used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading When I introduced Alma she took Martin's hand and held it while she gazed searchingly into his eyes from under her eyebrows, as she always did when she was being presented to a man; but I saw that in this instance her glance fell with no more effect on its object than a lighted vesta on a running stream.
AfterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading After the usual banal phrases my husband inquired if Martin was staying in the house, and then asked if he would dine with us some day.
(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 With all the pleasure in the world," said Martin.
Alma
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When I introduced Alma she took Martin's hand and held it while she gazed searchingly into his eyes from under her eyebrows, as she always did when she was being presented to a man; but I saw that in this instance her glance fell with no more effect on its object than a lighted vesta on a running stream.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading When I introduced Alma she took Martin's hand and held it while she gazed searchingly into his eyes from under her eyebrows, as she always did when she was being presented to a man; but I saw that in this instance her glance fell with no more effect on its object than a lighted vesta on a running stream.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading When I introduced Alma she took Martin's hand and held it while she gazed searchingly into his eyes from under her eyebrows, as she always did when she was being presented to a man; but I saw that in this instance her glance fell with no more effect on its object than a lighted vesta on a running stream.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading When I introduced Alma she took Martin's hand and held it while she gazed searchingly into his eyes from under her eyebrows, as she always did when she was being presented to a man; but I saw that in this instance her glance fell with no more effect on its object than a lighted vesta on a running stream.
past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading After the usual banal phrases my husband inquired if Martin was staying in the house, and then asked if he would dine with us some day.
banaladjectiveUS /bəˈnɑːl/
repeated too often; overfamiliar through overuse
From this reading After the usual banal phrases my husband inquired if Martin was staying in the house, and then asked if he would dine with us some day.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading When I introduced Alma she took Martin's hand and held it while she gazed searchingly into his eyes from under her eyebrows, as she always did when she was being presented to a man; but I saw that in this instance her glance fell with no more effect on its object than a lighted vesta on a running stream.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading When I introduced Alma she took Martin's hand and held it while she gazed searchingly into his eyes from under her eyebrows, as she always did when she was being presented to a man; but I saw that in this instance her glance fell with no more effect on its object than a lighted vesta on a running stream.
definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)
From this reading "Certainly!
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading After the usual banal phrases my husband inquired if Martin was staying in the house, and then asked if he would dine with us some day.
greatly pleased
From this reading Delighted!
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading When I introduced Alma she took Martin's hand and held it while she gazed searchingly into his eyes from under her eyebrows, as she always did when she was being presented to a man; but I saw that in this instance her glance fell with no more effect on its object than a lighted vesta on a running stream.
dineverbUS /daɪn/
have supper; eat dinner
From this reading After the usual banal phrases my husband inquired if Martin was staying in the house, and then asked if he would dine with us some day.
a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
From this reading When I introduced Alma she took Martin's hand and held it while she gazed searchingly into his eyes from under her eyebrows, as she always did when she was being presented to a man; but I saw that in this instance her glance fell with no more effect on its object than a lighted vesta on a running stream.
eyebrowsnounUS /ˈaɪbraʊz/
plural of “eyebrow” — the arch of hair above each eye
From this reading When I introduced Alma she took Martin's hand and held it while she gazed searchingly into his eyes from under her eyebrows, as she always did when she was being presented to a man; but I saw that in this instance her glance fell with no more effect on its object than a lighted vesta on a running stream.
opinion or judgment
From this reading When I introduced Alma she took Martin's hand and held it while she gazed searchingly into his eyes from under her eyebrows, as she always did when she was being presented to a man; but I saw that in this instance her glance fell with no more effect on its object than a lighted vesta on a running stream.
cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow
From this reading When I introduced Alma she took Martin's hand and held it while she gazed searchingly into his eyes from under her eyebrows, as she always did when she was being presented to a man; but I saw that in this instance her glance fell with no more effect on its object than a lighted vesta on a running stream.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading When I introduced Alma she took Martin's hand and held it while she gazed searchingly into his eyes from under her eyebrows, as she always did when she was being presented to a man; but I saw that in this instance her glance fell with no more effect on its object than a lighted vesta on a running stream.
past form of “gaze” — look at with fixed eyes
From this reading When I introduced Alma she took Martin's hand and held it while she gazed searchingly into his eyes from under her eyebrows, as she always did when she was being presented to a man; but I saw that in this instance her glance fell with no more effect on its object than a lighted vesta on a running stream.
throw a glance at; take a brief look at
From this reading When I introduced Alma she took Martin's hand and held it while she gazed searchingly into his eyes from under her eyebrows, as she always did when she was being presented to a man; but I saw that in this instance her glance fell with no more effect on its object than a lighted vesta on a running stream.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading When I introduced Alma she took Martin's hand and held it while she gazed searchingly into his eyes from under her eyebrows, as she always did when she was being presented to a man; but I saw that in this instance her glance fell with no more effect on its object than a lighted vesta on a running stream.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading After the usual banal phrases my husband inquired if Martin was staying in the house, and then asked if he would dine with us some day.
occupied or in the control of; often used in combination
From this reading When I introduced Alma she took Martin's hand and held it while she gazed searchingly into his eyes from under her eyebrows, as she always did when she was being presented to a man; but I saw that in this instance her glance fell with no more effect on its object than a lighted vesta on a running stream.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading When I introduced Alma she took Martin's hand and held it while she gazed searchingly into his eyes from under her eyebrows, as she always did when she was being presented to a man; but I saw that in this instance her glance fell with no more effect on its object than a lighted vesta on a running stream.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading When I introduced Alma she took Martin's hand and held it while she gazed searchingly into his eyes from under her eyebrows, as she always did when she was being presented to a man; but I saw that in this instance her glance fell with no more effect on its object than a lighted vesta on a running stream.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading After the usual banal phrases my husband inquired if Martin was staying in the house, and then asked if he would dine with us some day.
a married man; a woman's partner in marriage
From this reading After the usual banal phrases my husband inquired if Martin was staying in the house, and then asked if he would dine with us some day.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading When I introduced Alma she took Martin's hand and held it while she gazed searchingly into his eyes from under her eyebrows, as she always did when she was being presented to a man; but I saw that in this instance her glance fell with no more effect on its object than a lighted vesta on a running stream.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading After the usual banal phrases my husband inquired if Martin was staying in the house, and then asked if he would dine with us some day.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading When I introduced Alma she took Martin's hand and held it while she gazed searchingly into his eyes from under her eyebrows, as she always did when she was being presented to a man; but I saw that in this instance her glance fell with no more effect on its object than a lighted vesta on a running stream.
past form of “inquire” — address a question to and expect an answer from
From this reading After the usual banal phrases my husband inquired if Martin was staying in the house, and then asked if he would dine with us some day.
an occurrence of something
From this reading When I introduced Alma she took Martin's hand and held it while she gazed searchingly into his eyes from under her eyebrows, as she always did when she was being presented to a man; but I saw that in this instance her glance fell with no more effect on its object than a lighted vesta on a running stream.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading When I introduced Alma she took Martin's hand and held it while she gazed searchingly into his eyes from under her eyebrows, as she always did when she was being presented to a man; but I saw that in this instance her glance fell with no more effect on its object than a lighted vesta on a running stream.
past form of “introduce” — cause to come to know personally
From this reading When I introduced Alma she took Martin's hand and held it while she gazed searchingly into his eyes from under her eyebrows, as she always did when she was being presented to a man; but I saw that in this instance her glance fell with no more effect on its object than a lighted vesta on a running stream.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading When I introduced Alma she took Martin's hand and held it while she gazed searchingly into his eyes from under her eyebrows, as she always did when she was being presented to a man; but I saw that in this instance her glance fell with no more effect on its object than a lighted vesta on a running stream.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading When I introduced Alma she took Martin's hand and held it while she gazed searchingly into his eyes from under her eyebrows, as she always did when she was being presented to a man; but I saw that in this instance her glance fell with no more effect on its object than a lighted vesta on a running stream.
set afire or burning
From this reading When I introduced Alma she took Martin's hand and held it while she gazed searchingly into his eyes from under her eyebrows, as she always did when she was being presented to a man; but I saw that in this instance her glance fell with no more effect on its object than a lighted vesta on a running stream.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading When I introduced Alma she took Martin's hand and held it while she gazed searchingly into his eyes from under her eyebrows, as she always did when she was being presented to a man; but I saw that in this instance her glance fell with no more effect on its object than a lighted vesta on a running stream.
French bishop who is a patron saint of France (died in 397)
From this reading After the usual banal phrases my husband inquired if Martin was staying in the house, and then asked if he would dine with us some day.
Martin'snounUS /ˈmɑːrtənz/
possessive form of “martin” — French bishop who is a patron saint of France (died in 397)
From this reading When I introduced Alma she took Martin's hand and held it while she gazed searchingly into his eyes from under her eyebrows, as she always did when she was being presented to a man; but I saw that in this instance her glance fell with no more effect on its object than a lighted vesta on a running stream.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading When I introduced Alma she took Martin's hand and held it while she gazed searchingly into his eyes from under her eyebrows, as she always did when she was being presented to a man; but I saw that in this instance her glance fell with no more effect on its object than a lighted vesta on a running stream.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading After the usual banal phrases my husband inquired if Martin was staying in the house, and then asked if he would dine with us some day.
not any; not one
From this reading When I introduced Alma she took Martin's hand and held it while she gazed searchingly into his eyes from under her eyebrows, as she always did when she was being presented to a man; but I saw that in this instance her glance fell with no more effect on its object than a lighted vesta on a running stream.
a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow
From this reading When I introduced Alma she took Martin's hand and held it while she gazed searchingly into his eyes from under her eyebrows, as she always did when she was being presented to a man; but I saw that in this instance her glance fell with no more effect on its object than a lighted vesta on a running stream.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading When I introduced Alma she took Martin's hand and held it while she gazed searchingly into his eyes from under her eyebrows, as she always did when she was being presented to a man; but I saw that in this instance her glance fell with no more effect on its object than a lighted vesta on a running stream.
phrasesnounUS /ˈfreɪzəz/
plural of “phrase” — an expression consisting of one or more words forming a grammatical constituent of a sentence
From this reading After the usual banal phrases my husband inquired if Martin was staying in the house, and then asked if he would dine with us some day.
a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience
From this reading With all the pleasure in the world," said Martin.
past form of “present” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading When I introduced Alma she took Martin's hand and held it while she gazed searchingly into his eyes from under her eyebrows, as she always did when she was being presented to a man; but I saw that in this instance her glance fell with no more effect on its object than a lighted vesta on a running stream.
(of fluids) moving or issuing in a stream
From this reading When I introduced Alma she took Martin's hand and held it while she gazed searchingly into his eyes from under her eyebrows, as she always did when she was being presented to a man; but I saw that in this instance her glance fell with no more effect on its object than a lighted vesta on a running stream.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading With all the pleasure in the world," said Martin.
cut with a saw
From this reading When I introduced Alma she took Martin's hand and held it while she gazed searchingly into his eyes from under her eyebrows, as she always did when she was being presented to a man; but I saw that in this instance her glance fell with no more effect on its object than a lighted vesta on a running stream.
searchinglyadverb
in a searching manner
From this reading When I introduced Alma she took Martin's hand and held it while she gazed searchingly into his eyes from under her eyebrows, as she always did when she was being presented to a man; but I saw that in this instance her glance fell with no more effect on its object than a lighted vesta on a running stream.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading When I introduced Alma she took Martin's hand and held it while she gazed searchingly into his eyes from under her eyebrows, as she always did when she was being presented to a man; but I saw that in this instance her glance fell with no more effect on its object than a lighted vesta on a running stream.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading After the usual banal phrases my husband inquired if Martin was staying in the house, and then asked if he would dine with us some day.
stayingverbUS /ˈsteɪɪŋ/
-ing form of “stay” — stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading After the usual banal phrases my husband inquired if Martin was staying in the house, and then asked if he would dine with us some day.
a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth
From this reading When I introduced Alma she took Martin's hand and held it while she gazed searchingly into his eyes from under her eyebrows, as she always did when she was being presented to a man; but I saw that in this instance her glance fell with no more effect on its object than a lighted vesta on a running stream.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading When I introduced Alma she took Martin's hand and held it while she gazed searchingly into his eyes from under her eyebrows, as she always did when she was being presented to a man; but I saw that in this instance her glance fell with no more effect on its object than a lighted vesta on a running stream.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading When I introduced Alma she took Martin's hand and held it while she gazed searchingly into his eyes from under her eyebrows, as she always did when she was being presented to a man; but I saw that in this instance her glance fell with no more effect on its object than a lighted vesta on a running stream.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading After the usual banal phrases my husband inquired if Martin was staying in the house, and then asked if he would dine with us some day.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading After the usual banal phrases my husband inquired if Martin was staying in the house, and then asked if he would dine with us some day.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading When I introduced Alma she took Martin's hand and held it while she gazed searchingly into his eyes from under her eyebrows, as she always did when she was being presented to a man; but I saw that in this instance her glance fell with no more effect on its object than a lighted vesta on a running stream.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading When I introduced Alma she took Martin's hand and held it while she gazed searchingly into his eyes from under her eyebrows, as she always did when she was being presented to a man; but I saw that in this instance her glance fell with no more effect on its object than a lighted vesta on a running stream.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading When I introduced Alma she took Martin's hand and held it while she gazed searchingly into his eyes from under her eyebrows, as she always did when she was being presented to a man; but I saw that in this instance her glance fell with no more effect on its object than a lighted vesta on a running stream.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading When I introduced Alma she took Martin's hand and held it while she gazed searchingly into his eyes from under her eyebrows, as she always did when she was being presented to a man; but I saw that in this instance her glance fell with no more effect on its object than a lighted vesta on a running stream.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading After the usual banal phrases my husband inquired if Martin was staying in the house, and then asked if he would dine with us some day.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading After the usual banal phrases my husband inquired if Martin was staying in the house, and then asked if he would dine with us some day.
vestanounUS /ˈvestə/
(Roman mythology) goddess of the hearth and its fire whose flame was tended by vestal virgins; counterpart of Greek Hestia
From this reading When I introduced Alma she took Martin's hand and held it while she gazed searchingly into his eyes from under her eyebrows, as she always did when she was being presented to a man; but I saw that in this instance her glance fell with no more effect on its object than a lighted vesta on a running stream.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading When I introduced Alma she took Martin's hand and held it while she gazed searchingly into his eyes from under her eyebrows, as she always did when she was being presented to a man; but I saw that in this instance her glance fell with no more effect on its object than a lighted vesta on a running stream.
at the time that
From this reading When I introduced Alma she took Martin's hand and held it while she gazed searchingly into his eyes from under her eyebrows, as she always did when she was being presented to a man; but I saw that in this instance her glance fell with no more effect on its object than a lighted vesta on a running stream.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading When I introduced Alma she took Martin's hand and held it while she gazed searchingly into his eyes from under her eyebrows, as she always did when she was being presented to a man; but I saw that in this instance her glance fell with no more effect on its object than a lighted vesta on a running stream.
in the company of; together with
From this reading When I introduced Alma she took Martin's hand and held it while she gazed searchingly into his eyes from under her eyebrows, as she always did when she was being presented to a man; but I saw that in this instance her glance fell with no more effect on its object than a lighted vesta on a running stream.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading With all the pleasure in the world," said Martin.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading After the usual banal phrases my husband inquired if Martin was staying in the house, and then asked if he would dine with us some day.
