used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading He had seen when he returned home that the girls were a little overcast and subdued, and that there was a little flush as of uneasiness and embarrassment on Mrs. Dalyell’s face.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
absentadjectiveUS /ˈæbsənt/
not being in a specified place
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
a record or narrative description of past events
From this reading But this did not seem enough to account for the visible but unexplained trouble in the house.
anew
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen
From this reading He thought that perhaps there had been a “breeze,” that Susie was getting into the wilful stage, and, distracted by hopes and prospects of her own, had been opposing or defying her mother; that the tenants had been troublesome, backward on rent-day, or bothering about those eternal repairs, which he wondered that old Wedderburn could allow to worry his mother.
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading He had seen when he returned home that the girls were a little overcast and subdued, and that there was a little flush as of uneasiness and embarrassment on Mrs. Dalyell’s face.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
avertedverbUS /əˈvɜːrtɪd/
past form of “avert” — prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
(sometimes followed by “of”) having or showing knowledge or understanding or realization or perception
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
backwardadverbUS /ˈbækwərd/
at or to or toward the back or rear
From this reading He thought that perhaps there had been a “breeze,” that Susie was getting into the wilful stage, and, distracted by hopes and prospects of her own, had been opposing or defying her mother; that the tenants had been troublesome, backward on rent-day, or bothering about those eternal repairs, which he wondered that old Wedderburn could allow to worry his mother.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading He thought that perhaps there had been a “breeze,” that Susie was getting into the wilful stage, and, distracted by hopes and prospects of her own, had been opposing or defying her mother; that the tenants had been troublesome, backward on rent-day, or bothering about those eternal repairs, which he wondered that old Wedderburn could allow to worry his mother.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
botheringverbUS /ˈbɑːðərɪŋ/
-ing form of “bother” — take the trouble to do something; concern oneself
From this reading He thought that perhaps there had been a “breeze,” that Susie was getting into the wilful stage, and, distracted by hopes and prospects of her own, had been opposing or defying her mother; that the tenants had been troublesome, backward on rent-day, or bothering about those eternal repairs, which he wondered that old Wedderburn could allow to worry his mother.
a slight wind (usually refreshing)
From this reading He thought that perhaps there had been a “breeze,” that Susie was getting into the wilful stage, and, distracted by hopes and prospects of her own, had been opposing or defying her mother; that the tenants had been troublesome, backward on rent-day, or bothering about those eternal repairs, which he wondered that old Wedderburn could allow to worry his mother.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But this did not seem enough to account for the visible but unexplained trouble in the house.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
make overcast or cloudy
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
the act of drawing spatially closer to something
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading He thought that perhaps there had been a “breeze,” that Susie was getting into the wilful stage, and, distracted by hopes and prospects of her own, had been opposing or defying her mother; that the tenants had been troublesome, backward on rent-day, or bothering about those eternal repairs, which he wondered that old Wedderburn could allow to worry his mother.
Dalyell's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
defyingverbUS /dɪˈfaɪɪŋ/
-ing form of “defy” — resist or confront with resistance
From this reading He thought that perhaps there had been a “breeze,” that Susie was getting into the wilful stage, and, distracted by hopes and prospects of her own, had been opposing or defying her mother; that the tenants had been troublesome, backward on rent-day, or bothering about those eternal repairs, which he wondered that old Wedderburn could allow to worry his mother.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading But this did not seem enough to account for the visible but unexplained trouble in the house.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
disagreementnounUS /dɪsəˈɡriːmənt/
a conflict of people's opinions or actions or characters
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
discussedverbUS /dɪˈskʌst/
past form of “discuss” — to consider or examine in speech or writing
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
distractedadjectiveUS /dɪˈstræktəd/
having the attention diverted especially because of anxiety
From this reading He thought that perhaps there had been a “breeze,” that Susie was getting into the wilful stage, and, distracted by hopes and prospects of her own, had been opposing or defying her mother; that the tenants had been troublesome, backward on rent-day, or bothering about those eternal repairs, which he wondered that old Wedderburn could allow to worry his mother.
drawing-rooms
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
EdinburghnounUS /ˈedənbəroʊ/
the capital of Scotland; located in the Lothian Region on the south side of the Firth of Forth
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
embarrassmentnounUS /ɪmˈberəsmənt/
the shame you feel when your inadequacy or guilt is made public
From this reading He had seen when he returned home that the girls were a little overcast and subdued, and that there was a little flush as of uneasiness and embarrassment on Mrs. Dalyell’s face.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading But this did not seem enough to account for the visible but unexplained trouble in the house.
continuing forever or indefinitely
From this reading He thought that perhaps there had been a “breeze,” that Susie was getting into the wilful stage, and, distracted by hopes and prospects of her own, had been opposing or defying her mother; that the tenants had been troublesome, backward on rent-day, or bothering about those eternal repairs, which he wondered that old Wedderburn could allow to worry his mother.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading He had seen when he returned home that the girls were a little overcast and subdued, and that there was a little flush as of uneasiness and embarrassment on Mrs. Dalyell’s face.
a social unit living together
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
flushnounUS /flʌʃ/
the period of greatest prosperity or productivity
From this reading He had seen when he returned home that the girls were a little overcast and subdued, and that there was a little flush as of uneasiness and embarrassment on Mrs. Dalyell’s face.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
Fred
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
fundamentaladjectiveUS /ˌfʌndəˈmentəl/
serving as an essential component
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
the act of acquiring something
From this reading He thought that perhaps there had been a “breeze,” that Susie was getting into the wilful stage, and, distracted by hopes and prospects of her own, had been opposing or defying her mother; that the tenants had been troublesome, backward on rent-day, or bothering about those eternal repairs, which he wondered that old Wedderburn could allow to worry his mother.
plural of “girl” — a young female
From this reading He had seen when he returned home that the girls were a little overcast and subdued, and that there was a little flush as of uneasiness and embarrassment on Mrs. Dalyell’s face.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading He thought that perhaps there had been a “breeze,” that Susie was getting into the wilful stage, and, distracted by hopes and prospects of her own, had been opposing or defying her mother; that the tenants had been troublesome, backward on rent-day, or bothering about those eternal repairs, which he wondered that old Wedderburn could allow to worry his mother.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading He had seen when he returned home that the girls were a little overcast and subdued, and that there was a little flush as of uneasiness and embarrassment on Mrs. Dalyell’s face.
plural of “hope” — a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading He thought that perhaps there had been a “breeze,” that Susie was getting into the wilful stage, and, distracted by hopes and prospects of her own, had been opposing or defying her mother; that the tenants had been troublesome, backward on rent-day, or bothering about those eternal repairs, which he wondered that old Wedderburn could allow to worry his mother.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading But this did not seem enough to account for the visible but unexplained trouble in the house.
a social unit living together
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
of great significance or value
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
inclosurenounUS /ˌɪnˈkloʊʒər/
something (usually a supporting document) that is enclosed in an envelope with a covering letter
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
intimatedverbUS /ˈɪntəmeɪtɪd/
past form of “intimate” — give to understand
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading He thought that perhaps there had been a “breeze,” that Susie was getting into the wilful stage, and, distracted by hopes and prospects of her own, had been opposing or defying her mother; that the tenants had been troublesome, backward on rent-day, or bothering about those eternal repairs, which he wondered that old Wedderburn could allow to worry his mother.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading He had seen when he returned home that the girls were a little overcast and subdued, and that there was a little flush as of uneasiness and embarrassment on Mrs. Dalyell’s face.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
plural of “look” — the feelings expressed on a person's face
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
take in marriage
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
a particular point in time
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading He had seen when he returned home that the girls were a little overcast and subdued, and that there was a little flush as of uneasiness and embarrassment on Mrs. Dalyell’s face.
a surrounding or nearby region
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading He thought that perhaps there had been a “breeze,” that Susie was getting into the wilful stage, and, distracted by hopes and prospects of her own, had been opposing or defying her mother; that the tenants had been troublesome, backward on rent-day, or bothering about those eternal repairs, which he wondered that old Wedderburn could allow to worry his mother.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading He had seen when he returned home that the girls were a little overcast and subdued, and that there was a little flush as of uneasiness and embarrassment on Mrs. Dalyell’s face.
and nothing more
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
opposingadjectiveUS /əˈpoʊzɪŋ/
characterized by active hostility
From this reading He thought that perhaps there had been a “breeze,” that Susie was getting into the wilful stage, and, distracted by hopes and prospects of her own, had been opposing or defying her mother; that the tenants had been troublesome, backward on rent-day, or bothering about those eternal repairs, which he wondered that old Wedderburn could allow to worry his mother.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
overcastnounUS /ˈoʊvərkæst/
the state of the sky when it is covered by clouds
From this reading He had seen when he returned home that the girls were a little overcast and subdued, and that there was a little flush as of uneasiness and embarrassment on Mrs. Dalyell’s face.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading He thought that perhaps there had been a “breeze,” that Susie was getting into the wilful stage, and, distracted by hopes and prospects of her own, had been opposing or defying her mother; that the tenants had been troublesome, backward on rent-day, or bothering about those eternal repairs, which he wondered that old Wedderburn could allow to worry his mother.
OxfordnounUS /ˈɑːksfərd/
a city in southern England to the northwest of London; site of Oxford University
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
by chance
From this reading He thought that perhaps there had been a “breeze,” that Susie was getting into the wilful stage, and, distracted by hopes and prospects of her own, had been opposing or defying her mother; that the tenants had been troublesome, backward on rent-day, or bothering about those eternal repairs, which he wondered that old Wedderburn could allow to worry his mother.
phrasesnounUS /ˈfreɪzəz/
plural of “phrase” — an expression consisting of one or more words forming a grammatical constituent of a sentence
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
prospectsnounUS /ˈprɑːspekts/
plural of “prospect” — the possibility of future success
From this reading He thought that perhaps there had been a “breeze,” that Susie was getting into the wilful stage, and, distracted by hopes and prospects of her own, had been opposing or defying her mother; that the tenants had been troublesome, backward on rent-day, or bothering about those eternal repairs, which he wondered that old Wedderburn could allow to worry his mother.
rent-day
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He thought that perhaps there had been a “breeze,” that Susie was getting into the wilful stage, and, distracted by hopes and prospects of her own, had been opposing or defying her mother; that the tenants had been troublesome, backward on rent-day, or bothering about those eternal repairs, which he wondered that old Wedderburn could allow to worry his mother.
repairsnounUS /rɪˈperz/
plural of “repair” — the act of putting something in working order again
From this reading He thought that perhaps there had been a “breeze,” that Susie was getting into the wilful stage, and, distracted by hopes and prospects of her own, had been opposing or defying her mother; that the tenants had been troublesome, backward on rent-day, or bothering about those eternal repairs, which he wondered that old Wedderburn could allow to worry his mother.
restrainedadjectiveUS /riˈstreɪnd/
cool and formal in manner
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading He had seen when he returned home that the girls were a little overcast and subdued, and that there was a little flush as of uneasiness and embarrassment on Mrs. Dalyell’s face.
rumournounUS /ˈruːmər/
gossip (usually a mixture of truth and untruth) passed around by word of mouth
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading But this did not seem enough to account for the visible but unexplained trouble in the house.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading He had seen when he returned home that the girls were a little overcast and subdued, and that there was a little flush as of uneasiness and embarrassment on Mrs. Dalyell’s face.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
distribute or disperse widely
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
the season of growth
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
any distinct time period in a sequence of events
From this reading He thought that perhaps there had been a “breeze,” that Susie was getting into the wilful stage, and, distracted by hopes and prospects of her own, had been opposing or defying her mother; that the tenants had been troublesome, backward on rent-day, or bothering about those eternal repairs, which he wondered that old Wedderburn could allow to worry his mother.
behave violently, as if in state of a great anger
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
subduedadjectiveUS /səbˈduːd/
in a softened tone
From this reading He had seen when he returned home that the girls were a little overcast and subdued, and that there was a little flush as of uneasiness and embarrassment on Mrs. Dalyell’s face.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
Susie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He thought that perhaps there had been a “breeze,” that Susie was getting into the wilful stage, and, distracted by hopes and prospects of her own, had been opposing or defying her mother; that the tenants had been troublesome, backward on rent-day, or bothering about those eternal repairs, which he wondered that old Wedderburn could allow to worry his mother.
tenantsnounUS /ˈtenənts/
plural of “tenant” — someone who pays rent to use land or a building or a car that is owned by someone else
From this reading He thought that perhaps there had been a “breeze,” that Susie was getting into the wilful stage, and, distracted by hopes and prospects of her own, had been opposing or defying her mother; that the tenants had been troublesome, backward on rent-day, or bothering about those eternal repairs, which he wondered that old Wedderburn could allow to worry his mother.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
in or at that place or location
From this reading He had seen when he returned home that the girls were a little overcast and subdued, and that there was a little flush as of uneasiness and embarrassment on Mrs. Dalyell’s face.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading He thought that perhaps there had been a “breeze,” that Susie was getting into the wilful stage, and, distracted by hopes and prospects of her own, had been opposing or defying her mother; that the tenants had been troublesome, backward on rent-day, or bothering about those eternal repairs, which he wondered that old Wedderburn could allow to worry his mother.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading He thought that perhaps there had been a “breeze,” that Susie was getting into the wilful stage, and, distracted by hopes and prospects of her own, had been opposing or defying her mother; that the tenants had been troublesome, backward on rent-day, or bothering about those eternal repairs, which he wondered that old Wedderburn could allow to worry his mother.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
triflesnounUS /ˈtraɪfəlz/
plural of “trifle” — a cold pudding made of layers of sponge cake spread with fruit or jelly; may be decorated with nuts, cream, or chocolate
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
triflingnounUS /ˈtraɪflɪŋ/
the deliberate act of delaying and playing instead of working
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
a source of difficulty
From this reading But this did not seem enough to account for the visible but unexplained trouble in the house.
troublesomeadjectiveUS /ˈtrʌbəlsəm/
causing difficulty or annoyance
From this reading He thought that perhaps there had been a “breeze,” that Susie was getting into the wilful stage, and, distracted by hopes and prospects of her own, had been opposing or defying her mother; that the tenants had been troublesome, backward on rent-day, or bothering about those eternal repairs, which he wondered that old Wedderburn could allow to worry his mother.
uneasinessnounUS /ˌʌˈniːzinəs/
feelings of anxiety that make you tense and irritable
From this reading He had seen when he returned home that the girls were a little overcast and subdued, and that there was a little flush as of uneasiness and embarrassment on Mrs. Dalyell’s face.
unexplainedadjectiveUS /ˌʌnɪkˈspleɪnd/
not explained
From this reading But this did not seem enough to account for the visible but unexplained trouble in the house.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
capable of being seen; or open to easy view
From this reading But this did not seem enough to account for the visible but unexplained trouble in the house.
plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
Wedderburn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He thought that perhaps there had been a “breeze,” that Susie was getting into the wilful stage, and, distracted by hopes and prospects of her own, had been opposing or defying her mother; that the tenants had been troublesome, backward on rent-day, or bothering about those eternal repairs, which he wondered that old Wedderburn could allow to worry his mother.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading He had seen when he returned home that the girls were a little overcast and subdued, and that there was a little flush as of uneasiness and embarrassment on Mrs. Dalyell’s face.
at the time that
From this reading He had seen when he returned home that the girls were a little overcast and subdued, and that there was a little flush as of uneasiness and embarrassment on Mrs. Dalyell’s face.
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading It is difficult at first for a long absent member of a family coming back, to find such a cloud in the air, to discover whether this is only the moment of a storm, whether it means some trifling disagreement--for trifles become great in the inclosure of the household walls--or whether something important and fundamental is intimated by these restrained phrases and averted looks.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading It was not until Fred Dalyell’s return from Oxford in the spring that he became aware of the rumour which had already begun to spread through the neighbourhood and to be discussed in the Edinburgh drawing-rooms, that his mother was about to marry again.
wilfuladjective
done by design
From this reading He thought that perhaps there had been a “breeze,” that Susie was getting into the wilful stage, and, distracted by hopes and prospects of her own, had been opposing or defying her mother; that the tenants had been troublesome, backward on rent-day, or bothering about those eternal repairs, which he wondered that old Wedderburn could allow to worry his mother.
past form of “wonder” — have a wish or desire to know something
From this reading He thought that perhaps there had been a “breeze,” that Susie was getting into the wilful stage, and, distracted by hopes and prospects of her own, had been opposing or defying her mother; that the tenants had been troublesome, backward on rent-day, or bothering about those eternal repairs, which he wondered that old Wedderburn could allow to worry his mother.
be worried, concerned, anxious, troubled, or uneasy
From this reading He thought that perhaps there had been a “breeze,” that Susie was getting into the wilful stage, and, distracted by hopes and prospects of her own, had been opposing or defying her mother; that the tenants had been troublesome, backward on rent-day, or bothering about those eternal repairs, which he wondered that old Wedderburn could allow to worry his mother.
