Chapter XV

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

From this reading There was a certain solemnity about the party in Diana’s rooms that evening.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading There was a certain solemnity about the party in Diana’s rooms that evening.

not being in a specified place

From this reading The completeness of the position was spoiled by the fact that the _fiancé_ was not present; but that was not the fault of the little ladies, who knew nothing about his reasons for being absent,--or rather supposed that they did know all about them, and had the privilege of representing their new piece of property, and explaining for him.

anew

From this reading No human circumstances can possibly be more interesting than those of the bridegroom and bride who have chosen each other from the world, and who present themselves to the world smiling, hand in hand, the ever-renewed type of human progression: primitive beginning, over again, of a new world.

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading Sophy and Mrs. Norton came downstairs in their best dresses, with an air of importance not to be mistaken; and was it not quite natural that they should look important?

(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 completeness of the position was spoiled by the fact that the _fiancé_ was not present; but that was not the fault of the little ladies, who knew nothing about his reasons for being absent,--or rather supposed that they did know all about them, and had the privilege of representing their new piece of property, and explaining for him.

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

From this reading Sophy and Mrs. Norton came downstairs in their best dresses, with an air of importance not to be mistaken; and was it not quite natural that they should look important?

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

From this reading Sophy and Mrs. Norton came downstairs in their best dresses, with an air of importance not to be mistaken; and was it not quite natural that they should look important?

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

From this reading Sophy and Mrs. Norton came downstairs in their best dresses, with an air of importance not to be mistaken; and was it not quite natural that they should look important?

the event consisting of the start of something

From this reading No human circumstances can possibly be more interesting than those of the bridegroom and bride who have chosen each other from the world, and who present themselves to the world smiling, hand in hand, the ever-renewed type of human progression: primitive beginning, over again, of a new world.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading The completeness of the position was spoiled by the fact that the _fiancé_ was not present; but that was not the fault of the little ladies, who knew nothing about his reasons for being absent,--or rather supposed that they did know all about them, and had the privilege of representing their new piece of property, and explaining for him.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading Sophy and Mrs. Norton came downstairs in their best dresses, with an air of importance not to be mistaken; and was it not quite natural that they should look important?

a woman who has recently been married

From this reading No human circumstances can possibly be more interesting than those of the bridegroom and bride who have chosen each other from the world, and who present themselves to the world smiling, hand in hand, the ever-renewed type of human progression: primitive beginning, over again, of a new world.

a man who has recently been married

From this reading No human circumstances can possibly be more interesting than those of the bridegroom and bride who have chosen each other from the world, and who present themselves to the world smiling, hand in hand, the ever-renewed type of human progression: primitive beginning, over again, of a new world.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The completeness of the position was spoiled by the fact that the _fiancé_ was not present; but that was not the fault of the little ladies, who knew nothing about his reasons for being absent,--or rather supposed that they did know all about them, and had the privilege of representing their new piece of property, and explaining for him.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The completeness of the position was spoiled by the fact that the _fiancé_ was not present; but that was not the fault of the little ladies, who knew nothing about his reasons for being absent,--or rather supposed that they did know all about them, and had the privilege of representing their new piece of property, and explaining for him.

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

From this reading Sophy and Mrs. Norton came downstairs in their best dresses, with an air of importance not to be mistaken; and was it not quite natural that they should look important?

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading No human circumstances can possibly be more interesting than those of the bridegroom and bride who have chosen each other from the world, and who present themselves to the world smiling, hand in hand, the ever-renewed type of human progression: primitive beginning, over again, of a new world.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading There was a certain solemnity about the party in Diana’s rooms that evening.

one who is the object of choice; who is given preference

From this reading No human circumstances can possibly be more interesting than those of the bridegroom and bride who have chosen each other from the world, and who present themselves to the world smiling, hand in hand, the ever-renewed type of human progression: primitive beginning, over again, of a new world.

your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)

From this reading No human circumstances can possibly be more interesting than those of the bridegroom and bride who have chosen each other from the world, and who present themselves to the world smiling, hand in hand, the ever-renewed type of human progression: primitive beginning, over again, of a new world.

the state of being complete and entire; having everything that is needed

From this reading The completeness of the position was spoiled by the fact that the _fiancé_ was not present; but that was not the fault of the little ladies, who knew nothing about his reasons for being absent,--or rather supposed that they did know all about them, and had the privilege of representing their new piece of property, and explaining for him.

possessive form of “diana” — English aristocrat who was the first wife of Prince Charles; her death in an automobile accident in Paris produced intense national mourning (1961-1997)

From this reading There was a certain solemnity about the party in Diana’s rooms that evening.

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

From this reading The completeness of the position was spoiled by the fact that the _fiancé_ was not present; but that was not the fault of the little ladies, who knew nothing about his reasons for being absent,--or rather supposed that they did know all about them, and had the privilege of representing their new piece of property, and explaining for him.

on a floor below

From this reading Sophy and Mrs. Norton came downstairs in their best dresses, with an air of importance not to be mistaken; and was it not quite natural that they should look important?

plural of “dress” — a one-piece garment for a woman; has skirt and bodice

From this reading Sophy and Mrs. Norton came downstairs in their best dresses, with an air of importance not to be mistaken; and was it not quite natural that they should look important?

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading No human circumstances can possibly be more interesting than those of the bridegroom and bride who have chosen each other from the world, and who present themselves to the world smiling, hand in hand, the ever-renewed type of human progression: primitive beginning, over again, of a new world.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading There was a certain solemnity about the party in Diana’s rooms that evening.

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

From this reading No human circumstances can possibly be more interesting than those of the bridegroom and bride who have chosen each other from the world, and who present themselves to the world smiling, hand in hand, the ever-renewed type of human progression: primitive beginning, over again, of a new world.

-ing form of “explain” — make plain and comprehensible

From this reading The completeness of the position was spoiled by the fact that the _fiancé_ was not present; but that was not the fault of the little ladies, who knew nothing about his reasons for being absent,--or rather supposed that they did know all about them, and had the privilege of representing their new piece of property, and explaining for him.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading The completeness of the position was spoiled by the fact that the _fiancé_ was not present; but that was not the fault of the little ladies, who knew nothing about his reasons for being absent,--or rather supposed that they did know all about them, and had the privilege of representing their new piece of property, and explaining for him.

a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention

From this reading The completeness of the position was spoiled by the fact that the _fiancé_ was not present; but that was not the fault of the little ladies, who knew nothing about his reasons for being absent,--or rather supposed that they did know all about them, and had the privilege of representing their new piece of property, and explaining for him.

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

From this reading The completeness of the position was spoiled by the fact that the _fiancé_ was not present; but that was not the fault of the little ladies, who knew nothing about his reasons for being absent,--or rather supposed that they did know all about them, and had the privilege of representing their new piece of property, and explaining for him.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The completeness of the position was spoiled by the fact that the _fiancé_ was not present; but that was not the fault of the little ladies, who knew nothing about his reasons for being absent,--or rather supposed that they did know all about them, and had the privilege of representing their new piece of property, and explaining for him.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading No human circumstances can possibly be more interesting than those of the bridegroom and bride who have chosen each other from the world, and who present themselves to the world smiling, hand in hand, the ever-renewed type of human progression: primitive beginning, over again, of a new world.

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

From this reading The completeness of the position was spoiled by the fact that the _fiancé_ was not present; but that was not the fault of the little ladies, who knew nothing about his reasons for being absent,--or rather supposed that they did know all about them, and had the privilege of representing their new piece of property, and explaining for him.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading No human circumstances can possibly be more interesting than those of the bridegroom and bride who have chosen each other from the world, and who present themselves to the world smiling, hand in hand, the ever-renewed type of human progression: primitive beginning, over again, of a new world.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading No human circumstances can possibly be more interesting than those of the bridegroom and bride who have chosen each other from the world, and who present themselves to the world smiling, hand in hand, the ever-renewed type of human progression: primitive beginning, over again, of a new world.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading The completeness of the position was spoiled by the fact that the _fiancé_ was not present; but that was not the fault of the little ladies, who knew nothing about his reasons for being absent,--or rather supposed that they did know all about them, and had the privilege of representing their new piece of property, and explaining for him.

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

From this reading The completeness of the position was spoiled by the fact that the _fiancé_ was not present; but that was not the fault of the little ladies, who knew nothing about his reasons for being absent,--or rather supposed that they did know all about them, and had the privilege of representing their new piece of property, and explaining for him.

characteristic of humanity

From this reading No human circumstances can possibly be more interesting than those of the bridegroom and bride who have chosen each other from the world, and who present themselves to the world smiling, hand in hand, the ever-renewed type of human progression: primitive beginning, over again, of a new world.

the quality of being important and worthy of note

From this reading Sophy and Mrs. Norton came downstairs in their best dresses, with an air of importance not to be mistaken; and was it not quite natural that they should look important?

of great significance or value

From this reading Sophy and Mrs. Norton came downstairs in their best dresses, with an air of importance not to be mistaken; and was it not quite natural that they should look important?

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

From this reading There was a certain solemnity about the party in Diana’s rooms that evening.

arousing or holding the attention

From this reading No human circumstances can possibly be more interesting than those of the bridegroom and bride who have chosen each other from the world, and who present themselves to the world smiling, hand in hand, the ever-renewed type of human progression: primitive beginning, over again, of a new world.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Sophy and Mrs. Norton came downstairs in their best dresses, with an air of importance not to be mistaken; and was it not quite natural that they should look important?

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading The completeness of the position was spoiled by the fact that the _fiancé_ was not present; but that was not the fault of the little ladies, who knew nothing about his reasons for being absent,--or rather supposed that they did know all about them, and had the privilege of representing their new piece of property, and explaining for him.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading The completeness of the position was spoiled by the fact that the _fiancé_ was not present; but that was not the fault of the little ladies, who knew nothing about his reasons for being absent,--or rather supposed that they did know all about them, and had the privilege of representing their new piece of property, and explaining for him.

plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman

From this reading The completeness of the position was spoiled by the fact that the _fiancé_ was not present; but that was not the fault of the little ladies, who knew nothing about his reasons for being absent,--or rather supposed that they did know all about them, and had the privilege of representing their new piece of property, and explaining for him.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading The completeness of the position was spoiled by the fact that the _fiancé_ was not present; but that was not the fault of the little ladies, who knew nothing about his reasons for being absent,--or rather supposed that they did know all about them, and had the privilege of representing their new piece of property, and explaining for him.

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading Sophy and Mrs. Norton came downstairs in their best dresses, with an air of importance not to be mistaken; and was it not quite natural that they should look important?

wrong in e.g. opinion or judgment

From this reading Sophy and Mrs. Norton came downstairs in their best dresses, with an air of importance not to be mistaken; and was it not quite natural that they should look important?

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading No human circumstances can possibly be more interesting than those of the bridegroom and bride who have chosen each other from the world, and who present themselves to the world smiling, hand in hand, the ever-renewed type of human progression: primitive beginning, over again, of a new world.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading Sophy and Mrs. Norton came downstairs in their best dresses, with an air of importance not to be mistaken; and was it not quite natural that they should look important?

in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature

From this reading Sophy and Mrs. Norton came downstairs in their best dresses, with an air of importance not to be mistaken; and was it not quite natural that they should look important?

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading No human circumstances can possibly be more interesting than those of the bridegroom and bride who have chosen each other from the world, and who present themselves to the world smiling, hand in hand, the ever-renewed type of human progression: primitive beginning, over again, of a new world.

not any; not one

From this reading No human circumstances can possibly be more interesting than those of the bridegroom and bride who have chosen each other from the world, and who present themselves to the world smiling, hand in hand, the ever-renewed type of human progression: primitive beginning, over again, of a new world.

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

From this reading Sophy and Mrs. Norton came downstairs in their best dresses, with an air of importance not to be mistaken; and was it not quite natural that they should look important?

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Sophy and Mrs. Norton came downstairs in their best dresses, with an air of importance not to be mistaken; and was it not quite natural that they should look important?

not one thing; not anything

From this reading The completeness of the position was spoiled by the fact that the _fiancé_ was not present; but that was not the fault of the little ladies, who knew nothing about his reasons for being absent,--or rather supposed that they did know all about them, and had the privilege of representing their new piece of property, and explaining for him.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Sophy and Mrs. Norton came downstairs in their best dresses, with an air of importance not to be mistaken; and was it not quite natural that they should look important?

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The completeness of the position was spoiled by the fact that the _fiancé_ was not present; but that was not the fault of the little ladies, who knew nothing about his reasons for being absent,--or rather supposed that they did know all about them, and had the privilege of representing their new piece of property, and explaining for him.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading No human circumstances can possibly be more interesting than those of the bridegroom and bride who have chosen each other from the world, and who present themselves to the world smiling, hand in hand, the ever-renewed type of human progression: primitive beginning, over again, of a new world.

above and across; more than

From this reading No human circumstances can possibly be more interesting than those of the bridegroom and bride who have chosen each other from the world, and who present themselves to the world smiling, hand in hand, the ever-renewed type of human progression: primitive beginning, over again, of a new world.

an organization to gain political power

From this reading There was a certain solemnity about the party in Diana’s rooms that evening.

a separate part of a whole

From this reading The completeness of the position was spoiled by the fact that the _fiancé_ was not present; but that was not the fault of the little ladies, who knew nothing about his reasons for being absent,--or rather supposed that they did know all about them, and had the privilege of representing their new piece of property, and explaining for him.

the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading The completeness of the position was spoiled by the fact that the _fiancé_ was not present; but that was not the fault of the little ladies, who knew nothing about his reasons for being absent,--or rather supposed that they did know all about them, and had the privilege of representing their new piece of property, and explaining for him.

by chance

From this reading No human circumstances can possibly be more interesting than those of the bridegroom and bride who have chosen each other from the world, and who present themselves to the world smiling, hand in hand, the ever-renewed type of human progression: primitive beginning, over again, of a new world.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading No human circumstances can possibly be more interesting than those of the bridegroom and bride who have chosen each other from the world, and who present themselves to the world smiling, hand in hand, the ever-renewed type of human progression: primitive beginning, over again, of a new world.

belonging to an early stage of technical development; characterized by simplicity and (often) crudeness

From this reading No human circumstances can possibly be more interesting than those of the bridegroom and bride who have chosen each other from the world, and who present themselves to the world smiling, hand in hand, the ever-renewed type of human progression: primitive beginning, over again, of a new world.

a special advantage or immunity or benefit not enjoyed by all

From this reading The completeness of the position was spoiled by the fact that the _fiancé_ was not present; but that was not the fault of the little ladies, who knew nothing about his reasons for being absent,--or rather supposed that they did know all about them, and had the privilege of representing their new piece of property, and explaining for him.

a series with a definite pattern of advance

From this reading No human circumstances can possibly be more interesting than those of the bridegroom and bride who have chosen each other from the world, and who present themselves to the world smiling, hand in hand, the ever-renewed type of human progression: primitive beginning, over again, of a new world.

something owned; any tangible or intangible possession that is owned by someone

From this reading The completeness of the position was spoiled by the fact that the _fiancé_ was not present; but that was not the fault of the little ladies, who knew nothing about his reasons for being absent,--or rather supposed that they did know all about them, and had the privilege of representing their new piece of property, and explaining for him.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading Sophy and Mrs. Norton came downstairs in their best dresses, with an air of importance not to be mistaken; and was it not quite natural that they should look important?

on the contrary

From this reading The completeness of the position was spoiled by the fact that the _fiancé_ was not present; but that was not the fault of the little ladies, who knew nothing about his reasons for being absent,--or rather supposed that they did know all about them, and had the privilege of representing their new piece of property, and explaining for him.

plural of “reason” — a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading The completeness of the position was spoiled by the fact that the _fiancé_ was not present; but that was not the fault of the little ladies, who knew nothing about his reasons for being absent,--or rather supposed that they did know all about them, and had the privilege of representing their new piece of property, and explaining for him.

-ing form of “represent” — take the place of or be parallel or equivalent to

From this reading The completeness of the position was spoiled by the fact that the _fiancé_ was not present; but that was not the fault of the little ladies, who knew nothing about his reasons for being absent,--or rather supposed that they did know all about them, and had the privilege of representing their new piece of property, and explaining for him.

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

From this reading There was a certain solemnity about the party in Diana’s rooms that evening.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading Sophy and Mrs. Norton came downstairs in their best dresses, with an air of importance not to be mistaken; and was it not quite natural that they should look important?

a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement

From this reading No human circumstances can possibly be more interesting than those of the bridegroom and bride who have chosen each other from the world, and who present themselves to the world smiling, hand in hand, the ever-renewed type of human progression: primitive beginning, over again, of a new world.

a trait of dignified seriousness

From this reading There was a certain solemnity about the party in Diana’s rooms that evening.

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

From this reading Sophy and Mrs. Norton came downstairs in their best dresses, with an air of importance not to be mistaken; and was it not quite natural that they should look important?

having the character or disposition harmed by pampering or oversolicitous attention

From this reading The completeness of the position was spoiled by the fact that the _fiancé_ was not present; but that was not the fault of the little ladies, who knew nothing about his reasons for being absent,--or rather supposed that they did know all about them, and had the privilege of representing their new piece of property, and explaining for him.

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

From this reading THE SPOSA.

required or under orders

From this reading The completeness of the position was spoiled by the fact that the _fiancé_ was not present; but that was not the fault of the little ladies, who knew nothing about his reasons for being absent,--or rather supposed that they did know all about them, and had the privilege of representing their new piece of property, and explaining for him.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading No human circumstances can possibly be more interesting than those of the bridegroom and bride who have chosen each other from the world, and who present themselves to the world smiling, hand in hand, the ever-renewed type of human progression: primitive beginning, over again, of a new world.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading There was a certain solemnity about the party in Diana’s rooms that evening.

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

From this reading THE SPOSA.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Sophy and Mrs. Norton came downstairs in their best dresses, with an air of importance not to be mistaken; and was it not quite natural that they should look important?

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The completeness of the position was spoiled by the fact that the _fiancé_ was not present; but that was not the fault of the little ladies, who knew nothing about his reasons for being absent,--or rather supposed that they did know all about them, and had the privilege of representing their new piece of property, and explaining for him.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading No human circumstances can possibly be more interesting than those of the bridegroom and bride who have chosen each other from the world, and who present themselves to the world smiling, hand in hand, the ever-renewed type of human progression: primitive beginning, over again, of a new world.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There was a certain solemnity about the party in Diana’s rooms that evening.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Sophy and Mrs. Norton came downstairs in their best dresses, with an air of importance not to be mistaken; and was it not quite natural that they should look important?

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading No human circumstances can possibly be more interesting than those of the bridegroom and bride who have chosen each other from the world, and who present themselves to the world smiling, hand in hand, the ever-renewed type of human progression: primitive beginning, over again, of a new world.

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

From this reading Sophy and Mrs. Norton came downstairs in their best dresses, with an air of importance not to be mistaken; and was it not quite natural that they should look important?

a subdivision of a particular kind of thing

From this reading No human circumstances can possibly be more interesting than those of the bridegroom and bride who have chosen each other from the world, and who present themselves to the world smiling, hand in hand, the ever-renewed type of human progression: primitive beginning, over again, of a new world.

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

From this reading There was a certain solemnity about the party in Diana’s rooms that evening.

which person or people

From this reading No human circumstances can possibly be more interesting than those of the bridegroom and bride who have chosen each other from the world, and who present themselves to the world smiling, hand in hand, the ever-renewed type of human progression: primitive beginning, over again, of a new world.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Sophy and Mrs. Norton came downstairs in their best dresses, with an air of importance not to be mistaken; and was it not quite natural that they should look important?

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading No human circumstances can possibly be more interesting than those of the bridegroom and bride who have chosen each other from the world, and who present themselves to the world smiling, hand in hand, the ever-renewed type of human progression: primitive beginning, over again, of a new world.