used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading It is a little singular that, upon an engagement becoming known and being discussed by the friends and acquaintances of the persons principally concerned, by far the most usual tone of comment should be a sorrowing wonder.
acquaintancesnounUS /əˈkweɪntənsɪz/
plural of “acquaintance” — personal knowledge or information about someone or something
From this reading It is a little singular that, upon an engagement becoming known and being discussed by the friends and acquaintances of the persons principally concerned, by far the most usual tone of comment should be a sorrowing wonder.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading 'What made him choose _her_, of all people,' and 'What on earth she could see in _him_,' are declared insoluble problems.
alliancenounUS /əˈlaɪəns/
the state of being allied or confederated
From this reading That particular alliance is generally the very last that anybody ever expected.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading It is a little singular that, upon an engagement becoming known and being discussed by the friends and acquaintances of the persons principally concerned, by far the most usual tone of comment should be a sorrowing wonder.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It is a little singular that, upon an engagement becoming known and being discussed by the friends and acquaintances of the persons principally concerned, by far the most usual tone of comment should be a sorrowing wonder.
any person at all
From this reading That particular alliance is generally the very last that anybody ever expected.
any thing at all
From this reading It is confidently predicted that the engagement will never come to anything, or that, if such a marriage ever does take place, it is most unlikely to prove a success.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading 'What made him choose _her_, of all people,' and 'What on earth she could see in _him_,' are declared insoluble problems.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading It is a little singular that, upon an engagement becoming known and being discussed by the friends and acquaintances of the persons principally concerned, by far the most usual tone of comment should be a sorrowing wonder.
according with custom or propriety
From this reading It is a little singular that, upon an engagement becoming known and being discussed by the friends and acquaintances of the persons principally concerned, by far the most usual tone of comment should be a sorrowing wonder.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading It is a little singular that, upon an engagement becoming known and being discussed by the friends and acquaintances of the persons principally concerned, by far the most usual tone of comment should be a sorrowing wonder.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading It is a little singular that, upon an engagement becoming known and being discussed by the friends and acquaintances of the persons principally concerned, by far the most usual tone of comment should be a sorrowing wonder.
an occurrence of something
From this reading Sometimes, in the case of female friends, this tone is even perceptible under their warmest felicitations, and through the smiling mask of compliment shine eyes moist with the most irritating quality of compassion.
pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives
From this reading 'What made him choose _her_, of all people,' and 'What on earth she could see in _him_,' are declared insoluble problems.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading It is confidently predicted that the engagement will never come to anything, or that, if such a marriage ever does take place, it is most unlikely to prove a success.
commentnounUS /ˈkɑːment/
a statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief or adds information
From this reading It is a little singular that, upon an engagement becoming known and being discussed by the friends and acquaintances of the persons principally concerned, by far the most usual tone of comment should be a sorrowing wonder.
compassionnounUS /kəmˈpæʃən/
a deep awareness of and sympathy for another's suffering
From this reading Sometimes, in the case of female friends, this tone is even perceptible under their warmest felicitations, and through the smiling mask of compliment shine eyes moist with the most irritating quality of compassion.
complimentverbUS /ˈkɑːmpləment/
say something to someone that expresses praise
From this reading Sometimes, in the case of female friends, this tone is even perceptible under their warmest felicitations, and through the smiling mask of compliment shine eyes moist with the most irritating quality of compassion.
feeling or showing worry or solicitude
From this reading It is a little singular that, upon an engagement becoming known and being discussed by the friends and acquaintances of the persons principally concerned, by far the most usual tone of comment should be a sorrowing wonder.
confidentlyadverbUS /ˈkɑːnfədəntli/
with confidence; in a confident manner
From this reading It is confidently predicted that the engagement will never come to anything, or that, if such a marriage ever does take place, it is most unlikely to prove a success.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading 'What made him choose _her_, of all people,' and 'What on earth she could see in _him_,' are declared insoluble problems.
made known or openly avowed
From this reading 'What made him choose _her_, of all people,' and 'What on earth she could see in _him_,' are declared insoluble problems.
discussedverbUS /dɪˈskʌst/
past form of “discuss” — to consider or examine in speech or writing
From this reading It is a little singular that, upon an engagement becoming known and being discussed by the friends and acquaintances of the persons principally concerned, by far the most usual tone of comment should be a sorrowing wonder.
doesauxiliary verbUS /dʌz/
the form of “do” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It is confidently predicted that the engagement will never come to anything, or that, if such a marriage ever does take place, it is most unlikely to prove a success.
the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on
From this reading 'What made him choose _her_, of all people,' and 'What on earth she could see in _him_,' are declared insoluble problems.
a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war
From this reading It is a little singular that, upon an engagement becoming known and being discussed by the friends and acquaintances of the persons principally concerned, by far the most usual tone of comment should be a sorrowing wonder.
divisible by two
From this reading Sometimes, in the case of female friends, this tone is even perceptible under their warmest felicitations, and through the smiling mask of compliment shine eyes moist with the most irritating quality of compassion.
at any time
From this reading That particular alliance is generally the very last that anybody ever expected.
considered likely or probable to happen or arrive
From this reading That particular alliance is generally the very last that anybody ever expected.
opinion or judgment
From this reading Sometimes, in the case of female friends, this tone is even perceptible under their warmest felicitations, and through the smiling mask of compliment shine eyes moist with the most irritating quality of compassion.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading It is a little singular that, upon an engagement becoming known and being discussed by the friends and acquaintances of the persons principally concerned, by far the most usual tone of comment should be a sorrowing wonder.
felicitations
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Sometimes, in the case of female friends, this tone is even perceptible under their warmest felicitations, and through the smiling mask of compliment shine eyes moist with the most irritating quality of compassion.
being the sex (of plant or animal) that produces fertilizable gametes (ova) from which offspring develop
From this reading Sometimes, in the case of female friends, this tone is even perceptible under their warmest felicitations, and through the smiling mask of compliment shine eyes moist with the most irritating quality of compassion.
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading It is a little singular that, upon an engagement becoming known and being discussed by the friends and acquaintances of the persons principally concerned, by far the most usual tone of comment should be a sorrowing wonder.
usually; as a rule
From this reading That particular alliance is generally the very last that anybody ever expected.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading 'What made him choose _her_, of all people,' and 'What on earth she could see in _him_,' are declared insoluble problems.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading 'What made him choose _her_, of all people,' and 'What on earth she could see in _him_,' are declared insoluble problems.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading It is confidently predicted that the engagement will never come to anything, or that, if such a marriage ever does take place, it is most unlikely to prove a success.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading 'What made him choose _her_, of all people,' and 'What on earth she could see in _him_,' are declared insoluble problems.
insolubleadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈsɑːljəbəl/
(of a substance) incapable of being dissolved
From this reading 'What made him choose _her_, of all people,' and 'What on earth she could see in _him_,' are declared insoluble problems.
irritatingadjectiveUS /ˈɪrəteɪtɪŋ/
causing irritation or annoyance
From this reading Sometimes, in the case of female friends, this tone is even perceptible under their warmest felicitations, and through the smiling mask of compliment shine eyes moist with the most irritating quality of compassion.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It is a little singular that, upon an engagement becoming known and being discussed by the friends and acquaintances of the persons principally concerned, by far the most usual tone of comment should be a sorrowing wonder.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It is a little singular that, upon an engagement becoming known and being discussed by the friends and acquaintances of the persons principally concerned, by far the most usual tone of comment should be a sorrowing wonder.
apprehended with certainty
From this reading It is a little singular that, upon an engagement becoming known and being discussed by the friends and acquaintances of the persons principally concerned, by far the most usual tone of comment should be a sorrowing wonder.
immediately past
From this reading That particular alliance is generally the very last that anybody ever expected.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading It is a little singular that, upon an engagement becoming known and being discussed by the friends and acquaintances of the persons principally concerned, by far the most usual tone of comment should be a sorrowing wonder.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading 'What made him choose _her_, of all people,' and 'What on earth she could see in _him_,' are declared insoluble problems.
the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce)
From this reading It is confidently predicted that the engagement will never come to anything, or that, if such a marriage ever does take place, it is most unlikely to prove a success.
maskverbUS /mæsk/
hide under a false appearance
From this reading Sometimes, in the case of female friends, this tone is even perceptible under their warmest felicitations, and through the smiling mask of compliment shine eyes moist with the most irritating quality of compassion.
moistadjectiveUS /mɔɪst/
slightly wet
From this reading Sometimes, in the case of female friends, this tone is even perceptible under their warmest felicitations, and through the smiling mask of compliment shine eyes moist with the most irritating quality of compassion.
used to form the superlative
From this reading It is a little singular that, upon an engagement becoming known and being discussed by the friends and acquaintances of the persons principally concerned, by far the most usual tone of comment should be a sorrowing wonder.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading It is confidently predicted that the engagement will never come to anything, or that, if such a marriage ever does take place, it is most unlikely to prove a success.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It is a little singular that, upon an engagement becoming known and being discussed by the friends and acquaintances of the persons principally concerned, by far the most usual tone of comment should be a sorrowing wonder.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading 'What made him choose _her_, of all people,' and 'What on earth she could see in _him_,' are declared insoluble problems.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading It is confidently predicted that the engagement will never come to anything, or that, if such a marriage ever does take place, it is most unlikely to prove a success.
unique or specific to a person or thing or category
From this reading That particular alliance is generally the very last that anybody ever expected.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading 'What made him choose _her_, of all people,' and 'What on earth she could see in _him_,' are declared insoluble problems.
perceptibleadjectiveUS /pərˈseptəbəl/
capable of being perceived by the mind or senses
From this reading Sometimes, in the case of female friends, this tone is even perceptible under their warmest felicitations, and through the smiling mask of compliment shine eyes moist with the most irritating quality of compassion.
plural of “person” — a human being
From this reading It is a little singular that, upon an engagement becoming known and being discussed by the friends and acquaintances of the persons principally concerned, by far the most usual tone of comment should be a sorrowing wonder.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading It is confidently predicted that the engagement will never come to anything, or that, if such a marriage ever does take place, it is most unlikely to prove a success.
predictedverbUS /prɪˈdɪktɪd/
past form of “predict” — make a prediction about; tell in advance
From this reading It is confidently predicted that the engagement will never come to anything, or that, if such a marriage ever does take place, it is most unlikely to prove a success.
principallyadverbUS /ˈprɪnsɪpli/
for the most part
From this reading It is a little singular that, upon an engagement becoming known and being discussed by the friends and acquaintances of the persons principally concerned, by far the most usual tone of comment should be a sorrowing wonder.
problemsnounUS /ˈprɑːbləmz/
plural of “problem” — a state of difficulty that needs to be resolved
From this reading 'What made him choose _her_, of all people,' and 'What on earth she could see in _him_,' are declared insoluble problems.
be shown or be found to be
From this reading It is confidently predicted that the engagement will never come to anything, or that, if such a marriage ever does take place, it is most unlikely to prove a success.
an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone
From this reading Sometimes, in the case of female friends, this tone is even perceptible under their warmest felicitations, and through the smiling mask of compliment shine eyes moist with the most irritating quality of compassion.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading 'What made him choose _her_, of all people,' and 'What on earth she could see in _him_,' are declared insoluble problems.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading 'What made him choose _her_, of all people,' and 'What on earth she could see in _him_,' are declared insoluble problems.
shineverbUS /ʃaɪn/
be bright by reflecting or casting light
From this reading Sometimes, in the case of female friends, this tone is even perceptible under their warmest felicitations, and through the smiling mask of compliment shine eyes moist with the most irritating quality of compassion.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading It is a little singular that, upon an engagement becoming known and being discussed by the friends and acquaintances of the persons principally concerned, by far the most usual tone of comment should be a sorrowing wonder.
unusual or striking
From this reading It is a little singular that, upon an engagement becoming known and being discussed by the friends and acquaintances of the persons principally concerned, by far the most usual tone of comment should be a sorrowing wonder.
a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement
From this reading Sometimes, in the case of female friends, this tone is even perceptible under their warmest felicitations, and through the smiling mask of compliment shine eyes moist with the most irritating quality of compassion.
on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always
From this reading Sometimes, in the case of female friends, this tone is even perceptible under their warmest felicitations, and through the smiling mask of compliment shine eyes moist with the most irritating quality of compassion.
sorrowingadjective
sorrowful through loss or deprivation
From this reading It is a little singular that, upon an engagement becoming known and being discussed by the friends and acquaintances of the persons principally concerned, by far the most usual tone of comment should be a sorrowing wonder.
an event that accomplishes its intended purpose
From this reading It is confidently predicted that the engagement will never come to anything, or that, if such a marriage ever does take place, it is most unlikely to prove a success.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading It is confidently predicted that the engagement will never come to anything, or that, if such a marriage ever does take place, it is most unlikely to prove a success.
carry out
From this reading It is confidently predicted that the engagement will never come to anything, or that, if such a marriage ever does take place, it is most unlikely to prove a success.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It is a little singular that, upon an engagement becoming known and being discussed by the friends and acquaintances of the persons principally concerned, by far the most usual tone of comment should be a sorrowing wonder.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It is a little singular that, upon an engagement becoming known and being discussed by the friends and acquaintances of the persons principally concerned, by far the most usual tone of comment should be a sorrowing wonder.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Sometimes, in the case of female friends, this tone is even perceptible under their warmest felicitations, and through the smiling mask of compliment shine eyes moist with the most irritating quality of compassion.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Sometimes, in the case of female friends, this tone is even perceptible under their warmest felicitations, and through the smiling mask of compliment shine eyes moist with the most irritating quality of compassion.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading Sometimes, in the case of female friends, this tone is even perceptible under their warmest felicitations, and through the smiling mask of compliment shine eyes moist with the most irritating quality of compassion.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It is confidently predicted that the engagement will never come to anything, or that, if such a marriage ever does take place, it is most unlikely to prove a success.
the quality of a person's voice
From this reading It is a little singular that, upon an engagement becoming known and being discussed by the friends and acquaintances of the persons principally concerned, by far the most usual tone of comment should be a sorrowing wonder.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading Sometimes, in the case of female friends, this tone is even perceptible under their warmest felicitations, and through the smiling mask of compliment shine eyes moist with the most irritating quality of compassion.
unlikelyadjectiveUS /ənˈlaɪkli/
not likely to be true or to occur or to have occurred
From this reading It is confidently predicted that the engagement will never come to anything, or that, if such a marriage ever does take place, it is most unlikely to prove a success.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading It is a little singular that, upon an engagement becoming known and being discussed by the friends and acquaintances of the persons principally concerned, by far the most usual tone of comment should be a sorrowing wonder.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading It is a little singular that, upon an engagement becoming known and being discussed by the friends and acquaintances of the persons principally concerned, by far the most usual tone of comment should be a sorrowing wonder.
precisely as stated
From this reading That particular alliance is generally the very last that anybody ever expected.
warmestadjectiveUS /ˈwɔːrməst/
superlative of “warm” — having or producing a comfortable and agreeable degree of heat or imparting or maintaining heat
From this reading Sometimes, in the case of female friends, this tone is even perceptible under their warmest felicitations, and through the smiling mask of compliment shine eyes moist with the most irritating quality of compassion.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading 'What made him choose _her_, of all people,' and 'What on earth she could see in _him_,' are declared insoluble problems.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading It is confidently predicted that the engagement will never come to anything, or that, if such a marriage ever does take place, it is most unlikely to prove a success.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Sometimes, in the case of female friends, this tone is even perceptible under their warmest felicitations, and through the smiling mask of compliment shine eyes moist with the most irritating quality of compassion.
the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising
From this reading It is a little singular that, upon an engagement becoming known and being discussed by the friends and acquaintances of the persons principally concerned, by far the most usual tone of comment should be a sorrowing wonder.
