used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading In regard to her father's memory she felt a great curiosity and displayed a profound interest; for the man himself she could have had little affection and could entertain no real grief; in fact, though she professed and tried to forgive, she never shook herself quite clear of resentment, even though she, if anybody, ought to have come nearest to understanding his stern resolve.
a positive feeling of liking
From this reading In regard to her father's memory she felt a great curiosity and displayed a profound interest; for the man himself she could have had little affection and could entertain no real grief; in fact, though she professed and tried to forgive, she never shook herself quite clear of resentment, even though she, if anybody, ought to have come nearest to understanding his stern resolve.
a feeling of delight at being entertained
From this reading The big world was entirely new to Jenny; though she could not yet take--shall I say storm?--her place in society, much instruction, and more amusement, lay open to her grasp even in the days of her obligatory mourning.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading AN UNPOPULAR MAN Miss Driver stayed away longer than her words had led me to expect.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading London and Paris--the names are in themselves explanation enough.
any person at all
From this reading In regard to her father's memory she felt a great curiosity and displayed a profound interest; for the man himself she could have had little affection and could entertain no real grief; in fact, though she professed and tried to forgive, she never shook herself quite clear of resentment, even though she, if anybody, ought to have come nearest to understanding his stern resolve.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading London and Paris--the names are in themselves explanation enough.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading On the other hand that same period could not but be very tedious to her if passed at Breysgate.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading AN UNPOPULAR MAN Miss Driver stayed away longer than her words had led me to expect.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading On the other hand that same period could not but be very tedious to her if passed at Breysgate.
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The big world was entirely new to Jenny; though she could not yet take--shall I say storm?--her place in society, much instruction, and more amusement, lay open to her grasp even in the days of her obligatory mourning.
Breysgate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the other hand that same period could not but be very tedious to her if passed at Breysgate.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading On the other hand that same period could not but be very tedious to her if passed at Breysgate.
rid of obstructions
From this reading In regard to her father's memory she felt a great curiosity and displayed a profound interest; for the man himself she could have had little affection and could entertain no real grief; in fact, though she professed and tried to forgive, she never shook herself quite clear of resentment, even though she, if anybody, ought to have come nearest to understanding his stern resolve.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading In regard to her father's memory she felt a great curiosity and displayed a profound interest; for the man himself she could have had little affection and could entertain no real grief; in fact, though she professed and tried to forgive, she never shook herself quite clear of resentment, even though she, if anybody, ought to have come nearest to understanding his stern resolve.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading The big world was entirely new to Jenny; though she could not yet take--shall I say storm?--her place in society, much instruction, and more amusement, lay open to her grasp even in the days of her obligatory mourning.
a state in which you want to learn more about something
From this reading In regard to her father's memory she felt a great curiosity and displayed a profound interest; for the man himself she could have had little affection and could entertain no real grief; in fact, though she professed and tried to forgive, she never shook herself quite clear of resentment, even though she, if anybody, ought to have come nearest to understanding his stern resolve.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading The big world was entirely new to Jenny; though she could not yet take--shall I say storm?--her place in society, much instruction, and more amusement, lay open to her grasp even in the days of her obligatory mourning.
displayedverbUS /dɪˈspleɪd/
past form of “display” — to show, make visible or apparent
From this reading In regard to her father's memory she felt a great curiosity and displayed a profound interest; for the man himself she could have had little affection and could entertain no real grief; in fact, though she professed and tried to forgive, she never shook herself quite clear of resentment, even though she, if anybody, ought to have come nearest to understanding his stern resolve.
DrivernounUS /ˈdraɪvər/
the operator of a motor vehicle
From this reading AN UNPOPULAR MAN Miss Driver stayed away longer than her words had led me to expect.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading London and Paris--the names are in themselves explanation enough.
entertainverbUS /ˌentərˈteɪn/
provide entertainment for
From this reading In regard to her father's memory she felt a great curiosity and displayed a profound interest; for the man himself she could have had little affection and could entertain no real grief; in fact, though she professed and tried to forgive, she never shook herself quite clear of resentment, even though she, if anybody, ought to have come nearest to understanding his stern resolve.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading The big world was entirely new to Jenny; though she could not yet take--shall I say storm?--her place in society, much instruction, and more amusement, lay open to her grasp even in the days of her obligatory mourning.
divisible by two
From this reading The big world was entirely new to Jenny; though she could not yet take--shall I say storm?--her place in society, much instruction, and more amusement, lay open to her grasp even in the days of her obligatory mourning.
regard something as probable or likely
From this reading AN UNPOPULAR MAN Miss Driver stayed away longer than her words had led me to expect.
a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.
From this reading London and Paris--the names are in themselves explanation enough.
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading In regard to her father's memory she felt a great curiosity and displayed a profound interest; for the man himself she could have had little affection and could entertain no real grief; in fact, though she professed and tried to forgive, she never shook herself quite clear of resentment, even though she, if anybody, ought to have come nearest to understanding his stern resolve.
father'snounUS /ˈfɑːðərz/
possessive form of “father” — a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading In regard to her father's memory she felt a great curiosity and displayed a profound interest; for the man himself she could have had little affection and could entertain no real grief; in fact, though she professed and tried to forgive, she never shook herself quite clear of resentment, even though she, if anybody, ought to have come nearest to understanding his stern resolve.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading In regard to her father's memory she felt a great curiosity and displayed a profound interest; for the man himself she could have had little affection and could entertain no real grief; in fact, though she professed and tried to forgive, she never shook herself quite clear of resentment, even though she, if anybody, ought to have come nearest to understanding his stern resolve.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading In regard to her father's memory she felt a great curiosity and displayed a profound interest; for the man himself she could have had little affection and could entertain no real grief; in fact, though she professed and tried to forgive, she never shook herself quite clear of resentment, even though she, if anybody, ought to have come nearest to understanding his stern resolve.
stop blaming or grant forgiveness
From this reading In regard to her father's memory she felt a great curiosity and displayed a profound interest; for the man himself she could have had little affection and could entertain no real grief; in fact, though she professed and tried to forgive, she never shook herself quite clear of resentment, even though she, if anybody, ought to have come nearest to understanding his stern resolve.
hold firmly
From this reading The big world was entirely new to Jenny; though she could not yet take--shall I say storm?--her place in society, much instruction, and more amusement, lay open to her grasp even in the days of her obligatory mourning.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading In regard to her father's memory she felt a great curiosity and displayed a profound interest; for the man himself she could have had little affection and could entertain no real grief; in fact, though she professed and tried to forgive, she never shook herself quite clear of resentment, even though she, if anybody, ought to have come nearest to understanding his stern resolve.
intense sorrow caused by loss of a loved one (especially by death)
From this reading In regard to her father's memory she felt a great curiosity and displayed a profound interest; for the man himself she could have had little affection and could entertain no real grief; in fact, though she professed and tried to forgive, she never shook herself quite clear of resentment, even though she, if anybody, ought to have come nearest to understanding his stern resolve.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading AN UNPOPULAR MAN Miss Driver stayed away longer than her words had led me to expect.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading On the other hand that same period could not but be very tedious to her if passed at Breysgate.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading In regard to her father's memory she felt a great curiosity and displayed a profound interest; for the man himself she could have had little affection and could entertain no real grief; in fact, though she professed and tried to forgive, she never shook herself quite clear of resentment, even though she, if anybody, ought to have come nearest to understanding his stern resolve.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading AN UNPOPULAR MAN Miss Driver stayed away longer than her words had led me to expect.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading In regard to her father's memory she felt a great curiosity and displayed a profound interest; for the man himself she could have had little affection and could entertain no real grief; in fact, though she professed and tried to forgive, she never shook herself quite clear of resentment, even though she, if anybody, ought to have come nearest to understanding his stern resolve.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading In regard to her father's memory she felt a great curiosity and displayed a profound interest; for the man himself she could have had little affection and could entertain no real grief; in fact, though she professed and tried to forgive, she never shook herself quite clear of resentment, even though she, if anybody, ought to have come nearest to understanding his stern resolve.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading In regard to her father's memory she felt a great curiosity and displayed a profound interest; for the man himself she could have had little affection and could entertain no real grief; in fact, though she professed and tried to forgive, she never shook herself quite clear of resentment, even though she, if anybody, ought to have come nearest to understanding his stern resolve.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading The big world was entirely new to Jenny; though she could not yet take--shall I say storm?--her place in society, much instruction, and more amusement, lay open to her grasp even in the days of her obligatory mourning.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading On the other hand that same period could not but be very tedious to her if passed at Breysgate.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading London and Paris--the names are in themselves explanation enough.
instructionnounUS /ˌɪnˈstrʌkʃən/
a message describing how something is to be done
From this reading The big world was entirely new to Jenny; though she could not yet take--shall I say storm?--her place in society, much instruction, and more amusement, lay open to her grasp even in the days of her obligatory mourning.
a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
From this reading In regard to her father's memory she felt a great curiosity and displayed a profound interest; for the man himself she could have had little affection and could entertain no real grief; in fact, though she professed and tried to forgive, she never shook herself quite clear of resentment, even though she, if anybody, ought to have come nearest to understanding his stern resolve.
JennynounUS /ˈdʒeni/
United States architect who designed the first skyscraper in which a metal skeleton was used (1832-1907)
From this reading The big world was entirely new to Jenny; though she could not yet take--shall I say storm?--her place in society, much instruction, and more amusement, lay open to her grasp even in the days of her obligatory mourning.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading The big world was entirely new to Jenny; though she could not yet take--shall I say storm?--her place in society, much instruction, and more amusement, lay open to her grasp even in the days of her obligatory mourning.
diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used
From this reading AN UNPOPULAR MAN Miss Driver stayed away longer than her words had led me to expect.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading In regard to her father's memory she felt a great curiosity and displayed a profound interest; for the man himself she could have had little affection and could entertain no real grief; in fact, though she professed and tried to forgive, she never shook herself quite clear of resentment, even though she, if anybody, ought to have come nearest to understanding his stern resolve.
the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center
From this reading London and Paris--the names are in themselves explanation enough.
for more time
From this reading AN UNPOPULAR MAN Miss Driver stayed away longer than her words had led me to expect.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading AN UNPOPULAR MAN Miss Driver stayed away longer than her words had led me to expect.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading AN UNPOPULAR MAN Miss Driver stayed away longer than her words had led me to expect.
The faculty by which the mind stores and remembers information and knowledge.
From this reading In regard to her father's memory she felt a great curiosity and displayed a profound interest; for the man himself she could have had little affection and could entertain no real grief; in fact, though she professed and tried to forgive, she never shook herself quite clear of resentment, even though she, if anybody, ought to have come nearest to understanding his stern resolve.
fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind
From this reading AN UNPOPULAR MAN Miss Driver stayed away longer than her words had led me to expect.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading The big world was entirely new to Jenny; though she could not yet take--shall I say storm?--her place in society, much instruction, and more amusement, lay open to her grasp even in the days of her obligatory mourning.
mourningnounUS /ˈmɔːrnɪŋ/
state of sorrow over the death or departure of a loved one
From this reading The big world was entirely new to Jenny; though she could not yet take--shall I say storm?--her place in society, much instruction, and more amusement, lay open to her grasp even in the days of her obligatory mourning.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading The big world was entirely new to Jenny; though she could not yet take--shall I say storm?--her place in society, much instruction, and more amusement, lay open to her grasp even in the days of her obligatory mourning.
verbal abuse; a crude substitute for argument
From this reading London and Paris--the names are in themselves explanation enough.
(superlative of “near” or “close”) within the shortest distance
From this reading In regard to her father's memory she felt a great curiosity and displayed a profound interest; for the man himself she could have had little affection and could entertain no real grief; in fact, though she professed and tried to forgive, she never shook herself quite clear of resentment, even though she, if anybody, ought to have come nearest to understanding his stern resolve.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading In regard to her father's memory she felt a great curiosity and displayed a profound interest; for the man himself she could have had little affection and could entertain no real grief; in fact, though she professed and tried to forgive, she never shook herself quite clear of resentment, even though she, if anybody, ought to have come nearest to understanding his stern resolve.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading The big world was entirely new to Jenny; though she could not yet take--shall I say storm?--her place in society, much instruction, and more amusement, lay open to her grasp even in the days of her obligatory mourning.
not any; not one
From this reading In regard to her father's memory she felt a great curiosity and displayed a profound interest; for the man himself she could have had little affection and could entertain no real grief; in fact, though she professed and tried to forgive, she never shook herself quite clear of resentment, even though she, if anybody, ought to have come nearest to understanding his stern resolve.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The big world was entirely new to Jenny; though she could not yet take--shall I say storm?--her place in society, much instruction, and more amusement, lay open to her grasp even in the days of her obligatory mourning.
obligatoryadjectiveUS /əˈblɪɡətɔːri/
morally or legally constraining or binding
From this reading The big world was entirely new to Jenny; though she could not yet take--shall I say storm?--her place in society, much instruction, and more amusement, lay open to her grasp even in the days of her obligatory mourning.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The big world was entirely new to Jenny; though she could not yet take--shall I say storm?--her place in society, much instruction, and more amusement, lay open to her grasp even in the days of her obligatory mourning.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading On the other hand that same period could not but be very tedious to her if passed at Breysgate.
To move from a closed position.
From this reading The big world was entirely new to Jenny; though she could not yet take--shall I say storm?--her place in society, much instruction, and more amusement, lay open to her grasp even in the days of her obligatory mourning.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading On the other hand that same period could not but be very tedious to her if passed at Breysgate.
used with “to” to say what is right or advisable
From this reading In regard to her father's memory she felt a great curiosity and displayed a profound interest; for the man himself she could have had little affection and could entertain no real grief; in fact, though she professed and tried to forgive, she never shook herself quite clear of resentment, even though she, if anybody, ought to have come nearest to understanding his stern resolve.
the capital and largest city of France; and international center of culture and commerce
From this reading London and Paris--the names are in themselves explanation enough.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading On the other hand that same period could not but be very tedious to her if passed at Breysgate.
an amount of time
From this reading On the other hand that same period could not but be very tedious to her if passed at Breysgate.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading The big world was entirely new to Jenny; though she could not yet take--shall I say storm?--her place in society, much instruction, and more amusement, lay open to her grasp even in the days of her obligatory mourning.
professedadjectiveUS /prəˈfest/
professing to be qualified
From this reading In regard to her father's memory she felt a great curiosity and displayed a profound interest; for the man himself she could have had little affection and could entertain no real grief; in fact, though she professed and tried to forgive, she never shook herself quite clear of resentment, even though she, if anybody, ought to have come nearest to understanding his stern resolve.
showing intellectual penetration or emotional depth
From this reading In regard to her father's memory she felt a great curiosity and displayed a profound interest; for the man himself she could have had little affection and could entertain no real grief; in fact, though she professed and tried to forgive, she never shook herself quite clear of resentment, even though she, if anybody, ought to have come nearest to understanding his stern resolve.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading In regard to her father's memory she felt a great curiosity and displayed a profound interest; for the man himself she could have had little affection and could entertain no real grief; in fact, though she professed and tried to forgive, she never shook herself quite clear of resentment, even though she, if anybody, ought to have come nearest to understanding his stern resolve.
being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory
From this reading In regard to her father's memory she felt a great curiosity and displayed a profound interest; for the man himself she could have had little affection and could entertain no real grief; in fact, though she professed and tried to forgive, she never shook herself quite clear of resentment, even though she, if anybody, ought to have come nearest to understanding his stern resolve.
(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point
From this reading In regard to her father's memory she felt a great curiosity and displayed a profound interest; for the man himself she could have had little affection and could entertain no real grief; in fact, though she professed and tried to forgive, she never shook herself quite clear of resentment, even though she, if anybody, ought to have come nearest to understanding his stern resolve.
resentmentnounUS /rɪˈzentmənt/
a feeling of deep and bitter anger and ill-will
From this reading In regard to her father's memory she felt a great curiosity and displayed a profound interest; for the man himself she could have had little affection and could entertain no real grief; in fact, though she professed and tried to forgive, she never shook herself quite clear of resentment, even though she, if anybody, ought to have come nearest to understanding his stern resolve.
resolveverbUS /riˈzɑːlv/
bring to an end; settle conclusively
From this reading In regard to her father's memory she felt a great curiosity and displayed a profound interest; for the man himself she could have had little affection and could entertain no real grief; in fact, though she professed and tried to forgive, she never shook herself quite clear of resentment, even though she, if anybody, ought to have come nearest to understanding his stern resolve.
Identical; not different.
From this reading On the other hand that same period could not but be very tedious to her if passed at Breysgate.
express in words
From this reading The big world was entirely new to Jenny; though she could not yet take--shall I say storm?--her place in society, much instruction, and more amusement, lay open to her grasp even in the days of her obligatory mourning.
used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest
From this reading The big world was entirely new to Jenny; though she could not yet take--shall I say storm?--her place in society, much instruction, and more amusement, lay open to her grasp even in the days of her obligatory mourning.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The big world was entirely new to Jenny; though she could not yet take--shall I say storm?--her place in society, much instruction, and more amusement, lay open to her grasp even in the days of her obligatory mourning.
a disassembled barrel; the parts packed for storage or shipment
From this reading In regard to her father's memory she felt a great curiosity and displayed a profound interest; for the man himself she could have had little affection and could entertain no real grief; in fact, though she professed and tried to forgive, she never shook herself quite clear of resentment, even though she, if anybody, ought to have come nearest to understanding his stern resolve.
an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization
From this reading The big world was entirely new to Jenny; though she could not yet take--shall I say storm?--her place in society, much instruction, and more amusement, lay open to her grasp even in the days of her obligatory mourning.
past form of “stay” — stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading AN UNPOPULAR MAN Miss Driver stayed away longer than her words had led me to expect.
sternadjectiveUS /stɜːrn/
of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor; forbidding in aspect
From this reading In regard to her father's memory she felt a great curiosity and displayed a profound interest; for the man himself she could have had little affection and could entertain no real grief; in fact, though she professed and tried to forgive, she never shook herself quite clear of resentment, even though she, if anybody, ought to have come nearest to understanding his stern resolve.
behave violently, as if in state of a great anger
From this reading The big world was entirely new to Jenny; though she could not yet take--shall I say storm?--her place in society, much instruction, and more amusement, lay open to her grasp even in the days of her obligatory mourning.
carry out
From this reading The big world was entirely new to Jenny; though she could not yet take--shall I say storm?--her place in society, much instruction, and more amusement, lay open to her grasp even in the days of her obligatory mourning.
tediousadjectiveUS /ˈtiːdiəs/
so lacking in interest as to cause mental weariness
From this reading On the other hand that same period could not but be very tedious to her if passed at Breysgate.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading AN UNPOPULAR MAN Miss Driver stayed away longer than her words had led me to expect.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading On the other hand that same period could not but be very tedious to her if passed at Breysgate.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading London and Paris--the names are in themselves explanation enough.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading London and Paris--the names are in themselves explanation enough.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading The big world was entirely new to Jenny; though she could not yet take--shall I say storm?--her place in society, much instruction, and more amusement, lay open to her grasp even in the days of her obligatory mourning.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading AN UNPOPULAR MAN Miss Driver stayed away longer than her words had led me to expect.
tested and proved useful or correct
From this reading In regard to her father's memory she felt a great curiosity and displayed a profound interest; for the man himself she could have had little affection and could entertain no real grief; in fact, though she professed and tried to forgive, she never shook herself quite clear of resentment, even though she, if anybody, ought to have come nearest to understanding his stern resolve.
the cognitive condition of someone who understands
From this reading In regard to her father's memory she felt a great curiosity and displayed a profound interest; for the man himself she could have had little affection and could entertain no real grief; in fact, though she professed and tried to forgive, she never shook herself quite clear of resentment, even though she, if anybody, ought to have come nearest to understanding his stern resolve.
UNPOPULARadjectiveUS /ˌʌnˈpɑːpjələr/
regarded with disfavor or lacking general approval
From this reading AN UNPOPULAR MAN Miss Driver stayed away longer than her words had led me to expect.
precisely as stated
From this reading On the other hand that same period could not but be very tedious to her if passed at Breysgate.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The big world was entirely new to Jenny; though she could not yet take--shall I say storm?--her place in society, much instruction, and more amusement, lay open to her grasp even in the days of her obligatory mourning.
the words that are spoken
From this reading AN UNPOPULAR MAN Miss Driver stayed away longer than her words had led me to expect.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading The big world was entirely new to Jenny; though she could not yet take--shall I say storm?--her place in society, much instruction, and more amusement, lay open to her grasp even in the days of her obligatory mourning.
but in spite of that
From this reading The big world was entirely new to Jenny; though she could not yet take--shall I say storm?--her place in society, much instruction, and more amusement, lay open to her grasp even in the days of her obligatory mourning.
