used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Derek had been attending the semi-annual banquet of the Worshipful Dry-Salters Company down in the City, understudying one of the speakers, a leading member of Parliament, who had been unable to appear; and he was still in the grip of that feeling of degraded repletion which city dinners induce.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading The subject was not an easy one to broach to his somewhat forbidding friend, as he discovered when the latter arrived about half an hour later.
matters of personal concern
From this reading Yet, unfavorably disposed as, judging by his silence and the occasional moody grunts he uttered, he appeared to be to a discussion of his private affairs, it seemed to Freddie impossible that the night should be allowed to pass without some word spoken on the subject.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading The dry-salters, on these occasions when they cast off for a night the cares and anxieties of dry-salting, do their guests well, and Derek had that bloated sense of foreboding which comes to a man whose stomach is not his strong point after twelve courses and a multitude of mixed wines.
past form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen
From this reading Yet, unfavorably disposed as, judging by his silence and the occasional moody grunts he uttered, he appeared to be to a discussion of his private affairs, it seemed to Freddie impossible that the night should be allowed to pass without some word spoken on the subject.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The subject was not an easy one to broach to his somewhat forbidding friend, as he discovered when the latter arrived about half an hour later.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Derek had been attending the semi-annual banquet of the Worshipful Dry-Salters Company down in the City, understudying one of the speakers, a leading member of Parliament, who had been unable to appear; and he was still in the grip of that feeling of degraded repletion which city dinners induce.
anxietiesnounUS /æŋˈzaɪətiz/
plural of “anxiety” — (psychiatry) a relatively permanent state of worry and nervousness occurring in a variety of mental disorders, usually accompanied by compulsive behavior or attacks of panic
From this reading The dry-salters, on these occasions when they cast off for a night the cares and anxieties of dry-salting, do their guests well, and Derek had that bloated sense of foreboding which comes to a man whose stomach is not his strong point after twelve courses and a multitude of mixed wines.
give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Derek had been attending the semi-annual banquet of the Worshipful Dry-Salters Company down in the City, understudying one of the speakers, a leading member of Parliament, who had been unable to appear; and he was still in the grip of that feeling of degraded repletion which city dinners induce.
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Yet, unfavorably disposed as, judging by his silence and the occasional moody grunts he uttered, he appeared to be to a discussion of his private affairs, it seemed to Freddie impossible that the night should be allowed to pass without some word spoken on the subject.
past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress
From this reading The subject was not an easy one to broach to his somewhat forbidding friend, as he discovered when the latter arrived about half an hour later.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The subject was not an easy one to broach to his somewhat forbidding friend, as he discovered when the latter arrived about half an hour later.
attendingnounUS /əˈtendɪŋ/
the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others
From this reading Derek had been attending the semi-annual banquet of the Worshipful Dry-Salters Company down in the City, understudying one of the speakers, a leading member of Parliament, who had been unable to appear; and he was still in the grip of that feeling of degraded repletion which city dinners induce.
banquetnounUS /ˈbæŋkwət/
a ceremonial dinner party for many people
From this reading Derek had been attending the semi-annual banquet of the Worshipful Dry-Salters Company down in the City, understudying one of the speakers, a leading member of Parliament, who had been unable to appear; and he was still in the grip of that feeling of degraded repletion which city dinners induce.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Yet, unfavorably disposed as, judging by his silence and the occasional moody grunts he uttered, he appeared to be to a discussion of his private affairs, it seemed to Freddie impossible that the night should be allowed to pass without some word spoken on the subject.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Derek had been attending the semi-annual banquet of the Worshipful Dry-Salters Company down in the City, understudying one of the speakers, a leading member of Parliament, who had been unable to appear; and he was still in the grip of that feeling of degraded repletion which city dinners induce.
bloatedverbUS /ˈbloʊtɪd/
past form of “bloat” — become bloated or swollen or puff up
From this reading The dry-salters, on these occasions when they cast off for a night the cares and anxieties of dry-salting, do their guests well, and Derek had that bloated sense of foreboding which comes to a man whose stomach is not his strong point after twelve courses and a multitude of mixed wines.
broachnounUS /broʊtʃ/
a decorative pin worn by women
From this reading The subject was not an easy one to broach to his somewhat forbidding friend, as he discovered when the latter arrived about half an hour later.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Yet, unfavorably disposed as, judging by his silence and the occasional moody grunts he uttered, he appeared to be to a discussion of his private affairs, it seemed to Freddie impossible that the night should be allowed to pass without some word spoken on the subject.
caresnounUS /kerz/
plural of “care” — the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something
From this reading The dry-salters, on these occasions when they cast off for a night the cares and anxieties of dry-salting, do their guests well, and Derek had that bloated sense of foreboding which comes to a man whose stomach is not his strong point after twelve courses and a multitude of mixed wines.
put or send forth
From this reading The dry-salters, on these occasions when they cast off for a night the cares and anxieties of dry-salting, do their guests well, and Derek had that bloated sense of foreboding which comes to a man whose stomach is not his strong point after twelve courses and a multitude of mixed wines.
a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts
From this reading Derek had been attending the semi-annual banquet of the Worshipful Dry-Salters Company down in the City, understudying one of the speakers, a leading member of Parliament, who had been unable to appear; and he was still in the grip of that feeling of degraded repletion which city dinners induce.
plural of “come” — the thick white fluid containing spermatozoa that is ejaculated by the male genital tract
From this reading The dry-salters, on these occasions when they cast off for a night the cares and anxieties of dry-salting, do their guests well, and Derek had that bloated sense of foreboding which comes to a man whose stomach is not his strong point after twelve courses and a multitude of mixed wines.
an institution created to conduct business
From this reading Derek had been attending the semi-annual banquet of the Worshipful Dry-Salters Company down in the City, understudying one of the speakers, a leading member of Parliament, who had been unable to appear; and he was still in the grip of that feeling of degraded repletion which city dinners induce.
coursesnounUS /ˈkɔːrsəz/
plural of “course” — education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading The dry-salters, on these occasions when they cast off for a night the cares and anxieties of dry-salting, do their guests well, and Derek had that bloated sense of foreboding which comes to a man whose stomach is not his strong point after twelve courses and a multitude of mixed wines.
a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies
From this reading A goose, qualifying for the role of a pot of pate de foies gras, probably has exactly the same jaundiced outlook.
degradedadjectiveUS /dɪˈɡreɪdəd/
unrestrained by convention or morality
From this reading Derek had been attending the semi-annual banquet of the Worshipful Dry-Salters Company down in the City, understudying one of the speakers, a leading member of Parliament, who had been unable to appear; and he was still in the grip of that feeling of degraded repletion which city dinners induce.
Derek
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Derek had been attending the semi-annual banquet of the Worshipful Dry-Salters Company down in the City, understudying one of the speakers, a leading member of Parliament, who had been unable to appear; and he was still in the grip of that feeling of degraded repletion which city dinners induce.
dinnersnounUS /ˈdɪnərz/
plural of “dinner” — the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday
From this reading Derek had been attending the semi-annual banquet of the Worshipful Dry-Salters Company down in the City, understudying one of the speakers, a leading member of Parliament, who had been unable to appear; and he was still in the grip of that feeling of degraded repletion which city dinners induce.
discovered or determined by scientific observation
From this reading The subject was not an easy one to broach to his somewhat forbidding friend, as he discovered when the latter arrived about half an hour later.
an extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic
From this reading Yet, unfavorably disposed as, judging by his silence and the occasional moody grunts he uttered, he appeared to be to a discussion of his private affairs, it seemed to Freddie impossible that the night should be allowed to pass without some word spoken on the subject.
having made preparations
From this reading Yet, unfavorably disposed as, judging by his silence and the occasional moody grunts he uttered, he appeared to be to a discussion of his private affairs, it seemed to Freddie impossible that the night should be allowed to pass without some word spoken on the subject.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading The dry-salters, on these occasions when they cast off for a night the cares and anxieties of dry-salting, do their guests well, and Derek had that bloated sense of foreboding which comes to a man whose stomach is not his strong point after twelve courses and a multitude of mixed wines.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading Derek had been attending the semi-annual banquet of the Worshipful Dry-Salters Company down in the City, understudying one of the speakers, a leading member of Parliament, who had been unable to appear; and he was still in the grip of that feeling of degraded repletion which city dinners induce.
Dry-Salters
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Derek had been attending the semi-annual banquet of the Worshipful Dry-Salters Company down in the City, understudying one of the speakers, a leading member of Parliament, who had been unable to appear; and he was still in the grip of that feeling of degraded repletion which city dinners induce.
dry-salting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The dry-salters, on these occasions when they cast off for a night the cares and anxieties of dry-salting, do their guests well, and Derek had that bloated sense of foreboding which comes to a man whose stomach is not his strong point after twelve courses and a multitude of mixed wines.
posing no difficulty; requiring little effort
From this reading The subject was not an easy one to broach to his somewhat forbidding friend, as he discovered when the latter arrived about half an hour later.
indicating exactness or preciseness
From this reading A goose, qualifying for the role of a pot of pate de foies gras, probably has exactly the same jaundiced outlook.
the experiencing of affective and emotional states
From this reading Derek had been attending the semi-annual banquet of the Worshipful Dry-Salters Company down in the City, understudying one of the speakers, a leading member of Parliament, who had been unable to appear; and he was still in the grip of that feeling of degraded repletion which city dinners induce.
foies
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A goose, qualifying for the role of a pot of pate de foies gras, probably has exactly the same jaundiced outlook.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The dry-salters, on these occasions when they cast off for a night the cares and anxieties of dry-salting, do their guests well, and Derek had that bloated sense of foreboding which comes to a man whose stomach is not his strong point after twelve courses and a multitude of mixed wines.
forbiddingadjectiveUS /fərˈbɪdɪŋ/
harshly uninviting or formidable in manner or appearance
From this reading The subject was not an easy one to broach to his somewhat forbidding friend, as he discovered when the latter arrived about half an hour later.
forebodingnounUS /fɔːrˈboʊdɪŋ/
a feeling of evil to come
From this reading The dry-salters, on these occasions when they cast off for a night the cares and anxieties of dry-salting, do their guests well, and Derek had that bloated sense of foreboding which comes to a man whose stomach is not his strong point after twelve courses and a multitude of mixed wines.
Freddie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Yet, unfavorably disposed as, judging by his silence and the occasional moody grunts he uttered, he appeared to be to a discussion of his private affairs, it seemed to Freddie impossible that the night should be allowed to pass without some word spoken on the subject.
a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading The subject was not an easy one to broach to his somewhat forbidding friend, as he discovered when the latter arrived about half an hour later.
goosenounUS /ɡuːs/
web-footed long-necked typically gregarious migratory aquatic birds usually larger and less aquatic than ducks
From this reading A goose, qualifying for the role of a pot of pate de foies gras, probably has exactly the same jaundiced outlook.
gras
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A goose, qualifying for the role of a pot of pate de foies gras, probably has exactly the same jaundiced outlook.
gripnounUS /ɡrɪp/
the act of grasping
From this reading Derek had been attending the semi-annual banquet of the Worshipful Dry-Salters Company down in the City, understudying one of the speakers, a leading member of Parliament, who had been unable to appear; and he was still in the grip of that feeling of degraded repletion which city dinners induce.
gruntsnounUS /ɡrʌnts/
plural of “grunt” — the short low gruff noise of the kind made by hogs
From this reading Yet, unfavorably disposed as, judging by his silence and the occasional moody grunts he uttered, he appeared to be to a discussion of his private affairs, it seemed to Freddie impossible that the night should be allowed to pass without some word spoken on the subject.
plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended
From this reading The dry-salters, on these occasions when they cast off for a night the cares and anxieties of dry-salting, do their guests well, and Derek had that bloated sense of foreboding which comes to a man whose stomach is not his strong point after twelve courses and a multitude of mixed wines.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Derek had been attending the semi-annual banquet of the Worshipful Dry-Salters Company down in the City, understudying one of the speakers, a leading member of Parliament, who had been unable to appear; and he was still in the grip of that feeling of degraded repletion which city dinners induce.
consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity
From this reading The subject was not an easy one to broach to his somewhat forbidding friend, as he discovered when the latter arrived about half an hour later.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A goose, qualifying for the role of a pot of pate de foies gras, probably has exactly the same jaundiced outlook.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The subject was not an easy one to broach to his somewhat forbidding friend, as he discovered when the latter arrived about half an hour later.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The subject was not an easy one to broach to his somewhat forbidding friend, as he discovered when the latter arrived about half an hour later.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading The subject was not an easy one to broach to his somewhat forbidding friend, as he discovered when the latter arrived about half an hour later.
not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with
From this reading Yet, unfavorably disposed as, judging by his silence and the occasional moody grunts he uttered, he appeared to be to a discussion of his private affairs, it seemed to Freddie impossible that the night should be allowed to pass without some word spoken on the subject.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Derek had been attending the semi-annual banquet of the Worshipful Dry-Salters Company down in the City, understudying one of the speakers, a leading member of Parliament, who had been unable to appear; and he was still in the grip of that feeling of degraded repletion which city dinners induce.
induceverbUS /ˌɪnˈduːs/
cause to arise
From this reading Derek had been attending the semi-annual banquet of the Worshipful Dry-Salters Company down in the City, understudying one of the speakers, a leading member of Parliament, who had been unable to appear; and he was still in the grip of that feeling of degraded repletion which city dinners induce.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The dry-salters, on these occasions when they cast off for a night the cares and anxieties of dry-salting, do their guests well, and Derek had that bloated sense of foreboding which comes to a man whose stomach is not his strong point after twelve courses and a multitude of mixed wines.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Yet, unfavorably disposed as, judging by his silence and the occasional moody grunts he uttered, he appeared to be to a discussion of his private affairs, it seemed to Freddie impossible that the night should be allowed to pass without some word spoken on the subject.
jaundicedadjectiveUS /ˈdʒɔːndɪst/
affected by jaundice which causes yellowing of skin etc
From this reading A goose, qualifying for the role of a pot of pate de foies gras, probably has exactly the same jaundiced outlook.
judgingnounUS /ˈdʒʌdʒɪŋ/
the cognitive process of reaching a decision or drawing conclusions
From this reading Yet, unfavorably disposed as, judging by his silence and the occasional moody grunts he uttered, he appeared to be to a discussion of his private affairs, it seemed to Freddie impossible that the night should be allowed to pass without some word spoken on the subject.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading The subject was not an easy one to broach to his somewhat forbidding friend, as he discovered when the latter arrived about half an hour later.
referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)
From this reading The subject was not an easy one to broach to his somewhat forbidding friend, as he discovered when the latter arrived about half an hour later.
indicating the most important performer or role
From this reading Derek had been attending the semi-annual banquet of the Worshipful Dry-Salters Company down in the City, understudying one of the speakers, a leading member of Parliament, who had been unable to appear; and he was still in the grip of that feeling of degraded repletion which city dinners induce.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading The dry-salters, on these occasions when they cast off for a night the cares and anxieties of dry-salting, do their guests well, and Derek had that bloated sense of foreboding which comes to a man whose stomach is not his strong point after twelve courses and a multitude of mixed wines.
one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)
From this reading Derek had been attending the semi-annual banquet of the Worshipful Dry-Salters Company down in the City, understudying one of the speakers, a leading member of Parliament, who had been unable to appear; and he was still in the grip of that feeling of degraded repletion which city dinners induce.
consisting of a haphazard assortment of different kinds
From this reading The dry-salters, on these occasions when they cast off for a night the cares and anxieties of dry-salting, do their guests well, and Derek had that bloated sense of foreboding which comes to a man whose stomach is not his strong point after twelve courses and a multitude of mixed wines.
moodynounUS /ˈmuːdi/
United States tennis player who dominated women's tennis in the 1920s and 1930s (1905-1998)
From this reading Yet, unfavorably disposed as, judging by his silence and the occasional moody grunts he uttered, he appeared to be to a discussion of his private affairs, it seemed to Freddie impossible that the night should be allowed to pass without some word spoken on the subject.
multitudenounUS /ˈmʌltətuːd/
a large indefinite number
From this reading The dry-salters, on these occasions when they cast off for a night the cares and anxieties of dry-salting, do their guests well, and Derek had that bloated sense of foreboding which comes to a man whose stomach is not his strong point after twelve courses and a multitude of mixed wines.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading The dry-salters, on these occasions when they cast off for a night the cares and anxieties of dry-salting, do their guests well, and Derek had that bloated sense of foreboding which comes to a man whose stomach is not his strong point after twelve courses and a multitude of mixed wines.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The subject was not an easy one to broach to his somewhat forbidding friend, as he discovered when the latter arrived about half an hour later.
occasionaladjectiveUS /əˈkeɪʒənəl/
occurring from time to time
From this reading Yet, unfavorably disposed as, judging by his silence and the occasional moody grunts he uttered, he appeared to be to a discussion of his private affairs, it seemed to Freddie impossible that the night should be allowed to pass without some word spoken on the subject.
something you have to do
From this reading The dry-salters, on these occasions when they cast off for a night the cares and anxieties of dry-salting, do their guests well, and Derek had that bloated sense of foreboding which comes to a man whose stomach is not his strong point after twelve courses and a multitude of mixed wines.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Derek had been attending the semi-annual banquet of the Worshipful Dry-Salters Company down in the City, understudying one of the speakers, a leading member of Parliament, who had been unable to appear; and he was still in the grip of that feeling of degraded repletion which city dinners induce.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading The dry-salters, on these occasions when they cast off for a night the cares and anxieties of dry-salting, do their guests well, and Derek had that bloated sense of foreboding which comes to a man whose stomach is not his strong point after twelve courses and a multitude of mixed wines.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The dry-salters, on these occasions when they cast off for a night the cares and anxieties of dry-salting, do their guests well, and Derek had that bloated sense of foreboding which comes to a man whose stomach is not his strong point after twelve courses and a multitude of mixed wines.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading The subject was not an easy one to broach to his somewhat forbidding friend, as he discovered when the latter arrived about half an hour later.
outlooknounUS /ˈaʊtlʊk/
a habitual or characteristic mental attitude that determines how you will interpret and respond to situations
From this reading A goose, qualifying for the role of a pot of pate de foies gras, probably has exactly the same jaundiced outlook.
ParliamentnounUS /ˈpɑːrləmənt/
a legislative assembly in certain countries
From this reading Derek had been attending the semi-annual banquet of the Worshipful Dry-Salters Company down in the City, understudying one of the speakers, a leading member of Parliament, who had been unable to appear; and he was still in the grip of that feeling of degraded repletion which city dinners induce.
go across or through
From this reading Yet, unfavorably disposed as, judging by his silence and the occasional moody grunts he uttered, he appeared to be to a discussion of his private affairs, it seemed to Freddie impossible that the night should be allowed to pass without some word spoken on the subject.
patenounUS /peɪt/
liver or meat or fowl finely minced or ground and variously seasoned
From this reading A goose, qualifying for the role of a pot of pate de foies gras, probably has exactly the same jaundiced outlook.
a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading The dry-salters, on these occasions when they cast off for a night the cares and anxieties of dry-salting, do their guests well, and Derek had that bloated sense of foreboding which comes to a man whose stomach is not his strong point after twelve courses and a multitude of mixed wines.
potnounUS /pɑːt/
metal or earthenware cooking vessel that is usually round and deep; often has a handle and lid
From this reading A goose, qualifying for the role of a pot of pate de foies gras, probably has exactly the same jaundiced outlook.
confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy
From this reading Yet, unfavorably disposed as, judging by his silence and the occasional moody grunts he uttered, he appeared to be to a discussion of his private affairs, it seemed to Freddie impossible that the night should be allowed to pass without some word spoken on the subject.
with considerable certainty; without much doubt
From this reading A goose, qualifying for the role of a pot of pate de foies gras, probably has exactly the same jaundiced outlook.
qualifyingnounUS /ˈkwɑːləfaɪɪŋ/
the grammatical relation that exists when a word qualifies the meaning of the phrase
From this reading A goose, qualifying for the role of a pot of pate de foies gras, probably has exactly the same jaundiced outlook.
repletionnoun
the state of being satisfactorily full and unable to take on more
From this reading Derek had been attending the semi-annual banquet of the Worshipful Dry-Salters Company down in the City, understudying one of the speakers, a leading member of Parliament, who had been unable to appear; and he was still in the grip of that feeling of degraded repletion which city dinners induce.
rolenounUS /roʊl/
the actions and activities assigned to or required or expected of a person or group
From this reading A goose, qualifying for the role of a pot of pate de foies gras, probably has exactly the same jaundiced outlook.
Identical; not different.
From this reading A goose, qualifying for the role of a pot of pate de foies gras, probably has exactly the same jaundiced outlook.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Yet, unfavorably disposed as, judging by his silence and the occasional moody grunts he uttered, he appeared to be to a discussion of his private affairs, it seemed to Freddie impossible that the night should be allowed to pass without some word spoken on the subject.
semi-annual
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Derek had been attending the semi-annual banquet of the Worshipful Dry-Salters Company down in the City, understudying one of the speakers, a leading member of Parliament, who had been unable to appear; and he was still in the grip of that feeling of degraded repletion which city dinners induce.
a general conscious awareness
From this reading The dry-salters, on these occasions when they cast off for a night the cares and anxieties of dry-salting, do their guests well, and Derek had that bloated sense of foreboding which comes to a man whose stomach is not his strong point after twelve courses and a multitude of mixed wines.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading Yet, unfavorably disposed as, judging by his silence and the occasional moody grunts he uttered, he appeared to be to a discussion of his private affairs, it seemed to Freddie impossible that the night should be allowed to pass without some word spoken on the subject.
Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.
From this reading Yet, unfavorably disposed as, judging by his silence and the occasional moody grunts he uttered, he appeared to be to a discussion of his private affairs, it seemed to Freddie impossible that the night should be allowed to pass without some word spoken on the subject.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Yet, unfavorably disposed as, judging by his silence and the occasional moody grunts he uttered, he appeared to be to a discussion of his private affairs, it seemed to Freddie impossible that the night should be allowed to pass without some word spoken on the subject.
to a small degree or extent
From this reading The subject was not an easy one to broach to his somewhat forbidding friend, as he discovered when the latter arrived about half an hour later.
speakersnounUS /ˈspiːkərz/
plural of “speaker” — someone who expresses in language; someone who talks (especially someone who delivers a public speech or someone especially garrulous)
From this reading Derek had been attending the semi-annual banquet of the Worshipful Dry-Salters Company down in the City, understudying one of the speakers, a leading member of Parliament, who had been unable to appear; and he was still in the grip of that feeling of degraded repletion which city dinners induce.
uttered through the medium of speech or characterized by speech; sometimes used in combination
From this reading Yet, unfavorably disposed as, judging by his silence and the occasional moody grunts he uttered, he appeared to be to a discussion of his private affairs, it seemed to Freddie impossible that the night should be allowed to pass without some word spoken on the subject.
not in physical motion
From this reading Derek had been attending the semi-annual banquet of the Worshipful Dry-Salters Company down in the City, understudying one of the speakers, a leading member of Parliament, who had been unable to appear; and he was still in the grip of that feeling of degraded repletion which city dinners induce.
stomachnounUS /ˈstʌmək/
an enlarged and muscular saclike organ of the alimentary canal; the principal organ of digestion
From this reading The dry-salters, on these occasions when they cast off for a night the cares and anxieties of dry-salting, do their guests well, and Derek had that bloated sense of foreboding which comes to a man whose stomach is not his strong point after twelve courses and a multitude of mixed wines.
having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading The dry-salters, on these occasions when they cast off for a night the cares and anxieties of dry-salting, do their guests well, and Derek had that bloated sense of foreboding which comes to a man whose stomach is not his strong point after twelve courses and a multitude of mixed wines.
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading The subject was not an easy one to broach to his somewhat forbidding friend, as he discovered when the latter arrived about half an hour later.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Derek had been attending the semi-annual banquet of the Worshipful Dry-Salters Company down in the City, understudying one of the speakers, a leading member of Parliament, who had been unable to appear; and he was still in the grip of that feeling of degraded repletion which city dinners induce.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The subject was not an easy one to broach to his somewhat forbidding friend, as he discovered when the latter arrived about half an hour later.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The dry-salters, on these occasions when they cast off for a night the cares and anxieties of dry-salting, do their guests well, and Derek had that bloated sense of foreboding which comes to a man whose stomach is not his strong point after twelve courses and a multitude of mixed wines.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading The dry-salters, on these occasions when they cast off for a night the cares and anxieties of dry-salting, do their guests well, and Derek had that bloated sense of foreboding which comes to a man whose stomach is not his strong point after twelve courses and a multitude of mixed wines.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The dry-salters, on these occasions when they cast off for a night the cares and anxieties of dry-salting, do their guests well, and Derek had that bloated sense of foreboding which comes to a man whose stomach is not his strong point after twelve courses and a multitude of mixed wines.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The subject was not an easy one to broach to his somewhat forbidding friend, as he discovered when the latter arrived about half an hour later.
the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one
From this reading The dry-salters, on these occasions when they cast off for a night the cares and anxieties of dry-salting, do their guests well, and Derek had that bloated sense of foreboding which comes to a man whose stomach is not his strong point after twelve courses and a multitude of mixed wines.
(usually followed by “to”) not having the necessary means or skill or know-how
From this reading Derek had been attending the semi-annual banquet of the Worshipful Dry-Salters Company down in the City, understudying one of the speakers, a leading member of Parliament, who had been unable to appear; and he was still in the grip of that feeling of degraded repletion which city dinners induce.
understudying
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Derek had been attending the semi-annual banquet of the Worshipful Dry-Salters Company down in the City, understudying one of the speakers, a leading member of Parliament, who had been unable to appear; and he was still in the grip of that feeling of degraded repletion which city dinners induce.
unfavorablyadverbUS /ənˈfeɪvərəbli/
showing disapproval; in a disparaging way
From this reading Yet, unfavorably disposed as, judging by his silence and the occasional moody grunts he uttered, he appeared to be to a discussion of his private affairs, it seemed to Freddie impossible that the night should be allowed to pass without some word spoken on the subject.
communicated in words
From this reading Yet, unfavorably disposed as, judging by his silence and the occasional moody grunts he uttered, he appeared to be to a discussion of his private affairs, it seemed to Freddie impossible that the night should be allowed to pass without some word spoken on the subject.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The subject was not an easy one to broach to his somewhat forbidding friend, as he discovered when the latter arrived about half an hour later.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading The dry-salters, on these occasions when they cast off for a night the cares and anxieties of dry-salting, do their guests well, and Derek had that bloated sense of foreboding which comes to a man whose stomach is not his strong point after twelve courses and a multitude of mixed wines.
at the time that
From this reading The subject was not an easy one to broach to his somewhat forbidding friend, as he discovered when the latter arrived about half an hour later.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Derek had been attending the semi-annual banquet of the Worshipful Dry-Salters Company down in the City, understudying one of the speakers, a leading member of Parliament, who had been unable to appear; and he was still in the grip of that feeling of degraded repletion which city dinners induce.
which person or people
From this reading Derek had been attending the semi-annual banquet of the Worshipful Dry-Salters Company down in the City, understudying one of the speakers, a leading member of Parliament, who had been unable to appear; and he was still in the grip of that feeling of degraded repletion which city dinners induce.
belonging to which person
From this reading The dry-salters, on these occasions when they cast off for a night the cares and anxieties of dry-salting, do their guests well, and Derek had that bloated sense of foreboding which comes to a man whose stomach is not his strong point after twelve courses and a multitude of mixed wines.
winesnounUS /waɪnz/
plural of “wine” — fermented juice (of grapes especially)
From this reading The dry-salters, on these occasions when they cast off for a night the cares and anxieties of dry-salting, do their guests well, and Derek had that bloated sense of foreboding which comes to a man whose stomach is not his strong point after twelve courses and a multitude of mixed wines.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading Yet, unfavorably disposed as, judging by his silence and the occasional moody grunts he uttered, he appeared to be to a discussion of his private affairs, it seemed to Freddie impossible that the night should be allowed to pass without some word spoken on the subject.
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
From this reading Yet, unfavorably disposed as, judging by his silence and the occasional moody grunts he uttered, he appeared to be to a discussion of his private affairs, it seemed to Freddie impossible that the night should be allowed to pass without some word spoken on the subject.
WorshipfuladjectiveUS /ˈwɜːrʃəpfəl/
showing adoration
From this reading Derek had been attending the semi-annual banquet of the Worshipful Dry-Salters Company down in the City, understudying one of the speakers, a leading member of Parliament, who had been unable to appear; and he was still in the grip of that feeling of degraded repletion which city dinners induce.
but in spite of that
From this reading Yet, unfavorably disposed as, judging by his silence and the occasional moody grunts he uttered, he appeared to be to a discussion of his private affairs, it seemed to Freddie impossible that the night should be allowed to pass without some word spoken on the subject.
