used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A CELEBRITY AT HOME Herbert Strang had gone down to Devonshire to finish his portrait of Mrs. Wyndwood, whose dress was still unrecognizable, and who was so agreeably surprised by the face that she graciously consented to continue the sittings at the “Creamery.”
the state of being absent
From this reading The inner voice whispered strenuously to him to profit by Eleanor’s absence to fight down his impossible passion, not intensify it unendurably by following in her train.
absenteenounUS /ˌæbsənˈtiː/
one that is absent or not in residence
From this reading Thoughts of his wife began to haunt him--thoughts which, while he was only an absentee husband, had been but pale shadows of remorse, dogging his few unoccupied moments, but which, now that another woman had at last enthroned herself in the vacant temple of his soul, assumed shapes more solid and insistent.
agreeablyadverb
in an enjoyable manner
From this reading A CELEBRITY AT HOME Herbert Strang had gone down to Devonshire to finish his portrait of Mrs. Wyndwood, whose dress was still unrecognizable, and who was so agreeably surprised by the face that she graciously consented to continue the sittings at the “Creamery.”
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Thoughts of his wife began to haunt him--thoughts which, while he was only an absentee husband, had been but pale shadows of remorse, dogging his few unoccupied moments, but which, now that another woman had at last enthroned herself in the vacant temple of his soul, assumed shapes more solid and insistent.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A CELEBRITY AT HOME Herbert Strang had gone down to Devonshire to finish his portrait of Mrs. Wyndwood, whose dress was still unrecognizable, and who was so agreeably surprised by the face that she graciously consented to continue the sittings at the “Creamery.”
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading Thoughts of his wife began to haunt him--thoughts which, while he was only an absentee husband, had been but pale shadows of remorse, dogging his few unoccupied moments, but which, now that another woman had at last enthroned herself in the vacant temple of his soul, assumed shapes more solid and insistent.
disposed or placed in a particular kind of order
From this reading Matthew had arranged to join him--on the excellent pretext of keeping his old friend company--but before he left town for his holiday, Conscience began working hard, ominously presageful of the complications that might spring up in the solitudes of hills and waters.
adopted in order to deceive
From this reading Thoughts of his wife began to haunt him--thoughts which, while he was only an absentee husband, had been but pale shadows of remorse, dogging his few unoccupied moments, but which, now that another woman had at last enthroned herself in the vacant temple of his soul, assumed shapes more solid and insistent.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading A CELEBRITY AT HOME Herbert Strang had gone down to Devonshire to finish his portrait of Mrs. Wyndwood, whose dress was still unrecognizable, and who was so agreeably surprised by the face that she graciously consented to continue the sittings at the “Creamery.”
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Thoughts of his wife began to haunt him--thoughts which, while he was only an absentee husband, had been but pale shadows of remorse, dogging his few unoccupied moments, but which, now that another woman had at last enthroned herself in the vacant temple of his soul, assumed shapes more solid and insistent.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Matthew had arranged to join him--on the excellent pretext of keeping his old friend company--but before he left town for his holiday, Conscience began working hard, ominously presageful of the complications that might spring up in the solitudes of hills and waters.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading Matthew had arranged to join him--on the excellent pretext of keeping his old friend company--but before he left town for his holiday, Conscience began working hard, ominously presageful of the complications that might spring up in the solitudes of hills and waters.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Matthew had arranged to join him--on the excellent pretext of keeping his old friend company--but before he left town for his holiday, Conscience began working hard, ominously presageful of the complications that might spring up in the solitudes of hills and waters.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading A CELEBRITY AT HOME Herbert Strang had gone down to Devonshire to finish his portrait of Mrs. Wyndwood, whose dress was still unrecognizable, and who was so agreeably surprised by the face that she graciously consented to continue the sittings at the “Creamery.”
CELEBRITYnounUS /səˈlebrɪti/
a widely known person
From this reading A CELEBRITY AT HOME Herbert Strang had gone down to Devonshire to finish his portrait of Mrs. Wyndwood, whose dress was still unrecognizable, and who was so agreeably surprised by the face that she graciously consented to continue the sittings at the “Creamery.”
an institution created to conduct business
From this reading Matthew had arranged to join him--on the excellent pretext of keeping his old friend company--but before he left town for his holiday, Conscience began working hard, ominously presageful of the complications that might spring up in the solitudes of hills and waters.
complicationsnounUS /ˌkɑːmpləˈkeɪʃənz/
plural of “complication” — the act or process of complicating
From this reading Matthew had arranged to join him--on the excellent pretext of keeping his old friend company--but before he left town for his holiday, Conscience began working hard, ominously presageful of the complications that might spring up in the solitudes of hills and waters.
motivation deriving logically from ethical or moral principles that govern a person's thoughts and actions
From this reading Matthew had arranged to join him--on the excellent pretext of keeping his old friend company--but before he left town for his holiday, Conscience began working hard, ominously presageful of the complications that might spring up in the solitudes of hills and waters.
consentedverbUS /kənˈsentɪd/
past form of “consent” — give an affirmative reply to; respond favorably to
From this reading A CELEBRITY AT HOME Herbert Strang had gone down to Devonshire to finish his portrait of Mrs. Wyndwood, whose dress was still unrecognizable, and who was so agreeably surprised by the face that she graciously consented to continue the sittings at the “Creamery.”
continue a certain state, condition, or activity
From this reading A CELEBRITY AT HOME Herbert Strang had gone down to Devonshire to finish his portrait of Mrs. Wyndwood, whose dress was still unrecognizable, and who was so agreeably surprised by the face that she graciously consented to continue the sittings at the “Creamery.”
CreamerynounUS /ˈkriːməri/
a workplace where dairy products (butter and cheese etc.) are produced or sold
From this reading A CELEBRITY AT HOME Herbert Strang had gone down to Devonshire to finish his portrait of Mrs. Wyndwood, whose dress was still unrecognizable, and who was so agreeably surprised by the face that she graciously consented to continue the sittings at the “Creamery.”
DevonshirenounUS /dɪˈvɑːnʃaɪr/
a county in southwestern England
From this reading A CELEBRITY AT HOME Herbert Strang had gone down to Devonshire to finish his portrait of Mrs. Wyndwood, whose dress was still unrecognizable, and who was so agreeably surprised by the face that she graciously consented to continue the sittings at the “Creamery.”
doggingadjectiveUS /ˈdɔːɡɪŋ/
relentless and indefatigable in pursuit or as if in pursuit
From this reading Thoughts of his wife began to haunt him--thoughts which, while he was only an absentee husband, had been but pale shadows of remorse, dogging his few unoccupied moments, but which, now that another woman had at last enthroned herself in the vacant temple of his soul, assumed shapes more solid and insistent.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading A CELEBRITY AT HOME Herbert Strang had gone down to Devonshire to finish his portrait of Mrs. Wyndwood, whose dress was still unrecognizable, and who was so agreeably surprised by the face that she graciously consented to continue the sittings at the “Creamery.”
put on clothes
From this reading A CELEBRITY AT HOME Herbert Strang had gone down to Devonshire to finish his portrait of Mrs. Wyndwood, whose dress was still unrecognizable, and who was so agreeably surprised by the face that she graciously consented to continue the sittings at the “Creamery.”
Eleanor's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The inner voice whispered strenuously to him to profit by Eleanor’s absence to fight down his impossible passion, not intensify it unendurably by following in her train.
enthroned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Thoughts of his wife began to haunt him--thoughts which, while he was only an absentee husband, had been but pale shadows of remorse, dogging his few unoccupied moments, but which, now that another woman had at last enthroned herself in the vacant temple of his soul, assumed shapes more solid and insistent.
very good; of the highest quality
From this reading Matthew had arranged to join him--on the excellent pretext of keeping his old friend company--but before he left town for his holiday, Conscience began working hard, ominously presageful of the complications that might spring up in the solitudes of hills and waters.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading A CELEBRITY AT HOME Herbert Strang had gone down to Devonshire to finish his portrait of Mrs. Wyndwood, whose dress was still unrecognizable, and who was so agreeably surprised by the face that she graciously consented to continue the sittings at the “Creamery.”
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading Thoughts of his wife began to haunt him--thoughts which, while he was only an absentee husband, had been but pale shadows of remorse, dogging his few unoccupied moments, but which, now that another woman had at last enthroned herself in the vacant temple of his soul, assumed shapes more solid and insistent.
be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight
From this reading The inner voice whispered strenuously to him to profit by Eleanor’s absence to fight down his impossible passion, not intensify it unendurably by following in her train.
come or bring to a finish or an end
From this reading A CELEBRITY AT HOME Herbert Strang had gone down to Devonshire to finish his portrait of Mrs. Wyndwood, whose dress was still unrecognizable, and who was so agreeably surprised by the face that she graciously consented to continue the sittings at the “Creamery.”
about to be mentioned or specified
From this reading The inner voice whispered strenuously to him to profit by Eleanor’s absence to fight down his impossible passion, not intensify it unendurably by following in her train.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Matthew had arranged to join him--on the excellent pretext of keeping his old friend company--but before he left town for his holiday, Conscience began working hard, ominously presageful of the complications that might spring up in the solitudes of hills and waters.
a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading Matthew had arranged to join him--on the excellent pretext of keeping his old friend company--but before he left town for his holiday, Conscience began working hard, ominously presageful of the complications that might spring up in the solitudes of hills and waters.
destroyed or killed
From this reading A CELEBRITY AT HOME Herbert Strang had gone down to Devonshire to finish his portrait of Mrs. Wyndwood, whose dress was still unrecognizable, and who was so agreeably surprised by the face that she graciously consented to continue the sittings at the “Creamery.”
graciouslyadverbUS /ˈɡreɪʃəsli/
in a gracious or graceful manner
From this reading A CELEBRITY AT HOME Herbert Strang had gone down to Devonshire to finish his portrait of Mrs. Wyndwood, whose dress was still unrecognizable, and who was so agreeably surprised by the face that she graciously consented to continue the sittings at the “Creamery.”
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading A CELEBRITY AT HOME Herbert Strang had gone down to Devonshire to finish his portrait of Mrs. Wyndwood, whose dress was still unrecognizable, and who was so agreeably surprised by the face that she graciously consented to continue the sittings at the “Creamery.”
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading Matthew had arranged to join him--on the excellent pretext of keeping his old friend company--but before he left town for his holiday, Conscience began working hard, ominously presageful of the complications that might spring up in the solitudes of hills and waters.
hauntverbUS /hɔːnt/
follow stealthily or recur constantly and spontaneously to
From this reading Thoughts of his wife began to haunt him--thoughts which, while he was only an absentee husband, had been but pale shadows of remorse, dogging his few unoccupied moments, but which, now that another woman had at last enthroned herself in the vacant temple of his soul, assumed shapes more solid and insistent.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Matthew had arranged to join him--on the excellent pretext of keeping his old friend company--but before he left town for his holiday, Conscience began working hard, ominously presageful of the complications that might spring up in the solitudes of hills and waters.
the locus of feelings and intuitions
From this reading Home plucked at his heart, subtly transformed to something more than an unpleasant recollection.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading The inner voice whispered strenuously to him to profit by Eleanor’s absence to fight down his impossible passion, not intensify it unendurably by following in her train.
HerbertnounUS /ˈhɜːrbərt/
United States musician and composer and conductor noted for his comic operas (1859-1924)
From this reading A CELEBRITY AT HOME Herbert Strang had gone down to Devonshire to finish his portrait of Mrs. Wyndwood, whose dress was still unrecognizable, and who was so agreeably surprised by the face that she graciously consented to continue the sittings at the “Creamery.”
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading Thoughts of his wife began to haunt him--thoughts which, while he was only an absentee husband, had been but pale shadows of remorse, dogging his few unoccupied moments, but which, now that another woman had at last enthroned herself in the vacant temple of his soul, assumed shapes more solid and insistent.
plural of “hill” — a local and well-defined elevation of the land
From this reading Matthew had arranged to join him--on the excellent pretext of keeping his old friend company--but before he left town for his holiday, Conscience began working hard, ominously presageful of the complications that might spring up in the solitudes of hills and waters.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Matthew had arranged to join him--on the excellent pretext of keeping his old friend company--but before he left town for his holiday, Conscience began working hard, ominously presageful of the complications that might spring up in the solitudes of hills and waters.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading A CELEBRITY AT HOME Herbert Strang had gone down to Devonshire to finish his portrait of Mrs. Wyndwood, whose dress was still unrecognizable, and who was so agreeably surprised by the face that she graciously consented to continue the sittings at the “Creamery.”
holidaynounUS /ˈhɑːlədeɪ/
leisure time away from work devoted to rest or pleasure
From this reading Matthew had arranged to join him--on the excellent pretext of keeping his old friend company--but before he left town for his holiday, Conscience began working hard, ominously presageful of the complications that might spring up in the solitudes of hills and waters.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading A CELEBRITY AT HOME Herbert Strang had gone down to Devonshire to finish his portrait of Mrs. Wyndwood, whose dress was still unrecognizable, and who was so agreeably surprised by the face that she graciously consented to continue the sittings at the “Creamery.”
a married man; a woman's partner in marriage
From this reading Thoughts of his wife began to haunt him--thoughts which, while he was only an absentee husband, had been but pale shadows of remorse, dogging his few unoccupied moments, but which, now that another woman had at last enthroned herself in the vacant temple of his soul, assumed shapes more solid and insistent.
not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with
From this reading The inner voice whispered strenuously to him to profit by Eleanor’s absence to fight down his impossible passion, not intensify it unendurably by following in her train.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Matthew had arranged to join him--on the excellent pretext of keeping his old friend company--but before he left town for his holiday, Conscience began working hard, ominously presageful of the complications that might spring up in the solitudes of hills and waters.
located inward
From this reading The inner voice whispered strenuously to him to profit by Eleanor’s absence to fight down his impossible passion, not intensify it unendurably by following in her train.
insistentadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈsɪstənt/
repetitive and persistent
From this reading Thoughts of his wife began to haunt him--thoughts which, while he was only an absentee husband, had been but pale shadows of remorse, dogging his few unoccupied moments, but which, now that another woman had at last enthroned herself in the vacant temple of his soul, assumed shapes more solid and insistent.
intensifyverbUS /ɪnˈtensəfaɪ/
increase in extent or intensity
From this reading The inner voice whispered strenuously to him to profit by Eleanor’s absence to fight down his impossible passion, not intensify it unendurably by following in her train.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The inner voice whispered strenuously to him to profit by Eleanor’s absence to fight down his impossible passion, not intensify it unendurably by following in her train.
become part of; become a member of a group or organization
From this reading Matthew had arranged to join him--on the excellent pretext of keeping his old friend company--but before he left town for his holiday, Conscience began working hard, ominously presageful of the complications that might spring up in the solitudes of hills and waters.
conformity or harmony
From this reading Matthew had arranged to join him--on the excellent pretext of keeping his old friend company--but before he left town for his holiday, Conscience began working hard, ominously presageful of the complications that might spring up in the solitudes of hills and waters.
immediately past
From this reading Thoughts of his wife began to haunt him--thoughts which, while he was only an absentee husband, had been but pale shadows of remorse, dogging his few unoccupied moments, but which, now that another woman had at last enthroned herself in the vacant temple of his soul, assumed shapes more solid and insistent.
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading Matthew had arranged to join him--on the excellent pretext of keeping his old friend company--but before he left town for his holiday, Conscience began working hard, ominously presageful of the complications that might spring up in the solitudes of hills and waters.
MatthewnounUS /ˈmæθjuː/
(New Testament) disciple of Jesus; traditionally considered to be the author of the first Gospel
From this reading Matthew had arranged to join him--on the excellent pretext of keeping his old friend company--but before he left town for his holiday, Conscience began working hard, ominously presageful of the complications that might spring up in the solitudes of hills and waters.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Matthew had arranged to join him--on the excellent pretext of keeping his old friend company--but before he left town for his holiday, Conscience began working hard, ominously presageful of the complications that might spring up in the solitudes of hills and waters.
plural of “moment” — a particular point in time
From this reading Thoughts of his wife began to haunt him--thoughts which, while he was only an absentee husband, had been but pale shadows of remorse, dogging his few unoccupied moments, but which, now that another woman had at last enthroned herself in the vacant temple of his soul, assumed shapes more solid and insistent.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Thoughts of his wife began to haunt him--thoughts which, while he was only an absentee husband, had been but pale shadows of remorse, dogging his few unoccupied moments, but which, now that another woman had at last enthroned herself in the vacant temple of his soul, assumed shapes more solid and insistent.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading A CELEBRITY AT HOME Herbert Strang had gone down to Devonshire to finish his portrait of Mrs. Wyndwood, whose dress was still unrecognizable, and who was so agreeably surprised by the face that she graciously consented to continue the sittings at the “Creamery.”
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The inner voice whispered strenuously to him to profit by Eleanor’s absence to fight down his impossible passion, not intensify it unendurably by following in her train.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Thoughts of his wife began to haunt him--thoughts which, while he was only an absentee husband, had been but pale shadows of remorse, dogging his few unoccupied moments, but which, now that another woman had at last enthroned herself in the vacant temple of his soul, assumed shapes more solid and insistent.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A CELEBRITY AT HOME Herbert Strang had gone down to Devonshire to finish his portrait of Mrs. Wyndwood, whose dress was still unrecognizable, and who was so agreeably surprised by the face that she graciously consented to continue the sittings at the “Creamery.”
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading Matthew had arranged to join him--on the excellent pretext of keeping his old friend company--but before he left town for his holiday, Conscience began working hard, ominously presageful of the complications that might spring up in the solitudes of hills and waters.
ominouslyadverbUS /ˈɑːmənəsli/
in an ominous manner
From this reading Matthew had arranged to join him--on the excellent pretext of keeping his old friend company--but before he left town for his holiday, Conscience began working hard, ominously presageful of the complications that might spring up in the solitudes of hills and waters.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Matthew had arranged to join him--on the excellent pretext of keeping his old friend company--but before he left town for his holiday, Conscience began working hard, ominously presageful of the complications that might spring up in the solitudes of hills and waters.
and nothing more
From this reading Thoughts of his wife began to haunt him--thoughts which, while he was only an absentee husband, had been but pale shadows of remorse, dogging his few unoccupied moments, but which, now that another woman had at last enthroned herself in the vacant temple of his soul, assumed shapes more solid and insistent.
very light colored; highly diluted with white
From this reading Thoughts of his wife began to haunt him--thoughts which, while he was only an absentee husband, had been but pale shadows of remorse, dogging his few unoccupied moments, but which, now that another woman had at last enthroned herself in the vacant temple of his soul, assumed shapes more solid and insistent.
a strong feeling or emotion
From this reading The inner voice whispered strenuously to him to profit by Eleanor’s absence to fight down his impossible passion, not intensify it unendurably by following in her train.
pluckedadjectiveUS /plʌkt/
of a stringed instrument; sounded with the fingers or a plectrum
From this reading Home plucked at his heart, subtly transformed to something more than an unpleasant recollection.
a word picture of a person's appearance and character
From this reading A CELEBRITY AT HOME Herbert Strang had gone down to Devonshire to finish his portrait of Mrs. Wyndwood, whose dress was still unrecognizable, and who was so agreeably surprised by the face that she graciously consented to continue the sittings at the “Creamery.”
presageful
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Matthew had arranged to join him--on the excellent pretext of keeping his old friend company--but before he left town for his holiday, Conscience began working hard, ominously presageful of the complications that might spring up in the solitudes of hills and waters.
pretextnounUS /ˈpriːtekst/
something serving to conceal plans; a fictitious reason that is concocted in order to conceal the real reason
From this reading Matthew had arranged to join him--on the excellent pretext of keeping his old friend company--but before he left town for his holiday, Conscience began working hard, ominously presageful of the complications that might spring up in the solitudes of hills and waters.
profitnounUS /ˈprɑːfət/
the excess of revenues over outlays in a given period of time (including depreciation and other non-cash expenses)
From this reading The inner voice whispered strenuously to him to profit by Eleanor’s absence to fight down his impossible passion, not intensify it unendurably by following in her train.
recollectionnounUS /ˌrekəˈlekʃən/
the ability to recall past occurrences
From this reading Home plucked at his heart, subtly transformed to something more than an unpleasant recollection.
remorsenounUS /rɪˈmɔːrs/
a feeling of deep regret (usually for some misdeed)
From this reading Thoughts of his wife began to haunt him--thoughts which, while he was only an absentee husband, had been but pale shadows of remorse, dogging his few unoccupied moments, but which, now that another woman had at last enthroned herself in the vacant temple of his soul, assumed shapes more solid and insistent.
plural of “shadow” — shade within clear boundaries
From this reading Thoughts of his wife began to haunt him--thoughts which, while he was only an absentee husband, had been but pale shadows of remorse, dogging his few unoccupied moments, but which, now that another woman had at last enthroned herself in the vacant temple of his soul, assumed shapes more solid and insistent.
shapesnounUS /ʃeɪps/
plural of “shape” — any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline)
From this reading Thoughts of his wife began to haunt him--thoughts which, while he was only an absentee husband, had been but pale shadows of remorse, dogging his few unoccupied moments, but which, now that another woman had at last enthroned herself in the vacant temple of his soul, assumed shapes more solid and insistent.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading A CELEBRITY AT HOME Herbert Strang had gone down to Devonshire to finish his portrait of Mrs. Wyndwood, whose dress was still unrecognizable, and who was so agreeably surprised by the face that she graciously consented to continue the sittings at the “Creamery.”
sittings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A CELEBRITY AT HOME Herbert Strang had gone down to Devonshire to finish his portrait of Mrs. Wyndwood, whose dress was still unrecognizable, and who was so agreeably surprised by the face that she graciously consented to continue the sittings at the “Creamery.”
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading A CELEBRITY AT HOME Herbert Strang had gone down to Devonshire to finish his portrait of Mrs. Wyndwood, whose dress was still unrecognizable, and who was so agreeably surprised by the face that she graciously consented to continue the sittings at the “Creamery.”
solidadjectiveUS /ˈsɑːləd/
characterized by good substantial quality
From this reading Thoughts of his wife began to haunt him--thoughts which, while he was only an absentee husband, had been but pale shadows of remorse, dogging his few unoccupied moments, but which, now that another woman had at last enthroned herself in the vacant temple of his soul, assumed shapes more solid and insistent.
solitudes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Matthew had arranged to join him--on the excellent pretext of keeping his old friend company--but before he left town for his holiday, Conscience began working hard, ominously presageful of the complications that might spring up in the solitudes of hills and waters.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading Home plucked at his heart, subtly transformed to something more than an unpleasant recollection.
the immaterial part of a person; the actuating cause of an individual life
From this reading Thoughts of his wife began to haunt him--thoughts which, while he was only an absentee husband, had been but pale shadows of remorse, dogging his few unoccupied moments, but which, now that another woman had at last enthroned herself in the vacant temple of his soul, assumed shapes more solid and insistent.
the season of growth
From this reading Matthew had arranged to join him--on the excellent pretext of keeping his old friend company--but before he left town for his holiday, Conscience began working hard, ominously presageful of the complications that might spring up in the solitudes of hills and waters.
not in physical motion
From this reading A CELEBRITY AT HOME Herbert Strang had gone down to Devonshire to finish his portrait of Mrs. Wyndwood, whose dress was still unrecognizable, and who was so agreeably surprised by the face that she graciously consented to continue the sittings at the “Creamery.”
Strang
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A CELEBRITY AT HOME Herbert Strang had gone down to Devonshire to finish his portrait of Mrs. Wyndwood, whose dress was still unrecognizable, and who was so agreeably surprised by the face that she graciously consented to continue the sittings at the “Creamery.”
strenuouslyadverbUS /ˈstrenjuːəsli/
in a strenuous manner; strongly or vigorously
From this reading The inner voice whispered strenuously to him to profit by Eleanor’s absence to fight down his impossible passion, not intensify it unendurably by following in her train.
subtlyadverbUS /ˈsʌtəli/
in a subtle manner
From this reading Home plucked at his heart, subtly transformed to something more than an unpleasant recollection.
taken unawares or suddenly and feeling wonder or astonishment
From this reading A CELEBRITY AT HOME Herbert Strang had gone down to Devonshire to finish his portrait of Mrs. Wyndwood, whose dress was still unrecognizable, and who was so agreeably surprised by the face that she graciously consented to continue the sittings at the “Creamery.”
place of worship consisting of an edifice for the worship of a deity
From this reading Thoughts of his wife began to haunt him--thoughts which, while he was only an absentee husband, had been but pale shadows of remorse, dogging his few unoccupied moments, but which, now that another woman had at last enthroned herself in the vacant temple of his soul, assumed shapes more solid and insistent.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Home plucked at his heart, subtly transformed to something more than an unpleasant recollection.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading A CELEBRITY AT HOME Herbert Strang had gone down to Devonshire to finish his portrait of Mrs. Wyndwood, whose dress was still unrecognizable, and who was so agreeably surprised by the face that she graciously consented to continue the sittings at the “Creamery.”
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A CELEBRITY AT HOME Herbert Strang had gone down to Devonshire to finish his portrait of Mrs. Wyndwood, whose dress was still unrecognizable, and who was so agreeably surprised by the face that she graciously consented to continue the sittings at the “Creamery.”
plural of “thought” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading Thoughts of his wife began to haunt him--thoughts which, while he was only an absentee husband, had been but pale shadows of remorse, dogging his few unoccupied moments, but which, now that another woman had at last enthroned herself in the vacant temple of his soul, assumed shapes more solid and insistent.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A CELEBRITY AT HOME Herbert Strang had gone down to Devonshire to finish his portrait of Mrs. Wyndwood, whose dress was still unrecognizable, and who was so agreeably surprised by the face that she graciously consented to continue the sittings at the “Creamery.”
an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city
From this reading Matthew had arranged to join him--on the excellent pretext of keeping his old friend company--but before he left town for his holiday, Conscience began working hard, ominously presageful of the complications that might spring up in the solitudes of hills and waters.
create by training and teaching
From this reading The inner voice whispered strenuously to him to profit by Eleanor’s absence to fight down his impossible passion, not intensify it unendurably by following in her train.
transformedadjectiveUS /trænˈsfɔːrmd/
given a completely different form or appearance
From this reading Home plucked at his heart, subtly transformed to something more than an unpleasant recollection.
unendurably
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The inner voice whispered strenuously to him to profit by Eleanor’s absence to fight down his impossible passion, not intensify it unendurably by following in her train.
unoccupiedadjectiveUS /əˈnɑːkjəpaɪd/
not held or filled or in use
From this reading Thoughts of his wife began to haunt him--thoughts which, while he was only an absentee husband, had been but pale shadows of remorse, dogging his few unoccupied moments, but which, now that another woman had at last enthroned herself in the vacant temple of his soul, assumed shapes more solid and insistent.
offensive or disagreeable; causing discomfort or unhappiness
From this reading Home plucked at his heart, subtly transformed to something more than an unpleasant recollection.
unrecognizableadjectiveUS /ənˌrekəɡˈnaɪzəbəl/
defying recognition as e.g. because of damage or alteration
From this reading A CELEBRITY AT HOME Herbert Strang had gone down to Devonshire to finish his portrait of Mrs. Wyndwood, whose dress was still unrecognizable, and who was so agreeably surprised by the face that she graciously consented to continue the sittings at the “Creamery.”
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Matthew had arranged to join him--on the excellent pretext of keeping his old friend company--but before he left town for his holiday, Conscience began working hard, ominously presageful of the complications that might spring up in the solitudes of hills and waters.
vacantadjectiveUS /ˈveɪkənt/
void of intelligence or thought
From this reading Thoughts of his wife began to haunt him--thoughts which, while he was only an absentee husband, had been but pale shadows of remorse, dogging his few unoccupied moments, but which, now that another woman had at last enthroned herself in the vacant temple of his soul, assumed shapes more solid and insistent.
the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading The inner voice whispered strenuously to him to profit by Eleanor’s absence to fight down his impossible passion, not intensify it unendurably by following in her train.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A CELEBRITY AT HOME Herbert Strang had gone down to Devonshire to finish his portrait of Mrs. Wyndwood, whose dress was still unrecognizable, and who was so agreeably surprised by the face that she graciously consented to continue the sittings at the “Creamery.”
United States actress and singer (1896-1977)
From this reading Matthew had arranged to join him--on the excellent pretext of keeping his old friend company--but before he left town for his holiday, Conscience began working hard, ominously presageful of the complications that might spring up in the solitudes of hills and waters.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Thoughts of his wife began to haunt him--thoughts which, while he was only an absentee husband, had been but pale shadows of remorse, dogging his few unoccupied moments, but which, now that another woman had at last enthroned herself in the vacant temple of his soul, assumed shapes more solid and insistent.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Thoughts of his wife began to haunt him--thoughts which, while he was only an absentee husband, had been but pale shadows of remorse, dogging his few unoccupied moments, but which, now that another woman had at last enthroned herself in the vacant temple of his soul, assumed shapes more solid and insistent.
spoken in soft hushed tones without vibrations of the vocal cords
From this reading The inner voice whispered strenuously to him to profit by Eleanor’s absence to fight down his impossible passion, not intensify it unendurably by following in her train.
which person or people
From this reading A CELEBRITY AT HOME Herbert Strang had gone down to Devonshire to finish his portrait of Mrs. Wyndwood, whose dress was still unrecognizable, and who was so agreeably surprised by the face that she graciously consented to continue the sittings at the “Creamery.”
belonging to which person
From this reading A CELEBRITY AT HOME Herbert Strang had gone down to Devonshire to finish his portrait of Mrs. Wyndwood, whose dress was still unrecognizable, and who was so agreeably surprised by the face that she graciously consented to continue the sittings at the “Creamery.”
a married woman; a man's partner in marriage
From this reading Thoughts of his wife began to haunt him--thoughts which, while he was only an absentee husband, had been but pale shadows of remorse, dogging his few unoccupied moments, but which, now that another woman had at last enthroned herself in the vacant temple of his soul, assumed shapes more solid and insistent.
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading Thoughts of his wife began to haunt him--thoughts which, while he was only an absentee husband, had been but pale shadows of remorse, dogging his few unoccupied moments, but which, now that another woman had at last enthroned herself in the vacant temple of his soul, assumed shapes more solid and insistent.
actively engaged in paid work
From this reading Matthew had arranged to join him--on the excellent pretext of keeping his old friend company--but before he left town for his holiday, Conscience began working hard, ominously presageful of the complications that might spring up in the solitudes of hills and waters.
Wyndwood
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A CELEBRITY AT HOME Herbert Strang had gone down to Devonshire to finish his portrait of Mrs. Wyndwood, whose dress was still unrecognizable, and who was so agreeably surprised by the face that she graciously consented to continue the sittings at the “Creamery.”
