Chapter VI · Chapter 6

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

From this reading A COMMON SPECTACLE.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading After some anxious consideration, Eleanor Scaife decided to keep silence for the present about Mrs. Puttock's strange remark.

having or showing knowledge and skill and aptitude

From this reading Eleanor was afraid that, if she interfered, she might run the risk of appearing officious, and of receiving the polite snub which Lady Eynesford was somewhat of an adept in administering.

-ing form of “administer” — work in an administrative capacity; supervise or be in charge of

From this reading Eleanor was afraid that, if she interfered, she might run the risk of appearing officious, and of receiving the polite snub which Lady Eynesford was somewhat of an adept in administering.

filled with fear or apprehension

From this reading Eleanor was afraid that, if she interfered, she might run the risk of appearing officious, and of receiving the polite snub which Lady Eynesford was somewhat of an adept in administering.

later than; following

From this reading After some anxious consideration, Eleanor Scaife decided to keep silence for the present about Mrs. Puttock's strange remark.

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

From this reading Eleanor was afraid that, if she interfered, she might run the risk of appearing officious, and of receiving the polite snub which Lady Eynesford was somewhat of an adept in administering.

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

From this reading Eleanor was afraid that, if she interfered, she might run the risk of appearing officious, and of receiving the polite snub which Lady Eynesford was somewhat of an adept in administering.

eagerly desirous

From this reading After some anxious consideration, Eleanor Scaife decided to keep silence for the present about Mrs. Puttock's strange remark.

formal attendance (in court or at a hearing) of a party in an action

From this reading Eleanor was afraid that, if she interfered, she might run the risk of appearing officious, and of receiving the polite snub which Lady Eynesford was somewhat of an adept in administering.

confidently declared to be so

From this reading That lady had deluged her with such a flood of gossip, that Eleanor felt that a thing was not likely to be true merely because Mrs. Puttock asserted it, while, if the suggested scandal had a basis in fact, it was probable that some of the men of the Governor's household, or indeed the Governor himself, would be well informed on the matter.

a relation that provides the foundation for something

From this reading That lady had deluged her with such a flood of gossip, that Eleanor felt that a thing was not likely to be true merely because Mrs. Puttock asserted it, while, if the suggested scandal had a basis in fact, it was probable that some of the men of the Governor's household, or indeed the Governor himself, would be well informed on the matter.

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

From this reading That lady had deluged her with such a flood of gossip, that Eleanor felt that a thing was not likely to be true merely because Mrs. Puttock asserted it, while, if the suggested scandal had a basis in fact, it was probable that some of the men of the Governor's household, or indeed the Governor himself, would be well informed on the matter.

for the reason that

From this reading That lady had deluged her with such a flood of gossip, that Eleanor felt that a thing was not likely to be true merely because Mrs. Puttock asserted it, while, if the suggested scandal had a basis in fact, it was probable that some of the men of the Governor's household, or indeed the Governor himself, would be well informed on the matter.

belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public

From this reading A COMMON SPECTACLE.

the process of giving careful thought to something

From this reading After some anxious consideration, Eleanor Scaife decided to keep silence for the present about Mrs. Puttock's strange remark.

recognizable; marked

From this reading After some anxious consideration, Eleanor Scaife decided to keep silence for the present about Mrs. Puttock's strange remark.

past form of “deluge” — fill quickly beyond capacity; as with a liquid

From this reading That lady had deluged her with such a flood of gossip, that Eleanor felt that a thing was not likely to be true merely because Mrs. Puttock asserted it, while, if the suggested scandal had a basis in fact, it was probable that some of the men of the Governor's household, or indeed the Governor himself, would be well informed on the matter.

freedom to act or judge on one's own

From this reading If so, Lord Eynesford would use his discretion in telling his wife.

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

From this reading After some anxious consideration, Eleanor Scaife decided to keep silence for the present about Mrs. Puttock's strange remark.

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

From this reading If so, Lord Eynesford would use his discretion in telling his wife.

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

From this reading That lady had deluged her with such a flood of gossip, that Eleanor felt that a thing was not likely to be true merely because Mrs. Puttock asserted it, while, if the suggested scandal had a basis in fact, it was probable that some of the men of the Governor's household, or indeed the Governor himself, would be well informed on the matter.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading That lady had deluged her with such a flood of gossip, that Eleanor felt that a thing was not likely to be true merely because Mrs. Puttock asserted it, while, if the suggested scandal had a basis in fact, it was probable that some of the men of the Governor's household, or indeed the Governor himself, would be well informed on the matter.

the rising of a body of water and its overflowing onto normally dry land

From this reading That lady had deluged her with such a flood of gossip, that Eleanor felt that a thing was not likely to be true merely because Mrs. Puttock asserted it, while, if the suggested scandal had a basis in fact, it was probable that some of the men of the Governor's household, or indeed the Governor himself, would be well informed on the matter.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading After some anxious consideration, Eleanor Scaife decided to keep silence for the present about Mrs. Puttock's strange remark.

light informal conversation for social occasions

From this reading That lady had deluged her with such a flood of gossip, that Eleanor felt that a thing was not likely to be true merely because Mrs. Puttock asserted it, while, if the suggested scandal had a basis in fact, it was probable that some of the men of the Governor's household, or indeed the Governor himself, would be well informed on the matter.

the head of a state government

From this reading That lady had deluged her with such a flood of gossip, that Eleanor felt that a thing was not likely to be true merely because Mrs. Puttock asserted it, while, if the suggested scandal had a basis in fact, it was probable that some of the men of the Governor's household, or indeed the Governor himself, would be well informed on the matter.

possessive form of “governor” — the head of a state government

From this reading That lady had deluged her with such a flood of gossip, that Eleanor felt that a thing was not likely to be true merely because Mrs. Puttock asserted it, while, if the suggested scandal had a basis in fact, it was probable that some of the men of the Governor's household, or indeed the Governor himself, would be well informed on the matter.

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

From this reading That lady had deluged her with such a flood of gossip, that Eleanor felt that a thing was not likely to be true merely because Mrs. Puttock asserted it, while, if the suggested scandal had a basis in fact, it was probable that some of the men of the Governor's household, or indeed the Governor himself, would be well informed on the matter.

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

From this reading That lady had deluged her with such a flood of gossip, that Eleanor felt that a thing was not likely to be true merely because Mrs. Puttock asserted it, while, if the suggested scandal had a basis in fact, it was probable that some of the men of the Governor's household, or indeed the Governor himself, would be well informed on the matter.

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

From this reading That lady had deluged her with such a flood of gossip, that Eleanor felt that a thing was not likely to be true merely because Mrs. Puttock asserted it, while, if the suggested scandal had a basis in fact, it was probable that some of the men of the Governor's household, or indeed the Governor himself, would be well informed on the matter.

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

From this reading If so, Lord Eynesford would use his discretion in telling his wife.

a social unit living together

From this reading That lady had deluged her with such a flood of gossip, that Eleanor felt that a thing was not likely to be true merely because Mrs. Puttock asserted it, while, if the suggested scandal had a basis in fact, it was probable that some of the men of the Governor's household, or indeed the Governor himself, would be well informed on the matter.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading That lady had deluged her with such a flood of gossip, that Eleanor felt that a thing was not likely to be true merely because Mrs. Puttock asserted it, while, if the suggested scandal had a basis in fact, it was probable that some of the men of the Governor's household, or indeed the Governor himself, would be well informed on the matter.

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

From this reading That lady had deluged her with such a flood of gossip, that Eleanor felt that a thing was not likely to be true merely because Mrs. Puttock asserted it, while, if the suggested scandal had a basis in fact, it was probable that some of the men of the Governor's household, or indeed the Governor himself, would be well informed on the matter.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading That lady had deluged her with such a flood of gossip, that Eleanor felt that a thing was not likely to be true merely because Mrs. Puttock asserted it, while, if the suggested scandal had a basis in fact, it was probable that some of the men of the Governor's household, or indeed the Governor himself, would be well informed on the matter.

having much knowledge or education

From this reading That lady had deluged her with such a flood of gossip, that Eleanor felt that a thing was not likely to be true merely because Mrs. Puttock asserted it, while, if the suggested scandal had a basis in fact, it was probable that some of the men of the Governor's household, or indeed the Governor himself, would be well informed on the matter.

past form of “interfere” — come between so as to be hindrance or obstacle

From this reading Eleanor was afraid that, if she interfered, she might run the risk of appearing officious, and of receiving the polite snub which Lady Eynesford was somewhat of an adept in administering.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading That lady had deluged her with such a flood of gossip, that Eleanor felt that a thing was not likely to be true merely because Mrs. Puttock asserted it, while, if the suggested scandal had a basis in fact, it was probable that some of the men of the Governor's household, or indeed the Governor himself, would be well informed on the matter.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading After some anxious consideration, Eleanor Scaife decided to keep silence for the present about Mrs. Puttock's strange remark.

a polite name for any woman

From this reading That lady had deluged her with such a flood of gossip, that Eleanor felt that a thing was not likely to be true merely because Mrs. Puttock asserted it, while, if the suggested scandal had a basis in fact, it was probable that some of the men of the Governor's household, or indeed the Governor himself, would be well informed on the matter.

has a good chance of being the case or of coming about

From this reading That lady had deluged her with such a flood of gossip, that Eleanor felt that a thing was not likely to be true merely because Mrs. Puttock asserted it, while, if the suggested scandal had a basis in fact, it was probable that some of the men of the Governor's household, or indeed the Governor himself, would be well informed on the matter.

terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God

From this reading If so, Lord Eynesford would use his discretion in telling his wife.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading That lady had deluged her with such a flood of gossip, that Eleanor felt that a thing was not likely to be true merely because Mrs. Puttock asserted it, while, if the suggested scandal had a basis in fact, it was probable that some of the men of the Governor's household, or indeed the Governor himself, would be well informed on the matter.

the force of workers available

From this reading That lady had deluged her with such a flood of gossip, that Eleanor felt that a thing was not likely to be true merely because Mrs. Puttock asserted it, while, if the suggested scandal had a basis in fact, it was probable that some of the men of the Governor's household, or indeed the Governor himself, would be well informed on the matter.

and nothing more

From this reading That lady had deluged her with such a flood of gossip, that Eleanor felt that a thing was not likely to be true merely because Mrs. Puttock asserted it, while, if the suggested scandal had a basis in fact, it was probable that some of the men of the Governor's household, or indeed the Governor himself, would be well informed on the matter.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Eleanor was afraid that, if she interfered, she might run the risk of appearing officious, and of receiving the polite snub which Lady Eynesford was somewhat of an adept in administering.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading After some anxious consideration, Eleanor Scaife decided to keep silence for the present about Mrs. Puttock's strange remark.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading That lady had deluged her with such a flood of gossip, that Eleanor felt that a thing was not likely to be true merely because Mrs. Puttock asserted it, while, if the suggested scandal had a basis in fact, it was probable that some of the men of the Governor's household, or indeed the Governor himself, would be well informed on the matter.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading That lady had deluged her with such a flood of gossip, that Eleanor felt that a thing was not likely to be true merely because Mrs. Puttock asserted it, while, if the suggested scandal had a basis in fact, it was probable that some of the men of the Governor's household, or indeed the Governor himself, would be well informed on the matter.

intrusive in a meddling or offensive manner

From this reading Eleanor was afraid that, if she interfered, she might run the risk of appearing officious, and of receiving the polite snub which Lady Eynesford was somewhat of an adept in administering.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading That lady had deluged her with such a flood of gossip, that Eleanor felt that a thing was not likely to be true merely because Mrs. Puttock asserted it, while, if the suggested scandal had a basis in fact, it was probable that some of the men of the Governor's household, or indeed the Governor himself, would be well informed on the matter.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading That lady had deluged her with such a flood of gossip, that Eleanor felt that a thing was not likely to be true merely because Mrs. Puttock asserted it, while, if the suggested scandal had a basis in fact, it was probable that some of the men of the Governor's household, or indeed the Governor himself, would be well informed on the matter.

showing regard for others in manners, speech, behavior, etc.

From this reading Eleanor was afraid that, if she interfered, she might run the risk of appearing officious, and of receiving the polite snub which Lady Eynesford was somewhat of an adept in administering.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading After some anxious consideration, Eleanor Scaife decided to keep silence for the present about Mrs. Puttock's strange remark.

likely but not certain to be or become true or real

From this reading That lady had deluged her with such a flood of gossip, that Eleanor felt that a thing was not likely to be true merely because Mrs. Puttock asserted it, while, if the suggested scandal had a basis in fact, it was probable that some of the men of the Governor's household, or indeed the Governor himself, would be well informed on the matter.

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

From this reading That lady had deluged her with such a flood of gossip, that Eleanor felt that a thing was not likely to be true merely because Mrs. Puttock asserted it, while, if the suggested scandal had a basis in fact, it was probable that some of the men of the Governor's household, or indeed the Governor himself, would be well informed on the matter.

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

From this reading After some anxious consideration, Eleanor Scaife decided to keep silence for the present about Mrs. Puttock's strange remark.

-ing form of “receive” — get something; come into possession of

From this reading Eleanor was afraid that, if she interfered, she might run the risk of appearing officious, and of receiving the polite snub which Lady Eynesford was somewhat of an adept in administering.

a statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief or adds information

From this reading After some anxious consideration, Eleanor Scaife decided to keep silence for the present about Mrs. Puttock's strange remark.

a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune

From this reading Eleanor was afraid that, if she interfered, she might run the risk of appearing officious, and of receiving the polite snub which Lady Eynesford was somewhat of an adept in administering.

move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading Eleanor was afraid that, if she interfered, she might run the risk of appearing officious, and of receiving the polite snub which Lady Eynesford was somewhat of an adept in administering.

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

From this reading After some anxious consideration, Eleanor Scaife decided to keep silence for the present about Mrs. Puttock's strange remark.

disgraceful gossip about the private lives of other people

From this reading That lady had deluged her with such a flood of gossip, that Eleanor felt that a thing was not likely to be true merely because Mrs. Puttock asserted it, while, if the suggested scandal had a basis in fact, it was probable that some of the men of the Governor's household, or indeed the Governor himself, would be well informed on the matter.

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

From this reading Eleanor was afraid that, if she interfered, she might run the risk of appearing officious, and of receiving the polite snub which Lady Eynesford was somewhat of an adept in administering.

Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.

From this reading After some anxious consideration, Eleanor Scaife decided to keep silence for the present about Mrs. Puttock's strange remark.

refuse to acknowledge

From this reading Eleanor was afraid that, if she interfered, she might run the risk of appearing officious, and of receiving the polite snub which Lady Eynesford was somewhat of an adept in administering.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading If so, Lord Eynesford would use his discretion in telling his wife.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading After some anxious consideration, Eleanor Scaife decided to keep silence for the present about Mrs. Puttock's strange remark.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading Eleanor was afraid that, if she interfered, she might run the risk of appearing officious, and of receiving the polite snub which Lady Eynesford was somewhat of an adept in administering.

something or someone seen (especially a notable or unusual sight)

From this reading A COMMON SPECTACLE.

being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird

From this reading After some anxious consideration, Eleanor Scaife decided to keep silence for the present about Mrs. Puttock's strange remark.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading That lady had deluged her with such a flood of gossip, that Eleanor felt that a thing was not likely to be true merely because Mrs. Puttock asserted it, while, if the suggested scandal had a basis in fact, it was probable that some of the men of the Governor's household, or indeed the Governor himself, would be well informed on the matter.

past form of “suggest” — make a proposal, declare a plan for something

From this reading That lady had deluged her with such a flood of gossip, that Eleanor felt that a thing was not likely to be true merely because Mrs. Puttock asserted it, while, if the suggested scandal had a basis in fact, it was probable that some of the men of the Governor's household, or indeed the Governor himself, would be well informed on the matter.

disclosing unintentionally something concealed

From this reading If so, Lord Eynesford would use his discretion in telling his wife.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading That lady had deluged her with such a flood of gossip, that Eleanor felt that a thing was not likely to be true merely because Mrs. Puttock asserted it, while, if the suggested scandal had a basis in fact, it was probable that some of the men of the Governor's household, or indeed the Governor himself, would be well informed on the matter.

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

From this reading After some anxious consideration, Eleanor Scaife decided to keep silence for the present about Mrs. Puttock's strange remark.

a special situation

From this reading That lady had deluged her with such a flood of gossip, that Eleanor felt that a thing was not likely to be true merely because Mrs. Puttock asserted it, while, if the suggested scandal had a basis in fact, it was probable that some of the men of the Governor's household, or indeed the Governor himself, would be well informed on the matter.

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

From this reading After some anxious consideration, Eleanor Scaife decided to keep silence for the present about Mrs. Puttock's strange remark.

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading That lady had deluged her with such a flood of gossip, that Eleanor felt that a thing was not likely to be true merely because Mrs. Puttock asserted it, while, if the suggested scandal had a basis in fact, it was probable that some of the men of the Governor's household, or indeed the Governor himself, would be well informed on the matter.

the act of using

From this reading If so, Lord Eynesford would use his discretion in telling his wife.

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

From this reading That lady had deluged her with such a flood of gossip, that Eleanor felt that a thing was not likely to be true merely because Mrs. Puttock asserted it, while, if the suggested scandal had a basis in fact, it was probable that some of the men of the Governor's household, or indeed the Governor himself, would be well informed on the matter.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading That lady had deluged her with such a flood of gossip, that Eleanor felt that a thing was not likely to be true merely because Mrs. Puttock asserted it, while, if the suggested scandal had a basis in fact, it was probable that some of the men of the Governor's household, or indeed the Governor himself, would be well informed on the matter.

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

From this reading Eleanor was afraid that, if she interfered, she might run the risk of appearing officious, and of receiving the polite snub which Lady Eynesford was somewhat of an adept in administering.

during the time that

From this reading That lady had deluged her with such a flood of gossip, that Eleanor felt that a thing was not likely to be true merely because Mrs. Puttock asserted it, while, if the suggested scandal had a basis in fact, it was probable that some of the men of the Governor's household, or indeed the Governor himself, would be well informed on the matter.

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading If so, Lord Eynesford would use his discretion in telling his wife.

in the company of; together with

From this reading That lady had deluged her with such a flood of gossip, that Eleanor felt that a thing was not likely to be true merely because Mrs. Puttock asserted it, while, if the suggested scandal had a basis in fact, it was probable that some of the men of the Governor's household, or indeed the Governor himself, would be well informed on the matter.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading That lady had deluged her with such a flood of gossip, that Eleanor felt that a thing was not likely to be true merely because Mrs. Puttock asserted it, while, if the suggested scandal had a basis in fact, it was probable that some of the men of the Governor's household, or indeed the Governor himself, would be well informed on the matter.