used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading One evening, after the family had been more than a month in London, Ernest sat alone in the drawing-room with his book.
absentadjectiveUS /ˈæbsənt/
not being in a specified place
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Hope were absent at a dinner party, which the lady was to leave early, in order to call for the young people, to take them to the long-expected ball in Grosvenor Square.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading One evening, after the family had been more than a month in London, Ernest sat alone in the drawing-room with his book.
(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 Clementina had been up-stairs for more than an hour, engaged in what was to her one of the most interesting occupations of life—decking out her little person in all the extravagance of fashion.
aloneadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/
Having no one else present.
From this reading One evening, after the family had been more than a month in London, Ernest sat alone in the drawing-room with his book.
pleasantly occupied
From this reading Ernest sat by the window, not that the light by which he read was in any way derived from anything outside it; but it amused him to glance up occasionally from his page and look out upon what was to him a novel sight—a regular yellow London fog.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Clementina had been up-stairs for more than an hour, engaged in what was to her one of the most interesting occupations of life—decking out her little person in all the extravagance of fashion.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading FOGS AND MISTS.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Ernest sat by the window, not that the light by which he read was in any way derived from anything outside it; but it amused him to glance up occasionally from his page and look out upon what was to him a novel sight—a regular yellow London fog.
any thing at all
From this reading Ernest sat by the window, not that the light by which he read was in any way derived from anything outside it; but it amused him to glance up occasionally from his page and look out upon what was to him a novel sight—a regular yellow London fog.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Hope were absent at a dinner party, which the lady was to leave early, in order to call for the young people, to take them to the long-expected ball in Grosvenor Square.
round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Hope were absent at a dinner party, which the lady was to leave early, in order to call for the young people, to take them to the long-expected ball in Grosvenor Square.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading One evening, after the family had been more than a month in London, Ernest sat alone in the drawing-room with his book.
a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)
From this reading One evening, after the family had been more than a month in London, Ernest sat alone in the drawing-room with his book.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Ernest sat by the window, not that the light by which he read was in any way derived from anything outside it; but it amused him to glance up occasionally from his page and look out upon what was to him a novel sight—a regular yellow London fog.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Ernest sat by the window, not that the light by which he read was in any way derived from anything outside it; but it amused him to glance up occasionally from his page and look out upon what was to him a novel sight—a regular yellow London fog.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Hope were absent at a dinner party, which the lady was to leave early, in order to call for the young people, to take them to the long-expected ball in Grosvenor Square.
Clementina
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Clementina had been up-stairs for more than an hour, engaged in what was to her one of the most interesting occupations of life—decking out her little person in all the extravagance of fashion.
deckingverbUS /ˈdekɪŋ/
-ing form of “deck” — be beautiful to look at
From this reading Clementina had been up-stairs for more than an hour, engaged in what was to her one of the most interesting occupations of life—decking out her little person in all the extravagance of fashion.
derivedadjectiveUS /dərˈaɪvd/
formed or developed from something else; not original
From this reading Ernest sat by the window, not that the light by which he read was in any way derived from anything outside it; but it amused him to glance up occasionally from his page and look out upon what was to him a novel sight—a regular yellow London fog.
the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Hope were absent at a dinner party, which the lady was to leave early, in order to call for the young people, to take them to the long-expected ball in Grosvenor Square.
drawing-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One evening, after the family had been more than a month in London, Ernest sat alone in the drawing-room with his book.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Hope were absent at a dinner party, which the lady was to leave early, in order to call for the young people, to take them to the long-expected ball in Grosvenor Square.
having ones attention or mind or energy engaged
From this reading Clementina had been up-stairs for more than an hour, engaged in what was to her one of the most interesting occupations of life—decking out her little person in all the extravagance of fashion.
Ernest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One evening, after the family had been more than a month in London, Ernest sat alone in the drawing-room with his book.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading One evening, after the family had been more than a month in London, Ernest sat alone in the drawing-room with his book.
extravagancenounUS /ekˈstrævəɡəns/
the quality of exceeding the appropriate limits of decorum or probability or truth
From this reading Clementina had been up-stairs for more than an hour, engaged in what was to her one of the most interesting occupations of life—decking out her little person in all the extravagance of fashion.
a social unit living together
From this reading One evening, after the family had been more than a month in London, Ernest sat alone in the drawing-room with his book.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Clementina had been up-stairs for more than an hour, engaged in what was to her one of the most interesting occupations of life—decking out her little person in all the extravagance of fashion.
fognounUS /fɑːɡ/
droplets of water vapor suspended in the air near the ground
From this reading Ernest sat by the window, not that the light by which he read was in any way derived from anything outside it; but it amused him to glance up occasionally from his page and look out upon what was to him a novel sight—a regular yellow London fog.
FOGSnounUS /fɔːɡz/
plural of “fog” — droplets of water vapor suspended in the air near the ground
From this reading FOGS AND MISTS.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Hope were absent at a dinner party, which the lady was to leave early, in order to call for the young people, to take them to the long-expected ball in Grosvenor Square.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Ernest sat by the window, not that the light by which he read was in any way derived from anything outside it; but it amused him to glance up occasionally from his page and look out upon what was to him a novel sight—a regular yellow London fog.
throw a glance at; take a brief look at
From this reading Ernest sat by the window, not that the light by which he read was in any way derived from anything outside it; but it amused him to glance up occasionally from his page and look out upon what was to him a novel sight—a regular yellow London fog.
Grosvenor
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Hope were absent at a dinner party, which the lady was to leave early, in order to call for the young people, to take them to the long-expected ball in Grosvenor Square.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading One evening, after the family had been more than a month in London, Ernest sat alone in the drawing-room with his book.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Ernest sat by the window, not that the light by which he read was in any way derived from anything outside it; but it amused him to glance up occasionally from his page and look out upon what was to him a novel sight—a regular yellow London fog.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Clementina had been up-stairs for more than an hour, engaged in what was to her one of the most interesting occupations of life—decking out her little person in all the extravagance of fashion.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Ernest sat by the window, not that the light by which he read was in any way derived from anything outside it; but it amused him to glance up occasionally from his page and look out upon what was to him a novel sight—a regular yellow London fog.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading One evening, after the family had been more than a month in London, Ernest sat alone in the drawing-room with his book.
a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Hope were absent at a dinner party, which the lady was to leave early, in order to call for the young people, to take them to the long-expected ball in Grosvenor Square.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading Clementina had been up-stairs for more than an hour, engaged in what was to her one of the most interesting occupations of life—decking out her little person in all the extravagance of fashion.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading One evening, after the family had been more than a month in London, Ernest sat alone in the drawing-room with his book.
arousing or holding the attention
From this reading Clementina had been up-stairs for more than an hour, engaged in what was to her one of the most interesting occupations of life—decking out her little person in all the extravagance of fashion.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Ernest sat by the window, not that the light by which he read was in any way derived from anything outside it; but it amused him to glance up occasionally from his page and look out upon what was to him a novel sight—a regular yellow London fog.
a polite name for any woman
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Hope were absent at a dinner party, which the lady was to leave early, in order to call for the young people, to take them to the long-expected ball in Grosvenor Square.
go away from a place
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Hope were absent at a dinner party, which the lady was to leave early, in order to call for the young people, to take them to the long-expected ball in Grosvenor Square.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Clementina had been up-stairs for more than an hour, engaged in what was to her one of the most interesting occupations of life—decking out her little person in all the extravagance of fashion.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading Ernest sat by the window, not that the light by which he read was in any way derived from anything outside it; but it amused him to glance up occasionally from his page and look out upon what was to him a novel sight—a regular yellow London fog.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Clementina had been up-stairs for more than an hour, engaged in what was to her one of the most interesting occupations of life—decking out her little person in all the extravagance of fashion.
the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center
From this reading One evening, after the family had been more than a month in London, Ernest sat alone in the drawing-room with his book.
long-expected
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Hope were absent at a dinner party, which the lady was to leave early, in order to call for the young people, to take them to the long-expected ball in Grosvenor Square.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading Ernest sat by the window, not that the light by which he read was in any way derived from anything outside it; but it amused him to glance up occasionally from his page and look out upon what was to him a novel sight—a regular yellow London fog.
MISTSnounUS /mɪsts/
plural of “mist” — a thin fog with condensation near the ground
From this reading FOGS AND MISTS.
one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year
From this reading One evening, after the family had been more than a month in London, Ernest sat alone in the drawing-room with his book.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading One evening, after the family had been more than a month in London, Ernest sat alone in the drawing-room with his book.
used to form the superlative
From this reading Clementina had been up-stairs for more than an hour, engaged in what was to her one of the most interesting occupations of life—decking out her little person in all the extravagance of fashion.
a form of address for a man
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Hope were absent at a dinner party, which the lady was to leave early, in order to call for the young people, to take them to the long-expected ball in Grosvenor Square.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Hope were absent at a dinner party, which the lady was to leave early, in order to call for the young people, to take them to the long-expected ball in Grosvenor Square.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Ernest sat by the window, not that the light by which he read was in any way derived from anything outside it; but it amused him to glance up occasionally from his page and look out upon what was to him a novel sight—a regular yellow London fog.
an extended fictional work in prose; usually in the form of a story
From this reading Ernest sat by the window, not that the light by which he read was in any way derived from anything outside it; but it amused him to glance up occasionally from his page and look out upon what was to him a novel sight—a regular yellow London fog.
sporadically and infrequently
From this reading Ernest sat by the window, not that the light by which he read was in any way derived from anything outside it; but it amused him to glance up occasionally from his page and look out upon what was to him a novel sight—a regular yellow London fog.
occupationsnounUS /ˌɑːkjəˈpeɪʃənz/
plural of “occupation” — the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money
From this reading Clementina had been up-stairs for more than an hour, engaged in what was to her one of the most interesting occupations of life—decking out her little person in all the extravagance of fashion.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Clementina had been up-stairs for more than an hour, engaged in what was to her one of the most interesting occupations of life—decking out her little person in all the extravagance of fashion.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading One evening, after the family had been more than a month in London, Ernest sat alone in the drawing-room with his book.
(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Hope were absent at a dinner party, which the lady was to leave early, in order to call for the young people, to take them to the long-expected ball in Grosvenor Square.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Clementina had been up-stairs for more than an hour, engaged in what was to her one of the most interesting occupations of life—decking out her little person in all the extravagance of fashion.
relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit
From this reading Ernest sat by the window, not that the light by which he read was in any way derived from anything outside it; but it amused him to glance up occasionally from his page and look out upon what was to him a novel sight—a regular yellow London fog.
one side of one leaf (of a book or magazine or newspaper or letter etc.) or the written or pictorial matter it contains
From this reading Ernest sat by the window, not that the light by which he read was in any way derived from anything outside it; but it amused him to glance up occasionally from his page and look out upon what was to him a novel sight—a regular yellow London fog.
an organization to gain political power
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Hope were absent at a dinner party, which the lady was to leave early, in order to call for the young people, to take them to the long-expected ball in Grosvenor Square.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Hope were absent at a dinner party, which the lady was to leave early, in order to call for the young people, to take them to the long-expected ball in Grosvenor Square.
a human being
From this reading Clementina had been up-stairs for more than an hour, engaged in what was to her one of the most interesting occupations of life—decking out her little person in all the extravagance of fashion.
interpret something that is written or printed
From this reading Ernest sat by the window, not that the light by which he read was in any way derived from anything outside it; but it amused him to glance up occasionally from his page and look out upon what was to him a novel sight—a regular yellow London fog.
in accordance with fixed order or procedure or principle
From this reading Ernest sat by the window, not that the light by which he read was in any way derived from anything outside it; but it amused him to glance up occasionally from his page and look out upon what was to him a novel sight—a regular yellow London fog.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading One evening, after the family had been more than a month in London, Ernest sat alone in the drawing-room with his book.
an instance of visual perception
From this reading Ernest sat by the window, not that the light by which he read was in any way derived from anything outside it; but it amused him to glance up occasionally from his page and look out upon what was to him a novel sight—a regular yellow London fog.
make square
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Hope were absent at a dinner party, which the lady was to leave early, in order to call for the young people, to take them to the long-expected ball in Grosvenor Square.
carry out
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Hope were absent at a dinner party, which the lady was to leave early, in order to call for the young people, to take them to the long-expected ball in Grosvenor Square.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading One evening, after the family had been more than a month in London, Ernest sat alone in the drawing-room with his book.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Ernest sat by the window, not that the light by which he read was in any way derived from anything outside it; but it amused him to glance up occasionally from his page and look out upon what was to him a novel sight—a regular yellow London fog.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading One evening, after the family had been more than a month in London, Ernest sat alone in the drawing-room with his book.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Hope were absent at a dinner party, which the lady was to leave early, in order to call for the young people, to take them to the long-expected ball in Grosvenor Square.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Hope were absent at a dinner party, which the lady was to leave early, in order to call for the young people, to take them to the long-expected ball in Grosvenor Square.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Ernest sat by the window, not that the light by which he read was in any way derived from anything outside it; but it amused him to glance up occasionally from his page and look out upon what was to him a novel sight—a regular yellow London fog.
up-stairs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Clementina had been up-stairs for more than an hour, engaged in what was to her one of the most interesting occupations of life—decking out her little person in all the extravagance of fashion.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Ernest sat by the window, not that the light by which he read was in any way derived from anything outside it; but it amused him to glance up occasionally from his page and look out upon what was to him a novel sight—a regular yellow London fog.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Hope were absent at a dinner party, which the lady was to leave early, in order to call for the young people, to take them to the long-expected ball in Grosvenor Square.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Ernest sat by the window, not that the light by which he read was in any way derived from anything outside it; but it amused him to glance up occasionally from his page and look out upon what was to him a novel sight—a regular yellow London fog.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Hope were absent at a dinner party, which the lady was to leave early, in order to call for the young people, to take them to the long-expected ball in Grosvenor Square.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Clementina had been up-stairs for more than an hour, engaged in what was to her one of the most interesting occupations of life—decking out her little person in all the extravagance of fashion.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Hope were absent at a dinner party, which the lady was to leave early, in order to call for the young people, to take them to the long-expected ball in Grosvenor Square.
a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air
From this reading Ernest sat by the window, not that the light by which he read was in any way derived from anything outside it; but it amused him to glance up occasionally from his page and look out upon what was to him a novel sight—a regular yellow London fog.
in the company of; together with
From this reading One evening, after the family had been more than a month in London, Ernest sat alone in the drawing-room with his book.
of the color intermediate between green and orange in the color spectrum; of something resembling the color of an egg yolk
From this reading Ernest sat by the window, not that the light by which he read was in any way derived from anything outside it; but it amused him to glance up occasionally from his page and look out upon what was to him a novel sight—a regular yellow London fog.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading Mr. and Mrs. Hope were absent at a dinner party, which the lady was to leave early, in order to call for the young people, to take them to the long-expected ball in Grosvenor Square.
