used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading My father would be surprised to be charged with intemperance, for all his life he has waged war against intemperance (in its restricted sense--the excessive use of strong drink); but he has been intemperate in his zeal for the “Cause of Temperance.”
(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 My father would be surprised to be charged with intemperance, for all his life he has waged war against intemperance (in its restricted sense--the excessive use of strong drink); but he has been intemperate in his zeal for the “Cause of Temperance.”
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
a strong emotion; a feeling that is oriented toward some real or supposed grievance
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As a family, one trait which we have in common is intemperance, though Sister is less so than the rest of us.
attackedverbUS /əˈtækt/
past form of “attack” — launch an attack or assault on; begin hostilities or start warfare with
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
auntsnounUS /ænts/
plural of “aunt” — the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading My father would be surprised to be charged with intemperance, for all his life he has waged war against intemperance (in its restricted sense--the excessive use of strong drink); but he has been intemperate in his zeal for the “Cause of Temperance.”
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading My father would be surprised to be charged with intemperance, for all his life he has waged war against intemperance (in its restricted sense--the excessive use of strong drink); but he has been intemperate in his zeal for the “Cause of Temperance.”
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
BONEnounUS /boʊn/
rigid connective tissue that makes up the skeleton of vertebrates
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
the two together, not just one
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
BREDverbUS /bred/
inflected form of “breed” — call forth
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
a male with the same parents as someone else
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
cannot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
carcinomanounUS /ˌkɑːrsəˈnoʊmə/
any malignant tumor derived from epithelial tissue; one of the four major types of cancer
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something
From this reading My father would be surprised to be charged with intemperance, for all his life he has waged war against intemperance (in its restricted sense--the excessive use of strong drink); but he has been intemperate in his zeal for the “Cause of Temperance.”
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
chargedadjectiveUS /tʃɑːrdʒd/
of a particle or body or system; having a net amount of positive or negative electric charge
From this reading My father would be surprised to be charged with intemperance, for all his life he has waged war against intemperance (in its restricted sense--the excessive use of strong drink); but he has been intemperate in his zeal for the “Cause of Temperance.”
a person who is in charge
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
childhoodnounUS /ˈtʃaɪldhʊd/
the time of person's life when they are a child
From this reading I remember the “Temperance Movement” in our village, in my early childhood.
belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public
From this reading As a family, one trait which we have in common is intemperance, though Sister is less so than the rest of us.
conclusionsnounUS /kənˈkluːʒənz/
plural of “conclusion” — a position or opinion or judgment reached after consideration
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
contributingadjectiveUS /kənˈtrɪbjuːtɪŋ/
tending to bring about; being partly responsible for
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
the child of your aunt or uncle
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
cousinsnounUS /ˈkʌzənz/
plural of “cousin” — the child of your aunt or uncle
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
croppingverbUS /ˈkrɑːpɪŋ/
inflected form of “crop” — cut short
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
plural of “daughter” — a female human offspring
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
deep-seatedadjective
(used especially of ideas or principles) deeply rooted; firmly fixed or held
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
dispositionnounUS /ˌdɪspəˈzɪʃən/
your usual mood
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
take in liquids
From this reading My father would be surprised to be charged with intemperance, for all his life he has waged war against intemperance (in its restricted sense--the excessive use of strong drink); but he has been intemperate in his zeal for the “Cause of Temperance.”
owed and payable immediately or on demand
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
epilepticadjectiveUS /ˌepəˈleptɪk/
of or relating to or characteristic of epilepsy
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
exaggeratedadjectiveUS /ɪɡˈzædʒəreɪtəd/
represented as greater than is true or reasonable
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
excessiveadjectiveUS /ɪkˈsesɪv/
beyond normal limits
From this reading My father would be surprised to be charged with intemperance, for all his life he has waged war against intemperance (in its restricted sense--the excessive use of strong drink); but he has been intemperate in his zeal for the “Cause of Temperance.”
a social unit living together
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading My father would be surprised to be charged with intemperance, for all his life he has waged war against intemperance (in its restricted sense--the excessive use of strong drink); but he has been intemperate in his zeal for the “Cause of Temperance.”
father'snounUS /ˈfɑːðərz/
possessive form of “father” — a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading My father would be surprised to be charged with intemperance, for all his life he has waged war against intemperance (in its restricted sense--the excessive use of strong drink); but he has been intemperate in his zeal for the “Cause of Temperance.”
made afraid
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
grandfather'snounUS /ˈɡrændfɑːðərz/
possessive form of “grandfather” — the father of your father or mother
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
the mother of your father or mother
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
gravitynounUS /ˈɡrævəti/
(physics) the force of attraction between all masses in the universe; especially the attraction of the earth's mass for bodies near its surface
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading My father would be surprised to be charged with intemperance, for all his life he has waged war against intemperance (in its restricted sense--the excessive use of strong drink); but he has been intemperate in his zeal for the “Cause of Temperance.”
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading As a family, one trait which we have in common is intemperance, though Sister is less so than the rest of us.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading My father would be surprised to be charged with intemperance, for all his life he has waged war against intemperance (in its restricted sense--the excessive use of strong drink); but he has been intemperate in his zeal for the “Cause of Temperance.”
hereditynounUS /hərˈedəti/
the biological process whereby genetic factors are transmitted from one generation to the next
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
intemperancenoun
the quality of being intemperate
From this reading As a family, one trait which we have in common is intemperance, though Sister is less so than the rest of us.
intemperateadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈtempərət/
(of weather or climate) not mild; subject to extremes
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
possessing or displaying a distinctive feature to a heightened degree
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading As a family, one trait which we have in common is intemperance, though Sister is less so than the rest of us.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading My father would be surprised to be charged with intemperance, for all his life he has waged war against intemperance (in its restricted sense--the excessive use of strong drink); but he has been intemperate in his zeal for the “Cause of Temperance.”
kindredadjectiveUS /ˈkɪndrɪd/
similar in quality or character
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
lamentverbUS /ləˈment/
express grief verbally
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading As a family, one trait which we have in common is intemperance, though Sister is less so than the rest of us.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading My father would be surprised to be charged with intemperance, for all his life he has waged war against intemperance (in its restricted sense--the excessive use of strong drink); but he has been intemperate in his zeal for the “Cause of Temperance.”
take in marriage
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
marryingverbUS /ˈmeriɪŋ/
-ing form of “marry” — take in marriage
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
maternaladjectiveUS /məˈtɜːrnəl/
characteristic of a mother
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
plural of “member” — one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
mildadjectiveUS /maɪld/
moderate in type or degree or effect or force; far from extreme
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
a change of position that does not entail a change of location
From this reading I remember the “Temperance Movement” in our village, in my early childhood.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
used when the speaker is also the object of the action
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
as might be expected
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
neuroticadjectiveUS /nʊˈrɑːtɪk/
characteristic of or affected by neurosis
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
observationsnounUS /ˌɑːbzərˈveɪʃənz/
plural of “observation” — the act of making and recording a measurement
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
an event that occurs at a critical time
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
offspringnounUS /ˈɔːfsprɪŋ/
the immediate descendants of a person
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading I remember the “Temperance Movement” in our village, in my early childhood.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
potencynounUS /ˈpoʊtənsi/
the power or right to give orders or make decisions
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
beyond or deviating from the usual or expected
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
the cognitive process of understanding a written linguistic message
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
be fully aware or cognizant of
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
plural of “reason” — a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
To recall to mind.
From this reading I remember the “Temperance Movement” in our village, in my early childhood.
a formal expression by a meeting; agreed to by a vote
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
not move; be in a resting position
From this reading As a family, one trait which we have in common is intemperance, though Sister is less so than the rest of us.
restrictedadjectiveUS /riˈstrɪktəd/
subject to restriction or subjected to restriction
From this reading My father would be surprised to be charged with intemperance, for all his life he has waged war against intemperance (in its restricted sense--the excessive use of strong drink); but he has been intemperate in his zeal for the “Cause of Temperance.”
cut with a saw
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
express in words
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
a general conscious awareness
From this reading My father would be surprised to be charged with intemperance, for all his life he has waged war against intemperance (in its restricted sense--the excessive use of strong drink); but he has been intemperate in his zeal for the “Cause of Temperance.”
plural of “side” — a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
a female person who has the same parents as another person
From this reading As a family, one trait which we have in common is intemperance, though Sister is less so than the rest of us.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading As a family, one trait which we have in common is intemperance, though Sister is less so than the rest of us.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading My father would be surprised to be charged with intemperance, for all his life he has waged war against intemperance (in its restricted sense--the excessive use of strong drink); but he has been intemperate in his zeal for the “Cause of Temperance.”
taken unawares or suddenly and feeling wonder or astonishment
From this reading My father would be surprised to be charged with intemperance, for all his life he has waged war against intemperance (in its restricted sense--the excessive use of strong drink); but he has been intemperate in his zeal for the “Cause of Temperance.”
a sudden outburst of anger
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
TemperancenounUS /ˈtempərəns/
the trait of avoiding excesses
From this reading My father would be surprised to be charged with intemperance, for all his life he has waged war against intemperance (in its restricted sense--the excessive use of strong drink); but he has been intemperate in his zeal for the “Cause of Temperance.”
tendenciesnounUS /ˈtendənsiz/
plural of “tendency” — an attitude of mind especially one that favors one alternative over others
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
tendencynounUS /ˈtendənsi/
an attitude of mind especially one that favors one alternative over others
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading As a family, one trait which we have in common is intemperance, though Sister is less so than the rest of us.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
traitnounUS /treɪt/
a distinguishing feature of your personal nature
From this reading As a family, one trait which we have in common is intemperance, though Sister is less so than the rest of us.
traitsnounUS /treɪts/
plural of “trait” — a distinguishing feature of your personal nature
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
tuberculosisnounUS /təˌbɜːrkjəˈloʊsɪs/
infection transmitted by inhalation or ingestion of tubercle bacilli and manifested in fever and small lesions (usually in the lungs but in various other parts of the body in acute stages)
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
unclesnounUS /ˈʌŋkəlz/
plural of “uncle” — the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
ungovernableadjectiveUS /ənˈɡʌvərnəbəl/
incapable of being controlled
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading As a family, one trait which we have in common is intemperance, though Sister is less so than the rest of us.
the act of using
From this reading My father would be surprised to be charged with intemperance, for all his life he has waged war against intemperance (in its restricted sense--the excessive use of strong drink); but he has been intemperate in his zeal for the “Cause of Temperance.”
a community of people smaller than a town
From this reading I remember the “Temperance Movement” in our village, in my early childhood.
wagedverbUS /weɪdʒd/
past form of “wage” — carry on (wars, battles, or campaigns)
From this reading My father would be surprised to be charged with intemperance, for all his life he has waged war against intemperance (in its restricted sense--the excessive use of strong drink); but he has been intemperate in his zeal for the “Cause of Temperance.”
the waging of armed conflict against an enemy
From this reading My father would be surprised to be charged with intemperance, for all his life he has waged war against intemperance (in its restricted sense--the excessive use of strong drink); but he has been intemperate in his zeal for the “Cause of Temperance.”
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading As a family, one trait which we have in common is intemperance, though Sister is less so than the rest of us.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading I saw my grandfather’s ungovernable temper exaggerated in one of his daughters and in my brother; saw in myself, though naturally of a mild disposition, a tendency to give away, on occasion, to intense anger; saw queer traits in aunts and cousins that frightened me; knew that tuberculosis had attacked some members of my father’s family; that certain cousins on both sides were neurotic; that my maternal grandmother had carcinoma; that a cousin was an epileptic; and that on both sides were intemperate uncles--these were the chief reasons contributing to my early, deep-seated resolution never to marry.
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading “BRED IN THE BONE” Whether due to my reading, or almost wholly to observations and conclusions, I cannot say, but I began early to feel the potency of heredity; to lament certain tendencies in my kindred which I saw cropping out in myself, and to realize the gravity of marrying and having offspring.
in the company of; together with
From this reading My father would be surprised to be charged with intemperance, for all his life he has waged war against intemperance (in its restricted sense--the excessive use of strong drink); but he has been intemperate in his zeal for the “Cause of Temperance.”
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading My father would be surprised to be charged with intemperance, for all his life he has waged war against intemperance (in its restricted sense--the excessive use of strong drink); but he has been intemperate in his zeal for the “Cause of Temperance.”
zealnounUS /ziːl/
a feeling of strong eagerness (usually in favor of a person or cause)
From this reading My father would be surprised to be charged with intemperance, for all his life he has waged war against intemperance (in its restricted sense--the excessive use of strong drink); but he has been intemperate in his zeal for the “Cause of Temperance.”
