used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading CONTAINS A LETTER FROM A DEAR FRIEND, AND TAKES THE READER ONCE MORE TO SEVERNTOWN.
AMY
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “MY DEAR AMY,” wrote Phœbe in reply to her friend’s invitation, “your letter was indeed welcome, though the news it contained startled me not a little, and made me regret ever so much more my inability to respond to your _kind_ and _sisterly_ invitation.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading She is suffering from an attack of the same kind as that which prostrated her at Barton Hall.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading CONTAINS A LETTER FROM A DEAR FRIEND, AND TAKES THE READER ONCE MORE TO SEVERNTOWN.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading She is suffering from an attack of the same kind as that which prostrated her at Barton Hall.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading My poor mother is so unwell that I cannot possibly leave her at present.
(military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons)
From this reading She is suffering from an attack of the same kind as that which prostrated her at Barton Hall.
Barton
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She is suffering from an attack of the same kind as that which prostrated her at Barton Hall.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading I hope she will be quite recovered in a day or two, and then I hope to come to you.
cannot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My poor mother is so unwell that I cannot possibly leave her at present.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading I hope she will be quite recovered in a day or two, and then I hope to come to you.
gotten under control
From this reading “MY DEAR AMY,” wrote Phœbe in reply to her friend’s invitation, “your letter was indeed welcome, though the news it contained startled me not a little, and made me regret ever so much more my inability to respond to your _kind_ and _sisterly_ invitation.
CONTAINSverbUS /kənˈteɪnz/
third-person singular of “contain” — include or contain; have as a component
From this reading CONTAINS A LETTER FROM A DEAR FRIEND, AND TAKES THE READER ONCE MORE TO SEVERNTOWN.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading I hope she will be quite recovered in a day or two, and then I hope to come to you.
dearly loved
From this reading CONTAINS A LETTER FROM A DEAR FRIEND, AND TAKES THE READER ONCE MORE TO SEVERNTOWN.
at any time
From this reading “MY DEAR AMY,” wrote Phœbe in reply to her friend’s invitation, “your letter was indeed welcome, though the news it contained startled me not a little, and made me regret ever so much more my inability to respond to your _kind_ and _sisterly_ invitation.
a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading CONTAINS A LETTER FROM A DEAR FRIEND, AND TAKES THE READER ONCE MORE TO SEVERNTOWN.
friend'snounUS /frendz/
possessive form of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading “MY DEAR AMY,” wrote Phœbe in reply to her friend’s invitation, “your letter was indeed welcome, though the news it contained startled me not a little, and made me regret ever so much more my inability to respond to your _kind_ and _sisterly_ invitation.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading CONTAINS A LETTER FROM A DEAR FRIEND, AND TAKES THE READER ONCE MORE TO SEVERNTOWN.
an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open
From this reading She is suffering from an attack of the same kind as that which prostrated her at Barton Hall.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading “MY DEAR AMY,” wrote Phœbe in reply to her friend’s invitation, “your letter was indeed welcome, though the news it contained startled me not a little, and made me regret ever so much more my inability to respond to your _kind_ and _sisterly_ invitation.
a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading I hope she will be quite recovered in a day or two, and then I hope to come to you.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading My poor mother is so unwell that I cannot possibly leave her at present.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading “MY DEAR AMY,” wrote Phœbe in reply to her friend’s invitation, “your letter was indeed welcome, though the news it contained startled me not a little, and made me regret ever so much more my inability to respond to your _kind_ and _sisterly_ invitation.
inabilitynounUS /ˌɪnəˈbɪlɪti/
lack of ability (especially mental ability) to do something
From this reading “MY DEAR AMY,” wrote Phœbe in reply to her friend’s invitation, “your letter was indeed welcome, though the news it contained startled me not a little, and made me regret ever so much more my inability to respond to your _kind_ and _sisterly_ invitation.
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading “MY DEAR AMY,” wrote Phœbe in reply to her friend’s invitation, “your letter was indeed welcome, though the news it contained startled me not a little, and made me regret ever so much more my inability to respond to your _kind_ and _sisterly_ invitation.
a request (spoken or written) to participate or be present or take part in something
From this reading “MY DEAR AMY,” wrote Phœbe in reply to her friend’s invitation, “your letter was indeed welcome, though the news it contained startled me not a little, and made me regret ever so much more my inability to respond to your _kind_ and _sisterly_ invitation.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading My poor mother is so unwell that I cannot possibly leave her at present.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading “MY DEAR AMY,” wrote Phœbe in reply to her friend’s invitation, “your letter was indeed welcome, though the news it contained startled me not a little, and made me regret ever so much more my inability to respond to your _kind_ and _sisterly_ invitation.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading “MY DEAR AMY,” wrote Phœbe in reply to her friend’s invitation, “your letter was indeed welcome, though the news it contained startled me not a little, and made me regret ever so much more my inability to respond to your _kind_ and _sisterly_ invitation.
go away from a place
From this reading My poor mother is so unwell that I cannot possibly leave her at present.
a written message addressed to a person or organization
From this reading CONTAINS A LETTER FROM A DEAR FRIEND, AND TAKES THE READER ONCE MORE TO SEVERNTOWN.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading “MY DEAR AMY,” wrote Phœbe in reply to her friend’s invitation, “your letter was indeed welcome, though the news it contained startled me not a little, and made me regret ever so much more my inability to respond to your _kind_ and _sisterly_ invitation.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading “MY DEAR AMY,” wrote Phœbe in reply to her friend’s invitation, “your letter was indeed welcome, though the news it contained startled me not a little, and made me regret ever so much more my inability to respond to your _kind_ and _sisterly_ invitation.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading “MY DEAR AMY,” wrote Phœbe in reply to her friend’s invitation, “your letter was indeed welcome, though the news it contained startled me not a little, and made me regret ever so much more my inability to respond to your _kind_ and _sisterly_ invitation.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading CONTAINS A LETTER FROM A DEAR FRIEND, AND TAKES THE READER ONCE MORE TO SEVERNTOWN.
a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading My poor mother is so unwell that I cannot possibly leave her at present.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading “MY DEAR AMY,” wrote Phœbe in reply to her friend’s invitation, “your letter was indeed welcome, though the news it contained startled me not a little, and made me regret ever so much more my inability to respond to your _kind_ and _sisterly_ invitation.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading “MY DEAR AMY,” wrote Phœbe in reply to her friend’s invitation, “your letter was indeed welcome, though the news it contained startled me not a little, and made me regret ever so much more my inability to respond to your _kind_ and _sisterly_ invitation.
information about recent and important events
From this reading “MY DEAR AMY,” wrote Phœbe in reply to her friend’s invitation, “your letter was indeed welcome, though the news it contained startled me not a little, and made me regret ever so much more my inability to respond to your _kind_ and _sisterly_ invitation.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading “MY DEAR AMY,” wrote Phœbe in reply to her friend’s invitation, “your letter was indeed welcome, though the news it contained startled me not a little, and made me regret ever so much more my inability to respond to your _kind_ and _sisterly_ invitation.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading She is suffering from an attack of the same kind as that which prostrated her at Barton Hall.
on one occasion
From this reading CONTAINS A LETTER FROM A DEAR FRIEND, AND TAKES THE READER ONCE MORE TO SEVERNTOWN.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading I hope she will be quite recovered in a day or two, and then I hope to come to you.
Phœbe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “MY DEAR AMY,” wrote Phœbe in reply to her friend’s invitation, “your letter was indeed welcome, though the news it contained startled me not a little, and made me regret ever so much more my inability to respond to your _kind_ and _sisterly_ invitation.
deserving or inciting pity
From this reading My poor mother is so unwell that I cannot possibly leave her at present.
by chance
From this reading My poor mother is so unwell that I cannot possibly leave her at present.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading My poor mother is so unwell that I cannot possibly leave her at present.
prostrated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She is suffering from an attack of the same kind as that which prostrated her at Barton Hall.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading I hope she will be quite recovered in a day or two, and then I hope to come to you.
a person who enjoys reading
From this reading CONTAINS A LETTER FROM A DEAR FRIEND, AND TAKES THE READER ONCE MORE TO SEVERNTOWN.
freed from illness or injury
From this reading I hope she will be quite recovered in a day or two, and then I hope to come to you.
feel remorse for; feel sorry for; be contrite about
From this reading “MY DEAR AMY,” wrote Phœbe in reply to her friend’s invitation, “your letter was indeed welcome, though the news it contained startled me not a little, and made me regret ever so much more my inability to respond to your _kind_ and _sisterly_ invitation.
a statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation
From this reading “MY DEAR AMY,” wrote Phœbe in reply to her friend’s invitation, “your letter was indeed welcome, though the news it contained startled me not a little, and made me regret ever so much more my inability to respond to your _kind_ and _sisterly_ invitation.
respondverbUS /rɪˈspɑːnd/
show a response or a reaction to something
From this reading “MY DEAR AMY,” wrote Phœbe in reply to her friend’s invitation, “your letter was indeed welcome, though the news it contained startled me not a little, and made me regret ever so much more my inability to respond to your _kind_ and _sisterly_ invitation.
Identical; not different.
From this reading She is suffering from an attack of the same kind as that which prostrated her at Barton Hall.
SEVERNTOWN
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CONTAINS A LETTER FROM A DEAR FRIEND, AND TAKES THE READER ONCE MORE TO SEVERNTOWN.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She is suffering from an attack of the same kind as that which prostrated her at Barton Hall.
sisterlyadjective
like or characteristic of or befitting a sister
From this reading “MY DEAR AMY,” wrote Phœbe in reply to her friend’s invitation, “your letter was indeed welcome, though the news it contained startled me not a little, and made me regret ever so much more my inability to respond to your _kind_ and _sisterly_ invitation.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading “MY DEAR AMY,” wrote Phœbe in reply to her friend’s invitation, “your letter was indeed welcome, though the news it contained startled me not a little, and made me regret ever so much more my inability to respond to your _kind_ and _sisterly_ invitation.
excited by sudden surprise or alarm and making a quick involuntary movement
From this reading “MY DEAR AMY,” wrote Phœbe in reply to her friend’s invitation, “your letter was indeed welcome, though the news it contained startled me not a little, and made me regret ever so much more my inability to respond to your _kind_ and _sisterly_ invitation.
a state of acute pain
From this reading She is suffering from an attack of the same kind as that which prostrated her at Barton Hall.
plural of “take” — the income or profit arising from such transactions as the sale of land or other property
From this reading CONTAINS A LETTER FROM A DEAR FRIEND, AND TAKES THE READER ONCE MORE TO SEVERNTOWN.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading My poor mother is so unwell that I cannot possibly leave her at present.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading CONTAINS A LETTER FROM A DEAR FRIEND, AND TAKES THE READER ONCE MORE TO SEVERNTOWN.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading I hope she will be quite recovered in a day or two, and then I hope to come to you.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading “MY DEAR AMY,” wrote Phœbe in reply to her friend’s invitation, “your letter was indeed welcome, though the news it contained startled me not a little, and made me regret ever so much more my inability to respond to your _kind_ and _sisterly_ invitation.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading CONTAINS A LETTER FROM A DEAR FRIEND, AND TAKES THE READER ONCE MORE TO SEVERNTOWN.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading I hope she will be quite recovered in a day or two, and then I hope to come to you.
unwelladjectiveUS /ənˈwel/
somewhat ill or prone to illness
From this reading My poor mother is so unwell that I cannot possibly leave her at present.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “MY DEAR AMY,” wrote Phœbe in reply to her friend’s invitation, “your letter was indeed welcome, though the news it contained startled me not a little, and made me regret ever so much more my inability to respond to your _kind_ and _sisterly_ invitation.
accept gladly
From this reading “MY DEAR AMY,” wrote Phœbe in reply to her friend’s invitation, “your letter was indeed welcome, though the news it contained startled me not a little, and made me regret ever so much more my inability to respond to your _kind_ and _sisterly_ invitation.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading She is suffering from an attack of the same kind as that which prostrated her at Barton Hall.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading I hope she will be quite recovered in a day or two, and then I hope to come to you.
inflected form of “write” — produce a literary work
From this reading “MY DEAR AMY,” wrote Phœbe in reply to her friend’s invitation, “your letter was indeed welcome, though the news it contained startled me not a little, and made me regret ever so much more my inability to respond to your _kind_ and _sisterly_ invitation.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading I hope she will be quite recovered in a day or two, and then I hope to come to you.
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “MY DEAR AMY,” wrote Phœbe in reply to her friend’s invitation, “your letter was indeed welcome, though the news it contained startled me not a little, and made me regret ever so much more my inability to respond to your _kind_ and _sisterly_ invitation.
