Chapter III · Chapter 3

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

From this reading She felt that her behaviour in that lady's house, and the sudden growth in her own mind of a quite unmanageable dislike, were not to be defended in one who prided herself on a general temper of coolness and common sense, who despised the rancour and whims of other women, hated scenes, and had always held jealousy to be the smallest and most degrading of passions.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading And above all, why grudge Arthur a woman friend?

(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 And above all, why grudge Arthur a woman friend?

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading She felt that her behaviour in that lady's house, and the sudden growth in her own mind of a quite unmanageable dislike, were not to be defended in one who prided herself on a general temper of coolness and common sense, who despised the rancour and whims of other women, hated scenes, and had always held jealousy to be the smallest and most degrading of passions.

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

From this reading She felt that her behaviour in that lady's house, and the sudden growth in her own mind of a quite unmanageable dislike, were not to be defended in one who prided herself on a general temper of coolness and common sense, who despised the rancour and whims of other women, hated scenes, and had always held jealousy to be the smallest and most degrading of passions.

plural of “argument” — a fact or assertion offered as evidence that something is true

From this reading None of these arguments, however, availed at all to reconcile Doris to the new intimacy growing under her eyes.

elected vice president and became 21st President of the United States when Garfield was assassinated (1830-1886)

From this reading And above all, why grudge Arthur a woman friend?

in a state of sleep

From this reading During the weeks that followed the Meadowses' first visit to Crosby Ledgers, Doris's conscience was by no means asleep on the subject of Lady Dunstable.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Why not laugh at what was odious, show oneself superior to personal slights, and enjoy what could be enjoyed?

past form of “avail” — use to one's advantage

From this reading None of these arguments, however, availed at all to reconcile Doris to the new intimacy growing under her eyes.

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

From this reading She felt that her behaviour in that lady's house, and the sudden growth in her own mind of a quite unmanageable dislike, were not to be defended in one who prided herself on a general temper of coolness and common sense, who despised the rancour and whims of other women, hated scenes, and had always held jealousy to be the smallest and most degrading of passions.

the action or reaction of something (as a machine or substance) under specified circumstances

From this reading She felt that her behaviour in that lady's house, and the sudden growth in her own mind of a quite unmanageable dislike, were not to be defended in one who prided herself on a general temper of coolness and common sense, who despised the rancour and whims of other women, hated scenes, and had always held jealousy to be the smallest and most degrading of passions.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading During the weeks that followed the Meadowses' first visit to Crosby Ledgers, Doris's conscience was by no means asleep on the subject of Lady Dunstable.

belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public

From this reading She felt that her behaviour in that lady's house, and the sudden growth in her own mind of a quite unmanageable dislike, were not to be defended in one who prided herself on a general temper of coolness and common sense, who despised the rancour and whims of other women, hated scenes, and had always held jealousy to be the smallest and most degrading of passions.

motivation deriving logically from ethical or moral principles that govern a person's thoughts and actions

From this reading During the weeks that followed the Meadowses' first visit to Crosby Ledgers, Doris's conscience was by no means asleep on the subject of Lady Dunstable.

calm and unruffled self-assurance

From this reading She felt that her behaviour in that lady's house, and the sudden growth in her own mind of a quite unmanageable dislike, were not to be defended in one who prided herself on a general temper of coolness and common sense, who despised the rancour and whims of other women, hated scenes, and had always held jealousy to be the smallest and most degrading of passions.

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

From this reading Why not laugh at what was odious, show oneself superior to personal slights, and enjoy what could be enjoyed?

United States singer and film actor (1903-1977)

From this reading During the weeks that followed the Meadowses' first visit to Crosby Ledgers, Doris's conscience was by no means asleep on the subject of Lady Dunstable.

past form of “defend” — argue or speak in defense of

From this reading She felt that her behaviour in that lady's house, and the sudden growth in her own mind of a quite unmanageable dislike, were not to be defended in one who prided herself on a general temper of coolness and common sense, who despised the rancour and whims of other women, hated scenes, and had always held jealousy to be the smallest and most degrading of passions.

harmful to the mind or morals

From this reading She felt that her behaviour in that lady's house, and the sudden growth in her own mind of a quite unmanageable dislike, were not to be defended in one who prided herself on a general temper of coolness and common sense, who despised the rancour and whims of other women, hated scenes, and had always held jealousy to be the smallest and most degrading of passions.

treated with dislike or contempt

From this reading She felt that her behaviour in that lady's house, and the sudden growth in her own mind of a quite unmanageable dislike, were not to be defended in one who prided herself on a general temper of coolness and common sense, who despised the rancour and whims of other women, hated scenes, and had always held jealousy to be the smallest and most degrading of passions.

an inclination to withhold approval from some person or group

From this reading She felt that her behaviour in that lady's house, and the sudden growth in her own mind of a quite unmanageable dislike, were not to be defended in one who prided herself on a general temper of coolness and common sense, who despised the rancour and whims of other women, hated scenes, and had always held jealousy to be the smallest and most degrading of passions.

(Greek mythology) wife of Nereus and mother of the Nereids

From this reading None of these arguments, however, availed at all to reconcile Doris to the new intimacy growing under her eyes.

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

From this reading During the weeks that followed the Meadowses' first visit to Crosby Ledgers, Doris's conscience was by no means asleep on the subject of Lady Dunstable.

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

From this reading During the weeks that followed the Meadowses' first visit to Crosby Ledgers, Doris's conscience was by no means asleep on the subject of Lady Dunstable.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading During the weeks that followed the Meadowses' first visit to Crosby Ledgers, Doris's conscience was by no means asleep on the subject of Lady Dunstable.

derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in

From this reading Why not laugh at what was odious, show oneself superior to personal slights, and enjoy what could be enjoyed?

past form of “enjoy” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in

From this reading Why not laugh at what was odious, show oneself superior to personal slights, and enjoy what could be enjoyed?

opinion or judgment

From this reading None of these arguments, however, availed at all to reconcile Doris to the new intimacy growing under her eyes.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading She felt that her behaviour in that lady's house, and the sudden growth in her own mind of a quite unmanageable dislike, were not to be defended in one who prided herself on a general temper of coolness and common sense, who despised the rancour and whims of other women, hated scenes, and had always held jealousy to be the smallest and most degrading of passions.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading During the weeks that followed the Meadowses' first visit to Crosby Ledgers, Doris's conscience was by no means asleep on the subject of Lady Dunstable.

past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading During the weeks that followed the Meadowses' first visit to Crosby Ledgers, Doris's conscience was by no means asleep on the subject of Lady Dunstable.

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading And above all, why grudge Arthur a woman friend?

applying to all or most members of a category or group

From this reading She felt that her behaviour in that lady's house, and the sudden growth in her own mind of a quite unmanageable dislike, were not to be defended in one who prided herself on a general temper of coolness and common sense, who despised the rancour and whims of other women, hated scenes, and had always held jealousy to be the smallest and most degrading of passions.

(biology) the process of an individual organism growing organically; a purely biological unfolding of events involved in an organism changing gradually from a simple to a more complex level

From this reading None of these arguments, however, availed at all to reconcile Doris to the new intimacy growing under her eyes.

(biology) the process of an individual organism growing organically; a purely biological unfolding of events involved in an organism changing gradually from a simple to a more complex level

From this reading She felt that her behaviour in that lady's house, and the sudden growth in her own mind of a quite unmanageable dislike, were not to be defended in one who prided herself on a general temper of coolness and common sense, who despised the rancour and whims of other women, hated scenes, and had always held jealousy to be the smallest and most degrading of passions.

a resentment strong enough to justify retaliation

From this reading And above all, why grudge Arthur a woman friend?

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

From this reading She felt that her behaviour in that lady's house, and the sudden growth in her own mind of a quite unmanageable dislike, were not to be defended in one who prided herself on a general temper of coolness and common sense, who despised the rancour and whims of other women, hated scenes, and had always held jealousy to be the smallest and most degrading of passions.

treated with dislike or contempt

From this reading She felt that her behaviour in that lady's house, and the sudden growth in her own mind of a quite unmanageable dislike, were not to be defended in one who prided herself on a general temper of coolness and common sense, who despised the rancour and whims of other women, hated scenes, and had always held jealousy to be the smallest and most degrading of passions.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading She felt that her behaviour in that lady's house, and the sudden growth in her own mind of a quite unmanageable dislike, were not to be defended in one who prided herself on a general temper of coolness and common sense, who despised the rancour and whims of other women, hated scenes, and had always held jealousy to be the smallest and most degrading of passions.

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

From this reading She felt that her behaviour in that lady's house, and the sudden growth in her own mind of a quite unmanageable dislike, were not to be defended in one who prided herself on a general temper of coolness and common sense, who despised the rancour and whims of other women, hated scenes, and had always held jealousy to be the smallest and most degrading of passions.

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

From this reading She felt that her behaviour in that lady's house, and the sudden growth in her own mind of a quite unmanageable dislike, were not to be defended in one who prided herself on a general temper of coolness and common sense, who despised the rancour and whims of other women, hated scenes, and had always held jealousy to be the smallest and most degrading of passions.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading She felt that her behaviour in that lady's house, and the sudden growth in her own mind of a quite unmanageable dislike, were not to be defended in one who prided herself on a general temper of coolness and common sense, who despised the rancour and whims of other women, hated scenes, and had always held jealousy to be the smallest and most degrading of passions.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading None of these arguments, however, availed at all to reconcile Doris to the new intimacy growing under her eyes.

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

From this reading She felt that her behaviour in that lady's house, and the sudden growth in her own mind of a quite unmanageable dislike, were not to be defended in one who prided herself on a general temper of coolness and common sense, who despised the rancour and whims of other women, hated scenes, and had always held jealousy to be the smallest and most degrading of passions.

close or warm friendship

From this reading None of these arguments, however, availed at all to reconcile Doris to the new intimacy growing under her eyes.

a feeling of jealous envy (especially of a rival)

From this reading She felt that her behaviour in that lady's house, and the sudden growth in her own mind of a quite unmanageable dislike, were not to be defended in one who prided herself on a general temper of coolness and common sense, who despised the rancour and whims of other women, hated scenes, and had always held jealousy to be the smallest and most degrading of passions.

a polite name for any woman

From this reading During the weeks that followed the Meadowses' first visit to Crosby Ledgers, Doris's conscience was by no means asleep on the subject of Lady Dunstable.

possessive form of “lady” — a polite name for any woman

From this reading She felt that her behaviour in that lady's house, and the sudden growth in her own mind of a quite unmanageable dislike, were not to be defended in one who prided herself on a general temper of coolness and common sense, who despised the rancour and whims of other women, hated scenes, and had always held jealousy to be the smallest and most degrading of passions.

the sound of laughing

From this reading Why not laugh at what was odious, show oneself superior to personal slights, and enjoy what could be enjoyed?

plural of “ledger” — a record in which commercial accounts are recorded

From this reading During the weeks that followed the Meadowses' first visit to Crosby Ledgers, Doris's conscience was by no means asleep on the subject of Lady Dunstable.

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

From this reading During the weeks that followed the Meadowses' first visit to Crosby Ledgers, Doris's conscience was by no means asleep on the subject of Lady Dunstable.

thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end

From this reading During the weeks that followed the Meadowses' first visit to Crosby Ledgers, Doris's conscience was by no means asleep on the subject of Lady Dunstable.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading She felt that her behaviour in that lady's house, and the sudden growth in her own mind of a quite unmanageable dislike, were not to be defended in one who prided herself on a general temper of coolness and common sense, who despised the rancour and whims of other women, hated scenes, and had always held jealousy to be the smallest and most degrading of passions.

used to form the superlative

From this reading She felt that her behaviour in that lady's house, and the sudden growth in her own mind of a quite unmanageable dislike, were not to be defended in one who prided herself on a general temper of coolness and common sense, who despised the rancour and whims of other women, hated scenes, and had always held jealousy to be the smallest and most degrading of passions.

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

From this reading None of these arguments, however, availed at all to reconcile Doris to the new intimacy growing under her eyes.

not any; not one

From this reading During the weeks that followed the Meadowses' first visit to Crosby Ledgers, Doris's conscience was by no means asleep on the subject of Lady Dunstable.

not one, and not any

From this reading None of these arguments, however, availed at all to reconcile Doris to the new intimacy growing under her eyes.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading She felt that her behaviour in that lady's house, and the sudden growth in her own mind of a quite unmanageable dislike, were not to be defended in one who prided herself on a general temper of coolness and common sense, who despised the rancour and whims of other women, hated scenes, and had always held jealousy to be the smallest and most degrading of passions.

unequivocally detestable

From this reading Why not laugh at what was odious, show oneself superior to personal slights, and enjoy what could be enjoyed?

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading During the weeks that followed the Meadowses' first visit to Crosby Ledgers, Doris's conscience was by no means asleep on the subject of Lady Dunstable.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading During the weeks that followed the Meadowses' first visit to Crosby Ledgers, Doris's conscience was by no means asleep on the subject of Lady Dunstable.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading She felt that her behaviour in that lady's house, and the sudden growth in her own mind of a quite unmanageable dislike, were not to be defended in one who prided herself on a general temper of coolness and common sense, who despised the rancour and whims of other women, hated scenes, and had always held jealousy to be the smallest and most degrading of passions.

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

From this reading Why not laugh at what was odious, show oneself superior to personal slights, and enjoy what could be enjoyed?

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading She felt that her behaviour in that lady's house, and the sudden growth in her own mind of a quite unmanageable dislike, were not to be defended in one who prided herself on a general temper of coolness and common sense, who despised the rancour and whims of other women, hated scenes, and had always held jealousy to be the smallest and most degrading of passions.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading She felt that her behaviour in that lady's house, and the sudden growth in her own mind of a quite unmanageable dislike, were not to be defended in one who prided herself on a general temper of coolness and common sense, who despised the rancour and whims of other women, hated scenes, and had always held jealousy to be the smallest and most degrading of passions.

plural of “passion” — a strong feeling or emotion

From this reading She felt that her behaviour in that lady's house, and the sudden growth in her own mind of a quite unmanageable dislike, were not to be defended in one who prided herself on a general temper of coolness and common sense, who despised the rancour and whims of other women, hated scenes, and had always held jealousy to be the smallest and most degrading of passions.

concerning or affecting a particular person or his or her private life and personality

From this reading Why not laugh at what was odious, show oneself superior to personal slights, and enjoy what could be enjoyed?

past form of “pride” — be proud of

From this reading She felt that her behaviour in that lady's house, and the sudden growth in her own mind of a quite unmanageable dislike, were not to be defended in one who prided herself on a general temper of coolness and common sense, who despised the rancour and whims of other women, hated scenes, and had always held jealousy to be the smallest and most degrading of passions.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading She felt that her behaviour in that lady's house, and the sudden growth in her own mind of a quite unmanageable dislike, were not to be defended in one who prided herself on a general temper of coolness and common sense, who despised the rancour and whims of other women, hated scenes, and had always held jealousy to be the smallest and most degrading of passions.

a feeling of deep and bitter anger and ill-will

From this reading She felt that her behaviour in that lady's house, and the sudden growth in her own mind of a quite unmanageable dislike, were not to be defended in one who prided herself on a general temper of coolness and common sense, who despised the rancour and whims of other women, hated scenes, and had always held jealousy to be the smallest and most degrading of passions.

make (one thing) compatible with

From this reading None of these arguments, however, availed at all to reconcile Doris to the new intimacy growing under her eyes.

plural of “scene” — the place where some action occurs

From this reading She felt that her behaviour in that lady's house, and the sudden growth in her own mind of a quite unmanageable dislike, were not to be defended in one who prided herself on a general temper of coolness and common sense, who despised the rancour and whims of other women, hated scenes, and had always held jealousy to be the smallest and most degrading of passions.

a general conscious awareness

From this reading She felt that her behaviour in that lady's house, and the sudden growth in her own mind of a quite unmanageable dislike, were not to be defended in one who prided herself on a general temper of coolness and common sense, who despised the rancour and whims of other women, hated scenes, and had always held jealousy to be the smallest and most degrading of passions.

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

From this reading She felt that her behaviour in that lady's house, and the sudden growth in her own mind of a quite unmanageable dislike, were not to be defended in one who prided herself on a general temper of coolness and common sense, who despised the rancour and whims of other women, hated scenes, and had always held jealousy to be the smallest and most degrading of passions.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading Why not laugh at what was odious, show oneself superior to personal slights, and enjoy what could be enjoyed?

plural of “slight” — a deliberate discourteous act (usually as an expression of anger or disapproval)

From this reading Why not laugh at what was odious, show oneself superior to personal slights, and enjoy what could be enjoyed?

superlative of “small” — limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading She felt that her behaviour in that lady's house, and the sudden growth in her own mind of a quite unmanageable dislike, were not to be defended in one who prided herself on a general temper of coolness and common sense, who despised the rancour and whims of other women, hated scenes, and had always held jealousy to be the smallest and most degrading of passions.

the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading During the weeks that followed the Meadowses' first visit to Crosby Ledgers, Doris's conscience was by no means asleep on the subject of Lady Dunstable.

happening without warning or in a short space of time

From this reading She felt that her behaviour in that lady's house, and the sudden growth in her own mind of a quite unmanageable dislike, were not to be defended in one who prided herself on a general temper of coolness and common sense, who despised the rancour and whims of other women, hated scenes, and had always held jealousy to be the smallest and most degrading of passions.

of high or superior quality or performance

From this reading Why not laugh at what was odious, show oneself superior to personal slights, and enjoy what could be enjoyed?

a sudden outburst of anger

From this reading She felt that her behaviour in that lady's house, and the sudden growth in her own mind of a quite unmanageable dislike, were not to be defended in one who prided herself on a general temper of coolness and common sense, who despised the rancour and whims of other women, hated scenes, and had always held jealousy to be the smallest and most degrading of passions.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading During the weeks that followed the Meadowses' first visit to Crosby Ledgers, Doris's conscience was by no means asleep on the subject of Lady Dunstable.

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

From this reading During the weeks that followed the Meadowses' first visit to Crosby Ledgers, Doris's conscience was by no means asleep on the subject of Lady Dunstable.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading None of these arguments, however, availed at all to reconcile Doris to the new intimacy growing under her eyes.

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

From this reading During the weeks that followed the Meadowses' first visit to Crosby Ledgers, Doris's conscience was by no means asleep on the subject of Lady Dunstable.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading None of these arguments, however, availed at all to reconcile Doris to the new intimacy growing under her eyes.

difficult to use or handle or manage because of size or weight or shape

From this reading She felt that her behaviour in that lady's house, and the sudden growth in her own mind of a quite unmanageable dislike, were not to be defended in one who prided herself on a general temper of coolness and common sense, who despised the rancour and whims of other women, hated scenes, and had always held jealousy to be the smallest and most degrading of passions.

go to see a place, as for entertainment

From this reading During the weeks that followed the Meadowses' first visit to Crosby Ledgers, Doris's conscience was by no means asleep on the subject of Lady Dunstable.

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

From this reading During the weeks that followed the Meadowses' first visit to Crosby Ledgers, Doris's conscience was by no means asleep on the subject of Lady Dunstable.

plural of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading During the weeks that followed the Meadowses' first visit to Crosby Ledgers, Doris's conscience was by no means asleep on the subject of Lady Dunstable.

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

From this reading She felt that her behaviour in that lady's house, and the sudden growth in her own mind of a quite unmanageable dislike, were not to be defended in one who prided herself on a general temper of coolness and common sense, who despised the rancour and whims of other women, hated scenes, and had always held jealousy to be the smallest and most degrading of passions.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Why not laugh at what was odious, show oneself superior to personal slights, and enjoy what could be enjoyed?

plural of “whim” — a sudden desire

From this reading She felt that her behaviour in that lady's house, and the sudden growth in her own mind of a quite unmanageable dislike, were not to be defended in one who prided herself on a general temper of coolness and common sense, who despised the rancour and whims of other women, hated scenes, and had always held jealousy to be the smallest and most degrading of passions.

which person or people

From this reading She felt that her behaviour in that lady's house, and the sudden growth in her own mind of a quite unmanageable dislike, were not to be defended in one who prided herself on a general temper of coolness and common sense, who despised the rancour and whims of other women, hated scenes, and had always held jealousy to be the smallest and most degrading of passions.

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

From this reading Why not laugh at what was odious, show oneself superior to personal slights, and enjoy what could be enjoyed?

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading And above all, why grudge Arthur a woman friend?

plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading She felt that her behaviour in that lady's house, and the sudden growth in her own mind of a quite unmanageable dislike, were not to be defended in one who prided herself on a general temper of coolness and common sense, who despised the rancour and whims of other women, hated scenes, and had always held jealousy to be the smallest and most degrading of passions.