used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE GOLD SONG As Mrs. West, with Margaret and May Thurston, had gone for a stroll soon after the departure of David and the engineer, the mystery concerning the identity of the person in the music-room at the time of Billy’s misadventure remained unsolved.
achievementnounUS /əˈtʃiːvmənt/
the action of accomplishing something
From this reading Margaret and her mother showed not the slightest irritation over the way in which the property had been damaged; on the contrary, they were seen to smile whenever their gaze touched the broken place in the ceiling, which remained the mute witness to an inglorious achievement.
affordedverbUS /əˈfɔːrdəd/
past form of “afford” — be able to spare or give up
From this reading The subject afforded the friends much opportunity for speculation, all of which resulted in nothing definite.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading THE GOLD SONG As Mrs. West, with Margaret and May Thurston, had gone for a stroll soon after the departure of David and the engineer, the mystery concerning the identity of the person in the music-room at the time of Billy’s misadventure remained unsolved.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading The subject afforded the friends much opportunity for speculation, all of which resulted in nothing definite.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Margaret and her mother showed not the slightest irritation over the way in which the property had been damaged; on the contrary, they were seen to smile whenever their gaze touched the broken place in the ceiling, which remained the mute witness to an inglorious achievement.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE GOLD SONG As Mrs. West, with Margaret and May Thurston, had gone for a stroll soon after the departure of David and the engineer, the mystery concerning the identity of the person in the music-room at the time of Billy’s misadventure remained unsolved.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading Saxe, while awaiting the development of another idea for the quest, devoted himself assiduously to Margaret.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading THE GOLD SONG As Mrs. West, with Margaret and May Thurston, had gone for a stroll soon after the departure of David and the engineer, the mystery concerning the identity of the person in the music-room at the time of Billy’s misadventure remained unsolved.
assiduouslyadverbUS /əˈsɪdwəsli/
with care and persistence
From this reading Saxe, while awaiting the development of another idea for the quest, devoted himself assiduously to Margaret.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading THE GOLD SONG As Mrs. West, with Margaret and May Thurston, had gone for a stroll soon after the departure of David and the engineer, the mystery concerning the identity of the person in the music-room at the time of Billy’s misadventure remained unsolved.
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading He made no effort to conceal his infatuation--or, if he did, the attempt was futile.
awaitingverbUS /əˈweɪtɪŋ/
-ing form of “await” — look forward to the probable occurrence of
From this reading Saxe, while awaiting the development of another idea for the quest, devoted himself assiduously to Margaret.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Margaret and her mother showed not the slightest irritation over the way in which the property had been damaged; on the contrary, they were seen to smile whenever their gaze touched the broken place in the ceiling, which remained the mute witness to an inglorious achievement.
Billy'snounUS /ˈbɪliz/
possessive form of “billy” — a short stout club used primarily by policemen
From this reading THE GOLD SONG As Mrs. West, with Margaret and May Thurston, had gone for a stroll soon after the departure of David and the engineer, the mystery concerning the identity of the person in the music-room at the time of Billy’s misadventure remained unsolved.
physically and forcibly separated into pieces or cracked or split
From this reading Margaret and her mother showed not the slightest irritation over the way in which the property had been damaged; on the contrary, they were seen to smile whenever their gaze touched the broken place in the ceiling, which remained the mute witness to an inglorious achievement.
ceilingnounUS /ˈsiːlɪŋ/
the overhead upper surface of a covered space
From this reading Margaret and her mother showed not the slightest irritation over the way in which the property had been damaged; on the contrary, they were seen to smile whenever their gaze touched the broken place in the ceiling, which remained the mute witness to an inglorious achievement.
prevent from being seen or discovered
From this reading He made no effort to conceal his infatuation--or, if he did, the attempt was futile.
-ing form of “concern” — be relevant to
From this reading THE GOLD SONG As Mrs. West, with Margaret and May Thurston, had gone for a stroll soon after the departure of David and the engineer, the mystery concerning the identity of the person in the music-room at the time of Billy’s misadventure remained unsolved.
very opposed in nature or character or purpose
From this reading Margaret and her mother showed not the slightest irritation over the way in which the property had been damaged; on the contrary, they were seen to smile whenever their gaze touched the broken place in the ceiling, which remained the mute witness to an inglorious achievement.
damagedadjectiveUS /ˈdæmədʒd/
harmed or injured or spoiled
From this reading Margaret and her mother showed not the slightest irritation over the way in which the property had been damaged; on the contrary, they were seen to smile whenever their gaze touched the broken place in the ceiling, which remained the mute witness to an inglorious achievement.
patron saint of Wales (circa 520-600)
From this reading THE GOLD SONG As Mrs. West, with Margaret and May Thurston, had gone for a stroll soon after the departure of David and the engineer, the mystery concerning the identity of the person in the music-room at the time of Billy’s misadventure remained unsolved.
definiteadjectiveUS /ˈdefənət/
precise; explicit and clearly defined
From this reading The subject afforded the friends much opportunity for speculation, all of which resulted in nothing definite.
the act of departing
From this reading THE GOLD SONG As Mrs. West, with Margaret and May Thurston, had gone for a stroll soon after the departure of David and the engineer, the mystery concerning the identity of the person in the music-room at the time of Billy’s misadventure remained unsolved.
developmentnounUS /dɪˈveləpmənt/
act of improving by expanding or enlarging or refining
From this reading Saxe, while awaiting the development of another idea for the quest, devoted himself assiduously to Margaret.
zealous in devotion or affection
From this reading Saxe, while awaiting the development of another idea for the quest, devoted himself assiduously to Margaret.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading He made no effort to conceal his infatuation--or, if he did, the attempt was futile.
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading He made no effort to conceal his infatuation--or, if he did, the attempt was futile.
engineernounUS /ˈendʒəˈnɪr/
a person who uses scientific knowledge to solve practical problems
From this reading THE GOLD SONG As Mrs. West, with Margaret and May Thurston, had gone for a stroll soon after the departure of David and the engineer, the mystery concerning the identity of the person in the music-room at the time of Billy’s misadventure remained unsolved.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading THE GOLD SONG As Mrs. West, with Margaret and May Thurston, had gone for a stroll soon after the departure of David and the engineer, the mystery concerning the identity of the person in the music-room at the time of Billy’s misadventure remained unsolved.
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading The subject afforded the friends much opportunity for speculation, all of which resulted in nothing definite.
futileadjectiveUS /ˈfjuːtəl/
producing no result or effect
From this reading He made no effort to conceal his infatuation--or, if he did, the attempt was futile.
a long fixed look
From this reading Margaret and her mother showed not the slightest irritation over the way in which the property had been damaged; on the contrary, they were seen to smile whenever their gaze touched the broken place in the ceiling, which remained the mute witness to an inglorious achievement.
coins made of gold
From this reading THE GOLD SONG As Mrs. West, with Margaret and May Thurston, had gone for a stroll soon after the departure of David and the engineer, the mystery concerning the identity of the person in the music-room at the time of Billy’s misadventure remained unsolved.
destroyed or killed
From this reading THE GOLD SONG As Mrs. West, with Margaret and May Thurston, had gone for a stroll soon after the departure of David and the engineer, the mystery concerning the identity of the person in the music-room at the time of Billy’s misadventure remained unsolved.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading THE GOLD SONG As Mrs. West, with Margaret and May Thurston, had gone for a stroll soon after the departure of David and the engineer, the mystery concerning the identity of the person in the music-room at the time of Billy’s misadventure remained unsolved.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He made no effort to conceal his infatuation--or, if he did, the attempt was futile.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Margaret and her mother showed not the slightest irritation over the way in which the property had been damaged; on the contrary, they were seen to smile whenever their gaze touched the broken place in the ceiling, which remained the mute witness to an inglorious achievement.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Saxe, while awaiting the development of another idea for the quest, devoted himself assiduously to Margaret.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading He made no effort to conceal his infatuation--or, if he did, the attempt was futile.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading Saxe, while awaiting the development of another idea for the quest, devoted himself assiduously to Margaret.
identitynounUS /aɪˈdentɪtiː/
the distinct personality of an individual regarded as a persisting entity
From this reading THE GOLD SONG As Mrs. West, with Margaret and May Thurston, had gone for a stroll soon after the departure of David and the engineer, the mystery concerning the identity of the person in the music-room at the time of Billy’s misadventure remained unsolved.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading He made no effort to conceal his infatuation--or, if he did, the attempt was futile.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE GOLD SONG As Mrs. West, with Margaret and May Thurston, had gone for a stroll soon after the departure of David and the engineer, the mystery concerning the identity of the person in the music-room at the time of Billy’s misadventure remained unsolved.
infatuationnounUS /ˌɪnfætʃuːˈeɪʃən/
a foolish and usually extravagant passion or love or admiration
From this reading He made no effort to conceal his infatuation--or, if he did, the attempt was futile.
ingloriousadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈɡlɔːriəs/
(used of conduct or character) deserving or bringing disgrace or shame
From this reading Margaret and her mother showed not the slightest irritation over the way in which the property had been damaged; on the contrary, they were seen to smile whenever their gaze touched the broken place in the ceiling, which remained the mute witness to an inglorious achievement.
irritationnounUS /ˌɪrɪˈteɪʃən/
the psychological state of being irritated or annoyed
From this reading Margaret and her mother showed not the slightest irritation over the way in which the property had been damaged; on the contrary, they were seen to smile whenever their gaze touched the broken place in the ceiling, which remained the mute witness to an inglorious achievement.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading He made no effort to conceal his infatuation--or, if he did, the attempt was futile.
Margaret
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE GOLD SONG As Mrs. West, with Margaret and May Thurston, had gone for a stroll soon after the departure of David and the engineer, the mystery concerning the identity of the person in the music-room at the time of Billy’s misadventure remained unsolved.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading THE GOLD SONG As Mrs. West, with Margaret and May Thurston, had gone for a stroll soon after the departure of David and the engineer, the mystery concerning the identity of the person in the music-room at the time of Billy’s misadventure remained unsolved.
misadventurenounUS /mɪsədˈventʃər/
an instance of misfortune
From this reading THE GOLD SONG As Mrs. West, with Margaret and May Thurston, had gone for a stroll soon after the departure of David and the engineer, the mystery concerning the identity of the person in the music-room at the time of Billy’s misadventure remained unsolved.
a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading Margaret and her mother showed not the slightest irritation over the way in which the property had been damaged; on the contrary, they were seen to smile whenever their gaze touched the broken place in the ceiling, which remained the mute witness to an inglorious achievement.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading THE GOLD SONG As Mrs. West, with Margaret and May Thurston, had gone for a stroll soon after the departure of David and the engineer, the mystery concerning the identity of the person in the music-room at the time of Billy’s misadventure remained unsolved.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading The subject afforded the friends much opportunity for speculation, all of which resulted in nothing definite.
music-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE GOLD SONG As Mrs. West, with Margaret and May Thurston, had gone for a stroll soon after the departure of David and the engineer, the mystery concerning the identity of the person in the music-room at the time of Billy’s misadventure remained unsolved.
muteadjectiveUS /mjuːt/
expressed without speech
From this reading Margaret and her mother showed not the slightest irritation over the way in which the property had been damaged; on the contrary, they were seen to smile whenever their gaze touched the broken place in the ceiling, which remained the mute witness to an inglorious achievement.
something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained
From this reading THE GOLD SONG As Mrs. West, with Margaret and May Thurston, had gone for a stroll soon after the departure of David and the engineer, the mystery concerning the identity of the person in the music-room at the time of Billy’s misadventure remained unsolved.
not any; not one
From this reading He made no effort to conceal his infatuation--or, if he did, the attempt was futile.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Margaret and her mother showed not the slightest irritation over the way in which the property had been damaged; on the contrary, they were seen to smile whenever their gaze touched the broken place in the ceiling, which remained the mute witness to an inglorious achievement.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading The subject afforded the friends much opportunity for speculation, all of which resulted in nothing definite.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE GOLD SONG As Mrs. West, with Margaret and May Thurston, had gone for a stroll soon after the departure of David and the engineer, the mystery concerning the identity of the person in the music-room at the time of Billy’s misadventure remained unsolved.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Margaret and her mother showed not the slightest irritation over the way in which the property had been damaged; on the contrary, they were seen to smile whenever their gaze touched the broken place in the ceiling, which remained the mute witness to an inglorious achievement.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading The subject afforded the friends much opportunity for speculation, all of which resulted in nothing definite.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading He made no effort to conceal his infatuation--or, if he did, the attempt was futile.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Margaret and her mother showed not the slightest irritation over the way in which the property had been damaged; on the contrary, they were seen to smile whenever their gaze touched the broken place in the ceiling, which remained the mute witness to an inglorious achievement.
a human being
From this reading THE GOLD SONG As Mrs. West, with Margaret and May Thurston, had gone for a stroll soon after the departure of David and the engineer, the mystery concerning the identity of the person in the music-room at the time of Billy’s misadventure remained unsolved.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading Margaret and her mother showed not the slightest irritation over the way in which the property had been damaged; on the contrary, they were seen to smile whenever their gaze touched the broken place in the ceiling, which remained the mute witness to an inglorious achievement.
something owned; any tangible or intangible possession that is owned by someone
From this reading Margaret and her mother showed not the slightest irritation over the way in which the property had been damaged; on the contrary, they were seen to smile whenever their gaze touched the broken place in the ceiling, which remained the mute witness to an inglorious achievement.
questnounUS /kwest/
a search for an alternative that meets cognitive criteria
From this reading Saxe, while awaiting the development of another idea for the quest, devoted himself assiduously to Margaret.
past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading THE GOLD SONG As Mrs. West, with Margaret and May Thurston, had gone for a stroll soon after the departure of David and the engineer, the mystery concerning the identity of the person in the music-room at the time of Billy’s misadventure remained unsolved.
resultedverbUS /rɪˈzʌltɪd/
past form of “result” — issue or terminate (in a specified way, state, etc.); end
From this reading The subject afforded the friends much opportunity for speculation, all of which resulted in nothing definite.
SaxenounUS /sæks/
a French marshal who distinguished himself in the War of the Austrian Succession (1696-1750)
From this reading Saxe, while awaiting the development of another idea for the quest, devoted himself assiduously to Margaret.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading Margaret and her mother showed not the slightest irritation over the way in which the property had been damaged; on the contrary, they were seen to smile whenever their gaze touched the broken place in the ceiling, which remained the mute witness to an inglorious achievement.
past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading Margaret and her mother showed not the slightest irritation over the way in which the property had been damaged; on the contrary, they were seen to smile whenever their gaze touched the broken place in the ceiling, which remained the mute witness to an inglorious achievement.
superlative of “slight” — (quantifier used with mass nouns) small in quantity or degree; not much or almost none or (with “a”) at least some
From this reading Margaret and her mother showed not the slightest irritation over the way in which the property had been damaged; on the contrary, they were seen to smile whenever their gaze touched the broken place in the ceiling, which remained the mute witness to an inglorious achievement.
change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure
From this reading Margaret and her mother showed not the slightest irritation over the way in which the property had been damaged; on the contrary, they were seen to smile whenever their gaze touched the broken place in the ceiling, which remained the mute witness to an inglorious achievement.
a short musical composition with words
From this reading THE GOLD SONG As Mrs. West, with Margaret and May Thurston, had gone for a stroll soon after the departure of David and the engineer, the mystery concerning the identity of the person in the music-room at the time of Billy’s misadventure remained unsolved.
in the near future
From this reading THE GOLD SONG As Mrs. West, with Margaret and May Thurston, had gone for a stroll soon after the departure of David and the engineer, the mystery concerning the identity of the person in the music-room at the time of Billy’s misadventure remained unsolved.
speculationnounUS /ˌspekjəˈleɪʃən/
a message expressing an opinion based on incomplete evidence
From this reading The subject afforded the friends much opportunity for speculation, all of which resulted in nothing definite.
strollnounUS /stroʊl/
a leisurely walk (usually in some public place)
From this reading THE GOLD SONG As Mrs. West, with Margaret and May Thurston, had gone for a stroll soon after the departure of David and the engineer, the mystery concerning the identity of the person in the music-room at the time of Billy’s misadventure remained unsolved.
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading The subject afforded the friends much opportunity for speculation, all of which resulted in nothing definite.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE GOLD SONG As Mrs. West, with Margaret and May Thurston, had gone for a stroll soon after the departure of David and the engineer, the mystery concerning the identity of the person in the music-room at the time of Billy’s misadventure remained unsolved.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Margaret and her mother showed not the slightest irritation over the way in which the property had been damaged; on the contrary, they were seen to smile whenever their gaze touched the broken place in the ceiling, which remained the mute witness to an inglorious achievement.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Margaret and her mother showed not the slightest irritation over the way in which the property had been damaged; on the contrary, they were seen to smile whenever their gaze touched the broken place in the ceiling, which remained the mute witness to an inglorious achievement.
Thurston
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE GOLD SONG As Mrs. West, with Margaret and May Thurston, had gone for a stroll soon after the departure of David and the engineer, the mystery concerning the identity of the person in the music-room at the time of Billy’s misadventure remained unsolved.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading THE GOLD SONG As Mrs. West, with Margaret and May Thurston, had gone for a stroll soon after the departure of David and the engineer, the mystery concerning the identity of the person in the music-room at the time of Billy’s misadventure remained unsolved.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Margaret and her mother showed not the slightest irritation over the way in which the property had been damaged; on the contrary, they were seen to smile whenever their gaze touched the broken place in the ceiling, which remained the mute witness to an inglorious achievement.
having come into contact
From this reading Margaret and her mother showed not the slightest irritation over the way in which the property had been damaged; on the contrary, they were seen to smile whenever their gaze touched the broken place in the ceiling, which remained the mute witness to an inglorious achievement.
unsolvedadjectiveUS /ənˈsɑːlvd/
not solved
From this reading THE GOLD SONG As Mrs. West, with Margaret and May Thurston, had gone for a stroll soon after the departure of David and the engineer, the mystery concerning the identity of the person in the music-room at the time of Billy’s misadventure remained unsolved.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He made no effort to conceal his infatuation--or, if he did, the attempt was futile.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Margaret and her mother showed not the slightest irritation over the way in which the property had been damaged; on the contrary, they were seen to smile whenever their gaze touched the broken place in the ceiling, which remained the mute witness to an inglorious achievement.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Margaret and her mother showed not the slightest irritation over the way in which the property had been damaged; on the contrary, they were seen to smile whenever their gaze touched the broken place in the ceiling, which remained the mute witness to an inglorious achievement.
the countries of (originally) Europe and (now including) North America and South America
From this reading THE GOLD SONG As Mrs. West, with Margaret and May Thurston, had gone for a stroll soon after the departure of David and the engineer, the mystery concerning the identity of the person in the music-room at the time of Billy’s misadventure remained unsolved.
at any time that; every time that
From this reading Margaret and her mother showed not the slightest irritation over the way in which the property had been damaged; on the contrary, they were seen to smile whenever their gaze touched the broken place in the ceiling, which remained the mute witness to an inglorious achievement.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The subject afforded the friends much opportunity for speculation, all of which resulted in nothing definite.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Saxe, while awaiting the development of another idea for the quest, devoted himself assiduously to Margaret.
in the company of; together with
From this reading THE GOLD SONG As Mrs. West, with Margaret and May Thurston, had gone for a stroll soon after the departure of David and the engineer, the mystery concerning the identity of the person in the music-room at the time of Billy’s misadventure remained unsolved.
someone who sees an event and reports what happened
From this reading Margaret and her mother showed not the slightest irritation over the way in which the property had been damaged; on the contrary, they were seen to smile whenever their gaze touched the broken place in the ceiling, which remained the mute witness to an inglorious achievement.
