Chapter VIII · Chapter 8

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

From this reading The offer of a seat in her carriage had seemed natural enough, under the circumstances, and Donna Tullia had been perfectly free to refuse it if she had chosen to do so.

personal knowledge or information about someone or something

From this reading Chance, and probably chance alone, had guided her in the matter of this acquaintance, for it could certainly not be said that she had forced herself upon Donna Tullia, nor even shown any uncommon readiness to meet the latter's advances.

plural of “advance” — a movement forward

From this reading Chance, and probably chance alone, had guided her in the matter of this acquaintance, for it could certainly not be said that she had forced herself upon Donna Tullia, nor even shown any uncommon readiness to meet the latter's advances.

(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 She now saw a possibility of annoying all Orsino's relations by attracting the object of Orsino's devotion to her own house.

Having no one else present.

From this reading Chance, and probably chance alone, had guided her in the matter of this acquaintance, for it could certainly not be said that she had forced herself upon Donna Tullia, nor even shown any uncommon readiness to meet the latter's advances.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading Though possessing but the very slightest grounds for believing herself to be a born diplomatist, the Countess had always delighted in petty plotting and scheming.

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

From this reading While Giovanni was exerting himself to little purpose in attempting to gain information concerning Maria Consuelo, she had launched herself upon the society of which the Countess Del Ferice was an important and influential member.

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

From this reading While Giovanni was exerting himself to little purpose in attempting to gain information concerning Maria Consuelo, she had launched herself upon the society of which the Countess Del Ferice was an important and influential member.

causing irritation or annoyance

From this reading She now saw a possibility of annoying all Orsino's relations by attracting the object of Orsino's devotion to her own house.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Chance, and probably chance alone, had guided her in the matter of this acquaintance, for it could certainly not be said that she had forced herself upon Donna Tullia, nor even shown any uncommon readiness to meet the latter's advances.

-ing form of “attempt” — make an effort or attempt

From this reading While Giovanni was exerting himself to little purpose in attempting to gain information concerning Maria Consuelo, she had launched herself upon the society of which the Countess Del Ferice was an important and influential member.

-ing form of “attract” — direct toward itself or oneself by means of some psychological power or physical attributes

From this reading She now saw a possibility of annoying all Orsino's relations by attracting the object of Orsino's devotion to her own house.

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

From this reading Chance, and probably chance alone, had guided her in the matter of this acquaintance, for it could certainly not be said that she had forced herself upon Donna Tullia, nor even shown any uncommon readiness to meet the latter's advances.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The offer of a seat in her carriage had seemed natural enough, under the circumstances, and Donna Tullia had been perfectly free to refuse it if she had chosen to do so.

the cognitive process that leads to convictions

From this reading Though possessing but the very slightest grounds for believing herself to be a born diplomatist, the Countess had always delighted in petty plotting and scheming.

brought into existence

From this reading Though possessing but the very slightest grounds for believing herself to be a born diplomatist, the Countess had always delighted in petty plotting and scheming.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Though possessing but the very slightest grounds for believing herself to be a born diplomatist, the Countess had always delighted in petty plotting and scheming.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading She now saw a possibility of annoying all Orsino's relations by attracting the object of Orsino's devotion to her own house.

a railcar where passengers ride

From this reading The offer of a seat in her carriage had seemed natural enough, under the circumstances, and Donna Tullia had been perfectly free to refuse it if she had chosen to do so.

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading Chance, and probably chance alone, had guided her in the matter of this acquaintance, for it could certainly not be said that she had forced herself upon Donna Tullia, nor even shown any uncommon readiness to meet the latter's advances.

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading Chance, and probably chance alone, had guided her in the matter of this acquaintance, for it could certainly not be said that she had forced herself upon Donna Tullia, nor even shown any uncommon readiness to meet the latter's advances.

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

From this reading The offer of a seat in her carriage had seemed natural enough, under the circumstances, and Donna Tullia had been perfectly free to refuse it if she had chosen to do so.

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

From this reading The offer of a seat in her carriage had seemed natural enough, under the circumstances, and Donna Tullia had been perfectly free to refuse it if she had chosen to do so.

-ing form of “concern” — be relevant to

From this reading While Giovanni was exerting himself to little purpose in attempting to gain information concerning Maria Consuelo, she had launched herself upon the society of which the Countess Del Ferice was an important and influential member.

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

From this reading While Giovanni was exerting himself to little purpose in attempting to gain information concerning Maria Consuelo, she had launched herself upon the society of which the Countess Del Ferice was an important and influential member.

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

From this reading Chance, and probably chance alone, had guided her in the matter of this acquaintance, for it could certainly not be said that she had forced herself upon Donna Tullia, nor even shown any uncommon readiness to meet the latter's advances.

female equivalent of a count or earl

From this reading While Giovanni was exerting himself to little purpose in attempting to gain information concerning Maria Consuelo, she had launched herself upon the society of which the Countess Del Ferice was an important and influential member.

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

From this reading While Giovanni was exerting himself to little purpose in attempting to gain information concerning Maria Consuelo, she had launched herself upon the society of which the Countess Del Ferice was an important and influential member.

greatly pleased

From this reading Though possessing but the very slightest grounds for believing herself to be a born diplomatist, the Countess had always delighted in petty plotting and scheming.

feelings of ardent love

From this reading She now saw a possibility of annoying all Orsino's relations by attracting the object of Orsino's devotion to her own house.

an official engaged in international negotiations

From this reading Though possessing but the very slightest grounds for believing herself to be a born diplomatist, the Countess had always delighted in petty plotting and scheming.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading The offer of a seat in her carriage had seemed natural enough, under the circumstances, and Donna Tullia had been perfectly free to refuse it if she had chosen to do so.

an Italian woman of rank

From this reading Chance, and probably chance alone, had guided her in the matter of this acquaintance, for it could certainly not be said that she had forced herself upon Donna Tullia, nor even shown any uncommon readiness to meet the latter's advances.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading The offer of a seat in her carriage had seemed natural enough, under the circumstances, and Donna Tullia had been perfectly free to refuse it if she had chosen to do so.

divisible by two

From this reading Chance, and probably chance alone, had guided her in the matter of this acquaintance, for it could certainly not be said that she had forced herself upon Donna Tullia, nor even shown any uncommon readiness to meet the latter's advances.

-ing form of “exert” — put to use

From this reading While Giovanni was exerting himself to little purpose in attempting to gain information concerning Maria Consuelo, she had launched herself upon the society of which the Countess Del Ferice was an important and influential member.

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

From this reading While Giovanni was exerting himself to little purpose in attempting to gain information concerning Maria Consuelo, she had launched herself upon the society of which the Countess Del Ferice was an important and influential member.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Chance, and probably chance alone, had guided her in the matter of this acquaintance, for it could certainly not be said that she had forced herself upon Donna Tullia, nor even shown any uncommon readiness to meet the latter's advances.

produced by or subjected to forcing

From this reading Chance, and probably chance alone, had guided her in the matter of this acquaintance, for it could certainly not be said that she had forced herself upon Donna Tullia, nor even shown any uncommon readiness to meet the latter's advances.

grant freedom to; free from confinement

From this reading The offer of a seat in her carriage had seemed natural enough, under the circumstances, and Donna Tullia had been perfectly free to refuse it if she had chosen to do so.

obtain

From this reading While Giovanni was exerting himself to little purpose in attempting to gain information concerning Maria Consuelo, she had launched herself upon the society of which the Countess Del Ferice was an important and influential member.

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

From this reading While Giovanni was exerting himself to little purpose in attempting to gain information concerning Maria Consuelo, she had launched herself upon the society of which the Countess Del Ferice was an important and influential member.

your basis for belief or disbelief; knowledge on which to base belief

From this reading Though possessing but the very slightest grounds for believing herself to be a born diplomatist, the Countess had always delighted in petty plotting and scheming.

subject to guidance or control especially after launching

From this reading Chance, and probably chance alone, had guided her in the matter of this acquaintance, for it could certainly not be said that she had forced herself upon Donna Tullia, nor even shown any uncommon readiness to meet the latter's advances.

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

From this reading While Giovanni was exerting himself to little purpose in attempting to gain information concerning Maria Consuelo, she had launched herself upon the society of which the Countess Del Ferice was an important and influential member.

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

From this reading Chance, and probably chance alone, had guided her in the matter of this acquaintance, for it could certainly not be said that she had forced herself upon Donna Tullia, nor even shown any uncommon readiness to meet the latter's advances.

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

From this reading While Giovanni was exerting himself to little purpose in attempting to gain information concerning Maria Consuelo, she had launched herself upon the society of which the Countess Del Ferice was an important and influential member.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading While Giovanni was exerting himself to little purpose in attempting to gain information concerning Maria Consuelo, she had launched herself upon the society of which the Countess Del Ferice was an important and influential member.

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

From this reading She now saw a possibility of annoying all Orsino's relations by attracting the object of Orsino's devotion to her own house.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading The offer of a seat in her carriage had seemed natural enough, under the circumstances, and Donna Tullia had been perfectly free to refuse it if she had chosen to do so.

of great significance or value

From this reading While Giovanni was exerting himself to little purpose in attempting to gain information concerning Maria Consuelo, she had launched herself upon the society of which the Countess Del Ferice was an important and influential member.

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

From this reading While Giovanni was exerting himself to little purpose in attempting to gain information concerning Maria Consuelo, she had launched herself upon the society of which the Countess Del Ferice was an important and influential member.

having or exercising influence or power

From this reading While Giovanni was exerting himself to little purpose in attempting to gain information concerning Maria Consuelo, she had launched herself upon the society of which the Countess Del Ferice was an important and influential member.

a message received and understood

From this reading While Giovanni was exerting himself to little purpose in attempting to gain information concerning Maria Consuelo, she had launched herself upon the society of which the Countess Del Ferice was an important and influential member.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Chance, and probably chance alone, had guided her in the matter of this acquaintance, for it could certainly not be said that she had forced herself upon Donna Tullia, nor even shown any uncommon readiness to meet the latter's advances.

possessive form of “latter” — the second of two or the second mentioned of two

From this reading Chance, and probably chance alone, had guided her in the matter of this acquaintance, for it could certainly not be said that she had forced herself upon Donna Tullia, nor even shown any uncommon readiness to meet the latter's advances.

past form of “launch” — set up or found

From this reading While Giovanni was exerting himself to little purpose in attempting to gain information concerning Maria Consuelo, she had launched herself upon the society of which the Countess Del Ferice was an important and influential member.

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

From this reading While Giovanni was exerting himself to little purpose in attempting to gain information concerning Maria Consuelo, she had launched herself upon the society of which the Countess Del Ferice was an important and influential member.

a dark region of considerable extent on the surface of the moon

From this reading While Giovanni was exerting himself to little purpose in attempting to gain information concerning Maria Consuelo, she had launched herself upon the society of which the Countess Del Ferice was an important and influential member.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading Chance, and probably chance alone, had guided her in the matter of this acquaintance, for it could certainly not be said that she had forced herself upon Donna Tullia, nor even shown any uncommon readiness to meet the latter's advances.

come together

From this reading Chance, and probably chance alone, had guided her in the matter of this acquaintance, for it could certainly not be said that she had forced herself upon Donna Tullia, nor even shown any uncommon readiness to meet the latter's advances.

one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)

From this reading While Giovanni was exerting himself to little purpose in attempting to gain information concerning Maria Consuelo, she had launched herself upon the society of which the Countess Del Ferice was an important and influential member.

in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature

From this reading The offer of a seat in her carriage had seemed natural enough, under the circumstances, and Donna Tullia had been perfectly free to refuse it if she had chosen to do so.

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading Chance, and probably chance alone, had guided her in the matter of this acquaintance, for it could certainly not be said that she had forced herself upon Donna Tullia, nor even shown any uncommon readiness to meet the latter's advances.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Chance, and probably chance alone, had guided her in the matter of this acquaintance, for it could certainly not be said that she had forced herself upon Donna Tullia, nor even shown any uncommon readiness to meet the latter's advances.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading She now saw a possibility of annoying all Orsino's relations by attracting the object of Orsino's devotion to her own house.

a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow

From this reading She now saw a possibility of annoying all Orsino's relations by attracting the object of Orsino's devotion to her own house.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading While Giovanni was exerting himself to little purpose in attempting to gain information concerning Maria Consuelo, she had launched herself upon the society of which the Countess Del Ferice was an important and influential member.

make available or accessible, provide or furnish

From this reading The offer of a seat in her carriage had seemed natural enough, under the circumstances, and Donna Tullia had been perfectly free to refuse it if she had chosen to do so.

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

From this reading She now saw a possibility of annoying all Orsino's relations by attracting the object of Orsino's devotion to her own house.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading She now saw a possibility of annoying all Orsino's relations by attracting the object of Orsino's devotion to her own house.

completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers

From this reading The offer of a seat in her carriage had seemed natural enough, under the circumstances, and Donna Tullia had been perfectly free to refuse it if she had chosen to do so.

inferior in rank or status

From this reading Though possessing but the very slightest grounds for believing herself to be a born diplomatist, the Countess had always delighted in petty plotting and scheming.

inflected form of “plot” — plan secretly, usually something illegal

From this reading Though possessing but the very slightest grounds for believing herself to be a born diplomatist, the Countess had always delighted in petty plotting and scheming.

-ing form of “possess” — have as an attribute, knowledge, or skill

From this reading Though possessing but the very slightest grounds for believing herself to be a born diplomatist, the Countess had always delighted in petty plotting and scheming.

a future prospect or potential

From this reading She now saw a possibility of annoying all Orsino's relations by attracting the object of Orsino's devotion to her own house.

with considerable certainty; without much doubt

From this reading Chance, and probably chance alone, had guided her in the matter of this acquaintance, for it could certainly not be said that she had forced herself upon Donna Tullia, nor even shown any uncommon readiness to meet the latter's advances.

an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading While Giovanni was exerting himself to little purpose in attempting to gain information concerning Maria Consuelo, she had launched herself upon the society of which the Countess Del Ferice was an important and influential member.

the state of having been made ready or prepared for use or action (especially military action)

From this reading Chance, and probably chance alone, had guided her in the matter of this acquaintance, for it could certainly not be said that she had forced herself upon Donna Tullia, nor even shown any uncommon readiness to meet the latter's advances.

show unwillingness towards

From this reading The offer of a seat in her carriage had seemed natural enough, under the circumstances, and Donna Tullia had been perfectly free to refuse it if she had chosen to do so.

mutual dealings or connections or communications among persons or groups

From this reading She now saw a possibility of annoying all Orsino's relations by attracting the object of Orsino's devotion to her own house.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading Chance, and probably chance alone, had guided her in the matter of this acquaintance, for it could certainly not be said that she had forced herself upon Donna Tullia, nor even shown any uncommon readiness to meet the latter's advances.

cut with a saw

From this reading She now saw a possibility of annoying all Orsino's relations by attracting the object of Orsino's devotion to her own house.

acting with a specific goal

From this reading Though possessing but the very slightest grounds for believing herself to be a born diplomatist, the Countess had always delighted in petty plotting and scheming.

a space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or on a train or airplane)

From this reading The offer of a seat in her carriage had seemed natural enough, under the circumstances, and Donna Tullia had been perfectly free to refuse it if she had chosen to do so.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading The offer of a seat in her carriage had seemed natural enough, under the circumstances, and Donna Tullia had been perfectly free to refuse it if she had chosen to do so.

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

From this reading While Giovanni was exerting himself to little purpose in attempting to gain information concerning Maria Consuelo, she had launched herself upon the society of which the Countess Del Ferice was an important and influential member.

inflected form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading Chance, and probably chance alone, had guided her in the matter of this acquaintance, for it could certainly not be said that she had forced herself upon Donna Tullia, nor even shown any uncommon readiness to meet the latter's advances.

superlative of “slight” — (quantifier used with mass nouns) small in quantity or degree; not much or almost none or (with “a”) at least some

From this reading Though possessing but the very slightest grounds for believing herself to be a born diplomatist, the Countess had always delighted in petty plotting and scheming.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The offer of a seat in her carriage had seemed natural enough, under the circumstances, and Donna Tullia had been perfectly free to refuse it if she had chosen to do so.

an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization

From this reading While Giovanni was exerting himself to little purpose in attempting to gain information concerning Maria Consuelo, she had launched herself upon the society of which the Countess Del Ferice was an important and influential member.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Chance, and probably chance alone, had guided her in the matter of this acquaintance, for it could certainly not be said that she had forced herself upon Donna Tullia, nor even shown any uncommon readiness to meet the latter's advances.

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

From this reading While Giovanni was exerting himself to little purpose in attempting to gain information concerning Maria Consuelo, she had launched herself upon the society of which the Countess Del Ferice was an important and influential member.

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

From this reading Chance, and probably chance alone, had guided her in the matter of this acquaintance, for it could certainly not be said that she had forced herself upon Donna Tullia, nor even shown any uncommon readiness to meet the latter's advances.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Though possessing but the very slightest grounds for believing herself to be a born diplomatist, the Countess had always delighted in petty plotting and scheming.

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

From this reading While Giovanni was exerting himself to little purpose in attempting to gain information concerning Maria Consuelo, she had launched herself upon the society of which the Countess Del Ferice was an important and influential member.

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

From this reading Chance, and probably chance alone, had guided her in the matter of this acquaintance, for it could certainly not be said that she had forced herself upon Donna Tullia, nor even shown any uncommon readiness to meet the latter's advances.

not common or ordinarily encountered; unusually great in amount or remarkable in character or kind

From this reading Chance, and probably chance alone, had guided her in the matter of this acquaintance, for it could certainly not be said that she had forced herself upon Donna Tullia, nor even shown any uncommon readiness to meet the latter's advances.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading The offer of a seat in her carriage had seemed natural enough, under the circumstances, and Donna Tullia had been perfectly free to refuse it if she had chosen to do so.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading While Giovanni was exerting himself to little purpose in attempting to gain information concerning Maria Consuelo, she had launched herself upon the society of which the Countess Del Ferice was an important and influential member.

precisely as stated

From this reading Though possessing but the very slightest grounds for believing herself to be a born diplomatist, the Countess had always delighted in petty plotting and scheming.

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

From this reading While Giovanni was exerting himself to little purpose in attempting to gain information concerning Maria Consuelo, she had launched herself upon the society of which the Countess Del Ferice was an important and influential member.

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

From this reading While Giovanni was exerting himself to little purpose in attempting to gain information concerning Maria Consuelo, she had launched herself upon the society of which the Countess Del Ferice was an important and influential member.

during the time that

From this reading While Giovanni was exerting himself to little purpose in attempting to gain information concerning Maria Consuelo, she had launched herself upon the society of which the Countess Del Ferice was an important and influential member.