used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading When he had arrived opposite her he gave her a stiff bow, which she returned with her eyes fixed on the girl, who had the same name, and yet was not the Eleanor Carson they knew.
farther along in physical or mental development
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR It was in the midst of an astonished silence that Mr. Anstruther, followed by Eleanor, walked up the length of the long drawing-room towards Mrs. Danvers, the young people making way for them as they advanced.
be in accord; be in agreement
From this reading "When I have explained the reasons for my presence here this evening, you will agree with me, I trust, that no apology is required for what, so far, must seem to you an unwarrantable intrusion," he began in his most deliberate manner.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR It was in the midst of an astonished silence that Mr. Anstruther, followed by Eleanor, walked up the length of the long drawing-room towards Mrs. Danvers, the young people making way for them as they advanced.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading When he had arrived opposite her he gave her a stiff bow, which she returned with her eyes fixed on the girl, who had the same name, and yet was not the Eleanor Carson they knew.
Anstruther
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR It was in the midst of an astonished silence that Mr. Anstruther, followed by Eleanor, walked up the length of the long drawing-room towards Mrs. Danvers, the young people making way for them as they advanced.
apologynounUS /əˈpɑːlədʒiː/
an expression of regret at having caused trouble for someone
From this reading "When I have explained the reasons for my presence here this evening, you will agree with me, I trust, that no apology is required for what, so far, must seem to you an unwarrantable intrusion," he began in his most deliberate manner.
past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress
From this reading When he had arrived opposite her he gave her a stiff bow, which she returned with her eyes fixed on the girl, who had the same name, and yet was not the Eleanor Carson they knew.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR It was in the midst of an astonished silence that Mr. Anstruther, followed by Eleanor, walked up the length of the long drawing-room towards Mrs. Danvers, the young people making way for them as they advanced.
filled with the emotional impact of overwhelming surprise or shock
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR It was in the midst of an astonished silence that Mr. Anstruther, followed by Eleanor, walked up the length of the long drawing-room towards Mrs. Danvers, the young people making way for them as they advanced.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading "When I have explained the reasons for my presence here this evening, you will agree with me, I trust, that no apology is required for what, so far, must seem to you an unwarrantable intrusion," he began in his most deliberate manner.
a knot with two loops and loose ends; used to tie shoelaces
From this reading When he had arrived opposite her he gave her a stiff bow, which she returned with her eyes fixed on the girl, who had the same name, and yet was not the Eleanor Carson they knew.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR It was in the midst of an astonished silence that Mr. Anstruther, followed by Eleanor, walked up the length of the long drawing-room towards Mrs. Danvers, the young people making way for them as they advanced.
CarsonnounUS /ˈkɑːrsən/
United States biologist remembered for her opposition to the use of pesticides that were hazardous to wildlife (1907-1964)
From this reading When he had arrived opposite her he gave her a stiff bow, which she returned with her eyes fixed on the girl, who had the same name, and yet was not the Eleanor Carson they knew.
definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)
From this reading "Certainly," murmured Mrs. Danvers, rather vaguely, though she meant, of course, that no apology was needed.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading "Certainly," murmured Mrs. Danvers, rather vaguely, though she meant, of course, that no apology was needed.
Danvers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR It was in the midst of an astonished silence that Mr. Anstruther, followed by Eleanor, walked up the length of the long drawing-room towards Mrs. Danvers, the young people making way for them as they advanced.
deliberateadjectiveUS /dɪˈlɪbərət/
carefully thought out in advance
From this reading "When I have explained the reasons for my presence here this evening, you will agree with me, I trust, that no apology is required for what, so far, must seem to you an unwarrantable intrusion," he began in his most deliberate manner.
drawing-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR It was in the midst of an astonished silence that Mr. Anstruther, followed by Eleanor, walked up the length of the long drawing-room towards Mrs. Danvers, the young people making way for them as they advanced.
Eleanor
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR It was in the midst of an astonished silence that Mr. Anstruther, followed by Eleanor, walked up the length of the long drawing-room towards Mrs. Danvers, the young people making way for them as they advanced.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading "When I have explained the reasons for my presence here this evening, you will agree with me, I trust, that no apology is required for what, so far, must seem to you an unwarrantable intrusion," he began in his most deliberate manner.
past form of “explain” — make plain and comprehensible
From this reading "When I have explained the reasons for my presence here this evening, you will agree with me, I trust, that no apology is required for what, so far, must seem to you an unwarrantable intrusion," he began in his most deliberate manner.
opinion or judgment
From this reading When he had arrived opposite her he gave her a stiff bow, which she returned with her eyes fixed on the girl, who had the same name, and yet was not the Eleanor Carson they knew.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading "When I have explained the reasons for my presence here this evening, you will agree with me, I trust, that no apology is required for what, so far, must seem to you an unwarrantable intrusion," he began in his most deliberate manner.
(of a number) having a fixed and unchanging value
From this reading When he had arrived opposite her he gave her a stiff bow, which she returned with her eyes fixed on the girl, who had the same name, and yet was not the Eleanor Carson they knew.
past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR It was in the midst of an astonished silence that Mr. Anstruther, followed by Eleanor, walked up the length of the long drawing-room towards Mrs. Danvers, the young people making way for them as they advanced.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR It was in the midst of an astonished silence that Mr. Anstruther, followed by Eleanor, walked up the length of the long drawing-room towards Mrs. Danvers, the young people making way for them as they advanced.
inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading When he had arrived opposite her he gave her a stiff bow, which she returned with her eyes fixed on the girl, who had the same name, and yet was not the Eleanor Carson they knew.
a young female
From this reading When he had arrived opposite her he gave her a stiff bow, which she returned with her eyes fixed on the girl, who had the same name, and yet was not the Eleanor Carson they knew.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading When he had arrived opposite her he gave her a stiff bow, which she returned with her eyes fixed on the girl, who had the same name, and yet was not the Eleanor Carson they knew.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading "When I have explained the reasons for my presence here this evening, you will agree with me, I trust, that no apology is required for what, so far, must seem to you an unwarrantable intrusion," he began in his most deliberate manner.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading When he had arrived opposite her he gave her a stiff bow, which she returned with her eyes fixed on the girl, who had the same name, and yet was not the Eleanor Carson they knew.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading When he had arrived opposite her he gave her a stiff bow, which she returned with her eyes fixed on the girl, who had the same name, and yet was not the Eleanor Carson they knew.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading "When I have explained the reasons for my presence here this evening, you will agree with me, I trust, that no apology is required for what, so far, must seem to you an unwarrantable intrusion," he began in his most deliberate manner.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading "When I have explained the reasons for my presence here this evening, you will agree with me, I trust, that no apology is required for what, so far, must seem to you an unwarrantable intrusion," he began in his most deliberate manner.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "When I have explained the reasons for my presence here this evening, you will agree with me, I trust, that no apology is required for what, so far, must seem to you an unwarrantable intrusion," he began in his most deliberate manner.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR It was in the midst of an astonished silence that Mr. Anstruther, followed by Eleanor, walked up the length of the long drawing-room towards Mrs. Danvers, the young people making way for them as they advanced.
intrusionnounUS /ˌɪnˈtruːʒən/
any entry into an area not previously occupied
From this reading "When I have explained the reasons for my presence here this evening, you will agree with me, I trust, that no apology is required for what, so far, must seem to you an unwarrantable intrusion," he began in his most deliberate manner.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "When I have explained the reasons for my presence here this evening, you will agree with me, I trust, that no apology is required for what, so far, must seem to you an unwarrantable intrusion," he began in his most deliberate manner.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR It was in the midst of an astonished silence that Mr. Anstruther, followed by Eleanor, walked up the length of the long drawing-room towards Mrs. Danvers, the young people making way for them as they advanced.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading When he had arrived opposite her he gave her a stiff bow, which she returned with her eyes fixed on the girl, who had the same name, and yet was not the Eleanor Carson they knew.
the linear extent in space from one end to the other; the longest dimension of something that is fixed in place
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR It was in the midst of an astonished silence that Mr. Anstruther, followed by Eleanor, walked up the length of the long drawing-room towards Mrs. Danvers, the young people making way for them as they advanced.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR It was in the midst of an astonished silence that Mr. Anstruther, followed by Eleanor, walked up the length of the long drawing-room towards Mrs. Danvers, the young people making way for them as they advanced.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR It was in the midst of an astonished silence that Mr. Anstruther, followed by Eleanor, walked up the length of the long drawing-room towards Mrs. Danvers, the young people making way for them as they advanced.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading "When I have explained the reasons for my presence here this evening, you will agree with me, I trust, that no apology is required for what, so far, must seem to you an unwarrantable intrusion," he began in his most deliberate manner.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading "When I have explained the reasons for my presence here this evening, you will agree with me, I trust, that no apology is required for what, so far, must seem to you an unwarrantable intrusion," he began in his most deliberate manner.
inflected form of “mean” — mean or intend to express or convey
From this reading "Certainly," murmured Mrs. Danvers, rather vaguely, though she meant, of course, that no apology was needed.
the location of something surrounded by other things
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR It was in the midst of an astonished silence that Mr. Anstruther, followed by Eleanor, walked up the length of the long drawing-room towards Mrs. Danvers, the young people making way for them as they advanced.
used to form the superlative
From this reading "When I have explained the reasons for my presence here this evening, you will agree with me, I trust, that no apology is required for what, so far, must seem to you an unwarrantable intrusion," he began in his most deliberate manner.
a form of address for a man
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR It was in the midst of an astonished silence that Mr. Anstruther, followed by Eleanor, walked up the length of the long drawing-room towards Mrs. Danvers, the young people making way for them as they advanced.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR It was in the midst of an astonished silence that Mr. Anstruther, followed by Eleanor, walked up the length of the long drawing-room towards Mrs. Danvers, the young people making way for them as they advanced.
past form of “murmur” — speak softly or indistinctly
From this reading "Certainly," murmured Mrs. Danvers, rather vaguely, though she meant, of course, that no apology was needed.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading "When I have explained the reasons for my presence here this evening, you will agree with me, I trust, that no apology is required for what, so far, must seem to you an unwarrantable intrusion," he began in his most deliberate manner.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading "When I have explained the reasons for my presence here this evening, you will agree with me, I trust, that no apology is required for what, so far, must seem to you an unwarrantable intrusion," he began in his most deliberate manner.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading When he had arrived opposite her he gave her a stiff bow, which she returned with her eyes fixed on the girl, who had the same name, and yet was not the Eleanor Carson they knew.
necessary for relief or supply
From this reading "Certainly," murmured Mrs. Danvers, rather vaguely, though she meant, of course, that no apology was needed.
not any; not one
From this reading "When I have explained the reasons for my presence here this evening, you will agree with me, I trust, that no apology is required for what, so far, must seem to you an unwarrantable intrusion," he began in his most deliberate manner.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading When he had arrived opposite her he gave her a stiff bow, which she returned with her eyes fixed on the girl, who had the same name, and yet was not the Eleanor Carson they knew.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR It was in the midst of an astonished silence that Mr. Anstruther, followed by Eleanor, walked up the length of the long drawing-room towards Mrs. Danvers, the young people making way for them as they advanced.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading When he had arrived opposite her he gave her a stiff bow, which she returned with her eyes fixed on the girl, who had the same name, and yet was not the Eleanor Carson they knew.
being directly across from each other; facing
From this reading When he had arrived opposite her he gave her a stiff bow, which she returned with her eyes fixed on the girl, who had the same name, and yet was not the Eleanor Carson they knew.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR It was in the midst of an astonished silence that Mr. Anstruther, followed by Eleanor, walked up the length of the long drawing-room towards Mrs. Danvers, the young people making way for them as they advanced.
the state of being present; current existence
From this reading "When I have explained the reasons for my presence here this evening, you will agree with me, I trust, that no apology is required for what, so far, must seem to you an unwarrantable intrusion," he began in his most deliberate manner.
puzzlingadjectiveUS /ˈpʌzəlɪŋ/
not clear to the understanding
From this reading It was very puzzling, she thought.
on the contrary
From this reading "Certainly," murmured Mrs. Danvers, rather vaguely, though she meant, of course, that no apology was needed.
plural of “reason” — a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading "When I have explained the reasons for my presence here this evening, you will agree with me, I trust, that no apology is required for what, so far, must seem to you an unwarrantable intrusion," he began in his most deliberate manner.
necessary for relief or supply
From this reading "When I have explained the reasons for my presence here this evening, you will agree with me, I trust, that no apology is required for what, so far, must seem to you an unwarrantable intrusion," he began in his most deliberate manner.
past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading When he had arrived opposite her he gave her a stiff bow, which she returned with her eyes fixed on the girl, who had the same name, and yet was not the Eleanor Carson they knew.
Identical; not different.
From this reading When he had arrived opposite her he gave her a stiff bow, which she returned with her eyes fixed on the girl, who had the same name, and yet was not the Eleanor Carson they knew.
give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading "When I have explained the reasons for my presence here this evening, you will agree with me, I trust, that no apology is required for what, so far, must seem to you an unwarrantable intrusion," he began in his most deliberate manner.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading When he had arrived opposite her he gave her a stiff bow, which she returned with her eyes fixed on the girl, who had the same name, and yet was not the Eleanor Carson they knew.
Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR It was in the midst of an astonished silence that Mr. Anstruther, followed by Eleanor, walked up the length of the long drawing-room towards Mrs. Danvers, the young people making way for them as they advanced.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading "When I have explained the reasons for my presence here this evening, you will agree with me, I trust, that no apology is required for what, so far, must seem to you an unwarrantable intrusion," he began in his most deliberate manner.
not moving or operating freely
From this reading When he had arrived opposite her he gave her a stiff bow, which she returned with her eyes fixed on the girl, who had the same name, and yet was not the Eleanor Carson they knew.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR It was in the midst of an astonished silence that Mr. Anstruther, followed by Eleanor, walked up the length of the long drawing-room towards Mrs. Danvers, the young people making way for them as they advanced.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR It was in the midst of an astonished silence that Mr. Anstruther, followed by Eleanor, walked up the length of the long drawing-room towards Mrs. Danvers, the young people making way for them as they advanced.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR It was in the midst of an astonished silence that Mr. Anstruther, followed by Eleanor, walked up the length of the long drawing-room towards Mrs. Danvers, the young people making way for them as they advanced.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR It was in the midst of an astonished silence that Mr. Anstruther, followed by Eleanor, walked up the length of the long drawing-room towards Mrs. Danvers, the young people making way for them as they advanced.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading "When I have explained the reasons for my presence here this evening, you will agree with me, I trust, that no apology is required for what, so far, must seem to you an unwarrantable intrusion," he began in his most deliberate manner.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading "Certainly," murmured Mrs. Danvers, rather vaguely, though she meant, of course, that no apology was needed.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading It was very puzzling, she thought.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading "When I have explained the reasons for my presence here this evening, you will agree with me, I trust, that no apology is required for what, so far, must seem to you an unwarrantable intrusion," he began in his most deliberate manner.
in the direction of
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR It was in the midst of an astonished silence that Mr. Anstruther, followed by Eleanor, walked up the length of the long drawing-room towards Mrs. Danvers, the young people making way for them as they advanced.
something (as property) held by one party (the trustee) for the benefit of another (the beneficiary)
From this reading "When I have explained the reasons for my presence here this evening, you will agree with me, I trust, that no apology is required for what, so far, must seem to you an unwarrantable intrusion," he began in his most deliberate manner.
not expected or anticipated
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR It was in the midst of an astonished silence that Mr. Anstruther, followed by Eleanor, walked up the length of the long drawing-room towards Mrs. Danvers, the young people making way for them as they advanced.
unwarrantableadjective
incapable of being justified or explained
From this reading "When I have explained the reasons for my presence here this evening, you will agree with me, I trust, that no apology is required for what, so far, must seem to you an unwarrantable intrusion," he began in his most deliberate manner.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR It was in the midst of an astonished silence that Mr. Anstruther, followed by Eleanor, walked up the length of the long drawing-room towards Mrs. Danvers, the young people making way for them as they advanced.
vaguelyadverbUS /ˈveɪɡli/
in a vague way
From this reading "Certainly," murmured Mrs. Danvers, rather vaguely, though she meant, of course, that no apology was needed.
precisely as stated
From this reading It was very puzzling, she thought.
someone who visits
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR It was in the midst of an astonished silence that Mr. Anstruther, followed by Eleanor, walked up the length of the long drawing-room towards Mrs. Danvers, the young people making way for them as they advanced.
past form of “walk” — use one's feet to advance; advance by steps
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR It was in the midst of an astonished silence that Mr. Anstruther, followed by Eleanor, walked up the length of the long drawing-room towards Mrs. Danvers, the young people making way for them as they advanced.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR It was in the midst of an astonished silence that Mr. Anstruther, followed by Eleanor, walked up the length of the long drawing-room towards Mrs. Danvers, the young people making way for them as they advanced.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR It was in the midst of an astonished silence that Mr. Anstruther, followed by Eleanor, walked up the length of the long drawing-room towards Mrs. Danvers, the young people making way for them as they advanced.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading "When I have explained the reasons for my presence here this evening, you will agree with me, I trust, that no apology is required for what, so far, must seem to you an unwarrantable intrusion," he began in his most deliberate manner.
at the time that
From this reading When he had arrived opposite her he gave her a stiff bow, which she returned with her eyes fixed on the girl, who had the same name, and yet was not the Eleanor Carson they knew.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading When he had arrived opposite her he gave her a stiff bow, which she returned with her eyes fixed on the girl, who had the same name, and yet was not the Eleanor Carson they knew.
which person or people
From this reading When he had arrived opposite her he gave her a stiff bow, which she returned with her eyes fixed on the girl, who had the same name, and yet was not the Eleanor Carson they knew.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading "When I have explained the reasons for my presence here this evening, you will agree with me, I trust, that no apology is required for what, so far, must seem to you an unwarrantable intrusion," he began in his most deliberate manner.
in the company of; together with
From this reading When he had arrived opposite her he gave her a stiff bow, which she returned with her eyes fixed on the girl, who had the same name, and yet was not the Eleanor Carson they knew.
but in spite of that
From this reading When he had arrived opposite her he gave her a stiff bow, which she returned with her eyes fixed on the girl, who had the same name, and yet was not the Eleanor Carson they knew.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "When I have explained the reasons for my presence here this evening, you will agree with me, I trust, that no apology is required for what, so far, must seem to you an unwarrantable intrusion," he began in his most deliberate manner.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR It was in the midst of an astonished silence that Mr. Anstruther, followed by Eleanor, walked up the length of the long drawing-room towards Mrs. Danvers, the young people making way for them as they advanced.
