Chapter XVIII · On the Professional Moralist

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

From this reading His father had made it plain to him, both by letter and word of mouth, that the proper course for him to pursue was one that involved asking Helen Craven to marry him--the adoption of any other course, even a prosaic one, would practically mean ruin to him; and yet he had gone straight from the side of his father, not to the side of Miss Craven, but to the side of Miss Avon.

commonly used or practiced; usual

From this reading THE people--Edmund Airey was one of them--who were accustomed to point to Harold Wynne as an example of the insecurity of formulating any definite theory of heredity, had no chance of being made aware of the nature of the conversations in which he had taken part, or they might not have been quite so ready to question the truth of that theory.

the act of accepting with approval; favorable reception

From this reading His father had made it plain to him, both by letter and word of mouth, that the proper course for him to pursue was one that involved asking Helen Craven to marry him--the adoption of any other course, even a prosaic one, would practically mean ruin to him; and yet he had gone straight from the side of his father, not to the side of Miss Craven, but to the side of Miss Avon.

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

From this reading THE people--Edmund Airey was one of them--who were accustomed to point to Harold Wynne as an example of the insecurity of formulating any definite theory of heredity, had no chance of being made aware of the nature of the conversations in which he had taken part, or they might not have been quite so ready to question the truth of that theory.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading THE people--Edmund Airey was one of them--who were accustomed to point to Harold Wynne as an example of the insecurity of formulating any definite theory of heredity, had no chance of being made aware of the nature of the conversations in which he had taken part, or they might not have been quite so ready to question the truth of that theory.

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

From this reading His father had made it plain to him, both by letter and word of mouth, that the proper course for him to pursue was one that involved asking Helen Craven to marry him--the adoption of any other course, even a prosaic one, would practically mean ruin to him; and yet he had gone straight from the side of his father, not to the side of Miss Craven, but to the side of Miss Avon.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading THE people--Edmund Airey was one of them--who were accustomed to point to Harold Wynne as an example of the insecurity of formulating any definite theory of heredity, had no chance of being made aware of the nature of the conversations in which he had taken part, or they might not have been quite so ready to question the truth of that theory.

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

From this reading And not only had he done this, but he had looked into the gray eyes of Beatrice when he should have been gazing with ardour--or simulated ardour--into the rather lustreless orbs of Helen.

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

From this reading THE people--Edmund Airey was one of them--who were accustomed to point to Harold Wynne as an example of the insecurity of formulating any definite theory of heredity, had no chance of being made aware of the nature of the conversations in which he had taken part, or they might not have been quite so ready to question the truth of that theory.

the verbal act of requesting

From this reading His father had made it plain to him, both by letter and word of mouth, that the proper course for him to pursue was one that involved asking Helen Craven to marry him--the adoption of any other course, even a prosaic one, would practically mean ruin to him; and yet he had gone straight from the side of his father, not to the side of Miss Craven, but to the side of Miss Avon.

a river in southwestern England rising in Gloucestershire and flowing through Bristol to empty into the estuary of the Severn

From this reading His father had made it plain to him, both by letter and word of mouth, that the proper course for him to pursue was one that involved asking Helen Craven to marry him--the adoption of any other course, even a prosaic one, would practically mean ruin to him; and yet he had gone straight from the side of his father, not to the side of Miss Craven, but to the side of Miss Avon.

(sometimes followed by “of”) having or showing knowledge or understanding or realization or perception

From this reading THE people--Edmund Airey was one of them--who were accustomed to point to Harold Wynne as an example of the insecurity of formulating any definite theory of heredity, had no chance of being made aware of the nature of the conversations in which he had taken part, or they might not have been quite so ready to question the truth of that theory.

the woman who guided Dante through Paradise in the Divine Comedy

From this reading And not only had he done this, but he had looked into the gray eyes of Beatrice when he should have been gazing with ardour--or simulated ardour--into the rather lustreless orbs of Helen.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading THE people--Edmund Airey was one of them--who were accustomed to point to Harold Wynne as an example of the insecurity of formulating any definite theory of heredity, had no chance of being made aware of the nature of the conversations in which he had taken part, or they might not have been quite so ready to question the truth of that theory.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading THE people--Edmund Airey was one of them--who were accustomed to point to Harold Wynne as an example of the insecurity of formulating any definite theory of heredity, had no chance of being made aware of the nature of the conversations in which he had taken part, or they might not have been quite so ready to question the truth of that theory.

the two together, not just one

From this reading His father had made it plain to him, both by letter and word of mouth, that the proper course for him to pursue was one that involved asking Helen Craven to marry him--the adoption of any other course, even a prosaic one, would practically mean ruin to him; and yet he had gone straight from the side of his father, not to the side of Miss Craven, but to the side of Miss Avon.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading His father had made it plain to him, both by letter and word of mouth, that the proper course for him to pursue was one that involved asking Helen Craven to marry him--the adoption of any other course, even a prosaic one, would practically mean ruin to him; and yet he had gone straight from the side of his father, not to the side of Miss Craven, but to the side of Miss Avon.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading His father had made it plain to him, both by letter and word of mouth, that the proper course for him to pursue was one that involved asking Helen Craven to marry him--the adoption of any other course, even a prosaic one, would practically mean ruin to him; and yet he had gone straight from the side of his father, not to the side of Miss Craven, but to the side of Miss Avon.

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading To do precisely the thing which he ought not to have done was certainly a trait which he had inherited from his father.

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading THE people--Edmund Airey was one of them--who were accustomed to point to Harold Wynne as an example of the insecurity of formulating any definite theory of heredity, had no chance of being made aware of the nature of the conversations in which he had taken part, or they might not have been quite so ready to question the truth of that theory.

plural of “conversation” — the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.

From this reading THE people--Edmund Airey was one of them--who were accustomed to point to Harold Wynne as an example of the insecurity of formulating any definite theory of heredity, had no chance of being made aware of the nature of the conversations in which he had taken part, or they might not have been quite so ready to question the truth of that theory.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading His father had made it plain to him, both by letter and word of mouth, that the proper course for him to pursue was one that involved asking Helen Craven to marry him--the adoption of any other course, even a prosaic one, would practically mean ruin to him; and yet he had gone straight from the side of his father, not to the side of Miss Craven, but to the side of Miss Avon.

lacking even the rudiments of courage; abjectly fearful

From this reading His father had made it plain to him, both by letter and word of mouth, that the proper course for him to pursue was one that involved asking Helen Craven to marry him--the adoption of any other course, even a prosaic one, would practically mean ruin to him; and yet he had gone straight from the side of his father, not to the side of Miss Craven, but to the side of Miss Avon.

precise; explicit and clearly defined

From this reading THE people--Edmund Airey was one of them--who were accustomed to point to Harold Wynne as an example of the insecurity of formulating any definite theory of heredity, had no chance of being made aware of the nature of the conversations in which he had taken part, or they might not have been quite so ready to question the truth of that theory.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading To do precisely the thing which he ought not to have done was certainly a trait which he had inherited from his father.

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading And not only had he done this, but he had looked into the gray eyes of Beatrice when he should have been gazing with ardour--or simulated ardour--into the rather lustreless orbs of Helen.

plural of “ear” — the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium

From this reading But he had not merely looked into the eyes of the one girl when he should have been looking into those of the other girl, he had spoken into her ears such words as would, if spoken into the ears of the other girl, have made her happy.

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

From this reading THE people--Edmund Airey was one of them--who were accustomed to point to Harold Wynne as an example of the insecurity of formulating any definite theory of heredity, had no chance of being made aware of the nature of the conversations in which he had taken part, or they might not have been quite so ready to question the truth of that theory.

divisible by two

From this reading His father had made it plain to him, both by letter and word of mouth, that the proper course for him to pursue was one that involved asking Helen Craven to marry him--the adoption of any other course, even a prosaic one, would practically mean ruin to him; and yet he had gone straight from the side of his father, not to the side of Miss Craven, but to the side of Miss Avon.

an item of information that is typical of a class or group

From this reading THE people--Edmund Airey was one of them--who were accustomed to point to Harold Wynne as an example of the insecurity of formulating any definite theory of heredity, had no chance of being made aware of the nature of the conversations in which he had taken part, or they might not have been quite so ready to question the truth of that theory.

opinion or judgment

From this reading And not only had he done this, but he had looked into the gray eyes of Beatrice when he should have been gazing with ardour--or simulated ardour--into the rather lustreless orbs of Helen.

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading His father had made it plain to him, both by letter and word of mouth, that the proper course for him to pursue was one that involved asking Helen Craven to marry him--the adoption of any other course, even a prosaic one, would practically mean ruin to him; and yet he had gone straight from the side of his father, not to the side of Miss Craven, but to the side of Miss Avon.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading His father had made it plain to him, both by letter and word of mouth, that the proper course for him to pursue was one that involved asking Helen Craven to marry him--the adoption of any other course, even a prosaic one, would practically mean ruin to him; and yet he had gone straight from the side of his father, not to the side of Miss Craven, but to the side of Miss Avon.

-ing form of “formulate” — elaborate, as of theories and hypotheses

From this reading THE people--Edmund Airey was one of them--who were accustomed to point to Harold Wynne as an example of the insecurity of formulating any definite theory of heredity, had no chance of being made aware of the nature of the conversations in which he had taken part, or they might not have been quite so ready to question the truth of that theory.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading His father had made it plain to him, both by letter and word of mouth, that the proper course for him to pursue was one that involved asking Helen Craven to marry him--the adoption of any other course, even a prosaic one, would practically mean ruin to him; and yet he had gone straight from the side of his father, not to the side of Miss Craven, but to the side of Miss Avon.

-ing form of “gaze” — look at with fixed eyes

From this reading And not only had he done this, but he had looked into the gray eyes of Beatrice when he should have been gazing with ardour--or simulated ardour--into the rather lustreless orbs of Helen.

a young female

From this reading But he had not merely looked into the eyes of the one girl when he should have been looking into those of the other girl, he had spoken into her ears such words as would, if spoken into the ears of the other girl, have made her happy.

destroyed or killed

From this reading His father had made it plain to him, both by letter and word of mouth, that the proper course for him to pursue was one that involved asking Helen Craven to marry him--the adoption of any other course, even a prosaic one, would practically mean ruin to him; and yet he had gone straight from the side of his father, not to the side of Miss Craven, but to the side of Miss Avon.

a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black

From this reading And not only had he done this, but he had looked into the gray eyes of Beatrice when he should have been gazing with ardour--or simulated ardour--into the rather lustreless orbs of Helen.

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

From this reading THE people--Edmund Airey was one of them--who were accustomed to point to Harold Wynne as an example of the insecurity of formulating any definite theory of heredity, had no chance of being made aware of the nature of the conversations in which he had taken part, or they might not have been quite so ready to question the truth of that theory.

enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure

From this reading But he had not merely looked into the eyes of the one girl when he should have been looking into those of the other girl, he had spoken into her ears such words as would, if spoken into the ears of the other girl, have made her happy.

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

From this reading THE people--Edmund Airey was one of them--who were accustomed to point to Harold Wynne as an example of the insecurity of formulating any definite theory of heredity, had no chance of being made aware of the nature of the conversations in which he had taken part, or they might not have been quite so ready to question the truth of that theory.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading THE people--Edmund Airey was one of them--who were accustomed to point to Harold Wynne as an example of the insecurity of formulating any definite theory of heredity, had no chance of being made aware of the nature of the conversations in which he had taken part, or they might not have been quite so ready to question the truth of that theory.

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

From this reading THE people--Edmund Airey was one of them--who were accustomed to point to Harold Wynne as an example of the insecurity of formulating any definite theory of heredity, had no chance of being made aware of the nature of the conversations in which he had taken part, or they might not have been quite so ready to question the truth of that theory.

(Greek mythology) the beautiful daughter of Zeus and Leda who was abducted by Paris; the Greek army sailed to Troy to get her back which resulted in the Trojan War

From this reading His father had made it plain to him, both by letter and word of mouth, that the proper course for him to pursue was one that involved asking Helen Craven to marry him--the adoption of any other course, even a prosaic one, would practically mean ruin to him; and yet he had gone straight from the side of his father, not to the side of Miss Craven, but to the side of Miss Avon.

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

From this reading But he had not merely looked into the eyes of the one girl when he should have been looking into those of the other girl, he had spoken into her ears such words as would, if spoken into the ears of the other girl, have made her happy.

the biological process whereby genetic factors are transmitted from one generation to the next

From this reading THE people--Edmund Airey was one of them--who were accustomed to point to Harold Wynne as an example of the insecurity of formulating any definite theory of heredity, had no chance of being made aware of the nature of the conversations in which he had taken part, or they might not have been quite so ready to question the truth of that theory.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading His father had made it plain to him, both by letter and word of mouth, that the proper course for him to pursue was one that involved asking Helen Craven to marry him--the adoption of any other course, even a prosaic one, would practically mean ruin to him; and yet he had gone straight from the side of his father, not to the side of Miss Craven, but to the side of Miss Avon.

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

From this reading His father had made it plain to him, both by letter and word of mouth, that the proper course for him to pursue was one that involved asking Helen Craven to marry him--the adoption of any other course, even a prosaic one, would practically mean ruin to him; and yet he had gone straight from the side of his father, not to the side of Miss Craven, but to the side of Miss Avon.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading But he had not merely looked into the eyes of the one girl when he should have been looking into those of the other girl, he had spoken into her ears such words as would, if spoken into the ears of the other girl, have made her happy.

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

From this reading THE people--Edmund Airey was one of them--who were accustomed to point to Harold Wynne as an example of the insecurity of formulating any definite theory of heredity, had no chance of being made aware of the nature of the conversations in which he had taken part, or they might not have been quite so ready to question the truth of that theory.

occurring among members of a family usually by heredity

From this reading To do precisely the thing which he ought not to have done was certainly a trait which he had inherited from his father.

the state of being subject to danger or injury

From this reading THE people--Edmund Airey was one of them--who were accustomed to point to Harold Wynne as an example of the insecurity of formulating any definite theory of heredity, had no chance of being made aware of the nature of the conversations in which he had taken part, or they might not have been quite so ready to question the truth of that theory.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading And not only had he done this, but he had looked into the gray eyes of Beatrice when he should have been gazing with ardour--or simulated ardour--into the rather lustreless orbs of Helen.

connected by participation or association or use

From this reading His father had made it plain to him, both by letter and word of mouth, that the proper course for him to pursue was one that involved asking Helen Craven to marry him--the adoption of any other course, even a prosaic one, would practically mean ruin to him; and yet he had gone straight from the side of his father, not to the side of Miss Craven, but to the side of Miss Avon.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading His father had made it plain to him, both by letter and word of mouth, that the proper course for him to pursue was one that involved asking Helen Craven to marry him--the adoption of any other course, even a prosaic one, would practically mean ruin to him; and yet he had gone straight from the side of his father, not to the side of Miss Craven, but to the side of Miss Avon.

a written message addressed to a person or organization

From this reading His father had made it plain to him, both by letter and word of mouth, that the proper course for him to pursue was one that involved asking Helen Craven to marry him--the adoption of any other course, even a prosaic one, would practically mean ruin to him; and yet he had gone straight from the side of his father, not to the side of Miss Craven, but to the side of Miss Avon.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading And not only had he done this, but he had looked into the gray eyes of Beatrice when he should have been gazing with ardour--or simulated ardour--into the rather lustreless orbs of Helen.

the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually

From this reading But he had not merely looked into the eyes of the one girl when he should have been looking into those of the other girl, he had spoken into her ears such words as would, if spoken into the ears of the other girl, have made her happy.

lacking brilliance or vitality

From this reading And not only had he done this, but he had looked into the gray eyes of Beatrice when he should have been gazing with ardour--or simulated ardour--into the rather lustreless orbs of Helen.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading THE people--Edmund Airey was one of them--who were accustomed to point to Harold Wynne as an example of the insecurity of formulating any definite theory of heredity, had no chance of being made aware of the nature of the conversations in which he had taken part, or they might not have been quite so ready to question the truth of that theory.

take in marriage

From this reading His father had made it plain to him, both by letter and word of mouth, that the proper course for him to pursue was one that involved asking Helen Craven to marry him--the adoption of any other course, even a prosaic one, would practically mean ruin to him; and yet he had gone straight from the side of his father, not to the side of Miss Craven, but to the side of Miss Avon.

mean or intend to express or convey

From this reading His father had made it plain to him, both by letter and word of mouth, that the proper course for him to pursue was one that involved asking Helen Craven to marry him--the adoption of any other course, even a prosaic one, would practically mean ruin to him; and yet he had gone straight from the side of his father, not to the side of Miss Craven, but to the side of Miss Avon.

and nothing more

From this reading But he had not merely looked into the eyes of the one girl when he should have been looking into those of the other girl, he had spoken into her ears such words as would, if spoken into the ears of the other girl, have made her happy.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading THE people--Edmund Airey was one of them--who were accustomed to point to Harold Wynne as an example of the insecurity of formulating any definite theory of heredity, had no chance of being made aware of the nature of the conversations in which he had taken part, or they might not have been quite so ready to question the truth of that theory.

fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind

From this reading His father had made it plain to him, both by letter and word of mouth, that the proper course for him to pursue was one that involved asking Helen Craven to marry him--the adoption of any other course, even a prosaic one, would practically mean ruin to him; and yet he had gone straight from the side of his father, not to the side of Miss Craven, but to the side of Miss Avon.

the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge

From this reading His father had made it plain to him, both by letter and word of mouth, that the proper course for him to pursue was one that involved asking Helen Craven to marry him--the adoption of any other course, even a prosaic one, would practically mean ruin to him; and yet he had gone straight from the side of his father, not to the side of Miss Craven, but to the side of Miss Avon.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading THE people--Edmund Airey was one of them--who were accustomed to point to Harold Wynne as an example of the insecurity of formulating any definite theory of heredity, had no chance of being made aware of the nature of the conversations in which he had taken part, or they might not have been quite so ready to question the truth of that theory.

not any; not one

From this reading THE people--Edmund Airey was one of them--who were accustomed to point to Harold Wynne as an example of the insecurity of formulating any definite theory of heredity, had no chance of being made aware of the nature of the conversations in which he had taken part, or they might not have been quite so ready to question the truth of that theory.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading THE people--Edmund Airey was one of them--who were accustomed to point to Harold Wynne as an example of the insecurity of formulating any definite theory of heredity, had no chance of being made aware of the nature of the conversations in which he had taken part, or they might not have been quite so ready to question the truth of that theory.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE people--Edmund Airey was one of them--who were accustomed to point to Harold Wynne as an example of the insecurity of formulating any definite theory of heredity, had no chance of being made aware of the nature of the conversations in which he had taken part, or they might not have been quite so ready to question the truth of that theory.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading THE people--Edmund Airey was one of them--who were accustomed to point to Harold Wynne as an example of the insecurity of formulating any definite theory of heredity, had no chance of being made aware of the nature of the conversations in which he had taken part, or they might not have been quite so ready to question the truth of that theory.

and nothing more

From this reading And not only had he done this, but he had looked into the gray eyes of Beatrice when he should have been gazing with ardour--or simulated ardour--into the rather lustreless orbs of Helen.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading THE people--Edmund Airey was one of them--who were accustomed to point to Harold Wynne as an example of the insecurity of formulating any definite theory of heredity, had no chance of being made aware of the nature of the conversations in which he had taken part, or they might not have been quite so ready to question the truth of that theory.

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

From this reading And not only had he done this, but he had looked into the gray eyes of Beatrice when he should have been gazing with ardour--or simulated ardour--into the rather lustreless orbs of Helen.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading His father had made it plain to him, both by letter and word of mouth, that the proper course for him to pursue was one that involved asking Helen Craven to marry him--the adoption of any other course, even a prosaic one, would practically mean ruin to him; and yet he had gone straight from the side of his father, not to the side of Miss Craven, but to the side of Miss Avon.

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

From this reading To do precisely the thing which he ought not to have done was certainly a trait which he had inherited from his father.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading THE people--Edmund Airey was one of them--who were accustomed to point to Harold Wynne as an example of the insecurity of formulating any definite theory of heredity, had no chance of being made aware of the nature of the conversations in which he had taken part, or they might not have been quite so ready to question the truth of that theory.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading THE people--Edmund Airey was one of them--who were accustomed to point to Harold Wynne as an example of the insecurity of formulating any definite theory of heredity, had no chance of being made aware of the nature of the conversations in which he had taken part, or they might not have been quite so ready to question the truth of that theory.

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading His father had made it plain to him, both by letter and word of mouth, that the proper course for him to pursue was one that involved asking Helen Craven to marry him--the adoption of any other course, even a prosaic one, would practically mean ruin to him; and yet he had gone straight from the side of his father, not to the side of Miss Craven, but to the side of Miss Avon.

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading THE people--Edmund Airey was one of them--who were accustomed to point to Harold Wynne as an example of the insecurity of formulating any definite theory of heredity, had no chance of being made aware of the nature of the conversations in which he had taken part, or they might not have been quite so ready to question the truth of that theory.

almost; nearly

From this reading His father had made it plain to him, both by letter and word of mouth, that the proper course for him to pursue was one that involved asking Helen Craven to marry him--the adoption of any other course, even a prosaic one, would practically mean ruin to him; and yet he had gone straight from the side of his father, not to the side of Miss Craven, but to the side of Miss Avon.

indicating exactness or preciseness

From this reading To do precisely the thing which he ought not to have done was certainly a trait which he had inherited from his father.

marked by suitability or rightness or appropriateness

From this reading His father had made it plain to him, both by letter and word of mouth, that the proper course for him to pursue was one that involved asking Helen Craven to marry him--the adoption of any other course, even a prosaic one, would practically mean ruin to him; and yet he had gone straight from the side of his father, not to the side of Miss Craven, but to the side of Miss Avon.

not fanciful or imaginative

From this reading His father had made it plain to him, both by letter and word of mouth, that the proper course for him to pursue was one that involved asking Helen Craven to marry him--the adoption of any other course, even a prosaic one, would practically mean ruin to him; and yet he had gone straight from the side of his father, not to the side of Miss Craven, but to the side of Miss Avon.

carry out or participate in an activity; be involved in

From this reading His father had made it plain to him, both by letter and word of mouth, that the proper course for him to pursue was one that involved asking Helen Craven to marry him--the adoption of any other course, even a prosaic one, would practically mean ruin to him; and yet he had gone straight from the side of his father, not to the side of Miss Craven, but to the side of Miss Avon.

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading THE people--Edmund Airey was one of them--who were accustomed to point to Harold Wynne as an example of the insecurity of formulating any definite theory of heredity, had no chance of being made aware of the nature of the conversations in which he had taken part, or they might not have been quite so ready to question the truth of that theory.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading THE people--Edmund Airey was one of them--who were accustomed to point to Harold Wynne as an example of the insecurity of formulating any definite theory of heredity, had no chance of being made aware of the nature of the conversations in which he had taken part, or they might not have been quite so ready to question the truth of that theory.

on the contrary

From this reading And not only had he done this, but he had looked into the gray eyes of Beatrice when he should have been gazing with ardour--or simulated ardour--into the rather lustreless orbs of Helen.

completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress

From this reading THE people--Edmund Airey was one of them--who were accustomed to point to Harold Wynne as an example of the insecurity of formulating any definite theory of heredity, had no chance of being made aware of the nature of the conversations in which he had taken part, or they might not have been quite so ready to question the truth of that theory.

an irrecoverable state of devastation and destruction

From this reading His father had made it plain to him, both by letter and word of mouth, that the proper course for him to pursue was one that involved asking Helen Craven to marry him--the adoption of any other course, even a prosaic one, would practically mean ruin to him; and yet he had gone straight from the side of his father, not to the side of Miss Craven, but to the side of Miss Avon.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading And not only had he done this, but he had looked into the gray eyes of Beatrice when he should have been gazing with ardour--or simulated ardour--into the rather lustreless orbs of Helen.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading His father had made it plain to him, both by letter and word of mouth, that the proper course for him to pursue was one that involved asking Helen Craven to marry him--the adoption of any other course, even a prosaic one, would practically mean ruin to him; and yet he had gone straight from the side of his father, not to the side of Miss Craven, but to the side of Miss Avon.

not genuine or real; being an imitation of the genuine article

From this reading And not only had he done this, but he had looked into the gray eyes of Beatrice when he should have been gazing with ardour--or simulated ardour--into the rather lustreless orbs of Helen.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading THE people--Edmund Airey was one of them--who were accustomed to point to Harold Wynne as an example of the insecurity of formulating any definite theory of heredity, had no chance of being made aware of the nature of the conversations in which he had taken part, or they might not have been quite so ready to question the truth of that theory.

uttered through the medium of speech or characterized by speech; sometimes used in combination

From this reading But he had not merely looked into the eyes of the one girl when he should have been looking into those of the other girl, he had spoken into her ears such words as would, if spoken into the ears of the other girl, have made her happy.

successive (without a break)

From this reading His father had made it plain to him, both by letter and word of mouth, that the proper course for him to pursue was one that involved asking Helen Craven to marry him--the adoption of any other course, even a prosaic one, would practically mean ruin to him; and yet he had gone straight from the side of his father, not to the side of Miss Craven, but to the side of Miss Avon.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading But he had not merely looked into the eyes of the one girl when he should have been looking into those of the other girl, he had spoken into her ears such words as would, if spoken into the ears of the other girl, have made her happy.

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading THE people--Edmund Airey was one of them--who were accustomed to point to Harold Wynne as an example of the insecurity of formulating any definite theory of heredity, had no chance of being made aware of the nature of the conversations in which he had taken part, or they might not have been quite so ready to question the truth of that theory.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE people--Edmund Airey was one of them--who were accustomed to point to Harold Wynne as an example of the insecurity of formulating any definite theory of heredity, had no chance of being made aware of the nature of the conversations in which he had taken part, or they might not have been quite so ready to question the truth of that theory.

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

From this reading THE people--Edmund Airey was one of them--who were accustomed to point to Harold Wynne as an example of the insecurity of formulating any definite theory of heredity, had no chance of being made aware of the nature of the conversations in which he had taken part, or they might not have been quite so ready to question the truth of that theory.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading THE people--Edmund Airey was one of them--who were accustomed to point to Harold Wynne as an example of the insecurity of formulating any definite theory of heredity, had no chance of being made aware of the nature of the conversations in which he had taken part, or they might not have been quite so ready to question the truth of that theory.

a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world; an organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a variety of circumstances to explain a specific set of phenomena

From this reading THE people--Edmund Airey was one of them--who were accustomed to point to Harold Wynne as an example of the insecurity of formulating any definite theory of heredity, had no chance of being made aware of the nature of the conversations in which he had taken part, or they might not have been quite so ready to question the truth of that theory.

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

From this reading THE people--Edmund Airey was one of them--who were accustomed to point to Harold Wynne as an example of the insecurity of formulating any definite theory of heredity, had no chance of being made aware of the nature of the conversations in which he had taken part, or they might not have been quite so ready to question the truth of that theory.

a special situation

From this reading To do precisely the thing which he ought not to have done was certainly a trait which he had inherited from his father.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading And not only had he done this, but he had looked into the gray eyes of Beatrice when he should have been gazing with ardour--or simulated ardour--into the rather lustreless orbs of Helen.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading But he had not merely looked into the eyes of the one girl when he should have been looking into those of the other girl, he had spoken into her ears such words as would, if spoken into the ears of the other girl, have made her happy.

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

From this reading THE people--Edmund Airey was one of them--who were accustomed to point to Harold Wynne as an example of the insecurity of formulating any definite theory of heredity, had no chance of being made aware of the nature of the conversations in which he had taken part, or they might not have been quite so ready to question the truth of that theory.

a distinguishing feature of your personal nature

From this reading To do precisely the thing which he ought not to have done was certainly a trait which he had inherited from his father.

a fact that has been verified

From this reading THE people--Edmund Airey was one of them--who were accustomed to point to Harold Wynne as an example of the insecurity of formulating any definite theory of heredity, had no chance of being made aware of the nature of the conversations in which he had taken part, or they might not have been quite so ready to question the truth of that theory.

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

From this reading THE people--Edmund Airey was one of them--who were accustomed to point to Harold Wynne as an example of the insecurity of formulating any definite theory of heredity, had no chance of being made aware of the nature of the conversations in which he had taken part, or they might not have been quite so ready to question the truth of that theory.

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

From this reading THE people--Edmund Airey was one of them--who were accustomed to point to Harold Wynne as an example of the insecurity of formulating any definite theory of heredity, had no chance of being made aware of the nature of the conversations in which he had taken part, or they might not have been quite so ready to question the truth of that theory.

at the time that

From this reading And not only had he done this, but he had looked into the gray eyes of Beatrice when he should have been gazing with ardour--or simulated ardour--into the rather lustreless orbs of Helen.

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

From this reading THE people--Edmund Airey was one of them--who were accustomed to point to Harold Wynne as an example of the insecurity of formulating any definite theory of heredity, had no chance of being made aware of the nature of the conversations in which he had taken part, or they might not have been quite so ready to question the truth of that theory.

which person or people

From this reading THE people--Edmund Airey was one of them--who were accustomed to point to Harold Wynne as an example of the insecurity of formulating any definite theory of heredity, had no chance of being made aware of the nature of the conversations in which he had taken part, or they might not have been quite so ready to question the truth of that theory.

in the company of; together with

From this reading And not only had he done this, but he had looked into the gray eyes of Beatrice when he should have been gazing with ardour--or simulated ardour--into the rather lustreless orbs of Helen.

a unit of language that native speakers can identify

From this reading His father had made it plain to him, both by letter and word of mouth, that the proper course for him to pursue was one that involved asking Helen Craven to marry him--the adoption of any other course, even a prosaic one, would practically mean ruin to him; and yet he had gone straight from the side of his father, not to the side of Miss Craven, but to the side of Miss Avon.

the words that are spoken

From this reading But he had not merely looked into the eyes of the one girl when he should have been looking into those of the other girl, he had spoken into her ears such words as would, if spoken into the ears of the other girl, have made her happy.

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

From this reading His father had made it plain to him, both by letter and word of mouth, that the proper course for him to pursue was one that involved asking Helen Craven to marry him--the adoption of any other course, even a prosaic one, would practically mean ruin to him; and yet he had gone straight from the side of his father, not to the side of Miss Craven, but to the side of Miss Avon.

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

From this reading THE people--Edmund Airey was one of them--who were accustomed to point to Harold Wynne as an example of the insecurity of formulating any definite theory of heredity, had no chance of being made aware of the nature of the conversations in which he had taken part, or they might not have been quite so ready to question the truth of that theory.

but in spite of that

From this reading His father had made it plain to him, both by letter and word of mouth, that the proper course for him to pursue was one that involved asking Helen Craven to marry him--the adoption of any other course, even a prosaic one, would practically mean ruin to him; and yet he had gone straight from the side of his father, not to the side of Miss Craven, but to the side of Miss Avon.