the performance of a part or role in a drama
From this reading "I wished to show you this letter, brother," said Emma, very humbly, with Miss Osborne's letter in her hand; "and as it seemed to me, no time should be lost in acting on it, I have ventured to intrude—" Robert did not allow her to finish her sentence, but took the paper from her hand, and read it deliberately and attentively through.
(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 "What in the name of all that's troublesome brings you here to-day?" was his courteous salutation to his wife and sister.
make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen
From this reading "I wished to show you this letter, brother," said Emma, very humbly, with Miss Osborne's letter in her hand; "and as it seemed to me, no time should be lost in acting on it, I have ventured to intrude—" Robert did not allow her to finish her sentence, but took the paper from her hand, and read it deliberately and attentively through.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Mrs. Watson overtook Emma at the door of the private room, where so many important matters were settled by her husband, in time to hear an impatient "Come in," and to enter in her company.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Mrs. Watson overtook Emma at the door of the private room, where so many important matters were settled by her husband, in time to hear an impatient "Come in," and to enter in her company.
any thing at all
From this reading Anything in the shape of business received his strictest attention, or he would never have occupied the position which he now held.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading "I wished to show you this letter, brother," said Emma, very humbly, with Miss Osborne's letter in her hand; "and as it seemed to me, no time should be lost in acting on it, I have ventured to intrude—" Robert did not allow her to finish her sentence, but took the paper from her hand, and read it deliberately and attentively through.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Mrs. Watson overtook Emma at the door of the private room, where so many important matters were settled by her husband, in time to hear an impatient "Come in," and to enter in her company.
the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others
From this reading Anything in the shape of business received his strictest attention, or he would never have occupied the position which he now held.
attentivelyadverbUS /əˈtentɪvli/
with attention; in an attentive manner
From this reading "I wished to show you this letter, brother," said Emma, very humbly, with Miss Osborne's letter in her hand; "and as it seemed to me, no time should be lost in acting on it, I have ventured to intrude—" Robert did not allow her to finish her sentence, but took the paper from her hand, and read it deliberately and attentively through.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading "I wished to show you this letter, brother," said Emma, very humbly, with Miss Osborne's letter in her hand; "and as it seemed to me, no time should be lost in acting on it, I have ventured to intrude—" Robert did not allow her to finish her sentence, but took the paper from her hand, and read it deliberately and attentively through.
third-person singular of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading "What in the name of all that's troublesome brings you here to-day?" was his courteous salutation to his wife and sister.
a male with the same parents as someone else
From this reading "I wished to show you this letter, brother," said Emma, very humbly, with Miss Osborne's letter in her hand; "and as it seemed to me, no time should be lost in acting on it, I have ventured to intrude—" Robert did not allow her to finish her sentence, but took the paper from her hand, and read it deliberately and attentively through.
a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it
From this reading Anything in the shape of business received his strictest attention, or he would never have occupied the position which he now held.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading "I wished to show you this letter, brother," said Emma, very humbly, with Miss Osborne's letter in her hand; "and as it seemed to me, no time should be lost in acting on it, I have ventured to intrude—" Robert did not allow her to finish her sentence, but took the paper from her hand, and read it deliberately and attentively through.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Mrs. Watson overtook Emma at the door of the private room, where so many important matters were settled by her husband, in time to hear an impatient "Come in," and to enter in her company.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Mrs. Watson overtook Emma at the door of the private room, where so many important matters were settled by her husband, in time to hear an impatient "Come in," and to enter in her company.
an institution created to conduct business
From this reading Mrs. Watson overtook Emma at the door of the private room, where so many important matters were settled by her husband, in time to hear an impatient "Come in," and to enter in her company.
courteousadjectiveUS /ˈkɜːrtiəs/
exhibiting courtesy and politeness
From this reading "What in the name of all that's troublesome brings you here to-day?" was his courteous salutation to his wife and sister.
deliberatelyadverbUS /dɪˈlɪbərətli/
with intention; in an intentional manner
From this reading "I wished to show you this letter, brother," said Emma, very humbly, with Miss Osborne's letter in her hand; "and as it seemed to me, no time should be lost in acting on it, I have ventured to intrude—" Robert did not allow her to finish her sentence, but took the paper from her hand, and read it deliberately and attentively through.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading "I wished to show you this letter, brother," said Emma, very humbly, with Miss Osborne's letter in her hand; "and as it seemed to me, no time should be lost in acting on it, I have ventured to intrude—" Robert did not allow her to finish her sentence, but took the paper from her hand, and read it deliberately and attentively through.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading Mrs. Watson overtook Emma at the door of the private room, where so many important matters were settled by her husband, in time to hear an impatient "Come in," and to enter in her company.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading Robert was pacing up and down the room, and looked excessively surprised to see the intruders.
Emma
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Watson overtook Emma at the door of the private room, where so many important matters were settled by her husband, in time to hear an impatient "Come in," and to enter in her company.
to come or go into
From this reading Mrs. Watson overtook Emma at the door of the private room, where so many important matters were settled by her husband, in time to hear an impatient "Come in," and to enter in her company.
excessivelyadverbUS /ɪkˈsesɪvli/
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading Robert was pacing up and down the room, and looked excessively surprised to see the intruders.
come or bring to a finish or an end
From this reading "I wished to show you this letter, brother," said Emma, very humbly, with Miss Osborne's letter in her hand; "and as it seemed to me, no time should be lost in acting on it, I have ventured to intrude—" Robert did not allow her to finish her sentence, but took the paper from her hand, and read it deliberately and attentively through.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading "I wished to show you this letter, brother," said Emma, very humbly, with Miss Osborne's letter in her hand; "and as it seemed to me, no time should be lost in acting on it, I have ventured to intrude—" Robert did not allow her to finish her sentence, but took the paper from her hand, and read it deliberately and attentively through.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading "I wished to show you this letter, brother," said Emma, very humbly, with Miss Osborne's letter in her hand; "and as it seemed to me, no time should be lost in acting on it, I have ventured to intrude—" Robert did not allow her to finish her sentence, but took the paper from her hand, and read it deliberately and attentively through.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading "I wished to show you this letter, brother," said Emma, very humbly, with Miss Osborne's letter in her hand; "and as it seemed to me, no time should be lost in acting on it, I have ventured to intrude—" Robert did not allow her to finish her sentence, but took the paper from her hand, and read it deliberately and attentively through.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Anything in the shape of business received his strictest attention, or he would never have occupied the position which he now held.
perceive (sound) via the auditory sense
From this reading Mrs. Watson overtook Emma at the door of the private room, where so many important matters were settled by her husband, in time to hear an impatient "Come in," and to enter in her company.
occupied or in the control of; often used in combination
From this reading Anything in the shape of business received his strictest attention, or he would never have occupied the position which he now held.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Mrs. Watson overtook Emma at the door of the private room, where so many important matters were settled by her husband, in time to hear an impatient "Come in," and to enter in her company.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading "What in the name of all that's troublesome brings you here to-day?" was his courteous salutation to his wife and sister.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading "What in the name of all that's troublesome brings you here to-day?" was his courteous salutation to his wife and sister.
humblyadverbUS /ˈhʌmbli/
in a humble manner
From this reading "I wished to show you this letter, brother," said Emma, very humbly, with Miss Osborne's letter in her hand; "and as it seemed to me, no time should be lost in acting on it, I have ventured to intrude—" Robert did not allow her to finish her sentence, but took the paper from her hand, and read it deliberately and attentively through.
a married man; a woman's partner in marriage
From this reading Mrs. Watson overtook Emma at the door of the private room, where so many important matters were settled by her husband, in time to hear an impatient "Come in," and to enter in her company.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "I wished to show you this letter, brother," said Emma, very humbly, with Miss Osborne's letter in her hand; "and as it seemed to me, no time should be lost in acting on it, I have ventured to intrude—" Robert did not allow her to finish her sentence, but took the paper from her hand, and read it deliberately and attentively through.
restless or short-tempered under delay or opposition
From this reading Mrs. Watson overtook Emma at the door of the private room, where so many important matters were settled by her husband, in time to hear an impatient "Come in," and to enter in her company.
of great significance or value
From this reading Mrs. Watson overtook Emma at the door of the private room, where so many important matters were settled by her husband, in time to hear an impatient "Come in," and to enter in her company.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Mrs. Watson overtook Emma at the door of the private room, where so many important matters were settled by her husband, in time to hear an impatient "Come in," and to enter in her company.
intrudeverbUS /ˌɪnˈtruːd/
enter uninvited
From this reading "I wished to show you this letter, brother," said Emma, very humbly, with Miss Osborne's letter in her hand; "and as it seemed to me, no time should be lost in acting on it, I have ventured to intrude—" Robert did not allow her to finish her sentence, but took the paper from her hand, and read it deliberately and attentively through.
intrudersnounUS /ˌɪnˈtruːdərz/
plural of “intruder” — someone who intrudes on the privacy or property of another without permission
From this reading Robert was pacing up and down the room, and looked excessively surprised to see the intruders.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading "I wished to show you this letter, brother," said Emma, very humbly, with Miss Osborne's letter in her hand; "and as it seemed to me, no time should be lost in acting on it, I have ventured to intrude—" Robert did not allow her to finish her sentence, but took the paper from her hand, and read it deliberately and attentively through.
a written message addressed to a person or organization
From this reading "I wished to show you this letter, brother," said Emma, very humbly, with Miss Osborne's letter in her hand; "and as it seemed to me, no time should be lost in acting on it, I have ventured to intrude—" Robert did not allow her to finish her sentence, but took the paper from her hand, and read it deliberately and attentively through.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading Robert was pacing up and down the room, and looked excessively surprised to see the intruders.
no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered
From this reading "I wished to show you this letter, brother," said Emma, very humbly, with Miss Osborne's letter in her hand; "and as it seemed to me, no time should be lost in acting on it, I have ventured to intrude—" Robert did not allow her to finish her sentence, but took the paper from her hand, and read it deliberately and attentively through.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading Mrs. Watson overtook Emma at the door of the private room, where so many important matters were settled by her husband, in time to hear an impatient "Come in," and to enter in her company.
plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern
From this reading Mrs. Watson overtook Emma at the door of the private room, where so many important matters were settled by her husband, in time to hear an impatient "Come in," and to enter in her company.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading "I wished to show you this letter, brother," said Emma, very humbly, with Miss Osborne's letter in her hand; "and as it seemed to me, no time should be lost in acting on it, I have ventured to intrude—" Robert did not allow her to finish her sentence, but took the paper from her hand, and read it deliberately and attentively through.
fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind
From this reading "I wished to show you this letter, brother," said Emma, very humbly, with Miss Osborne's letter in her hand; "and as it seemed to me, no time should be lost in acting on it, I have ventured to intrude—" Robert did not allow her to finish her sentence, but took the paper from her hand, and read it deliberately and attentively through.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading Mrs. Watson overtook Emma at the door of the private room, where so many important matters were settled by her husband, in time to hear an impatient "Come in," and to enter in her company.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading "What in the name of all that's troublesome brings you here to-day?" was his courteous salutation to his wife and sister.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading Anything in the shape of business received his strictest attention, or he would never have occupied the position which he now held.
not any; not one
From this reading "I wished to show you this letter, brother," said Emma, very humbly, with Miss Osborne's letter in her hand; "and as it seemed to me, no time should be lost in acting on it, I have ventured to intrude—" Robert did not allow her to finish her sentence, but took the paper from her hand, and read it deliberately and attentively through.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading "I wished to show you this letter, brother," said Emma, very humbly, with Miss Osborne's letter in her hand; "and as it seemed to me, no time should be lost in acting on it, I have ventured to intrude—" Robert did not allow her to finish her sentence, but took the paper from her hand, and read it deliberately and attentively through.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Anything in the shape of business received his strictest attention, or he would never have occupied the position which he now held.
held or filled or in use
From this reading Anything in the shape of business received his strictest attention, or he would never have occupied the position which he now held.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Mrs. Watson overtook Emma at the door of the private room, where so many important matters were settled by her husband, in time to hear an impatient "Come in," and to enter in her company.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading "I wished to show you this letter, brother," said Emma, very humbly, with Miss Osborne's letter in her hand; "and as it seemed to me, no time should be lost in acting on it, I have ventured to intrude—" Robert did not allow her to finish her sentence, but took the paper from her hand, and read it deliberately and attentively through.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Anything in the shape of business received his strictest attention, or he would never have occupied the position which he now held.
Osborne'snounUS /ˈɔːzbɔːrnz/
possessive form of “osborne” — English playwright (1929-1994)
From this reading "I wished to show you this letter, brother," said Emma, very humbly, with Miss Osborne's letter in her hand; "and as it seemed to me, no time should be lost in acting on it, I have ventured to intrude—" Robert did not allow her to finish her sentence, but took the paper from her hand, and read it deliberately and attentively through.
overtookverbUS /ˌoʊvərˈtʊk/
inflected form of “overtake” — catch up with and possibly overtake
From this reading Mrs. Watson overtook Emma at the door of the private room, where so many important matters were settled by her husband, in time to hear an impatient "Come in," and to enter in her company.
pacingnounUS /ˈpeɪsɪŋ/
(music) the speed at which a composition is to be played
From this reading Robert was pacing up and down the room, and looked excessively surprised to see the intruders.
a material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses
From this reading "I wished to show you this letter, brother," said Emma, very humbly, with Miss Osborne's letter in her hand; "and as it seemed to me, no time should be lost in acting on it, I have ventured to intrude—" Robert did not allow her to finish her sentence, but took the paper from her hand, and read it deliberately and attentively through.
the particular portion of space occupied by something
From this reading Anything in the shape of business received his strictest attention, or he would never have occupied the position which he now held.
confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy
From this reading Mrs. Watson overtook Emma at the door of the private room, where so many important matters were settled by her husband, in time to hear an impatient "Come in," and to enter in her company.
interpret something that is written or printed
From this reading "I wished to show you this letter, brother," said Emma, very humbly, with Miss Osborne's letter in her hand; "and as it seemed to me, no time should be lost in acting on it, I have ventured to intrude—" Robert did not allow her to finish her sentence, but took the paper from her hand, and read it deliberately and attentively through.
conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers
From this reading Anything in the shape of business received his strictest attention, or he would never have occupied the position which he now held.
United States parliamentary authority and author (in 1876) of Robert's Rules of Order (1837-1923)
From this reading Robert was pacing up and down the room, and looked excessively surprised to see the intruders.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading Mrs. Watson overtook Emma at the door of the private room, where so many important matters were settled by her husband, in time to hear an impatient "Come in," and to enter in her company.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading "I wished to show you this letter, brother," said Emma, very humbly, with Miss Osborne's letter in her hand; "and as it seemed to me, no time should be lost in acting on it, I have ventured to intrude—" Robert did not allow her to finish her sentence, but took the paper from her hand, and read it deliberately and attentively through.
salutationnoun
an act of honor or courteous recognition
From this reading "What in the name of all that's troublesome brings you here to-day?" was his courteous salutation to his wife and sister.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading Robert was pacing up and down the room, and looked excessively surprised to see the intruders.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading "I wished to show you this letter, brother," said Emma, very humbly, with Miss Osborne's letter in her hand; "and as it seemed to me, no time should be lost in acting on it, I have ventured to intrude—" Robert did not allow her to finish her sentence, but took the paper from her hand, and read it deliberately and attentively through.
a string of words satisfying the grammatical rules of a language
From this reading "I wished to show you this letter, brother," said Emma, very humbly, with Miss Osborne's letter in her hand; "and as it seemed to me, no time should be lost in acting on it, I have ventured to intrude—" Robert did not allow her to finish her sentence, but took the paper from her hand, and read it deliberately and attentively through.
established or decided beyond dispute or doubt
From this reading Mrs. Watson overtook Emma at the door of the private room, where so many important matters were settled by her husband, in time to hear an impatient "Come in," and to enter in her company.
any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline)
From this reading Anything in the shape of business received his strictest attention, or he would never have occupied the position which he now held.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading "I wished to show you this letter, brother," said Emma, very humbly, with Miss Osborne's letter in her hand; "and as it seemed to me, no time should be lost in acting on it, I have ventured to intrude—" Robert did not allow her to finish her sentence, but took the paper from her hand, and read it deliberately and attentively through.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading "I wished to show you this letter, brother," said Emma, very humbly, with Miss Osborne's letter in her hand; "and as it seemed to me, no time should be lost in acting on it, I have ventured to intrude—" Robert did not allow her to finish her sentence, but took the paper from her hand, and read it deliberately and attentively through.
a female person who has the same parents as another person
From this reading "What in the name of all that's troublesome brings you here to-day?" was his courteous salutation to his wife and sister.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Mrs. Watson overtook Emma at the door of the private room, where so many important matters were settled by her husband, in time to hear an impatient "Come in," and to enter in her company.
strictestadjectiveUS /ˈstrɪktəst/
superlative of “strict” — rigidly accurate; allowing no deviation from a standard
From this reading Anything in the shape of business received his strictest attention, or he would never have occupied the position which he now held.
taken unawares or suddenly and feeling wonder or astonishment
From this reading Robert was pacing up and down the room, and looked excessively surprised to see the intruders.
that's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "What in the name of all that's troublesome brings you here to-day?" was his courteous salutation to his wife and sister.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Mrs. Watson overtook Emma at the door of the private room, where so many important matters were settled by her husband, in time to hear an impatient "Come in," and to enter in her company.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading "I wished to show you this letter, brother," said Emma, very humbly, with Miss Osborne's letter in her hand; "and as it seemed to me, no time should be lost in acting on it, I have ventured to intrude—" Robert did not allow her to finish her sentence, but took the paper from her hand, and read it deliberately and attentively through.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading "I wished to show you this letter, brother," said Emma, very humbly, with Miss Osborne's letter in her hand; "and as it seemed to me, no time should be lost in acting on it, I have ventured to intrude—" Robert did not allow her to finish her sentence, but took the paper from her hand, and read it deliberately and attentively through.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading Mrs. Watson overtook Emma at the door of the private room, where so many important matters were settled by her husband, in time to hear an impatient "Come in," and to enter in her company.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Mrs. Watson overtook Emma at the door of the private room, where so many important matters were settled by her husband, in time to hear an impatient "Come in," and to enter in her company.
to-day
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "What in the name of all that's troublesome brings you here to-day?" was his courteous salutation to his wife and sister.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading "I wished to show you this letter, brother," said Emma, very humbly, with Miss Osborne's letter in her hand; "and as it seemed to me, no time should be lost in acting on it, I have ventured to intrude—" Robert did not allow her to finish her sentence, but took the paper from her hand, and read it deliberately and attentively through.
troublesomeadjectiveUS /ˈtrʌbəlsəm/
causing difficulty or annoyance
From this reading "What in the name of all that's troublesome brings you here to-day?" was his courteous salutation to his wife and sister.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Robert was pacing up and down the room, and looked excessively surprised to see the intruders.
past form of “venture” — proceed somewhere despite the risk of possible dangers
From this reading "I wished to show you this letter, brother," said Emma, very humbly, with Miss Osborne's letter in her hand; "and as it seemed to me, no time should be lost in acting on it, I have ventured to intrude—" Robert did not allow her to finish her sentence, but took the paper from her hand, and read it deliberately and attentively through.
precisely as stated
From this reading "I wished to show you this letter, brother," said Emma, very humbly, with Miss Osborne's letter in her hand; "and as it seemed to me, no time should be lost in acting on it, I have ventured to intrude—" Robert did not allow her to finish her sentence, but took the paper from her hand, and read it deliberately and attentively through.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Robert was pacing up and down the room, and looked excessively surprised to see the intruders.
WatsonnounUS /ˈwɑːtsən/
United States telephone engineer who assisted Alexander Graham Bell in his experiments (1854-1934)
From this reading Mrs. Watson overtook Emma at the door of the private room, where so many important matters were settled by her husband, in time to hear an impatient "Come in," and to enter in her company.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Mrs. Watson overtook Emma at the door of the private room, where so many important matters were settled by her husband, in time to hear an impatient "Come in," and to enter in her company.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading "What in the name of all that's troublesome brings you here to-day?" was his courteous salutation to his wife and sister.
in or at the place that
From this reading Mrs. Watson overtook Emma at the door of the private room, where so many important matters were settled by her husband, in time to hear an impatient "Come in," and to enter in her company.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Anything in the shape of business received his strictest attention, or he would never have occupied the position which he now held.
a married woman; a man's partner in marriage
From this reading "What in the name of all that's troublesome brings you here to-day?" was his courteous salutation to his wife and sister.
past form of “wish” — hope for; have a wish
From this reading "I wished to show you this letter, brother," said Emma, very humbly, with Miss Osborne's letter in her hand; "and as it seemed to me, no time should be lost in acting on it, I have ventured to intrude—" Robert did not allow her to finish her sentence, but took the paper from her hand, and read it deliberately and attentively through.
in the company of; together with
From this reading "I wished to show you this letter, brother," said Emma, very humbly, with Miss Osborne's letter in her hand; "and as it seemed to me, no time should be lost in acting on it, I have ventured to intrude—" Robert did not allow her to finish her sentence, but took the paper from her hand, and read it deliberately and attentively through.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Anything in the shape of business received his strictest attention, or he would never have occupied the position which he now held.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "What in the name of all that's troublesome brings you here to-day?" was his courteous salutation to his wife and sister.
