used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading In order to put them into an indulgent humor, let fancy place them in the best and most commodious of private boxes, where, ensconced in the most luxurious of lounges, and (if a lady) looking most charming in an opposite mirror, they may placidly and patiently await the rising of the curtain.
perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
From this reading Will our kind and gracious readers be pleased to imagine themselves now sitting before the drop-curtain, which has just closed over the first act of our piece?
actsnounUS /ækts/
a New Testament book describing the development of the early church from Christ's Ascension to Paul's sojourn at Rome
From this reading +PRESENTATION TO THE QUEEN+ THE drama of real life, like that represented nightly on the mimic stages of our theatres, naturally divides itself into acts and scenes.
admirernounUS /ædˈmaɪrər/
a person who backs a politician or a team etc.
From this reading Then let the fair lady and her admirer turn to our little stage, and give us their undivided attention.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading In order to put them into an indulgent humor, let fancy place them in the best and most commodious of private boxes, where, ensconced in the most luxurious of lounges, and (if a lady) looking most charming in an opposite mirror, they may placidly and patiently await the rising of the curtain.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading +PRESENTATION TO THE QUEEN+ THE drama of real life, like that represented nightly on the mimic stages of our theatres, naturally divides itself into acts and scenes.
the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others
From this reading Then let the fair lady and her admirer turn to our little stage, and give us their undivided attention.
awaitverbUS /əˈweɪt/
look forward to the probable occurrence of
From this reading In order to put them into an indulgent humor, let fancy place them in the best and most commodious of private boxes, where, ensconced in the most luxurious of lounges, and (if a lady) looking most charming in an opposite mirror, they may placidly and patiently await the rising of the curtain.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Will our kind and gracious readers be pleased to imagine themselves now sitting before the drop-curtain, which has just closed over the first act of our piece?
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Will our kind and gracious readers be pleased to imagine themselves now sitting before the drop-curtain, which has just closed over the first act of our piece?
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading In order to put them into an indulgent humor, let fancy place them in the best and most commodious of private boxes, where, ensconced in the most luxurious of lounges, and (if a lady) looking most charming in an opposite mirror, they may placidly and patiently await the rising of the curtain.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading Then let my fair and friendly reader turn, in imagination, to the play book, and find that a period of some ten years is supposed to have elapsed between the first and second acts of our drama; let her point this out to her companion, whom we will suppose to be _the_ gentleman without whom even the most interesting plot would prove insipid.
a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)
From this reading Then let my fair and friendly reader turn, in imagination, to the play book, and find that a period of some ten years is supposed to have elapsed between the first and second acts of our drama; let her point this out to her companion, whom we will suppose to be _the_ gentleman without whom even the most interesting plot would prove insipid.
boxesnounUS /ˈbɑːksəz/
plural of “box” — a (usually rectangular) container; may have a lid
From this reading In order to put them into an indulgent humor, let fancy place them in the best and most commodious of private boxes, where, ensconced in the most luxurious of lounges, and (if a lady) looking most charming in an opposite mirror, they may placidly and patiently await the rising of the curtain.
pleasing or delighting
From this reading In order to put them into an indulgent humor, let fancy place them in the best and most commodious of private boxes, where, ensconced in the most luxurious of lounges, and (if a lady) looking most charming in an opposite mirror, they may placidly and patiently await the rising of the curtain.
not open or affording passage or access
From this reading Will our kind and gracious readers be pleased to imagine themselves now sitting before the drop-curtain, which has just closed over the first act of our piece?
commodiousadjectiveUS /kəˈmoʊdiəs/
large and roomy (“convenient” is archaic in this sense)
From this reading In order to put them into an indulgent humor, let fancy place them in the best and most commodious of private boxes, where, ensconced in the most luxurious of lounges, and (if a lady) looking most charming in an opposite mirror, they may placidly and patiently await the rising of the curtain.
a friend who is frequently in the company of another
From this reading Then let my fair and friendly reader turn, in imagination, to the play book, and find that a period of some ten years is supposed to have elapsed between the first and second acts of our drama; let her point this out to her companion, whom we will suppose to be _the_ gentleman without whom even the most interesting plot would prove insipid.
hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)
From this reading In order to put them into an indulgent humor, let fancy place them in the best and most commodious of private boxes, where, ensconced in the most luxurious of lounges, and (if a lady) looking most charming in an opposite mirror, they may placidly and patiently await the rising of the curtain.
dividesnounUS /dɪˈvaɪdz/
plural of “divide” — a serious disagreement between two groups of people (typically producing tension or hostility)
From this reading +PRESENTATION TO THE QUEEN+ THE drama of real life, like that represented nightly on the mimic stages of our theatres, naturally divides itself into acts and scenes.
dramanounUS /ˈdrɑːmə/
a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage
From this reading +PRESENTATION TO THE QUEEN+ THE drama of real life, like that represented nightly on the mimic stages of our theatres, naturally divides itself into acts and scenes.
drop-curtain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Will our kind and gracious readers be pleased to imagine themselves now sitting before the drop-curtain, which has just closed over the first act of our piece?
elapsedadjectiveUS /ɪˈlæpst/
(of time) having passed or slipped by
From this reading Then let my fair and friendly reader turn, in imagination, to the play book, and find that a period of some ten years is supposed to have elapsed between the first and second acts of our drama; let her point this out to her companion, whom we will suppose to be _the_ gentleman without whom even the most interesting plot would prove insipid.
ensconcedverbUS /ɪnˈskɑːnst/
past form of “ensconce” — fix firmly
From this reading In order to put them into an indulgent humor, let fancy place them in the best and most commodious of private boxes, where, ensconced in the most luxurious of lounges, and (if a lady) looking most charming in an opposite mirror, they may placidly and patiently await the rising of the curtain.
divisible by two
From this reading Then let my fair and friendly reader turn, in imagination, to the play book, and find that a period of some ten years is supposed to have elapsed between the first and second acts of our drama; let her point this out to her companion, whom we will suppose to be _the_ gentleman without whom even the most interesting plot would prove insipid.
free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; conforming with established standards or rules
From this reading Then let my fair and friendly reader turn, in imagination, to the play book, and find that a period of some ten years is supposed to have elapsed between the first and second acts of our drama; let her point this out to her companion, whom we will suppose to be _the_ gentleman without whom even the most interesting plot would prove insipid.
something many people believe that is false
From this reading In order to put them into an indulgent humor, let fancy place them in the best and most commodious of private boxes, where, ensconced in the most luxurious of lounges, and (if a lady) looking most charming in an opposite mirror, they may placidly and patiently await the rising of the curtain.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading Then let my fair and friendly reader turn, in imagination, to the play book, and find that a period of some ten years is supposed to have elapsed between the first and second acts of our drama; let her point this out to her companion, whom we will suppose to be _the_ gentleman without whom even the most interesting plot would prove insipid.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading Will our kind and gracious readers be pleased to imagine themselves now sitting before the drop-curtain, which has just closed over the first act of our piece?
characteristic of or befitting a friend
From this reading Then let my fair and friendly reader turn, in imagination, to the play book, and find that a period of some ten years is supposed to have elapsed between the first and second acts of our drama; let her point this out to her companion, whom we will suppose to be _the_ gentleman without whom even the most interesting plot would prove insipid.
a man of refinement
From this reading Then let my fair and friendly reader turn, in imagination, to the play book, and find that a period of some ten years is supposed to have elapsed between the first and second acts of our drama; let her point this out to her companion, whom we will suppose to be _the_ gentleman without whom even the most interesting plot would prove insipid.
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading Then let the fair lady and her admirer turn to our little stage, and give us their undivided attention.
characterized by charm, good taste, and generosity of spirit
From this reading Will our kind and gracious readers be pleased to imagine themselves now sitting before the drop-curtain, which has just closed over the first act of our piece?
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Will our kind and gracious readers be pleased to imagine themselves now sitting before the drop-curtain, which has just closed over the first act of our piece?
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Then let my fair and friendly reader turn, in imagination, to the play book, and find that a period of some ten years is supposed to have elapsed between the first and second acts of our drama; let her point this out to her companion, whom we will suppose to be _the_ gentleman without whom even the most interesting plot would prove insipid.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Then let my fair and friendly reader turn, in imagination, to the play book, and find that a period of some ten years is supposed to have elapsed between the first and second acts of our drama; let her point this out to her companion, whom we will suppose to be _the_ gentleman without whom even the most interesting plot would prove insipid.
humornounUS /ˈhjuːmər/
a message whose ingenuity or verbal skill or incongruity has the power to evoke laughter
From this reading In order to put them into an indulgent humor, let fancy place them in the best and most commodious of private boxes, where, ensconced in the most luxurious of lounges, and (if a lady) looking most charming in an opposite mirror, they may placidly and patiently await the rising of the curtain.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading In order to put them into an indulgent humor, let fancy place them in the best and most commodious of private boxes, where, ensconced in the most luxurious of lounges, and (if a lady) looking most charming in an opposite mirror, they may placidly and patiently await the rising of the curtain.
the formation of a mental image of something that is not perceived as real and is not present to the senses
From this reading Then let my fair and friendly reader turn, in imagination, to the play book, and find that a period of some ten years is supposed to have elapsed between the first and second acts of our drama; let her point this out to her companion, whom we will suppose to be _the_ gentleman without whom even the most interesting plot would prove insipid.
form a mental image of something that is not present or that is not the case
From this reading Will our kind and gracious readers be pleased to imagine themselves now sitting before the drop-curtain, which has just closed over the first act of our piece?
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In order to put them into an indulgent humor, let fancy place them in the best and most commodious of private boxes, where, ensconced in the most luxurious of lounges, and (if a lady) looking most charming in an opposite mirror, they may placidly and patiently await the rising of the curtain.
indulgentadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈdʌldʒənt/
characterized by or given to yielding to the wishes of someone
From this reading In order to put them into an indulgent humor, let fancy place them in the best and most commodious of private boxes, where, ensconced in the most luxurious of lounges, and (if a lady) looking most charming in an opposite mirror, they may placidly and patiently await the rising of the curtain.
insipidadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈsɪpəd/
lacking taste or flavor or tang
From this reading Then let my fair and friendly reader turn, in imagination, to the play book, and find that a period of some ten years is supposed to have elapsed between the first and second acts of our drama; let her point this out to her companion, whom we will suppose to be _the_ gentleman without whom even the most interesting plot would prove insipid.
arousing or holding the attention
From this reading Then let my fair and friendly reader turn, in imagination, to the play book, and find that a period of some ten years is supposed to have elapsed between the first and second acts of our drama; let her point this out to her companion, whom we will suppose to be _the_ gentleman without whom even the most interesting plot would prove insipid.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading +PRESENTATION TO THE QUEEN+ THE drama of real life, like that represented nightly on the mimic stages of our theatres, naturally divides itself into acts and scenes.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Then let my fair and friendly reader turn, in imagination, to the play book, and find that a period of some ten years is supposed to have elapsed between the first and second acts of our drama; let her point this out to her companion, whom we will suppose to be _the_ gentleman without whom even the most interesting plot would prove insipid.
used when the thing doing the action is also its object
From this reading +PRESENTATION TO THE QUEEN+ THE drama of real life, like that represented nightly on the mimic stages of our theatres, naturally divides itself into acts and scenes.
and nothing more
From this reading Will our kind and gracious readers be pleased to imagine themselves now sitting before the drop-curtain, which has just closed over the first act of our piece?
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading Will our kind and gracious readers be pleased to imagine themselves now sitting before the drop-curtain, which has just closed over the first act of our piece?
a polite name for any woman
From this reading In order to put them into an indulgent humor, let fancy place them in the best and most commodious of private boxes, where, ensconced in the most luxurious of lounges, and (if a lady) looking most charming in an opposite mirror, they may placidly and patiently await the rising of the curtain.
letauxiliary verbUS /let/
used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker
From this reading In order to put them into an indulgent humor, let fancy place them in the best and most commodious of private boxes, where, ensconced in the most luxurious of lounges, and (if a lady) looking most charming in an opposite mirror, they may placidly and patiently await the rising of the curtain.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading +PRESENTATION TO THE QUEEN+ THE drama of real life, like that represented nightly on the mimic stages of our theatres, naturally divides itself into acts and scenes.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading +PRESENTATION TO THE QUEEN+ THE drama of real life, like that represented nightly on the mimic stages of our theatres, naturally divides itself into acts and scenes.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Then let the fair lady and her admirer turn to our little stage, and give us their undivided attention.
the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually
From this reading In order to put them into an indulgent humor, let fancy place them in the best and most commodious of private boxes, where, ensconced in the most luxurious of lounges, and (if a lady) looking most charming in an opposite mirror, they may placidly and patiently await the rising of the curtain.
loungesnounUS /ˈlaʊndʒɪz/
plural of “lounge” — an upholstered seat for more than one person
From this reading In order to put them into an indulgent humor, let fancy place them in the best and most commodious of private boxes, where, ensconced in the most luxurious of lounges, and (if a lady) looking most charming in an opposite mirror, they may placidly and patiently await the rising of the curtain.
luxuriousadjectiveUS /ləɡˈʒɜːriəs/
displaying luxury and furnishing gratification to the senses
From this reading In order to put them into an indulgent humor, let fancy place them in the best and most commodious of private boxes, where, ensconced in the most luxurious of lounges, and (if a lady) looking most charming in an opposite mirror, they may placidly and patiently await the rising of the curtain.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading In order to put them into an indulgent humor, let fancy place them in the best and most commodious of private boxes, where, ensconced in the most luxurious of lounges, and (if a lady) looking most charming in an opposite mirror, they may placidly and patiently await the rising of the curtain.
mimicnounUS /ˈmɪmɪk/
someone who mimics (especially an actor or actress)
From this reading +PRESENTATION TO THE QUEEN+ THE drama of real life, like that represented nightly on the mimic stages of our theatres, naturally divides itself into acts and scenes.
mirrornounUS /ˈmɪrər/
polished surface that forms images by reflecting light
From this reading In order to put them into an indulgent humor, let fancy place them in the best and most commodious of private boxes, where, ensconced in the most luxurious of lounges, and (if a lady) looking most charming in an opposite mirror, they may placidly and patiently await the rising of the curtain.
used to form the superlative
From this reading In order to put them into an indulgent humor, let fancy place them in the best and most commodious of private boxes, where, ensconced in the most luxurious of lounges, and (if a lady) looking most charming in an opposite mirror, they may placidly and patiently await the rising of the curtain.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading Then let my fair and friendly reader turn, in imagination, to the play book, and find that a period of some ten years is supposed to have elapsed between the first and second acts of our drama; let her point this out to her companion, whom we will suppose to be _the_ gentleman without whom even the most interesting plot would prove insipid.
as might be expected
From this reading +PRESENTATION TO THE QUEEN+ THE drama of real life, like that represented nightly on the mimic stages of our theatres, naturally divides itself into acts and scenes.
nightlyadjectiveUS /ˈnaɪtli/
happening every night
From this reading +PRESENTATION TO THE QUEEN+ THE drama of real life, like that represented nightly on the mimic stages of our theatres, naturally divides itself into acts and scenes.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Will our kind and gracious readers be pleased to imagine themselves now sitting before the drop-curtain, which has just closed over the first act of our piece?
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading +PRESENTATION TO THE QUEEN+ THE drama of real life, like that represented nightly on the mimic stages of our theatres, naturally divides itself into acts and scenes.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading +PRESENTATION TO THE QUEEN+ THE drama of real life, like that represented nightly on the mimic stages of our theatres, naturally divides itself into acts and scenes.
being directly across from each other; facing
From this reading In order to put them into an indulgent humor, let fancy place them in the best and most commodious of private boxes, where, ensconced in the most luxurious of lounges, and (if a lady) looking most charming in an opposite mirror, they may placidly and patiently await the rising of the curtain.
(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading In order to put them into an indulgent humor, let fancy place them in the best and most commodious of private boxes, where, ensconced in the most luxurious of lounges, and (if a lady) looking most charming in an opposite mirror, they may placidly and patiently await the rising of the curtain.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading +PRESENTATION TO THE QUEEN+ THE drama of real life, like that represented nightly on the mimic stages of our theatres, naturally divides itself into acts and scenes.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Then let my fair and friendly reader turn, in imagination, to the play book, and find that a period of some ten years is supposed to have elapsed between the first and second acts of our drama; let her point this out to her companion, whom we will suppose to be _the_ gentleman without whom even the most interesting plot would prove insipid.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Will our kind and gracious readers be pleased to imagine themselves now sitting before the drop-curtain, which has just closed over the first act of our piece?
patientlyadverbUS /ˈpeɪʃəntli/
with patience; in a patient manner
From this reading In order to put them into an indulgent humor, let fancy place them in the best and most commodious of private boxes, where, ensconced in the most luxurious of lounges, and (if a lady) looking most charming in an opposite mirror, they may placidly and patiently await the rising of the curtain.
an amount of time
From this reading Then let my fair and friendly reader turn, in imagination, to the play book, and find that a period of some ten years is supposed to have elapsed between the first and second acts of our drama; let her point this out to her companion, whom we will suppose to be _the_ gentleman without whom even the most interesting plot would prove insipid.
a separate part of a whole
From this reading Will our kind and gracious readers be pleased to imagine themselves now sitting before the drop-curtain, which has just closed over the first act of our piece?
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading In order to put them into an indulgent humor, let fancy place them in the best and most commodious of private boxes, where, ensconced in the most luxurious of lounges, and (if a lady) looking most charming in an opposite mirror, they may placidly and patiently await the rising of the curtain.
placidlyadverbUS /ˈplæsɪdli/
in a quiet and tranquil manner
From this reading In order to put them into an indulgent humor, let fancy place them in the best and most commodious of private boxes, where, ensconced in the most luxurious of lounges, and (if a lady) looking most charming in an opposite mirror, they may placidly and patiently await the rising of the curtain.
participate in games or sport
From this reading Then let my fair and friendly reader turn, in imagination, to the play book, and find that a period of some ten years is supposed to have elapsed between the first and second acts of our drama; let her point this out to her companion, whom we will suppose to be _the_ gentleman without whom even the most interesting plot would prove insipid.
experiencing or manifesting pleasure
From this reading Will our kind and gracious readers be pleased to imagine themselves now sitting before the drop-curtain, which has just closed over the first act of our piece?
plotnounUS /plɑːt/
a secret scheme to do something (especially something underhand or illegal)
From this reading Then let my fair and friendly reader turn, in imagination, to the play book, and find that a period of some ten years is supposed to have elapsed between the first and second acts of our drama; let her point this out to her companion, whom we will suppose to be _the_ gentleman without whom even the most interesting plot would prove insipid.
a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading Then let my fair and friendly reader turn, in imagination, to the play book, and find that a period of some ten years is supposed to have elapsed between the first and second acts of our drama; let her point this out to her companion, whom we will suppose to be _the_ gentleman without whom even the most interesting plot would prove insipid.
PRESENTATIONnounUS /ˌprezənˈteɪʃən/
the activity of formally presenting something (as a prize or reward)
From this reading +PRESENTATION TO THE QUEEN+ THE drama of real life, like that represented nightly on the mimic stages of our theatres, naturally divides itself into acts and scenes.
confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy
From this reading In order to put them into an indulgent humor, let fancy place them in the best and most commodious of private boxes, where, ensconced in the most luxurious of lounges, and (if a lady) looking most charming in an opposite mirror, they may placidly and patiently await the rising of the curtain.
be shown or be found to be
From this reading Then let my fair and friendly reader turn, in imagination, to the play book, and find that a period of some ten years is supposed to have elapsed between the first and second acts of our drama; let her point this out to her companion, whom we will suppose to be _the_ gentleman without whom even the most interesting plot would prove insipid.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading In order to put them into an indulgent humor, let fancy place them in the best and most commodious of private boxes, where, ensconced in the most luxurious of lounges, and (if a lady) looking most charming in an opposite mirror, they may placidly and patiently await the rising of the curtain.
the only fertile female in a colony of social insects such as bees and ants and termites; its function is to lay eggs
From this reading +PRESENTATION TO THE QUEEN+ THE drama of real life, like that represented nightly on the mimic stages of our theatres, naturally divides itself into acts and scenes.
a person who enjoys reading
From this reading Then let my fair and friendly reader turn, in imagination, to the play book, and find that a period of some ten years is supposed to have elapsed between the first and second acts of our drama; let her point this out to her companion, whom we will suppose to be _the_ gentleman without whom even the most interesting plot would prove insipid.
readersnounUS /ˈriːdərz/
plural of “reader” — a person who enjoys reading
From this reading Will our kind and gracious readers be pleased to imagine themselves now sitting before the drop-curtain, which has just closed over the first act of our piece?
being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory
From this reading +PRESENTATION TO THE QUEEN+ THE drama of real life, like that represented nightly on the mimic stages of our theatres, naturally divides itself into acts and scenes.
representedadjectiveUS /ˌreprɪˈzentɪd/
represented accurately or precisely
From this reading +PRESENTATION TO THE QUEEN+ THE drama of real life, like that represented nightly on the mimic stages of our theatres, naturally divides itself into acts and scenes.
advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status
From this reading In order to put them into an indulgent humor, let fancy place them in the best and most commodious of private boxes, where, ensconced in the most luxurious of lounges, and (if a lady) looking most charming in an opposite mirror, they may placidly and patiently await the rising of the curtain.
plural of “scene” — the place where some action occurs
From this reading +PRESENTATION TO THE QUEEN+ THE drama of real life, like that represented nightly on the mimic stages of our theatres, naturally divides itself into acts and scenes.
1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
From this reading Then let my fair and friendly reader turn, in imagination, to the play book, and find that a period of some ten years is supposed to have elapsed between the first and second acts of our drama; let her point this out to her companion, whom we will suppose to be _the_ gentleman without whom even the most interesting plot would prove insipid.
(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)
From this reading Will our kind and gracious readers be pleased to imagine themselves now sitting before the drop-curtain, which has just closed over the first act of our piece?
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Then let my fair and friendly reader turn, in imagination, to the play book, and find that a period of some ten years is supposed to have elapsed between the first and second acts of our drama; let her point this out to her companion, whom we will suppose to be _the_ gentleman without whom even the most interesting plot would prove insipid.
any distinct time period in a sequence of events
From this reading Then let the fair lady and her admirer turn to our little stage, and give us their undivided attention.
stagesnounUS /ˈsteɪdʒəz/
plural of “stage” — any distinct time period in a sequence of events
From this reading +PRESENTATION TO THE QUEEN+ THE drama of real life, like that represented nightly on the mimic stages of our theatres, naturally divides itself into acts and scenes.
express a supposition
From this reading Then let my fair and friendly reader turn, in imagination, to the play book, and find that a period of some ten years is supposed to have elapsed between the first and second acts of our drama; let her point this out to her companion, whom we will suppose to be _the_ gentleman without whom even the most interesting plot would prove insipid.
required or under orders
From this reading Then let my fair and friendly reader turn, in imagination, to the play book, and find that a period of some ten years is supposed to have elapsed between the first and second acts of our drama; let her point this out to her companion, whom we will suppose to be _the_ gentleman without whom even the most interesting plot would prove insipid.
the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
From this reading Then let my fair and friendly reader turn, in imagination, to the play book, and find that a period of some ten years is supposed to have elapsed between the first and second acts of our drama; let her point this out to her companion, whom we will suppose to be _the_ gentleman without whom even the most interesting plot would prove insipid.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading +PRESENTATION TO THE QUEEN+ THE drama of real life, like that represented nightly on the mimic stages of our theatres, naturally divides itself into acts and scenes.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading +PRESENTATION TO THE QUEEN+ THE drama of real life, like that represented nightly on the mimic stages of our theatres, naturally divides itself into acts and scenes.
theatresnounUS /ˈθiːətərz/
plural of “theatre” — a building where theatrical performances or motion-picture shows can be presented
From this reading +PRESENTATION TO THE QUEEN+ THE drama of real life, like that represented nightly on the mimic stages of our theatres, naturally divides itself into acts and scenes.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Then let the fair lady and her admirer turn to our little stage, and give us their undivided attention.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading In order to put them into an indulgent humor, let fancy place them in the best and most commodious of private boxes, where, ensconced in the most luxurious of lounges, and (if a lady) looking most charming in an opposite mirror, they may placidly and patiently await the rising of the curtain.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading Will our kind and gracious readers be pleased to imagine themselves now sitting before the drop-curtain, which has just closed over the first act of our piece?
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Then let my fair and friendly reader turn, in imagination, to the play book, and find that a period of some ten years is supposed to have elapsed between the first and second acts of our drama; let her point this out to her companion, whom we will suppose to be _the_ gentleman without whom even the most interesting plot would prove insipid.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading In order to put them into an indulgent humor, let fancy place them in the best and most commodious of private boxes, where, ensconced in the most luxurious of lounges, and (if a lady) looking most charming in an opposite mirror, they may placidly and patiently await the rising of the curtain.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Then let my fair and friendly reader turn, in imagination, to the play book, and find that a period of some ten years is supposed to have elapsed between the first and second acts of our drama; let her point this out to her companion, whom we will suppose to be _the_ gentleman without whom even the most interesting plot would prove insipid.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading +PRESENTATION TO THE QUEEN+ THE drama of real life, like that represented nightly on the mimic stages of our theatres, naturally divides itself into acts and scenes.
change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense
From this reading Then let my fair and friendly reader turn, in imagination, to the play book, and find that a period of some ten years is supposed to have elapsed between the first and second acts of our drama; let her point this out to her companion, whom we will suppose to be _the_ gentleman without whom even the most interesting plot would prove insipid.
undividedadjectiveUS /ˌʌndəˈvaɪdɪd/
not parted by conflict of opinion
From this reading Then let the fair lady and her admirer turn to our little stage, and give us their undivided attention.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Then let the fair lady and her admirer turn to our little stage, and give us their undivided attention.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading Then let my fair and friendly reader turn, in imagination, to the play book, and find that a period of some ten years is supposed to have elapsed between the first and second acts of our drama; let her point this out to her companion, whom we will suppose to be _the_ gentleman without whom even the most interesting plot would prove insipid.
in or at the place that
From this reading In order to put them into an indulgent humor, let fancy place them in the best and most commodious of private boxes, where, ensconced in the most luxurious of lounges, and (if a lady) looking most charming in an opposite mirror, they may placidly and patiently await the rising of the curtain.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Will our kind and gracious readers be pleased to imagine themselves now sitting before the drop-curtain, which has just closed over the first act of our piece?
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Then let my fair and friendly reader turn, in imagination, to the play book, and find that a period of some ten years is supposed to have elapsed between the first and second acts of our drama; let her point this out to her companion, whom we will suppose to be _the_ gentleman without whom even the most interesting plot would prove insipid.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading Will our kind and gracious readers be pleased to imagine themselves now sitting before the drop-curtain, which has just closed over the first act of our piece?
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading Then let my fair and friendly reader turn, in imagination, to the play book, and find that a period of some ten years is supposed to have elapsed between the first and second acts of our drama; let her point this out to her companion, whom we will suppose to be _the_ gentleman without whom even the most interesting plot would prove insipid.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Then let my fair and friendly reader turn, in imagination, to the play book, and find that a period of some ten years is supposed to have elapsed between the first and second acts of our drama; let her point this out to her companion, whom we will suppose to be _the_ gentleman without whom even the most interesting plot would prove insipid.
a late time of life
From this reading Then let my fair and friendly reader turn, in imagination, to the play book, and find that a period of some ten years is supposed to have elapsed between the first and second acts of our drama; let her point this out to her companion, whom we will suppose to be _the_ gentleman without whom even the most interesting plot would prove insipid.
