used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading An Important Decision "Gordon," said Mrs. Lindsay to her husband on the following evening, when he was enjoying his after-dinner cup of coffee in the drawing-room, and she judged him to be in a suitable mood to discuss knotty problems, "I am not at all happy about Sylvia."
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading An Important Decision "Gordon," said Mrs. Lindsay to her husband on the following evening, when he was enjoying his after-dinner cup of coffee in the drawing-room, and she judged him to be in a suitable mood to discuss knotty problems, "I am not at all happy about Sylvia."
after-dinner
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading An Important Decision "Gordon," said Mrs. Lindsay to her husband on the following evening, when he was enjoying his after-dinner cup of coffee in the drawing-room, and she judged him to be in a suitable mood to discuss knotty problems, "I am not at all happy about Sylvia."
(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 An Important Decision "Gordon," said Mrs. Lindsay to her husband on the following evening, when he was enjoying his after-dinner cup of coffee in the drawing-room, and she judged him to be in a suitable mood to discuss knotty problems, "I am not at all happy about Sylvia."
the form of “be” used with “I”
From this reading An Important Decision "Gordon," said Mrs. Lindsay to her husband on the following evening, when he was enjoying his after-dinner cup of coffee in the drawing-room, and she judged him to be in a suitable mood to discuss knotty problems, "I am not at all happy about Sylvia."
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading An Important Decision "Gordon," said Mrs. Lindsay to her husband on the following evening, when he was enjoying his after-dinner cup of coffee in the drawing-room, and she judged him to be in a suitable mood to discuss knotty problems, "I am not at all happy about Sylvia."
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading An Important Decision "Gordon," said Mrs. Lindsay to her husband on the following evening, when he was enjoying his after-dinner cup of coffee in the drawing-room, and she judged him to be in a suitable mood to discuss knotty problems, "I am not at all happy about Sylvia."
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading "I thought she was looking much as usual to-day."
past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading "Why, what's wrong with the child?" he asked.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading An Important Decision "Gordon," said Mrs. Lindsay to her husband on the following evening, when he was enjoying his after-dinner cup of coffee in the drawing-room, and she judged him to be in a suitable mood to discuss knotty problems, "I am not at all happy about Sylvia."
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading An Important Decision "Gordon," said Mrs. Lindsay to her husband on the following evening, when he was enjoying his after-dinner cup of coffee in the drawing-room, and she judged him to be in a suitable mood to discuss knotty problems, "I am not at all happy about Sylvia."
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading "She looks quite well," replied Mrs. Lindsay; "but I don't feel satisfied, all the same."
a young person of either sex
From this reading "Why, what's wrong with the child?" he asked.
a beverage consisting of an infusion of ground coffee beans
From this reading An Important Decision "Gordon," said Mrs. Lindsay to her husband on the following evening, when he was enjoying his after-dinner cup of coffee in the drawing-room, and she judged him to be in a suitable mood to discuss knotty problems, "I am not at all happy about Sylvia."
creamnounUS /kriːm/
the best people or things in a group
From this reading Mr. Lindsay paused to take an extra lump of sugar, and to help himself deliberately to some more cream.
a small open container usually used for drinking; usually has a handle
From this reading An Important Decision "Gordon," said Mrs. Lindsay to her husband on the following evening, when he was enjoying his after-dinner cup of coffee in the drawing-room, and she judged him to be in a suitable mood to discuss knotty problems, "I am not at all happy about Sylvia."
the act of making up your mind about something
From this reading An Important Decision "Gordon," said Mrs. Lindsay to her husband on the following evening, when he was enjoying his after-dinner cup of coffee in the drawing-room, and she judged him to be in a suitable mood to discuss knotty problems, "I am not at all happy about Sylvia."
deliberatelyadverbUS /dɪˈlɪbərətli/
with intention; in an intentional manner
From this reading Mr. Lindsay paused to take an extra lump of sugar, and to help himself deliberately to some more cream.
discussverbUS /dɪˈskʌs/
to consider or examine in speech or writing
From this reading An Important Decision "Gordon," said Mrs. Lindsay to her husband on the following evening, when he was enjoying his after-dinner cup of coffee in the drawing-room, and she judged him to be in a suitable mood to discuss knotty problems, "I am not at all happy about Sylvia."
don't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "She looks quite well," replied Mrs. Lindsay; "but I don't feel satisfied, all the same."
drawing-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading An Important Decision "Gordon," said Mrs. Lindsay to her husband on the following evening, when he was enjoying his after-dinner cup of coffee in the drawing-room, and she judged him to be in a suitable mood to discuss knotty problems, "I am not at all happy about Sylvia."
enjoyingverbUS /ˌenˈdʒɔɪɪŋ/
-ing form of “enjoy” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in
From this reading An Important Decision "Gordon," said Mrs. Lindsay to her husband on the following evening, when he was enjoying his after-dinner cup of coffee in the drawing-room, and she judged him to be in a suitable mood to discuss knotty problems, "I am not at all happy about Sylvia."
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading An Important Decision "Gordon," said Mrs. Lindsay to her husband on the following evening, when he was enjoying his after-dinner cup of coffee in the drawing-room, and she judged him to be in a suitable mood to discuss knotty problems, "I am not at all happy about Sylvia."
extraadjectiveUS /ˈekstrə/
more than is needed, desired, or required
From this reading Mr. Lindsay paused to take an extra lump of sugar, and to help himself deliberately to some more cream.
undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind
From this reading "She looks quite well," replied Mrs. Lindsay; "but I don't feel satisfied, all the same."
about to be mentioned or specified
From this reading An Important Decision "Gordon," said Mrs. Lindsay to her husband on the following evening, when he was enjoying his after-dinner cup of coffee in the drawing-room, and she judged him to be in a suitable mood to discuss knotty problems, "I am not at all happy about Sylvia."
Gordon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading An Important Decision "Gordon," said Mrs. Lindsay to her husband on the following evening, when he was enjoying his after-dinner cup of coffee in the drawing-room, and she judged him to be in a suitable mood to discuss knotty problems, "I am not at all happy about Sylvia."
enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure
From this reading An Important Decision "Gordon," said Mrs. Lindsay to her husband on the following evening, when he was enjoying his after-dinner cup of coffee in the drawing-room, and she judged him to be in a suitable mood to discuss knotty problems, "I am not at all happy about Sylvia."
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading An Important Decision "Gordon," said Mrs. Lindsay to her husband on the following evening, when he was enjoying his after-dinner cup of coffee in the drawing-room, and she judged him to be in a suitable mood to discuss knotty problems, "I am not at all happy about Sylvia."
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading Mr. Lindsay paused to take an extra lump of sugar, and to help himself deliberately to some more cream.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading An Important Decision "Gordon," said Mrs. Lindsay to her husband on the following evening, when he was enjoying his after-dinner cup of coffee in the drawing-room, and she judged him to be in a suitable mood to discuss knotty problems, "I am not at all happy about Sylvia."
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading An Important Decision "Gordon," said Mrs. Lindsay to her husband on the following evening, when he was enjoying his after-dinner cup of coffee in the drawing-room, and she judged him to be in a suitable mood to discuss knotty problems, "I am not at all happy about Sylvia."
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Mr. Lindsay paused to take an extra lump of sugar, and to help himself deliberately to some more cream.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading An Important Decision "Gordon," said Mrs. Lindsay to her husband on the following evening, when he was enjoying his after-dinner cup of coffee in the drawing-room, and she judged him to be in a suitable mood to discuss knotty problems, "I am not at all happy about Sylvia."
a married man; a woman's partner in marriage
From this reading An Important Decision "Gordon," said Mrs. Lindsay to her husband on the following evening, when he was enjoying his after-dinner cup of coffee in the drawing-room, and she judged him to be in a suitable mood to discuss knotty problems, "I am not at all happy about Sylvia."
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading An Important Decision "Gordon," said Mrs. Lindsay to her husband on the following evening, when he was enjoying his after-dinner cup of coffee in the drawing-room, and she judged him to be in a suitable mood to discuss knotty problems, "I am not at all happy about Sylvia."
of great significance or value
From this reading An Important Decision "Gordon," said Mrs. Lindsay to her husband on the following evening, when he was enjoying his after-dinner cup of coffee in the drawing-room, and she judged him to be in a suitable mood to discuss knotty problems, "I am not at all happy about Sylvia."
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading An Important Decision "Gordon," said Mrs. Lindsay to her husband on the following evening, when he was enjoying his after-dinner cup of coffee in the drawing-room, and she judged him to be in a suitable mood to discuss knotty problems, "I am not at all happy about Sylvia."
judgedverbUS /dʒʌdʒd/
past form of “judge” — determine the result of (a competition)
From this reading An Important Decision "Gordon," said Mrs. Lindsay to her husband on the following evening, when he was enjoying his after-dinner cup of coffee in the drawing-room, and she judged him to be in a suitable mood to discuss knotty problems, "I am not at all happy about Sylvia."
knottyadjectiveUS /ˈnɑːti/
making great mental demands; hard to comprehend or solve or believe
From this reading An Important Decision "Gordon," said Mrs. Lindsay to her husband on the following evening, when he was enjoying his after-dinner cup of coffee in the drawing-room, and she judged him to be in a suitable mood to discuss knotty problems, "I am not at all happy about Sylvia."
LindsaynounUS /ˈlɪndzi/
United States playwright who collaborated with Russel Crouse on several musicals (1889-1931)
From this reading An Important Decision "Gordon," said Mrs. Lindsay to her husband on the following evening, when he was enjoying his after-dinner cup of coffee in the drawing-room, and she judged him to be in a suitable mood to discuss knotty problems, "I am not at all happy about Sylvia."
the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually
From this reading "I thought she was looking much as usual to-day."
plural of “look” — the feelings expressed on a person's face
From this reading "She looks quite well," replied Mrs. Lindsay; "but I don't feel satisfied, all the same."
lumpnounUS /lʌmp/
a compact mass
From this reading Mr. Lindsay paused to take an extra lump of sugar, and to help himself deliberately to some more cream.
a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling
From this reading An Important Decision "Gordon," said Mrs. Lindsay to her husband on the following evening, when he was enjoying his after-dinner cup of coffee in the drawing-room, and she judged him to be in a suitable mood to discuss knotty problems, "I am not at all happy about Sylvia."
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Mr. Lindsay paused to take an extra lump of sugar, and to help himself deliberately to some more cream.
a form of address for a man
From this reading Mr. Lindsay paused to take an extra lump of sugar, and to help himself deliberately to some more cream.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading An Important Decision "Gordon," said Mrs. Lindsay to her husband on the following evening, when he was enjoying his after-dinner cup of coffee in the drawing-room, and she judged him to be in a suitable mood to discuss knotty problems, "I am not at all happy about Sylvia."
to a great degree or extent
From this reading "I thought she was looking much as usual to-day."
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading An Important Decision "Gordon," said Mrs. Lindsay to her husband on the following evening, when he was enjoying his after-dinner cup of coffee in the drawing-room, and she judged him to be in a suitable mood to discuss knotty problems, "I am not at all happy about Sylvia."
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading An Important Decision "Gordon," said Mrs. Lindsay to her husband on the following evening, when he was enjoying his after-dinner cup of coffee in the drawing-room, and she judged him to be in a suitable mood to discuss knotty problems, "I am not at all happy about Sylvia."
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading An Important Decision "Gordon," said Mrs. Lindsay to her husband on the following evening, when he was enjoying his after-dinner cup of coffee in the drawing-room, and she judged him to be in a suitable mood to discuss knotty problems, "I am not at all happy about Sylvia."
past form of “pause” — interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing
From this reading Mr. Lindsay paused to take an extra lump of sugar, and to help himself deliberately to some more cream.
problemsnounUS /ˈprɑːbləmz/
plural of “problem” — a state of difficulty that needs to be resolved
From this reading An Important Decision "Gordon," said Mrs. Lindsay to her husband on the following evening, when he was enjoying his after-dinner cup of coffee in the drawing-room, and she judged him to be in a suitable mood to discuss knotty problems, "I am not at all happy about Sylvia."
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading "She looks quite well," replied Mrs. Lindsay; "but I don't feel satisfied, all the same."
inflected form of “reply” — react verbally
From this reading "She looks quite well," replied Mrs. Lindsay; "but I don't feel satisfied, all the same."
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading An Important Decision "Gordon," said Mrs. Lindsay to her husband on the following evening, when he was enjoying his after-dinner cup of coffee in the drawing-room, and she judged him to be in a suitable mood to discuss knotty problems, "I am not at all happy about Sylvia."
Identical; not different.
From this reading "She looks quite well," replied Mrs. Lindsay; "but I don't feel satisfied, all the same."
filled with satisfaction
From this reading "She looks quite well," replied Mrs. Lindsay; "but I don't feel satisfied, all the same."
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading An Important Decision "Gordon," said Mrs. Lindsay to her husband on the following evening, when he was enjoying his after-dinner cup of coffee in the drawing-room, and she judged him to be in a suitable mood to discuss knotty problems, "I am not at all happy about Sylvia."
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Mr. Lindsay paused to take an extra lump of sugar, and to help himself deliberately to some more cream.
sugarnounUS /ˈʃʊɡər/
a white crystalline carbohydrate used as a sweetener and preservative
From this reading Mr. Lindsay paused to take an extra lump of sugar, and to help himself deliberately to some more cream.
suitableadjectiveUS /ˈsuːtəbəl/
meant or adapted for an occasion or use
From this reading An Important Decision "Gordon," said Mrs. Lindsay to her husband on the following evening, when he was enjoying his after-dinner cup of coffee in the drawing-room, and she judged him to be in a suitable mood to discuss knotty problems, "I am not at all happy about Sylvia."
Sylvia
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading An Important Decision "Gordon," said Mrs. Lindsay to her husband on the following evening, when he was enjoying his after-dinner cup of coffee in the drawing-room, and she judged him to be in a suitable mood to discuss knotty problems, "I am not at all happy about Sylvia."
carry out
From this reading Mr. Lindsay paused to take an extra lump of sugar, and to help himself deliberately to some more cream.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading An Important Decision "Gordon," said Mrs. Lindsay to her husband on the following evening, when he was enjoying his after-dinner cup of coffee in the drawing-room, and she judged him to be in a suitable mood to discuss knotty problems, "I am not at all happy about Sylvia."
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading "I thought she was looking much as usual to-day."
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading An Important Decision "Gordon," said Mrs. Lindsay to her husband on the following evening, when he was enjoying his after-dinner cup of coffee in the drawing-room, and she judged him to be in a suitable mood to discuss knotty problems, "I am not at all happy about Sylvia."
to-day
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I thought she was looking much as usual to-day."
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading "I thought she was looking much as usual to-day."
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading An Important Decision "Gordon," said Mrs. Lindsay to her husband on the following evening, when he was enjoying his after-dinner cup of coffee in the drawing-room, and she judged him to be in a suitable mood to discuss knotty problems, "I am not at all happy about Sylvia."
(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 "She looks quite well," replied Mrs. Lindsay; "but I don't feel satisfied, all the same."
what's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Why, what's wrong with the child?" he asked.
at the time that
From this reading An Important Decision "Gordon," said Mrs. Lindsay to her husband on the following evening, when he was enjoying his after-dinner cup of coffee in the drawing-room, and she judged him to be in a suitable mood to discuss knotty problems, "I am not at all happy about Sylvia."
the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”
From this reading "Why, what's wrong with the child?" he asked.
in the company of; together with
From this reading "Why, what's wrong with the child?" he asked.
not correct; not in conformity with fact or truth
From this reading "Why, what's wrong with the child?" he asked.
