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 Mrs. Wentworth Curzon sails a little near the wind, perhaps because she is careless, and now and then Lady Dawlish has been "talked about," because she has a vast number of debts and a lord who occasionally makes scenes; but, with these exceptions, all these ladies are as safe on their pedestals as if they were marble statues of chastity.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Mrs. Wentworth Curzon sails a little near the wind, perhaps because she is careless, and now and then Lady Dawlish has been "talked about," because she has a vast number of debts and a lord who occasionally makes scenes; but, with these exceptions, all these ladies are as safe on their pedestals as if they were marble statues of chastity.

(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 Mrs. Wentworth Curzon sails a little near the wind, perhaps because she is careless, and now and then Lady Dawlish has been "talked about," because she has a vast number of debts and a lord who occasionally makes scenes; but, with these exceptions, all these ladies are as safe on their pedestals as if they were marble statues of chastity.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading They are among the most eminent leaders of that world of fashion which has of late revolutionized taste, temper, and society in England.

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

From this reading Let it not for an instant be supposed that the guests of Surrenden are people looked in the least coldly or shyly on by society.

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

From this reading They go to drawing-rooms, which means nothing; they are invited to state balls and state concerts, which means much.

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

From this reading Let it not for an instant be supposed that the guests of Surrenden are people looked in the least coldly or shyly on by society.

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

From this reading Mrs. Wentworth Curzon sails a little near the wind, perhaps because she is careless, and now and then Lady Dawlish has been "talked about," because she has a vast number of debts and a lord who occasionally makes scenes; but, with these exceptions, all these ladies are as safe on their pedestals as if they were marble statues of chastity.

plural of “ball” — round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games

From this reading They go to drawing-rooms, which means nothing; they are invited to state balls and state concerts, which means much.

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

From this reading Let it not for an instant be supposed that the guests of Surrenden are people looked in the least coldly or shyly on by society.

for the reason that

From this reading Mrs. Wentworth Curzon sails a little near the wind, perhaps because she is careless, and now and then Lady Dawlish has been "talked about," because she has a vast number of debts and a lord who occasionally makes scenes; but, with these exceptions, all these ladies are as safe on their pedestals as if they were marble statues of chastity.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Mrs. Wentworth Curzon sails a little near the wind, perhaps because she is careless, and now and then Lady Dawlish has been "talked about," because she has a vast number of debts and a lord who occasionally makes scenes; but, with these exceptions, all these ladies are as safe on their pedestals as if they were marble statues of chastity.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Mrs. Wentworth Curzon sails a little near the wind, perhaps because she is careless, and now and then Lady Dawlish has been "talked about," because she has a vast number of debts and a lord who occasionally makes scenes; but, with these exceptions, all these ladies are as safe on their pedestals as if they were marble statues of chastity.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Let it not for an instant be supposed that the guests of Surrenden are people looked in the least coldly or shyly on by society.

marked by lack of attention or consideration or forethought or thoroughness; not careful

From this reading Mrs. Wentworth Curzon sails a little near the wind, perhaps because she is careless, and now and then Lady Dawlish has been "talked about," because she has a vast number of debts and a lord who occasionally makes scenes; but, with these exceptions, all these ladies are as safe on their pedestals as if they were marble statues of chastity.

abstaining from sexual relations (as because of religious vows)

From this reading Mrs. Wentworth Curzon sails a little near the wind, perhaps because she is careless, and now and then Lady Dawlish has been "talked about," because she has a vast number of debts and a lord who occasionally makes scenes; but, with these exceptions, all these ladies are as safe on their pedestals as if they were marble statues of chastity.

lacking warmth of feeling; in a cold, unemotional manner

From this reading Let it not for an instant be supposed that the guests of Surrenden are people looked in the least coldly or shyly on by society.

plural of “concert” — a performance of music by players or singers not involving theatrical staging

From this reading They go to drawing-rooms, which means nothing; they are invited to state balls and state concerts, which means much.

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

From this reading Mrs. Wentworth Curzon sails a little near the wind, perhaps because she is careless, and now and then Lady Dawlish has been "talked about," because she has a vast number of debts and a lord who occasionally makes scenes; but, with these exceptions, all these ladies are as safe on their pedestals as if they were marble statues of chastity.

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

From this reading Mrs. Wentworth Curzon sails a little near the wind, perhaps because she is careless, and now and then Lady Dawlish has been "talked about," because she has a vast number of debts and a lord who occasionally makes scenes; but, with these exceptions, all these ladies are as safe on their pedestals as if they were marble statues of chastity.

plural of “debt” — the state of owing something (especially money)

From this reading Mrs. Wentworth Curzon sails a little near the wind, perhaps because she is careless, and now and then Lady Dawlish has been "talked about," because she has a vast number of debts and a lord who occasionally makes scenes; but, with these exceptions, all these ladies are as safe on their pedestals as if they were marble statues of chastity.

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

From this reading They go to drawing-rooms, which means nothing; they are invited to state balls and state concerts, which means much.

standing above others in quality or position

From this reading They are among the most eminent leaders of that world of fashion which has of late revolutionized taste, temper, and society in England.

a division of the United Kingdom

From this reading They are among the most eminent leaders of that world of fashion which has of late revolutionized taste, temper, and society in England.

plural of “exception” — a deliberate act of omission

From this reading Mrs. Wentworth Curzon sails a little near the wind, perhaps because she is careless, and now and then Lady Dawlish has been "talked about," because she has a vast number of debts and a lord who occasionally makes scenes; but, with these exceptions, all these ladies are as safe on their pedestals as if they were marble statues of chastity.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading They are among the most eminent leaders of that world of fashion which has of late revolutionized taste, temper, and society in England.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Let it not for an instant be supposed that the guests of Surrenden are people looked in the least coldly or shyly on by society.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading They go to drawing-rooms, which means nothing; they are invited to state balls and state concerts, which means much.

plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended

From this reading Let it not for an instant be supposed that the guests of Surrenden are people looked in the least coldly or shyly on by society.

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

From this reading They are among the most eminent leaders of that world of fashion which has of late revolutionized taste, temper, and society in England.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Mrs. Wentworth Curzon sails a little near the wind, perhaps because she is careless, and now and then Lady Dawlish has been "talked about," because she has a vast number of debts and a lord who occasionally makes scenes; but, with these exceptions, all these ladies are as safe on their pedestals as if they were marble statues of chastity.

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

From this reading Let it not for an instant be supposed that the guests of Surrenden are people looked in the least coldly or shyly on by society.

a very short time (as the time it takes the eye to blink or the heart to beat)

From this reading Let it not for an instant be supposed that the guests of Surrenden are people looked in the least coldly or shyly on by society.

past form of “invite” — increase the likelihood of

From this reading They go to drawing-rooms, which means nothing; they are invited to state balls and state concerts, which means much.

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

From this reading Mrs. Wentworth Curzon sails a little near the wind, perhaps because she is careless, and now and then Lady Dawlish has been "talked about," because she has a vast number of debts and a lord who occasionally makes scenes; but, with these exceptions, all these ladies are as safe on their pedestals as if they were marble statues of chastity.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Let it not for an instant be supposed that the guests of Surrenden are people looked in the least coldly or shyly on by society.

plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman

From this reading Mrs. Wentworth Curzon sails a little near the wind, perhaps because she is careless, and now and then Lady Dawlish has been "talked about," because she has a vast number of debts and a lord who occasionally makes scenes; but, with these exceptions, all these ladies are as safe on their pedestals as if they were marble statues of chastity.

a polite name for any woman

From this reading Mrs. Wentworth Curzon sails a little near the wind, perhaps because she is careless, and now and then Lady Dawlish has been "talked about," because she has a vast number of debts and a lord who occasionally makes scenes; but, with these exceptions, all these ladies are as safe on their pedestals as if they were marble statues of chastity.

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

From this reading They are among the most eminent leaders of that world of fashion which has of late revolutionized taste, temper, and society in England.

the body of people who lead a group

From this reading They are among the most eminent leaders of that world of fashion which has of late revolutionized taste, temper, and society in England.

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading Let it not for an instant be supposed that the guests of Surrenden are people looked in the least coldly or shyly on by society.

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading Let it not for an instant be supposed that the guests of Surrenden are people looked in the least coldly or shyly on by society.

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

From this reading Mrs. Wentworth Curzon sails a little near the wind, perhaps because she is careless, and now and then Lady Dawlish has been "talked about," because she has a vast number of debts and a lord who occasionally makes scenes; but, with these exceptions, all these ladies are as safe on their pedestals as if they were marble statues of chastity.

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

From this reading Let it not for an instant be supposed that the guests of Surrenden are people looked in the least coldly or shyly on by society.

terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God

From this reading Mrs. Wentworth Curzon sails a little near the wind, perhaps because she is careless, and now and then Lady Dawlish has been "talked about," because she has a vast number of debts and a lord who occasionally makes scenes; but, with these exceptions, all these ladies are as safe on their pedestals as if they were marble statues of chastity.

plural of “make” — a recognizable kind

From this reading Mrs. Wentworth Curzon sails a little near the wind, perhaps because she is careless, and now and then Lady Dawlish has been "talked about," because she has a vast number of debts and a lord who occasionally makes scenes; but, with these exceptions, all these ladies are as safe on their pedestals as if they were marble statues of chastity.

a hard crystalline metamorphic rock that takes a high polish; used for sculpture and as building material

From this reading Mrs. Wentworth Curzon sails a little near the wind, perhaps because she is careless, and now and then Lady Dawlish has been "talked about," because she has a vast number of debts and a lord who occasionally makes scenes; but, with these exceptions, all these ladies are as safe on their pedestals as if they were marble statues of chastity.

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

From this reading They go to drawing-rooms, which means nothing; they are invited to state balls and state concerts, which means much.

used to form the superlative

From this reading They are among the most eminent leaders of that world of fashion which has of late revolutionized taste, temper, and society in England.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading Mrs. Wentworth Curzon sails a little near the wind, perhaps because she is careless, and now and then Lady Dawlish has been "talked about," because she has a vast number of debts and a lord who occasionally makes scenes; but, with these exceptions, all these ladies are as safe on their pedestals as if they were marble statues of chastity.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading They go to drawing-rooms, which means nothing; they are invited to state balls and state concerts, which means much.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading Mrs. Wentworth Curzon sails a little near the wind, perhaps because she is careless, and now and then Lady Dawlish has been "talked about," because she has a vast number of debts and a lord who occasionally makes scenes; but, with these exceptions, all these ladies are as safe on their pedestals as if they were marble statues of chastity.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Let it not for an instant be supposed that the guests of Surrenden are people looked in the least coldly or shyly on by society.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading They go to drawing-rooms, which means nothing; they are invited to state balls and state concerts, which means much.

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

From this reading Mrs. Wentworth Curzon sails a little near the wind, perhaps because she is careless, and now and then Lady Dawlish has been "talked about," because she has a vast number of debts and a lord who occasionally makes scenes; but, with these exceptions, all these ladies are as safe on their pedestals as if they were marble statues of chastity.

the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals

From this reading Mrs. Wentworth Curzon sails a little near the wind, perhaps because she is careless, and now and then Lady Dawlish has been "talked about," because she has a vast number of debts and a lord who occasionally makes scenes; but, with these exceptions, all these ladies are as safe on their pedestals as if they were marble statues of chastity.

sporadically and infrequently

From this reading Mrs. Wentworth Curzon sails a little near the wind, perhaps because she is careless, and now and then Lady Dawlish has been "talked about," because she has a vast number of debts and a lord who occasionally makes scenes; but, with these exceptions, all these ladies are as safe on their pedestals as if they were marble statues of chastity.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Let it not for an instant be supposed that the guests of Surrenden are people looked in the least coldly or shyly on by society.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Let it not for an instant be supposed that the guests of Surrenden are people looked in the least coldly or shyly on by society.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Let it not for an instant be supposed that the guests of Surrenden are people looked in the least coldly or shyly on by society.

plural of “pedestal” — a support or foundation

From this reading Mrs. Wentworth Curzon sails a little near the wind, perhaps because she is careless, and now and then Lady Dawlish has been "talked about," because she has a vast number of debts and a lord who occasionally makes scenes; but, with these exceptions, all these ladies are as safe on their pedestals as if they were marble statues of chastity.

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

From this reading Let it not for an instant be supposed that the guests of Surrenden are people looked in the least coldly or shyly on by society.

by chance

From this reading Mrs. Wentworth Curzon sails a little near the wind, perhaps because she is careless, and now and then Lady Dawlish has been "talked about," because she has a vast number of debts and a lord who occasionally makes scenes; but, with these exceptions, all these ladies are as safe on their pedestals as if they were marble statues of chastity.

past form of “revolutionize” — change radically

From this reading They are among the most eminent leaders of that world of fashion which has of late revolutionized taste, temper, and society in England.

free from danger or the risk of harm

From this reading Mrs. Wentworth Curzon sails a little near the wind, perhaps because she is careless, and now and then Lady Dawlish has been "talked about," because she has a vast number of debts and a lord who occasionally makes scenes; but, with these exceptions, all these ladies are as safe on their pedestals as if they were marble statues of chastity.

plural of “sail” — a large piece of fabric (usually canvas fabric) by means of which wind is used to propel a sailing vessel

From this reading Mrs. Wentworth Curzon sails a little near the wind, perhaps because she is careless, and now and then Lady Dawlish has been "talked about," because she has a vast number of debts and a lord who occasionally makes scenes; but, with these exceptions, all these ladies are as safe on their pedestals as if they were marble statues of chastity.

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

From this reading Mrs. Wentworth Curzon sails a little near the wind, perhaps because she is careless, and now and then Lady Dawlish has been "talked about," because she has a vast number of debts and a lord who occasionally makes scenes; but, with these exceptions, all these ladies are as safe on their pedestals as if they were marble statues of chastity.

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

From this reading Mrs. Wentworth Curzon sails a little near the wind, perhaps because she is careless, and now and then Lady Dawlish has been "talked about," because she has a vast number of debts and a lord who occasionally makes scenes; but, with these exceptions, all these ladies are as safe on their pedestals as if they were marble statues of chastity.

in a shy or timid or bashful manner

From this reading Let it not for an instant be supposed that the guests of Surrenden are people looked in the least coldly or shyly on by society.

an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization

From this reading Let it not for an instant be supposed that the guests of Surrenden are people looked in the least coldly or shyly on by society.

the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading They go to drawing-rooms, which means nothing; they are invited to state balls and state concerts, which means much.

plural of “statue” — a sculpture representing a human or animal

From this reading Mrs. Wentworth Curzon sails a little near the wind, perhaps because she is careless, and now and then Lady Dawlish has been "talked about," because she has a vast number of debts and a lord who occasionally makes scenes; but, with these exceptions, all these ladies are as safe on their pedestals as if they were marble statues of chastity.

required or under orders

From this reading Let it not for an instant be supposed that the guests of Surrenden are people looked in the least coldly or shyly on by society.

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

From this reading Let it not for an instant be supposed that the guests of Surrenden are people looked in the least coldly or shyly on by society.

past form of “talk” — exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading Mrs. Wentworth Curzon sails a little near the wind, perhaps because she is careless, and now and then Lady Dawlish has been "talked about," because she has a vast number of debts and a lord who occasionally makes scenes; but, with these exceptions, all these ladies are as safe on their pedestals as if they were marble statues of chastity.

To perceive flavor through the mouth.

From this reading They are among the most eminent leaders of that world of fashion which has of late revolutionized taste, temper, and society in England.

a sudden outburst of anger

From this reading They are among the most eminent leaders of that world of fashion which has of late revolutionized taste, temper, and society in England.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Let it not for an instant be supposed that the guests of Surrenden are people looked in the least coldly or shyly on by society.

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

From this reading Let it not for an instant be supposed that the guests of Surrenden are people looked in the least coldly or shyly on by society.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Mrs. Wentworth Curzon sails a little near the wind, perhaps because she is careless, and now and then Lady Dawlish has been "talked about," because she has a vast number of debts and a lord who occasionally makes scenes; but, with these exceptions, all these ladies are as safe on their pedestals as if they were marble statues of chastity.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Mrs. Wentworth Curzon sails a little near the wind, perhaps because she is careless, and now and then Lady Dawlish has been "talked about," because she has a vast number of debts and a lord who occasionally makes scenes; but, with these exceptions, all these ladies are as safe on their pedestals as if they were marble statues of chastity.

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

From this reading Mrs. Wentworth Curzon sails a little near the wind, perhaps because she is careless, and now and then Lady Dawlish has been "talked about," because she has a vast number of debts and a lord who occasionally makes scenes; but, with these exceptions, all these ladies are as safe on their pedestals as if they were marble statues of chastity.

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

From this reading Not they.

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

From this reading They go to drawing-rooms, which means nothing; they are invited to state balls and state concerts, which means much.

unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope

From this reading Mrs. Wentworth Curzon sails a little near the wind, perhaps because she is careless, and now and then Lady Dawlish has been "talked about," because she has a vast number of debts and a lord who occasionally makes scenes; but, with these exceptions, all these ladies are as safe on their pedestals as if they were marble statues of chastity.

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

From this reading Mrs. Wentworth Curzon sails a little near the wind, perhaps because she is careless, and now and then Lady Dawlish has been "talked about," because she has a vast number of debts and a lord who occasionally makes scenes; but, with these exceptions, all these ladies are as safe on their pedestals as if they were marble statues of chastity.

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

From this reading Mrs. Wentworth Curzon sails a little near the wind, perhaps because she is careless, and now and then Lady Dawlish has been "talked about," because she has a vast number of debts and a lord who occasionally makes scenes; but, with these exceptions, all these ladies are as safe on their pedestals as if they were marble statues of chastity.

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

From this reading They go to drawing-rooms, which means nothing; they are invited to state balls and state concerts, which means much.

which person or people

From this reading Mrs. Wentworth Curzon sails a little near the wind, perhaps because she is careless, and now and then Lady Dawlish has been "talked about," because she has a vast number of debts and a lord who occasionally makes scenes; but, with these exceptions, all these ladies are as safe on their pedestals as if they were marble statues of chastity.

air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading Mrs. Wentworth Curzon sails a little near the wind, perhaps because she is careless, and now and then Lady Dawlish has been "talked about," because she has a vast number of debts and a lord who occasionally makes scenes; but, with these exceptions, all these ladies are as safe on their pedestals as if they were marble statues of chastity.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Mrs. Wentworth Curzon sails a little near the wind, perhaps because she is careless, and now and then Lady Dawlish has been "talked about," because she has a vast number of debts and a lord who occasionally makes scenes; but, with these exceptions, all these ladies are as safe on their pedestals as if they were marble statues of chastity.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading They are among the most eminent leaders of that world of fashion which has of late revolutionized taste, temper, and society in England.