Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading Perhaps, in making a confidante of Sophy, there was something of the satisfaction that comes of dropping a surreptitious stone down a deep well and hearing it plunk, safe in the knowledge that it has struck no one and that it cannot rebound, lying there in the soft darkness.

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

From this reading Perhaps they held for each other an unuttered distrust or jealousy.

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

From this reading Perhaps, in making a confidante of Sophy, there was something of the satisfaction that comes of dropping a surreptitious stone down a deep well and hearing it plunk, safe in the knowledge that it has struck no one and that it cannot rebound, lying there in the soft darkness.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading I wouldn't breathe it to another living soul.

draw air into, and expel out of, the lungs

From this reading I wouldn't breathe it to another living soul.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But I honestly think, sometimes, that if it weren't for the children--" There is no knowing why they confided these things to Sophy instead of to each other, these wedded sisters of hers.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Sometimes they would end by saying, "But you don't know what it is, Sophy.

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

From this reading Perhaps, in making a confidante of Sophy, there was something of the satisfaction that comes of dropping a surreptitious stone down a deep well and hearing it plunk, safe in the knowledge that it has struck no one and that it cannot rebound, lying there in the soft darkness.

plural of “child” — a young person of either sex

From this reading But I honestly think, sometimes, that if it weren't for the children--" There is no knowing why they confided these things to Sophy instead of to each other, these wedded sisters of hers.

plural of “come” — the thick white fluid containing spermatozoa that is ejaculated by the male genital tract

From this reading Perhaps, in making a confidante of Sophy, there was something of the satisfaction that comes of dropping a surreptitious stone down a deep well and hearing it plunk, safe in the knowledge that it has struck no one and that it cannot rebound, lying there in the soft darkness.

a female confidant

From this reading Perhaps, in making a confidante of Sophy, there was something of the satisfaction that comes of dropping a surreptitious stone down a deep well and hearing it plunk, safe in the knowledge that it has struck no one and that it cannot rebound, lying there in the soft darkness.

past form of “confide” — reveal in private; tell confidentially

From this reading But I honestly think, sometimes, that if it weren't for the children--" There is no knowing why they confided these things to Sophy instead of to each other, these wedded sisters of hers.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading Perhaps, in making a confidante of Sophy, there was something of the satisfaction that comes of dropping a surreptitious stone down a deep well and hearing it plunk, safe in the knowledge that it has struck no one and that it cannot rebound, lying there in the soft darkness.

relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply

From this reading Perhaps, in making a confidante of Sophy, there was something of the satisfaction that comes of dropping a surreptitious stone down a deep well and hearing it plunk, safe in the knowledge that it has struck no one and that it cannot rebound, lying there in the soft darkness.

doubt about someone's honesty

From this reading Perhaps they held for each other an unuttered distrust or jealousy.

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

From this reading Sometimes they would end by saying, "But you don't know what it is, Sophy.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Perhaps, in making a confidante of Sophy, there was something of the satisfaction that comes of dropping a surreptitious stone down a deep well and hearing it plunk, safe in the knowledge that it has struck no one and that it cannot rebound, lying there in the soft darkness.

coming down freely under the influence of gravity

From this reading Perhaps, in making a confidante of Sophy, there was something of the satisfaction that comes of dropping a surreptitious stone down a deep well and hearing it plunk, safe in the knowledge that it has struck no one and that it cannot rebound, lying there in the soft darkness.

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

From this reading But I honestly think, sometimes, that if it weren't for the children--" There is no knowing why they confided these things to Sophy instead of to each other, these wedded sisters of hers.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading Sometimes they would end by saying, "But you don't know what it is, Sophy.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading But I honestly think, sometimes, that if it weren't for the children--" There is no knowing why they confided these things to Sophy instead of to each other, these wedded sisters of hers.

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

From this reading Perhaps, in making a confidante of Sophy, there was something of the satisfaction that comes of dropping a surreptitious stone down a deep well and hearing it plunk, safe in the knowledge that it has struck no one and that it cannot rebound, lying there in the soft darkness.

(law) a proceeding (usually by a court) where evidence is taken for the purpose of determining an issue of fact and reaching a decision based on that evidence

From this reading Perhaps, in making a confidante of Sophy, there was something of the satisfaction that comes of dropping a surreptitious stone down a deep well and hearing it plunk, safe in the knowledge that it has struck no one and that it cannot rebound, lying there in the soft darkness.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading Perhaps they held for each other an unuttered distrust or jealousy.

the one or ones belonging to her

From this reading But I honestly think, sometimes, that if it weren't for the children--" There is no knowing why they confided these things to Sophy instead of to each other, these wedded sisters of hers.

(used as intensives reflecting the speaker's attitude) it is sincerely the case that

From this reading But I honestly think, sometimes, that if it weren't for the children--" There is no knowing why they confided these things to Sophy instead of to each other, these wedded sisters of hers.

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

From this reading I wouldn't breathe it to another living soul.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading But I honestly think, sometimes, that if it weren't for the children--" There is no knowing why they confided these things to Sophy instead of to each other, these wedded sisters of hers.

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

From this reading Perhaps, in making a confidante of Sophy, there was something of the satisfaction that comes of dropping a surreptitious stone down a deep well and hearing it plunk, safe in the knowledge that it has struck no one and that it cannot rebound, lying there in the soft darkness.

in place of, or as an alternative to

From this reading But I honestly think, sometimes, that if it weren't for the children--" There is no knowing why they confided these things to Sophy instead of to each other, these wedded sisters of hers.

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

From this reading But I honestly think, sometimes, that if it weren't for the children--" There is no knowing why they confided these things to Sophy instead of to each other, these wedded sisters of hers.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading I wouldn't breathe it to another living soul.

a feeling of jealous envy (especially of a rival)

From this reading Perhaps they held for each other an unuttered distrust or jealousy.

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

From this reading Sometimes they would end by saying, "But you don't know what it is, Sophy.

evidencing the possession of inside information

From this reading But I honestly think, sometimes, that if it weren't for the children--" There is no knowing why they confided these things to Sophy instead of to each other, these wedded sisters of hers.

the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning

From this reading Perhaps, in making a confidante of Sophy, there was something of the satisfaction that comes of dropping a surreptitious stone down a deep well and hearing it plunk, safe in the knowledge that it has struck no one and that it cannot rebound, lying there in the soft darkness.

the experience of being alive; the course of human events and activities

From this reading I wouldn't breathe it to another living soul.

the deliberate act of deviating from the truth

From this reading Perhaps, in making a confidante of Sophy, there was something of the satisfaction that comes of dropping a surreptitious stone down a deep well and hearing it plunk, safe in the knowledge that it has struck no one and that it cannot rebound, lying there in the soft darkness.

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading Perhaps, in making a confidante of Sophy, there was something of the satisfaction that comes of dropping a surreptitious stone down a deep well and hearing it plunk, safe in the knowledge that it has struck no one and that it cannot rebound, lying there in the soft darkness.

not any; not one

From this reading But I honestly think, sometimes, that if it weren't for the children--" There is no knowing why they confided these things to Sophy instead of to each other, these wedded sisters of hers.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading But I honestly think, sometimes, that if it weren't for the children--" There is no knowing why they confided these things to Sophy instead of to each other, these wedded sisters of hers.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Perhaps, in making a confidante of Sophy, there was something of the satisfaction that comes of dropping a surreptitious stone down a deep well and hearing it plunk, safe in the knowledge that it has struck no one and that it cannot rebound, lying there in the soft darkness.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Perhaps they held for each other an unuttered distrust or jealousy.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading But I honestly think, sometimes, that if it weren't for the children--" There is no knowing why they confided these things to Sophy instead of to each other, these wedded sisters of hers.

by chance

From this reading Perhaps they held for each other an unuttered distrust or jealousy.

make or move along with a sound as of a horse's hooves striking the ground

From this reading Perhaps, in making a confidante of Sophy, there was something of the satisfaction that comes of dropping a surreptitious stone down a deep well and hearing it plunk, safe in the knowledge that it has struck no one and that it cannot rebound, lying there in the soft darkness.

spring back; spring away from an impact

From this reading Perhaps, in making a confidante of Sophy, there was something of the satisfaction that comes of dropping a surreptitious stone down a deep well and hearing it plunk, safe in the knowledge that it has struck no one and that it cannot rebound, lying there in the soft darkness.

free from danger or the risk of harm

From this reading Perhaps, in making a confidante of Sophy, there was something of the satisfaction that comes of dropping a surreptitious stone down a deep well and hearing it plunk, safe in the knowledge that it has struck no one and that it cannot rebound, lying there in the soft darkness.

the contentment one feels when one has fulfilled a desire, need, or expectation

From this reading Perhaps, in making a confidante of Sophy, there was something of the satisfaction that comes of dropping a surreptitious stone down a deep well and hearing it plunk, safe in the knowledge that it has struck no one and that it cannot rebound, lying there in the soft darkness.

a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations

From this reading Sometimes they would end by saying, "But you don't know what it is, Sophy.

plural of “sister” — a female person who has the same parents as another person

From this reading But I honestly think, sometimes, that if it weren't for the children--" There is no knowing why they confided these things to Sophy instead of to each other, these wedded sisters of hers.

yielding readily to pressure or weight

From this reading Perhaps, in making a confidante of Sophy, there was something of the satisfaction that comes of dropping a surreptitious stone down a deep well and hearing it plunk, safe in the knowledge that it has struck no one and that it cannot rebound, lying there in the soft darkness.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading Perhaps, in making a confidante of Sophy, there was something of the satisfaction that comes of dropping a surreptitious stone down a deep well and hearing it plunk, safe in the knowledge that it has struck no one and that it cannot rebound, lying there in the soft darkness.

on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always

From this reading But I honestly think, sometimes, that if it weren't for the children--" There is no knowing why they confided these things to Sophy instead of to each other, these wedded sisters of hers.

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

From this reading But I honestly think, sometimes, that if it weren't for the children--" There is no knowing why they confided these things to Sophy instead of to each other, these wedded sisters of hers.

the immaterial part of a person; the actuating cause of an individual life

From this reading I wouldn't breathe it to another living soul.

a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter

From this reading Perhaps, in making a confidante of Sophy, there was something of the satisfaction that comes of dropping a surreptitious stone down a deep well and hearing it plunk, safe in the knowledge that it has struck no one and that it cannot rebound, lying there in the soft darkness.

(used in combination) affected by something overwhelming

From this reading Perhaps, in making a confidante of Sophy, there was something of the satisfaction that comes of dropping a surreptitious stone down a deep well and hearing it plunk, safe in the knowledge that it has struck no one and that it cannot rebound, lying there in the soft darkness.

marked by quiet and caution and secrecy; taking pains to avoid being observed

From this reading Perhaps, in making a confidante of Sophy, there was something of the satisfaction that comes of dropping a surreptitious stone down a deep well and hearing it plunk, safe in the knowledge that it has struck no one and that it cannot rebound, lying there in the soft darkness.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading But I honestly think, sometimes, that if it weren't for the children--" There is no knowing why they confided these things to Sophy instead of to each other, these wedded sisters of hers.

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

From this reading But I honestly think, sometimes, that if it weren't for the children--" There is no knowing why they confided these things to Sophy instead of to each other, these wedded sisters of hers.

in or at that place or location

From this reading But I honestly think, sometimes, that if it weren't for the children--" There is no knowing why they confided these things to Sophy instead of to each other, these wedded sisters of hers.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading But I honestly think, sometimes, that if it weren't for the children--" There is no knowing why they confided these things to Sophy instead of to each other, these wedded sisters of hers.

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

From this reading But I honestly think, sometimes, that if it weren't for the children--" There is no knowing why they confided these things to Sophy instead of to each other, these wedded sisters of hers.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading But I honestly think, sometimes, that if it weren't for the children--" There is no knowing why they confided these things to Sophy instead of to each other, these wedded sisters of hers.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading But I honestly think, sometimes, that if it weren't for the children--" There is no knowing why they confided these things to Sophy instead of to each other, these wedded sisters of hers.

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

From this reading I wouldn't breathe it to another living soul.

not made explicit

From this reading Perhaps they held for each other an unuttered distrust or jealousy.

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

From this reading Perhaps, in making a confidante of Sophy, there was something of the satisfaction that comes of dropping a surreptitious stone down a deep well and hearing it plunk, safe in the knowledge that it has struck no one and that it cannot rebound, lying there in the soft darkness.

having been taken in marriage

From this reading But I honestly think, sometimes, that if it weren't for the children--" There is no knowing why they confided these things to Sophy instead of to each other, these wedded sisters of hers.

(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 Perhaps, in making a confidante of Sophy, there was something of the satisfaction that comes of dropping a surreptitious stone down a deep well and hearing it plunk, safe in the knowledge that it has struck no one and that it cannot rebound, lying there in the soft darkness.

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

From this reading But I honestly think, sometimes, that if it weren't for the children--" There is no knowing why they confided these things to Sophy instead of to each other, these wedded sisters of hers.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Sometimes they would end by saying, "But you don't know what it is, Sophy.

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading But I honestly think, sometimes, that if it weren't for the children--" There is no knowing why they confided these things to Sophy instead of to each other, these wedded sisters of hers.

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

From this reading Sometimes they would end by saying, "But you don't know what it is, Sophy.

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

From this reading I wouldn't breathe it to another living soul.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading Sometimes they would end by saying, "But you don't know what it is, Sophy.