Chapter XVIII · Chapter 18

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

From this reading On the day after Miss Paget's departure Mr. Sheldon came home from the City rather earlier than usual, and found Charlotte alone in the drawing-room, reading a ponderous volume from Mudie of an instructive and edifying character, with a view to making herself clever, in order that she might better understand that prodigy of learning, Mr. Hawkehurst.

a record or narrative description of past events

From this reading She was somewhat inclined to yawn over the big book, which contained a graphic account of recent discoveries of an antiquarian nature.

later than; following

From this reading On the day after Miss Paget's departure Mr. Sheldon came home from the City rather earlier than usual, and found Charlotte alone in the drawing-room, reading a ponderous volume from Mudie of an instructive and edifying character, with a view to making herself clever, in order that she might better understand that prodigy of learning, Mr. Hawkehurst.

Having no one else present.

From this reading On the day after Miss Paget's departure Mr. Sheldon came home from the City rather earlier than usual, and found Charlotte alone in the drawing-room, reading a ponderous volume from Mudie of an instructive and edifying character, with a view to making herself clever, in order that she might better understand that prodigy of learning, Mr. Hawkehurst.

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

From this reading On the day after Miss Paget's departure Mr. Sheldon came home from the City rather earlier than usual, and found Charlotte alone in the drawing-room, reading a ponderous volume from Mudie of an instructive and edifying character, with a view to making herself clever, in order that she might better understand that prodigy of learning, Mr. Hawkehurst.

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

From this reading On the day after Miss Paget's departure Mr. Sheldon came home from the City rather earlier than usual, and found Charlotte alone in the drawing-room, reading a ponderous volume from Mudie of an instructive and edifying character, with a view to making herself clever, in order that she might better understand that prodigy of learning, Mr. Hawkehurst.

of or relating to persons who study or deal in antiques or antiquities

From this reading She was somewhat inclined to yawn over the big book, which contained a graphic account of recent discoveries of an antiquarian nature.

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

From this reading She saw only a dry as dust record of futile gropings in desert sand for the traces of perished empires.

freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities

From this reading ASSURANCE DOUBLY SURE.

past form of “attune” — adjust or accustom to; bring into harmony with

From this reading Her mind was not yet attuned to the comprehension of the sublimer elements in such discoveries.

(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 On the day after Miss Paget's departure Mr. Sheldon came home from the City rather earlier than usual, and found Charlotte alone in the drawing-room, reading a ponderous volume from Mudie of an instructive and edifying character, with a view to making herself clever, in order that she might better understand that prodigy of learning, Mr. Hawkehurst.

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

From this reading She was somewhat inclined to yawn over the big book, which contained a graphic account of recent discoveries of an antiquarian nature.

a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)

From this reading She was somewhat inclined to yawn over the big book, which contained a graphic account of recent discoveries of an antiquarian nature.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading On the day after Miss Paget's departure Mr. Sheldon came home from the City rather earlier than usual, and found Charlotte alone in the drawing-room, reading a ponderous volume from Mudie of an instructive and edifying character, with a view to making herself clever, in order that she might better understand that prodigy of learning, Mr. Hawkehurst.

an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)

From this reading On the day after Miss Paget's departure Mr. Sheldon came home from the City rather earlier than usual, and found Charlotte alone in the drawing-room, reading a ponderous volume from Mudie of an instructive and edifying character, with a view to making herself clever, in order that she might better understand that prodigy of learning, Mr. Hawkehurst.

the largest city in North Carolina; located in south central North Carolina

From this reading On the day after Miss Paget's departure Mr. Sheldon came home from the City rather earlier than usual, and found Charlotte alone in the drawing-room, reading a ponderous volume from Mudie of an instructive and edifying character, with a view to making herself clever, in order that she might better understand that prodigy of learning, Mr. Hawkehurst.

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading On the day after Miss Paget's departure Mr. Sheldon came home from the City rather earlier than usual, and found Charlotte alone in the drawing-room, reading a ponderous volume from Mudie of an instructive and edifying character, with a view to making herself clever, in order that she might better understand that prodigy of learning, Mr. Hawkehurst.

showing self-interest and shrewdness in dealing with others

From this reading On the day after Miss Paget's departure Mr. Sheldon came home from the City rather earlier than usual, and found Charlotte alone in the drawing-room, reading a ponderous volume from Mudie of an instructive and edifying character, with a view to making herself clever, in order that she might better understand that prodigy of learning, Mr. Hawkehurst.

an ability to understand the meaning or importance of something (or the knowledge acquired as a result)

From this reading Her mind was not yet attuned to the comprehension of the sublimer elements in such discoveries.

gotten under control

From this reading She was somewhat inclined to yawn over the big book, which contained a graphic account of recent discoveries of an antiquarian nature.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading On the day after Miss Paget's departure Mr. Sheldon came home from the City rather earlier than usual, and found Charlotte alone in the drawing-room, reading a ponderous volume from Mudie of an instructive and edifying character, with a view to making herself clever, in order that she might better understand that prodigy of learning, Mr. Hawkehurst.

the act of departing

From this reading On the day after Miss Paget's departure Mr. Sheldon came home from the City rather earlier than usual, and found Charlotte alone in the drawing-room, reading a ponderous volume from Mudie of an instructive and edifying character, with a view to making herself clever, in order that she might better understand that prodigy of learning, Mr. Hawkehurst.

leave someone who needs or counts on you; leave in the lurch

From this reading She saw only a dry as dust record of futile gropings in desert sand for the traces of perished empires.

plural of “discovery” — the act of discovering something

From this reading She was somewhat inclined to yawn over the big book, which contained a graphic account of recent discoveries of an antiquarian nature.

to double the degree

From this reading ASSURANCE DOUBLY SURE.

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

From this reading On the day after Miss Paget's departure Mr. Sheldon came home from the City rather earlier than usual, and found Charlotte alone in the drawing-room, reading a ponderous volume from Mudie of an instructive and edifying character, with a view to making herself clever, in order that she might better understand that prodigy of learning, Mr. Hawkehurst.

free from liquid or moisture; lacking natural or normal moisture or depleted of water; or no longer wet

From this reading She saw only a dry as dust record of futile gropings in desert sand for the traces of perished empires.

remove the dust from

From this reading She saw only a dry as dust record of futile gropings in desert sand for the traces of perished empires.

earlier in time; previously

From this reading On the day after Miss Paget's departure Mr. Sheldon came home from the City rather earlier than usual, and found Charlotte alone in the drawing-room, reading a ponderous volume from Mudie of an instructive and edifying character, with a view to making herself clever, in order that she might better understand that prodigy of learning, Mr. Hawkehurst.

enlightening or uplifting so as to encourage intellectual or moral improvement

From this reading On the day after Miss Paget's departure Mr. Sheldon came home from the City rather earlier than usual, and found Charlotte alone in the drawing-room, reading a ponderous volume from Mudie of an instructive and edifying character, with a view to making herself clever, in order that she might better understand that prodigy of learning, Mr. Hawkehurst.

violent or severe weather (viewed as caused by the action of the four elements)

From this reading Her mind was not yet attuned to the comprehension of the sublimer elements in such discoveries.

plural of “empire” — the domain ruled by an emperor or empress; the region over which imperial dominion is exercised

From this reading She saw only a dry as dust record of futile gropings in desert sand for the traces of perished empires.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading She saw only a dry as dust record of futile gropings in desert sand for the traces of perished empires.

set up or found

From this reading On the day after Miss Paget's departure Mr. Sheldon came home from the City rather earlier than usual, and found Charlotte alone in the drawing-room, reading a ponderous volume from Mudie of an instructive and edifying character, with a view to making herself clever, in order that she might better understand that prodigy of learning, Mr. Hawkehurst.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading On the day after Miss Paget's departure Mr. Sheldon came home from the City rather earlier than usual, and found Charlotte alone in the drawing-room, reading a ponderous volume from Mudie of an instructive and edifying character, with a view to making herself clever, in order that she might better understand that prodigy of learning, Mr. Hawkehurst.

producing no result or effect

From this reading She saw only a dry as dust record of futile gropings in desert sand for the traces of perished empires.

written or drawn or engraved

From this reading She was somewhat inclined to yawn over the big book, which contained a graphic account of recent discoveries of an antiquarian nature.

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

From this reading She saw only a dry as dust record of futile gropings in desert sand for the traces of perished empires.

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

From this reading On the day after Miss Paget's departure Mr. Sheldon came home from the City rather earlier than usual, and found Charlotte alone in the drawing-room, reading a ponderous volume from Mudie of an instructive and edifying character, with a view to making herself clever, in order that she might better understand that prodigy of learning, Mr. Hawkehurst.

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

From this reading Her mind was not yet attuned to the comprehension of the sublimer elements in such discoveries.

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

From this reading On the day after Miss Paget's departure Mr. Sheldon came home from the City rather earlier than usual, and found Charlotte alone in the drawing-room, reading a ponderous volume from Mudie of an instructive and edifying character, with a view to making herself clever, in order that she might better understand that prodigy of learning, Mr. Hawkehurst.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading On the day after Miss Paget's departure Mr. Sheldon came home from the City rather earlier than usual, and found Charlotte alone in the drawing-room, reading a ponderous volume from Mudie of an instructive and edifying character, with a view to making herself clever, in order that she might better understand that prodigy of learning, Mr. Hawkehurst.

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

From this reading On the day after Miss Paget's departure Mr. Sheldon came home from the City rather earlier than usual, and found Charlotte alone in the drawing-room, reading a ponderous volume from Mudie of an instructive and edifying character, with a view to making herself clever, in order that she might better understand that prodigy of learning, Mr. Hawkehurst.

(often followed by “to”) having a preference, disposition, or tendency

From this reading She was somewhat inclined to yawn over the big book, which contained a graphic account of recent discoveries of an antiquarian nature.

serving to instruct or enlighten or inform

From this reading On the day after Miss Paget's departure Mr. Sheldon came home from the City rather earlier than usual, and found Charlotte alone in the drawing-room, reading a ponderous volume from Mudie of an instructive and edifying character, with a view to making herself clever, in order that she might better understand that prodigy of learning, Mr. Hawkehurst.

the cognitive process of acquiring skill or knowledge

From this reading On the day after Miss Paget's departure Mr. Sheldon came home from the City rather earlier than usual, and found Charlotte alone in the drawing-room, reading a ponderous volume from Mudie of an instructive and edifying character, with a view to making herself clever, in order that she might better understand that prodigy of learning, Mr. Hawkehurst.

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading On the day after Miss Paget's departure Mr. Sheldon came home from the City rather earlier than usual, and found Charlotte alone in the drawing-room, reading a ponderous volume from Mudie of an instructive and edifying character, with a view to making herself clever, in order that she might better understand that prodigy of learning, Mr. Hawkehurst.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading On the day after Miss Paget's departure Mr. Sheldon came home from the City rather earlier than usual, and found Charlotte alone in the drawing-room, reading a ponderous volume from Mudie of an instructive and edifying character, with a view to making herself clever, in order that she might better understand that prodigy of learning, Mr. Hawkehurst.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading Her mind was not yet attuned to the comprehension of the sublimer elements in such discoveries.

fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind

From this reading On the day after Miss Paget's departure Mr. Sheldon came home from the City rather earlier than usual, and found Charlotte alone in the drawing-room, reading a ponderous volume from Mudie of an instructive and edifying character, with a view to making herself clever, in order that she might better understand that prodigy of learning, Mr. Hawkehurst.

a form of address for a man

From this reading On the day after Miss Paget's departure Mr. Sheldon came home from the City rather earlier than usual, and found Charlotte alone in the drawing-room, reading a ponderous volume from Mudie of an instructive and edifying character, with a view to making herself clever, in order that she might better understand that prodigy of learning, Mr. Hawkehurst.

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

From this reading On the day after Miss Paget's departure Mr. Sheldon came home from the City rather earlier than usual, and found Charlotte alone in the drawing-room, reading a ponderous volume from Mudie of an instructive and edifying character, with a view to making herself clever, in order that she might better understand that prodigy of learning, Mr. Hawkehurst.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading She was somewhat inclined to yawn over the big book, which contained a graphic account of recent discoveries of an antiquarian nature.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Her mind was not yet attuned to the comprehension of the sublimer elements in such discoveries.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading On the day after Miss Paget's departure Mr. Sheldon came home from the City rather earlier than usual, and found Charlotte alone in the drawing-room, reading a ponderous volume from Mudie of an instructive and edifying character, with a view to making herself clever, in order that she might better understand that prodigy of learning, Mr. Hawkehurst.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading On the day after Miss Paget's departure Mr. Sheldon came home from the City rather earlier than usual, and found Charlotte alone in the drawing-room, reading a ponderous volume from Mudie of an instructive and edifying character, with a view to making herself clever, in order that she might better understand that prodigy of learning, Mr. Hawkehurst.

and nothing more

From this reading She saw only a dry as dust record of futile gropings in desert sand for the traces of perished empires.

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

From this reading On the day after Miss Paget's departure Mr. Sheldon came home from the City rather earlier than usual, and found Charlotte alone in the drawing-room, reading a ponderous volume from Mudie of an instructive and edifying character, with a view to making herself clever, in order that she might better understand that prodigy of learning, Mr. Hawkehurst.

above and across; more than

From this reading She was somewhat inclined to yawn over the big book, which contained a graphic account of recent discoveries of an antiquarian nature.

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

From this reading On the day after Miss Paget's departure Mr. Sheldon came home from the City rather earlier than usual, and found Charlotte alone in the drawing-room, reading a ponderous volume from Mudie of an instructive and edifying character, with a view to making herself clever, in order that she might better understand that prodigy of learning, Mr. Hawkehurst.

past form of “perish” — pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life

From this reading She saw only a dry as dust record of futile gropings in desert sand for the traces of perished empires.

slow and laborious because of weight

From this reading On the day after Miss Paget's departure Mr. Sheldon came home from the City rather earlier than usual, and found Charlotte alone in the drawing-room, reading a ponderous volume from Mudie of an instructive and edifying character, with a view to making herself clever, in order that she might better understand that prodigy of learning, Mr. Hawkehurst.

an unusually gifted or intelligent (young) person; someone whose talents excite wonder and admiration

From this reading On the day after Miss Paget's departure Mr. Sheldon came home from the City rather earlier than usual, and found Charlotte alone in the drawing-room, reading a ponderous volume from Mudie of an instructive and edifying character, with a view to making herself clever, in order that she might better understand that prodigy of learning, Mr. Hawkehurst.

on the contrary

From this reading On the day after Miss Paget's departure Mr. Sheldon came home from the City rather earlier than usual, and found Charlotte alone in the drawing-room, reading a ponderous volume from Mudie of an instructive and edifying character, with a view to making herself clever, in order that she might better understand that prodigy of learning, Mr. Hawkehurst.

the cognitive process of understanding a written linguistic message

From this reading On the day after Miss Paget's departure Mr. Sheldon came home from the City rather earlier than usual, and found Charlotte alone in the drawing-room, reading a ponderous volume from Mudie of an instructive and edifying character, with a view to making herself clever, in order that she might better understand that prodigy of learning, Mr. Hawkehurst.

new

From this reading She was somewhat inclined to yawn over the big book, which contained a graphic account of recent discoveries of an antiquarian nature.

anything (such as a document or a phonograph record or a photograph) providing permanent evidence of or information about past events

From this reading She saw only a dry as dust record of futile gropings in desert sand for the traces of perished empires.

a loose material consisting of grains of rock or coral

From this reading She saw only a dry as dust record of futile gropings in desert sand for the traces of perished empires.

cut with a saw

From this reading She saw only a dry as dust record of futile gropings in desert sand for the traces of perished empires.

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

From this reading On the day after Miss Paget's departure Mr. Sheldon came home from the City rather earlier than usual, and found Charlotte alone in the drawing-room, reading a ponderous volume from Mudie of an instructive and edifying character, with a view to making herself clever, in order that she might better understand that prodigy of learning, Mr. Hawkehurst.

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

From this reading On the day after Miss Paget's departure Mr. Sheldon came home from the City rather earlier than usual, and found Charlotte alone in the drawing-room, reading a ponderous volume from Mudie of an instructive and edifying character, with a view to making herself clever, in order that she might better understand that prodigy of learning, Mr. Hawkehurst.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading She was somewhat inclined to yawn over the big book, which contained a graphic account of recent discoveries of an antiquarian nature.

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

From this reading Her mind was not yet attuned to the comprehension of the sublimer elements in such discoveries.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Her mind was not yet attuned to the comprehension of the sublimer elements in such discoveries.

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading ASSURANCE DOUBLY SURE.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading On the day after Miss Paget's departure Mr. Sheldon came home from the City rather earlier than usual, and found Charlotte alone in the drawing-room, reading a ponderous volume from Mudie of an instructive and edifying character, with a view to making herself clever, in order that she might better understand that prodigy of learning, Mr. Hawkehurst.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading On the day after Miss Paget's departure Mr. Sheldon came home from the City rather earlier than usual, and found Charlotte alone in the drawing-room, reading a ponderous volume from Mudie of an instructive and edifying character, with a view to making herself clever, in order that she might better understand that prodigy of learning, Mr. Hawkehurst.

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

From this reading On the day after Miss Paget's departure Mr. Sheldon came home from the City rather earlier than usual, and found Charlotte alone in the drawing-room, reading a ponderous volume from Mudie of an instructive and edifying character, with a view to making herself clever, in order that she might better understand that prodigy of learning, Mr. Hawkehurst.

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

From this reading On the day after Miss Paget's departure Mr. Sheldon came home from the City rather earlier than usual, and found Charlotte alone in the drawing-room, reading a ponderous volume from Mudie of an instructive and edifying character, with a view to making herself clever, in order that she might better understand that prodigy of learning, Mr. Hawkehurst.

plural of “trace” — a just detectable amount

From this reading She saw only a dry as dust record of futile gropings in desert sand for the traces of perished empires.

know and comprehend the nature or meaning of

From this reading On the day after Miss Paget's departure Mr. Sheldon came home from the City rather earlier than usual, and found Charlotte alone in the drawing-room, reading a ponderous volume from Mudie of an instructive and edifying character, with a view to making herself clever, in order that she might better understand that prodigy of learning, Mr. Hawkehurst.

occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure

From this reading On the day after Miss Paget's departure Mr. Sheldon came home from the City rather earlier than usual, and found Charlotte alone in the drawing-room, reading a ponderous volume from Mudie of an instructive and edifying character, with a view to making herself clever, in order that she might better understand that prodigy of learning, Mr. Hawkehurst.

a way of regarding situations or topics etc.

From this reading On the day after Miss Paget's departure Mr. Sheldon came home from the City rather earlier than usual, and found Charlotte alone in the drawing-room, reading a ponderous volume from Mudie of an instructive and edifying character, with a view to making herself clever, in order that she might better understand that prodigy of learning, Mr. Hawkehurst.

the amount of 3-dimensional space occupied by an object

From this reading On the day after Miss Paget's departure Mr. Sheldon came home from the City rather earlier than usual, and found Charlotte alone in the drawing-room, reading a ponderous volume from Mudie of an instructive and edifying character, with a view to making herself clever, in order that she might better understand that prodigy of learning, Mr. Hawkehurst.

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

From this reading She was somewhat inclined to yawn over the big book, which contained a graphic account of recent discoveries of an antiquarian nature.

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

From this reading She was somewhat inclined to yawn over the big book, which contained a graphic account of recent discoveries of an antiquarian nature.

in the company of; together with

From this reading On the day after Miss Paget's departure Mr. Sheldon came home from the City rather earlier than usual, and found Charlotte alone in the drawing-room, reading a ponderous volume from Mudie of an instructive and edifying character, with a view to making herself clever, in order that she might better understand that prodigy of learning, Mr. Hawkehurst.

utter a yawn, as from lack of oxygen or when one is tired

From this reading She was somewhat inclined to yawn over the big book, which contained a graphic account of recent discoveries of an antiquarian nature.

but in spite of that

From this reading Her mind was not yet attuned to the comprehension of the sublimer elements in such discoveries.