used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Her day-dreaming was to a large extent directed toward matters literary and artistic.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading She was always busy with some work of that kind, but her longings went far beyond it, and it happened more than once that she let her work drop in her lap while she looked at Keith with an expression he could not understand.
ambitionsnounUS /æmˈbɪʃənz/
plural of “ambition” — a cherished desire
From this reading Sometimes, when she had read some novel with a markedly sentimental appeal, she talked vaguely of old ambitions to write, but as a rule it was her ignorance of music that she deplored.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading In the meantime her lace-making and her embroidery proved an artistic sense not wholly confined to dreams.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Her day-dreaming was to a large extent directed toward matters literary and artistic.
take a court case to a higher court for review
From this reading Sometimes, when she had read some novel with a markedly sentimental appeal, she talked vaguely of old ambitions to write, but as a rule it was her ignorance of music that she deplored.
artisticadjectiveUS /ɑːrˈtɪstɪk/
relating to or characteristic of art or artists
From this reading Her day-dreaming was to a large extent directed toward matters literary and artistic.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Sometimes, when she had read some novel with a markedly sentimental appeal, she talked vaguely of old ambitions to write, but as a rule it was her ignorance of music that she deplored.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading She was always busy with some work of that kind, but her longings went far beyond it, and it happened more than once that she let her work drop in her lap while she looked at Keith with an expression he could not understand.
on the far side of; further than
From this reading She was always busy with some work of that kind, but her longings went far beyond it, and it happened more than once that she let her work drop in her lap while she looked at Keith with an expression he could not understand.
actively or fully engaged or occupied
From this reading She was always busy with some work of that kind, but her longings went far beyond it, and it happened more than once that she let her work drop in her lap while she looked at Keith with an expression he could not understand.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Sometimes, when she had read some novel with a markedly sentimental appeal, she talked vaguely of old ambitions to write, but as a rule it was her ignorance of music that she deplored.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading "If only I had had your chance in life," she exclaimed on one occasion of that kind.
confinedadjectiveUS /kənˈfaɪnd/
not invading healthy tissue
From this reading In the meantime her lace-making and her embroidery proved an artistic sense not wholly confined to dreams.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading She was always busy with some work of that kind, but her longings went far beyond it, and it happened more than once that she let her work drop in her lap while she looked at Keith with an expression he could not understand.
day-dreaming
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her day-dreaming was to a large extent directed toward matters literary and artistic.
deploredverbUS /dɪˈplɔːrd/
past form of “deplore” — express strong disapproval of
From this reading Sometimes, when she had read some novel with a markedly sentimental appeal, she talked vaguely of old ambitions to write, but as a rule it was her ignorance of music that she deplored.
(often used in combination) having a specified direction
From this reading Her day-dreaming was to a large extent directed toward matters literary and artistic.
plural of “dream” — a series of mental images and emotions occurring during sleep
From this reading In the meantime her lace-making and her embroidery proved an artistic sense not wholly confined to dreams.
let fall to the ground
From this reading She was always busy with some work of that kind, but her longings went far beyond it, and it happened more than once that she let her work drop in her lap while she looked at Keith with an expression he could not understand.
embroiderynounUS /emˈbrɔɪdəri/
elaboration of an interpretation by the use of decorative (sometimes fictitious) detail
From this reading In the meantime her lace-making and her embroidery proved an artistic sense not wholly confined to dreams.
past form of “exclaim” — utter aloud; often with surprise, horror, or joy
From this reading "If only I had had your chance in life," she exclaimed on one occasion of that kind.
the feelings expressed on a person's face
From this reading She was always busy with some work of that kind, but her longings went far beyond it, and it happened more than once that she let her work drop in her lap while she looked at Keith with an expression he could not understand.
the point or degree to which something extends
From this reading Her day-dreaming was to a large extent directed toward matters literary and artistic.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading She was always busy with some work of that kind, but her longings went far beyond it, and it happened more than once that she let her work drop in her lap while she looked at Keith with an expression he could not understand.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Sometimes, when she had read some novel with a markedly sentimental appeal, she talked vaguely of old ambitions to write, but as a rule it was her ignorance of music that she deplored.
past form of “happen” — come to pass
From this reading She was always busy with some work of that kind, but her longings went far beyond it, and it happened more than once that she let her work drop in her lap while she looked at Keith with an expression he could not understand.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She was always busy with some work of that kind, but her longings went far beyond it, and it happened more than once that she let her work drop in her lap while she looked at Keith with an expression he could not understand.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Her day-dreaming was to a large extent directed toward matters literary and artistic.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "If only I had had your chance in life," she exclaimed on one occasion of that kind.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading "If only I had had your chance in life," she exclaimed on one occasion of that kind.
the lack of knowledge or education
From this reading Sometimes, when she had read some novel with a markedly sentimental appeal, she talked vaguely of old ambitions to write, but as a rule it was her ignorance of music that she deplored.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In the meantime her lace-making and her embroidery proved an artistic sense not wholly confined to dreams.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Sometimes, when she had read some novel with a markedly sentimental appeal, she talked vaguely of old ambitions to write, but as a rule it was her ignorance of music that she deplored.
Keith
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was always busy with some work of that kind, but her longings went far beyond it, and it happened more than once that she let her work drop in her lap while she looked at Keith with an expression he could not understand.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading She was always busy with some work of that kind, but her longings went far beyond it, and it happened more than once that she let her work drop in her lap while she looked at Keith with an expression he could not understand.
lace-making
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the meantime her lace-making and her embroidery proved an artistic sense not wholly confined to dreams.
lapverbUS /læp/
lie partly over or alongside of something or of one another
From this reading She was always busy with some work of that kind, but her longings went far beyond it, and it happened more than once that she let her work drop in her lap while she looked at Keith with an expression he could not understand.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Her day-dreaming was to a large extent directed toward matters literary and artistic.
letauxiliary verbUS /let/
used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker
From this reading She was always busy with some work of that kind, but her longings went far beyond it, and it happened more than once that she let her work drop in her lap while she looked at Keith with an expression he could not understand.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading "If only I had had your chance in life," she exclaimed on one occasion of that kind.
of or relating to or characteristic of literature
From this reading Her day-dreaming was to a large extent directed toward matters literary and artistic.
longingsnounUS /ˈlɔːŋɪŋz/
plural of “longing” — prolonged unfulfilled desire or need
From this reading She was always busy with some work of that kind, but her longings went far beyond it, and it happened more than once that she let her work drop in her lap while she looked at Keith with an expression he could not understand.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading She was always busy with some work of that kind, but her longings went far beyond it, and it happened more than once that she let her work drop in her lap while she looked at Keith with an expression he could not understand.
markedlyadverbUS /ˈmɑːrkədli/
in a clearly noticeable manner
From this reading Sometimes, when she had read some novel with a markedly sentimental appeal, she talked vaguely of old ambitions to write, but as a rule it was her ignorance of music that she deplored.
plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern
From this reading Her day-dreaming was to a large extent directed toward matters literary and artistic.
the time between one event, process, or period and another
From this reading In the meantime her lace-making and her embroidery proved an artistic sense not wholly confined to dreams.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading She was always busy with some work of that kind, but her longings went far beyond it, and it happened more than once that she let her work drop in her lap while she looked at Keith with an expression he could not understand.
an artistic form of auditory communication incorporating instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner
From this reading Sometimes, when she had read some novel with a markedly sentimental appeal, she talked vaguely of old ambitions to write, but as a rule it was her ignorance of music that she deplored.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading In the meantime her lace-making and her embroidery proved an artistic sense not wholly confined to dreams.
novelnounUS /ˈnɑːvəl/
an extended fictional work in prose; usually in the form of a story
From this reading Sometimes, when she had read some novel with a markedly sentimental appeal, she talked vaguely of old ambitions to write, but as a rule it was her ignorance of music that she deplored.
an event that occurs at a critical time
From this reading "If only I had had your chance in life," she exclaimed on one occasion of that kind.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Sometimes, when she had read some novel with a markedly sentimental appeal, she talked vaguely of old ambitions to write, but as a rule it was her ignorance of music that she deplored.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading Sometimes, when she had read some novel with a markedly sentimental appeal, she talked vaguely of old ambitions to write, but as a rule it was her ignorance of music that she deplored.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading "If only I had had your chance in life," she exclaimed on one occasion of that kind.
on one occasion
From this reading She was always busy with some work of that kind, but her longings went far beyond it, and it happened more than once that she let her work drop in her lap while she looked at Keith with an expression he could not understand.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading "If only I had had your chance in life," she exclaimed on one occasion of that kind.
and nothing more
From this reading "If only I had had your chance in life," she exclaimed on one occasion of that kind.
established beyond doubt
From this reading In the meantime her lace-making and her embroidery proved an artistic sense not wholly confined to dreams.
interpret something that is written or printed
From this reading Sometimes, when she had read some novel with a markedly sentimental appeal, she talked vaguely of old ambitions to write, but as a rule it was her ignorance of music that she deplored.
a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior
From this reading Sometimes, when she had read some novel with a markedly sentimental appeal, she talked vaguely of old ambitions to write, but as a rule it was her ignorance of music that she deplored.
a general conscious awareness
From this reading In the meantime her lace-making and her embroidery proved an artistic sense not wholly confined to dreams.
sentimentaladjectiveUS /ˌsentəˈmentəl/
given to or marked by sentiment or sentimentality
From this reading Sometimes, when she had read some novel with a markedly sentimental appeal, she talked vaguely of old ambitions to write, but as a rule it was her ignorance of music that she deplored.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Sometimes, when she had read some novel with a markedly sentimental appeal, she talked vaguely of old ambitions to write, but as a rule it was her ignorance of music that she deplored.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Sometimes, when she had read some novel with a markedly sentimental appeal, she talked vaguely of old ambitions to write, but as a rule it was her ignorance of music that she deplored.
on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always
From this reading Sometimes, when she had read some novel with a markedly sentimental appeal, she talked vaguely of old ambitions to write, but as a rule it was her ignorance of music that she deplored.
past form of “talk” — exchange thoughts; talk with
From this reading Sometimes, when she had read some novel with a markedly sentimental appeal, she talked vaguely of old ambitions to write, but as a rule it was her ignorance of music that she deplored.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading She was always busy with some work of that kind, but her longings went far beyond it, and it happened more than once that she let her work drop in her lap while she looked at Keith with an expression he could not understand.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Sometimes, when she had read some novel with a markedly sentimental appeal, she talked vaguely of old ambitions to write, but as a rule it was her ignorance of music that she deplored.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading In the meantime her lace-making and her embroidery proved an artistic sense not wholly confined to dreams.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Her day-dreaming was to a large extent directed toward matters literary and artistic.
towardprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrd/
in the direction of
From this reading Her day-dreaming was to a large extent directed toward matters literary and artistic.
know and comprehend the nature or meaning of
From this reading She was always busy with some work of that kind, but her longings went far beyond it, and it happened more than once that she let her work drop in her lap while she looked at Keith with an expression he could not understand.
vaguelyadverbUS /ˈveɪɡli/
in a vague way
From this reading Sometimes, when she had read some novel with a markedly sentimental appeal, she talked vaguely of old ambitions to write, but as a rule it was her ignorance of music that she deplored.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Her day-dreaming was to a large extent directed toward matters literary and artistic.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading She was always busy with some work of that kind, but her longings went far beyond it, and it happened more than once that she let her work drop in her lap while she looked at Keith with an expression he could not understand.
at the time that
From this reading Sometimes, when she had read some novel with a markedly sentimental appeal, she talked vaguely of old ambitions to write, but as a rule it was her ignorance of music that she deplored.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading She was always busy with some work of that kind, but her longings went far beyond it, and it happened more than once that she let her work drop in her lap while she looked at Keith with an expression he could not understand.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading In the meantime her lace-making and her embroidery proved an artistic sense not wholly confined to dreams.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Sometimes, when she had read some novel with a markedly sentimental appeal, she talked vaguely of old ambitions to write, but as a rule it was her ignorance of music that she deplored.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading She was always busy with some work of that kind, but her longings went far beyond it, and it happened more than once that she let her work drop in her lap while she looked at Keith with an expression he could not understand.
produce a literary work
From this reading Sometimes, when she had read some novel with a markedly sentimental appeal, she talked vaguely of old ambitions to write, but as a rule it was her ignorance of music that she deplored.
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "If only I had had your chance in life," she exclaimed on one occasion of that kind.
