used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading FREDERICA'S PLAN AND WHAT HAPPENED TO IT At twenty minutes after seven that evening, Frederica Whitney was about as nearly dressed as she usually was ten minutes before the hour at which she had invited guests to dinner--not quite near enough dressed to prevent a feeling that she had to hurry.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading FREDERICA'S PLAN AND WHAT HAPPENED TO IT At twenty minutes after seven that evening, Frederica Whitney was about as nearly dressed as she usually was ten minutes before the hour at which she had invited guests to dinner--not quite near enough dressed to prevent a feeling that she had to hurry.
acknowledgedadjectiveUS /ækˈnɑːlɪdʒd/
recognized or made known or admitted
From this reading She'd been an acknowledged beauty for ten years and the fact had ceased to be exciting.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading FREDERICA'S PLAN AND WHAT HAPPENED TO IT At twenty minutes after seven that evening, Frederica Whitney was about as nearly dressed as she usually was ten minutes before the hour at which she had invited guests to dinner--not quite near enough dressed to prevent a feeling that she had to hurry.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading To Frederica at thirty--or thereabout--the job of being a radiantly delightful object of regard lacked the sporting interest of uncertainty; was almost too simple a matter to bother about.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading She'd been an acknowledged beauty for ten years and the fact had ceased to be exciting.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading FREDERICA'S PLAN AND WHAT HAPPENED TO IT At twenty minutes after seven that evening, Frederica Whitney was about as nearly dressed as she usually was ten minutes before the hour at which she had invited guests to dinner--not quite near enough dressed to prevent a feeling that she had to hurry.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading FREDERICA'S PLAN AND WHAT HAPPENED TO IT At twenty minutes after seven that evening, Frederica Whitney was about as nearly dressed as she usually was ten minutes before the hour at which she had invited guests to dinner--not quite near enough dressed to prevent a feeling that she had to hurry.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading FREDERICA'S PLAN AND WHAT HAPPENED TO IT At twenty minutes after seven that evening, Frederica Whitney was about as nearly dressed as she usually was ten minutes before the hour at which she had invited guests to dinner--not quite near enough dressed to prevent a feeling that she had to hurry.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading She'd been an acknowledged beauty for ten years and the fact had ceased to be exciting.
the qualities that give pleasure to the senses
From this reading She'd been an acknowledged beauty for ten years and the fact had ceased to be exciting.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading She'd been an acknowledged beauty for ten years and the fact had ceased to be exciting.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading FREDERICA'S PLAN AND WHAT HAPPENED TO IT At twenty minutes after seven that evening, Frederica Whitney was about as nearly dressed as she usually was ten minutes before the hour at which she had invited guests to dinner--not quite near enough dressed to prevent a feeling that she had to hurry.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading She took it rather easily for granted, and knowing what she could do if she chose, didn't distress herself over being lighted up, on occasions, to something a good deal less than her full candle-power.
botherverbUS /ˈbɑːðər/
take the trouble to do something; concern oneself
From this reading To Frederica at thirty--or thereabout--the job of being a radiantly delightful object of regard lacked the sporting interest of uncertainty; was almost too simple a matter to bother about.
candle-power
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She took it rather easily for granted, and knowing what she could do if she chose, didn't distress herself over being lighted up, on occasions, to something a good deal less than her full candle-power.
past form of “cease” — put an end to a state or an activity
From this reading She'd been an acknowledged beauty for ten years and the fact had ceased to be exciting.
inflected form of “choose” — pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives
From this reading She took it rather easily for granted, and knowing what she could do if she chose, didn't distress herself over being lighted up, on occasions, to something a good deal less than her full candle-power.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading She took it rather easily for granted, and knowing what she could do if she chose, didn't distress herself over being lighted up, on occasions, to something a good deal less than her full candle-power.
act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression
From this reading She took it rather easily for granted, and knowing what she could do if she chose, didn't distress herself over being lighted up, on occasions, to something a good deal less than her full candle-power.
greatly pleasing or entertaining
From this reading To Frederica at thirty--or thereabout--the job of being a radiantly delightful object of regard lacked the sporting interest of uncertainty; was almost too simple a matter to bother about.
didn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ordinarily, though, she didn't mind.
the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday
From this reading FREDERICA'S PLAN AND WHAT HAPPENED TO IT At twenty minutes after seven that evening, Frederica Whitney was about as nearly dressed as she usually was ten minutes before the hour at which she had invited guests to dinner--not quite near enough dressed to prevent a feeling that she had to hurry.
psychological suffering
From this reading She took it rather easily for granted, and knowing what she could do if she chose, didn't distress herself over being lighted up, on occasions, to something a good deal less than her full candle-power.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading She took it rather easily for granted, and knowing what she could do if she chose, didn't distress herself over being lighted up, on occasions, to something a good deal less than her full candle-power.
dressed or clothed especially in fine attire; often used in combination
From this reading FREDERICA'S PLAN AND WHAT HAPPENED TO IT At twenty minutes after seven that evening, Frederica Whitney was about as nearly dressed as she usually was ten minutes before the hour at which she had invited guests to dinner--not quite near enough dressed to prevent a feeling that she had to hurry.
with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)
From this reading She took it rather easily for granted, and knowing what she could do if she chose, didn't distress herself over being lighted up, on occasions, to something a good deal less than her full candle-power.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading FREDERICA'S PLAN AND WHAT HAPPENED TO IT At twenty minutes after seven that evening, Frederica Whitney was about as nearly dressed as she usually was ten minutes before the hour at which she had invited guests to dinner--not quite near enough dressed to prevent a feeling that she had to hurry.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading FREDERICA'S PLAN AND WHAT HAPPENED TO IT At twenty minutes after seven that evening, Frederica Whitney was about as nearly dressed as she usually was ten minutes before the hour at which she had invited guests to dinner--not quite near enough dressed to prevent a feeling that she had to hurry.
excitingadjectiveUS /ɪkˈsaɪtɪŋ/
creating or arousing excitement
From this reading She'd been an acknowledged beauty for ten years and the fact had ceased to be exciting.
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading She'd been an acknowledged beauty for ten years and the fact had ceased to be exciting.
the experiencing of affective and emotional states
From this reading FREDERICA'S PLAN AND WHAT HAPPENED TO IT At twenty minutes after seven that evening, Frederica Whitney was about as nearly dressed as she usually was ten minutes before the hour at which she had invited guests to dinner--not quite near enough dressed to prevent a feeling that she had to hurry.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading She'd been an acknowledged beauty for ten years and the fact had ceased to be exciting.
Frederica
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FREDERICA'S PLAN AND WHAT HAPPENED TO IT At twenty minutes after seven that evening, Frederica Whitney was about as nearly dressed as she usually was ten minutes before the hour at which she had invited guests to dinner--not quite near enough dressed to prevent a feeling that she had to hurry.
FREDERICA'S
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FREDERICA'S PLAN AND WHAT HAPPENED TO IT At twenty minutes after seven that evening, Frederica Whitney was about as nearly dressed as she usually was ten minutes before the hour at which she had invited guests to dinner--not quite near enough dressed to prevent a feeling that she had to hurry.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading She took it rather easily for granted, and knowing what she could do if she chose, didn't distress herself over being lighted up, on occasions, to something a good deal less than her full candle-power.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading She took it rather easily for granted, and knowing what she could do if she chose, didn't distress herself over being lighted up, on occasions, to something a good deal less than her full candle-power.
acknowledged as a supposition
From this reading She took it rather easily for granted, and knowing what she could do if she chose, didn't distress herself over being lighted up, on occasions, to something a good deal less than her full candle-power.
plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended
From this reading FREDERICA'S PLAN AND WHAT HAPPENED TO IT At twenty minutes after seven that evening, Frederica Whitney was about as nearly dressed as she usually was ten minutes before the hour at which she had invited guests to dinner--not quite near enough dressed to prevent a feeling that she had to hurry.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading FREDERICA'S PLAN AND WHAT HAPPENED TO IT At twenty minutes after seven that evening, Frederica Whitney was about as nearly dressed as she usually was ten minutes before the hour at which she had invited guests to dinner--not quite near enough dressed to prevent a feeling that she had to hurry.
past form of “happen” — come to pass
From this reading FREDERICA'S PLAN AND WHAT HAPPENED TO IT At twenty minutes after seven that evening, Frederica Whitney was about as nearly dressed as she usually was ten minutes before the hour at which she had invited guests to dinner--not quite near enough dressed to prevent a feeling that she had to hurry.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading She took it rather easily for granted, and knowing what she could do if she chose, didn't distress herself over being lighted up, on occasions, to something a good deal less than her full candle-power.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading She took it rather easily for granted, and knowing what she could do if she chose, didn't distress herself over being lighted up, on occasions, to something a good deal less than her full candle-power.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading FREDERICA'S PLAN AND WHAT HAPPENED TO IT At twenty minutes after seven that evening, Frederica Whitney was about as nearly dressed as she usually was ten minutes before the hour at which she had invited guests to dinner--not quite near enough dressed to prevent a feeling that she had to hurry.
a condition of urgency making it necessary to hurry
From this reading FREDERICA'S PLAN AND WHAT HAPPENED TO IT At twenty minutes after seven that evening, Frederica Whitney was about as nearly dressed as she usually was ten minutes before the hour at which she had invited guests to dinner--not quite near enough dressed to prevent a feeling that she had to hurry.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading She took it rather easily for granted, and knowing what she could do if she chose, didn't distress herself over being lighted up, on occasions, to something a good deal less than her full candle-power.
a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
From this reading To Frederica at thirty--or thereabout--the job of being a radiantly delightful object of regard lacked the sporting interest of uncertainty; was almost too simple a matter to bother about.
past form of “invite” — increase the likelihood of
From this reading FREDERICA'S PLAN AND WHAT HAPPENED TO IT At twenty minutes after seven that evening, Frederica Whitney was about as nearly dressed as she usually was ten minutes before the hour at which she had invited guests to dinner--not quite near enough dressed to prevent a feeling that she had to hurry.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading FREDERICA'S PLAN AND WHAT HAPPENED TO IT At twenty minutes after seven that evening, Frederica Whitney was about as nearly dressed as she usually was ten minutes before the hour at which she had invited guests to dinner--not quite near enough dressed to prevent a feeling that she had to hurry.
the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money
From this reading To Frederica at thirty--or thereabout--the job of being a radiantly delightful object of regard lacked the sporting interest of uncertainty; was almost too simple a matter to bother about.
evidencing the possession of inside information
From this reading She took it rather easily for granted, and knowing what she could do if she chose, didn't distress herself over being lighted up, on occasions, to something a good deal less than her full candle-power.
lackedverbUS /lækt/
past form of “lack” — be without
From this reading To Frederica at thirty--or thereabout--the job of being a radiantly delightful object of regard lacked the sporting interest of uncertainty; was almost too simple a matter to bother about.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading She took it rather easily for granted, and knowing what she could do if she chose, didn't distress herself over being lighted up, on occasions, to something a good deal less than her full candle-power.
set afire or burning
From this reading She took it rather easily for granted, and knowing what she could do if she chose, didn't distress herself over being lighted up, on occasions, to something a good deal less than her full candle-power.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading To Frederica at thirty--or thereabout--the job of being a radiantly delightful object of regard lacked the sporting interest of uncertainty; was almost too simple a matter to bother about.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading Ordinarily, though, she didn't mind.
a written account of what transpired at a meeting
From this reading FREDERICA'S PLAN AND WHAT HAPPENED TO IT At twenty minutes after seven that evening, Frederica Whitney was about as nearly dressed as she usually was ten minutes before the hour at which she had invited guests to dinner--not quite near enough dressed to prevent a feeling that she had to hurry.
near in time or place or relationship
From this reading FREDERICA'S PLAN AND WHAT HAPPENED TO IT At twenty minutes after seven that evening, Frederica Whitney was about as nearly dressed as she usually was ten minutes before the hour at which she had invited guests to dinner--not quite near enough dressed to prevent a feeling that she had to hurry.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading FREDERICA'S PLAN AND WHAT HAPPENED TO IT At twenty minutes after seven that evening, Frederica Whitney was about as nearly dressed as she usually was ten minutes before the hour at which she had invited guests to dinner--not quite near enough dressed to prevent a feeling that she had to hurry.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading FREDERICA'S PLAN AND WHAT HAPPENED TO IT At twenty minutes after seven that evening, Frederica Whitney was about as nearly dressed as she usually was ten minutes before the hour at which she had invited guests to dinner--not quite near enough dressed to prevent a feeling that she had to hurry.
a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow
From this reading To Frederica at thirty--or thereabout--the job of being a radiantly delightful object of regard lacked the sporting interest of uncertainty; was almost too simple a matter to bother about.
something you have to do
From this reading She took it rather easily for granted, and knowing what she could do if she chose, didn't distress herself over being lighted up, on occasions, to something a good deal less than her full candle-power.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading To Frederica at thirty--or thereabout--the job of being a radiantly delightful object of regard lacked the sporting interest of uncertainty; was almost too simple a matter to bother about.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading She took it rather easily for granted, and knowing what she could do if she chose, didn't distress herself over being lighted up, on occasions, to something a good deal less than her full candle-power.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading To Frederica at thirty--or thereabout--the job of being a radiantly delightful object of regard lacked the sporting interest of uncertainty; was almost too simple a matter to bother about.
OrdinarilyadverbUS /ˌɔːrdəˈnerəli/
under normal conditions
From this reading Ordinarily, though, she didn't mind.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading She took it rather easily for granted, and knowing what she could do if she chose, didn't distress herself over being lighted up, on occasions, to something a good deal less than her full candle-power.
have the will and intention to carry out some action
From this reading FREDERICA'S PLAN AND WHAT HAPPENED TO IT At twenty minutes after seven that evening, Frederica Whitney was about as nearly dressed as she usually was ten minutes before the hour at which she had invited guests to dinner--not quite near enough dressed to prevent a feeling that she had to hurry.
keep from happening or arising; make impossible
From this reading FREDERICA'S PLAN AND WHAT HAPPENED TO IT At twenty minutes after seven that evening, Frederica Whitney was about as nearly dressed as she usually was ten minutes before the hour at which she had invited guests to dinner--not quite near enough dressed to prevent a feeling that she had to hurry.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading FREDERICA'S PLAN AND WHAT HAPPENED TO IT At twenty minutes after seven that evening, Frederica Whitney was about as nearly dressed as she usually was ten minutes before the hour at which she had invited guests to dinner--not quite near enough dressed to prevent a feeling that she had to hurry.
radiantlyadverb
in a radiant manner
From this reading To Frederica at thirty--or thereabout--the job of being a radiantly delightful object of regard lacked the sporting interest of uncertainty; was almost too simple a matter to bother about.
on the contrary
From this reading She took it rather easily for granted, and knowing what she could do if she chose, didn't distress herself over being lighted up, on occasions, to something a good deal less than her full candle-power.
(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point
From this reading To Frederica at thirty--or thereabout--the job of being a radiantly delightful object of regard lacked the sporting interest of uncertainty; was almost too simple a matter to bother about.
the cardinal number that is the sum of six and one
From this reading FREDERICA'S PLAN AND WHAT HAPPENED TO IT At twenty minutes after seven that evening, Frederica Whitney was about as nearly dressed as she usually was ten minutes before the hour at which she had invited guests to dinner--not quite near enough dressed to prevent a feeling that she had to hurry.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading FREDERICA'S PLAN AND WHAT HAPPENED TO IT At twenty minutes after seven that evening, Frederica Whitney was about as nearly dressed as she usually was ten minutes before the hour at which she had invited guests to dinner--not quite near enough dressed to prevent a feeling that she had to hurry.
She'd
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She'd been an acknowledged beauty for ten years and the fact had ceased to be exciting.
having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved
From this reading To Frederica at thirty--or thereabout--the job of being a radiantly delightful object of regard lacked the sporting interest of uncertainty; was almost too simple a matter to bother about.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading She took it rather easily for granted, and knowing what she could do if she chose, didn't distress herself over being lighted up, on occasions, to something a good deal less than her full candle-power.
sportingadjectiveUS /ˈspɔːrtɪŋ/
exhibiting or calling for sportsmanship or fair play
From this reading To Frederica at thirty--or thereabout--the job of being a radiantly delightful object of regard lacked the sporting interest of uncertainty; was almost too simple a matter to bother about.
the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
From this reading FREDERICA'S PLAN AND WHAT HAPPENED TO IT At twenty minutes after seven that evening, Frederica Whitney was about as nearly dressed as she usually was ten minutes before the hour at which she had invited guests to dinner--not quite near enough dressed to prevent a feeling that she had to hurry.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading She took it rather easily for granted, and knowing what she could do if she chose, didn't distress herself over being lighted up, on occasions, to something a good deal less than her full candle-power.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading FREDERICA'S PLAN AND WHAT HAPPENED TO IT At twenty minutes after seven that evening, Frederica Whitney was about as nearly dressed as she usually was ten minutes before the hour at which she had invited guests to dinner--not quite near enough dressed to prevent a feeling that she had to hurry.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading FREDERICA'S PLAN AND WHAT HAPPENED TO IT At twenty minutes after seven that evening, Frederica Whitney was about as nearly dressed as she usually was ten minutes before the hour at which she had invited guests to dinner--not quite near enough dressed to prevent a feeling that she had to hurry.
thereaboutadverb
near that time or date
From this reading To Frederica at thirty--or thereabout--the job of being a radiantly delightful object of regard lacked the sporting interest of uncertainty; was almost too simple a matter to bother about.
the cardinal number that is the product of ten and three
From this reading To Frederica at thirty--or thereabout--the job of being a radiantly delightful object of regard lacked the sporting interest of uncertainty; was almost too simple a matter to bother about.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Ordinarily, though, she didn't mind.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading FREDERICA'S PLAN AND WHAT HAPPENED TO IT At twenty minutes after seven that evening, Frederica Whitney was about as nearly dressed as she usually was ten minutes before the hour at which she had invited guests to dinner--not quite near enough dressed to prevent a feeling that she had to hurry.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading To Frederica at thirty--or thereabout--the job of being a radiantly delightful object of regard lacked the sporting interest of uncertainty; was almost too simple a matter to bother about.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading She took it rather easily for granted, and knowing what she could do if she chose, didn't distress herself over being lighted up, on occasions, to something a good deal less than her full candle-power.
the cardinal number that is the sum of nineteen and one
From this reading FREDERICA'S PLAN AND WHAT HAPPENED TO IT At twenty minutes after seven that evening, Frederica Whitney was about as nearly dressed as she usually was ten minutes before the hour at which she had invited guests to dinner--not quite near enough dressed to prevent a feeling that she had to hurry.
uncertaintynounUS /ənˈsɜːrtənti/
being unsettled or in doubt or dependent on chance
From this reading To Frederica at thirty--or thereabout--the job of being a radiantly delightful object of regard lacked the sporting interest of uncertainty; was almost too simple a matter to bother about.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading She took it rather easily for granted, and knowing what she could do if she chose, didn't distress herself over being lighted up, on occasions, to something a good deal less than her full candle-power.
under normal conditions
From this reading FREDERICA'S PLAN AND WHAT HAPPENED TO IT At twenty minutes after seven that evening, Frederica Whitney was about as nearly dressed as she usually was ten minutes before the hour at which she had invited guests to dinner--not quite near enough dressed to prevent a feeling that she had to hurry.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading FREDERICA'S PLAN AND WHAT HAPPENED TO IT At twenty minutes after seven that evening, Frederica Whitney was about as nearly dressed as she usually was ten minutes before the hour at which she had invited guests to dinner--not quite near enough dressed to prevent a feeling that she had to hurry.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading FREDERICA'S PLAN AND WHAT HAPPENED TO IT At twenty minutes after seven that evening, Frederica Whitney was about as nearly dressed as she usually was ten minutes before the hour at which she had invited guests to dinner--not quite near enough dressed to prevent a feeling that she had to hurry.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading FREDERICA'S PLAN AND WHAT HAPPENED TO IT At twenty minutes after seven that evening, Frederica Whitney was about as nearly dressed as she usually was ten minutes before the hour at which she had invited guests to dinner--not quite near enough dressed to prevent a feeling that she had to hurry.
WhitneynounUS /ˈwɪtni/
United States inventor of the mechanical cotton gin (1765-1825)
From this reading FREDERICA'S PLAN AND WHAT HAPPENED TO IT At twenty minutes after seven that evening, Frederica Whitney was about as nearly dressed as she usually was ten minutes before the hour at which she had invited guests to dinner--not quite near enough dressed to prevent a feeling that she had to hurry.
a late time of life
From this reading She'd been an acknowledged beauty for ten years and the fact had ceased to be exciting.
