used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading JEAN, surprisingly revived by a hot bath and a hot drink, and comfortably tucked up beside the fire in her room, was recounting the day’s adventure to Madame de Varigny.
take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome
From this reading JEAN, surprisingly revived by a hot bath and a hot drink, and comfortably tucked up beside the fire in her room, was recounting the day’s adventure to Madame de Varigny.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading It was a somewhat expurgated version of the affair that she outlined--thoughtfully calculated to allay the natural apprehensions of a temporary chaperon--in which the unknown Englishman figured innocuously as merely having come to her assistance when, in the course of her afternoon’s tramp, she had been overtaken by the blizzard.
afternoon'snounUS /ˌæftərˈnuːnz/
possessive form of “afternoon” — the part of the day between noon and evening
From this reading It was a somewhat expurgated version of the affair that she outlined--thoughtfully calculated to allay the natural apprehensions of a temporary chaperon--in which the unknown Englishman figured innocuously as merely having come to her assistance when, in the course of her afternoon’s tramp, she had been overtaken by the blizzard.
allayverbUS /əˈleɪ/
lessen the intensity of or calm
From this reading It was a somewhat expurgated version of the affair that she outlined--thoughtfully calculated to allay the natural apprehensions of a temporary chaperon--in which the unknown Englishman figured innocuously as merely having come to her assistance when, in the course of her afternoon’s tramp, she had been overtaken by the blizzard.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading JEAN, surprisingly revived by a hot bath and a hot drink, and comfortably tucked up beside the fire in her room, was recounting the day’s adventure to Madame de Varigny.
apprehensionsnounUS /ˌæprɪˈhenʃənz/
plural of “apprehension” — fearful expectation or anticipation
From this reading It was a somewhat expurgated version of the affair that she outlined--thoughtfully calculated to allay the natural apprehensions of a temporary chaperon--in which the unknown Englishman figured innocuously as merely having come to her assistance when, in the course of her afternoon’s tramp, she had been overtaken by the blizzard.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading It was a somewhat expurgated version of the affair that she outlined--thoughtfully calculated to allay the natural apprehensions of a temporary chaperon--in which the unknown Englishman figured innocuously as merely having come to her assistance when, in the course of her afternoon’s tramp, she had been overtaken by the blizzard.
the activity of contributing to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose
From this reading It was a somewhat expurgated version of the affair that she outlined--thoughtfully calculated to allay the natural apprehensions of a temporary chaperon--in which the unknown Englishman figured innocuously as merely having come to her assistance when, in the course of her afternoon’s tramp, she had been overtaken by the blizzard.
bathnounUS /bæθ/
a vessel containing liquid in which something is immersed (as to process it or to maintain it at a constant temperature or to lubricate it)
From this reading JEAN, surprisingly revived by a hot bath and a hot drink, and comfortably tucked up beside the fire in her room, was recounting the day’s adventure to Madame de Varigny.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading “I don’t know who he could be,” she pursued.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading It was a somewhat expurgated version of the affair that she outlined--thoughtfully calculated to allay the natural apprehensions of a temporary chaperon--in which the unknown Englishman figured innocuously as merely having come to her assistance when, in the course of her afternoon’s tramp, she had been overtaken by the blizzard.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading “I’ve never seen him on the ice before; I should certainly have recognised him if I had.
next to; at the side of
From this reading JEAN, surprisingly revived by a hot bath and a hot drink, and comfortably tucked up beside the fire in her room, was recounting the day’s adventure to Madame de Varigny.
blizzardnounUS /ˈblɪzərd/
a storm with widespread snowfall accompanied by strong winds
From this reading It was a somewhat expurgated version of the affair that she outlined--thoughtfully calculated to allay the natural apprehensions of a temporary chaperon--in which the unknown Englishman figured innocuously as merely having come to her assistance when, in the course of her afternoon’s tramp, she had been overtaken by the blizzard.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading JEAN, surprisingly revived by a hot bath and a hot drink, and comfortably tucked up beside the fire in her room, was recounting the day’s adventure to Madame de Varigny.
calculatedadjectiveUS /ˈkælkjəleɪtɪd/
carefully thought out in advance
From this reading It was a somewhat expurgated version of the affair that she outlined--thoughtfully calculated to allay the natural apprehensions of a temporary chaperon--in which the unknown Englishman figured innocuously as merely having come to her assistance when, in the course of her afternoon’s tramp, she had been overtaken by the blizzard.
definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)
From this reading “I’ve never seen him on the ice before; I should certainly have recognised him if I had.
chaperonnoun
one who accompanies and supervises a young woman or gatherings of young people
From this reading It was a somewhat expurgated version of the affair that she outlined--thoughtfully calculated to allay the natural apprehensions of a temporary chaperon--in which the unknown Englishman figured innocuously as merely having come to her assistance when, in the course of her afternoon’s tramp, she had been overtaken by the blizzard.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading It was a somewhat expurgated version of the affair that she outlined--thoughtfully calculated to allay the natural apprehensions of a temporary chaperon--in which the unknown Englishman figured innocuously as merely having come to her assistance when, in the course of her afternoon’s tramp, she had been overtaken by the blizzard.
comfortablyadverbUS /ˈkʌmfərtəbli/
in mental comfort; without stress
From this reading JEAN, surprisingly revived by a hot bath and a hot drink, and comfortably tucked up beside the fire in her room, was recounting the day’s adventure to Madame de Varigny.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading “I don’t know who he could be,” she pursued.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading It was a somewhat expurgated version of the affair that she outlined--thoughtfully calculated to allay the natural apprehensions of a temporary chaperon--in which the unknown Englishman figured innocuously as merely having come to her assistance when, in the course of her afternoon’s tramp, she had been overtaken by the blizzard.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading Of the stolen day, snatched from under Mrs. Grundy’s enquiring nose, Jean preserved a discreet silence.
day'snounUS /deɪz/
possessive form of “day” — time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading JEAN, surprisingly revived by a hot bath and a hot drink, and comfortably tucked up beside the fire in her room, was recounting the day’s adventure to Madame de Varigny.
a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies
From this reading JEAN, surprisingly revived by a hot bath and a hot drink, and comfortably tucked up beside the fire in her room, was recounting the day’s adventure to Madame de Varigny.
discreetadjectiveUS /dɪˈskriːt/
marked by prudence or modesty and wise self-restraint
From this reading Of the stolen day, snatched from under Mrs. Grundy’s enquiring nose, Jean preserved a discreet silence.
don't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I don’t know who he could be,” she pursued.
take in liquids
From this reading JEAN, surprisingly revived by a hot bath and a hot drink, and comfortably tucked up beside the fire in her room, was recounting the day’s adventure to Madame de Varigny.
EnglishmannounUS /ˈɪŋɡlɪʃmən/
a man who is a native or inhabitant of England
From this reading It was a somewhat expurgated version of the affair that she outlined--thoughtfully calculated to allay the natural apprehensions of a temporary chaperon--in which the unknown Englishman figured innocuously as merely having come to her assistance when, in the course of her afternoon’s tramp, she had been overtaken by the blizzard.
enquiring
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Of the stolen day, snatched from under Mrs. Grundy’s enquiring nose, Jean preserved a discreet silence.
expurgatedadjective
having material deleted
From this reading It was a somewhat expurgated version of the affair that she outlined--thoughtfully calculated to allay the natural apprehensions of a temporary chaperon--in which the unknown Englishman figured innocuously as merely having come to her assistance when, in the course of her afternoon’s tramp, she had been overtaken by the blizzard.
figuredadjectiveUS /ˈfɪɡjərd/
(of e.g. fabric design) adorned with patterns
From this reading It was a somewhat expurgated version of the affair that she outlined--thoughtfully calculated to allay the natural apprehensions of a temporary chaperon--in which the unknown Englishman figured innocuously as merely having come to her assistance when, in the course of her afternoon’s tramp, she had been overtaken by the blizzard.
start firing a weapon
From this reading JEAN, surprisingly revived by a hot bath and a hot drink, and comfortably tucked up beside the fire in her room, was recounting the day’s adventure to Madame de Varigny.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Of the stolen day, snatched from under Mrs. Grundy’s enquiring nose, Jean preserved a discreet silence.
Grundy's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Of the stolen day, snatched from under Mrs. Grundy’s enquiring nose, Jean preserved a discreet silence.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It was a somewhat expurgated version of the affair that she outlined--thoughtfully calculated to allay the natural apprehensions of a temporary chaperon--in which the unknown Englishman figured innocuously as merely having come to her assistance when, in the course of her afternoon’s tramp, she had been overtaken by the blizzard.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading “I’ve never seen him on the ice before; I should certainly have recognised him if I had.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading It was a somewhat expurgated version of the affair that she outlined--thoughtfully calculated to allay the natural apprehensions of a temporary chaperon--in which the unknown Englishman figured innocuously as merely having come to her assistance when, in the course of her afternoon’s tramp, she had been overtaken by the blizzard.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading “I don’t know who he could be,” she pursued.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading JEAN, surprisingly revived by a hot bath and a hot drink, and comfortably tucked up beside the fire in her room, was recounting the day’s adventure to Madame de Varigny.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading “I’ve never seen him on the ice before; I should certainly have recognised him if I had.
used of physical heat; having a high or higher than desirable temperature or giving off heat or feeling or causing a sensation of heat or burning
From this reading JEAN, surprisingly revived by a hot bath and a hot drink, and comfortably tucked up beside the fire in her room, was recounting the day’s adventure to Madame de Varigny.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading “I don’t know who he could be,” she pursued.
I've
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I’ve never seen him on the ice before; I should certainly have recognised him if I had.
water frozen in the solid state
From this reading “I’ve never seen him on the ice before; I should certainly have recognised him if I had.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading “I’ve never seen him on the ice before; I should certainly have recognised him if I had.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading JEAN, surprisingly revived by a hot bath and a hot drink, and comfortably tucked up beside the fire in her room, was recounting the day’s adventure to Madame de Varigny.
innocuously
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a somewhat expurgated version of the affair that she outlined--thoughtfully calculated to allay the natural apprehensions of a temporary chaperon--in which the unknown Englishman figured innocuously as merely having come to her assistance when, in the course of her afternoon’s tramp, she had been overtaken by the blizzard.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was a somewhat expurgated version of the affair that she outlined--thoughtfully calculated to allay the natural apprehensions of a temporary chaperon--in which the unknown Englishman figured innocuously as merely having come to her assistance when, in the course of her afternoon’s tramp, she had been overtaken by the blizzard.
a coarse durable twill-weave cotton fabric
From this reading JEAN, surprisingly revived by a hot bath and a hot drink, and comfortably tucked up beside the fire in her room, was recounting the day’s adventure to Madame de Varigny.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading “I don’t know who he could be,” she pursued.
title used for a married Frenchwoman
From this reading JEAN, surprisingly revived by a hot bath and a hot drink, and comfortably tucked up beside the fire in her room, was recounting the day’s adventure to Madame de Varigny.
and nothing more
From this reading It was a somewhat expurgated version of the affair that she outlined--thoughtfully calculated to allay the natural apprehensions of a temporary chaperon--in which the unknown Englishman figured innocuously as merely having come to her assistance when, in the course of her afternoon’s tramp, she had been overtaken by the blizzard.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading Of the stolen day, snatched from under Mrs. Grundy’s enquiring nose, Jean preserved a discreet silence.
in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature
From this reading It was a somewhat expurgated version of the affair that she outlined--thoughtfully calculated to allay the natural apprehensions of a temporary chaperon--in which the unknown Englishman figured innocuously as merely having come to her assistance when, in the course of her afternoon’s tramp, she had been overtaken by the blizzard.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading “I’ve never seen him on the ice before; I should certainly have recognised him if I had.
the organ of smell and entrance to the respiratory tract; the prominent part of the face of man or other mammals
From this reading Of the stolen day, snatched from under Mrs. Grundy’s enquiring nose, Jean preserved a discreet silence.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It was a somewhat expurgated version of the affair that she outlined--thoughtfully calculated to allay the natural apprehensions of a temporary chaperon--in which the unknown Englishman figured innocuously as merely having come to her assistance when, in the course of her afternoon’s tramp, she had been overtaken by the blizzard.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading “I’ve never seen him on the ice before; I should certainly have recognised him if I had.
outlinedadjectiveUS /ˈaʊtlaɪnd/
showing clearly the outline or profile or boundary
From this reading It was a somewhat expurgated version of the affair that she outlined--thoughtfully calculated to allay the natural apprehensions of a temporary chaperon--in which the unknown Englishman figured innocuously as merely having come to her assistance when, in the course of her afternoon’s tramp, she had been overtaken by the blizzard.
overtakenverbUS /ˈoʊvərteɪkən/
inflected form of “overtake” — catch up with and possibly overtake
From this reading It was a somewhat expurgated version of the affair that she outlined--thoughtfully calculated to allay the natural apprehensions of a temporary chaperon--in which the unknown Englishman figured innocuously as merely having come to her assistance when, in the course of her afternoon’s tramp, she had been overtaken by the blizzard.
preservedadjectiveUS /prəˈzɜːrvd/
prevented from decaying or spoiling and prepared for future use
From this reading Of the stolen day, snatched from under Mrs. Grundy’s enquiring nose, Jean preserved a discreet silence.
a person who is being chased
From this reading “I don’t know who he could be,” she pursued.
recognisedadjectiveUS /ˈrekəɡnaɪzd/
provided with a secure reputation
From this reading “I’ve never seen him on the ice before; I should certainly have recognised him if I had.
recountingnounUS /rɪˈkaʊntɪŋ/
an act of narration
From this reading JEAN, surprisingly revived by a hot bath and a hot drink, and comfortably tucked up beside the fire in her room, was recounting the day’s adventure to Madame de Varigny.
revivedadjectiveUS /rɪˈvaɪvd/
restored to consciousness or life or vigor
From this reading JEAN, surprisingly revived by a hot bath and a hot drink, and comfortably tucked up beside the fire in her room, was recounting the day’s adventure to Madame de Varigny.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading JEAN, surprisingly revived by a hot bath and a hot drink, and comfortably tucked up beside the fire in her room, was recounting the day’s adventure to Madame de Varigny.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading “I’ve never seen him on the ice before; I should certainly have recognised him if I had.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading It was a somewhat expurgated version of the affair that she outlined--thoughtfully calculated to allay the natural apprehensions of a temporary chaperon--in which the unknown Englishman figured innocuously as merely having come to her assistance when, in the course of her afternoon’s tramp, she had been overtaken by the blizzard.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading “I’ve never seen him on the ice before; I should certainly have recognised him if I had.
Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.
From this reading Of the stolen day, snatched from under Mrs. Grundy’s enquiring nose, Jean preserved a discreet silence.
snatchedverbUS /snætʃt/
past form of “snatch” — to grasp hastily or eagerly
From this reading Of the stolen day, snatched from under Mrs. Grundy’s enquiring nose, Jean preserved a discreet silence.
to a small degree or extent
From this reading It was a somewhat expurgated version of the affair that she outlined--thoughtfully calculated to allay the natural apprehensions of a temporary chaperon--in which the unknown Englishman figured innocuously as merely having come to her assistance when, in the course of her afternoon’s tramp, she had been overtaken by the blizzard.
inflected form of “steal” — take without the owner's consent
From this reading Of the stolen day, snatched from under Mrs. Grundy’s enquiring nose, Jean preserved a discreet silence.
surprisinglyadverbUS /sərˈpraɪzɪŋli/
in a surprising manner
From this reading JEAN, surprisingly revived by a hot bath and a hot drink, and comfortably tucked up beside the fire in her room, was recounting the day’s adventure to Madame de Varigny.
temporaryadjectiveUS /ˈtempəreri/
not permanent; not lasting
From this reading It was a somewhat expurgated version of the affair that she outlined--thoughtfully calculated to allay the natural apprehensions of a temporary chaperon--in which the unknown Englishman figured innocuously as merely having come to her assistance when, in the course of her afternoon’s tramp, she had been overtaken by the blizzard.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It was a somewhat expurgated version of the affair that she outlined--thoughtfully calculated to allay the natural apprehensions of a temporary chaperon--in which the unknown Englishman figured innocuously as merely having come to her assistance when, in the course of her afternoon’s tramp, she had been overtaken by the blizzard.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading JEAN, surprisingly revived by a hot bath and a hot drink, and comfortably tucked up beside the fire in her room, was recounting the day’s adventure to Madame de Varigny.
thoughtfullyadverbUS /ˈθɔːtfəli/
in a thoughtful manner
From this reading It was a somewhat expurgated version of the affair that she outlined--thoughtfully calculated to allay the natural apprehensions of a temporary chaperon--in which the unknown Englishman figured innocuously as merely having come to her assistance when, in the course of her afternoon’s tramp, she had been overtaken by the blizzard.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading JEAN, surprisingly revived by a hot bath and a hot drink, and comfortably tucked up beside the fire in her room, was recounting the day’s adventure to Madame de Varigny.
trampnounUS /træmp/
a vagrant
From this reading It was a somewhat expurgated version of the affair that she outlined--thoughtfully calculated to allay the natural apprehensions of a temporary chaperon--in which the unknown Englishman figured innocuously as merely having come to her assistance when, in the course of her afternoon’s tramp, she had been overtaken by the blizzard.
tuckedadjectiveUS /tʌkt/
having tucked or being tucked
From this reading JEAN, surprisingly revived by a hot bath and a hot drink, and comfortably tucked up beside the fire in her room, was recounting the day’s adventure to Madame de Varigny.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading Of the stolen day, snatched from under Mrs. Grundy’s enquiring nose, Jean preserved a discreet silence.
not known
From this reading It was a somewhat expurgated version of the affair that she outlined--thoughtfully calculated to allay the natural apprehensions of a temporary chaperon--in which the unknown Englishman figured innocuously as merely having come to her assistance when, in the course of her afternoon’s tramp, she had been overtaken by the blizzard.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading JEAN, surprisingly revived by a hot bath and a hot drink, and comfortably tucked up beside the fire in her room, was recounting the day’s adventure to Madame de Varigny.
Varigny
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JEAN, surprisingly revived by a hot bath and a hot drink, and comfortably tucked up beside the fire in her room, was recounting the day’s adventure to Madame de Varigny.
versionnounUS /ˈvɜːrʒən/
an interpretation of a matter from a particular viewpoint
From this reading It was a somewhat expurgated version of the affair that she outlined--thoughtfully calculated to allay the natural apprehensions of a temporary chaperon--in which the unknown Englishman figured innocuously as merely having come to her assistance when, in the course of her afternoon’s tramp, she had been overtaken by the blizzard.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading JEAN, surprisingly revived by a hot bath and a hot drink, and comfortably tucked up beside the fire in her room, was recounting the day’s adventure to Madame de Varigny.
at the time that
From this reading It was a somewhat expurgated version of the affair that she outlined--thoughtfully calculated to allay the natural apprehensions of a temporary chaperon--in which the unknown Englishman figured innocuously as merely having come to her assistance when, in the course of her afternoon’s tramp, she had been overtaken by the blizzard.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading It was a somewhat expurgated version of the affair that she outlined--thoughtfully calculated to allay the natural apprehensions of a temporary chaperon--in which the unknown Englishman figured innocuously as merely having come to her assistance when, in the course of her afternoon’s tramp, she had been overtaken by the blizzard.
which person or people
From this reading “I don’t know who he could be,” she pursued.
