used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading She knew that she must, if possible, earn something; but it was equally impossible for her to leave home entirely, or even for many hours at a stretch; she was quite convinced that constant watching, and even gentle restraint, could alone prevail in checking the tendency which her stepmother evinced.
acquiredadjectiveUS /əˈkwaɪərd/
gotten through environmental forces
From this reading The terrible certainty that Janetta had now acquired of Mrs. Colwyn's inability to control herself decided her in the choice of an occupation.
past form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen
From this reading Doubtless, he had discovered his wife's unfortunate tendency, and, while carefully concealing it or keeping it within bounds, had allowed it often to weigh heavily upon his mind.
aloneadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/
Having no one else present.
From this reading She knew that she must, if possible, earn something; but it was equally impossible for her to leave home entirely, or even for many hours at a stretch; she was quite convinced that constant watching, and even gentle restraint, could alone prevail in checking the tendency which her stepmother evinced.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The terrible certainty that Janetta had now acquired of Mrs. Colwyn's inability to control herself decided her in the choice of an occupation.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading She knew that she must, if possible, earn something; but it was equally impossible for her to leave home entirely, or even for many hours at a stretch; she was quite convinced that constant watching, and even gentle restraint, could alone prevail in checking the tendency which her stepmother evinced.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading She knew that she must, if possible, earn something; but it was equally impossible for her to leave home entirely, or even for many hours at a stretch; she was quite convinced that constant watching, and even gentle restraint, could alone prevail in checking the tendency which her stepmother evinced.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading She understood now better than she had ever done why her father's brow had been so early wrinkled and his hair grey before its time.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading She understood now better than she had ever done why her father's brow had been so early wrinkled and his hair grey before its time.
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading She understood now better than she had ever done why her father's brow had been so early wrinkled and his hair grey before its time.
boundsnounUS /baʊndz/
the line or plane indicating the limit or extent of something
From this reading Doubtless, he had discovered his wife's unfortunate tendency, and, while carefully concealing it or keeping it within bounds, had allowed it often to weigh heavily upon his mind.
the part of the face above the eyes
From this reading She understood now better than she had ever done why her father's brow had been so early wrinkled and his hair grey before its time.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading She knew that she must, if possible, earn something; but it was equally impossible for her to leave home entirely, or even for many hours at a stretch; she was quite convinced that constant watching, and even gentle restraint, could alone prevail in checking the tendency which her stepmother evinced.
taking care or paying attention
From this reading Doubtless, he had discovered his wife's unfortunate tendency, and, while carefully concealing it or keeping it within bounds, had allowed it often to weigh heavily upon his mind.
certaintynounUS /ˈsɜːrtənti/
the state of being certain
From this reading The terrible certainty that Janetta had now acquired of Mrs. Colwyn's inability to control herself decided her in the choice of an occupation.
checkingverbUS /ˈtʃekɪŋ/
-ing form of “check” — examine so as to determine accuracy, quality, or condition
From this reading She knew that she must, if possible, earn something; but it was equally impossible for her to leave home entirely, or even for many hours at a stretch; she was quite convinced that constant watching, and even gentle restraint, could alone prevail in checking the tendency which her stepmother evinced.
the person or thing chosen or selected
From this reading The terrible certainty that Janetta had now acquired of Mrs. Colwyn's inability to control herself decided her in the choice of an occupation.
Colwyn's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The terrible certainty that Janetta had now acquired of Mrs. Colwyn's inability to control herself decided her in the choice of an occupation.
concealingnounUS /kənˈsiːlɪŋ/
the activity of keeping something secret
From this reading Doubtless, he had discovered his wife's unfortunate tendency, and, while carefully concealing it or keeping it within bounds, had allowed it often to weigh heavily upon his mind.
unvarying in nature
From this reading She knew that she must, if possible, earn something; but it was equally impossible for her to leave home entirely, or even for many hours at a stretch; she was quite convinced that constant watching, and even gentle restraint, could alone prevail in checking the tendency which her stepmother evinced.
power to direct or determine
From this reading The terrible certainty that Janetta had now acquired of Mrs. Colwyn's inability to control herself decided her in the choice of an occupation.
persuaded of; very sure
From this reading She knew that she must, if possible, earn something; but it was equally impossible for her to leave home entirely, or even for many hours at a stretch; she was quite convinced that constant watching, and even gentle restraint, could alone prevail in checking the tendency which her stepmother evinced.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading She knew that she must, if possible, earn something; but it was equally impossible for her to leave home entirely, or even for many hours at a stretch; she was quite convinced that constant watching, and even gentle restraint, could alone prevail in checking the tendency which her stepmother evinced.
recognizable; marked
From this reading The terrible certainty that Janetta had now acquired of Mrs. Colwyn's inability to control herself decided her in the choice of an occupation.
discovered or determined by scientific observation
From this reading Doubtless, he had discovered his wife's unfortunate tendency, and, while carefully concealing it or keeping it within bounds, had allowed it often to weigh heavily upon his mind.
having finished or arrived at completion
From this reading She understood now better than she had ever done why her father's brow had been so early wrinkled and his hair grey before its time.
without doubt; certainly
From this reading Doubtless, he had discovered his wife's unfortunate tendency, and, while carefully concealing it or keeping it within bounds, had allowed it often to weigh heavily upon his mind.
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 She understood now better than she had ever done why her father's brow had been so early wrinkled and his hair grey before its time.
earnverbUS /ɜːrn/
earn on some commercial or business transaction; earn as salary or wages
From this reading She knew that she must, if possible, earn something; but it was equally impossible for her to leave home entirely, or even for many hours at a stretch; she was quite convinced that constant watching, and even gentle restraint, could alone prevail in checking the tendency which her stepmother evinced.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading She knew that she must, if possible, earn something; but it was equally impossible for her to leave home entirely, or even for many hours at a stretch; she was quite convinced that constant watching, and even gentle restraint, could alone prevail in checking the tendency which her stepmother evinced.
to the same degree (often followed by “as”)
From this reading She knew that she must, if possible, earn something; but it was equally impossible for her to leave home entirely, or even for many hours at a stretch; she was quite convinced that constant watching, and even gentle restraint, could alone prevail in checking the tendency which her stepmother evinced.
divisible by two
From this reading She knew that she must, if possible, earn something; but it was equally impossible for her to leave home entirely, or even for many hours at a stretch; she was quite convinced that constant watching, and even gentle restraint, could alone prevail in checking the tendency which her stepmother evinced.
at any time
From this reading She understood now better than she had ever done why her father's brow had been so early wrinkled and his hair grey before its time.
evincedverbUS /ɪˈvɪnst/
past form of “evince” — give expression to
From this reading She knew that she must, if possible, earn something; but it was equally impossible for her to leave home entirely, or even for many hours at a stretch; she was quite convinced that constant watching, and even gentle restraint, could alone prevail in checking the tendency which her stepmother evinced.
an act that fails
From this reading JANETTA'S FAILURE.
father'snounUS /ˈfɑːðərz/
possessive form of “father” — a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading She understood now better than she had ever done why her father's brow had been so early wrinkled and his hair grey before its time.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading She knew that she must, if possible, earn something; but it was equally impossible for her to leave home entirely, or even for many hours at a stretch; she was quite convinced that constant watching, and even gentle restraint, could alone prevail in checking the tendency which her stepmother evinced.
soft and mild; not harsh or stern or severe
From this reading She knew that she must, if possible, earn something; but it was equally impossible for her to leave home entirely, or even for many hours at a stretch; she was quite convinced that constant watching, and even gentle restraint, could alone prevail in checking the tendency which her stepmother evinced.
of an achromatic color of any lightness intermediate between the extremes of white and black
From this reading She understood now better than she had ever done why her father's brow had been so early wrinkled and his hair grey before its time.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The terrible certainty that Janetta had now acquired of Mrs. Colwyn's inability to control herself decided her in the choice of an occupation.
a covering for the body (or parts of it) consisting of a dense growth of threadlike structures (as on the human head); helps to prevent heat loss
From this reading She understood now better than she had ever done why her father's brow had been so early wrinkled and his hair grey before its time.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Doubtless, he had discovered his wife's unfortunate tendency, and, while carefully concealing it or keeping it within bounds, had allowed it often to weigh heavily upon his mind.
to a considerable degree
From this reading Doubtless, he had discovered his wife's unfortunate tendency, and, while carefully concealing it or keeping it within bounds, had allowed it often to weigh heavily upon his mind.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading The terrible certainty that Janetta had now acquired of Mrs. Colwyn's inability to control herself decided her in the choice of an occupation.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading The terrible certainty that Janetta had now acquired of Mrs. Colwyn's inability to control herself decided her in the choice of an occupation.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading She understood now better than she had ever done why her father's brow had been so early wrinkled and his hair grey before its time.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading She knew that she must, if possible, earn something; but it was equally impossible for her to leave home entirely, or even for many hours at a stretch; she was quite convinced that constant watching, and even gentle restraint, could alone prevail in checking the tendency which her stepmother evinced.
a period of time assigned for work
From this reading She knew that she must, if possible, earn something; but it was equally impossible for her to leave home entirely, or even for many hours at a stretch; she was quite convinced that constant watching, and even gentle restraint, could alone prevail in checking the tendency which her stepmother evinced.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading She knew that she must, if possible, earn something; but it was equally impossible for her to leave home entirely, or even for many hours at a stretch; she was quite convinced that constant watching, and even gentle restraint, could alone prevail in checking the tendency which her stepmother evinced.
not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with
From this reading She knew that she must, if possible, earn something; but it was equally impossible for her to leave home entirely, or even for many hours at a stretch; she was quite convinced that constant watching, and even gentle restraint, could alone prevail in checking the tendency which her stepmother evinced.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The terrible certainty that Janetta had now acquired of Mrs. Colwyn's inability to control herself decided her in the choice of an occupation.
inabilitynounUS /ˌɪnəˈbɪlɪti/
lack of ability (especially mental ability) to do something
From this reading The terrible certainty that Janetta had now acquired of Mrs. Colwyn's inability to control herself decided her in the choice of an occupation.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading She knew that she must, if possible, earn something; but it was equally impossible for her to leave home entirely, or even for many hours at a stretch; she was quite convinced that constant watching, and even gentle restraint, could alone prevail in checking the tendency which her stepmother evinced.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading She understood now better than she had ever done why her father's brow had been so early wrinkled and his hair grey before its time.
Janetta
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The terrible certainty that Janetta had now acquired of Mrs. Colwyn's inability to control herself decided her in the choice of an occupation.
JANETTA'S
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JANETTA'S FAILURE.
conformity or harmony
From this reading Doubtless, he had discovered his wife's unfortunate tendency, and, while carefully concealing it or keeping it within bounds, had allowed it often to weigh heavily upon his mind.
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 She knew that she must, if possible, earn something; but it was equally impossible for her to leave home entirely, or even for many hours at a stretch; she was quite convinced that constant watching, and even gentle restraint, could alone prevail in checking the tendency which her stepmother evinced.
go away from a place
From this reading She knew that she must, if possible, earn something; but it was equally impossible for her to leave home entirely, or even for many hours at a stretch; she was quite convinced that constant watching, and even gentle restraint, could alone prevail in checking the tendency which her stepmother evinced.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading She knew that she must, if possible, earn something; but it was equally impossible for her to leave home entirely, or even for many hours at a stretch; she was quite convinced that constant watching, and even gentle restraint, could alone prevail in checking the tendency which her stepmother evinced.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading Doubtless, he had discovered his wife's unfortunate tendency, and, while carefully concealing it or keeping it within bounds, had allowed it often to weigh heavily upon his mind.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading The terrible certainty that Janetta had now acquired of Mrs. Colwyn's inability to control herself decided her in the choice of an occupation.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading She knew that she must, if possible, earn something; but it was equally impossible for her to leave home entirely, or even for many hours at a stretch; she was quite convinced that constant watching, and even gentle restraint, could alone prevail in checking the tendency which her stepmother evinced.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading The terrible certainty that Janetta had now acquired of Mrs. Colwyn's inability to control herself decided her in the choice of an occupation.
occupationnounUS /ˌɑːkjəˈpeɪʃən/
the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money
From this reading The terrible certainty that Janetta had now acquired of Mrs. Colwyn's inability to control herself decided her in the choice of an occupation.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The terrible certainty that Janetta had now acquired of Mrs. Colwyn's inability to control herself decided her in the choice of an occupation.
many times at short intervals
From this reading Doubtless, he had discovered his wife's unfortunate tendency, and, while carefully concealing it or keeping it within bounds, had allowed it often to weigh heavily upon his mind.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading She knew that she must, if possible, earn something; but it was equally impossible for her to leave home entirely, or even for many hours at a stretch; she was quite convinced that constant watching, and even gentle restraint, could alone prevail in checking the tendency which her stepmother evinced.
capable of happening or existing
From this reading She knew that she must, if possible, earn something; but it was equally impossible for her to leave home entirely, or even for many hours at a stretch; she was quite convinced that constant watching, and even gentle restraint, could alone prevail in checking the tendency which her stepmother evinced.
prevailverbUS /prɪˈveɪl/
be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance
From this reading She knew that she must, if possible, earn something; but it was equally impossible for her to leave home entirely, or even for many hours at a stretch; she was quite convinced that constant watching, and even gentle restraint, could alone prevail in checking the tendency which her stepmother evinced.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading She knew that she must, if possible, earn something; but it was equally impossible for her to leave home entirely, or even for many hours at a stretch; she was quite convinced that constant watching, and even gentle restraint, could alone prevail in checking the tendency which her stepmother evinced.
restraintnounUS /rɪˈstreɪnt/
the act of controlling by restraining someone or something
From this reading She knew that she must, if possible, earn something; but it was equally impossible for her to leave home entirely, or even for many hours at a stretch; she was quite convinced that constant watching, and even gentle restraint, could alone prevail in checking the tendency which her stepmother evinced.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She knew that she must, if possible, earn something; but it was equally impossible for her to leave home entirely, or even for many hours at a stretch; she was quite convinced that constant watching, and even gentle restraint, could alone prevail in checking the tendency which her stepmother evinced.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading She understood now better than she had ever done why her father's brow had been so early wrinkled and his hair grey before its time.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading She knew that she must, if possible, earn something; but it was equally impossible for her to leave home entirely, or even for many hours at a stretch; she was quite convinced that constant watching, and even gentle restraint, could alone prevail in checking the tendency which her stepmother evinced.
stepmothernounUS /ˈstepmʌðər/
the wife of your father by a subsequent marriage
From this reading She knew that she must, if possible, earn something; but it was equally impossible for her to leave home entirely, or even for many hours at a stretch; she was quite convinced that constant watching, and even gentle restraint, could alone prevail in checking the tendency which her stepmother evinced.
stretchverbUS /stretʃ/
occupy a large, elongated area
From this reading She knew that she must, if possible, earn something; but it was equally impossible for her to leave home entirely, or even for many hours at a stretch; she was quite convinced that constant watching, and even gentle restraint, could alone prevail in checking the tendency which her stepmother evinced.
tendencynounUS /ˈtendənsi/
an attitude of mind especially one that favors one alternative over others
From this reading She knew that she must, if possible, earn something; but it was equally impossible for her to leave home entirely, or even for many hours at a stretch; she was quite convinced that constant watching, and even gentle restraint, could alone prevail in checking the tendency which her stepmother evinced.
causing fear or dread or terror
From this reading The terrible certainty that Janetta had now acquired of Mrs. Colwyn's inability to control herself decided her in the choice of an occupation.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading She understood now better than she had ever done why her father's brow had been so early wrinkled and his hair grey before its time.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The terrible certainty that Janetta had now acquired of Mrs. Colwyn's inability to control herself decided her in the choice of an occupation.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The terrible certainty that Janetta had now acquired of Mrs. Colwyn's inability to control herself decided her in the choice of an occupation.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading She understood now better than she had ever done why her father's brow had been so early wrinkled and his hair grey before its time.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The terrible certainty that Janetta had now acquired of Mrs. Colwyn's inability to control herself decided her in the choice of an occupation.
fully apprehended as to purport or meaning or explanation
From this reading She understood now better than she had ever done why her father's brow had been so early wrinkled and his hair grey before its time.
not favored by fortune; marked or accompanied by or resulting in ill fortune
From this reading Doubtless, he had discovered his wife's unfortunate tendency, and, while carefully concealing it or keeping it within bounds, had allowed it often to weigh heavily upon his mind.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Doubtless, he had discovered his wife's unfortunate tendency, and, while carefully concealing it or keeping it within bounds, had allowed it often to weigh heavily upon his mind.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading She knew that she must, if possible, earn something; but it was equally impossible for her to leave home entirely, or even for many hours at a stretch; she was quite convinced that constant watching, and even gentle restraint, could alone prevail in checking the tendency which her stepmother evinced.
the act of observing; taking a patient look
From this reading She knew that she must, if possible, earn something; but it was equally impossible for her to leave home entirely, or even for many hours at a stretch; she was quite convinced that constant watching, and even gentle restraint, could alone prevail in checking the tendency which her stepmother evinced.
weighverbUS /weɪ/
have a certain weight
From this reading Doubtless, he had discovered his wife's unfortunate tendency, and, while carefully concealing it or keeping it within bounds, had allowed it often to weigh heavily upon his mind.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading She knew that she must, if possible, earn something; but it was equally impossible for her to leave home entirely, or even for many hours at a stretch; she was quite convinced that constant watching, and even gentle restraint, could alone prevail in checking the tendency which her stepmother evinced.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Doubtless, he had discovered his wife's unfortunate tendency, and, while carefully concealing it or keeping it within bounds, had allowed it often to weigh heavily upon his mind.
the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”
From this reading She understood now better than she had ever done why her father's brow had been so early wrinkled and his hair grey before its time.
wife'snounUS /waɪfs/
possessive form of “wife” — a married woman; a man's partner in marriage
From this reading Doubtless, he had discovered his wife's unfortunate tendency, and, while carefully concealing it or keeping it within bounds, had allowed it often to weigh heavily upon his mind.
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading Doubtless, he had discovered his wife's unfortunate tendency, and, while carefully concealing it or keeping it within bounds, had allowed it often to weigh heavily upon his mind.
wrinkledadjectiveUS /ˈrɪŋkəld/
marked by wrinkles
From this reading She understood now better than she had ever done why her father's brow had been so early wrinkled and his hair grey before its time.
