used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading How was it that there was a gentleness, almost a tenderness, in his manner she had never known before?
abruptadjectiveUS /əˈbrʌpt/
marked by sudden changes in subject and sharp transitions
From this reading The short, stern address, the abrupt question, the stare piercing and defiant of one who seemed ever to distrust what he heard, were all replaced by a tone of quiet and easy confidence, and a look that bespoke perfect trustfulness.
speak to
From this reading The short, stern address, the abrupt question, the stare piercing and defiant of one who seemed ever to distrust what he heard, were all replaced by a tone of quiet and easy confidence, and a look that bespoke perfect trustfulness.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading Lizzy Davis had retired to her room somewhat weary after the day's journey, not altogether unexcited by her meeting with her father.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading The short, stern address, the abrupt question, the stare piercing and defiant of one who seemed ever to distrust what he heard, were all replaced by a tone of quiet and easy confidence, and a look that bespoke perfect trustfulness.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading How was it that there was a gentleness, almost a tenderness, in his manner she had never known before?
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading Lizzy Davis had retired to her room somewhat weary after the day's journey, not altogether unexcited by her meeting with her father.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The short, stern address, the abrupt question, the stare piercing and defiant of one who seemed ever to distrust what he heard, were all replaced by a tone of quiet and easy confidence, and a look that bespoke perfect trustfulness.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading “Have I only seen him hitherto in moments of trial and excitement; are these the real traits of his nature; is it the hard conflict of life calls forth the sterner features of his character; and might he, in happier circumstances, be ever kind and confiding, as I see him now?”
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading “Have I only seen him hitherto in moments of trial and excitement; are these the real traits of his nature; is it the hard conflict of life calls forth the sterner features of his character; and might he, in happier circumstances, be ever kind and confiding, as I see him now?”
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading “Have I only seen him hitherto in moments of trial and excitement; are these the real traits of his nature; is it the hard conflict of life calls forth the sterner features of his character; and might he, in happier circumstances, be ever kind and confiding, as I see him now?”
earlier than; in front of
From this reading How was it that there was a gentleness, almost a tenderness, in his manner she had never known before?
bespokeadjectiveUS /bʊˈspoʊk/
(of clothing) custom-made
From this reading The short, stern address, the abrupt question, the stare piercing and defiant of one who seemed ever to distrust what he heard, were all replaced by a tone of quiet and easy confidence, and a look that bespoke perfect trustfulness.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Lizzy Davis had retired to her room somewhat weary after the day's journey, not altogether unexcited by her meeting with her father.
plural of “call” — a telephone connection
From this reading “Have I only seen him hitherto in moments of trial and excitement; are these the real traits of his nature; is it the hard conflict of life calls forth the sterner features of his character; and might he, in happier circumstances, be ever kind and confiding, as I see him now?”
an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)
From this reading “Have I only seen him hitherto in moments of trial and excitement; are these the real traits of his nature; is it the hard conflict of life calls forth the sterner features of his character; and might he, in happier circumstances, be ever kind and confiding, as I see him now?”
your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)
From this reading “Have I only seen him hitherto in moments of trial and excitement; are these the real traits of his nature; is it the hard conflict of life calls forth the sterner features of his character; and might he, in happier circumstances, be ever kind and confiding, as I see him now?”
freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities
From this reading The short, stern address, the abrupt question, the stare piercing and defiant of one who seemed ever to distrust what he heard, were all replaced by a tone of quiet and easy confidence, and a look that bespoke perfect trustfulness.
confidingadjectiveUS /kənˈfaɪdɪŋ/
willing to entrust personal matters
From this reading “Have I only seen him hitherto in moments of trial and excitement; are these the real traits of his nature; is it the hard conflict of life calls forth the sterner features of his character; and might he, in happier circumstances, be ever kind and confiding, as I see him now?”
conflictnounUS /ˈkɑːnflɪkt/
an open clash between two opposing groups (or individuals)
From this reading “Have I only seen him hitherto in moments of trial and excitement; are these the real traits of his nature; is it the hard conflict of life calls forth the sterner features of his character; and might he, in happier circumstances, be ever kind and confiding, as I see him now?”
DavisnounUS /ˈdeɪvəs/
English navigator who explored the Arctic while searching for the Northwest Passage (1550-1605)
From this reading Lizzy Davis had retired to her room somewhat weary after the day's journey, not altogether unexcited by her meeting with her father.
day'snounUS /deɪz/
possessive form of “day” — time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading Lizzy Davis had retired to her room somewhat weary after the day's journey, not altogether unexcited by her meeting with her father.
defiantadjectiveUS /dɪˈfaɪənt/
boldly resisting authority or an opposing force
From this reading The short, stern address, the abrupt question, the stare piercing and defiant of one who seemed ever to distrust what he heard, were all replaced by a tone of quiet and easy confidence, and a look that bespoke perfect trustfulness.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading What a thrill of ecstasy did the thought impart!
distrustnounUS /dɪˈstrʌst/
doubt about someone's honesty
From this reading The short, stern address, the abrupt question, the stare piercing and defiant of one who seemed ever to distrust what he heard, were all replaced by a tone of quiet and easy confidence, and a look that bespoke perfect trustfulness.
posing no difficulty; requiring little effort
From this reading The short, stern address, the abrupt question, the stare piercing and defiant of one who seemed ever to distrust what he heard, were all replaced by a tone of quiet and easy confidence, and a look that bespoke perfect trustfulness.
ecstasynounUS /ˈekstəsi/
a state of being carried away by overwhelming emotion
From this reading What a thrill of ecstasy did the thought impart!
at any time
From this reading The short, stern address, the abrupt question, the stare piercing and defiant of one who seemed ever to distrust what he heard, were all replaced by a tone of quiet and easy confidence, and a look that bespoke perfect trustfulness.
the feeling of lively and cheerful joy
From this reading “Have I only seen him hitherto in moments of trial and excitement; are these the real traits of his nature; is it the hard conflict of life calls forth the sterner features of his character; and might he, in happier circumstances, be ever kind and confiding, as I see him now?”
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading Lizzy Davis had retired to her room somewhat weary after the day's journey, not altogether unexcited by her meeting with her father.
plural of “feature” — a prominent attribute or aspect of something
From this reading “Have I only seen him hitherto in moments of trial and excitement; are these the real traits of his nature; is it the hard conflict of life calls forth the sterner features of his character; and might he, in happier circumstances, be ever kind and confiding, as I see him now?”
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading “Have I only seen him hitherto in moments of trial and excitement; are these the real traits of his nature; is it the hard conflict of life calls forth the sterner features of his character; and might he, in happier circumstances, be ever kind and confiding, as I see him now?”
gentlenessnounUS /ˈdʒentəlnəs/
the property possessed by a slope that is very gradual
From this reading How was it that there was a gentleness, almost a tenderness, in his manner she had never known before?
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Lizzy Davis had retired to her room somewhat weary after the day's journey, not altogether unexcited by her meeting with her father.
happieradjectiveUS /ˈhæpiər/
comparative of “happy” — enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure
From this reading “Have I only seen him hitherto in moments of trial and excitement; are these the real traits of his nature; is it the hard conflict of life calls forth the sterner features of his character; and might he, in happier circumstances, be ever kind and confiding, as I see him now?”
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading “Have I only seen him hitherto in moments of trial and excitement; are these the real traits of his nature; is it the hard conflict of life calls forth the sterner features of his character; and might he, in happier circumstances, be ever kind and confiding, as I see him now?”
Haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading “Have I only seen him hitherto in moments of trial and excitement; are these the real traits of his nature; is it the hard conflict of life calls forth the sterner features of his character; and might he, in happier circumstances, be ever kind and confiding, as I see him now?”
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The short, stern address, the abrupt question, the stare piercing and defiant of one who seemed ever to distrust what he heard, were all replaced by a tone of quiet and easy confidence, and a look that bespoke perfect trustfulness.
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading The short, stern address, the abrupt question, the stare piercing and defiant of one who seemed ever to distrust what he heard, were all replaced by a tone of quiet and easy confidence, and a look that bespoke perfect trustfulness.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Lizzy Davis had retired to her room somewhat weary after the day's journey, not altogether unexcited by her meeting with her father.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading “Have I only seen him hitherto in moments of trial and excitement; are these the real traits of his nature; is it the hard conflict of life calls forth the sterner features of his character; and might he, in happier circumstances, be ever kind and confiding, as I see him now?”
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading How was it that there was a gentleness, almost a tenderness, in his manner she had never known before?
used in negative statement to describe a situation that has existed up to this point or up to the present time
From this reading “Have I only seen him hitherto in moments of trial and excitement; are these the real traits of his nature; is it the hard conflict of life calls forth the sterner features of his character; and might he, in happier circumstances, be ever kind and confiding, as I see him now?”
How
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How was it that there was a gentleness, almost a tenderness, in his manner she had never known before?
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading “Have I only seen him hitherto in moments of trial and excitement; are these the real traits of his nature; is it the hard conflict of life calls forth the sterner features of his character; and might he, in happier circumstances, be ever kind and confiding, as I see him now?”
impartverbUS /ˌɪmˈpɑːrt/
transmit (knowledge or skills)
From this reading What a thrill of ecstasy did the thought impart!
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading How was it that there was a gentleness, almost a tenderness, in his manner she had never known before?
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “Have I only seen him hitherto in moments of trial and excitement; are these the real traits of his nature; is it the hard conflict of life calls forth the sterner features of his character; and might he, in happier circumstances, be ever kind and confiding, as I see him now?”
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading How was it that there was a gentleness, almost a tenderness, in his manner she had never known before?
undertake a journey or trip
From this reading Lizzy Davis had retired to her room somewhat weary after the day's journey, not altogether unexcited by her meeting with her father.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading “Have I only seen him hitherto in moments of trial and excitement; are these the real traits of his nature; is it the hard conflict of life calls forth the sterner features of his character; and might he, in happier circumstances, be ever kind and confiding, as I see him now?”
apprehended with certainty
From this reading How was it that there was a gentleness, almost a tenderness, in his manner she had never known before?
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading “Have I only seen him hitherto in moments of trial and excitement; are these the real traits of his nature; is it the hard conflict of life calls forth the sterner features of his character; and might he, in happier circumstances, be ever kind and confiding, as I see him now?”
Lizzy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lizzy Davis had retired to her room somewhat weary after the day's journey, not altogether unexcited by her meeting with her father.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading The short, stern address, the abrupt question, the stare piercing and defiant of one who seemed ever to distrust what he heard, were all replaced by a tone of quiet and easy confidence, and a look that bespoke perfect trustfulness.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading How was it that there was a gentleness, almost a tenderness, in his manner she had never known before?
a formally arranged gathering
From this reading Lizzy Davis had retired to her room somewhat weary after the day's journey, not altogether unexcited by her meeting with her father.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading “Have I only seen him hitherto in moments of trial and excitement; are these the real traits of his nature; is it the hard conflict of life calls forth the sterner features of his character; and might he, in happier circumstances, be ever kind and confiding, as I see him now?”
plural of “moment” — a particular point in time
From this reading “Have I only seen him hitherto in moments of trial and excitement; are these the real traits of his nature; is it the hard conflict of life calls forth the sterner features of his character; and might he, in happier circumstances, be ever kind and confiding, as I see him now?”
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading “Have I only seen him hitherto in moments of trial and excitement; are these the real traits of his nature; is it the hard conflict of life calls forth the sterner features of his character; and might he, in happier circumstances, be ever kind and confiding, as I see him now?”
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading How was it that there was a gentleness, almost a tenderness, in his manner she had never known before?
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Lizzy Davis had retired to her room somewhat weary after the day's journey, not altogether unexcited by her meeting with her father.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading “Have I only seen him hitherto in moments of trial and excitement; are these the real traits of his nature; is it the hard conflict of life calls forth the sterner features of his character; and might he, in happier circumstances, be ever kind and confiding, as I see him now?”
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The short, stern address, the abrupt question, the stare piercing and defiant of one who seemed ever to distrust what he heard, were all replaced by a tone of quiet and easy confidence, and a look that bespoke perfect trustfulness.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading The short, stern address, the abrupt question, the stare piercing and defiant of one who seemed ever to distrust what he heard, were all replaced by a tone of quiet and easy confidence, and a look that bespoke perfect trustfulness.
and nothing more
From this reading “Have I only seen him hitherto in moments of trial and excitement; are these the real traits of his nature; is it the hard conflict of life calls forth the sterner features of his character; and might he, in happier circumstances, be ever kind and confiding, as I see him now?”
being complete of its kind and without defect or blemish
From this reading The short, stern address, the abrupt question, the stare piercing and defiant of one who seemed ever to distrust what he heard, were all replaced by a tone of quiet and easy confidence, and a look that bespoke perfect trustfulness.
piercingadjectiveUS /ˈpɪrsɪŋ/
having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions
From this reading The short, stern address, the abrupt question, the stare piercing and defiant of one who seemed ever to distrust what he heard, were all replaced by a tone of quiet and easy confidence, and a look that bespoke perfect trustfulness.
challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of
From this reading The short, stern address, the abrupt question, the stare piercing and defiant of one who seemed ever to distrust what he heard, were all replaced by a tone of quiet and easy confidence, and a look that bespoke perfect trustfulness.
quietadjectiveUS /ˈkwaɪət/
characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity
From this reading The short, stern address, the abrupt question, the stare piercing and defiant of one who seemed ever to distrust what he heard, were all replaced by a tone of quiet and easy confidence, and a look that bespoke perfect trustfulness.
being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory
From this reading “Have I only seen him hitherto in moments of trial and excitement; are these the real traits of his nature; is it the hard conflict of life calls forth the sterner features of his character; and might he, in happier circumstances, be ever kind and confiding, as I see him now?”
replacedverbUS /ˌriːˈpleɪst/
past form of “replace” — substitute a person or thing for (another that is broken or inefficient or lost or no longer working or yielding what is expected)
From this reading The short, stern address, the abrupt question, the stare piercing and defiant of one who seemed ever to distrust what he heard, were all replaced by a tone of quiet and easy confidence, and a look that bespoke perfect trustfulness.
no longer active in your work or profession
From this reading Lizzy Davis had retired to her room somewhat weary after the day's journey, not altogether unexcited by her meeting with her father.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading Lizzy Davis had retired to her room somewhat weary after the day's journey, not altogether unexcited by her meeting with her father.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading “Have I only seen him hitherto in moments of trial and excitement; are these the real traits of his nature; is it the hard conflict of life calls forth the sterner features of his character; and might he, in happier circumstances, be ever kind and confiding, as I see him now?”
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading The short, stern address, the abrupt question, the stare piercing and defiant of one who seemed ever to distrust what he heard, were all replaced by a tone of quiet and easy confidence, and a look that bespoke perfect trustfulness.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading “Have I only seen him hitherto in moments of trial and excitement; are these the real traits of his nature; is it the hard conflict of life calls forth the sterner features of his character; and might he, in happier circumstances, be ever kind and confiding, as I see him now?”
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading How was it that there was a gentleness, almost a tenderness, in his manner she had never known before?
primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration
From this reading The short, stern address, the abrupt question, the stare piercing and defiant of one who seemed ever to distrust what he heard, were all replaced by a tone of quiet and easy confidence, and a look that bespoke perfect trustfulness.
to a small degree or extent
From this reading Lizzy Davis had retired to her room somewhat weary after the day's journey, not altogether unexcited by her meeting with her father.
stareverbUS /ster/
look at with fixed eyes
From this reading The short, stern address, the abrupt question, the stare piercing and defiant of one who seemed ever to distrust what he heard, were all replaced by a tone of quiet and easy confidence, and a look that bespoke perfect trustfulness.
sternadjectiveUS /stɜːrn/
of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor; forbidding in aspect
From this reading The short, stern address, the abrupt question, the stare piercing and defiant of one who seemed ever to distrust what he heard, were all replaced by a tone of quiet and easy confidence, and a look that bespoke perfect trustfulness.
sterneradjectiveUS /ˈstɜːrnər/
comparative of “stern” — of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor; forbidding in aspect
From this reading “Have I only seen him hitherto in moments of trial and excitement; are these the real traits of his nature; is it the hard conflict of life calls forth the sterner features of his character; and might he, in happier circumstances, be ever kind and confiding, as I see him now?”
a tendency to express warm and affectionate feeling
From this reading How was it that there was a gentleness, almost a tenderness, in his manner she had never known before?
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading How was it that there was a gentleness, almost a tenderness, in his manner she had never known before?
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Lizzy Davis had retired to her room somewhat weary after the day's journey, not altogether unexcited by her meeting with her father.
in or at that place or location
From this reading How was it that there was a gentleness, almost a tenderness, in his manner she had never known before?
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading “Have I only seen him hitherto in moments of trial and excitement; are these the real traits of his nature; is it the hard conflict of life calls forth the sterner features of his character; and might he, in happier circumstances, be ever kind and confiding, as I see him now?”
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading What a thrill of ecstasy did the thought impart!
thrillnounUS /θrɪl/
the swift release of a store of affective force
From this reading What a thrill of ecstasy did the thought impart!
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Lizzy Davis had retired to her room somewhat weary after the day's journey, not altogether unexcited by her meeting with her father.
the quality of a person's voice
From this reading The short, stern address, the abrupt question, the stare piercing and defiant of one who seemed ever to distrust what he heard, were all replaced by a tone of quiet and easy confidence, and a look that bespoke perfect trustfulness.
traitsnounUS /treɪts/
plural of “trait” — a distinguishing feature of your personal nature
From this reading “Have I only seen him hitherto in moments of trial and excitement; are these the real traits of his nature; is it the hard conflict of life calls forth the sterner features of his character; and might he, in happier circumstances, be ever kind and confiding, as I see him now?”
the act of testing something
From this reading “Have I only seen him hitherto in moments of trial and excitement; are these the real traits of his nature; is it the hard conflict of life calls forth the sterner features of his character; and might he, in happier circumstances, be ever kind and confiding, as I see him now?”
trustfulnessnoun
the trait of believing in the honesty and reliability of others
From this reading The short, stern address, the abrupt question, the stare piercing and defiant of one who seemed ever to distrust what he heard, were all replaced by a tone of quiet and easy confidence, and a look that bespoke perfect trustfulness.
unexcitedadjective
not excited
From this reading Lizzy Davis had retired to her room somewhat weary after the day's journey, not altogether unexcited by her meeting with her father.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading How was it that there was a gentleness, almost a tenderness, in his manner she had never known before?
exhaust or get tired through overuse or great strain or stress
From this reading Lizzy Davis had retired to her room somewhat weary after the day's journey, not altogether unexcited by her meeting with her father.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The short, stern address, the abrupt question, the stare piercing and defiant of one who seemed ever to distrust what he heard, were all replaced by a tone of quiet and easy confidence, and a look that bespoke perfect trustfulness.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading The short, stern address, the abrupt question, the stare piercing and defiant of one who seemed ever to distrust what he heard, were all replaced by a tone of quiet and easy confidence, and a look that bespoke perfect trustfulness.
which person or people
From this reading The short, stern address, the abrupt question, the stare piercing and defiant of one who seemed ever to distrust what he heard, were all replaced by a tone of quiet and easy confidence, and a look that bespoke perfect trustfulness.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Lizzy Davis had retired to her room somewhat weary after the day's journey, not altogether unexcited by her meeting with her father.
