Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading "I have a conscience, my dear, on this matter," said an old gentleman to a young lady, as the two were sitting in the breakfast parlour of a country house which looked down from the cliffs over the sea on the coast of Carmarthenshire.

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

From this reading "I have a conscience, my dear, on this matter," said an old gentleman to a young lady, as the two were sitting in the breakfast parlour of a country house which looked down from the cliffs over the sea on the coast of Carmarthenshire.

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

From this reading "And so have I, Uncle Indefer; and as my conscience is backed by my inclination, whereas yours is not--" "You think that I shall give way?"

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

From this reading "I have a conscience, my dear, on this matter," said an old gentleman to a young lady, as the two were sitting in the breakfast parlour of a country house which looked down from the cliffs over the sea on the coast of Carmarthenshire.

having a back or backing, usually of a specified type

From this reading "And so have I, Uncle Indefer; and as my conscience is backed by my inclination, whereas yours is not--" "You think that I shall give way?"

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading "If I could only make you understand how very strong is my inclination, or disinclination--how impossible to be conquered, then--" "What next?"

eat an early morning meal

From this reading "I have a conscience, my dear, on this matter," said an old gentleman to a young lady, as the two were sitting in the breakfast parlour of a country house which looked down from the cliffs over the sea on the coast of Carmarthenshire.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading "And so have I, Uncle Indefer; and as my conscience is backed by my inclination, whereas yours is not--" "You think that I shall give way?"

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

From this reading "I have a conscience, my dear, on this matter," said an old gentleman to a young lady, as the two were sitting in the breakfast parlour of a country house which looked down from the cliffs over the sea on the coast of Carmarthenshire.

plural of “cliff” — a steep high face of rock

From this reading "I have a conscience, my dear, on this matter," said an old gentleman to a young lady, as the two were sitting in the breakfast parlour of a country house which looked down from the cliffs over the sea on the coast of Carmarthenshire.

the shore of a sea or ocean

From this reading "I have a conscience, my dear, on this matter," said an old gentleman to a young lady, as the two were sitting in the breakfast parlour of a country house which looked down from the cliffs over the sea on the coast of Carmarthenshire.

past form of “conquer” — bring under control by force or authority

From this reading "If I could only make you understand how very strong is my inclination, or disinclination--how impossible to be conquered, then--" "What next?"

motivation deriving logically from ethical or moral principles that govern a person's thoughts and actions

From this reading "I have a conscience, my dear, on this matter," said an old gentleman to a young lady, as the two were sitting in the breakfast parlour of a country house which looked down from the cliffs over the sea on the coast of Carmarthenshire.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading "If I could only make you understand how very strong is my inclination, or disinclination--how impossible to be conquered, then--" "What next?"

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading "I have a conscience, my dear, on this matter," said an old gentleman to a young lady, as the two were sitting in the breakfast parlour of a country house which looked down from the cliffs over the sea on the coast of Carmarthenshire.

dearly loved

From this reading "I have a conscience, my dear, on this matter," said an old gentleman to a young lady, as the two were sitting in the breakfast parlour of a country house which looked down from the cliffs over the sea on the coast of Carmarthenshire.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading "I did not mean that."

that toward which you are inclined to feel dislike

From this reading "If I could only make you understand how very strong is my inclination, or disinclination--how impossible to be conquered, then--" "What next?"

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading "I have a conscience, my dear, on this matter," said an old gentleman to a young lady, as the two were sitting in the breakfast parlour of a country house which looked down from the cliffs over the sea on the coast of Carmarthenshire.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading "I have a conscience, my dear, on this matter," said an old gentleman to a young lady, as the two were sitting in the breakfast parlour of a country house which looked down from the cliffs over the sea on the coast of Carmarthenshire.

a man of refinement

From this reading "I have a conscience, my dear, on this matter," said an old gentleman to a young lady, as the two were sitting in the breakfast parlour of a country house which looked down from the cliffs over the sea on the coast of Carmarthenshire.

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading "And so have I, Uncle Indefer; and as my conscience is backed by my inclination, whereas yours is not--" "You think that I shall give way?"

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading "I have a conscience, my dear, on this matter," said an old gentleman to a young lady, as the two were sitting in the breakfast parlour of a country house which looked down from the cliffs over the sea on the coast of Carmarthenshire.

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

From this reading "I have a conscience, my dear, on this matter," said an old gentleman to a young lady, as the two were sitting in the breakfast parlour of a country house which looked down from the cliffs over the sea on the coast of Carmarthenshire.

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

From this reading "If I could only make you understand how very strong is my inclination, or disinclination--how impossible to be conquered, then--" "What next?"

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading "I have a conscience, my dear, on this matter," said an old gentleman to a young lady, as the two were sitting in the breakfast parlour of a country house which looked down from the cliffs over the sea on the coast of Carmarthenshire.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading "If I could only make you understand how very strong is my inclination, or disinclination--how impossible to be conquered, then--" "What next?"

not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with

From this reading "If I could only make you understand how very strong is my inclination, or disinclination--how impossible to be conquered, then--" "What next?"

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

From this reading "I have a conscience, my dear, on this matter," said an old gentleman to a young lady, as the two were sitting in the breakfast parlour of a country house which looked down from the cliffs over the sea on the coast of Carmarthenshire.

an attitude of mind especially one that favors one alternative over others

From this reading "And so have I, Uncle Indefer; and as my conscience is backed by my inclination, whereas yours is not--" "You think that I shall give way?"

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

From this reading "And so have I, Uncle Indefer; and as my conscience is backed by my inclination, whereas yours is not--" "You think that I shall give way?"

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

From this reading "And so have I, Uncle Indefer; and as my conscience is backed by my inclination, whereas yours is not--" "You think that I shall give way?"

a polite name for any woman

From this reading "I have a conscience, my dear, on this matter," said an old gentleman to a young lady, as the two were sitting in the breakfast parlour of a country house which looked down from the cliffs over the sea on the coast of Carmarthenshire.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading "I have a conscience, my dear, on this matter," said an old gentleman to a young lady, as the two were sitting in the breakfast parlour of a country house which looked down from the cliffs over the sea on the coast of Carmarthenshire.

engage in

From this reading "If I could only make you understand how very strong is my inclination, or disinclination--how impossible to be conquered, then--" "What next?"

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading "I have a conscience, my dear, on this matter," said an old gentleman to a young lady, as the two were sitting in the breakfast parlour of a country house which looked down from the cliffs over the sea on the coast of Carmarthenshire.

mean or intend to express or convey

From this reading "I did not mean that."

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading "I have a conscience, my dear, on this matter," said an old gentleman to a young lady, as the two were sitting in the breakfast parlour of a country house which looked down from the cliffs over the sea on the coast of Carmarthenshire.

immediately following in time or order

From this reading "If I could only make you understand how very strong is my inclination, or disinclination--how impossible to be conquered, then--" "What next?"

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading "And so have I, Uncle Indefer; and as my conscience is backed by my inclination, whereas yours is not--" "You think that I shall give way?"

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading "I have a conscience, my dear, on this matter," said an old gentleman to a young lady, as the two were sitting in the breakfast parlour of a country house which looked down from the cliffs over the sea on the coast of Carmarthenshire.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading "I have a conscience, my dear, on this matter," said an old gentleman to a young lady, as the two were sitting in the breakfast parlour of a country house which looked down from the cliffs over the sea on the coast of Carmarthenshire.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading "I have a conscience, my dear, on this matter," said an old gentleman to a young lady, as the two were sitting in the breakfast parlour of a country house which looked down from the cliffs over the sea on the coast of Carmarthenshire.

and nothing more

From this reading "If I could only make you understand how very strong is my inclination, or disinclination--how impossible to be conquered, then--" "What next?"

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading "If I could only make you understand how very strong is my inclination, or disinclination--how impossible to be conquered, then--" "What next?"

above and across; more than

From this reading "I have a conscience, my dear, on this matter," said an old gentleman to a young lady, as the two were sitting in the breakfast parlour of a country house which looked down from the cliffs over the sea on the coast of Carmarthenshire.

reception room in an inn or club where visitors can be received

From this reading "I have a conscience, my dear, on this matter," said an old gentleman to a young lady, as the two were sitting in the breakfast parlour of a country house which looked down from the cliffs over the sea on the coast of Carmarthenshire.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "I have a conscience, my dear, on this matter," said an old gentleman to a young lady, as the two were sitting in the breakfast parlour of a country house which looked down from the cliffs over the sea on the coast of Carmarthenshire.

a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land

From this reading "I have a conscience, my dear, on this matter," said an old gentleman to a young lady, as the two were sitting in the breakfast parlour of a country house which looked down from the cliffs over the sea on the coast of Carmarthenshire.

used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest

From this reading "And so have I, Uncle Indefer; and as my conscience is backed by my inclination, whereas yours is not--" "You think that I shall give way?"

(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)

From this reading "I have a conscience, my dear, on this matter," said an old gentleman to a young lady, as the two were sitting in the breakfast parlour of a country house which looked down from the cliffs over the sea on the coast of Carmarthenshire.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading "And so have I, Uncle Indefer; and as my conscience is backed by my inclination, whereas yours is not--" "You think that I shall give way?"

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading "If I could only make you understand how very strong is my inclination, or disinclination--how impossible to be conquered, then--" "What next?"

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading "And so have I, Uncle Indefer; and as my conscience is backed by my inclination, whereas yours is not--" "You think that I shall give way?"

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

From this reading "I have a conscience, my dear, on this matter," said an old gentleman to a young lady, as the two were sitting in the breakfast parlour of a country house which looked down from the cliffs over the sea on the coast of Carmarthenshire.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading "What then?"

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading "And so have I, Uncle Indefer; and as my conscience is backed by my inclination, whereas yours is not--" "You think that I shall give way?"

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading "I have a conscience, my dear, on this matter," said an old gentleman to a young lady, as the two were sitting in the breakfast parlour of a country house which looked down from the cliffs over the sea on the coast of Carmarthenshire.

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

From this reading "I have a conscience, my dear, on this matter," said an old gentleman to a young lady, as the two were sitting in the breakfast parlour of a country house which looked down from the cliffs over the sea on the coast of Carmarthenshire.

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

From this reading "I have a conscience, my dear, on this matter," said an old gentleman to a young lady, as the two were sitting in the breakfast parlour of a country house which looked down from the cliffs over the sea on the coast of Carmarthenshire.

the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt

From this reading "And so have I, Uncle Indefer; and as my conscience is backed by my inclination, whereas yours is not--" "You think that I shall give way?"

know and comprehend the nature or meaning of

From this reading "If I could only make you understand how very strong is my inclination, or disinclination--how impossible to be conquered, then--" "What next?"

precisely as stated

From this reading "If I could only make you understand how very strong is my inclination, or disinclination--how impossible to be conquered, then--" "What next?"

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading "And so have I, Uncle Indefer; and as my conscience is backed by my inclination, whereas yours is not--" "You think that I shall give way?"

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading "I have a conscience, my dear, on this matter," said an old gentleman to a young lady, as the two were sitting in the breakfast parlour of a country house which looked down from the cliffs over the sea on the coast of Carmarthenshire.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading "What then?"

in contrast with the fact that

From this reading "And so have I, Uncle Indefer; and as my conscience is backed by my inclination, whereas yours is not--" "You think that I shall give way?"

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

From this reading "I have a conscience, my dear, on this matter," said an old gentleman to a young lady, as the two were sitting in the breakfast parlour of a country house which looked down from the cliffs over the sea on the coast of Carmarthenshire.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "And so have I, Uncle Indefer; and as my conscience is backed by my inclination, whereas yours is not--" "You think that I shall give way?"

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading "I have a conscience, my dear, on this matter," said an old gentleman to a young lady, as the two were sitting in the breakfast parlour of a country house which looked down from the cliffs over the sea on the coast of Carmarthenshire.

the one or ones belonging to the person spoken to

From this reading "And so have I, Uncle Indefer; and as my conscience is backed by my inclination, whereas yours is not--" "You think that I shall give way?"