used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Ralph had intended to lead gradually up to the object of his visit; but thrown off his guard by the sight of the dress, he had committed himself in a most untimely manner.
abjured
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading From the furnishing of the room, from her looks and severe mode of dress, he took her to be a religious woman of a Puritanic cast, who had abjured the pomps and vanities of the world.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading From the furnishing of the room, from her looks and severe mode of dress, he took her to be a religious woman of a Puritanic cast, who had abjured the pomps and vanities of the world.
react verbally
From this reading Miss Pearl's question was awkward to answer on the spur of the moment, as may be easily guessed.
outward or visible aspect of a person or thing
From this reading Yet she was a music-hall dancer, and that profession did not suit either her surroundings or her appearance.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Miss Pearl's question was awkward to answer on the spur of the moment, as may be easily guessed.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading While thinking of a possible answer which would delay explanations he stared hard at Miss Pearl, trying to guess what kind of a woman she was.
awkwardadjectiveUS /ˈɑːkwərd/
causing inconvenience
From this reading Miss Pearl's question was awkward to answer on the spur of the moment, as may be easily guessed.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Miss Pearl's question was awkward to answer on the spur of the moment, as may be easily guessed.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Ralph had intended to lead gradually up to the object of his visit; but thrown off his guard by the sight of the dress, he had committed himself in a most untimely manner.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Ralph had intended to lead gradually up to the object of his visit; but thrown off his guard by the sight of the dress, he had committed himself in a most untimely manner.
put or send forth
From this reading From the furnishing of the room, from her looks and severe mode of dress, he took her to be a religious woman of a Puritanic cast, who had abjured the pomps and vanities of the world.
bound or obligated, as under a pledge to a particular cause, action, or attitude
From this reading Ralph had intended to lead gradually up to the object of his visit; but thrown off his guard by the sight of the dress, he had committed himself in a most untimely manner.
dancernounUS /ˈdænsər/
a performer who dances professionally
From this reading Yet she was a music-hall dancer, and that profession did not suit either her surroundings or her appearance.
cause to be slowed down or delayed
From this reading While thinking of a possible answer which would delay explanations he stared hard at Miss Pearl, trying to guess what kind of a woman she was.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Yet she was a music-hall dancer, and that profession did not suit either her surroundings or her appearance.
put on clothes
From this reading Ralph had intended to lead gradually up to the object of his visit; but thrown off his guard by the sight of the dress, he had committed himself in a most untimely manner.
with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)
From this reading Miss Pearl's question was awkward to answer on the spur of the moment, as may be easily guessed.
one or the other of two
From this reading Yet she was a music-hall dancer, and that profession did not suit either her surroundings or her appearance.
explanationsnounUS /ˌekspləˈneɪʃənz/
plural of “explanation” — a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.
From this reading While thinking of a possible answer which would delay explanations he stared hard at Miss Pearl, trying to guess what kind of a woman she was.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading From the furnishing of the room, from her looks and severe mode of dress, he took her to be a religious woman of a Puritanic cast, who had abjured the pomps and vanities of the world.
furnishingnounUS /ˈfɜːrnɪʃɪŋ/
(usually plural) accessory wearing apparel
From this reading From the furnishing of the room, from her looks and severe mode of dress, he took her to be a religious woman of a Puritanic cast, who had abjured the pomps and vanities of the world.
in a gradual manner
From this reading Ralph had intended to lead gradually up to the object of his visit; but thrown off his guard by the sight of the dress, he had committed himself in a most untimely manner.
a person who keeps watch over something or someone
From this reading Ralph had intended to lead gradually up to the object of his visit; but thrown off his guard by the sight of the dress, he had committed himself in a most untimely manner.
expect, believe, or suppose
From this reading While thinking of a possible answer which would delay explanations he stared hard at Miss Pearl, trying to guess what kind of a woman she was.
past form of “guess” — expect, believe, or suppose
From this reading Miss Pearl's question was awkward to answer on the spur of the moment, as may be easily guessed.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Ralph had intended to lead gradually up to the object of his visit; but thrown off his guard by the sight of the dress, he had committed himself in a most untimely manner.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading While thinking of a possible answer which would delay explanations he stared hard at Miss Pearl, trying to guess what kind of a woman she was.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Ralph had intended to lead gradually up to the object of his visit; but thrown off his guard by the sight of the dress, he had committed himself in a most untimely manner.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading From the furnishing of the room, from her looks and severe mode of dress, he took her to be a religious woman of a Puritanic cast, who had abjured the pomps and vanities of the world.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Ralph had intended to lead gradually up to the object of his visit; but thrown off his guard by the sight of the dress, he had committed himself in a most untimely manner.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Ralph had intended to lead gradually up to the object of his visit; but thrown off his guard by the sight of the dress, he had committed himself in a most untimely manner.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Ralph had intended to lead gradually up to the object of his visit; but thrown off his guard by the sight of the dress, he had committed himself in a most untimely manner.
resulting from one's intentions
From this reading Ralph had intended to lead gradually up to the object of his visit; but thrown off his guard by the sight of the dress, he had committed himself in a most untimely manner.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading While thinking of a possible answer which would delay explanations he stared hard at Miss Pearl, trying to guess what kind of a woman she was.
take somebody somewhere
From this reading Ralph had intended to lead gradually up to the object of his visit; but thrown off his guard by the sight of the dress, he had committed himself in a most untimely manner.
plural of “look” — the feelings expressed on a person's face
From this reading From the furnishing of the room, from her looks and severe mode of dress, he took her to be a religious woman of a Puritanic cast, who had abjured the pomps and vanities of the world.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Ralph had intended to lead gradually up to the object of his visit; but thrown off his guard by the sight of the dress, he had committed himself in a most untimely manner.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading Miss Pearl's question was awkward to answer on the spur of the moment, as may be easily guessed.
fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind
From this reading Miss Pearl's question was awkward to answer on the spur of the moment, as may be easily guessed.
modenounUS /moʊd/
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading From the furnishing of the room, from her looks and severe mode of dress, he took her to be a religious woman of a Puritanic cast, who had abjured the pomps and vanities of the world.
a particular point in time
From this reading Miss Pearl's question was awkward to answer on the spur of the moment, as may be easily guessed.
used to form the superlative
From this reading Ralph had intended to lead gradually up to the object of his visit; but thrown off his guard by the sight of the dress, he had committed himself in a most untimely manner.
music-hall
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Yet she was a music-hall dancer, and that profession did not suit either her surroundings or her appearance.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Yet she was a music-hall dancer, and that profession did not suit either her surroundings or her appearance.
a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow
From this reading Ralph had intended to lead gradually up to the object of his visit; but thrown off his guard by the sight of the dress, he had committed himself in a most untimely manner.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Miss Pearl's question was awkward to answer on the spur of the moment, as may be easily guessed.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Ralph had intended to lead gradually up to the object of his visit; but thrown off his guard by the sight of the dress, he had committed himself in a most untimely manner.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Miss Pearl's question was awkward to answer on the spur of the moment, as may be easily guessed.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Yet she was a music-hall dancer, and that profession did not suit either her surroundings or her appearance.
PearlnounUS /pɜːrl/
a smooth lustrous round structure inside the shell of a clam or oyster; much valued as a jewel
From this reading While thinking of a possible answer which would delay explanations he stared hard at Miss Pearl, trying to guess what kind of a woman she was.
Pearl's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Miss Pearl's question was awkward to answer on the spur of the moment, as may be easily guessed.
pomps
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading From the furnishing of the room, from her looks and severe mode of dress, he took her to be a religious woman of a Puritanic cast, who had abjured the pomps and vanities of the world.
capable of happening or existing
From this reading While thinking of a possible answer which would delay explanations he stared hard at Miss Pearl, trying to guess what kind of a woman she was.
the body of people in a learned occupation
From this reading Yet she was a music-hall dancer, and that profession did not suit either her surroundings or her appearance.
Puritanicadjective
morally rigorous and strict
From this reading From the furnishing of the room, from her looks and severe mode of dress, he took her to be a religious woman of a Puritanic cast, who had abjured the pomps and vanities of the world.
challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of
From this reading Miss Pearl's question was awkward to answer on the spur of the moment, as may be easily guessed.
Ralph
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ralph had intended to lead gradually up to the object of his visit; but thrown off his guard by the sight of the dress, he had committed himself in a most untimely manner.
concerned with sacred matters or religion or the church
From this reading From the furnishing of the room, from her looks and severe mode of dress, he took her to be a religious woman of a Puritanic cast, who had abjured the pomps and vanities of the world.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading From the furnishing of the room, from her looks and severe mode of dress, he took her to be a religious woman of a Puritanic cast, who had abjured the pomps and vanities of the world.
intensely or extremely bad or unpleasant in degree or quality
From this reading From the furnishing of the room, from her looks and severe mode of dress, he took her to be a religious woman of a Puritanic cast, who had abjured the pomps and vanities of the world.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading While thinking of a possible answer which would delay explanations he stared hard at Miss Pearl, trying to guess what kind of a woman she was.
an instance of visual perception
From this reading Ralph had intended to lead gradually up to the object of his visit; but thrown off his guard by the sight of the dress, he had committed himself in a most untimely manner.
spurnounUS /spɜːr/
a verbalization that encourages you to attempt something
From this reading Miss Pearl's question was awkward to answer on the spur of the moment, as may be easily guessed.
past form of “stare” — look at with fixed eyes
From this reading While thinking of a possible answer which would delay explanations he stared hard at Miss Pearl, trying to guess what kind of a woman she was.
be agreeable or acceptable to
From this reading Yet she was a music-hall dancer, and that profession did not suit either her surroundings or her appearance.
surroundingsnounUS /sərˈaʊndɪŋz/
the environmental condition
From this reading Yet she was a music-hall dancer, and that profession did not suit either her surroundings or her appearance.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Yet she was a music-hall dancer, and that profession did not suit either her surroundings or her appearance.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Miss Pearl's question was awkward to answer on the spur of the moment, as may be easily guessed.
the process of using your mind to consider something carefully
From this reading While thinking of a possible answer which would delay explanations he stared hard at Miss Pearl, trying to guess what kind of a woman she was.
caused to fall to the ground
From this reading Ralph had intended to lead gradually up to the object of his visit; but thrown off his guard by the sight of the dress, he had committed himself in a most untimely manner.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Miss Pearl's question was awkward to answer on the spur of the moment, as may be easily guessed.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading From the furnishing of the room, from her looks and severe mode of dress, he took her to be a religious woman of a Puritanic cast, who had abjured the pomps and vanities of the world.
hard to endure
From this reading While thinking of a possible answer which would delay explanations he stared hard at Miss Pearl, trying to guess what kind of a woman she was.
untimelyadjectiveUS /ənˈtaɪmli/
badly timed
From this reading Ralph had intended to lead gradually up to the object of his visit; but thrown off his guard by the sight of the dress, he had committed himself in a most untimely manner.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Ralph had intended to lead gradually up to the object of his visit; but thrown off his guard by the sight of the dress, he had committed himself in a most untimely manner.
vanitiesnounUS /ˈvænətiz/
plural of “vanity” — feelings of excessive pride
From this reading From the furnishing of the room, from her looks and severe mode of dress, he took her to be a religious woman of a Puritanic cast, who had abjured the pomps and vanities of the world.
go to see a place, as for entertainment
From this reading Ralph had intended to lead gradually up to the object of his visit; but thrown off his guard by the sight of the dress, he had committed himself in a most untimely manner.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Miss Pearl's question was awkward to answer on the spur of the moment, as may be easily guessed.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading While thinking of a possible answer which would delay explanations he stared hard at Miss Pearl, trying to guess what kind of a woman she was.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading While thinking of a possible answer which would delay explanations he stared hard at Miss Pearl, trying to guess what kind of a woman she was.
WhileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading While thinking of a possible answer which would delay explanations he stared hard at Miss Pearl, trying to guess what kind of a woman she was.
which person or people
From this reading From the furnishing of the room, from her looks and severe mode of dress, he took her to be a religious woman of a Puritanic cast, who had abjured the pomps and vanities of the world.
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading While thinking of a possible answer which would delay explanations he stared hard at Miss Pearl, trying to guess what kind of a woman she was.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading From the furnishing of the room, from her looks and severe mode of dress, he took her to be a religious woman of a Puritanic cast, who had abjured the pomps and vanities of the world.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading While thinking of a possible answer which would delay explanations he stared hard at Miss Pearl, trying to guess what kind of a woman she was.
but in spite of that
From this reading Yet she was a music-hall dancer, and that profession did not suit either her surroundings or her appearance.
