used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading He was holding an improvised reception, for a number of his colleagues showed themselves desirous to make his acquaintance.
personal knowledge or information about someone or something
From this reading He was holding an improvised reception, for a number of his colleagues showed themselves desirous to make his acquaintance.
aislenounUS /aɪl/
a long narrow passage (as in a cave or woods)
From this reading She was proud of Lyons as she looked down on him from the gallery standing in the aisle by his allotted seat.
allottedadjectiveUS /əˈlɑːtɪd/
given as a task
From this reading She was proud of Lyons as she looked down on him from the gallery standing in the aisle by his allotted seat.
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading She noticed that he appeared already on familiar terms with some of his fellow-members; that he drew men or was drawn aside for whispered confidences; that he joked knowingly with others; and that always as he chatted his large, round, smooth face, relieved by its chin beard, wore an aspect of bland dignity and shrewd reserve wisdom.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading She noticed that he appeared already on familiar terms with some of his fellow-members; that he drew men or was drawn aside for whispered confidences; that he joked knowingly with others; and that always as he chatted his large, round, smooth face, relieved by its chin beard, wore an aspect of bland dignity and shrewd reserve wisdom.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading He was holding an improvised reception, for a number of his colleagues showed themselves desirous to make his acquaintance.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading She had the satisfaction of being present at the opening ceremonies of the House of Representatives, and of beholding her husband take the oath of office.
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading She noticed that he appeared already on familiar terms with some of his fellow-members; that he drew men or was drawn aside for whispered confidences; that he joked knowingly with others; and that always as he chatted his large, round, smooth face, relieved by its chin beard, wore an aspect of bland dignity and shrewd reserve wisdom.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading She was proud of Lyons as she looked down on him from the gallery standing in the aisle by his allotted seat.
on or to one side
From this reading She noticed that he appeared already on familiar terms with some of his fellow-members; that he drew men or was drawn aside for whispered confidences; that he joked knowingly with others; and that always as he chatted his large, round, smooth face, relieved by its chin beard, wore an aspect of bland dignity and shrewd reserve wisdom.
a distinct feature or element in a problem
From this reading She noticed that he appeared already on familiar terms with some of his fellow-members; that he drew men or was drawn aside for whispered confidences; that he joked knowingly with others; and that always as he chatted his large, round, smooth face, relieved by its chin beard, wore an aspect of bland dignity and shrewd reserve wisdom.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The incidents of the next two days previous to her attendance at the evening reception at the White House restored Selma's equanimity.
attendancenounUS /əˈtendəns/
the act of being present (at a meeting or event etc.)
From this reading The incidents of the next two days previous to her attendance at the evening reception at the White House restored Selma's equanimity.
the hair growing on the lower part of a man's face
From this reading She noticed that he appeared already on familiar terms with some of his fellow-members; that he drew men or was drawn aside for whispered confidences; that he joked knowingly with others; and that always as he chatted his large, round, smooth face, relieved by its chin beard, wore an aspect of bland dignity and shrewd reserve wisdom.
beholdingnounUS /bɪˈhoʊldɪŋ/
perception by means of the eyes
From this reading She had the satisfaction of being present at the opening ceremonies of the House of Representatives, and of beholding her husband take the oath of office.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading She had the satisfaction of being present at the opening ceremonies of the House of Representatives, and of beholding her husband take the oath of office.
blandadjectiveUS /blænd/
lacking taste or flavor or tang
From this reading She noticed that he appeared already on familiar terms with some of his fellow-members; that he drew men or was drawn aside for whispered confidences; that he joked knowingly with others; and that always as he chatted his large, round, smooth face, relieved by its chin beard, wore an aspect of bland dignity and shrewd reserve wisdom.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading She was proud of Lyons as she looked down on him from the gallery standing in the aisle by his allotted seat.
ceremoniesnounUS /ˈserəmoʊniz/
plural of “ceremony” — a formal event performed on a special occasion
From this reading She had the satisfaction of being present at the opening ceremonies of the House of Representatives, and of beholding her husband take the oath of office.
chattedverbUS /ˈtʃætəd/
inflected form of “chat” — talk socially without exchanging too much information
From this reading She noticed that he appeared already on familiar terms with some of his fellow-members; that he drew men or was drawn aside for whispered confidences; that he joked knowingly with others; and that always as he chatted his large, round, smooth face, relieved by its chin beard, wore an aspect of bland dignity and shrewd reserve wisdom.
the protruding part of the lower jaw
From this reading She noticed that he appeared already on familiar terms with some of his fellow-members; that he drew men or was drawn aside for whispered confidences; that he joked knowingly with others; and that always as he chatted his large, round, smooth face, relieved by its chin beard, wore an aspect of bland dignity and shrewd reserve wisdom.
colleaguesnounUS /ˈkɑːliɡz/
plural of “colleague” — an associate that one works with
From this reading He was holding an improvised reception, for a number of his colleagues showed themselves desirous to make his acquaintance.
confidencesnounUS /ˈkɑːnfədənsɪz/
plural of “confidence” — freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities
From this reading She noticed that he appeared already on familiar terms with some of his fellow-members; that he drew men or was drawn aside for whispered confidences; that he joked knowingly with others; and that always as he chatted his large, round, smooth face, relieved by its chin beard, wore an aspect of bland dignity and shrewd reserve wisdom.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading The incidents of the next two days previous to her attendance at the evening reception at the White House restored Selma's equanimity.
desirousadjectiveUS /dɪˈzaɪrəs/
having or expressing desire for something
From this reading He was holding an improvised reception, for a number of his colleagues showed themselves desirous to make his acquaintance.
the quality of being worthy of esteem or respect
From this reading She noticed that he appeared already on familiar terms with some of his fellow-members; that he drew men or was drawn aside for whispered confidences; that he joked knowingly with others; and that always as he chatted his large, round, smooth face, relieved by its chin beard, wore an aspect of bland dignity and shrewd reserve wisdom.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading She was proud of Lyons as she looked down on him from the gallery standing in the aisle by his allotted seat.
showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering
From this reading She noticed that he appeared already on familiar terms with some of his fellow-members; that he drew men or was drawn aside for whispered confidences; that he joked knowingly with others; and that always as he chatted his large, round, smooth face, relieved by its chin beard, wore an aspect of bland dignity and shrewd reserve wisdom.
United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)
From this reading She noticed that he appeared already on familiar terms with some of his fellow-members; that he drew men or was drawn aside for whispered confidences; that he joked knowingly with others; and that always as he chatted his large, round, smooth face, relieved by its chin beard, wore an aspect of bland dignity and shrewd reserve wisdom.
equanimitynounUS /ˌek.wəˈnɪm.ə.t̬i/
Mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation.
From this reading The incidents of the next two days previous to her attendance at the evening reception at the White House restored Selma's equanimity.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading The incidents of the next two days previous to her attendance at the evening reception at the White House restored Selma's equanimity.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading She noticed that he appeared already on familiar terms with some of his fellow-members; that he drew men or was drawn aside for whispered confidences; that he joked knowingly with others; and that always as he chatted his large, round, smooth face, relieved by its chin beard, wore an aspect of bland dignity and shrewd reserve wisdom.
well known or easily recognized
From this reading She noticed that he appeared already on familiar terms with some of his fellow-members; that he drew men or was drawn aside for whispered confidences; that he joked knowingly with others; and that always as he chatted his large, round, smooth face, relieved by its chin beard, wore an aspect of bland dignity and shrewd reserve wisdom.
fellow-members
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She noticed that he appeared already on familiar terms with some of his fellow-members; that he drew men or was drawn aside for whispered confidences; that he joked knowingly with others; and that always as he chatted his large, round, smooth face, relieved by its chin beard, wore an aspect of bland dignity and shrewd reserve wisdom.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading He was holding an improvised reception, for a number of his colleagues showed themselves desirous to make his acquaintance.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading She was proud of Lyons as she looked down on him from the gallery standing in the aisle by his allotted seat.
gallerynounUS /ˈɡæləri/
spectators at a golf or tennis match
From this reading She was proud of Lyons as she looked down on him from the gallery standing in the aisle by his allotted seat.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading She had the satisfaction of being present at the opening ceremonies of the House of Representatives, and of beholding her husband take the oath of office.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He was holding an improvised reception, for a number of his colleagues showed themselves desirous to make his acquaintance.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading The incidents of the next two days previous to her attendance at the evening reception at the White House restored Selma's equanimity.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading She was proud of Lyons as she looked down on him from the gallery standing in the aisle by his allotted seat.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading She was proud of Lyons as she looked down on him from the gallery standing in the aisle by his allotted seat.
the act of retaining something
From this reading He was holding an improvised reception, for a number of his colleagues showed themselves desirous to make his acquaintance.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading The incidents of the next two days previous to her attendance at the evening reception at the White House restored Selma's equanimity.
a married man; a woman's partner in marriage
From this reading She had the satisfaction of being present at the opening ceremonies of the House of Representatives, and of beholding her husband take the oath of office.
improvisedadjectiveUS /ˈɪmprəvaɪzd/
done or made using whatever is available
From this reading He was holding an improvised reception, for a number of his colleagues showed themselves desirous to make his acquaintance.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading She was proud of Lyons as she looked down on him from the gallery standing in the aisle by his allotted seat.
incidentsnounUS /ˈɪnsədənts/
plural of “incident” — a single distinct event
From this reading The incidents of the next two days previous to her attendance at the evening reception at the White House restored Selma's equanimity.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading She noticed that he appeared already on familiar terms with some of his fellow-members; that he drew men or was drawn aside for whispered confidences; that he joked knowingly with others; and that always as he chatted his large, round, smooth face, relieved by its chin beard, wore an aspect of bland dignity and shrewd reserve wisdom.
jokedverbUS /dʒoʊkt/
past form of “joke” — tell a joke; speak humorously
From this reading She noticed that he appeared already on familiar terms with some of his fellow-members; that he drew men or was drawn aside for whispered confidences; that he joked knowingly with others; and that always as he chatted his large, round, smooth face, relieved by its chin beard, wore an aspect of bland dignity and shrewd reserve wisdom.
knowinglyadverbUS /ˈnoʊɪŋli/
with full knowledge and deliberation
From this reading She noticed that he appeared already on familiar terms with some of his fellow-members; that he drew men or was drawn aside for whispered confidences; that he joked knowingly with others; and that always as he chatted his large, round, smooth face, relieved by its chin beard, wore an aspect of bland dignity and shrewd reserve wisdom.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading She noticed that he appeared already on familiar terms with some of his fellow-members; that he drew men or was drawn aside for whispered confidences; that he joked knowingly with others; and that always as he chatted his large, round, smooth face, relieved by its chin beard, wore an aspect of bland dignity and shrewd reserve wisdom.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading She was proud of Lyons as she looked down on him from the gallery standing in the aisle by his allotted seat.
LyonsnounUS /ˈlaɪənz/
a city in east-central France on the Rhone River; a principal producer of silk and rayon
From this reading She was proud of Lyons as she looked down on him from the gallery standing in the aisle by his allotted seat.
engage in
From this reading He was holding an improvised reception, for a number of his colleagues showed themselves desirous to make his acquaintance.
the force of workers available
From this reading She noticed that he appeared already on familiar terms with some of his fellow-members; that he drew men or was drawn aside for whispered confidences; that he joked knowingly with others; and that always as he chatted his large, round, smooth face, relieved by its chin beard, wore an aspect of bland dignity and shrewd reserve wisdom.
immediately following in time or order
From this reading The incidents of the next two days previous to her attendance at the evening reception at the White House restored Selma's equanimity.
being perceived or observed
From this reading She noticed that he appeared already on familiar terms with some of his fellow-members; that he drew men or was drawn aside for whispered confidences; that he joked knowingly with others; and that always as he chatted his large, round, smooth face, relieved by its chin beard, wore an aspect of bland dignity and shrewd reserve wisdom.
the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals
From this reading He was holding an improvised reception, for a number of his colleagues showed themselves desirous to make his acquaintance.
profane or obscene expression usually of surprise or anger
From this reading She had the satisfaction of being present at the opening ceremonies of the House of Representatives, and of beholding her husband take the oath of office.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The incidents of the next two days previous to her attendance at the evening reception at the White House restored Selma's equanimity.
place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed
From this reading She had the satisfaction of being present at the opening ceremonies of the House of Representatives, and of beholding her husband take the oath of office.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading She was proud of Lyons as she looked down on him from the gallery standing in the aisle by his allotted seat.
an open or empty space in or between things
From this reading She had the satisfaction of being present at the opening ceremonies of the House of Representatives, and of beholding her husband take the oath of office.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading She noticed that he appeared already on familiar terms with some of his fellow-members; that he drew men or was drawn aside for whispered confidences; that he joked knowingly with others; and that always as he chatted his large, round, smooth face, relieved by its chin beard, wore an aspect of bland dignity and shrewd reserve wisdom.
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She noticed that he appeared already on familiar terms with some of his fellow-members; that he drew men or was drawn aside for whispered confidences; that he joked knowingly with others; and that always as he chatted his large, round, smooth face, relieved by its chin beard, wore an aspect of bland dignity and shrewd reserve wisdom.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading She had the satisfaction of being present at the opening ceremonies of the House of Representatives, and of beholding her husband take the oath of office.
just preceding something else in time or order
From this reading The incidents of the next two days previous to her attendance at the evening reception at the White House restored Selma's equanimity.
feeling self-respect or pleasure in something by which you measure your self-worth; or being a reason for pride
From this reading She was proud of Lyons as she looked down on him from the gallery standing in the aisle by his allotted seat.
receptionnounUS /rɪˈsepʃən/
the manner in which something is greeted
From this reading The incidents of the next two days previous to her attendance at the evening reception at the White House restored Selma's equanimity.
(of pain or sorrow) made easier to bear
From this reading She noticed that he appeared already on familiar terms with some of his fellow-members; that he drew men or was drawn aside for whispered confidences; that he joked knowingly with others; and that always as he chatted his large, round, smooth face, relieved by its chin beard, wore an aspect of bland dignity and shrewd reserve wisdom.
RepresentativesnounUS /ˌreprəˈzentətɪvz/
plural of “representative” — a person who represents others
From this reading She had the satisfaction of being present at the opening ceremonies of the House of Representatives, and of beholding her husband take the oath of office.
reservenounUS /rɪˈzɜːrv/
formality and propriety of manner
From this reading She noticed that he appeared already on familiar terms with some of his fellow-members; that he drew men or was drawn aside for whispered confidences; that he joked knowingly with others; and that always as he chatted his large, round, smooth face, relieved by its chin beard, wore an aspect of bland dignity and shrewd reserve wisdom.
restoredverbUS /rɪˈstɔːrd/
past form of “restore” — return to its original or usable and functioning condition
From this reading The incidents of the next two days previous to her attendance at the evening reception at the White House restored Selma's equanimity.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading She noticed that he appeared already on familiar terms with some of his fellow-members; that he drew men or was drawn aside for whispered confidences; that he joked knowingly with others; and that always as he chatted his large, round, smooth face, relieved by its chin beard, wore an aspect of bland dignity and shrewd reserve wisdom.
the contentment one feels when one has fulfilled a desire, need, or expectation
From this reading She had the satisfaction of being present at the opening ceremonies of the House of Representatives, and of beholding her husband take the oath of office.
a space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or on a train or airplane)
From this reading She was proud of Lyons as she looked down on him from the gallery standing in the aisle by his allotted seat.
Selma's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The incidents of the next two days previous to her attendance at the evening reception at the White House restored Selma's equanimity.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She had the satisfaction of being present at the opening ceremonies of the House of Representatives, and of beholding her husband take the oath of office.
past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading He was holding an improvised reception, for a number of his colleagues showed themselves desirous to make his acquaintance.
shrewdadjectiveUS /ʃruːd/
marked by practical hardheaded intelligence
From this reading She noticed that he appeared already on familiar terms with some of his fellow-members; that he drew men or was drawn aside for whispered confidences; that he joked knowingly with others; and that always as he chatted his large, round, smooth face, relieved by its chin beard, wore an aspect of bland dignity and shrewd reserve wisdom.
having a surface free from roughness or bumps or ridges or irregularities
From this reading She noticed that he appeared already on familiar terms with some of his fellow-members; that he drew men or was drawn aside for whispered confidences; that he joked knowingly with others; and that always as he chatted his large, round, smooth face, relieved by its chin beard, wore an aspect of bland dignity and shrewd reserve wisdom.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading She noticed that he appeared already on familiar terms with some of his fellow-members; that he drew men or was drawn aside for whispered confidences; that he joked knowingly with others; and that always as he chatted his large, round, smooth face, relieved by its chin beard, wore an aspect of bland dignity and shrewd reserve wisdom.
having a supporting base
From this reading She was proud of Lyons as she looked down on him from the gallery standing in the aisle by his allotted seat.
carry out
From this reading She had the satisfaction of being present at the opening ceremonies of the House of Representatives, and of beholding her husband take the oath of office.
status with respect to the relations between people or groups
From this reading She noticed that he appeared already on familiar terms with some of his fellow-members; that he drew men or was drawn aside for whispered confidences; that he joked knowingly with others; and that always as he chatted his large, round, smooth face, relieved by its chin beard, wore an aspect of bland dignity and shrewd reserve wisdom.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading She noticed that he appeared already on familiar terms with some of his fellow-members; that he drew men or was drawn aside for whispered confidences; that he joked knowingly with others; and that always as he chatted his large, round, smooth face, relieved by its chin beard, wore an aspect of bland dignity and shrewd reserve wisdom.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The incidents of the next two days previous to her attendance at the evening reception at the White House restored Selma's equanimity.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading He was holding an improvised reception, for a number of his colleagues showed themselves desirous to make his acquaintance.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The incidents of the next two days previous to her attendance at the evening reception at the White House restored Selma's equanimity.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading The incidents of the next two days previous to her attendance at the evening reception at the White House restored Selma's equanimity.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading She was proud of Lyons as she looked down on him from the gallery standing in the aisle by his allotted seat.
spoken in soft hushed tones without vibrations of the vocal cords
From this reading She noticed that he appeared already on familiar terms with some of his fellow-members; that he drew men or was drawn aside for whispered confidences; that he joked knowingly with others; and that always as he chatted his large, round, smooth face, relieved by its chin beard, wore an aspect of bland dignity and shrewd reserve wisdom.
a Caucasian
From this reading The incidents of the next two days previous to her attendance at the evening reception at the White House restored Selma's equanimity.
accumulated knowledge or erudition or enlightenment
From this reading She noticed that he appeared already on familiar terms with some of his fellow-members; that he drew men or was drawn aside for whispered confidences; that he joked knowingly with others; and that always as he chatted his large, round, smooth face, relieved by its chin beard, wore an aspect of bland dignity and shrewd reserve wisdom.
in the company of; together with
From this reading She noticed that he appeared already on familiar terms with some of his fellow-members; that he drew men or was drawn aside for whispered confidences; that he joked knowingly with others; and that always as he chatted his large, round, smooth face, relieved by its chin beard, wore an aspect of bland dignity and shrewd reserve wisdom.
inflected form of “wear” — be dressed in
From this reading She noticed that he appeared already on familiar terms with some of his fellow-members; that he drew men or was drawn aside for whispered confidences; that he joked knowingly with others; and that always as he chatted his large, round, smooth face, relieved by its chin beard, wore an aspect of bland dignity and shrewd reserve wisdom.
