used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Conscience evidently saw in this visit a violation of all canons of good taste.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading "I suppose if I were diplomatic," went on Marian when it was evident that the other had no intention of making inquiries as to the cause of her coming, "I might say that I'd turned in to make inquiry about these bewildering roads--or to borrow gasoline."
(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 Conscience evidently saw in this visit a violation of all canons of good taste.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading "If there is any motoring assistance I can give--" began the hostess, but the other woman interrupted her with a short laugh and a glance of almost reckless straightforwardness.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The visitor did not miss the sudden and instinctive change on the face of her hostess or the impulsive start as if to draw back in distaste.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading "If there is any motoring assistance I can give--" began the hostess, but the other woman interrupted her with a short laugh and a glance of almost reckless straightforwardness.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The visitor did not miss the sudden and instinctive change on the face of her hostess or the impulsive start as if to draw back in distaste.
the activity of contributing to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose
From this reading "If there is any motoring assistance I can give--" began the hostess, but the other woman interrupted her with a short laugh and a glance of almost reckless straightforwardness.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading At all events she remained standing as if letting her attitude express her unwillingness to prolong the situation.
a complex mental state involving beliefs and feelings and values and dispositions to act in certain ways
From this reading At all events she remained standing as if letting her attitude express her unwillingness to prolong the situation.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading The visitor did not miss the sudden and instinctive change on the face of her hostess or the impulsive start as if to draw back in distaste.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading "If there is any motoring assistance I can give--" began the hostess, but the other woman interrupted her with a short laugh and a glance of almost reckless straightforwardness.
bewilderingverbUS /bɪˈwɪldərɪŋ/
-ing form of “bewilder” — be a mystery or bewildering to
From this reading "I suppose if I were diplomatic," went on Marian when it was evident that the other had no intention of making inquiries as to the cause of her coming, "I might say that I'd turned in to make inquiry about these bewildering roads--or to borrow gasoline."
borrowverbUS /ˈbɑːroʊ/
get temporarily
From this reading "I suppose if I were diplomatic," went on Marian when it was evident that the other had no intention of making inquiries as to the cause of her coming, "I might say that I'd turned in to make inquiry about these bewildering roads--or to borrow gasoline."
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading "If there is any motoring assistance I can give--" began the hostess, but the other woman interrupted her with a short laugh and a glance of almost reckless straightforwardness.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading "If there is any motoring assistance I can give--" began the hostess, but the other woman interrupted her with a short laugh and a glance of almost reckless straightforwardness.
canonsnounUS /ˈkænənz/
plural of “canon” — a rule or especially body of rules or principles generally established as valid and fundamental in a field of art or philosophy
From this reading Conscience evidently saw in this visit a violation of all canons of good taste.
events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something
From this reading "I suppose if I were diplomatic," went on Marian when it was evident that the other had no intention of making inquiries as to the cause of her coming, "I might say that I'd turned in to make inquiry about these bewildering roads--or to borrow gasoline."
cause to change; make different; cause a transformation
From this reading The visitor did not miss the sudden and instinctive change on the face of her hostess or the impulsive start as if to draw back in distaste.
the act of drawing spatially closer to something
From this reading "I suppose if I were diplomatic," went on Marian when it was evident that the other had no intention of making inquiries as to the cause of her coming, "I might say that I'd turned in to make inquiry about these bewildering roads--or to borrow gasoline."
motivation deriving logically from ethical or moral principles that govern a person's thoughts and actions
From this reading Conscience evidently saw in this visit a violation of all canons of good taste.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading The visitor did not miss the sudden and instinctive change on the face of her hostess or the impulsive start as if to draw back in distaste.
diplomaticadjectiveUS /ˌdɪpləˈmætɪk/
relating to or characteristic of diplomacy
From this reading "I suppose if I were diplomatic," went on Marian when it was evident that the other had no intention of making inquiries as to the cause of her coming, "I might say that I'd turned in to make inquiry about these bewildering roads--or to borrow gasoline."
distastenounUS /dɪˈsteɪst/
a feeling of intense dislike
From this reading The visitor did not miss the sudden and instinctive change on the face of her hostess or the impulsive start as if to draw back in distaste.
cause to move by pulling
From this reading The visitor did not miss the sudden and instinctive change on the face of her hostess or the impulsive start as if to draw back in distaste.
plural of “event” — something that happens at a given place and time
From this reading At all events she remained standing as if letting her attitude express her unwillingness to prolong the situation.
clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
From this reading "I suppose if I were diplomatic," went on Marian when it was evident that the other had no intention of making inquiries as to the cause of her coming, "I might say that I'd turned in to make inquiry about these bewildering roads--or to borrow gasoline."
unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)
From this reading Conscience evidently saw in this visit a violation of all canons of good taste.
give expression to
From this reading At all events she remained standing as if letting her attitude express her unwillingness to prolong the situation.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading The visitor did not miss the sudden and instinctive change on the face of her hostess or the impulsive start as if to draw back in distaste.
gasolinenounUS /ˈɡæsəliːn/
a volatile flammable mixture of hydrocarbons (hexane and heptane and octane etc.) derived from petroleum; used mainly as a fuel in internal-combustion engines
From this reading "I suppose if I were diplomatic," went on Marian when it was evident that the other had no intention of making inquiries as to the cause of her coming, "I might say that I'd turned in to make inquiry about these bewildering roads--or to borrow gasoline."
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading "If there is any motoring assistance I can give--" began the hostess, but the other woman interrupted her with a short laugh and a glance of almost reckless straightforwardness.
throw a glance at; take a brief look at
From this reading "If there is any motoring assistance I can give--" began the hostess, but the other woman interrupted her with a short laugh and a glance of almost reckless straightforwardness.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading Conscience evidently saw in this visit a violation of all canons of good taste.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading "I suppose if I were diplomatic," went on Marian when it was evident that the other had no intention of making inquiries as to the cause of her coming, "I might say that I'd turned in to make inquiry about these bewildering roads--or to borrow gasoline."
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading The visitor did not miss the sudden and instinctive change on the face of her hostess or the impulsive start as if to draw back in distaste.
hostessnounUS /ˈhoʊstəs/
a woman host
From this reading The visitor did not miss the sudden and instinctive change on the face of her hostess or the impulsive start as if to draw back in distaste.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "I suppose if I were diplomatic," went on Marian when it was evident that the other had no intention of making inquiries as to the cause of her coming, "I might say that I'd turned in to make inquiry about these bewildering roads--or to borrow gasoline."
I'd
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I suppose if I were diplomatic," went on Marian when it was evident that the other had no intention of making inquiries as to the cause of her coming, "I might say that I'd turned in to make inquiry about these bewildering roads--or to borrow gasoline."
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading The visitor did not miss the sudden and instinctive change on the face of her hostess or the impulsive start as if to draw back in distaste.
impulsiveadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpʌlsɪv/
proceeding from natural feeling or impulse without external stimulus
From this reading The visitor did not miss the sudden and instinctive change on the face of her hostess or the impulsive start as if to draw back in distaste.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The visitor did not miss the sudden and instinctive change on the face of her hostess or the impulsive start as if to draw back in distaste.
inquiriesnounUS /ˌɪnˈkwaɪəriz/
plural of “inquiry” — a search for knowledge
From this reading "I suppose if I were diplomatic," went on Marian when it was evident that the other had no intention of making inquiries as to the cause of her coming, "I might say that I'd turned in to make inquiry about these bewildering roads--or to borrow gasoline."
a search for knowledge
From this reading "I suppose if I were diplomatic," went on Marian when it was evident that the other had no intention of making inquiries as to the cause of her coming, "I might say that I'd turned in to make inquiry about these bewildering roads--or to borrow gasoline."
instinctiveadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈstɪŋktɪv/
unthinking; prompted by (or as if by) instinct
From this reading The visitor did not miss the sudden and instinctive change on the face of her hostess or the impulsive start as if to draw back in distaste.
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading "I suppose if I were diplomatic," went on Marian when it was evident that the other had no intention of making inquiries as to the cause of her coming, "I might say that I'd turned in to make inquiry about these bewildering roads--or to borrow gasoline."
discontinued temporarily
From this reading "If there is any motoring assistance I can give--" began the hostess, but the other woman interrupted her with a short laugh and a glance of almost reckless straightforwardness.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "If there is any motoring assistance I can give--" began the hostess, but the other woman interrupted her with a short laugh and a glance of almost reckless straightforwardness.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading "I suppose if I were diplomatic," went on Marian when it was evident that the other had no intention of making inquiries as to the cause of her coming, "I might say that I'd turned in to make inquiry about these bewildering roads--or to borrow gasoline."
the sound of laughing
From this reading "If there is any motoring assistance I can give--" began the hostess, but the other woman interrupted her with a short laugh and a glance of almost reckless straightforwardness.
property that is leased or rented out or let
From this reading At all events she remained standing as if letting her attitude express her unwillingness to prolong the situation.
engage in
From this reading "I suppose if I were diplomatic," went on Marian when it was evident that the other had no intention of making inquiries as to the cause of her coming, "I might say that I'd turned in to make inquiry about these bewildering roads--or to borrow gasoline."
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading "I suppose if I were diplomatic," went on Marian when it was evident that the other had no intention of making inquiries as to the cause of her coming, "I might say that I'd turned in to make inquiry about these bewildering roads--or to borrow gasoline."
MarianadjectiveUS /ˈmeriən/
of or relating to or venerating the Virgin Mary
From this reading "I suppose if I were diplomatic," went on Marian when it was evident that the other had no intention of making inquiries as to the cause of her coming, "I might say that I'd turned in to make inquiry about these bewildering roads--or to borrow gasoline."
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading "I suppose if I were diplomatic," went on Marian when it was evident that the other had no intention of making inquiries as to the cause of her coming, "I might say that I'd turned in to make inquiry about these bewildering roads--or to borrow gasoline."
fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind
From this reading The visitor did not miss the sudden and instinctive change on the face of her hostess or the impulsive start as if to draw back in distaste.
motoringnounUS /ˈmoʊtərɪŋ/
the act of driving an automobile
From this reading "If there is any motoring assistance I can give--" began the hostess, but the other woman interrupted her with a short laugh and a glance of almost reckless straightforwardness.
not any; not one
From this reading "I suppose if I were diplomatic," went on Marian when it was evident that the other had no intention of making inquiries as to the cause of her coming, "I might say that I'd turned in to make inquiry about these bewildering roads--or to borrow gasoline."
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The visitor did not miss the sudden and instinctive change on the face of her hostess or the impulsive start as if to draw back in distaste.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The visitor did not miss the sudden and instinctive change on the face of her hostess or the impulsive start as if to draw back in distaste.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The visitor did not miss the sudden and instinctive change on the face of her hostess or the impulsive start as if to draw back in distaste.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading The visitor did not miss the sudden and instinctive change on the face of her hostess or the impulsive start as if to draw back in distaste.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading "I suppose if I were diplomatic," went on Marian when it was evident that the other had no intention of making inquiries as to the cause of her coming, "I might say that I'd turned in to make inquiry about these bewildering roads--or to borrow gasoline."
prolongverbUS /prəˈlɔːŋ/
lengthen in time; cause to be or last longer
From this reading At all events she remained standing as if letting her attitude express her unwillingness to prolong the situation.
recklessadjectiveUS /ˈrekləs/
marked by defiant disregard for danger or consequences
From this reading "If there is any motoring assistance I can give--" began the hostess, but the other woman interrupted her with a short laugh and a glance of almost reckless straightforwardness.
past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading At all events she remained standing as if letting her attitude express her unwillingness to prolong the situation.
roadsnounUS /roʊdz/
a partly sheltered anchorage
From this reading "I suppose if I were diplomatic," went on Marian when it was evident that the other had no intention of making inquiries as to the cause of her coming, "I might say that I'd turned in to make inquiry about these bewildering roads--or to borrow gasoline."
cut with a saw
From this reading Conscience evidently saw in this visit a violation of all canons of good taste.
express in words
From this reading "I suppose if I were diplomatic," went on Marian when it was evident that the other had no intention of making inquiries as to the cause of her coming, "I might say that I'd turned in to make inquiry about these bewildering roads--or to borrow gasoline."
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading At all events she remained standing as if letting her attitude express her unwillingness to prolong the situation.
primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration
From this reading "If there is any motoring assistance I can give--" began the hostess, but the other woman interrupted her with a short laugh and a glance of almost reckless straightforwardness.
the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time
From this reading At all events she remained standing as if letting her attitude express her unwillingness to prolong the situation.
having a supporting base
From this reading At all events she remained standing as if letting her attitude express her unwillingness to prolong the situation.
take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading The visitor did not miss the sudden and instinctive change on the face of her hostess or the impulsive start as if to draw back in distaste.
straightforwardnessnoun
the quality of being direct and straightforward
From this reading "If there is any motoring assistance I can give--" began the hostess, but the other woman interrupted her with a short laugh and a glance of almost reckless straightforwardness.
happening without warning or in a short space of time
From this reading The visitor did not miss the sudden and instinctive change on the face of her hostess or the impulsive start as if to draw back in distaste.
express a supposition
From this reading "I suppose if I were diplomatic," went on Marian when it was evident that the other had no intention of making inquiries as to the cause of her coming, "I might say that I'd turned in to make inquiry about these bewildering roads--or to borrow gasoline."
To perceive flavor through the mouth.
From this reading Conscience evidently saw in this visit a violation of all canons of good taste.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading "I suppose if I were diplomatic," went on Marian when it was evident that the other had no intention of making inquiries as to the cause of her coming, "I might say that I'd turned in to make inquiry about these bewildering roads--or to borrow gasoline."
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The visitor did not miss the sudden and instinctive change on the face of her hostess or the impulsive start as if to draw back in distaste.
in or at that place or location
From this reading "If there is any motoring assistance I can give--" began the hostess, but the other woman interrupted her with a short laugh and a glance of almost reckless straightforwardness.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading "I suppose if I were diplomatic," went on Marian when it was evident that the other had no intention of making inquiries as to the cause of her coming, "I might say that I'd turned in to make inquiry about these bewildering roads--or to borrow gasoline."
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Conscience evidently saw in this visit a violation of all canons of good taste.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The visitor did not miss the sudden and instinctive change on the face of her hostess or the impulsive start as if to draw back in distaste.
moved around an axis or center
From this reading "I suppose if I were diplomatic," went on Marian when it was evident that the other had no intention of making inquiries as to the cause of her coming, "I might say that I'd turned in to make inquiry about these bewildering roads--or to borrow gasoline."
unwillingnessnounUS /ənˈwɪlɪŋnɪs/
the trait of being unwilling
From this reading At all events she remained standing as if letting her attitude express her unwillingness to prolong the situation.
violationnounUS /vaɪəˈleɪʃən/
a crime less serious than a felony
From this reading Conscience evidently saw in this visit a violation of all canons of good taste.
go to see a place, as for entertainment
From this reading Conscience evidently saw in this visit a violation of all canons of good taste.
someone who visits
From this reading The visitor did not miss the sudden and instinctive change on the face of her hostess or the impulsive start as if to draw back in distaste.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "I suppose if I were diplomatic," went on Marian when it was evident that the other had no intention of making inquiries as to the cause of her coming, "I might say that I'd turned in to make inquiry about these bewildering roads--or to borrow gasoline."
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading "I suppose if I were diplomatic," went on Marian when it was evident that the other had no intention of making inquiries as to the cause of her coming, "I might say that I'd turned in to make inquiry about these bewildering roads--or to borrow gasoline."
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading "I suppose if I were diplomatic," went on Marian when it was evident that the other had no intention of making inquiries as to the cause of her coming, "I might say that I'd turned in to make inquiry about these bewildering roads--or to borrow gasoline."
at the time that
From this reading "I suppose if I were diplomatic," went on Marian when it was evident that the other had no intention of making inquiries as to the cause of her coming, "I might say that I'd turned in to make inquiry about these bewildering roads--or to borrow gasoline."
in the company of; together with
From this reading "If there is any motoring assistance I can give--" began the hostess, but the other woman interrupted her with a short laugh and a glance of almost reckless straightforwardness.
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading "If there is any motoring assistance I can give--" began the hostess, but the other woman interrupted her with a short laugh and a glance of almost reckless straightforwardness.
