was nodding!”
dozedverbUS /doʊzd/
past form of “doze” — sleep lightly or for a short period of time
From this reading Slipping out of the room she said in a whisper to the maid who passed on her way to the hall door, “The doctor is out if it is anyone to see him, Janet, and Mr. Magnus will not be in for half an hour yet;” then quietly and quickly returned to her seat by the fire, and picked up her knitting, over which she had so nearly dozed off to sleep.
DuncannounUS /ˈdʌŋkən/
United States dancer and pioneer of modern dance (1878-1927)
From this reading A sharp ring at the door-bell made Mrs. Duncan start from her seat, with the exclamation, “I really believe I was nodding!”
past form of “exclaim” — utter aloud; often with surprise, horror, or joy
From this reading “How good of you to come and see me, dear friend!” exclaimed Mrs. Duncan, as she shook hands with her visitor; “and on such a day too!
exclamationnounUS /ˌekskləˈmeɪʃən/
an abrupt excited utterance
From this reading A sharp ring at the door-bell made Mrs. Duncan start from her seat, with the exclamation, “I really believe I was nodding!”
expectationnounUS /ˌekspekˈteɪʃən/
belief about (or mental picture of) the future
From this reading A cheery voice asking if Mrs. Duncan was at home made her look up with a pleased smile of expectation on her sweet face, and in another moment the door opened to admit a silver-haired old gentleman, with kindly blue eyes and a most benevolent expression.
the feelings expressed on a person's face
From this reading A cheery voice asking if Mrs. Duncan was at home made her look up with a pleased smile of expectation on her sweet face, and in another moment the door opened to admit a silver-haired old gentleman, with kindly blue eyes and a most benevolent expression.
opinion or judgment
From this reading A cheery voice asking if Mrs. Duncan was at home made her look up with a pleased smile of expectation on her sweet face, and in another moment the door opened to admit a silver-haired old gentleman, with kindly blue eyes and a most benevolent expression.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading A cheery voice asking if Mrs. Duncan was at home made her look up with a pleased smile of expectation on her sweet face, and in another moment the door opened to admit a silver-haired old gentleman, with kindly blue eyes and a most benevolent expression.
start firing a weapon
From this reading Slipping out of the room she said in a whisper to the maid who passed on her way to the hall door, “The doctor is out if it is anyone to see him, Janet, and Mr. Magnus will not be in for half an hour yet;” then quietly and quickly returned to her seat by the fire, and picked up her knitting, over which she had so nearly dozed off to sleep.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Slipping out of the room she said in a whisper to the maid who passed on her way to the hall door, “The doctor is out if it is anyone to see him, Janet, and Mr. Magnus will not be in for half an hour yet;” then quietly and quickly returned to her seat by the fire, and picked up her knitting, over which she had so nearly dozed off to sleep.
a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading “How good of you to come and see me, dear friend!” exclaimed Mrs. Duncan, as she shook hands with her visitor; “and on such a day too!
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading A sharp ring at the door-bell made Mrs. Duncan start from her seat, with the exclamation, “I really believe I was nodding!”
a man of refinement
From this reading A cheery voice asking if Mrs. Duncan was at home made her look up with a pleased smile of expectation on her sweet face, and in another moment the door opened to admit a silver-haired old gentleman, with kindly blue eyes and a most benevolent expression.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading “How good of you to come and see me, dear friend!” exclaimed Mrs. Duncan, as she shook hands with her visitor; “and on such a day too!
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Slipping out of the room she said in a whisper to the maid who passed on her way to the hall door, “The doctor is out if it is anyone to see him, Janet, and Mr. Magnus will not be in for half an hour yet;” then quietly and quickly returned to her seat by the fire, and picked up her knitting, over which she had so nearly dozed off to sleep.
consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity
From this reading Slipping out of the room she said in a whisper to the maid who passed on her way to the hall door, “The doctor is out if it is anyone to see him, Janet, and Mr. Magnus will not be in for half an hour yet;” then quietly and quickly returned to her seat by the fire, and picked up her knitting, over which she had so nearly dozed off to sleep.
an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open
From this reading Slipping out of the room she said in a whisper to the maid who passed on her way to the hall door, “The doctor is out if it is anyone to see him, Janet, and Mr. Magnus will not be in for half an hour yet;” then quietly and quickly returned to her seat by the fire, and picked up her knitting, over which she had so nearly dozed off to sleep.
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading “How good of you to come and see me, dear friend!” exclaimed Mrs. Duncan, as she shook hands with her visitor; “and on such a day too!
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading A sharp ring at the door-bell made Mrs. Duncan start from her seat, with the exclamation, “I really believe I was nodding!”
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Slipping out of the room she said in a whisper to the maid who passed on her way to the hall door, “The doctor is out if it is anyone to see him, Janet, and Mr. Magnus will not be in for half an hour yet;” then quietly and quickly returned to her seat by the fire, and picked up her knitting, over which she had so nearly dozed off to sleep.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading A cheery voice asking if Mrs. Duncan was at home made her look up with a pleased smile of expectation on her sweet face, and in another moment the door opened to admit a silver-haired old gentleman, with kindly blue eyes and a most benevolent expression.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading Slipping out of the room she said in a whisper to the maid who passed on her way to the hall door, “The doctor is out if it is anyone to see him, Janet, and Mr. Magnus will not be in for half an hour yet;” then quietly and quickly returned to her seat by the fire, and picked up her knitting, over which she had so nearly dozed off to sleep.
How
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “How good of you to come and see me, dear friend!” exclaimed Mrs. Duncan, as she shook hands with her visitor; “and on such a day too!
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading A sharp ring at the door-bell made Mrs. Duncan start from her seat, with the exclamation, “I really believe I was nodding!”
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Slipping out of the room she said in a whisper to the maid who passed on her way to the hall door, “The doctor is out if it is anyone to see him, Janet, and Mr. Magnus will not be in for half an hour yet;” then quietly and quickly returned to her seat by the fire, and picked up her knitting, over which she had so nearly dozed off to sleep.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Slipping out of the room she said in a whisper to the maid who passed on her way to the hall door, “The doctor is out if it is anyone to see him, Janet, and Mr. Magnus will not be in for half an hour yet;” then quietly and quickly returned to her seat by the fire, and picked up her knitting, over which she had so nearly dozed off to sleep.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Slipping out of the room she said in a whisper to the maid who passed on her way to the hall door, “The doctor is out if it is anyone to see him, Janet, and Mr. Magnus will not be in for half an hour yet;” then quietly and quickly returned to her seat by the fire, and picked up her knitting, over which she had so nearly dozed off to sleep.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Slipping out of the room she said in a whisper to the maid who passed on her way to the hall door, “The doctor is out if it is anyone to see him, Janet, and Mr. Magnus will not be in for half an hour yet;” then quietly and quickly returned to her seat by the fire, and picked up her knitting, over which she had so nearly dozed off to sleep.
Janet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Slipping out of the room she said in a whisper to the maid who passed on her way to the hall door, “The doctor is out if it is anyone to see him, Janet, and Mr. Magnus will not be in for half an hour yet;” then quietly and quickly returned to her seat by the fire, and picked up her knitting, over which she had so nearly dozed off to sleep.
showing or motivated by sympathy and understanding and generosity
From this reading A cheery voice asking if Mrs. Duncan was at home made her look up with a pleased smile of expectation on her sweet face, and in another moment the door opened to admit a silver-haired old gentleman, with kindly blue eyes and a most benevolent expression.
knittingnounUS /ˈnɪtɪŋ/
needlework created by interlacing yarn in a series of connected loops using straight eyeless needles or by machine
From this reading Slipping out of the room she said in a whisper to the maid who passed on her way to the hall door, “The doctor is out if it is anyone to see him, Janet, and Mr. Magnus will not be in for half an hour yet;” then quietly and quickly returned to her seat by the fire, and picked up her knitting, over which she had so nearly dozed off to sleep.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading A cheery voice asking if Mrs. Duncan was at home made her look up with a pleased smile of expectation on her sweet face, and in another moment the door opened to admit a silver-haired old gentleman, with kindly blue eyes and a most benevolent expression.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading A sharp ring at the door-bell made Mrs. Duncan start from her seat, with the exclamation, “I really believe I was nodding!”
Magnus
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Slipping out of the room she said in a whisper to the maid who passed on her way to the hall door, “The doctor is out if it is anyone to see him, Janet, and Mr. Magnus will not be in for half an hour yet;” then quietly and quickly returned to her seat by the fire, and picked up her knitting, over which she had so nearly dozed off to sleep.
a female domestic
From this reading Slipping out of the room she said in a whisper to the maid who passed on her way to the hall door, “The doctor is out if it is anyone to see him, Janet, and Mr. Magnus will not be in for half an hour yet;” then quietly and quickly returned to her seat by the fire, and picked up her knitting, over which she had so nearly dozed off to sleep.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading “How good of you to come and see me, dear friend!” exclaimed Mrs. Duncan, as she shook hands with her visitor; “and on such a day too!
Mellis
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Mr. Mellis!” announced Janet, and withdrew.
a particular point in time
From this reading A cheery voice asking if Mrs. Duncan was at home made her look up with a pleased smile of expectation on her sweet face, and in another moment the door opened to admit a silver-haired old gentleman, with kindly blue eyes and a most benevolent expression.
used to form the superlative
From this reading A cheery voice asking if Mrs. Duncan was at home made her look up with a pleased smile of expectation on her sweet face, and in another moment the door opened to admit a silver-haired old gentleman, with kindly blue eyes and a most benevolent expression.
a form of address for a man
From this reading Slipping out of the room she said in a whisper to the maid who passed on her way to the hall door, “The doctor is out if it is anyone to see him, Janet, and Mr. Magnus will not be in for half an hour yet;” then quietly and quickly returned to her seat by the fire, and picked up her knitting, over which she had so nearly dozed off to sleep.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading A sharp ring at the door-bell made Mrs. Duncan start from her seat, with the exclamation, “I really believe I was nodding!”
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading Slipping out of the room she said in a whisper to the maid who passed on her way to the hall door, “The doctor is out if it is anyone to see him, Janet, and Mr. Magnus will not be in for half an hour yet;” then quietly and quickly returned to her seat by the fire, and picked up her knitting, over which she had so nearly dozed off to sleep.
noddingadjectiveUS /ˈnɑːdɪŋ/
having branches or flower heads that bend downward
From this reading A sharp ring at the door-bell made Mrs. Duncan start from her seat, with the exclamation, “I really believe I was nodding!”
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Slipping out of the room she said in a whisper to the maid who passed on her way to the hall door, “The doctor is out if it is anyone to see him, Janet, and Mr. Magnus will not be in for half an hour yet;” then quietly and quickly returned to her seat by the fire, and picked up her knitting, over which she had so nearly dozed off to sleep.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Slipping out of the room she said in a whisper to the maid who passed on her way to the hall door, “The doctor is out if it is anyone to see him, Janet, and Mr. Magnus will not be in for half an hour yet;” then quietly and quickly returned to her seat by the fire, and picked up her knitting, over which she had so nearly dozed off to sleep.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Slipping out of the room she said in a whisper to the maid who passed on her way to the hall door, “The doctor is out if it is anyone to see him, Janet, and Mr. Magnus will not be in for half an hour yet;” then quietly and quickly returned to her seat by the fire, and picked up her knitting, over which she had so nearly dozed off to sleep.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading A cheery voice asking if Mrs. Duncan was at home made her look up with a pleased smile of expectation on her sweet face, and in another moment the door opened to admit a silver-haired old gentleman, with kindly blue eyes and a most benevolent expression.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Slipping out of the room she said in a whisper to the maid who passed on her way to the hall door, “The doctor is out if it is anyone to see him, Janet, and Mr. Magnus will not be in for half an hour yet;” then quietly and quickly returned to her seat by the fire, and picked up her knitting, over which she had so nearly dozed off to sleep.
used of mouth or eyes
From this reading A cheery voice asking if Mrs. Duncan was at home made her look up with a pleased smile of expectation on her sweet face, and in another moment the door opened to admit a silver-haired old gentleman, with kindly blue eyes and a most benevolent expression.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Slipping out of the room she said in a whisper to the maid who passed on her way to the hall door, “The doctor is out if it is anyone to see him, Janet, and Mr. Magnus will not be in for half an hour yet;” then quietly and quickly returned to her seat by the fire, and picked up her knitting, over which she had so nearly dozed off to sleep.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Slipping out of the room she said in a whisper to the maid who passed on her way to the hall door, “The doctor is out if it is anyone to see him, Janet, and Mr. Magnus will not be in for half an hour yet;” then quietly and quickly returned to her seat by the fire, and picked up her knitting, over which she had so nearly dozed off to sleep.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading Slipping out of the room she said in a whisper to the maid who passed on her way to the hall door, “The doctor is out if it is anyone to see him, Janet, and Mr. Magnus will not be in for half an hour yet;” then quietly and quickly returned to her seat by the fire, and picked up her knitting, over which she had so nearly dozed off to sleep.
past form of “pick” — select carefully from a group
From this reading Slipping out of the room she said in a whisper to the maid who passed on her way to the hall door, “The doctor is out if it is anyone to see him, Janet, and Mr. Magnus will not be in for half an hour yet;” then quietly and quickly returned to her seat by the fire, and picked up her knitting, over which she had so nearly dozed off to sleep.
experiencing or manifesting pleasure
From this reading A cheery voice asking if Mrs. Duncan was at home made her look up with a pleased smile of expectation on her sweet face, and in another moment the door opened to admit a silver-haired old gentleman, with kindly blue eyes and a most benevolent expression.
with speed
From this reading Slipping out of the room she said in a whisper to the maid who passed on her way to the hall door, “The doctor is out if it is anyone to see him, Janet, and Mr. Magnus will not be in for half an hour yet;” then quietly and quickly returned to her seat by the fire, and picked up her knitting, over which she had so nearly dozed off to sleep.
with low volume
From this reading Slipping out of the room she said in a whisper to the maid who passed on her way to the hall door, “The doctor is out if it is anyone to see him, Janet, and Mr. Magnus will not be in for half an hour yet;” then quietly and quickly returned to her seat by the fire, and picked up her knitting, over which she had so nearly dozed off to sleep.
in accordance with truth or fact or reality
From this reading A sharp ring at the door-bell made Mrs. Duncan start from her seat, with the exclamation, “I really believe I was nodding!”
past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading Slipping out of the room she said in a whisper to the maid who passed on her way to the hall door, “The doctor is out if it is anyone to see him, Janet, and Mr. Magnus will not be in for half an hour yet;” then quietly and quickly returned to her seat by the fire, and picked up her knitting, over which she had so nearly dozed off to sleep.
sound loudly and sonorously
From this reading A sharp ring at the door-bell made Mrs. Duncan start from her seat, with the exclamation, “I really believe I was nodding!”
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading Slipping out of the room she said in a whisper to the maid who passed on her way to the hall door, “The doctor is out if it is anyone to see him, Janet, and Mr. Magnus will not be in for half an hour yet;” then quietly and quickly returned to her seat by the fire, and picked up her knitting, over which she had so nearly dozed off to sleep.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading Slipping out of the room she said in a whisper to the maid who passed on her way to the hall door, “The doctor is out if it is anyone to see him, Janet, and Mr. Magnus will not be in for half an hour yet;” then quietly and quickly returned to her seat by the fire, and picked up her knitting, over which she had so nearly dozed off to sleep.
a space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or on a train or airplane)
From this reading A sharp ring at the door-bell made Mrs. Duncan start from her seat, with the exclamation, “I really believe I was nodding!”
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading Slipping out of the room she said in a whisper to the maid who passed on her way to the hall door, “The doctor is out if it is anyone to see him, Janet, and Mr. Magnus will not be in for half an hour yet;” then quietly and quickly returned to her seat by the fire, and picked up her knitting, over which she had so nearly dozed off to sleep.
(of something seen or heard) clearly defined
From this reading A sharp ring at the door-bell made Mrs. Duncan start from her seat, with the exclamation, “I really believe I was nodding!”
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Slipping out of the room she said in a whisper to the maid who passed on her way to the hall door, “The doctor is out if it is anyone to see him, Janet, and Mr. Magnus will not be in for half an hour yet;” then quietly and quickly returned to her seat by the fire, and picked up her knitting, over which she had so nearly dozed off to sleep.
a disassembled barrel; the parts packed for storage or shipment
From this reading “How good of you to come and see me, dear friend!” exclaimed Mrs. Duncan, as she shook hands with her visitor; “and on such a day too!
silver-hairedadjective
having hair the color of silver
From this reading A cheery voice asking if Mrs. Duncan was at home made her look up with a pleased smile of expectation on her sweet face, and in another moment the door opened to admit a silver-haired old gentleman, with kindly blue eyes and a most benevolent expression.
a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended
From this reading Slipping out of the room she said in a whisper to the maid who passed on her way to the hall door, “The doctor is out if it is anyone to see him, Janet, and Mr. Magnus will not be in for half an hour yet;” then quietly and quickly returned to her seat by the fire, and picked up her knitting, over which she had so nearly dozed off to sleep.
SlippingadjectiveUS /ˈslɪpɪŋ/
moving as on a slippery surface
From this reading Slipping out of the room she said in a whisper to the maid who passed on her way to the hall door, “The doctor is out if it is anyone to see him, Janet, and Mr. Magnus will not be in for half an hour yet;” then quietly and quickly returned to her seat by the fire, and picked up her knitting, over which she had so nearly dozed off to sleep.
change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure
From this reading A cheery voice asking if Mrs. Duncan was at home made her look up with a pleased smile of expectation on her sweet face, and in another moment the door opened to admit a silver-haired old gentleman, with kindly blue eyes and a most benevolent expression.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Slipping out of the room she said in a whisper to the maid who passed on her way to the hall door, “The doctor is out if it is anyone to see him, Janet, and Mr. Magnus will not be in for half an hour yet;” then quietly and quickly returned to her seat by the fire, and picked up her knitting, over which she had so nearly dozed off to sleep.
take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading A sharp ring at the door-bell made Mrs. Duncan start from her seat, with the exclamation, “I really believe I was nodding!”
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading “How good of you to come and see me, dear friend!” exclaimed Mrs. Duncan, as she shook hands with her visitor; “and on such a day too!
having or denoting the characteristic taste of sugar
From this reading A cheery voice asking if Mrs. Duncan was at home made her look up with a pleased smile of expectation on her sweet face, and in another moment the door opened to admit a silver-haired old gentleman, with kindly blue eyes and a most benevolent expression.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A sharp ring at the door-bell made Mrs. Duncan start from her seat, with the exclamation, “I really believe I was nodding!”
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Slipping out of the room she said in a whisper to the maid who passed on her way to the hall door, “The doctor is out if it is anyone to see him, Janet, and Mr. Magnus will not be in for half an hour yet;” then quietly and quickly returned to her seat by the fire, and picked up her knitting, over which she had so nearly dozed off to sleep.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Slipping out of the room she said in a whisper to the maid who passed on her way to the hall door, “The doctor is out if it is anyone to see him, Janet, and Mr. Magnus will not be in for half an hour yet;” then quietly and quickly returned to her seat by the fire, and picked up her knitting, over which she had so nearly dozed off to sleep.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading “How good of you to come and see me, dear friend!” exclaimed Mrs. Duncan, as she shook hands with her visitor; “and on such a day too!
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Slipping out of the room she said in a whisper to the maid who passed on her way to the hall door, “The doctor is out if it is anyone to see him, Janet, and Mr. Magnus will not be in for half an hour yet;” then quietly and quickly returned to her seat by the fire, and picked up her knitting, over which she had so nearly dozed off to sleep.
someone who visits
From this reading “How good of you to come and see me, dear friend!” exclaimed Mrs. Duncan, as she shook hands with her visitor; “and on such a day too!
the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading A cheery voice asking if Mrs. Duncan was at home made her look up with a pleased smile of expectation on her sweet face, and in another moment the door opened to admit a silver-haired old gentleman, with kindly blue eyes and a most benevolent expression.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A sharp ring at the door-bell made Mrs. Duncan start from her seat, with the exclamation, “I really believe I was nodding!”
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Slipping out of the room she said in a whisper to the maid who passed on her way to the hall door, “The doctor is out if it is anyone to see him, Janet, and Mr. Magnus will not be in for half an hour yet;” then quietly and quickly returned to her seat by the fire, and picked up her knitting, over which she had so nearly dozed off to sleep.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Slipping out of the room she said in a whisper to the maid who passed on her way to the hall door, “The doctor is out if it is anyone to see him, Janet, and Mr. Magnus will not be in for half an hour yet;” then quietly and quickly returned to her seat by the fire, and picked up her knitting, over which she had so nearly dozed off to sleep.
speaking softly without vibration of the vocal cords
From this reading Slipping out of the room she said in a whisper to the maid who passed on her way to the hall door, “The doctor is out if it is anyone to see him, Janet, and Mr. Magnus will not be in for half an hour yet;” then quietly and quickly returned to her seat by the fire, and picked up her knitting, over which she had so nearly dozed off to sleep.
which person or people
From this reading Slipping out of the room she said in a whisper to the maid who passed on her way to the hall door, “The doctor is out if it is anyone to see him, Janet, and Mr. Magnus will not be in for half an hour yet;” then quietly and quickly returned to her seat by the fire, and picked up her knitting, over which she had so nearly dozed off to sleep.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading Slipping out of the room she said in a whisper to the maid who passed on her way to the hall door, “The doctor is out if it is anyone to see him, Janet, and Mr. Magnus will not be in for half an hour yet;” then quietly and quickly returned to her seat by the fire, and picked up her knitting, over which she had so nearly dozed off to sleep.
in the company of; together with
From this reading A sharp ring at the door-bell made Mrs. Duncan start from her seat, with the exclamation, “I really believe I was nodding!”
withdrewverbUS /wɪθˈdruː/
inflected form of “withdraw” — pull back or move away or backward
From this reading “Mr. Mellis!” announced Janet, and withdrew.
but in spite of that
From this reading Slipping out of the room she said in a whisper to the maid who passed on her way to the hall door, “The doctor is out if it is anyone to see him, Janet, and Mr. Magnus will not be in for half an hour yet;” then quietly and quickly returned to her seat by the fire, and picked up her knitting, over which she had so nearly dozed off to sleep.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “How good of you to come and see me, dear friend!” exclaimed Mrs. Duncan, as she shook hands with her visitor; “and on such a day too!
