Chapter XX

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

From this reading It was necessary for Madame Torialli that she should, for the sake of her husband’s business interests, appeal to the tastes of his pupils and admirers; and as their tastes in general ran in the direction of the appearance of expense lavishly maintained without subtlety or distinction, Madame Torialli ministered to their faith by a modern massive house with a great deal of glass, a _portier_ at the first door, two footmen at the second, a butler of the smartest London type, and large reception rooms in which the florid held an unambiguous sway.

plural of “admirer” — a person who backs a politician or a team etc.

From this reading It was necessary for Madame Torialli that she should, for the sake of her husband’s business interests, appeal to the tastes of his pupils and admirers; and as their tastes in general ran in the direction of the appearance of expense lavishly maintained without subtlety or distinction, Madame Torialli ministered to their faith by a modern massive house with a great deal of glass, a _portier_ at the first door, two footmen at the second, a butler of the smartest London type, and large reception rooms in which the florid held an unambiguous sway.

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

From this reading It was necessary for Madame Torialli that she should, for the sake of her husband’s business interests, appeal to the tastes of his pupils and admirers; and as their tastes in general ran in the direction of the appearance of expense lavishly maintained without subtlety or distinction, Madame Torialli ministered to their faith by a modern massive house with a great deal of glass, a _portier_ at the first door, two footmen at the second, a butler of the smartest London type, and large reception rooms in which the florid held an unambiguous sway.

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

From this reading It was necessary for Madame Torialli that she should, for the sake of her husband’s business interests, appeal to the tastes of his pupils and admirers; and as their tastes in general ran in the direction of the appearance of expense lavishly maintained without subtlety or distinction, Madame Torialli ministered to their faith by a modern massive house with a great deal of glass, a _portier_ at the first door, two footmen at the second, a butler of the smartest London type, and large reception rooms in which the florid held an unambiguous sway.

take a court case to a higher court for review

From this reading It was necessary for Madame Torialli that she should, for the sake of her husband’s business interests, appeal to the tastes of his pupils and admirers; and as their tastes in general ran in the direction of the appearance of expense lavishly maintained without subtlety or distinction, Madame Torialli ministered to their faith by a modern massive house with a great deal of glass, a _portier_ at the first door, two footmen at the second, a butler of the smartest London type, and large reception rooms in which the florid held an unambiguous sway.

outward or visible aspect of a person or thing

From this reading Compromise for her was the appearance of sacrifice with the certainty of compensation.

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

From this reading It was necessary for Madame Torialli that she should, for the sake of her husband’s business interests, appeal to the tastes of his pupils and admirers; and as their tastes in general ran in the direction of the appearance of expense lavishly maintained without subtlety or distinction, Madame Torialli ministered to their faith by a modern massive house with a great deal of glass, a _portier_ at the first door, two footmen at the second, a butler of the smartest London type, and large reception rooms in which the florid held an unambiguous sway.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading It was necessary for Madame Torialli that she should, for the sake of her husband’s business interests, appeal to the tastes of his pupils and admirers; and as their tastes in general ran in the direction of the appearance of expense lavishly maintained without subtlety or distinction, Madame Torialli ministered to their faith by a modern massive house with a great deal of glass, a _portier_ at the first door, two footmen at the second, a butler of the smartest London type, and large reception rooms in which the florid held an unambiguous sway.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading THE big hotel in the Boulevard Malesherbes was the outcome of Madame Torialli’s spirit of compromise.

a wide street or thoroughfare

From this reading THE big hotel in the Boulevard Malesherbes was the outcome of Madame Torialli’s spirit of compromise.

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading It was necessary for Madame Torialli that she should, for the sake of her husband’s business interests, appeal to the tastes of his pupils and admirers; and as their tastes in general ran in the direction of the appearance of expense lavishly maintained without subtlety or distinction, Madame Torialli ministered to their faith by a modern massive house with a great deal of glass, a _portier_ at the first door, two footmen at the second, a butler of the smartest London type, and large reception rooms in which the florid held an unambiguous sway.

plural of “bust” — a complete failure

From this reading Everywhere she had placed busts and portraits, commendations and presentations, of Signor Torialli.

a manservant (usually the head servant of a household) who has charge of wines and the table

From this reading It was necessary for Madame Torialli that she should, for the sake of her husband’s business interests, appeal to the tastes of his pupils and admirers; and as their tastes in general ran in the direction of the appearance of expense lavishly maintained without subtlety or distinction, Madame Torialli ministered to their faith by a modern massive house with a great deal of glass, a _portier_ at the first door, two footmen at the second, a butler of the smartest London type, and large reception rooms in which the florid held an unambiguous sway.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading It was necessary for Madame Torialli that she should, for the sake of her husband’s business interests, appeal to the tastes of his pupils and admirers; and as their tastes in general ran in the direction of the appearance of expense lavishly maintained without subtlety or distinction, Madame Torialli ministered to their faith by a modern massive house with a great deal of glass, a _portier_ at the first door, two footmen at the second, a butler of the smartest London type, and large reception rooms in which the florid held an unambiguous sway.

the state of being certain

From this reading Compromise for her was the appearance of sacrifice with the certainty of compensation.

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

From this reading Everywhere she had placed busts and portraits, commendations and presentations, of Signor Torialli.

something (such as money) given or received as payment or reparation (as for a service or loss or injury)

From this reading Compromise for her was the appearance of sacrifice with the certainty of compensation.

make a compromise; arrive at a compromise

From this reading THE big hotel in the Boulevard Malesherbes was the outcome of Madame Torialli’s spirit of compromise.

act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression

From this reading It was necessary for Madame Torialli that she should, for the sake of her husband’s business interests, appeal to the tastes of his pupils and admirers; and as their tastes in general ran in the direction of the appearance of expense lavishly maintained without subtlety or distinction, Madame Torialli ministered to their faith by a modern massive house with a great deal of glass, a _portier_ at the first door, two footmen at the second, a butler of the smartest London type, and large reception rooms in which the florid held an unambiguous sway.

unlike in nature or quality or form or degree

From this reading To most people compromise means giving up something in order to obtain its equivalent; to Madame Torialli it meant something quite different.

a line leading to a place or point

From this reading It was necessary for Madame Torialli that she should, for the sake of her husband’s business interests, appeal to the tastes of his pupils and admirers; and as their tastes in general ran in the direction of the appearance of expense lavishly maintained without subtlety or distinction, Madame Torialli ministered to their faith by a modern massive house with a great deal of glass, a _portier_ at the first door, two footmen at the second, a butler of the smartest London type, and large reception rooms in which the florid held an unambiguous sway.

a discrimination between things as different and distinct on the basis of their characteristics or attributes

From this reading It was necessary for Madame Torialli that she should, for the sake of her husband’s business interests, appeal to the tastes of his pupils and admirers; and as their tastes in general ran in the direction of the appearance of expense lavishly maintained without subtlety or distinction, Madame Torialli ministered to their faith by a modern massive house with a great deal of glass, a _portier_ at the first door, two footmen at the second, a butler of the smartest London type, and large reception rooms in which the florid held an unambiguous sway.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading It was necessary for Madame Torialli that she should, for the sake of her husband’s business interests, appeal to the tastes of his pupils and admirers; and as their tastes in general ran in the direction of the appearance of expense lavishly maintained without subtlety or distinction, Madame Torialli ministered to their faith by a modern massive house with a great deal of glass, a _portier_ at the first door, two footmen at the second, a butler of the smartest London type, and large reception rooms in which the florid held an unambiguous sway.

a person or thing equal to another in value or measure or force or effect or significance etc

From this reading To most people compromise means giving up something in order to obtain its equivalent; to Madame Torialli it meant something quite different.

to or in any or all places

From this reading Everywhere she had placed busts and portraits, commendations and presentations, of Signor Torialli.

amounts paid for goods and services that may be currently tax deductible (as opposed to capital expenditures)

From this reading It was necessary for Madame Torialli that she should, for the sake of her husband’s business interests, appeal to the tastes of his pupils and admirers; and as their tastes in general ran in the direction of the appearance of expense lavishly maintained without subtlety or distinction, Madame Torialli ministered to their faith by a modern massive house with a great deal of glass, a _portier_ at the first door, two footmen at the second, a butler of the smartest London type, and large reception rooms in which the florid held an unambiguous sway.

a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny

From this reading It was necessary for Madame Torialli that she should, for the sake of her husband’s business interests, appeal to the tastes of his pupils and admirers; and as their tastes in general ran in the direction of the appearance of expense lavishly maintained without subtlety or distinction, Madame Torialli ministered to their faith by a modern massive house with a great deal of glass, a _portier_ at the first door, two footmen at the second, a butler of the smartest London type, and large reception rooms in which the florid held an unambiguous sway.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading It was necessary for Madame Torialli that she should, for the sake of her husband’s business interests, appeal to the tastes of his pupils and admirers; and as their tastes in general ran in the direction of the appearance of expense lavishly maintained without subtlety or distinction, Madame Torialli ministered to their faith by a modern massive house with a great deal of glass, a _portier_ at the first door, two footmen at the second, a butler of the smartest London type, and large reception rooms in which the florid held an unambiguous sway.

elaborately or excessively ornamented

From this reading It was necessary for Madame Torialli that she should, for the sake of her husband’s business interests, appeal to the tastes of his pupils and admirers; and as their tastes in general ran in the direction of the appearance of expense lavishly maintained without subtlety or distinction, Madame Torialli ministered to their faith by a modern massive house with a great deal of glass, a _portier_ at the first door, two footmen at the second, a butler of the smartest London type, and large reception rooms in which the florid held an unambiguous sway.

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

From this reading It was necessary for Madame Torialli that she should, for the sake of her husband’s business interests, appeal to the tastes of his pupils and admirers; and as their tastes in general ran in the direction of the appearance of expense lavishly maintained without subtlety or distinction, Madame Torialli ministered to their faith by a modern massive house with a great deal of glass, a _portier_ at the first door, two footmen at the second, a butler of the smartest London type, and large reception rooms in which the florid held an unambiguous sway.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Compromise for her was the appearance of sacrifice with the certainty of compensation.

applying to all or most members of a category or group

From this reading It was necessary for Madame Torialli that she should, for the sake of her husband’s business interests, appeal to the tastes of his pupils and admirers; and as their tastes in general ran in the direction of the appearance of expense lavishly maintained without subtlety or distinction, Madame Torialli ministered to their faith by a modern massive house with a great deal of glass, a _portier_ at the first door, two footmen at the second, a butler of the smartest London type, and large reception rooms in which the florid held an unambiguous sway.

the act of giving

From this reading To most people compromise means giving up something in order to obtain its equivalent; to Madame Torialli it meant something quite different.

a brittle transparent solid with irregular atomic structure

From this reading It was necessary for Madame Torialli that she should, for the sake of her husband’s business interests, appeal to the tastes of his pupils and admirers; and as their tastes in general ran in the direction of the appearance of expense lavishly maintained without subtlety or distinction, Madame Torialli ministered to their faith by a modern massive house with a great deal of glass, a _portier_ at the first door, two footmen at the second, a butler of the smartest London type, and large reception rooms in which the florid held an unambiguous sway.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading It was necessary for Madame Torialli that she should, for the sake of her husband’s business interests, appeal to the tastes of his pupils and admirers; and as their tastes in general ran in the direction of the appearance of expense lavishly maintained without subtlety or distinction, Madame Torialli ministered to their faith by a modern massive house with a great deal of glass, a _portier_ at the first door, two footmen at the second, a butler of the smartest London type, and large reception rooms in which the florid held an unambiguous sway.

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

From this reading Everywhere she had placed busts and portraits, commendations and presentations, of Signor Torialli.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading It was necessary for Madame Torialli that she should, for the sake of her husband’s business interests, appeal to the tastes of his pupils and admirers; and as their tastes in general ran in the direction of the appearance of expense lavishly maintained without subtlety or distinction, Madame Torialli ministered to their faith by a modern massive house with a great deal of glass, a _portier_ at the first door, two footmen at the second, a butler of the smartest London type, and large reception rooms in which the florid held an unambiguous sway.

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

From this reading Compromise for her was the appearance of sacrifice with the certainty of compensation.

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

From this reading It was necessary for Madame Torialli that she should, for the sake of her husband’s business interests, appeal to the tastes of his pupils and admirers; and as their tastes in general ran in the direction of the appearance of expense lavishly maintained without subtlety or distinction, Madame Torialli ministered to their faith by a modern massive house with a great deal of glass, a _portier_ at the first door, two footmen at the second, a butler of the smartest London type, and large reception rooms in which the florid held an unambiguous sway.

a building where travelers can pay for lodging and meals and other services

From this reading THE big hotel in the Boulevard Malesherbes was the outcome of Madame Torialli’s spirit of compromise.

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

From this reading It was necessary for Madame Torialli that she should, for the sake of her husband’s business interests, appeal to the tastes of his pupils and admirers; and as their tastes in general ran in the direction of the appearance of expense lavishly maintained without subtlety or distinction, Madame Torialli ministered to their faith by a modern massive house with a great deal of glass, a _portier_ at the first door, two footmen at the second, a butler of the smartest London type, and large reception rooms in which the florid held an unambiguous sway.

possessive form of “husband” — a married man; a woman's partner in marriage

From this reading It was necessary for Madame Torialli that she should, for the sake of her husband’s business interests, appeal to the tastes of his pupils and admirers; and as their tastes in general ran in the direction of the appearance of expense lavishly maintained without subtlety or distinction, Madame Torialli ministered to their faith by a modern massive house with a great deal of glass, a _portier_ at the first door, two footmen at the second, a butler of the smartest London type, and large reception rooms in which the florid held an unambiguous sway.

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

From this reading THE big hotel in the Boulevard Malesherbes was the outcome of Madame Torialli’s spirit of compromise.

plural of “interest” — a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading It was necessary for Madame Torialli that she should, for the sake of her husband’s business interests, appeal to the tastes of his pupils and admirers; and as their tastes in general ran in the direction of the appearance of expense lavishly maintained without subtlety or distinction, Madame Torialli ministered to their faith by a modern massive house with a great deal of glass, a _portier_ at the first door, two footmen at the second, a butler of the smartest London type, and large reception rooms in which the florid held an unambiguous sway.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading To most people compromise means giving up something in order to obtain its equivalent; to Madame Torialli it meant something quite different.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading To most people compromise means giving up something in order to obtain its equivalent; to Madame Torialli it meant something quite different.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading It was necessary for Madame Torialli that she should, for the sake of her husband’s business interests, appeal to the tastes of his pupils and admirers; and as their tastes in general ran in the direction of the appearance of expense lavishly maintained without subtlety or distinction, Madame Torialli ministered to their faith by a modern massive house with a great deal of glass, a _portier_ at the first door, two footmen at the second, a butler of the smartest London type, and large reception rooms in which the florid held an unambiguous sway.

in a wasteful manner

From this reading It was necessary for Madame Torialli that she should, for the sake of her husband’s business interests, appeal to the tastes of his pupils and admirers; and as their tastes in general ran in the direction of the appearance of expense lavishly maintained without subtlety or distinction, Madame Torialli ministered to their faith by a modern massive house with a great deal of glass, a _portier_ at the first door, two footmen at the second, a butler of the smartest London type, and large reception rooms in which the florid held an unambiguous sway.

the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center

From this reading It was necessary for Madame Torialli that she should, for the sake of her husband’s business interests, appeal to the tastes of his pupils and admirers; and as their tastes in general ran in the direction of the appearance of expense lavishly maintained without subtlety or distinction, Madame Torialli ministered to their faith by a modern massive house with a great deal of glass, a _portier_ at the first door, two footmen at the second, a butler of the smartest London type, and large reception rooms in which the florid held an unambiguous sway.

title used for a married Frenchwoman

From this reading THE big hotel in the Boulevard Malesherbes was the outcome of Madame Torialli’s spirit of compromise.

kept in good condition

From this reading It was necessary for Madame Torialli that she should, for the sake of her husband’s business interests, appeal to the tastes of his pupils and admirers; and as their tastes in general ran in the direction of the appearance of expense lavishly maintained without subtlety or distinction, Madame Torialli ministered to their faith by a modern massive house with a great deal of glass, a _portier_ at the first door, two footmen at the second, a butler of the smartest London type, and large reception rooms in which the florid held an unambiguous sway.

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

From this reading THE big hotel in the Boulevard Malesherbes was the outcome of Madame Torialli’s spirit of compromise.

imposing in size or bulk or solidity

From this reading It was necessary for Madame Torialli that she should, for the sake of her husband’s business interests, appeal to the tastes of his pupils and admirers; and as their tastes in general ran in the direction of the appearance of expense lavishly maintained without subtlety or distinction, Madame Torialli ministered to their faith by a modern massive house with a great deal of glass, a _portier_ at the first door, two footmen at the second, a butler of the smartest London type, and large reception rooms in which the florid held an unambiguous sway.

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

From this reading To most people compromise means giving up something in order to obtain its equivalent; to Madame Torialli it meant something quite different.

inflected form of “mean” — mean or intend to express or convey

From this reading To most people compromise means giving up something in order to obtain its equivalent; to Madame Torialli it meant something quite different.

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

From this reading It was necessary for Madame Torialli that she should, for the sake of her husband’s business interests, appeal to the tastes of his pupils and admirers; and as their tastes in general ran in the direction of the appearance of expense lavishly maintained without subtlety or distinction, Madame Torialli ministered to their faith by a modern massive house with a great deal of glass, a _portier_ at the first door, two footmen at the second, a butler of the smartest London type, and large reception rooms in which the florid held an unambiguous sway.

belonging to the modern era; since the Middle Ages

From this reading It was necessary for Madame Torialli that she should, for the sake of her husband’s business interests, appeal to the tastes of his pupils and admirers; and as their tastes in general ran in the direction of the appearance of expense lavishly maintained without subtlety or distinction, Madame Torialli ministered to their faith by a modern massive house with a great deal of glass, a _portier_ at the first door, two footmen at the second, a butler of the smartest London type, and large reception rooms in which the florid held an unambiguous sway.

used to form the superlative

From this reading To most people compromise means giving up something in order to obtain its equivalent; to Madame Torialli it meant something quite different.

absolutely essential

From this reading It was necessary for Madame Torialli that she should, for the sake of her husband’s business interests, appeal to the tastes of his pupils and admirers; and as their tastes in general ran in the direction of the appearance of expense lavishly maintained without subtlety or distinction, Madame Torialli ministered to their faith by a modern massive house with a great deal of glass, a _portier_ at the first door, two footmen at the second, a butler of the smartest London type, and large reception rooms in which the florid held an unambiguous sway.

come into possession of

From this reading To most people compromise means giving up something in order to obtain its equivalent; to Madame Torialli it meant something quite different.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE big hotel in the Boulevard Malesherbes was the outcome of Madame Torialli’s spirit of compromise.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading It was necessary for Madame Torialli that she should, for the sake of her husband’s business interests, appeal to the tastes of his pupils and admirers; and as their tastes in general ran in the direction of the appearance of expense lavishly maintained without subtlety or distinction, Madame Torialli ministered to their faith by a modern massive house with a great deal of glass, a _portier_ at the first door, two footmen at the second, a butler of the smartest London type, and large reception rooms in which the florid held an unambiguous sway.

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading To most people compromise means giving up something in order to obtain its equivalent; to Madame Torialli it meant something quite different.

something that results

From this reading THE big hotel in the Boulevard Malesherbes was the outcome of Madame Torialli’s spirit of compromise.

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

From this reading To most people compromise means giving up something in order to obtain its equivalent; to Madame Torialli it meant something quite different.

situated in a particular spot or position

From this reading Everywhere she had placed busts and portraits, commendations and presentations, of Signor Torialli.

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

From this reading It was necessary for Madame Torialli that she should, for the sake of her husband’s business interests, appeal to the tastes of his pupils and admirers; and as their tastes in general ran in the direction of the appearance of expense lavishly maintained without subtlety or distinction, Madame Torialli ministered to their faith by a modern massive house with a great deal of glass, a _portier_ at the first door, two footmen at the second, a butler of the smartest London type, and large reception rooms in which the florid held an unambiguous sway.

plural of “portrait” — a word picture of a person's appearance and character

From this reading Everywhere she had placed busts and portraits, commendations and presentations, of Signor Torialli.

plural of “presentation” — the activity of formally presenting something (as a prize or reward)

From this reading Everywhere she had placed busts and portraits, commendations and presentations, of Signor Torialli.

plural of “pupil” — a learner who is enrolled in an educational institution

From this reading It was necessary for Madame Torialli that she should, for the sake of her husband’s business interests, appeal to the tastes of his pupils and admirers; and as their tastes in general ran in the direction of the appearance of expense lavishly maintained without subtlety or distinction, Madame Torialli ministered to their faith by a modern massive house with a great deal of glass, a _portier_ at the first door, two footmen at the second, a butler of the smartest London type, and large reception rooms in which the florid held an unambiguous sway.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading To most people compromise means giving up something in order to obtain its equivalent; to Madame Torialli it meant something quite different.

inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading It was necessary for Madame Torialli that she should, for the sake of her husband’s business interests, appeal to the tastes of his pupils and admirers; and as their tastes in general ran in the direction of the appearance of expense lavishly maintained without subtlety or distinction, Madame Torialli ministered to their faith by a modern massive house with a great deal of glass, a _portier_ at the first door, two footmen at the second, a butler of the smartest London type, and large reception rooms in which the florid held an unambiguous sway.

the manner in which something is greeted

From this reading It was necessary for Madame Torialli that she should, for the sake of her husband’s business interests, appeal to the tastes of his pupils and admirers; and as their tastes in general ran in the direction of the appearance of expense lavishly maintained without subtlety or distinction, Madame Torialli ministered to their faith by a modern massive house with a great deal of glass, a _portier_ at the first door, two footmen at the second, a butler of the smartest London type, and large reception rooms in which the florid held an unambiguous sway.

apartment consisting of a series of connected rooms used as a living unit (as in a hotel)

From this reading It was necessary for Madame Torialli that she should, for the sake of her husband’s business interests, appeal to the tastes of his pupils and admirers; and as their tastes in general ran in the direction of the appearance of expense lavishly maintained without subtlety or distinction, Madame Torialli ministered to their faith by a modern massive house with a great deal of glass, a _portier_ at the first door, two footmen at the second, a butler of the smartest London type, and large reception rooms in which the florid held an unambiguous sway.

the act of losing or surrendering something as a penalty for a mistake or fault or failure to perform etc.

From this reading Compromise for her was the appearance of sacrifice with the certainty of compensation.

a reason for wanting something done

From this reading It was necessary for Madame Torialli that she should, for the sake of her husband’s business interests, appeal to the tastes of his pupils and admirers; and as their tastes in general ran in the direction of the appearance of expense lavishly maintained without subtlety or distinction, Madame Torialli ministered to their faith by a modern massive house with a great deal of glass, a _portier_ at the first door, two footmen at the second, a butler of the smartest London type, and large reception rooms in which the florid held an unambiguous sway.

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading It was necessary for Madame Torialli that she should, for the sake of her husband’s business interests, appeal to the tastes of his pupils and admirers; and as their tastes in general ran in the direction of the appearance of expense lavishly maintained without subtlety or distinction, Madame Torialli ministered to their faith by a modern massive house with a great deal of glass, a _portier_ at the first door, two footmen at the second, a butler of the smartest London type, and large reception rooms in which the florid held an unambiguous sway.

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

From this reading It was necessary for Madame Torialli that she should, for the sake of her husband’s business interests, appeal to the tastes of his pupils and admirers; and as their tastes in general ran in the direction of the appearance of expense lavishly maintained without subtlety or distinction, Madame Torialli ministered to their faith by a modern massive house with a great deal of glass, a _portier_ at the first door, two footmen at the second, a butler of the smartest London type, and large reception rooms in which the florid held an unambiguous sway.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading It was necessary for Madame Torialli that she should, for the sake of her husband’s business interests, appeal to the tastes of his pupils and admirers; and as their tastes in general ran in the direction of the appearance of expense lavishly maintained without subtlety or distinction, Madame Torialli ministered to their faith by a modern massive house with a great deal of glass, a _portier_ at the first door, two footmen at the second, a butler of the smartest London type, and large reception rooms in which the florid held an unambiguous sway.

used as an Italian courtesy title; can be prefixed to the name or used separately

From this reading Everywhere she had placed busts and portraits, commendations and presentations, of Signor Torialli.

superlative of “smart” — showing mental alertness and calculation and resourcefulness

From this reading It was necessary for Madame Torialli that she should, for the sake of her husband’s business interests, appeal to the tastes of his pupils and admirers; and as their tastes in general ran in the direction of the appearance of expense lavishly maintained without subtlety or distinction, Madame Torialli ministered to their faith by a modern massive house with a great deal of glass, a _portier_ at the first door, two footmen at the second, a butler of the smartest London type, and large reception rooms in which the florid held an unambiguous sway.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading To most people compromise means giving up something in order to obtain its equivalent; to Madame Torialli it meant something quite different.

the vital principle or animating force within living things

From this reading THE big hotel in the Boulevard Malesherbes was the outcome of Madame Torialli’s spirit of compromise.

a subtle difference in meaning or opinion or attitude

From this reading It was necessary for Madame Torialli that she should, for the sake of her husband’s business interests, appeal to the tastes of his pupils and admirers; and as their tastes in general ran in the direction of the appearance of expense lavishly maintained without subtlety or distinction, Madame Torialli ministered to their faith by a modern massive house with a great deal of glass, a _portier_ at the first door, two footmen at the second, a butler of the smartest London type, and large reception rooms in which the florid held an unambiguous sway.

move back and forth or sideways

From this reading It was necessary for Madame Torialli that she should, for the sake of her husband’s business interests, appeal to the tastes of his pupils and admirers; and as their tastes in general ran in the direction of the appearance of expense lavishly maintained without subtlety or distinction, Madame Torialli ministered to their faith by a modern massive house with a great deal of glass, a _portier_ at the first door, two footmen at the second, a butler of the smartest London type, and large reception rooms in which the florid held an unambiguous sway.

plural of “taste” — the sensation that results when taste buds in the tongue and throat convey information about the chemical composition of a soluble stimulus

From this reading It was necessary for Madame Torialli that she should, for the sake of her husband’s business interests, appeal to the tastes of his pupils and admirers; and as their tastes in general ran in the direction of the appearance of expense lavishly maintained without subtlety or distinction, Madame Torialli ministered to their faith by a modern massive house with a great deal of glass, a _portier_ at the first door, two footmen at the second, a butler of the smartest London type, and large reception rooms in which the florid held an unambiguous sway.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It was necessary for Madame Torialli that she should, for the sake of her husband’s business interests, appeal to the tastes of his pupils and admirers; and as their tastes in general ran in the direction of the appearance of expense lavishly maintained without subtlety or distinction, Madame Torialli ministered to their faith by a modern massive house with a great deal of glass, a _portier_ at the first door, two footmen at the second, a butler of the smartest London type, and large reception rooms in which the florid held an unambiguous sway.

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

From this reading THE big hotel in the Boulevard Malesherbes was the outcome of Madame Torialli’s spirit of compromise.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading It was necessary for Madame Torialli that she should, for the sake of her husband’s business interests, appeal to the tastes of his pupils and admirers; and as their tastes in general ran in the direction of the appearance of expense lavishly maintained without subtlety or distinction, Madame Torialli ministered to their faith by a modern massive house with a great deal of glass, a _portier_ at the first door, two footmen at the second, a butler of the smartest London type, and large reception rooms in which the florid held an unambiguous sway.

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

From this reading To most people compromise means giving up something in order to obtain its equivalent; to Madame Torialli it meant something quite different.

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

From this reading To most people compromise means giving up something in order to obtain its equivalent; to Madame Torialli it meant something quite different.

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

From this reading THE big hotel in the Boulevard Malesherbes was the outcome of Madame Torialli’s spirit of compromise.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading It was necessary for Madame Torialli that she should, for the sake of her husband’s business interests, appeal to the tastes of his pupils and admirers; and as their tastes in general ran in the direction of the appearance of expense lavishly maintained without subtlety or distinction, Madame Torialli ministered to their faith by a modern massive house with a great deal of glass, a _portier_ at the first door, two footmen at the second, a butler of the smartest London type, and large reception rooms in which the florid held an unambiguous sway.

a subdivision of a particular kind of thing

From this reading It was necessary for Madame Torialli that she should, for the sake of her husband’s business interests, appeal to the tastes of his pupils and admirers; and as their tastes in general ran in the direction of the appearance of expense lavishly maintained without subtlety or distinction, Madame Torialli ministered to their faith by a modern massive house with a great deal of glass, a _portier_ at the first door, two footmen at the second, a butler of the smartest London type, and large reception rooms in which the florid held an unambiguous sway.

having or exhibiting a single clearly defined meaning

From this reading It was necessary for Madame Torialli that she should, for the sake of her husband’s business interests, appeal to the tastes of his pupils and admirers; and as their tastes in general ran in the direction of the appearance of expense lavishly maintained without subtlety or distinction, Madame Torialli ministered to their faith by a modern massive house with a great deal of glass, a _portier_ at the first door, two footmen at the second, a butler of the smartest London type, and large reception rooms in which the florid held an unambiguous sway.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading To most people compromise means giving up something in order to obtain its equivalent; to Madame Torialli it meant something quite different.

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

From this reading THE big hotel in the Boulevard Malesherbes was the outcome of Madame Torialli’s spirit of compromise.

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

From this reading It was necessary for Madame Torialli that she should, for the sake of her husband’s business interests, appeal to the tastes of his pupils and admirers; and as their tastes in general ran in the direction of the appearance of expense lavishly maintained without subtlety or distinction, Madame Torialli ministered to their faith by a modern massive house with a great deal of glass, a _portier_ at the first door, two footmen at the second, a butler of the smartest London type, and large reception rooms in which the florid held an unambiguous sway.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Compromise for her was the appearance of sacrifice with the certainty of compensation.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading It was necessary for Madame Torialli that she should, for the sake of her husband’s business interests, appeal to the tastes of his pupils and admirers; and as their tastes in general ran in the direction of the appearance of expense lavishly maintained without subtlety or distinction, Madame Torialli ministered to their faith by a modern massive house with a great deal of glass, a _portier_ at the first door, two footmen at the second, a butler of the smartest London type, and large reception rooms in which the florid held an unambiguous sway.