used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Already things were in a whirl, and the confusion was so great that he was momentarily unable to map out a definite line of action.
something done (usually as opposed to something said)
From this reading Already things were in a whirl, and the confusion was so great that he was momentarily unable to map out a definite line of action.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading The relations between Capella and his wife were evidently strained almost to breaking point, and it was this very fact which caused him the greatest perplexity.
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading Already things were in a whirl, and the confusion was so great that he was momentarily unable to map out a definite line of action.
ampleadjectiveUS /ˈæmpəl/
more than enough in size or scope or capacity
From this reading They were an extraordinarily handsome couple, apparently well suited to each other by temperament and mutual sympathies, whilst their means were ample enough to permit them to live under any conditions they might choose, and gratify personal hobbies to the fullest extent.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading They were an extraordinarily handsome couple, apparently well suited to each other by temperament and mutual sympathies, whilst their means were ample enough to permit them to live under any conditions they might choose, and gratify personal hobbies to the fullest extent.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading HUSBAND AND WIFE Brett did not hurry on his way to the Hall.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading They were an extraordinarily handsome couple, apparently well suited to each other by temperament and mutual sympathies, whilst their means were ample enough to permit them to live under any conditions they might choose, and gratify personal hobbies to the fullest extent.
from appearances alone
From this reading They were an extraordinarily handsome couple, apparently well suited to each other by temperament and mutual sympathies, whilst their means were ample enough to permit them to live under any conditions they might choose, and gratify personal hobbies to the fullest extent.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading They had been married little more than six months.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading The relations between Capella and his wife were evidently strained almost to breaking point, and it was this very fact which caused him the greatest perplexity.
the act of breaking something
From this reading The relations between Capella and his wife were evidently strained almost to breaking point, and it was this very fact which caused him the greatest perplexity.
Brett
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading HUSBAND AND WIFE Brett did not hurry on his way to the Hall.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading They were an extraordinarily handsome couple, apparently well suited to each other by temperament and mutual sympathies, whilst their means were ample enough to permit them to live under any conditions they might choose, and gratify personal hobbies to the fullest extent.
CapellanounUS /kəˈpelə/
the brightest star in Auriga
From this reading The relations between Capella and his wife were evidently strained almost to breaking point, and it was this very fact which caused him the greatest perplexity.
past form of “cause” — give rise to; cause to happen or occur, not always intentionally
From this reading The relations between Capella and his wife were evidently strained almost to breaking point, and it was this very fact which caused him the greatest perplexity.
pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives
From this reading They were an extraordinarily handsome couple, apparently well suited to each other by temperament and mutual sympathies, whilst their means were ample enough to permit them to live under any conditions they might choose, and gratify personal hobbies to the fullest extent.
the prevailing context that influences the performance or the outcome of a process
From this reading They were an extraordinarily handsome couple, apparently well suited to each other by temperament and mutual sympathies, whilst their means were ample enough to permit them to live under any conditions they might choose, and gratify personal hobbies to the fullest extent.
disorder resulting from a failure to behave predictably
From this reading Already things were in a whirl, and the confusion was so great that he was momentarily unable to map out a definite line of action.
a pair who associate with one another
From this reading They were an extraordinarily handsome couple, apparently well suited to each other by temperament and mutual sympathies, whilst their means were ample enough to permit them to live under any conditions they might choose, and gratify personal hobbies to the fullest extent.
definiteadjectiveUS /ˈdefənət/
precise; explicit and clearly defined
From this reading Already things were in a whirl, and the confusion was so great that he was momentarily unable to map out a definite line of action.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading HUSBAND AND WIFE Brett did not hurry on his way to the Hall.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading They were an extraordinarily handsome couple, apparently well suited to each other by temperament and mutual sympathies, whilst their means were ample enough to permit them to live under any conditions they might choose, and gratify personal hobbies to the fullest extent.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading They were an extraordinarily handsome couple, apparently well suited to each other by temperament and mutual sympathies, whilst their means were ample enough to permit them to live under any conditions they might choose, and gratify personal hobbies to the fullest extent.
unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)
From this reading The relations between Capella and his wife were evidently strained almost to breaking point, and it was this very fact which caused him the greatest perplexity.
the point or degree to which something extends
From this reading They were an extraordinarily handsome couple, apparently well suited to each other by temperament and mutual sympathies, whilst their means were ample enough to permit them to live under any conditions they might choose, and gratify personal hobbies to the fullest extent.
extraordinarilyadverbUS /ekˌstrɔːrdəˈnerəli/
extremely
From this reading They were an extraordinarily handsome couple, apparently well suited to each other by temperament and mutual sympathies, whilst their means were ample enough to permit them to live under any conditions they might choose, and gratify personal hobbies to the fullest extent.
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading The relations between Capella and his wife were evidently strained almost to breaking point, and it was this very fact which caused him the greatest perplexity.
fullestadjectiveUS /ˈfʊləst/
superlative of “full” — containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading They were an extraordinarily handsome couple, apparently well suited to each other by temperament and mutual sympathies, whilst their means were ample enough to permit them to live under any conditions they might choose, and gratify personal hobbies to the fullest extent.
gratifyverbUS /ˈɡrætəfaɪ/
make happy or satisfied
From this reading They were an extraordinarily handsome couple, apparently well suited to each other by temperament and mutual sympathies, whilst their means were ample enough to permit them to live under any conditions they might choose, and gratify personal hobbies to the fullest extent.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading Already things were in a whirl, and the confusion was so great that he was momentarily unable to map out a definite line of action.
highest in quality
From this reading The relations between Capella and his wife were evidently strained almost to breaking point, and it was this very fact which caused him the greatest perplexity.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading They had been married little more than six months.
an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open
From this reading HUSBAND AND WIFE Brett did not hurry on his way to the Hall.
pleasing in appearance especially by reason of conformity to ideals of form and proportion
From this reading They were an extraordinarily handsome couple, apparently well suited to each other by temperament and mutual sympathies, whilst their means were ample enough to permit them to live under any conditions they might choose, and gratify personal hobbies to the fullest extent.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Already things were in a whirl, and the confusion was so great that he was momentarily unable to map out a definite line of action.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The relations between Capella and his wife were evidently strained almost to breaking point, and it was this very fact which caused him the greatest perplexity.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading HUSBAND AND WIFE Brett did not hurry on his way to the Hall.
hobbiesnounUS /ˈhɑːbiz/
plural of “hobby” — an auxiliary activity
From this reading They were an extraordinarily handsome couple, apparently well suited to each other by temperament and mutual sympathies, whilst their means were ample enough to permit them to live under any conditions they might choose, and gratify personal hobbies to the fullest extent.
a condition of urgency making it necessary to hurry
From this reading HUSBAND AND WIFE Brett did not hurry on his way to the Hall.
a married man; a woman's partner in marriage
From this reading HUSBAND AND WIFE Brett did not hurry on his way to the Hall.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Already things were in a whirl, and the confusion was so great that he was momentarily unable to map out a definite line of action.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The relations between Capella and his wife were evidently strained almost to breaking point, and it was this very fact which caused him the greatest perplexity.
a formation of people or things one beside another
From this reading Already things were in a whirl, and the confusion was so great that he was momentarily unable to map out a definite line of action.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading They had been married little more than six months.
be an inhabitant of or reside in
From this reading They were an extraordinarily handsome couple, apparently well suited to each other by temperament and mutual sympathies, whilst their means were ample enough to permit them to live under any conditions they might choose, and gratify personal hobbies to the fullest extent.
mapverbUS /mæp/
make a map of; show or establish the features of details of
From this reading Already things were in a whirl, and the confusion was so great that he was momentarily unable to map out a definite line of action.
joined in matrimony
From this reading They had been married little more than six months.
thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end
From this reading They were an extraordinarily handsome couple, apparently well suited to each other by temperament and mutual sympathies, whilst their means were ample enough to permit them to live under any conditions they might choose, and gratify personal hobbies to the fullest extent.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading They were an extraordinarily handsome couple, apparently well suited to each other by temperament and mutual sympathies, whilst their means were ample enough to permit them to live under any conditions they might choose, and gratify personal hobbies to the fullest extent.
momentarilyadverbUS /ˌmoʊmənˈterəli/
for an instant or moment
From this reading Already things were in a whirl, and the confusion was so great that he was momentarily unable to map out a definite line of action.
plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year
From this reading They had been married little more than six months.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading They had been married little more than six months.
mutualadjectiveUS /ˈmjuːtʃuːəl/
common to or shared by two or more parties
From this reading They were an extraordinarily handsome couple, apparently well suited to each other by temperament and mutual sympathies, whilst their means were ample enough to permit them to live under any conditions they might choose, and gratify personal hobbies to the fullest extent.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading HUSBAND AND WIFE Brett did not hurry on his way to the Hall.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Already things were in a whirl, and the confusion was so great that he was momentarily unable to map out a definite line of action.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading HUSBAND AND WIFE Brett did not hurry on his way to the Hall.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading They were an extraordinarily handsome couple, apparently well suited to each other by temperament and mutual sympathies, whilst their means were ample enough to permit them to live under any conditions they might choose, and gratify personal hobbies to the fullest extent.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Already things were in a whirl, and the confusion was so great that he was momentarily unable to map out a definite line of action.
a legal document giving official permission to do something
From this reading They were an extraordinarily handsome couple, apparently well suited to each other by temperament and mutual sympathies, whilst their means were ample enough to permit them to live under any conditions they might choose, and gratify personal hobbies to the fullest extent.
perplexitynounUS /pərˈpleksəti/
trouble or confusion resulting from complexity
From this reading The relations between Capella and his wife were evidently strained almost to breaking point, and it was this very fact which caused him the greatest perplexity.
concerning or affecting a particular person or his or her private life and personality
From this reading They were an extraordinarily handsome couple, apparently well suited to each other by temperament and mutual sympathies, whilst their means were ample enough to permit them to live under any conditions they might choose, and gratify personal hobbies to the fullest extent.
a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading The relations between Capella and his wife were evidently strained almost to breaking point, and it was this very fact which caused him the greatest perplexity.
mutual dealings or connections or communications among persons or groups
From this reading The relations between Capella and his wife were evidently strained almost to breaking point, and it was this very fact which caused him the greatest perplexity.
the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one
From this reading They had been married little more than six months.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Already things were in a whirl, and the confusion was so great that he was momentarily unable to map out a definite line of action.
strainedadjectiveUS /streɪnd/
lacking natural ease
From this reading The relations between Capella and his wife were evidently strained almost to breaking point, and it was this very fact which caused him the greatest perplexity.
suitedadjectiveUS /ˈsuːtɪd/
meant or adapted for an occasion or use
From this reading They were an extraordinarily handsome couple, apparently well suited to each other by temperament and mutual sympathies, whilst their means were ample enough to permit them to live under any conditions they might choose, and gratify personal hobbies to the fullest extent.
sympathiesnounUS /ˈsɪmpəθiz/
plural of “sympathy” — an inclination to support or be loyal to or to agree with an opinion
From this reading They were an extraordinarily handsome couple, apparently well suited to each other by temperament and mutual sympathies, whilst their means were ample enough to permit them to live under any conditions they might choose, and gratify personal hobbies to the fullest extent.
temperamentnounUS /ˈtemprəmənt/
your usual mood
From this reading They were an extraordinarily handsome couple, apparently well suited to each other by temperament and mutual sympathies, whilst their means were ample enough to permit them to live under any conditions they might choose, and gratify personal hobbies to the fullest extent.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading They had been married little more than six months.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Already things were in a whirl, and the confusion was so great that he was momentarily unable to map out a definite line of action.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading HUSBAND AND WIFE Brett did not hurry on his way to the Hall.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading They were an extraordinarily handsome couple, apparently well suited to each other by temperament and mutual sympathies, whilst their means were ample enough to permit them to live under any conditions they might choose, and gratify personal hobbies to the fullest extent.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading They were an extraordinarily handsome couple, apparently well suited to each other by temperament and mutual sympathies, whilst their means were ample enough to permit them to live under any conditions they might choose, and gratify personal hobbies to the fullest extent.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They had been married little more than six months.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading Already things were in a whirl, and the confusion was so great that he was momentarily unable to map out a definite line of action.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading The relations between Capella and his wife were evidently strained almost to breaking point, and it was this very fact which caused him the greatest perplexity.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading HUSBAND AND WIFE Brett did not hurry on his way to the Hall.
(usually followed by “to”) not having the necessary means or skill or know-how
From this reading Already things were in a whirl, and the confusion was so great that he was momentarily unable to map out a definite line of action.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading They were an extraordinarily handsome couple, apparently well suited to each other by temperament and mutual sympathies, whilst their means were ample enough to permit them to live under any conditions they might choose, and gratify personal hobbies to the fullest extent.
precisely as stated
From this reading The relations between Capella and his wife were evidently strained almost to breaking point, and it was this very fact which caused him the greatest perplexity.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Already things were in a whirl, and the confusion was so great that he was momentarily unable to map out a definite line of action.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading HUSBAND AND WIFE Brett did not hurry on his way to the Hall.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading They were an extraordinarily handsome couple, apparently well suited to each other by temperament and mutual sympathies, whilst their means were ample enough to permit them to live under any conditions they might choose, and gratify personal hobbies to the fullest extent.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Already things were in a whirl, and the confusion was so great that he was momentarily unable to map out a definite line of action.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The relations between Capella and his wife were evidently strained almost to breaking point, and it was this very fact which caused him the greatest perplexity.
an old and formal word for “while”
From this reading They were an extraordinarily handsome couple, apparently well suited to each other by temperament and mutual sympathies, whilst their means were ample enough to permit them to live under any conditions they might choose, and gratify personal hobbies to the fullest extent.
whirlverbUS /wɜːrl/
turn in a twisting or spinning motion
From this reading Already things were in a whirl, and the confusion was so great that he was momentarily unable to map out a definite line of action.
a married woman; a man's partner in marriage
From this reading HUSBAND AND WIFE Brett did not hurry on his way to the Hall.
