used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A SOCIAL WIDOW With the approach of the holiday season, when pretty nearly every one comes back to town, Frances found her engagements multiplying so rapidly that it required a good deal of tact and not a little arithmetic to keep them from conflicting.
the part of the day between noon and evening
From this reading In this emergency, when she really needed Don, not only was he of no practical help, but he further embarrassed her by announcing a blanket refusal of all afternoon engagements.
(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 In this emergency, when she really needed Don, not only was he of no practical help, but he further embarrassed her by announcing a blanket refusal of all afternoon engagements.
aloneadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/
Having no one else present.
From this reading This placed her in the embarrassing position of being obliged to go alone and then apologize for him.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A SOCIAL WIDOW With the approach of the holiday season, when pretty nearly every one comes back to town, Frances found her engagements multiplying so rapidly that it required a good deal of tact and not a little arithmetic to keep them from conflicting.
announcingverbUS /əˈnaʊnsɪŋ/
-ing form of “announce” — make known; make an announcement
From this reading In this emergency, when she really needed Don, not only was he of no practical help, but he further embarrassed her by announcing a blanket refusal of all afternoon engagements.
apologizeverbUS /əˈpɑːlədʒaɪz/
acknowledge faults or shortcomings or failing
From this reading This placed her in the embarrassing position of being obliged to go alone and then apologize for him.
move towards
From this reading A SOCIAL WIDOW With the approach of the holiday season, when pretty nearly every one comes back to town, Frances found her engagements multiplying so rapidly that it required a good deal of tact and not a little arithmetic to keep them from conflicting.
arithmeticnounUS /ˌerɪθˈmetɪk/
the branch of pure mathematics dealing with the theory of numerical calculations
From this reading A SOCIAL WIDOW With the approach of the holiday season, when pretty nearly every one comes back to town, Frances found her engagements multiplying so rapidly that it required a good deal of tact and not a little arithmetic to keep them from conflicting.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading A SOCIAL WIDOW With the approach of the holiday season, when pretty nearly every one comes back to town, Frances found her engagements multiplying so rapidly that it required a good deal of tact and not a little arithmetic to keep them from conflicting.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading This placed her in the embarrassing position of being obliged to go alone and then apologize for him.
blanketnounUS /ˈblæŋkət/
bedding that keeps a person warm in bed
From this reading In this emergency, when she really needed Don, not only was he of no practical help, but he further embarrassed her by announcing a blanket refusal of all afternoon engagements.
a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it
From this reading "Poor Don is in business now," was her stock explanation.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading In this emergency, when she really needed Don, not only was he of no practical help, but he further embarrassed her by announcing a blanket refusal of all afternoon engagements.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading In this emergency, when she really needed Don, not only was he of no practical help, but he further embarrassed her by announcing a blanket refusal of all afternoon engagements.
plural of “come” — the thick white fluid containing spermatozoa that is ejaculated by the male genital tract
From this reading A SOCIAL WIDOW With the approach of the holiday season, when pretty nearly every one comes back to town, Frances found her engagements multiplying so rapidly that it required a good deal of tact and not a little arithmetic to keep them from conflicting.
conflictingadjectiveUS /kənˈflɪktɪŋ/
in disagreement
From this reading A SOCIAL WIDOW With the approach of the holiday season, when pretty nearly every one comes back to town, Frances found her engagements multiplying so rapidly that it required a good deal of tact and not a little arithmetic to keep them from conflicting.
act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression
From this reading A SOCIAL WIDOW With the approach of the holiday season, when pretty nearly every one comes back to town, Frances found her engagements multiplying so rapidly that it required a good deal of tact and not a little arithmetic to keep them from conflicting.
a Spanish gentleman or nobleman
From this reading In this emergency, when she really needed Don, not only was he of no practical help, but he further embarrassed her by announcing a blanket refusal of all afternoon engagements.
embarrassedadjectiveUS /ɪmˈberəst/
feeling or caused to feel ill at ease or self-conscious or ashamed
From this reading In this emergency, when she really needed Don, not only was he of no practical help, but he further embarrassed her by announcing a blanket refusal of all afternoon engagements.
embarrassingadjectiveUS /ɪmˈberəsɪŋ/
hard to deal with; especially causing pain or embarrassment
From this reading This placed her in the embarrassing position of being obliged to go alone and then apologize for him.
emergencynounUS /ɪˈmɜːrdʒənsi/
a sudden unforeseen crisis (usually involving danger) that requires immediate action
From this reading In this emergency, when she really needed Don, not only was he of no practical help, but he further embarrassed her by announcing a blanket refusal of all afternoon engagements.
engagementsnounUS /enˈɡeɪdʒmənts/
plural of “engagement” — a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war
From this reading A SOCIAL WIDOW With the approach of the holiday season, when pretty nearly every one comes back to town, Frances found her engagements multiplying so rapidly that it required a good deal of tact and not a little arithmetic to keep them from conflicting.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading A SOCIAL WIDOW With the approach of the holiday season, when pretty nearly every one comes back to town, Frances found her engagements multiplying so rapidly that it required a good deal of tact and not a little arithmetic to keep them from conflicting.
a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.
From this reading "Poor Don is in business now," was her stock explanation.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading This placed her in the embarrassing position of being obliged to go alone and then apologize for him.
set up or found
From this reading A SOCIAL WIDOW With the approach of the holiday season, when pretty nearly every one comes back to town, Frances found her engagements multiplying so rapidly that it required a good deal of tact and not a little arithmetic to keep them from conflicting.
FrancesnounUS /ˈfrænsɪs/
plural of “france” — a republic in western Europe; the largest country wholly in Europe
From this reading A SOCIAL WIDOW With the approach of the holiday season, when pretty nearly every one comes back to town, Frances found her engagements multiplying so rapidly that it required a good deal of tact and not a little arithmetic to keep them from conflicting.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading A SOCIAL WIDOW With the approach of the holiday season, when pretty nearly every one comes back to town, Frances found her engagements multiplying so rapidly that it required a good deal of tact and not a little arithmetic to keep them from conflicting.
to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)
From this reading In this emergency, when she really needed Don, not only was he of no practical help, but he further embarrassed her by announcing a blanket refusal of all afternoon engagements.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading This placed her in the embarrassing position of being obliged to go alone and then apologize for him.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading A SOCIAL WIDOW With the approach of the holiday season, when pretty nearly every one comes back to town, Frances found her engagements multiplying so rapidly that it required a good deal of tact and not a little arithmetic to keep them from conflicting.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading She was irritated with Don for having placed her in this position.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading In this emergency, when she really needed Don, not only was he of no practical help, but he further embarrassed her by announcing a blanket refusal of all afternoon engagements.
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading In this emergency, when she really needed Don, not only was he of no practical help, but he further embarrassed her by announcing a blanket refusal of all afternoon engagements.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading A SOCIAL WIDOW With the approach of the holiday season, when pretty nearly every one comes back to town, Frances found her engagements multiplying so rapidly that it required a good deal of tact and not a little arithmetic to keep them from conflicting.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading This placed her in the embarrassing position of being obliged to go alone and then apologize for him.
holidaynounUS /ˈhɑːlədeɪ/
leisure time away from work devoted to rest or pleasure
From this reading A SOCIAL WIDOW With the approach of the holiday season, when pretty nearly every one comes back to town, Frances found her engagements multiplying so rapidly that it required a good deal of tact and not a little arithmetic to keep them from conflicting.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In this emergency, when she really needed Don, not only was he of no practical help, but he further embarrassed her by announcing a blanket refusal of all afternoon engagements.
irritatedadjectiveUS /ˈɪrəteɪtəd/
aroused to impatience or anger
From this reading She was irritated with Don for having placed her in this position.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "Poor Don is in business now," was her stock explanation.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading A SOCIAL WIDOW With the approach of the holiday season, when pretty nearly every one comes back to town, Frances found her engagements multiplying so rapidly that it required a good deal of tact and not a little arithmetic to keep them from conflicting.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading A SOCIAL WIDOW With the approach of the holiday season, when pretty nearly every one comes back to town, Frances found her engagements multiplying so rapidly that it required a good deal of tact and not a little arithmetic to keep them from conflicting.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading A SOCIAL WIDOW With the approach of the holiday season, when pretty nearly every one comes back to town, Frances found her engagements multiplying so rapidly that it required a good deal of tact and not a little arithmetic to keep them from conflicting.
multiplyingverbUS /ˈmʌltəplaɪɪŋ/
-ing form of “multiply” — combine by multiplication
From this reading A SOCIAL WIDOW With the approach of the holiday season, when pretty nearly every one comes back to town, Frances found her engagements multiplying so rapidly that it required a good deal of tact and not a little arithmetic to keep them from conflicting.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading A SOCIAL WIDOW With the approach of the holiday season, when pretty nearly every one comes back to town, Frances found her engagements multiplying so rapidly that it required a good deal of tact and not a little arithmetic to keep them from conflicting.
necessary for relief or supply
From this reading In this emergency, when she really needed Don, not only was he of no practical help, but he further embarrassed her by announcing a blanket refusal of all afternoon engagements.
not any; not one
From this reading In this emergency, when she really needed Don, not only was he of no practical help, but he further embarrassed her by announcing a blanket refusal of all afternoon engagements.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading A SOCIAL WIDOW With the approach of the holiday season, when pretty nearly every one comes back to town, Frances found her engagements multiplying so rapidly that it required a good deal of tact and not a little arithmetic to keep them from conflicting.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading "Poor Don is in business now," was her stock explanation.
under a moral obligation to do something
From this reading This placed her in the embarrassing position of being obliged to go alone and then apologize for him.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A SOCIAL WIDOW With the approach of the holiday season, when pretty nearly every one comes back to town, Frances found her engagements multiplying so rapidly that it required a good deal of tact and not a little arithmetic to keep them from conflicting.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading A SOCIAL WIDOW With the approach of the holiday season, when pretty nearly every one comes back to town, Frances found her engagements multiplying so rapidly that it required a good deal of tact and not a little arithmetic to keep them from conflicting.
and nothing more
From this reading In this emergency, when she really needed Don, not only was he of no practical help, but he further embarrassed her by announcing a blanket refusal of all afternoon engagements.
situated in a particular spot or position
From this reading This placed her in the embarrassing position of being obliged to go alone and then apologize for him.
deserving or inciting pity
From this reading "Poor Don is in business now," was her stock explanation.
the particular portion of space occupied by something
From this reading This placed her in the embarrassing position of being obliged to go alone and then apologize for him.
concerned with actual use or practice
From this reading In this emergency, when she really needed Don, not only was he of no practical help, but he further embarrassed her by announcing a blanket refusal of all afternoon engagements.
pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing
From this reading A SOCIAL WIDOW With the approach of the holiday season, when pretty nearly every one comes back to town, Frances found her engagements multiplying so rapidly that it required a good deal of tact and not a little arithmetic to keep them from conflicting.
with speed
From this reading A SOCIAL WIDOW With the approach of the holiday season, when pretty nearly every one comes back to town, Frances found her engagements multiplying so rapidly that it required a good deal of tact and not a little arithmetic to keep them from conflicting.
in accordance with truth or fact or reality
From this reading In this emergency, when she really needed Don, not only was he of no practical help, but he further embarrassed her by announcing a blanket refusal of all afternoon engagements.
refusalnounUS /rəˈfjuːzəl/
the act of refusing
From this reading In this emergency, when she really needed Don, not only was he of no practical help, but he further embarrassed her by announcing a blanket refusal of all afternoon engagements.
necessary for relief or supply
From this reading A SOCIAL WIDOW With the approach of the holiday season, when pretty nearly every one comes back to town, Frances found her engagements multiplying so rapidly that it required a good deal of tact and not a little arithmetic to keep them from conflicting.
a period of the year marked by special events or activities in some field
From this reading A SOCIAL WIDOW With the approach of the holiday season, when pretty nearly every one comes back to town, Frances found her engagements multiplying so rapidly that it required a good deal of tact and not a little arithmetic to keep them from conflicting.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading In this emergency, when she really needed Don, not only was he of no practical help, but he further embarrassed her by announcing a blanket refusal of all afternoon engagements.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading A SOCIAL WIDOW With the approach of the holiday season, when pretty nearly every one comes back to town, Frances found her engagements multiplying so rapidly that it required a good deal of tact and not a little arithmetic to keep them from conflicting.
relating to human society and its members
From this reading A SOCIAL WIDOW With the approach of the holiday season, when pretty nearly every one comes back to town, Frances found her engagements multiplying so rapidly that it required a good deal of tact and not a little arithmetic to keep them from conflicting.
the capital raised by a corporation through the issue of shares entitling holders to an ownership interest
From this reading "Poor Don is in business now," was her stock explanation.
tactnounUS /tækt/
consideration in dealing with others and avoiding giving offense
From this reading A SOCIAL WIDOW With the approach of the holiday season, when pretty nearly every one comes back to town, Frances found her engagements multiplying so rapidly that it required a good deal of tact and not a little arithmetic to keep them from conflicting.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading A SOCIAL WIDOW With the approach of the holiday season, when pretty nearly every one comes back to town, Frances found her engagements multiplying so rapidly that it required a good deal of tact and not a little arithmetic to keep them from conflicting.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A SOCIAL WIDOW With the approach of the holiday season, when pretty nearly every one comes back to town, Frances found her engagements multiplying so rapidly that it required a good deal of tact and not a little arithmetic to keep them from conflicting.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading A SOCIAL WIDOW With the approach of the holiday season, when pretty nearly every one comes back to town, Frances found her engagements multiplying so rapidly that it required a good deal of tact and not a little arithmetic to keep them from conflicting.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading This placed her in the embarrassing position of being obliged to go alone and then apologize for him.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading In this emergency, when she really needed Don, not only was he of no practical help, but he further embarrassed her by announcing a blanket refusal of all afternoon engagements.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A SOCIAL WIDOW With the approach of the holiday season, when pretty nearly every one comes back to town, Frances found her engagements multiplying so rapidly that it required a good deal of tact and not a little arithmetic to keep them from conflicting.
an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city
From this reading A SOCIAL WIDOW With the approach of the holiday season, when pretty nearly every one comes back to town, Frances found her engagements multiplying so rapidly that it required a good deal of tact and not a little arithmetic to keep them from conflicting.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading In this emergency, when she really needed Don, not only was he of no practical help, but he further embarrassed her by announcing a blanket refusal of all afternoon engagements.
at the time that
From this reading A SOCIAL WIDOW With the approach of the holiday season, when pretty nearly every one comes back to town, Frances found her engagements multiplying so rapidly that it required a good deal of tact and not a little arithmetic to keep them from conflicting.
a woman whose husband is dead especially one who has not remarried
From this reading A SOCIAL WIDOW With the approach of the holiday season, when pretty nearly every one comes back to town, Frances found her engagements multiplying so rapidly that it required a good deal of tact and not a little arithmetic to keep them from conflicting.
in the company of; together with
From this reading A SOCIAL WIDOW With the approach of the holiday season, when pretty nearly every one comes back to town, Frances found her engagements multiplying so rapidly that it required a good deal of tact and not a little arithmetic to keep them from conflicting.
