used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A STRANGE COINCIDENCE.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading On the previous day the unexpected arrival of Claude had altered his plans for the day, and after his return from the theater on the same evening, he had--contrary to his rule--passed the night in reading.
alteredadjectiveUS /ˈɔːltərd/
changed in form or character without becoming something else
From this reading On the previous day the unexpected arrival of Claude had altered his plans for the day, and after his return from the theater on the same evening, he had--contrary to his rule--passed the night in reading.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading On the previous day the unexpected arrival of Claude had altered his plans for the day, and after his return from the theater on the same evening, he had--contrary to his rule--passed the night in reading.
accomplishment of an objective
From this reading On the previous day the unexpected arrival of Claude had altered his plans for the day, and after his return from the theater on the same evening, he had--contrary to his rule--passed the night in reading.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Excited by the performance, he did not feel inclined to retire at his usual hour of midnight, and while sipping his wine, picked up the first volume to while away the time till he should feel sleepy.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Excited by the performance, he did not feel inclined to retire at his usual hour of midnight, and while sipping his wine, picked up the first volume to while away the time till he should feel sleepy.
on the far side of; further than
From this reading IN spite of Tait's methodical habits, circumstances beyond his control often occurred to upset them.
biscuitsnounUS /ˈbɪskəts/
plural of “biscuit” — small round bread leavened with baking-powder or soda
From this reading The invaluable Dormer had procured "A Whim of Fate" from Mudie's, and Tait found it lying on the table in company with biscuits and wine.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Excited by the performance, he did not feel inclined to retire at his usual hour of midnight, and while sipping his wine, picked up the first volume to while away the time till he should feel sleepy.
your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)
From this reading IN spite of Tait's methodical habits, circumstances beyond his control often occurred to upset them.
Claude
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the previous day the unexpected arrival of Claude had altered his plans for the day, and after his return from the theater on the same evening, he had--contrary to his rule--passed the night in reading.
COINCIDENCEnounUS /koʊˈɪnsɪdəns/
an event that might have been arranged although it was really accidental
From this reading A STRANGE COINCIDENCE.
an institution created to conduct business
From this reading The invaluable Dormer had procured "A Whim of Fate" from Mudie's, and Tait found it lying on the table in company with biscuits and wine.
very opposed in nature or character or purpose
From this reading On the previous day the unexpected arrival of Claude had altered his plans for the day, and after his return from the theater on the same evening, he had--contrary to his rule--passed the night in reading.
power to direct or determine
From this reading IN spite of Tait's methodical habits, circumstances beyond his control often occurred to upset them.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading On the previous day the unexpected arrival of Claude had altered his plans for the day, and after his return from the theater on the same evening, he had--contrary to his rule--passed the night in reading.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Excited by the performance, he did not feel inclined to retire at his usual hour of midnight, and while sipping his wine, picked up the first volume to while away the time till he should feel sleepy.
DormernounUS /ˈdɔːrmər/
a gabled extension built out from a sloping roof to accommodate a vertical window
From this reading The invaluable Dormer had procured "A Whim of Fate" from Mudie's, and Tait found it lying on the table in company with biscuits and wine.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading On the previous day the unexpected arrival of Claude had altered his plans for the day, and after his return from the theater on the same evening, he had--contrary to his rule--passed the night in reading.
(of persons) excessively affected by emotion
From this reading Excited by the performance, he did not feel inclined to retire at his usual hour of midnight, and while sipping his wine, picked up the first volume to while away the time till he should feel sleepy.
an event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future
From this reading The invaluable Dormer had procured "A Whim of Fate" from Mudie's, and Tait found it lying on the table in company with biscuits and wine.
undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind
From this reading Excited by the performance, he did not feel inclined to retire at his usual hour of midnight, and while sipping his wine, picked up the first volume to while away the time till he should feel sleepy.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading Excited by the performance, he did not feel inclined to retire at his usual hour of midnight, and while sipping his wine, picked up the first volume to while away the time till he should feel sleepy.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading On the previous day the unexpected arrival of Claude had altered his plans for the day, and after his return from the theater on the same evening, he had--contrary to his rule--passed the night in reading.
set up or found
From this reading The invaluable Dormer had procured "A Whim of Fate" from Mudie's, and Tait found it lying on the table in company with biscuits and wine.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading On the previous day the unexpected arrival of Claude had altered his plans for the day, and after his return from the theater on the same evening, he had--contrary to his rule--passed the night in reading.
plural of “habit” — an established custom
From this reading IN spite of Tait's methodical habits, circumstances beyond his control often occurred to upset them.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading On the previous day the unexpected arrival of Claude had altered his plans for the day, and after his return from the theater on the same evening, he had--contrary to his rule--passed the night in reading.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading On the previous day the unexpected arrival of Claude had altered his plans for the day, and after his return from the theater on the same evening, he had--contrary to his rule--passed the night in reading.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading IN spite of Tait's methodical habits, circumstances beyond his control often occurred to upset them.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading Excited by the performance, he did not feel inclined to retire at his usual hour of midnight, and while sipping his wine, picked up the first volume to while away the time till he should feel sleepy.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading IN spite of Tait's methodical habits, circumstances beyond his control often occurred to upset them.
(often followed by “to”) having a preference, disposition, or tendency
From this reading Excited by the performance, he did not feel inclined to retire at his usual hour of midnight, and while sipping his wine, picked up the first volume to while away the time till he should feel sleepy.
invaluableadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈvæljəbəl/
having incalculable monetary, intellectual, or spiritual worth
From this reading The invaluable Dormer had procured "A Whim of Fate" from Mudie's, and Tait found it lying on the table in company with biscuits and wine.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The invaluable Dormer had procured "A Whim of Fate" from Mudie's, and Tait found it lying on the table in company with biscuits and wine.
the deliberate act of deviating from the truth
From this reading The invaluable Dormer had procured "A Whim of Fate" from Mudie's, and Tait found it lying on the table in company with biscuits and wine.
methodicaladjectiveUS /məˈθɑːdəkəl/
characterized by method and orderliness
From this reading IN spite of Tait's methodical habits, circumstances beyond his control often occurred to upset them.
12 o'clock at night; the middle of the night
From this reading Excited by the performance, he did not feel inclined to retire at his usual hour of midnight, and while sipping his wine, picked up the first volume to while away the time till he should feel sleepy.
Mudie's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The invaluable Dormer had procured "A Whim of Fate" from Mudie's, and Tait found it lying on the table in company with biscuits and wine.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading On the previous day the unexpected arrival of Claude had altered his plans for the day, and after his return from the theater on the same evening, he had--contrary to his rule--passed the night in reading.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Excited by the performance, he did not feel inclined to retire at his usual hour of midnight, and while sipping his wine, picked up the first volume to while away the time till he should feel sleepy.
inflected form of “occur” — come to pass
From this reading IN spite of Tait's methodical habits, circumstances beyond his control often occurred to upset them.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading IN spite of Tait's methodical habits, circumstances beyond his control often occurred to upset them.
many times at short intervals
From this reading IN spite of Tait's methodical habits, circumstances beyond his control often occurred to upset them.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading On the previous day the unexpected arrival of Claude had altered his plans for the day, and after his return from the theater on the same evening, he had--contrary to his rule--passed the night in reading.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading On the previous day the unexpected arrival of Claude had altered his plans for the day, and after his return from the theater on the same evening, he had--contrary to his rule--passed the night in reading.
performancenounUS /pərˈfɔːrməns/
a dramatic or musical entertainment
From this reading Excited by the performance, he did not feel inclined to retire at his usual hour of midnight, and while sipping his wine, picked up the first volume to while away the time till he should feel sleepy.
past form of “pick” — select carefully from a group
From this reading Excited by the performance, he did not feel inclined to retire at his usual hour of midnight, and while sipping his wine, picked up the first volume to while away the time till he should feel sleepy.
plural of “plan” — a series of steps to be carried out or goals to be accomplished
From this reading On the previous day the unexpected arrival of Claude had altered his plans for the day, and after his return from the theater on the same evening, he had--contrary to his rule--passed the night in reading.
just preceding something else in time or order
From this reading On the previous day the unexpected arrival of Claude had altered his plans for the day, and after his return from the theater on the same evening, he had--contrary to his rule--passed the night in reading.
procuredverbUS /proʊˈkjʊrd/
past form of “procure” — get by special effort
From this reading The invaluable Dormer had procured "A Whim of Fate" from Mudie's, and Tait found it lying on the table in company with biscuits and wine.
the cognitive process of understanding a written linguistic message
From this reading On the previous day the unexpected arrival of Claude had altered his plans for the day, and after his return from the theater on the same evening, he had--contrary to his rule--passed the night in reading.
retireverbUS /rɪˈtaɪr/
go into retirement; stop performing one's work or withdraw from one's position
From this reading Excited by the performance, he did not feel inclined to retire at his usual hour of midnight, and while sipping his wine, picked up the first volume to while away the time till he should feel sleepy.
go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading On the previous day the unexpected arrival of Claude had altered his plans for the day, and after his return from the theater on the same evening, he had--contrary to his rule--passed the night in reading.
a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior
From this reading On the previous day the unexpected arrival of Claude had altered his plans for the day, and after his return from the theater on the same evening, he had--contrary to his rule--passed the night in reading.
Identical; not different.
From this reading On the previous day the unexpected arrival of Claude had altered his plans for the day, and after his return from the theater on the same evening, he had--contrary to his rule--passed the night in reading.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading Excited by the performance, he did not feel inclined to retire at his usual hour of midnight, and while sipping his wine, picked up the first volume to while away the time till he should feel sleepy.
sippingverbUS /ˈsɪpɪŋ/
inflected form of “sip” — drink in sips
From this reading Excited by the performance, he did not feel inclined to retire at his usual hour of midnight, and while sipping his wine, picked up the first volume to while away the time till he should feel sleepy.
sleepyadjectiveUS /ˈsliːpi/
ready to fall asleep
From this reading Excited by the performance, he did not feel inclined to retire at his usual hour of midnight, and while sipping his wine, picked up the first volume to while away the time till he should feel sleepy.
feeling a need to see others suffer
From this reading IN spite of Tait's methodical habits, circumstances beyond his control often occurred to upset them.
being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
From this reading A STRANGE COINCIDENCE.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading The invaluable Dormer had procured "A Whim of Fate" from Mudie's, and Tait found it lying on the table in company with biscuits and wine.
Tait
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The invaluable Dormer had procured "A Whim of Fate" from Mudie's, and Tait found it lying on the table in company with biscuits and wine.
Tait's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN spite of Tait's methodical habits, circumstances beyond his control often occurred to upset them.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading On the previous day the unexpected arrival of Claude had altered his plans for the day, and after his return from the theater on the same evening, he had--contrary to his rule--passed the night in reading.
theaternounUS /ˈθiːətər/
a building where theatrical performances or motion-picture shows can be presented
From this reading On the previous day the unexpected arrival of Claude had altered his plans for the day, and after his return from the theater on the same evening, he had--contrary to his rule--passed the night in reading.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading IN spite of Tait's methodical habits, circumstances beyond his control often occurred to upset them.
up to a particular time
From this reading Excited by the performance, he did not feel inclined to retire at his usual hour of midnight, and while sipping his wine, picked up the first volume to while away the time till he should feel sleepy.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading Excited by the performance, he did not feel inclined to retire at his usual hour of midnight, and while sipping his wine, picked up the first volume to while away the time till he should feel sleepy.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading IN spite of Tait's methodical habits, circumstances beyond his control often occurred to upset them.
not expected or anticipated
From this reading On the previous day the unexpected arrival of Claude had altered his plans for the day, and after his return from the theater on the same evening, he had--contrary to his rule--passed the night in reading.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Excited by the performance, he did not feel inclined to retire at his usual hour of midnight, and while sipping his wine, picked up the first volume to while away the time till he should feel sleepy.
upsetverbUS /əpˈset/
disturb the balance or stability of
From this reading IN spite of Tait's methodical habits, circumstances beyond his control often occurred to upset them.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading Excited by the performance, he did not feel inclined to retire at his usual hour of midnight, and while sipping his wine, picked up the first volume to while away the time till he should feel sleepy.
the amount of 3-dimensional space occupied by an object
From this reading Excited by the performance, he did not feel inclined to retire at his usual hour of midnight, and while sipping his wine, picked up the first volume to while away the time till he should feel sleepy.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Excited by the performance, he did not feel inclined to retire at his usual hour of midnight, and while sipping his wine, picked up the first volume to while away the time till he should feel sleepy.
WhimnounUS /wɪm/
a sudden desire
From this reading The invaluable Dormer had procured "A Whim of Fate" from Mudie's, and Tait found it lying on the table in company with biscuits and wine.
fermented juice (of grapes especially)
From this reading The invaluable Dormer had procured "A Whim of Fate" from Mudie's, and Tait found it lying on the table in company with biscuits and wine.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The invaluable Dormer had procured "A Whim of Fate" from Mudie's, and Tait found it lying on the table in company with biscuits and wine.
