used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The marriage, under somewhat romantic circumstances, of Philip Cleeve, and the coming home of himself and his bride, would, in ordinary times, have served as the chief topic of conversation for a month to come.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Never had the good people of Nullington had more food for gossip, wonder, and surmise--never had they been so startled out of the ordinary quietude of their lives, as during the Christmastide to which events have now brought us.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Never had the good people of Nullington had more food for gossip, wonder, and surmise--never had they been so startled out of the ordinary quietude of their lives, as during the Christmastide to which events have now brought us.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Never had the good people of Nullington had more food for gossip, wonder, and surmise--never had they been so startled out of the ordinary quietude of their lives, as during the Christmastide to which events have now brought us.
the two together, not just one
From this reading Both Captain Lennox and his sister had vanished as completely as if the earth had swallowed them up.
a woman who has recently been married
From this reading The marriage, under somewhat romantic circumstances, of Philip Cleeve, and the coming home of himself and his bride, would, in ordinary times, have served as the chief topic of conversation for a month to come.
inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading Never had the good people of Nullington had more food for gossip, wonder, and surmise--never had they been so startled out of the ordinary quietude of their lives, as during the Christmastide to which events have now brought us.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But this comparatively tame episode was completely overshadowed by the startling revelations in connection with Captain Lennox.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading But this comparatively tame episode was completely overshadowed by the startling revelations in connection with Captain Lennox.
an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading But this comparatively tame episode was completely overshadowed by the startling revelations in connection with Captain Lennox.
a person who is in charge
From this reading The marriage, under somewhat romantic circumstances, of Philip Cleeve, and the coming home of himself and his bride, would, in ordinary times, have served as the chief topic of conversation for a month to come.
Christmastidenoun
period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6
From this reading Never had the good people of Nullington had more food for gossip, wonder, and surmise--never had they been so startled out of the ordinary quietude of their lives, as during the Christmastide to which events have now brought us.
your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)
From this reading The marriage, under somewhat romantic circumstances, of Philip Cleeve, and the coming home of himself and his bride, would, in ordinary times, have served as the chief topic of conversation for a month to come.
Cleeve
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The marriage, under somewhat romantic circumstances, of Philip Cleeve, and the coming home of himself and his bride, would, in ordinary times, have served as the chief topic of conversation for a month to come.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading The marriage, under somewhat romantic circumstances, of Philip Cleeve, and the coming home of himself and his bride, would, in ordinary times, have served as the chief topic of conversation for a month to come.
the act of drawing spatially closer to something
From this reading The marriage, under somewhat romantic circumstances, of Philip Cleeve, and the coming home of himself and his bride, would, in ordinary times, have served as the chief topic of conversation for a month to come.
comparativelyadverbUS /kəmˈperətɪvli/
in a relative manner; by comparison to something else
From this reading But this comparatively tame episode was completely overshadowed by the startling revelations in connection with Captain Lennox.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading But this comparatively tame episode was completely overshadowed by the startling revelations in connection with Captain Lennox.
a relation between things or events (as in the case of one causing the other or sharing features with it)
From this reading But this comparatively tame episode was completely overshadowed by the startling revelations in connection with Captain Lennox.
the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.
From this reading The marriage, under somewhat romantic circumstances, of Philip Cleeve, and the coming home of himself and his bride, would, in ordinary times, have served as the chief topic of conversation for a month to come.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading Never had the good people of Nullington had more food for gossip, wonder, and surmise--never had they been so startled out of the ordinary quietude of their lives, as during the Christmastide to which events have now brought us.
DUSKnounUS /dʌsk/
the time of day immediately following sunset
From this reading IN THE DUSK OF EVENING.
the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on
From this reading Both Captain Lennox and his sister had vanished as completely as if the earth had swallowed them up.
episodenounUS /ˈepəsoʊd/
a happening that is distinctive in a series of related events
From this reading But this comparatively tame episode was completely overshadowed by the startling revelations in connection with Captain Lennox.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading IN THE DUSK OF EVENING.
plural of “event” — something that happens at a given place and time
From this reading Never had the good people of Nullington had more food for gossip, wonder, and surmise--never had they been so startled out of the ordinary quietude of their lives, as during the Christmastide to which events have now brought us.
any substance that can be metabolized by an animal to give energy and build tissue
From this reading Never had the good people of Nullington had more food for gossip, wonder, and surmise--never had they been so startled out of the ordinary quietude of their lives, as during the Christmastide to which events have now brought us.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Never had the good people of Nullington had more food for gossip, wonder, and surmise--never had they been so startled out of the ordinary quietude of their lives, as during the Christmastide to which events have now brought us.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading Never had the good people of Nullington had more food for gossip, wonder, and surmise--never had they been so startled out of the ordinary quietude of their lives, as during the Christmastide to which events have now brought us.
gossipnounUS /ˈɡɑːsəp/
light informal conversation for social occasions
From this reading Never had the good people of Nullington had more food for gossip, wonder, and surmise--never had they been so startled out of the ordinary quietude of their lives, as during the Christmastide to which events have now brought us.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Never had the good people of Nullington had more food for gossip, wonder, and surmise--never had they been so startled out of the ordinary quietude of their lives, as during the Christmastide to which events have now brought us.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Never had the good people of Nullington had more food for gossip, wonder, and surmise--never had they been so startled out of the ordinary quietude of their lives, as during the Christmastide to which events have now brought us.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading The marriage, under somewhat romantic circumstances, of Philip Cleeve, and the coming home of himself and his bride, would, in ordinary times, have served as the chief topic of conversation for a month to come.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The marriage, under somewhat romantic circumstances, of Philip Cleeve, and the coming home of himself and his bride, would, in ordinary times, have served as the chief topic of conversation for a month to come.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading The marriage, under somewhat romantic circumstances, of Philip Cleeve, and the coming home of himself and his bride, would, in ordinary times, have served as the chief topic of conversation for a month to come.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Both Captain Lennox and his sister had vanished as completely as if the earth had swallowed them up.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading IN THE DUSK OF EVENING.
Lennox
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But this comparatively tame episode was completely overshadowed by the startling revelations in connection with Captain Lennox.
plural of “life” — a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Never had the good people of Nullington had more food for gossip, wonder, and surmise--never had they been so startled out of the ordinary quietude of their lives, as during the Christmastide to which events have now brought us.
the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce)
From this reading The marriage, under somewhat romantic circumstances, of Philip Cleeve, and the coming home of himself and his bride, would, in ordinary times, have served as the chief topic of conversation for a month to come.
one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year
From this reading The marriage, under somewhat romantic circumstances, of Philip Cleeve, and the coming home of himself and his bride, would, in ordinary times, have served as the chief topic of conversation for a month to come.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Never had the good people of Nullington had more food for gossip, wonder, and surmise--never had they been so startled out of the ordinary quietude of their lives, as during the Christmastide to which events have now brought us.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading Never had the good people of Nullington had more food for gossip, wonder, and surmise--never had they been so startled out of the ordinary quietude of their lives, as during the Christmastide to which events have now brought us.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Never had the good people of Nullington had more food for gossip, wonder, and surmise--never had they been so startled out of the ordinary quietude of their lives, as during the Christmastide to which events have now brought us.
Nullington
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Never had the good people of Nullington had more food for gossip, wonder, and surmise--never had they been so startled out of the ordinary quietude of their lives, as during the Christmastide to which events have now brought us.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading IN THE DUSK OF EVENING.
a judge of a probate court
From this reading Never had the good people of Nullington had more food for gossip, wonder, and surmise--never had they been so startled out of the ordinary quietude of their lives, as during the Christmastide to which events have now brought us.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Never had the good people of Nullington had more food for gossip, wonder, and surmise--never had they been so startled out of the ordinary quietude of their lives, as during the Christmastide to which events have now brought us.
overshadowedverbUS /ˌoʊvərˈʃædoʊd/
past form of “overshadow” — be greater in significance than
From this reading But this comparatively tame episode was completely overshadowed by the startling revelations in connection with Captain Lennox.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading Never had the good people of Nullington had more food for gossip, wonder, and surmise--never had they been so startled out of the ordinary quietude of their lives, as during the Christmastide to which events have now brought us.
Englishman and husband of Elizabeth II (born 1921)
From this reading The marriage, under somewhat romantic circumstances, of Philip Cleeve, and the coming home of himself and his bride, would, in ordinary times, have served as the chief topic of conversation for a month to come.
quietudenoun
a state of peace and quiet
From this reading Never had the good people of Nullington had more food for gossip, wonder, and surmise--never had they been so startled out of the ordinary quietude of their lives, as during the Christmastide to which events have now brought us.
revelationsnounUS /ˌrevəˈleɪʃənz/
plural of “revelation” — the speech act of making something evident
From this reading But this comparatively tame episode was completely overshadowed by the startling revelations in connection with Captain Lennox.
romanticadjectiveUS /roʊˈmæntɪk/
belonging to or characteristic of Romanticism or the Romantic Movement in the arts
From this reading The marriage, under somewhat romantic circumstances, of Philip Cleeve, and the coming home of himself and his bride, would, in ordinary times, have served as the chief topic of conversation for a month to come.
past form of “serve” — serve a purpose, role, or function
From this reading The marriage, under somewhat romantic circumstances, of Philip Cleeve, and the coming home of himself and his bride, would, in ordinary times, have served as the chief topic of conversation for a month to come.
a female person who has the same parents as another person
From this reading Both Captain Lennox and his sister had vanished as completely as if the earth had swallowed them up.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Never had the good people of Nullington had more food for gossip, wonder, and surmise--never had they been so startled out of the ordinary quietude of their lives, as during the Christmastide to which events have now brought us.
to a small degree or extent
From this reading The marriage, under somewhat romantic circumstances, of Philip Cleeve, and the coming home of himself and his bride, would, in ordinary times, have served as the chief topic of conversation for a month to come.
excited by sudden surprise or alarm and making a quick involuntary movement
From this reading Never had the good people of Nullington had more food for gossip, wonder, and surmise--never had they been so startled out of the ordinary quietude of their lives, as during the Christmastide to which events have now brought us.
startlingadjectiveUS /ˈstɑːrtlɪŋ/
so remarkably different or sudden as to cause momentary shock or alarm
From this reading But this comparatively tame episode was completely overshadowed by the startling revelations in connection with Captain Lennox.
surmiseverbUS /sərˈmaɪz/
infer from incomplete evidence
From this reading Never had the good people of Nullington had more food for gossip, wonder, and surmise--never had they been so startled out of the ordinary quietude of their lives, as during the Christmastide to which events have now brought us.
swallowedverbUS /ˈswɑːloʊd/
past form of “swallow” — pass through the esophagus as part of eating or drinking
From this reading Both Captain Lennox and his sister had vanished as completely as if the earth had swallowed them up.
tameverbUS /teɪm/
correct by punishment or discipline
From this reading But this comparatively tame episode was completely overshadowed by the startling revelations in connection with Captain Lennox.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading IN THE DUSK OF EVENING.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Never had the good people of Nullington had more food for gossip, wonder, and surmise--never had they been so startled out of the ordinary quietude of their lives, as during the Christmastide to which events have now brought us.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Both Captain Lennox and his sister had vanished as completely as if the earth had swallowed them up.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Never had the good people of Nullington had more food for gossip, wonder, and surmise--never had they been so startled out of the ordinary quietude of their lives, as during the Christmastide to which events have now brought us.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading But this comparatively tame episode was completely overshadowed by the startling revelations in connection with Captain Lennox.
a more or less definite period of time now or previously present
From this reading The marriage, under somewhat romantic circumstances, of Philip Cleeve, and the coming home of himself and his bride, would, in ordinary times, have served as the chief topic of conversation for a month to come.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Never had the good people of Nullington had more food for gossip, wonder, and surmise--never had they been so startled out of the ordinary quietude of their lives, as during the Christmastide to which events have now brought us.
topicnounUS /ˈtɑːpɪk/
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading The marriage, under somewhat romantic circumstances, of Philip Cleeve, and the coming home of himself and his bride, would, in ordinary times, have served as the chief topic of conversation for a month to come.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading The marriage, under somewhat romantic circumstances, of Philip Cleeve, and the coming home of himself and his bride, would, in ordinary times, have served as the chief topic of conversation for a month to come.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Both Captain Lennox and his sister had vanished as completely as if the earth had swallowed them up.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Never had the good people of Nullington had more food for gossip, wonder, and surmise--never had they been so startled out of the ordinary quietude of their lives, as during the Christmastide to which events have now brought us.
having passed out of existence
From this reading Both Captain Lennox and his sister had vanished as completely as if the earth had swallowed them up.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading But this comparatively tame episode was completely overshadowed by the startling revelations in connection with Captain Lennox.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Never had the good people of Nullington had more food for gossip, wonder, and surmise--never had they been so startled out of the ordinary quietude of their lives, as during the Christmastide to which events have now brought us.
in the company of; together with
From this reading But this comparatively tame episode was completely overshadowed by the startling revelations in connection with Captain Lennox.
the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising
From this reading Never had the good people of Nullington had more food for gossip, wonder, and surmise--never had they been so startled out of the ordinary quietude of their lives, as during the Christmastide to which events have now brought us.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading The marriage, under somewhat romantic circumstances, of Philip Cleeve, and the coming home of himself and his bride, would, in ordinary times, have served as the chief topic of conversation for a month to come.
