used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading “Do you stay in town like this, at such a season, on purpose to attend to your work?” the Princess asked; and there was something archly rueful in the tone in which she made this inquiry—as if it cost her just a pang to find that in taking such a line she herself had not been so original as she hoped.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading “Mr. Robinson has told me about your big house in Belgrave Square—you must let me come and see you there.
make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen
From this reading Nothing would make me so happy as that you should allow me to help you a little—how little soever.
aloneadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/
Having no one else present.
From this reading Do you like to be helped or do you like to go quite alone?
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading “Do you stay in town like this, at such a season, on purpose to attend to your work?” the Princess asked; and there was something archly rueful in the tone in which she made this inquiry—as if it cost her just a pang to find that in taking such a line she herself had not been so original as she hoped.
archlyadverbUS /ˈɑːrtʃli/
in an arch manner; with playful slyness or roguishness
From this reading “Do you stay in town like this, at such a season, on purpose to attend to your work?” the Princess asked; and there was something archly rueful in the tone in which she made this inquiry—as if it cost her just a pang to find that in taking such a line she herself had not been so original as she hoped.
Areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Are you very independent or do you need to look up, to cling, to lean on some one?
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading “Do you stay in town like this, at such a season, on purpose to attend to your work?” the Princess asked; and there was something archly rueful in the tone in which she made this inquiry—as if it cost her just a pang to find that in taking such a line she herself had not been so original as she hoped.
past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading “Do you stay in town like this, at such a season, on purpose to attend to your work?” the Princess asked; and there was something archly rueful in the tone in which she made this inquiry—as if it cost her just a pang to find that in taking such a line she herself had not been so original as she hoped.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading “Do you stay in town like this, at such a season, on purpose to attend to your work?” the Princess asked; and there was something archly rueful in the tone in which she made this inquiry—as if it cost her just a pang to find that in taking such a line she herself had not been so original as she hoped.
be present at (meetings, church services, university), etc.
From this reading “Do you stay in town like this, at such a season, on purpose to attend to your work?” the Princess asked; and there was something archly rueful in the tone in which she made this inquiry—as if it cost her just a pang to find that in taking such a line she herself had not been so original as she hoped.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Do you like to be helped or do you like to go quite alone?
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading “Do you stay in town like this, at such a season, on purpose to attend to your work?” the Princess asked; and there was something archly rueful in the tone in which she made this inquiry—as if it cost her just a pang to find that in taking such a line she herself had not been so original as she hoped.
Belgrave
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Mr. Robinson has told me about your big house in Belgrave Square—you must let me come and see you there.
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading “Mr. Robinson has told me about your big house in Belgrave Square—you must let me come and see you there.
clingverbUS /klɪŋ/
come or be in close contact with; stick or hold together and resist separation
From this reading Are you very independent or do you need to look up, to cling, to lean on some one?
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading “Mr. Robinson has told me about your big house in Belgrave Square—you must let me come and see you there.
the total spent for goods or services including money and time and labor
From this reading “Do you stay in town like this, at such a season, on purpose to attend to your work?” the Princess asked; and there was something archly rueful in the tone in which she made this inquiry—as if it cost her just a pang to find that in taking such a line she herself had not been so original as she hoped.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading “Do you stay in town like this, at such a season, on purpose to attend to your work?” the Princess asked; and there was something archly rueful in the tone in which she made this inquiry—as if it cost her just a pang to find that in taking such a line she herself had not been so original as she hoped.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading “Do you stay in town like this, at such a season, on purpose to attend to your work?” the Princess asked; and there was something archly rueful in the tone in which she made this inquiry—as if it cost her just a pang to find that in taking such a line she herself had not been so original as she hoped.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Do you like to be helped or do you like to go quite alone?
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading “Do you stay in town like this, at such a season, on purpose to attend to your work?” the Princess asked; and there was something archly rueful in the tone in which she made this inquiry—as if it cost her just a pang to find that in taking such a line she herself had not been so original as she hoped.
enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure
From this reading Nothing would make me so happy as that you should allow me to help you a little—how little soever.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “Mr. Robinson has told me about your big house in Belgrave Square—you must let me come and see you there.
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading Nothing would make me so happy as that you should allow me to help you a little—how little soever.
past form of “help” — give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading Do you like to be helped or do you like to go quite alone?
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading “Do you stay in town like this, at such a season, on purpose to attend to your work?” the Princess asked; and there was something archly rueful in the tone in which she made this inquiry—as if it cost her just a pang to find that in taking such a line she herself had not been so original as she hoped.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading “Do you stay in town like this, at such a season, on purpose to attend to your work?” the Princess asked; and there was something archly rueful in the tone in which she made this inquiry—as if it cost her just a pang to find that in taking such a line she herself had not been so original as she hoped.
past form of “hope” — expect and wish
From this reading “Do you stay in town like this, at such a season, on purpose to attend to your work?” the Princess asked; and there was something archly rueful in the tone in which she made this inquiry—as if it cost her just a pang to find that in taking such a line she herself had not been so original as she hoped.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading “Mr. Robinson has told me about your big house in Belgrave Square—you must let me come and see you there.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Nothing would make me so happy as that you should allow me to help you a little—how little soever.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading “Do you stay in town like this, at such a season, on purpose to attend to your work?” the Princess asked; and there was something archly rueful in the tone in which she made this inquiry—as if it cost her just a pang to find that in taking such a line she herself had not been so original as she hoped.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading “Do you stay in town like this, at such a season, on purpose to attend to your work?” the Princess asked; and there was something archly rueful in the tone in which she made this inquiry—as if it cost her just a pang to find that in taking such a line she herself had not been so original as she hoped.
independentadjectiveUS /ˌɪndɪˈpendənt/
free from external control and constraint
From this reading Are you very independent or do you need to look up, to cling, to lean on some one?
inquirynounUS /ˌɪnˈkwaɪriː/
a search for knowledge
From this reading “Do you stay in town like this, at such a season, on purpose to attend to your work?” the Princess asked; and there was something archly rueful in the tone in which she made this inquiry—as if it cost her just a pang to find that in taking such a line she herself had not been so original as she hoped.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading “Do you stay in town like this, at such a season, on purpose to attend to your work?” the Princess asked; and there was something archly rueful in the tone in which she made this inquiry—as if it cost her just a pang to find that in taking such a line she herself had not been so original as she hoped.
and nothing more
From this reading “Do you stay in town like this, at such a season, on purpose to attend to your work?” the Princess asked; and there was something archly rueful in the tone in which she made this inquiry—as if it cost her just a pang to find that in taking such a line she herself had not been so original as she hoped.
leanverbUS /liːn/
to incline or bend from a vertical position
From this reading Are you very independent or do you need to look up, to cling, to lean on some one?
letauxiliary verbUS /let/
used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker
From this reading “Mr. Robinson has told me about your big house in Belgrave Square—you must let me come and see you there.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading “Do you stay in town like this, at such a season, on purpose to attend to your work?” the Princess asked; and there was something archly rueful in the tone in which she made this inquiry—as if it cost her just a pang to find that in taking such a line she herself had not been so original as she hoped.
a formation of people or things one beside another
From this reading “Do you stay in town like this, at such a season, on purpose to attend to your work?” the Princess asked; and there was something archly rueful in the tone in which she made this inquiry—as if it cost her just a pang to find that in taking such a line she herself had not been so original as she hoped.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Nothing would make me so happy as that you should allow me to help you a little—how little soever.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading Are you very independent or do you need to look up, to cling, to lean on some one?
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading “Do you stay in town like this, at such a season, on purpose to attend to your work?” the Princess asked; and there was something archly rueful in the tone in which she made this inquiry—as if it cost her just a pang to find that in taking such a line she herself had not been so original as she hoped.
engage in
From this reading Nothing would make me so happy as that you should allow me to help you a little—how little soever.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading “Mr. Robinson has told me about your big house in Belgrave Square—you must let me come and see you there.
a form of address for a man
From this reading “Mr. Robinson has told me about your big house in Belgrave Square—you must let me come and see you there.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading “Mr. Robinson has told me about your big house in Belgrave Square—you must let me come and see you there.
a condition requiring relief
From this reading Are you very independent or do you need to look up, to cling, to lean on some one?
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading “Do you stay in town like this, at such a season, on purpose to attend to your work?” the Princess asked; and there was something archly rueful in the tone in which she made this inquiry—as if it cost her just a pang to find that in taking such a line she herself had not been so original as she hoped.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading Nothing would make me so happy as that you should allow me to help you a little—how little soever.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading “Do you stay in town like this, at such a season, on purpose to attend to your work?” the Princess asked; and there was something archly rueful in the tone in which she made this inquiry—as if it cost her just a pang to find that in taking such a line she herself had not been so original as she hoped.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Are you very independent or do you need to look up, to cling, to lean on some one?
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Do you like to be helped or do you like to go quite alone?
preceding all others in time or being as first made or performed
From this reading “Do you stay in town like this, at such a season, on purpose to attend to your work?” the Princess asked; and there was something archly rueful in the tone in which she made this inquiry—as if it cost her just a pang to find that in taking such a line she herself had not been so original as she hoped.
pangnounUS /pæŋ/
a sudden sharp feeling
From this reading “Do you stay in town like this, at such a season, on purpose to attend to your work?” the Princess asked; and there was something archly rueful in the tone in which she made this inquiry—as if it cost her just a pang to find that in taking such a line she herself had not been so original as she hoped.
The daughter of a monarch; a female member of a royal family.
From this reading “Do you stay in town like this, at such a season, on purpose to attend to your work?” the Princess asked; and there was something archly rueful in the tone in which she made this inquiry—as if it cost her just a pang to find that in taking such a line she herself had not been so original as she hoped.
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading “Do you stay in town like this, at such a season, on purpose to attend to your work?” the Princess asked; and there was something archly rueful in the tone in which she made this inquiry—as if it cost her just a pang to find that in taking such a line she herself had not been so original as she hoped.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading Do you like to be helped or do you like to go quite alone?
RobinsonnounUS /ˈrɑːbənsən/
English chemist noted for his studies of molecular structures in plants (1886-1975)
From this reading “Mr. Robinson has told me about your big house in Belgrave Square—you must let me come and see you there.
ruefuladjectiveUS /ˈruːfəl/
feeling or expressing pain or sorrow for sins or offenses
From this reading “Do you stay in town like this, at such a season, on purpose to attend to your work?” the Princess asked; and there was something archly rueful in the tone in which she made this inquiry—as if it cost her just a pang to find that in taking such a line she herself had not been so original as she hoped.
a period of the year marked by special events or activities in some field
From this reading “Do you stay in town like this, at such a season, on purpose to attend to your work?” the Princess asked; and there was something archly rueful in the tone in which she made this inquiry—as if it cost her just a pang to find that in taking such a line she herself had not been so original as she hoped.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading “Mr. Robinson has told me about your big house in Belgrave Square—you must let me come and see you there.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading “Do you stay in town like this, at such a season, on purpose to attend to your work?” the Princess asked; and there was something archly rueful in the tone in which she made this inquiry—as if it cost her just a pang to find that in taking such a line she herself had not been so original as she hoped.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading Nothing would make me so happy as that you should allow me to help you a little—how little soever.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading “Do you stay in town like this, at such a season, on purpose to attend to your work?” the Princess asked; and there was something archly rueful in the tone in which she made this inquiry—as if it cost her just a pang to find that in taking such a line she herself had not been so original as she hoped.
soever
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Nothing would make me so happy as that you should allow me to help you a little—how little soever.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Are you very independent or do you need to look up, to cling, to lean on some one?
a thing, without saying which
From this reading “Do you stay in town like this, at such a season, on purpose to attend to your work?” the Princess asked; and there was something archly rueful in the tone in which she made this inquiry—as if it cost her just a pang to find that in taking such a line she herself had not been so original as she hoped.
make square
From this reading “Mr. Robinson has told me about your big house in Belgrave Square—you must let me come and see you there.
stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading “Do you stay in town like this, at such a season, on purpose to attend to your work?” the Princess asked; and there was something archly rueful in the tone in which she made this inquiry—as if it cost her just a pang to find that in taking such a line she herself had not been so original as she hoped.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading “Do you stay in town like this, at such a season, on purpose to attend to your work?” the Princess asked; and there was something archly rueful in the tone in which she made this inquiry—as if it cost her just a pang to find that in taking such a line she herself had not been so original as she hoped.
the act of someone who picks up or takes something
From this reading “Do you stay in town like this, at such a season, on purpose to attend to your work?” the Princess asked; and there was something archly rueful in the tone in which she made this inquiry—as if it cost her just a pang to find that in taking such a line she herself had not been so original as she hoped.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading “Do you stay in town like this, at such a season, on purpose to attend to your work?” the Princess asked; and there was something archly rueful in the tone in which she made this inquiry—as if it cost her just a pang to find that in taking such a line she herself had not been so original as she hoped.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading “Do you stay in town like this, at such a season, on purpose to attend to your work?” the Princess asked; and there was something archly rueful in the tone in which she made this inquiry—as if it cost her just a pang to find that in taking such a line she herself had not been so original as she hoped.
in or at that place or location
From this reading “Do you stay in town like this, at such a season, on purpose to attend to your work?” the Princess asked; and there was something archly rueful in the tone in which she made this inquiry—as if it cost her just a pang to find that in taking such a line she herself had not been so original as she hoped.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading “Do you stay in town like this, at such a season, on purpose to attend to your work?” the Princess asked; and there was something archly rueful in the tone in which she made this inquiry—as if it cost her just a pang to find that in taking such a line she herself had not been so original as she hoped.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading “Do you stay in town like this, at such a season, on purpose to attend to your work?” the Princess asked; and there was something archly rueful in the tone in which she made this inquiry—as if it cost her just a pang to find that in taking such a line she herself had not been so original as she hoped.
inflected form of “tell” — express in words
From this reading “Mr. Robinson has told me about your big house in Belgrave Square—you must let me come and see you there.
the quality of a person's voice
From this reading “Do you stay in town like this, at such a season, on purpose to attend to your work?” the Princess asked; and there was something archly rueful in the tone in which she made this inquiry—as if it cost her just a pang to find that in taking such a line she herself had not been so original as she hoped.
an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city
From this reading “Do you stay in town like this, at such a season, on purpose to attend to your work?” the Princess asked; and there was something archly rueful in the tone in which she made this inquiry—as if it cost her just a pang to find that in taking such a line she herself had not been so original as she hoped.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Are you very independent or do you need to look up, to cling, to lean on some one?
precisely as stated
From this reading Are you very independent or do you need to look up, to cling, to lean on some one?
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “Do you stay in town like this, at such a season, on purpose to attend to your work?” the Princess asked; and there was something archly rueful in the tone in which she made this inquiry—as if it cost her just a pang to find that in taking such a line she herself had not been so original as she hoped.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading “Do you stay in town like this, at such a season, on purpose to attend to your work?” the Princess asked; and there was something archly rueful in the tone in which she made this inquiry—as if it cost her just a pang to find that in taking such a line she herself had not been so original as she hoped.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading “Do you stay in town like this, at such a season, on purpose to attend to your work?” the Princess asked; and there was something archly rueful in the tone in which she made this inquiry—as if it cost her just a pang to find that in taking such a line she herself had not been so original as she hoped.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Nothing would make me so happy as that you should allow me to help you a little—how little soever.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “Do you stay in town like this, at such a season, on purpose to attend to your work?” the Princess asked; and there was something archly rueful in the tone in which she made this inquiry—as if it cost her just a pang to find that in taking such a line she herself had not been so original as she hoped.
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “Do you stay in town like this, at such a season, on purpose to attend to your work?” the Princess asked; and there was something archly rueful in the tone in which she made this inquiry—as if it cost her just a pang to find that in taking such a line she herself had not been so original as she hoped.
