Chapter XIV

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

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

past form of “abate” — make less active or intense

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

how long something has existed

From this reading The young man was now twenty-one, entirely a marriageable age in that southern country where eighteen was none too young for a man to marry and where girls of fifteen were often wives.

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

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

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

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

(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 WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

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

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

a feeling of strong eagerness (usually in favor of a person or cause)

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

accomplishment of an objective

From this reading Blythe had paid court to Alison from the time of his arrival in the neighborhood, but had been treated as a mere comrade by the girl.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading Blythe had paid court to Alison from the time of his arrival in the neighborhood, but had been treated as a mere comrade by the girl.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading At twenty-five John Ross and Neal Jordan were considered quite old bachelors.

plural of “bachelor” — a man who has never been married

From this reading At twenty-five John Ross and Neal Jordan were considered quite old bachelors.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

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

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Blythe had paid court to Alison from the time of his arrival in the neighborhood, but had been treated as a mere comrade by the girl.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Blythe had paid court to Alison from the time of his arrival in the neighborhood, but had been treated as a mere comrade by the girl.

small room on a ship or boat where people sleep

From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

of a particle or body or system; having a net amount of positive or negative electric charge

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

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

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

a friend who is frequently in the company of another

From this reading Blythe had paid court to Alison from the time of his arrival in the neighborhood, but had been treated as a mere comrade by the girl.

confess to a punishable or reprehensible deed, usually under pressure

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

carefully weighed

From this reading At twenty-five John Ross and Neal Jordan were considered quite old bachelors.

without variation or change, in every case

From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

opposition between two conflicting forces or ideas

From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading The young man was now twenty-one, entirely a marriageable age in that southern country where eighteen was none too young for a man to marry and where girls of fifteen were often wives.

an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business

From this reading Blythe had paid court to Alison from the time of his arrival in the neighborhood, but had been treated as a mere comrade by the girl.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

worth having or seeking or achieving

From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

a line leading to a place or point

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

in accordance with what is appropriate or suitable for the circumstances

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

willingly obedient out of a sense of duty and respect

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

being one more than seventeen

From this reading The young man was now twenty-one, entirely a marriageable age in that southern country where eighteen was none too young for a man to marry and where girls of fifteen were often wives.

forced or compelled or put in force

From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading The young man was now twenty-one, entirely a marriageable age in that southern country where eighteen was none too young for a man to marry and where girls of fifteen were often wives.

a short trip that is taken in the performance of a necessary task or mission

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

someone who escorts and protects a prominent person

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

brought about or set up or accepted; especially long established

From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

the cardinal number that is the sum of fourteen and one

From this reading The young man was now twenty-one, entirely a marriageable age in that southern country where eighteen was none too young for a man to marry and where girls of fifteen were often wives.

after an unspecified period of time or an especially long delay

From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Blythe had paid court to Alison from the time of his arrival in the neighborhood, but had been treated as a mere comrade by the girl.

a young female

From this reading Blythe had paid court to Alison from the time of his arrival in the neighborhood, but had been treated as a mere comrade by the girl.

plural of “girl” — a young female

From this reading The young man was now twenty-one, entirely a marriageable age in that southern country where eighteen was none too young for a man to marry and where girls of fifteen were often wives.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

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

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

(law) a proceeding (usually by a court) where evidence is taken for the purpose of determining an issue of fact and reaching a decision based on that evidence

From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

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

From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

characteristic of humanity

From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

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

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

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

From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading At twenty-five John Ross and Neal Jordan were considered quite old bachelors.

a river in Palestine that empties into the Dead Sea; John the Baptist baptized Jesus in the Jordan

From this reading At twenty-five John Ross and Neal Jordan were considered quite old bachelors.

being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading The young man was now twenty-one, entirely a marriageable age in that southern country where eighteen was none too young for a man to marry and where girls of fifteen were often wives.

of girls or women who are eligible to marry

From this reading The young man was now twenty-one, entirely a marriageable age in that southern country where eighteen was none too young for a man to marry and where girls of fifteen were often wives.

take in marriage

From this reading The young man was now twenty-one, entirely a marriageable age in that southern country where eighteen was none too young for a man to marry and where girls of fifteen were often wives.

being nothing more than specified

From this reading Blythe had paid court to Alison from the time of his arrival in the neighborhood, but had been treated as a mere comrade by the girl.

a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

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

From this reading At twenty-five John Ross and Neal Jordan were considered quite old bachelors.

a surrounding or nearby region

From this reading Blythe had paid court to Alison from the time of his arrival in the neighborhood, but had been treated as a mere comrade by the girl.

not one, and not any

From this reading The young man was now twenty-one, entirely a marriageable age in that southern country where eighteen was none too young for a man to marry and where girls of fifteen were often wives.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading The young man was now twenty-one, entirely a marriageable age in that southern country where eighteen was none too young for a man to marry and where girls of fifteen were often wives.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

many times at short intervals

From this reading The young man was now twenty-one, entirely a marriageable age in that southern country where eighteen was none too young for a man to marry and where girls of fifteen were often wives.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading At twenty-five John Ross and Neal Jordan were considered quite old bachelors.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

marked by the reception of pay

From this reading Blythe had paid court to Alison from the time of his arrival in the neighborhood, but had been treated as a mere comrade by the girl.

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

From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

an amount of time

From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

plural of “praise” — an expression of approval and commendation

From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading At twenty-five John Ross and Neal Jordan were considered quite old bachelors.

past form of “repudiate” — cast off

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building

From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

Scottish explorer who led Arctic expeditions that yielded geographic discoveries while searching for the Northwest Passage (1777-1856)

From this reading At twenty-five John Ross and Neal Jordan were considered quite old bachelors.

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

From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

plural of “sister” — a female person who has the same parents as another person

From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

in or characteristic of a region of the United States south of (approximately) the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading The young man was now twenty-one, entirely a marriageable age in that southern country where eighteen was none too young for a man to marry and where girls of fifteen were often wives.

the vital principle or animating force within living things

From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

past form of “start” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

the imperial dynasty of China from 960 to 1279; noted for art and literature and philosophy

From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

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

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Blythe had paid court to Alison from the time of his arrival in the neighborhood, but had been treated as a mere comrade by the girl.

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

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading The young man was now twenty-one, entirely a marriageable age in that southern country where eighteen was none too young for a man to marry and where girls of fifteen were often wives.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

subjected to a physical (or chemical) treatment or action or agent

From this reading Blythe had paid court to Alison from the time of his arrival in the neighborhood, but had been treated as a mere comrade by the girl.

being five more than twenty

From this reading At twenty-five John Ross and Neal Jordan were considered quite old bachelors.

the cardinal number that is the sum of twenty and one

From this reading The young man was now twenty-one, entirely a marriageable age in that southern country where eighteen was none too young for a man to marry and where girls of fifteen were often wives.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

precisely as stated

From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

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

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

exhaust or get tired through overuse or great strain or stress

From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading The young man was now twenty-one, entirely a marriageable age in that southern country where eighteen was none too young for a man to marry and where girls of fifteen were often wives.

at the time that

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

in or at the place that

From this reading The young man was now twenty-one, entirely a marriageable age in that southern country where eighteen was none too young for a man to marry and where girls of fifteen were often wives.

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

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

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

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

past form of “wish” — hope for; have a wish

From this reading During the period of his enforced stay in Pedro’s little cabin when his mother was established under the Rosses’ roof, he began to weary a little of hearing Alison’s praises sung constantly by his mother and sisters, and finally, in that spirit of contradiction which is so very human, he wished that they could find her less desirable.

in the company of; together with

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

plural of “wife” — a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading The young man was now twenty-one, entirely a marriageable age in that southern country where eighteen was none too young for a man to marry and where girls of fifteen were often wives.

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

From this reading WHY BLYTHE WAS LATE When Blythe started forth on that summer day it was with all good and dutiful intention to call for Christine and Alison and duly escort them to his home, and he took pleasure in the errand although of late his ardor had somewhat abated in Alison’s direction, a fact which he did not confess to himself and would have repudiated had he been charged with it.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading The young man was now twenty-one, entirely a marriageable age in that southern country where eighteen was none too young for a man to marry and where girls of fifteen were often wives.