used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A new fear had been engendered in my mind by his narrative; or rather, his narrative had given form and purpose to the fear that was already there.
abyssnounUS /əˈbɪs/
a bottomless gulf or pit; any unfathomable (or apparently unfathomable) cavity or chasm or void extending below (often used figuratively)
From this reading Why should I loiter on my road, to compare the state of mind in which I had tried to rid myself of the stain of the prison before meeting her at the coach-office, with the state of mind in which I now reflected on the abyss between Estella in her pride and beauty, and the returned transport whom I harboured?
aliveadjectiveUS /əˈlaɪv/
possessing life
From this reading If Compeyson were alive and should discover his return, I could hardly doubt the consequence.
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading A new fear had been engendered in my mind by his narrative; or rather, his narrative had given form and purpose to the fear that was already there.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Why should I loiter on my road, to compare the state of mind in which I had tried to rid myself of the stain of the prison before meeting her at the coach-office, with the state of mind in which I now reflected on the abyss between Estella in her pride and beauty, and the returned transport whom I harboured?
make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading Why should I pause to ask how much of my shrinking from Provis might be traced to Estella?
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Why should I loiter on my road, to compare the state of mind in which I had tried to rid myself of the stain of the prison before meeting her at the coach-office, with the state of mind in which I now reflected on the abyss between Estella in her pride and beauty, and the returned transport whom I harboured?
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Why should I pause to ask how much of my shrinking from Provis might be traced to Estella?
the qualities that give pleasure to the senses
From this reading Why should I loiter on my road, to compare the state of mind in which I had tried to rid myself of the stain of the prison before meeting her at the coach-office, with the state of mind in which I now reflected on the abyss between Estella in her pride and beauty, and the returned transport whom I harboured?
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading A new fear had been engendered in my mind by his narrative; or rather, his narrative had given form and purpose to the fear that was already there.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Why should I loiter on my road, to compare the state of mind in which I had tried to rid myself of the stain of the prison before meeting her at the coach-office, with the state of mind in which I now reflected on the abyss between Estella in her pride and beauty, and the returned transport whom I harboured?
(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 The road would be none the smoother for it, the end would be none the better for it, he would not be helped, nor I extenuated.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading Why should I loiter on my road, to compare the state of mind in which I had tried to rid myself of the stain of the prison before meeting her at the coach-office, with the state of mind in which I now reflected on the abyss between Estella in her pride and beauty, and the returned transport whom I harboured?
showing who or what does the action
From this reading A new fear had been engendered in my mind by his narrative; or rather, his narrative had given form and purpose to the fear that was already there.
coach-office
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Why should I loiter on my road, to compare the state of mind in which I had tried to rid myself of the stain of the prison before meeting her at the coach-office, with the state of mind in which I now reflected on the abyss between Estella in her pride and beauty, and the returned transport whom I harboured?
compareverbUS /kəmˈper/
examine and note the similarities or differences of
From this reading Why should I loiter on my road, to compare the state of mind in which I had tried to rid myself of the stain of the prison before meeting her at the coach-office, with the state of mind in which I now reflected on the abyss between Estella in her pride and beauty, and the returned transport whom I harboured?
Compeyson
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If Compeyson were alive and should discover his return, I could hardly doubt the consequence.
a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
From this reading If Compeyson were alive and should discover his return, I could hardly doubt the consequence.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading If Compeyson were alive and should discover his return, I could hardly doubt the consequence.
discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of
From this reading If Compeyson were alive and should discover his return, I could hardly doubt the consequence.
the state of being unsure of something
From this reading If Compeyson were alive and should discover his return, I could hardly doubt the consequence.
either extremity of something that has length
From this reading The road would be none the smoother for it, the end would be none the better for it, he would not be helped, nor I extenuated.
engenderedverbUS /enˈdʒendərd/
past form of “engender” — call forth
From this reading A new fear had been engendered in my mind by his narrative; or rather, his narrative had given form and purpose to the fear that was already there.
Estella
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Why should I pause to ask how much of my shrinking from Provis might be traced to Estella?
extenuated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The road would be none the smoother for it, the end would be none the better for it, he would not be helped, nor I extenuated.
be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
From this reading A new fear had been engendered in my mind by his narrative; or rather, his narrative had given form and purpose to the fear that was already there.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The road would be none the smoother for it, the end would be none the better for it, he would not be helped, nor I extenuated.
the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something
From this reading A new fear had been engendered in my mind by his narrative; or rather, his narrative had given form and purpose to the fear that was already there.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Why should I pause to ask how much of my shrinking from Provis might be traced to Estella?
givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/
acknowledged as a supposition
From this reading A new fear had been engendered in my mind by his narrative; or rather, his narrative had given form and purpose to the fear that was already there.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Why should I loiter on my road, to compare the state of mind in which I had tried to rid myself of the stain of the prison before meeting her at the coach-office, with the state of mind in which I now reflected on the abyss between Estella in her pride and beauty, and the returned transport whom I harboured?
harboured
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Why should I loiter on my road, to compare the state of mind in which I had tried to rid myself of the stain of the prison before meeting her at the coach-office, with the state of mind in which I now reflected on the abyss between Estella in her pride and beauty, and the returned transport whom I harboured?
only a very short time before
From this reading If Compeyson were alive and should discover his return, I could hardly doubt the consequence.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The road would be none the smoother for it, the end would be none the better for it, he would not be helped, nor I extenuated.
past form of “help” — give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading The road would be none the smoother for it, the end would be none the better for it, he would not be helped, nor I extenuated.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Why should I loiter on my road, to compare the state of mind in which I had tried to rid myself of the stain of the prison before meeting her at the coach-office, with the state of mind in which I now reflected on the abyss between Estella in her pride and beauty, and the returned transport whom I harboured?
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading A new fear had been engendered in my mind by his narrative; or rather, his narrative had given form and purpose to the fear that was already there.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Why should I pause to ask how much of my shrinking from Provis might be traced to Estella?
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading Why should I pause to ask how much of my shrinking from Provis might be traced to Estella?
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading If Compeyson were alive and should discover his return, I could hardly doubt the consequence.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Why should I loiter on my road, to compare the state of mind in which I had tried to rid myself of the stain of the prison before meeting her at the coach-office, with the state of mind in which I now reflected on the abyss between Estella in her pride and beauty, and the returned transport whom I harboured?
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The road would be none the smoother for it, the end would be none the better for it, he would not be helped, nor I extenuated.
loiterverbUS /ˈlɔɪtər/
be about
From this reading Why should I loiter on my road, to compare the state of mind in which I had tried to rid myself of the stain of the prison before meeting her at the coach-office, with the state of mind in which I now reflected on the abyss between Estella in her pride and beauty, and the returned transport whom I harboured?
a formally arranged gathering
From this reading Why should I loiter on my road, to compare the state of mind in which I had tried to rid myself of the stain of the prison before meeting her at the coach-office, with the state of mind in which I now reflected on the abyss between Estella in her pride and beauty, and the returned transport whom I harboured?
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Why should I pause to ask how much of my shrinking from Provis might be traced to Estella?
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading Why should I loiter on my road, to compare the state of mind in which I had tried to rid myself of the stain of the prison before meeting her at the coach-office, with the state of mind in which I now reflected on the abyss between Estella in her pride and beauty, and the returned transport whom I harboured?
to a great degree or extent
From this reading Why should I pause to ask how much of my shrinking from Provis might be traced to Estella?
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading Why should I pause to ask how much of my shrinking from Provis might be traced to Estella?
used when the speaker is also the object of the action
From this reading Why should I loiter on my road, to compare the state of mind in which I had tried to rid myself of the stain of the prison before meeting her at the coach-office, with the state of mind in which I now reflected on the abyss between Estella in her pride and beauty, and the returned transport whom I harboured?
narrativenounUS /ˈnærətɪv/
a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading A new fear had been engendered in my mind by his narrative; or rather, his narrative had given form and purpose to the fear that was already there.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading A new fear had been engendered in my mind by his narrative; or rather, his narrative had given form and purpose to the fear that was already there.
not one, and not any
From this reading The road would be none the smoother for it, the end would be none the better for it, he would not be helped, nor I extenuated.
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading The road would be none the smoother for it, the end would be none the better for it, he would not be helped, nor I extenuated.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The road would be none the smoother for it, the end would be none the better for it, he would not be helped, nor I extenuated.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Why should I loiter on my road, to compare the state of mind in which I had tried to rid myself of the stain of the prison before meeting her at the coach-office, with the state of mind in which I now reflected on the abyss between Estella in her pride and beauty, and the returned transport whom I harboured?
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Why should I pause to ask how much of my shrinking from Provis might be traced to Estella?
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Why should I loiter on my road, to compare the state of mind in which I had tried to rid myself of the stain of the prison before meeting her at the coach-office, with the state of mind in which I now reflected on the abyss between Estella in her pride and beauty, and the returned transport whom I harboured?
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading A new fear had been engendered in my mind by his narrative; or rather, his narrative had given form and purpose to the fear that was already there.
a time interval during which there is a temporary cessation of something
From this reading Why should I pause to ask how much of my shrinking from Provis might be traced to Estella?
a feeling of self-respect and personal worth
From this reading Why should I loiter on my road, to compare the state of mind in which I had tried to rid myself of the stain of the prison before meeting her at the coach-office, with the state of mind in which I now reflected on the abyss between Estella in her pride and beauty, and the returned transport whom I harboured?
a correctional institution where persons are confined while on trial or for punishment
From this reading Why should I loiter on my road, to compare the state of mind in which I had tried to rid myself of the stain of the prison before meeting her at the coach-office, with the state of mind in which I now reflected on the abyss between Estella in her pride and beauty, and the returned transport whom I harboured?
Provis
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Why should I pause to ask how much of my shrinking from Provis might be traced to Estella?
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading A new fear had been engendered in my mind by his narrative; or rather, his narrative had given form and purpose to the fear that was already there.
on the contrary
From this reading A new fear had been engendered in my mind by his narrative; or rather, his narrative had given form and purpose to the fear that was already there.
(especially of incident sound or light) bent or sent back
From this reading Why should I loiter on my road, to compare the state of mind in which I had tried to rid myself of the stain of the prison before meeting her at the coach-office, with the state of mind in which I now reflected on the abyss between Estella in her pride and beauty, and the returned transport whom I harboured?
go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading If Compeyson were alive and should discover his return, I could hardly doubt the consequence.
past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading Why should I loiter on my road, to compare the state of mind in which I had tried to rid myself of the stain of the prison before meeting her at the coach-office, with the state of mind in which I now reflected on the abyss between Estella in her pride and beauty, and the returned transport whom I harboured?
relieve from
From this reading Why should I loiter on my road, to compare the state of mind in which I had tried to rid myself of the stain of the prison before meeting her at the coach-office, with the state of mind in which I now reflected on the abyss between Estella in her pride and beauty, and the returned transport whom I harboured?
an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation
From this reading Why should I loiter on my road, to compare the state of mind in which I had tried to rid myself of the stain of the prison before meeting her at the coach-office, with the state of mind in which I now reflected on the abyss between Estella in her pride and beauty, and the returned transport whom I harboured?
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading Why should I pause to ask how much of my shrinking from Provis might be traced to Estella?
shrinkingnounUS /ˈʃrɪŋkɪŋ/
process or result of becoming less or smaller
From this reading Why should I pause to ask how much of my shrinking from Provis might be traced to Estella?
smoothernounUS /ˈsmuːðər/
a power tool used for sanding wood; an endless loop of sandpaper is moved at high speed by an electric motor
From this reading The road would be none the smoother for it, the end would be none the better for it, he would not be helped, nor I extenuated.
stainnounUS /steɪn/
a soiled or discolored appearance
From this reading Why should I loiter on my road, to compare the state of mind in which I had tried to rid myself of the stain of the prison before meeting her at the coach-office, with the state of mind in which I now reflected on the abyss between Estella in her pride and beauty, and the returned transport whom I harboured?
the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation
From this reading Why should I loiter on my road, to compare the state of mind in which I had tried to rid myself of the stain of the prison before meeting her at the coach-office, with the state of mind in which I now reflected on the abyss between Estella in her pride and beauty, and the returned transport whom I harboured?
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading A new fear had been engendered in my mind by his narrative; or rather, his narrative had given form and purpose to the fear that was already there.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Why should I loiter on my road, to compare the state of mind in which I had tried to rid myself of the stain of the prison before meeting her at the coach-office, with the state of mind in which I now reflected on the abyss between Estella in her pride and beauty, and the returned transport whom I harboured?
in or at that place or location
From this reading A new fear had been engendered in my mind by his narrative; or rather, his narrative had given form and purpose to the fear that was already there.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Why should I pause to ask how much of my shrinking from Provis might be traced to Estella?
tracedverbUS /treɪst/
past form of “trace” — follow, discover, or ascertain the course of development of something
From this reading Why should I pause to ask how much of my shrinking from Provis might be traced to Estella?
transportnounUS /trænˈspɔːrt/
something that serves as a means of transportation
From this reading Why should I loiter on my road, to compare the state of mind in which I had tried to rid myself of the stain of the prison before meeting her at the coach-office, with the state of mind in which I now reflected on the abyss between Estella in her pride and beauty, and the returned transport whom I harboured?
tested and proved useful or correct
From this reading Why should I loiter on my road, to compare the state of mind in which I had tried to rid myself of the stain of the prison before meeting her at the coach-office, with the state of mind in which I now reflected on the abyss between Estella in her pride and beauty, and the returned transport whom I harboured?
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A new fear had been engendered in my mind by his narrative; or rather, his narrative had given form and purpose to the fear that was already there.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading If Compeyson were alive and should discover his return, I could hardly doubt the consequence.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Why should I loiter on my road, to compare the state of mind in which I had tried to rid myself of the stain of the prison before meeting her at the coach-office, with the state of mind in which I now reflected on the abyss between Estella in her pride and beauty, and the returned transport whom I harboured?
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Why should I loiter on my road, to compare the state of mind in which I had tried to rid myself of the stain of the prison before meeting her at the coach-office, with the state of mind in which I now reflected on the abyss between Estella in her pride and beauty, and the returned transport whom I harboured?
the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”
From this reading Why should I pause to ask how much of my shrinking from Provis might be traced to Estella?
in the company of; together with
From this reading Why should I loiter on my road, to compare the state of mind in which I had tried to rid myself of the stain of the prison before meeting her at the coach-office, with the state of mind in which I now reflected on the abyss between Estella in her pride and beauty, and the returned transport whom I harboured?
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading The road would be none the smoother for it, the end would be none the better for it, he would not be helped, nor I extenuated.
