Chapter XXVIII · Chapter 28

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

later than; following

From this reading A fortnight after the interview just described, Katherine was thoroughly settled with Mrs. Needham.

conforming to your own liking or feelings or nature

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading Mrs. Ormonde's conduct, too, had wounded her, more than it ought, perhaps, for she always knew her sister-in-law to be shallow and selfish, but not to the degree which she had lately betrayed.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading Mrs. Ormonde's conduct, too, had wounded her, more than it ought, perhaps, for she always knew her sister-in-law to be shallow and selfish, but not to the degree which she had lately betrayed.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.

inflected form of “befall” — become of; happen to

From this reading Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.

the event consisting of the start of something

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

past form of “betray” — reveal unintentionally

From this reading Mrs. Ormonde's conduct, too, had wounded her, more than it ought, perhaps, for she always knew her sister-in-law to be shallow and selfish, but not to the degree which she had lately betrayed.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Mrs. Ormonde's conduct, too, had wounded her, more than it ought, perhaps, for she always knew her sister-in-law to be shallow and selfish, but not to the degree which she had lately betrayed.

cause to change; make different; cause a transformation

From this reading Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.

the person or thing chosen or selected

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

come or bring to a finish or an end

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

direct the course of; manage or control

From this reading Mrs. Ormonde's conduct, too, had wounded her, more than it ought, perhaps, for she always knew her sister-in-law to be shallow and selfish, but not to the degree which she had lately betrayed.

suitable to your needs

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

carefully weighed

From this reading Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.

third-person singular of “consist” — originate

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

the opposition or dissimilarity of things that are compared

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality

From this reading Mrs. Ormonde's conduct, too, had wounded her, more than it ought, perhaps, for she always knew her sister-in-law to be shallow and selfish, but not to the degree which she had lately betrayed.

represented in words especially with sharpness and detail

From this reading A fortnight after the interview just described, Katherine was thoroughly settled with Mrs. Needham.

with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)

From this reading Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.

the activity of exerting your muscles in various ways to keep fit

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.

the act of determining the properties of something, usually by research or calculation

From this reading Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Mrs. Ormonde's conduct, too, had wounded her, more than it ought, perhaps, for she always knew her sister-in-law to be shallow and selfish, but not to the degree which she had lately betrayed.

a period of fourteen consecutive days

From this reading A fortnight after the interview just described, Katherine was thoroughly settled with Mrs. Needham.

having unexpected good fortune

From this reading Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.

the condition of being free; the power to act or speak or think without externally imposed restraints

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.

used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object

From this reading Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.

characteristic of humanity

From this reading Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading KATHERINE IN OFFICE.

in place of, or as an alternative to

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

conduct an interview in television, newspaper, and radio reporting

From this reading A fortnight after the interview just described, Katherine was thoroughly settled with Mrs. Needham.

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Mrs. Ormonde's conduct, too, had wounded her, more than it ought, perhaps, for she always knew her sister-in-law to be shallow and selfish, but not to the degree which she had lately betrayed.

and nothing more

From this reading A fortnight after the interview just described, Katherine was thoroughly settled with Mrs. Needham.

with honesty

From this reading Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading KATHERINE IN OFFICE.

showing or motivated by sympathy and understanding and generosity

From this reading Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading Mrs. Ormonde's conduct, too, had wounded her, more than it ought, perhaps, for she always knew her sister-in-law to be shallow and selfish, but not to the degree which she had lately betrayed.

in the recent past

From this reading Mrs. Ormonde's conduct, too, had wounded her, more than it ought, perhaps, for she always knew her sister-in-law to be shallow and selfish, but not to the degree which she had lately betrayed.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.

used to form the superlative

From this reading Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading A fortnight after the interview just described, Katherine was thoroughly settled with Mrs. Needham.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A fortnight after the interview just described, Katherine was thoroughly settled with Mrs. Needham.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

the quality of being new; the opposite of oldness

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

plural of “occupation” — the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading KATHERINE IN OFFICE.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Mrs. Ormonde's conduct, too, had wounded her, more than it ought, perhaps, for she always knew her sister-in-law to be shallow and selfish, but not to the degree which she had lately betrayed.

used with “to” to say what is right or advisable

From this reading Mrs. Ormonde's conduct, too, had wounded her, more than it ought, perhaps, for she always knew her sister-in-law to be shallow and selfish, but not to the degree which she had lately betrayed.

to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

a woman who is a patron or the wife of a patron

From this reading Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.

by chance

From this reading Mrs. Ormonde's conduct, too, had wounded her, more than it ought, perhaps, for she always knew her sister-in-law to be shallow and selfish, but not to the degree which she had lately betrayed.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings

From this reading Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.

the state of having little or no money and few or no material possessions

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

not often

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

on the contrary

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

an abundance of material possessions and resources

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

concerned chiefly or only with yourself and your advantage to the exclusion of others

From this reading Mrs. Ormonde's conduct, too, had wounded her, more than it ought, perhaps, for she always knew her sister-in-law to be shallow and selfish, but not to the degree which she had lately betrayed.

work done by one person or group that benefits another

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

established or decided beyond dispute or doubt

From this reading A fortnight after the interview just described, Katherine was thoroughly settled with Mrs. Needham.

lacking physical depth; having little spatial extension downward or inward from an outer surface or backward or outward from a center

From this reading Mrs. Ormonde's conduct, too, had wounded her, more than it ought, perhaps, for she always knew her sister-in-law to be shallow and selfish, but not to the degree which she had lately betrayed.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.

the sister of your spouse

From this reading Mrs. Ormonde's conduct, too, had wounded her, more than it ought, perhaps, for she always knew her sister-in-law to be shallow and selfish, but not to the degree which she had lately betrayed.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

in an exhaustive manner

From this reading A fortnight after the interview just described, Katherine was thoroughly settled with Mrs. Needham.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading Mrs. Ormonde's conduct, too, had wounded her, more than it ought, perhaps, for she always knew her sister-in-law to be shallow and selfish, but not to the degree which she had lately betrayed.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading Mrs. Ormonde's conduct, too, had wounded her, more than it ought, perhaps, for she always knew her sister-in-law to be shallow and selfish, but not to the degree which she had lately betrayed.

hard to endure

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

not bound by shackles and chains

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading A fortnight after the interview just described, Katherine was thoroughly settled with Mrs. Needham.

at the time that

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading The beginning of a new life is rarely agreeable, and when the newness consists of poverty in place of riches, of service instead of complete freedom, occupations not particularly congenial instead of the exercise of unfettered choice, in such matters--why, the contrast is rather trying.

in the company of; together with

From this reading A fortnight after the interview just described, Katherine was thoroughly settled with Mrs. Needham.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading Although she justly considered herself most fortunate in finding a home so easily, with so pleasant and kindly a patroness, she would have been more or less than human had she not felt the change which had befallen her.

people who are wounded

From this reading Mrs. Ormonde's conduct, too, had wounded her, more than it ought, perhaps, for she always knew her sister-in-law to be shallow and selfish, but not to the degree which she had lately betrayed.