used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading =Against her Better Judgment.= It is never well to vie with experts in their own subjects; humiliation surely attends the audacious attempt, and a humiliation which receives and deserves no softening sympathy.
abhorsverbUS /əbˈhɔːrz/
third-person singular of “abhor” — find repugnant
From this reading Wherefore this narrative, which abhors either of these extremes, takes leave to resume its course at the moment when Sir Harry and Lady Fulmer have been driven away for their honeymoon, and the guests at Mount Pleasant are engaged in looking at one another's presents, one another's clothes, and their own watches, while a group of men have sought retirement and cigars in the garden.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading The Lord Lieutenant was paying compliments of alarming elaboration and stateliness to Nellie Fane; and Janet Delane, having discharged her duty in that line with generous graciousness, was looking with despair at Captain Ripley's puzzled face and betugged mustache, and wondering why men could not or would not understand plain English, and why--why above all--they had no more sense of dignity or of timeliness than to renew useless entreaties in a roomful of people, and--to descend to the particular case--with Dale Bannister only a few yards away, paying obvious inattention to a rhapsodic bridesmaid.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading =Against her Better Judgment.= It is never well to vie with experts in their own subjects; humiliation surely attends the audacious attempt, and a humiliation which receives and deserves no softening sympathy.
alarmingadjectiveUS /əˈlɑːrmɪŋ/
frightening because of an awareness of danger
From this reading The Lord Lieutenant was paying compliments of alarming elaboration and stateliness to Nellie Fane; and Janet Delane, having discharged her duty in that line with generous graciousness, was looking with despair at Captain Ripley's puzzled face and betugged mustache, and wondering why men could not or would not understand plain English, and why--why above all--they had no more sense of dignity or of timeliness than to renew useless entreaties in a roomful of people, and--to descend to the particular case--with Dale Bannister only a few yards away, paying obvious inattention to a rhapsodic bridesmaid.
(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 The Lord Lieutenant was paying compliments of alarming elaboration and stateliness to Nellie Fane; and Janet Delane, having discharged her duty in that line with generous graciousness, was looking with despair at Captain Ripley's puzzled face and betugged mustache, and wondering why men could not or would not understand plain English, and why--why above all--they had no more sense of dignity or of timeliness than to renew useless entreaties in a roomful of people, and--to descend to the particular case--with Dale Bannister only a few yards away, paying obvious inattention to a rhapsodic bridesmaid.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading =Against her Better Judgment.= It is never well to vie with experts in their own subjects; humiliation surely attends the audacious attempt, and a humiliation which receives and deserves no softening sympathy.
another's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Wherefore this narrative, which abhors either of these extremes, takes leave to resume its course at the moment when Sir Harry and Lady Fulmer have been driven away for their honeymoon, and the guests at Mount Pleasant are engaged in looking at one another's presents, one another's clothes, and their own watches, while a group of men have sought retirement and cigars in the garden.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Wherefore this narrative, which abhors either of these extremes, takes leave to resume its course at the moment when Sir Harry and Lady Fulmer have been driven away for their honeymoon, and the guests at Mount Pleasant are engaged in looking at one another's presents, one another's clothes, and their own watches, while a group of men have sought retirement and cigars in the garden.
past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading "Wasn't it a pretty wedding?" asked the bridesmaid.
assumingadjectiveUS /əˈsuːmɪŋ/
excessively forward
From this reading Moreover, even if the technical difficulties could be overcome, the description of a wedding must be either florid or cynical, assuming impossible happiness, or insinuating improbable catastrophe.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Wherefore this narrative, which abhors either of these extremes, takes leave to resume its course at the moment when Sir Harry and Lady Fulmer have been driven away for their honeymoon, and the guests at Mount Pleasant are engaged in looking at one another's presents, one another's clothes, and their own watches, while a group of men have sought retirement and cigars in the garden.
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading =Against her Better Judgment.= It is never well to vie with experts in their own subjects; humiliation surely attends the audacious attempt, and a humiliation which receives and deserves no softening sympathy.
attendsverbUS /əˈtendz/
third-person singular of “attend” — be present at (meetings, church services, university), etc.
From this reading =Against her Better Judgment.= It is never well to vie with experts in their own subjects; humiliation surely attends the audacious attempt, and a humiliation which receives and deserves no softening sympathy.
audaciousadjectiveUS /ɑːˈdeɪʃəs/
invulnerable to fear or intimidation
From this reading =Against her Better Judgment.= It is never well to vie with experts in their own subjects; humiliation surely attends the audacious attempt, and a humiliation which receives and deserves no softening sympathy.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Wherefore this narrative, which abhors either of these extremes, takes leave to resume its course at the moment when Sir Harry and Lady Fulmer have been driven away for their honeymoon, and the guests at Mount Pleasant are engaged in looking at one another's presents, one another's clothes, and their own watches, while a group of men have sought retirement and cigars in the garden.
BannisternounUS /ˈbænəstər/
English runner who in 1954 became the first person to run a mile in less than four minutes (born in 1929)
From this reading The Lord Lieutenant was paying compliments of alarming elaboration and stateliness to Nellie Fane; and Janet Delane, having discharged her duty in that line with generous graciousness, was looking with despair at Captain Ripley's puzzled face and betugged mustache, and wondering why men could not or would not understand plain English, and why--why above all--they had no more sense of dignity or of timeliness than to renew useless entreaties in a roomful of people, and--to descend to the particular case--with Dale Bannister only a few yards away, paying obvious inattention to a rhapsodic bridesmaid.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Moreover, even if the technical difficulties could be overcome, the description of a wedding must be either florid or cynical, assuming impossible happiness, or insinuating improbable catastrophe.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Wherefore this narrative, which abhors either of these extremes, takes leave to resume its course at the moment when Sir Harry and Lady Fulmer have been driven away for their honeymoon, and the guests at Mount Pleasant are engaged in looking at one another's presents, one another's clothes, and their own watches, while a group of men have sought retirement and cigars in the garden.
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading =Against her Better Judgment.= It is never well to vie with experts in their own subjects; humiliation surely attends the audacious attempt, and a humiliation which receives and deserves no softening sympathy.
betugged
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Lord Lieutenant was paying compliments of alarming elaboration and stateliness to Nellie Fane; and Janet Delane, having discharged her duty in that line with generous graciousness, was looking with despair at Captain Ripley's puzzled face and betugged mustache, and wondering why men could not or would not understand plain English, and why--why above all--they had no more sense of dignity or of timeliness than to renew useless entreaties in a roomful of people, and--to descend to the particular case--with Dale Bannister only a few yards away, paying obvious inattention to a rhapsodic bridesmaid.
bridesmaidnounUS /ˈbraɪdzmeɪd/
an unmarried woman who attends the bride at a wedding
From this reading The Lord Lieutenant was paying compliments of alarming elaboration and stateliness to Nellie Fane; and Janet Delane, having discharged her duty in that line with generous graciousness, was looking with despair at Captain Ripley's puzzled face and betugged mustache, and wondering why men could not or would not understand plain English, and why--why above all--they had no more sense of dignity or of timeliness than to renew useless entreaties in a roomful of people, and--to descend to the particular case--with Dale Bannister only a few yards away, paying obvious inattention to a rhapsodic bridesmaid.
an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading The Lord Lieutenant was paying compliments of alarming elaboration and stateliness to Nellie Fane; and Janet Delane, having discharged her duty in that line with generous graciousness, was looking with despair at Captain Ripley's puzzled face and betugged mustache, and wondering why men could not or would not understand plain English, and why--why above all--they had no more sense of dignity or of timeliness than to renew useless entreaties in a roomful of people, and--to descend to the particular case--with Dale Bannister only a few yards away, paying obvious inattention to a rhapsodic bridesmaid.
an occurrence of something
From this reading The Lord Lieutenant was paying compliments of alarming elaboration and stateliness to Nellie Fane; and Janet Delane, having discharged her duty in that line with generous graciousness, was looking with despair at Captain Ripley's puzzled face and betugged mustache, and wondering why men could not or would not understand plain English, and why--why above all--they had no more sense of dignity or of timeliness than to renew useless entreaties in a roomful of people, and--to descend to the particular case--with Dale Bannister only a few yards away, paying obvious inattention to a rhapsodic bridesmaid.
catastrophenounUS /kəˈtæstrəfi/
an event resulting in great loss and misfortune
From this reading Moreover, even if the technical difficulties could be overcome, the description of a wedding must be either florid or cynical, assuming impossible happiness, or insinuating improbable catastrophe.
cigarsnounUS /sɪˈɡɑːrz/
plural of “cigar” — a roll of tobacco for smoking
From this reading Wherefore this narrative, which abhors either of these extremes, takes leave to resume its course at the moment when Sir Harry and Lady Fulmer have been driven away for their honeymoon, and the guests at Mount Pleasant are engaged in looking at one another's presents, one another's clothes, and their own watches, while a group of men have sought retirement and cigars in the garden.
clothing in general
From this reading Wherefore this narrative, which abhors either of these extremes, takes leave to resume its course at the moment when Sir Harry and Lady Fulmer have been driven away for their honeymoon, and the guests at Mount Pleasant are engaged in looking at one another's presents, one another's clothes, and their own watches, while a group of men have sought retirement and cigars in the garden.
complimentsnounUS /ˈkɑːmpləments/
(usually plural) a polite expression of desire for someone's welfare
From this reading The Lord Lieutenant was paying compliments of alarming elaboration and stateliness to Nellie Fane; and Janet Delane, having discharged her duty in that line with generous graciousness, was looking with despair at Captain Ripley's puzzled face and betugged mustache, and wondering why men could not or would not understand plain English, and why--why above all--they had no more sense of dignity or of timeliness than to renew useless entreaties in a roomful of people, and--to descend to the particular case--with Dale Bannister only a few yards away, paying obvious inattention to a rhapsodic bridesmaid.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Moreover, even if the technical difficulties could be overcome, the description of a wedding must be either florid or cynical, assuming impossible happiness, or insinuating improbable catastrophe.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading Wherefore this narrative, which abhors either of these extremes, takes leave to resume its course at the moment when Sir Harry and Lady Fulmer have been driven away for their honeymoon, and the guests at Mount Pleasant are engaged in looking at one another's presents, one another's clothes, and their own watches, while a group of men have sought retirement and cigars in the garden.
cynicaladjectiveUS /ˈsɪnɪkəl/
believing the worst of human nature and motives; having a sneering disbelief in e.g. selflessness of others
From this reading Moreover, even if the technical difficulties could be overcome, the description of a wedding must be either florid or cynical, assuming impossible happiness, or insinuating improbable catastrophe.
DalenounUS /deɪl/
an open river valley (in a hilly area)
From this reading The Lord Lieutenant was paying compliments of alarming elaboration and stateliness to Nellie Fane; and Janet Delane, having discharged her duty in that line with generous graciousness, was looking with despair at Captain Ripley's puzzled face and betugged mustache, and wondering why men could not or would not understand plain English, and why--why above all--they had no more sense of dignity or of timeliness than to renew useless entreaties in a roomful of people, and--to descend to the particular case--with Dale Bannister only a few yards away, paying obvious inattention to a rhapsodic bridesmaid.
Delane
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Lord Lieutenant was paying compliments of alarming elaboration and stateliness to Nellie Fane; and Janet Delane, having discharged her duty in that line with generous graciousness, was looking with despair at Captain Ripley's puzzled face and betugged mustache, and wondering why men could not or would not understand plain English, and why--why above all--they had no more sense of dignity or of timeliness than to renew useless entreaties in a roomful of people, and--to descend to the particular case--with Dale Bannister only a few yards away, paying obvious inattention to a rhapsodic bridesmaid.
descendverbUS /dɪˈsend/
move downward and lower, but not necessarily all the way
From this reading The Lord Lieutenant was paying compliments of alarming elaboration and stateliness to Nellie Fane; and Janet Delane, having discharged her duty in that line with generous graciousness, was looking with despair at Captain Ripley's puzzled face and betugged mustache, and wondering why men could not or would not understand plain English, and why--why above all--they had no more sense of dignity or of timeliness than to renew useless entreaties in a roomful of people, and--to descend to the particular case--with Dale Bannister only a few yards away, paying obvious inattention to a rhapsodic bridesmaid.
a statement that represents something in words
From this reading Moreover, even if the technical difficulties could be overcome, the description of a wedding must be either florid or cynical, assuming impossible happiness, or insinuating improbable catastrophe.
deservesverbUS /dɪˈzɜːrvz/
third-person singular of “deserve” — be worthy or deserving
From this reading =Against her Better Judgment.= It is never well to vie with experts in their own subjects; humiliation surely attends the audacious attempt, and a humiliation which receives and deserves no softening sympathy.
a state in which all hope is lost or absent
From this reading The Lord Lieutenant was paying compliments of alarming elaboration and stateliness to Nellie Fane; and Janet Delane, having discharged her duty in that line with generous graciousness, was looking with despair at Captain Ripley's puzzled face and betugged mustache, and wondering why men could not or would not understand plain English, and why--why above all--they had no more sense of dignity or of timeliness than to renew useless entreaties in a roomful of people, and--to descend to the particular case--with Dale Bannister only a few yards away, paying obvious inattention to a rhapsodic bridesmaid.
plural of “difficulty” — an effort that is inconvenient
From this reading Moreover, even if the technical difficulties could be overcome, the description of a wedding must be either florid or cynical, assuming impossible happiness, or insinuating improbable catastrophe.
the quality of being worthy of esteem or respect
From this reading The Lord Lieutenant was paying compliments of alarming elaboration and stateliness to Nellie Fane; and Janet Delane, having discharged her duty in that line with generous graciousness, was looking with despair at Captain Ripley's puzzled face and betugged mustache, and wondering why men could not or would not understand plain English, and why--why above all--they had no more sense of dignity or of timeliness than to renew useless entreaties in a roomful of people, and--to descend to the particular case--with Dale Bannister only a few yards away, paying obvious inattention to a rhapsodic bridesmaid.
dischargedadjectiveUS /dɪsˈtʃɑːrdʒd/
having lost your job
From this reading The Lord Lieutenant was paying compliments of alarming elaboration and stateliness to Nellie Fane; and Janet Delane, having discharged her duty in that line with generous graciousness, was looking with despair at Captain Ripley's puzzled face and betugged mustache, and wondering why men could not or would not understand plain English, and why--why above all--they had no more sense of dignity or of timeliness than to renew useless entreaties in a roomful of people, and--to descend to the particular case--with Dale Bannister only a few yards away, paying obvious inattention to a rhapsodic bridesmaid.
compelled forcibly by an outside agency
From this reading Wherefore this narrative, which abhors either of these extremes, takes leave to resume its course at the moment when Sir Harry and Lady Fulmer have been driven away for their honeymoon, and the guests at Mount Pleasant are engaged in looking at one another's presents, one another's clothes, and their own watches, while a group of men have sought retirement and cigars in the garden.
the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force
From this reading The Lord Lieutenant was paying compliments of alarming elaboration and stateliness to Nellie Fane; and Janet Delane, having discharged her duty in that line with generous graciousness, was looking with despair at Captain Ripley's puzzled face and betugged mustache, and wondering why men could not or would not understand plain English, and why--why above all--they had no more sense of dignity or of timeliness than to renew useless entreaties in a roomful of people, and--to descend to the particular case--with Dale Bannister only a few yards away, paying obvious inattention to a rhapsodic bridesmaid.
one or the other of two
From this reading Moreover, even if the technical difficulties could be overcome, the description of a wedding must be either florid or cynical, assuming impossible happiness, or insinuating improbable catastrophe.
elaborationnounUS /ɪˌlæbərˈeɪʃən/
addition of extra material or illustration or clarifying detail
From this reading The Lord Lieutenant was paying compliments of alarming elaboration and stateliness to Nellie Fane; and Janet Delane, having discharged her duty in that line with generous graciousness, was looking with despair at Captain Ripley's puzzled face and betugged mustache, and wondering why men could not or would not understand plain English, and why--why above all--they had no more sense of dignity or of timeliness than to renew useless entreaties in a roomful of people, and--to descend to the particular case--with Dale Bannister only a few yards away, paying obvious inattention to a rhapsodic bridesmaid.
having ones attention or mind or energy engaged
From this reading Wherefore this narrative, which abhors either of these extremes, takes leave to resume its course at the moment when Sir Harry and Lady Fulmer have been driven away for their honeymoon, and the guests at Mount Pleasant are engaged in looking at one another's presents, one another's clothes, and their own watches, while a group of men have sought retirement and cigars in the garden.
an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries
From this reading The Lord Lieutenant was paying compliments of alarming elaboration and stateliness to Nellie Fane; and Janet Delane, having discharged her duty in that line with generous graciousness, was looking with despair at Captain Ripley's puzzled face and betugged mustache, and wondering why men could not or would not understand plain English, and why--why above all--they had no more sense of dignity or of timeliness than to renew useless entreaties in a roomful of people, and--to descend to the particular case--with Dale Bannister only a few yards away, paying obvious inattention to a rhapsodic bridesmaid.
entreatiesnounUS /enˈtriːtiz/
plural of “entreaty” — earnest or urgent request
From this reading The Lord Lieutenant was paying compliments of alarming elaboration and stateliness to Nellie Fane; and Janet Delane, having discharged her duty in that line with generous graciousness, was looking with despair at Captain Ripley's puzzled face and betugged mustache, and wondering why men could not or would not understand plain English, and why--why above all--they had no more sense of dignity or of timeliness than to renew useless entreaties in a roomful of people, and--to descend to the particular case--with Dale Bannister only a few yards away, paying obvious inattention to a rhapsodic bridesmaid.
divisible by two
From this reading Moreover, even if the technical difficulties could be overcome, the description of a wedding must be either florid or cynical, assuming impossible happiness, or insinuating improbable catastrophe.
expertsnounUS /ˈekspərts/
plural of “expert” — a person with special knowledge or ability who performs skillfully
From this reading =Against her Better Judgment.= It is never well to vie with experts in their own subjects; humiliation surely attends the audacious attempt, and a humiliation which receives and deserves no softening sympathy.
extremesnounUS /ekˈstriːmz/
plural of “extreme” — the furthest or highest degree of something
From this reading Wherefore this narrative, which abhors either of these extremes, takes leave to resume its course at the moment when Sir Harry and Lady Fulmer have been driven away for their honeymoon, and the guests at Mount Pleasant are engaged in looking at one another's presents, one another's clothes, and their own watches, while a group of men have sought retirement and cigars in the garden.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading The Lord Lieutenant was paying compliments of alarming elaboration and stateliness to Nellie Fane; and Janet Delane, having discharged her duty in that line with generous graciousness, was looking with despair at Captain Ripley's puzzled face and betugged mustache, and wondering why men could not or would not understand plain English, and why--why above all--they had no more sense of dignity or of timeliness than to renew useless entreaties in a roomful of people, and--to descend to the particular case--with Dale Bannister only a few yards away, paying obvious inattention to a rhapsodic bridesmaid.
Fane
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Lord Lieutenant was paying compliments of alarming elaboration and stateliness to Nellie Fane; and Janet Delane, having discharged her duty in that line with generous graciousness, was looking with despair at Captain Ripley's puzzled face and betugged mustache, and wondering why men could not or would not understand plain English, and why--why above all--they had no more sense of dignity or of timeliness than to renew useless entreaties in a roomful of people, and--to descend to the particular case--with Dale Bannister only a few yards away, paying obvious inattention to a rhapsodic bridesmaid.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading The Lord Lieutenant was paying compliments of alarming elaboration and stateliness to Nellie Fane; and Janet Delane, having discharged her duty in that line with generous graciousness, was looking with despair at Captain Ripley's puzzled face and betugged mustache, and wondering why men could not or would not understand plain English, and why--why above all--they had no more sense of dignity or of timeliness than to renew useless entreaties in a roomful of people, and--to descend to the particular case--with Dale Bannister only a few yards away, paying obvious inattention to a rhapsodic bridesmaid.
floridadjectiveUS /ˈflɔːrəd/
elaborately or excessively ornamented
From this reading Moreover, even if the technical difficulties could be overcome, the description of a wedding must be either florid or cynical, assuming impossible happiness, or insinuating improbable catastrophe.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Wherefore this narrative, which abhors either of these extremes, takes leave to resume its course at the moment when Sir Harry and Lady Fulmer have been driven away for their honeymoon, and the guests at Mount Pleasant are engaged in looking at one another's presents, one another's clothes, and their own watches, while a group of men have sought retirement and cigars in the garden.
Fulmer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Wherefore this narrative, which abhors either of these extremes, takes leave to resume its course at the moment when Sir Harry and Lady Fulmer have been driven away for their honeymoon, and the guests at Mount Pleasant are engaged in looking at one another's presents, one another's clothes, and their own watches, while a group of men have sought retirement and cigars in the garden.
a plot of ground where plants are cultivated
From this reading Wherefore this narrative, which abhors either of these extremes, takes leave to resume its course at the moment when Sir Harry and Lady Fulmer have been driven away for their honeymoon, and the guests at Mount Pleasant are engaged in looking at one another's presents, one another's clothes, and their own watches, while a group of men have sought retirement and cigars in the garden.
willing to give and share unstintingly
From this reading The Lord Lieutenant was paying compliments of alarming elaboration and stateliness to Nellie Fane; and Janet Delane, having discharged her duty in that line with generous graciousness, was looking with despair at Captain Ripley's puzzled face and betugged mustache, and wondering why men could not or would not understand plain English, and why--why above all--they had no more sense of dignity or of timeliness than to renew useless entreaties in a roomful of people, and--to descend to the particular case--with Dale Bannister only a few yards away, paying obvious inattention to a rhapsodic bridesmaid.
graciousnessnounUS /ˈɡreɪʃəsnəs/
excellence of manners or social conduct
From this reading The Lord Lieutenant was paying compliments of alarming elaboration and stateliness to Nellie Fane; and Janet Delane, having discharged her duty in that line with generous graciousness, was looking with despair at Captain Ripley's puzzled face and betugged mustache, and wondering why men could not or would not understand plain English, and why--why above all--they had no more sense of dignity or of timeliness than to renew useless entreaties in a roomful of people, and--to descend to the particular case--with Dale Bannister only a few yards away, paying obvious inattention to a rhapsodic bridesmaid.
any number of entities (members) considered as a unit
From this reading Wherefore this narrative, which abhors either of these extremes, takes leave to resume its course at the moment when Sir Harry and Lady Fulmer have been driven away for their honeymoon, and the guests at Mount Pleasant are engaged in looking at one another's presents, one another's clothes, and their own watches, while a group of men have sought retirement and cigars in the garden.
plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended
From this reading Wherefore this narrative, which abhors either of these extremes, takes leave to resume its course at the moment when Sir Harry and Lady Fulmer have been driven away for their honeymoon, and the guests at Mount Pleasant are engaged in looking at one another's presents, one another's clothes, and their own watches, while a group of men have sought retirement and cigars in the garden.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The Lord Lieutenant was paying compliments of alarming elaboration and stateliness to Nellie Fane; and Janet Delane, having discharged her duty in that line with generous graciousness, was looking with despair at Captain Ripley's puzzled face and betugged mustache, and wondering why men could not or would not understand plain English, and why--why above all--they had no more sense of dignity or of timeliness than to renew useless entreaties in a roomful of people, and--to descend to the particular case--with Dale Bannister only a few yards away, paying obvious inattention to a rhapsodic bridesmaid.
state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy
From this reading Moreover, even if the technical difficulties could be overcome, the description of a wedding must be either florid or cynical, assuming impossible happiness, or insinuating improbable catastrophe.
annoy continually or chronically
From this reading Wherefore this narrative, which abhors either of these extremes, takes leave to resume its course at the moment when Sir Harry and Lady Fulmer have been driven away for their honeymoon, and the guests at Mount Pleasant are engaged in looking at one another's presents, one another's clothes, and their own watches, while a group of men have sought retirement and cigars in the garden.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Wherefore this narrative, which abhors either of these extremes, takes leave to resume its course at the moment when Sir Harry and Lady Fulmer have been driven away for their honeymoon, and the guests at Mount Pleasant are engaged in looking at one another's presents, one another's clothes, and their own watches, while a group of men have sought retirement and cigars in the garden.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading The Lord Lieutenant was paying compliments of alarming elaboration and stateliness to Nellie Fane; and Janet Delane, having discharged her duty in that line with generous graciousness, was looking with despair at Captain Ripley's puzzled face and betugged mustache, and wondering why men could not or would not understand plain English, and why--why above all--they had no more sense of dignity or of timeliness than to renew useless entreaties in a roomful of people, and--to descend to the particular case--with Dale Bannister only a few yards away, paying obvious inattention to a rhapsodic bridesmaid.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading =Against her Better Judgment.= It is never well to vie with experts in their own subjects; humiliation surely attends the audacious attempt, and a humiliation which receives and deserves no softening sympathy.
honeymoonnounUS /ˈhʌnimuːn/
a holiday taken by a newly married couple
From this reading Wherefore this narrative, which abhors either of these extremes, takes leave to resume its course at the moment when Sir Harry and Lady Fulmer have been driven away for their honeymoon, and the guests at Mount Pleasant are engaged in looking at one another's presents, one another's clothes, and their own watches, while a group of men have sought retirement and cigars in the garden.
humiliationnounUS /hjuːˌmɪliˈeɪʃən/
state of disgrace or loss of self-respect
From this reading =Against her Better Judgment.= It is never well to vie with experts in their own subjects; humiliation surely attends the audacious attempt, and a humiliation which receives and deserves no softening sympathy.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Moreover, even if the technical difficulties could be overcome, the description of a wedding must be either florid or cynical, assuming impossible happiness, or insinuating improbable catastrophe.
not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with
From this reading Moreover, even if the technical difficulties could be overcome, the description of a wedding must be either florid or cynical, assuming impossible happiness, or insinuating improbable catastrophe.
improbableadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈprɑːbəbəl/
not likely to be true or to occur or to have occurred
From this reading Moreover, even if the technical difficulties could be overcome, the description of a wedding must be either florid or cynical, assuming impossible happiness, or insinuating improbable catastrophe.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading =Against her Better Judgment.= It is never well to vie with experts in their own subjects; humiliation surely attends the audacious attempt, and a humiliation which receives and deserves no softening sympathy.
inattentionnounUS /ˌɪnəˈtentʃən/
lack of attention
From this reading The Lord Lieutenant was paying compliments of alarming elaboration and stateliness to Nellie Fane; and Janet Delane, having discharged her duty in that line with generous graciousness, was looking with despair at Captain Ripley's puzzled face and betugged mustache, and wondering why men could not or would not understand plain English, and why--why above all--they had no more sense of dignity or of timeliness than to renew useless entreaties in a roomful of people, and--to descend to the particular case--with Dale Bannister only a few yards away, paying obvious inattention to a rhapsodic bridesmaid.
insinuatingadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈsɪnjuːeɪtɪŋ/
calculated to please or gain favor
From this reading Moreover, even if the technical difficulties could be overcome, the description of a wedding must be either florid or cynical, assuming impossible happiness, or insinuating improbable catastrophe.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading =Against her Better Judgment.= It is never well to vie with experts in their own subjects; humiliation surely attends the audacious attempt, and a humiliation which receives and deserves no softening sympathy.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading =Against her Better Judgment.= It is never well to vie with experts in their own subjects; humiliation surely attends the audacious attempt, and a humiliation which receives and deserves no softening sympathy.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Wherefore this narrative, which abhors either of these extremes, takes leave to resume its course at the moment when Sir Harry and Lady Fulmer have been driven away for their honeymoon, and the guests at Mount Pleasant are engaged in looking at one another's presents, one another's clothes, and their own watches, while a group of men have sought retirement and cigars in the garden.
Janet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Lord Lieutenant was paying compliments of alarming elaboration and stateliness to Nellie Fane; and Janet Delane, having discharged her duty in that line with generous graciousness, was looking with despair at Captain Ripley's puzzled face and betugged mustache, and wondering why men could not or would not understand plain English, and why--why above all--they had no more sense of dignity or of timeliness than to renew useless entreaties in a roomful of people, and--to descend to the particular case--with Dale Bannister only a few yards away, paying obvious inattention to a rhapsodic bridesmaid.
an opinion formed by judging something
From this reading =Against her Better Judgment.= It is never well to vie with experts in their own subjects; humiliation surely attends the audacious attempt, and a humiliation which receives and deserves no softening sympathy.
a polite name for any woman
From this reading Wherefore this narrative, which abhors either of these extremes, takes leave to resume its course at the moment when Sir Harry and Lady Fulmer have been driven away for their honeymoon, and the guests at Mount Pleasant are engaged in looking at one another's presents, one another's clothes, and their own watches, while a group of men have sought retirement and cigars in the garden.
go away from a place
From this reading Wherefore this narrative, which abhors either of these extremes, takes leave to resume its course at the moment when Sir Harry and Lady Fulmer have been driven away for their honeymoon, and the guests at Mount Pleasant are engaged in looking at one another's presents, one another's clothes, and their own watches, while a group of men have sought retirement and cigars in the garden.
a commissioned military officer
From this reading The Lord Lieutenant was paying compliments of alarming elaboration and stateliness to Nellie Fane; and Janet Delane, having discharged her duty in that line with generous graciousness, was looking with despair at Captain Ripley's puzzled face and betugged mustache, and wondering why men could not or would not understand plain English, and why--why above all--they had no more sense of dignity or of timeliness than to renew useless entreaties in a roomful of people, and--to descend to the particular case--with Dale Bannister only a few yards away, paying obvious inattention to a rhapsodic bridesmaid.
a formation of people or things one beside another
From this reading The Lord Lieutenant was paying compliments of alarming elaboration and stateliness to Nellie Fane; and Janet Delane, having discharged her duty in that line with generous graciousness, was looking with despair at Captain Ripley's puzzled face and betugged mustache, and wondering why men could not or would not understand plain English, and why--why above all--they had no more sense of dignity or of timeliness than to renew useless entreaties in a roomful of people, and--to descend to the particular case--with Dale Bannister only a few yards away, paying obvious inattention to a rhapsodic bridesmaid.
the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually
From this reading Wherefore this narrative, which abhors either of these extremes, takes leave to resume its course at the moment when Sir Harry and Lady Fulmer have been driven away for their honeymoon, and the guests at Mount Pleasant are engaged in looking at one another's presents, one another's clothes, and their own watches, while a group of men have sought retirement and cigars in the garden.
terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God
From this reading The Lord Lieutenant was paying compliments of alarming elaboration and stateliness to Nellie Fane; and Janet Delane, having discharged her duty in that line with generous graciousness, was looking with despair at Captain Ripley's puzzled face and betugged mustache, and wondering why men could not or would not understand plain English, and why--why above all--they had no more sense of dignity or of timeliness than to renew useless entreaties in a roomful of people, and--to descend to the particular case--with Dale Bannister only a few yards away, paying obvious inattention to a rhapsodic bridesmaid.
the force of workers available
From this reading Wherefore this narrative, which abhors either of these extremes, takes leave to resume its course at the moment when Sir Harry and Lady Fulmer have been driven away for their honeymoon, and the guests at Mount Pleasant are engaged in looking at one another's presents, one another's clothes, and their own watches, while a group of men have sought retirement and cigars in the garden.
a particular point in time
From this reading Wherefore this narrative, which abhors either of these extremes, takes leave to resume its course at the moment when Sir Harry and Lady Fulmer have been driven away for their honeymoon, and the guests at Mount Pleasant are engaged in looking at one another's presents, one another's clothes, and their own watches, while a group of men have sought retirement and cigars in the garden.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading The Lord Lieutenant was paying compliments of alarming elaboration and stateliness to Nellie Fane; and Janet Delane, having discharged her duty in that line with generous graciousness, was looking with despair at Captain Ripley's puzzled face and betugged mustache, and wondering why men could not or would not understand plain English, and why--why above all--they had no more sense of dignity or of timeliness than to renew useless entreaties in a roomful of people, and--to descend to the particular case--with Dale Bannister only a few yards away, paying obvious inattention to a rhapsodic bridesmaid.
in addition to what has just been said
From this reading Moreover, even if the technical difficulties could be overcome, the description of a wedding must be either florid or cynical, assuming impossible happiness, or insinuating improbable catastrophe.
attach to a support
From this reading Wherefore this narrative, which abhors either of these extremes, takes leave to resume its course at the moment when Sir Harry and Lady Fulmer have been driven away for their honeymoon, and the guests at Mount Pleasant are engaged in looking at one another's presents, one another's clothes, and their own watches, while a group of men have sought retirement and cigars in the garden.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading Moreover, even if the technical difficulties could be overcome, the description of a wedding must be either florid or cynical, assuming impossible happiness, or insinuating improbable catastrophe.
mustachenounUS /ˈmʌstæʃ/
an unshaved growth of hair on the upper lip
From this reading The Lord Lieutenant was paying compliments of alarming elaboration and stateliness to Nellie Fane; and Janet Delane, having discharged her duty in that line with generous graciousness, was looking with despair at Captain Ripley's puzzled face and betugged mustache, and wondering why men could not or would not understand plain English, and why--why above all--they had no more sense of dignity or of timeliness than to renew useless entreaties in a roomful of people, and--to descend to the particular case--with Dale Bannister only a few yards away, paying obvious inattention to a rhapsodic bridesmaid.
narrativenounUS /ˈnærətɪv/
a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading Wherefore this narrative, which abhors either of these extremes, takes leave to resume its course at the moment when Sir Harry and Lady Fulmer have been driven away for their honeymoon, and the guests at Mount Pleasant are engaged in looking at one another's presents, one another's clothes, and their own watches, while a group of men have sought retirement and cigars in the garden.
Nellie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Lord Lieutenant was paying compliments of alarming elaboration and stateliness to Nellie Fane; and Janet Delane, having discharged her duty in that line with generous graciousness, was looking with despair at Captain Ripley's puzzled face and betugged mustache, and wondering why men could not or would not understand plain English, and why--why above all--they had no more sense of dignity or of timeliness than to renew useless entreaties in a roomful of people, and--to descend to the particular case--with Dale Bannister only a few yards away, paying obvious inattention to a rhapsodic bridesmaid.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading =Against her Better Judgment.= It is never well to vie with experts in their own subjects; humiliation surely attends the audacious attempt, and a humiliation which receives and deserves no softening sympathy.
not any; not one
From this reading =Against her Better Judgment.= It is never well to vie with experts in their own subjects; humiliation surely attends the audacious attempt, and a humiliation which receives and deserves no softening sympathy.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The Lord Lieutenant was paying compliments of alarming elaboration and stateliness to Nellie Fane; and Janet Delane, having discharged her duty in that line with generous graciousness, was looking with despair at Captain Ripley's puzzled face and betugged mustache, and wondering why men could not or would not understand plain English, and why--why above all--they had no more sense of dignity or of timeliness than to renew useless entreaties in a roomful of people, and--to descend to the particular case--with Dale Bannister only a few yards away, paying obvious inattention to a rhapsodic bridesmaid.
obviousadjectiveUS /ˈɑːbviəs/
easily perceived by the senses or grasped by the mind
From this reading The Lord Lieutenant was paying compliments of alarming elaboration and stateliness to Nellie Fane; and Janet Delane, having discharged her duty in that line with generous graciousness, was looking with despair at Captain Ripley's puzzled face and betugged mustache, and wondering why men could not or would not understand plain English, and why--why above all--they had no more sense of dignity or of timeliness than to renew useless entreaties in a roomful of people, and--to descend to the particular case--with Dale Bannister only a few yards away, paying obvious inattention to a rhapsodic bridesmaid.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Moreover, even if the technical difficulties could be overcome, the description of a wedding must be either florid or cynical, assuming impossible happiness, or insinuating improbable catastrophe.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Wherefore this narrative, which abhors either of these extremes, takes leave to resume its course at the moment when Sir Harry and Lady Fulmer have been driven away for their honeymoon, and the guests at Mount Pleasant are engaged in looking at one another's presents, one another's clothes, and their own watches, while a group of men have sought retirement and cigars in the garden.
and nothing more
From this reading The Lord Lieutenant was paying compliments of alarming elaboration and stateliness to Nellie Fane; and Janet Delane, having discharged her duty in that line with generous graciousness, was looking with despair at Captain Ripley's puzzled face and betugged mustache, and wondering why men could not or would not understand plain English, and why--why above all--they had no more sense of dignity or of timeliness than to renew useless entreaties in a roomful of people, and--to descend to the particular case--with Dale Bannister only a few yards away, paying obvious inattention to a rhapsodic bridesmaid.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Moreover, even if the technical difficulties could be overcome, the description of a wedding must be either florid or cynical, assuming impossible happiness, or insinuating improbable catastrophe.
win a victory over
From this reading Moreover, even if the technical difficulties could be overcome, the description of a wedding must be either florid or cynical, assuming impossible happiness, or insinuating improbable catastrophe.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading =Against her Better Judgment.= It is never well to vie with experts in their own subjects; humiliation surely attends the audacious attempt, and a humiliation which receives and deserves no softening sympathy.
unique or specific to a person or thing or category
From this reading The Lord Lieutenant was paying compliments of alarming elaboration and stateliness to Nellie Fane; and Janet Delane, having discharged her duty in that line with generous graciousness, was looking with despair at Captain Ripley's puzzled face and betugged mustache, and wondering why men could not or would not understand plain English, and why--why above all--they had no more sense of dignity or of timeliness than to renew useless entreaties in a roomful of people, and--to descend to the particular case--with Dale Bannister only a few yards away, paying obvious inattention to a rhapsodic bridesmaid.
yielding a fair profit
From this reading The Lord Lieutenant was paying compliments of alarming elaboration and stateliness to Nellie Fane; and Janet Delane, having discharged her duty in that line with generous graciousness, was looking with despair at Captain Ripley's puzzled face and betugged mustache, and wondering why men could not or would not understand plain English, and why--why above all--they had no more sense of dignity or of timeliness than to renew useless entreaties in a roomful of people, and--to descend to the particular case--with Dale Bannister only a few yards away, paying obvious inattention to a rhapsodic bridesmaid.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading The Lord Lieutenant was paying compliments of alarming elaboration and stateliness to Nellie Fane; and Janet Delane, having discharged her duty in that line with generous graciousness, was looking with despair at Captain Ripley's puzzled face and betugged mustache, and wondering why men could not or would not understand plain English, and why--why above all--they had no more sense of dignity or of timeliness than to renew useless entreaties in a roomful of people, and--to descend to the particular case--with Dale Bannister only a few yards away, paying obvious inattention to a rhapsodic bridesmaid.
clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
From this reading The Lord Lieutenant was paying compliments of alarming elaboration and stateliness to Nellie Fane; and Janet Delane, having discharged her duty in that line with generous graciousness, was looking with despair at Captain Ripley's puzzled face and betugged mustache, and wondering why men could not or would not understand plain English, and why--why above all--they had no more sense of dignity or of timeliness than to renew useless entreaties in a roomful of people, and--to descend to the particular case--with Dale Bannister only a few yards away, paying obvious inattention to a rhapsodic bridesmaid.
affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings
From this reading Wherefore this narrative, which abhors either of these extremes, takes leave to resume its course at the moment when Sir Harry and Lady Fulmer have been driven away for their honeymoon, and the guests at Mount Pleasant are engaged in looking at one another's presents, one another's clothes, and their own watches, while a group of men have sought retirement and cigars in the garden.
presentsnounUS /ˈprezənts/
plural of “present” — the period of time that is happening now; any continuous stretch of time including the moment of speech
From this reading Wherefore this narrative, which abhors either of these extremes, takes leave to resume its course at the moment when Sir Harry and Lady Fulmer have been driven away for their honeymoon, and the guests at Mount Pleasant are engaged in looking at one another's presents, one another's clothes, and their own watches, while a group of men have sought retirement and cigars in the garden.
pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing
From this reading "Wasn't it a pretty wedding?" asked the bridesmaid.
filled with bewilderment
From this reading The Lord Lieutenant was paying compliments of alarming elaboration and stateliness to Nellie Fane; and Janet Delane, having discharged her duty in that line with generous graciousness, was looking with despair at Captain Ripley's puzzled face and betugged mustache, and wondering why men could not or would not understand plain English, and why--why above all--they had no more sense of dignity or of timeliness than to renew useless entreaties in a roomful of people, and--to descend to the particular case--with Dale Bannister only a few yards away, paying obvious inattention to a rhapsodic bridesmaid.
receivesverbUS /rəˈsiːvz/
third-person singular of “receive” — get something; come into possession of
From this reading =Against her Better Judgment.= It is never well to vie with experts in their own subjects; humiliation surely attends the audacious attempt, and a humiliation which receives and deserves no softening sympathy.
renewverbUS /rɪˈnuː/
reestablish on a new, usually improved, basis or make new or like new
From this reading The Lord Lieutenant was paying compliments of alarming elaboration and stateliness to Nellie Fane; and Janet Delane, having discharged her duty in that line with generous graciousness, was looking with despair at Captain Ripley's puzzled face and betugged mustache, and wondering why men could not or would not understand plain English, and why--why above all--they had no more sense of dignity or of timeliness than to renew useless entreaties in a roomful of people, and--to descend to the particular case--with Dale Bannister only a few yards away, paying obvious inattention to a rhapsodic bridesmaid.
resumeverbUS /rɪˈzuːm/
take up or begin anew
From this reading Wherefore this narrative, which abhors either of these extremes, takes leave to resume its course at the moment when Sir Harry and Lady Fulmer have been driven away for their honeymoon, and the guests at Mount Pleasant are engaged in looking at one another's presents, one another's clothes, and their own watches, while a group of men have sought retirement and cigars in the garden.
retirementnounUS /riˈtaɪərmənt/
the state of being retired from one's business or occupation
From this reading Wherefore this narrative, which abhors either of these extremes, takes leave to resume its course at the moment when Sir Harry and Lady Fulmer have been driven away for their honeymoon, and the guests at Mount Pleasant are engaged in looking at one another's presents, one another's clothes, and their own watches, while a group of men have sought retirement and cigars in the garden.
rhapsodicadjectiveUS /ræpˈsɑːdɪk/
feeling great rapture or delight
From this reading The Lord Lieutenant was paying compliments of alarming elaboration and stateliness to Nellie Fane; and Janet Delane, having discharged her duty in that line with generous graciousness, was looking with despair at Captain Ripley's puzzled face and betugged mustache, and wondering why men could not or would not understand plain English, and why--why above all--they had no more sense of dignity or of timeliness than to renew useless entreaties in a roomful of people, and--to descend to the particular case--with Dale Bannister only a few yards away, paying obvious inattention to a rhapsodic bridesmaid.
Ripley's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Lord Lieutenant was paying compliments of alarming elaboration and stateliness to Nellie Fane; and Janet Delane, having discharged her duty in that line with generous graciousness, was looking with despair at Captain Ripley's puzzled face and betugged mustache, and wondering why men could not or would not understand plain English, and why--why above all--they had no more sense of dignity or of timeliness than to renew useless entreaties in a roomful of people, and--to descend to the particular case--with Dale Bannister only a few yards away, paying obvious inattention to a rhapsodic bridesmaid.
roomfulnounUS /ˈruːmfʊl/
the quantity a room will hold
From this reading The Lord Lieutenant was paying compliments of alarming elaboration and stateliness to Nellie Fane; and Janet Delane, having discharged her duty in that line with generous graciousness, was looking with despair at Captain Ripley's puzzled face and betugged mustache, and wondering why men could not or would not understand plain English, and why--why above all--they had no more sense of dignity or of timeliness than to renew useless entreaties in a roomful of people, and--to descend to the particular case--with Dale Bannister only a few yards away, paying obvious inattention to a rhapsodic bridesmaid.
a general conscious awareness
From this reading The Lord Lieutenant was paying compliments of alarming elaboration and stateliness to Nellie Fane; and Janet Delane, having discharged her duty in that line with generous graciousness, was looking with despair at Captain Ripley's puzzled face and betugged mustache, and wondering why men could not or would not understand plain English, and why--why above all--they had no more sense of dignity or of timeliness than to renew useless entreaties in a roomful of people, and--to descend to the particular case--with Dale Bannister only a few yards away, paying obvious inattention to a rhapsodic bridesmaid.
term of address for a man
From this reading Wherefore this narrative, which abhors either of these extremes, takes leave to resume its course at the moment when Sir Harry and Lady Fulmer have been driven away for their honeymoon, and the guests at Mount Pleasant are engaged in looking at one another's presents, one another's clothes, and their own watches, while a group of men have sought retirement and cigars in the garden.
softeningnounUS /ˈsɔːfənɪŋ/
the process of becoming softer
From this reading =Against her Better Judgment.= It is never well to vie with experts in their own subjects; humiliation surely attends the audacious attempt, and a humiliation which receives and deserves no softening sympathy.
that is looked for
From this reading Wherefore this narrative, which abhors either of these extremes, takes leave to resume its course at the moment when Sir Harry and Lady Fulmer have been driven away for their honeymoon, and the guests at Mount Pleasant are engaged in looking at one another's presents, one another's clothes, and their own watches, while a group of men have sought retirement and cigars in the garden.
statelinessnoun
an elaborate manner of doing something
From this reading The Lord Lieutenant was paying compliments of alarming elaboration and stateliness to Nellie Fane; and Janet Delane, having discharged her duty in that line with generous graciousness, was looking with despair at Captain Ripley's puzzled face and betugged mustache, and wondering why men could not or would not understand plain English, and why--why above all--they had no more sense of dignity or of timeliness than to renew useless entreaties in a roomful of people, and--to descend to the particular case--with Dale Bannister only a few yards away, paying obvious inattention to a rhapsodic bridesmaid.
plural of “subject” — the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading =Against her Better Judgment.= It is never well to vie with experts in their own subjects; humiliation surely attends the audacious attempt, and a humiliation which receives and deserves no softening sympathy.
definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)
From this reading =Against her Better Judgment.= It is never well to vie with experts in their own subjects; humiliation surely attends the audacious attempt, and a humiliation which receives and deserves no softening sympathy.
an inclination to support or be loyal to or to agree with an opinion
From this reading =Against her Better Judgment.= It is never well to vie with experts in their own subjects; humiliation surely attends the audacious attempt, and a humiliation which receives and deserves no softening sympathy.
plural of “take” — the income or profit arising from such transactions as the sale of land or other property
From this reading Wherefore this narrative, which abhors either of these extremes, takes leave to resume its course at the moment when Sir Harry and Lady Fulmer have been driven away for their honeymoon, and the guests at Mount Pleasant are engaged in looking at one another's presents, one another's clothes, and their own watches, while a group of men have sought retirement and cigars in the garden.
technicaladjectiveUS /ˈteknɪkəl/
of or relating to technique or proficiency in a practical skill
From this reading Moreover, even if the technical difficulties could be overcome, the description of a wedding must be either florid or cynical, assuming impossible happiness, or insinuating improbable catastrophe.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading The Lord Lieutenant was paying compliments of alarming elaboration and stateliness to Nellie Fane; and Janet Delane, having discharged her duty in that line with generous graciousness, was looking with despair at Captain Ripley's puzzled face and betugged mustache, and wondering why men could not or would not understand plain English, and why--why above all--they had no more sense of dignity or of timeliness than to renew useless entreaties in a roomful of people, and--to descend to the particular case--with Dale Bannister only a few yards away, paying obvious inattention to a rhapsodic bridesmaid.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The Lord Lieutenant was paying compliments of alarming elaboration and stateliness to Nellie Fane; and Janet Delane, having discharged her duty in that line with generous graciousness, was looking with despair at Captain Ripley's puzzled face and betugged mustache, and wondering why men could not or would not understand plain English, and why--why above all--they had no more sense of dignity or of timeliness than to renew useless entreaties in a roomful of people, and--to descend to the particular case--with Dale Bannister only a few yards away, paying obvious inattention to a rhapsodic bridesmaid.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading =Against her Better Judgment.= It is never well to vie with experts in their own subjects; humiliation surely attends the audacious attempt, and a humiliation which receives and deserves no softening sympathy.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading =Against her Better Judgment.= It is never well to vie with experts in their own subjects; humiliation surely attends the audacious attempt, and a humiliation which receives and deserves no softening sympathy.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading Wherefore this narrative, which abhors either of these extremes, takes leave to resume its course at the moment when Sir Harry and Lady Fulmer have been driven away for their honeymoon, and the guests at Mount Pleasant are engaged in looking at one another's presents, one another's clothes, and their own watches, while a group of men have sought retirement and cigars in the garden.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The Lord Lieutenant was paying compliments of alarming elaboration and stateliness to Nellie Fane; and Janet Delane, having discharged her duty in that line with generous graciousness, was looking with despair at Captain Ripley's puzzled face and betugged mustache, and wondering why men could not or would not understand plain English, and why--why above all--they had no more sense of dignity or of timeliness than to renew useless entreaties in a roomful of people, and--to descend to the particular case--with Dale Bannister only a few yards away, paying obvious inattention to a rhapsodic bridesmaid.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Wherefore this narrative, which abhors either of these extremes, takes leave to resume its course at the moment when Sir Harry and Lady Fulmer have been driven away for their honeymoon, and the guests at Mount Pleasant are engaged in looking at one another's presents, one another's clothes, and their own watches, while a group of men have sought retirement and cigars in the garden.
timelinessnounUS /ˈtaɪmlinəs/
being at the right time
From this reading The Lord Lieutenant was paying compliments of alarming elaboration and stateliness to Nellie Fane; and Janet Delane, having discharged her duty in that line with generous graciousness, was looking with despair at Captain Ripley's puzzled face and betugged mustache, and wondering why men could not or would not understand plain English, and why--why above all--they had no more sense of dignity or of timeliness than to renew useless entreaties in a roomful of people, and--to descend to the particular case--with Dale Bannister only a few yards away, paying obvious inattention to a rhapsodic bridesmaid.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading =Against her Better Judgment.= It is never well to vie with experts in their own subjects; humiliation surely attends the audacious attempt, and a humiliation which receives and deserves no softening sympathy.
know and comprehend the nature or meaning of
From this reading The Lord Lieutenant was paying compliments of alarming elaboration and stateliness to Nellie Fane; and Janet Delane, having discharged her duty in that line with generous graciousness, was looking with despair at Captain Ripley's puzzled face and betugged mustache, and wondering why men could not or would not understand plain English, and why--why above all--they had no more sense of dignity or of timeliness than to renew useless entreaties in a roomful of people, and--to descend to the particular case--with Dale Bannister only a few yards away, paying obvious inattention to a rhapsodic bridesmaid.
having no beneficial use or incapable of functioning usefully
From this reading The Lord Lieutenant was paying compliments of alarming elaboration and stateliness to Nellie Fane; and Janet Delane, having discharged her duty in that line with generous graciousness, was looking with despair at Captain Ripley's puzzled face and betugged mustache, and wondering why men could not or would not understand plain English, and why--why above all--they had no more sense of dignity or of timeliness than to renew useless entreaties in a roomful of people, and--to descend to the particular case--with Dale Bannister only a few yards away, paying obvious inattention to a rhapsodic bridesmaid.
vieverbUS /vaɪ/
compete for something; engage in a contest; measure oneself against others
From this reading =Against her Better Judgment.= It is never well to vie with experts in their own subjects; humiliation surely attends the audacious attempt, and a humiliation which receives and deserves no softening sympathy.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The Lord Lieutenant was paying compliments of alarming elaboration and stateliness to Nellie Fane; and Janet Delane, having discharged her duty in that line with generous graciousness, was looking with despair at Captain Ripley's puzzled face and betugged mustache, and wondering why men could not or would not understand plain English, and why--why above all--they had no more sense of dignity or of timeliness than to renew useless entreaties in a roomful of people, and--to descend to the particular case--with Dale Bannister only a few yards away, paying obvious inattention to a rhapsodic bridesmaid.
Wasn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Wasn't it a pretty wedding?" asked the bridesmaid.
watchesnounUS /ˈwɑːtʃəz/
plural of “watch” — a small portable timepiece
From this reading Wherefore this narrative, which abhors either of these extremes, takes leave to resume its course at the moment when Sir Harry and Lady Fulmer have been driven away for their honeymoon, and the guests at Mount Pleasant are engaged in looking at one another's presents, one another's clothes, and their own watches, while a group of men have sought retirement and cigars in the garden.
the social event at which the ceremony of marriage is performed
From this reading Moreover, even if the technical difficulties could be overcome, the description of a wedding must be either florid or cynical, assuming impossible happiness, or insinuating improbable catastrophe.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading =Against her Better Judgment.= It is never well to vie with experts in their own subjects; humiliation surely attends the audacious attempt, and a humiliation which receives and deserves no softening sympathy.
at the time that
From this reading Wherefore this narrative, which abhors either of these extremes, takes leave to resume its course at the moment when Sir Harry and Lady Fulmer have been driven away for their honeymoon, and the guests at Mount Pleasant are engaged in looking at one another's presents, one another's clothes, and their own watches, while a group of men have sought retirement and cigars in the garden.
WhereforeadverbUS /werˈfɔːr/
an old word meaning “why” or “for that reason”
From this reading Wherefore this narrative, which abhors either of these extremes, takes leave to resume its course at the moment when Sir Harry and Lady Fulmer have been driven away for their honeymoon, and the guests at Mount Pleasant are engaged in looking at one another's presents, one another's clothes, and their own watches, while a group of men have sought retirement and cigars in the garden.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading =Against her Better Judgment.= It is never well to vie with experts in their own subjects; humiliation surely attends the audacious attempt, and a humiliation which receives and deserves no softening sympathy.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Wherefore this narrative, which abhors either of these extremes, takes leave to resume its course at the moment when Sir Harry and Lady Fulmer have been driven away for their honeymoon, and the guests at Mount Pleasant are engaged in looking at one another's presents, one another's clothes, and their own watches, while a group of men have sought retirement and cigars in the garden.
the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”
From this reading The Lord Lieutenant was paying compliments of alarming elaboration and stateliness to Nellie Fane; and Janet Delane, having discharged her duty in that line with generous graciousness, was looking with despair at Captain Ripley's puzzled face and betugged mustache, and wondering why men could not or would not understand plain English, and why--why above all--they had no more sense of dignity or of timeliness than to renew useless entreaties in a roomful of people, and--to descend to the particular case--with Dale Bannister only a few yards away, paying obvious inattention to a rhapsodic bridesmaid.
in the company of; together with
From this reading =Against her Better Judgment.= It is never well to vie with experts in their own subjects; humiliation surely attends the audacious attempt, and a humiliation which receives and deserves no softening sympathy.
showing curiosity
From this reading The Lord Lieutenant was paying compliments of alarming elaboration and stateliness to Nellie Fane; and Janet Delane, having discharged her duty in that line with generous graciousness, was looking with despair at Captain Ripley's puzzled face and betugged mustache, and wondering why men could not or would not understand plain English, and why--why above all--they had no more sense of dignity or of timeliness than to renew useless entreaties in a roomful of people, and--to descend to the particular case--with Dale Bannister only a few yards away, paying obvious inattention to a rhapsodic bridesmaid.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading The Lord Lieutenant was paying compliments of alarming elaboration and stateliness to Nellie Fane; and Janet Delane, having discharged her duty in that line with generous graciousness, was looking with despair at Captain Ripley's puzzled face and betugged mustache, and wondering why men could not or would not understand plain English, and why--why above all--they had no more sense of dignity or of timeliness than to renew useless entreaties in a roomful of people, and--to descend to the particular case--with Dale Bannister only a few yards away, paying obvious inattention to a rhapsodic bridesmaid.
plural of “yard” — a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride
From this reading The Lord Lieutenant was paying compliments of alarming elaboration and stateliness to Nellie Fane; and Janet Delane, having discharged her duty in that line with generous graciousness, was looking with despair at Captain Ripley's puzzled face and betugged mustache, and wondering why men could not or would not understand plain English, and why--why above all--they had no more sense of dignity or of timeliness than to renew useless entreaties in a roomful of people, and--to descend to the particular case--with Dale Bannister only a few yards away, paying obvious inattention to a rhapsodic bridesmaid.
