Chapter III

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

From this reading To any one unaccustomed to serving in a shop the duties seem very perplexing.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading These were followed by a cross old gentleman, who had evidently been induced by his wife to match some silk, and who vented his ill-humor on poor little Nora, scolding her about the silk, and the change she made, and everything she tried to do for him.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading There was a glare of gas-light in the window above the fancy articles, and Nora watched the faces of the passers-by who peered in, sometimes pausing for a more critical survey, sometimes hurrying on with absent-minded glances, but it seemed to her as if a real customer never would appear.

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

From this reading There was a glare of gas-light in the window above the fancy articles, and Nora watched the faces of the passers-by who peered in, sometimes pausing for a more critical survey, sometimes hurrying on with absent-minded glances, but it seemed to her as if a real customer never would appear.

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

From this reading Finally, with a rush of frosty air, a small boy appeared who wanted some needles; then a bevy of girls who had wools to match, and drove Nora wild with their questions.

Having no one else present.

From this reading Left alone, Nora sat down behind the counter feeling decidedly confused by the novelty of her position.

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

From this reading There was a glare of gas-light in the window above the fancy articles, and Nora watched the faces of the passers-by who peered in, sometimes pausing for a more critical survey, sometimes hurrying on with absent-minded glances, but it seemed to her as if a real customer never would appear.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading To any one unaccustomed to serving in a shop the duties seem very perplexing.

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading There was a glare of gas-light in the window above the fancy articles, and Nora watched the faces of the passers-by who peered in, sometimes pausing for a more critical survey, sometimes hurrying on with absent-minded glances, but it seemed to her as if a real customer never would appear.

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

From this reading Finally, with a rush of frosty air, a small boy appeared who wanted some needles; then a bevy of girls who had wools to match, and drove Nora wild with their questions.

plural of “article” — nonfictional prose forming an independent part of a publication

From this reading There was a glare of gas-light in the window above the fancy articles, and Nora watched the faces of the passers-by who peered in, sometimes pausing for a more critical survey, sometimes hurrying on with absent-minded glances, but it seemed to her as if a real customer never would appear.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading There was a glare of gas-light in the window above the fancy articles, and Nora watched the faces of the passers-by who peered in, sometimes pausing for a more critical survey, sometimes hurrying on with absent-minded glances, but it seemed to her as if a real customer never would appear.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading These were followed by a cross old gentleman, who had evidently been induced by his wife to match some silk, and who vented his ill-humor on poor little Nora, scolding her about the silk, and the change she made, and everything she tried to do for him.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading Left alone, Nora sat down behind the counter feeling decidedly confused by the novelty of her position.

a large gathering of people of a particular type

From this reading Finally, with a rush of frosty air, a small boy appeared who wanted some needles; then a bevy of girls who had wools to match, and drove Nora wild with their questions.

a youthful male person

From this reading Finally, with a rush of frosty air, a small boy appeared who wanted some needles; then a bevy of girls who had wools to match, and drove Nora wild with their questions.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading There was a glare of gas-light in the window above the fancy articles, and Nora watched the faces of the passers-by who peered in, sometimes pausing for a more critical survey, sometimes hurrying on with absent-minded glances, but it seemed to her as if a real customer never would appear.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Left alone, Nora sat down behind the counter feeling decidedly confused by the novelty of her position.

cause to change; make different; cause a transformation

From this reading These were followed by a cross old gentleman, who had evidently been induced by his wife to match some silk, and who vented his ill-humor on poor little Nora, scolding her about the silk, and the change she made, and everything she tried to do for him.

perplexed by many conflicting situations or statements; filled with bewilderment

From this reading Left alone, Nora sat down behind the counter feeling decidedly confused by the novelty of her position.

table consisting of a horizontal surface over which business is transacted

From this reading Left alone, Nora sat down behind the counter feeling decidedly confused by the novelty of her position.

marked by a tendency to find and call attention to errors and flaws

From this reading There was a glare of gas-light in the window above the fancy articles, and Nora watched the faces of the passers-by who peered in, sometimes pausing for a more critical survey, sometimes hurrying on with absent-minded glances, but it seemed to her as if a real customer never would appear.

travel across or pass over

From this reading These were followed by a cross old gentleman, who had evidently been induced by his wife to match some silk, and who vented his ill-humor on poor little Nora, scolding her about the silk, and the change she made, and everything she tried to do for him.

someone who pays for goods or services

From this reading There was a glare of gas-light in the window above the fancy articles, and Nora watched the faces of the passers-by who peered in, sometimes pausing for a more critical survey, sometimes hurrying on with absent-minded glances, but it seemed to her as if a real customer never would appear.

without question and beyond doubt

From this reading Left alone, Nora sat down behind the counter feeling decidedly confused by the novelty of her position.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading These were followed by a cross old gentleman, who had evidently been induced by his wife to match some silk, and who vented his ill-humor on poor little Nora, scolding her about the silk, and the change she made, and everything she tried to do for him.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Left alone, Nora sat down behind the counter feeling decidedly confused by the novelty of her position.

a group of animals (a herd or flock) moving together

From this reading Finally, with a rush of frosty air, a small boy appeared who wanted some needles; then a bevy of girls who had wools to match, and drove Nora wild with their questions.

plural of “duty” — the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force

From this reading To any one unaccustomed to serving in a shop the duties seem very perplexing.

all things; all of a situation

From this reading These were followed by a cross old gentleman, who had evidently been induced by his wife to match some silk, and who vented his ill-humor on poor little Nora, scolding her about the silk, and the change she made, and everything she tried to do for him.

unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)

From this reading These were followed by a cross old gentleman, who had evidently been induced by his wife to match some silk, and who vented his ill-humor on poor little Nora, scolding her about the silk, and the change she made, and everything she tried to do for him.

plural of “face” — the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading There was a glare of gas-light in the window above the fancy articles, and Nora watched the faces of the passers-by who peered in, sometimes pausing for a more critical survey, sometimes hurrying on with absent-minded glances, but it seemed to her as if a real customer never would appear.

something many people believe that is false

From this reading There was a glare of gas-light in the window above the fancy articles, and Nora watched the faces of the passers-by who peered in, sometimes pausing for a more critical survey, sometimes hurrying on with absent-minded glances, but it seemed to her as if a real customer never would appear.

the experiencing of affective and emotional states

From this reading Left alone, Nora sat down behind the counter feeling decidedly confused by the novelty of her position.

after an unspecified period of time or an especially long delay

From this reading Finally, with a rush of frosty air, a small boy appeared who wanted some needles; then a bevy of girls who had wools to match, and drove Nora wild with their questions.

past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading These were followed by a cross old gentleman, who had evidently been induced by his wife to match some silk, and who vented his ill-humor on poor little Nora, scolding her about the silk, and the change she made, and everything she tried to do for him.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading There was a glare of gas-light in the window above the fancy articles, and Nora watched the faces of the passers-by who peered in, sometimes pausing for a more critical survey, sometimes hurrying on with absent-minded glances, but it seemed to her as if a real customer never would appear.

devoid of warmth and cordiality; expressive of unfriendliness or disdain

From this reading Finally, with a rush of frosty air, a small boy appeared who wanted some needles; then a bevy of girls who had wools to match, and drove Nora wild with their questions.

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

From this reading There was a glare of gas-light in the window above the fancy articles, and Nora watched the faces of the passers-by who peered in, sometimes pausing for a more critical survey, sometimes hurrying on with absent-minded glances, but it seemed to her as if a real customer never would appear.

a man of refinement

From this reading These were followed by a cross old gentleman, who had evidently been induced by his wife to match some silk, and who vented his ill-humor on poor little Nora, scolding her about the silk, and the change she made, and everything she tried to do for him.

plural of “girl” — a young female

From this reading Finally, with a rush of frosty air, a small boy appeared who wanted some needles; then a bevy of girls who had wools to match, and drove Nora wild with their questions.

plural of “glance” — a quick look

From this reading There was a glare of gas-light in the window above the fancy articles, and Nora watched the faces of the passers-by who peered in, sometimes pausing for a more critical survey, sometimes hurrying on with absent-minded glances, but it seemed to her as if a real customer never would appear.

a light within the field of vision that is brighter than the brightness to which the eyes are adapted

From this reading There was a glare of gas-light in the window above the fancy articles, and Nora watched the faces of the passers-by who peered in, sometimes pausing for a more critical survey, sometimes hurrying on with absent-minded glances, but it seemed to her as if a real customer never would appear.

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

From this reading Finally, with a rush of frosty air, a small boy appeared who wanted some needles; then a bevy of girls who had wools to match, and drove Nora wild with their questions.

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

From this reading Left alone, Nora sat down behind the counter feeling decidedly confused by the novelty of her position.

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

From this reading These were followed by a cross old gentleman, who had evidently been induced by his wife to match some silk, and who vented his ill-humor on poor little Nora, scolding her about the silk, and the change she made, and everything she tried to do for him.

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

From this reading These were followed by a cross old gentleman, who had evidently been induced by his wife to match some silk, and who vented his ill-humor on poor little Nora, scolding her about the silk, and the change she made, and everything she tried to do for him.

moving with great haste

From this reading There was a glare of gas-light in the window above the fancy articles, and Nora watched the faces of the passers-by who peered in, sometimes pausing for a more critical survey, sometimes hurrying on with absent-minded glances, but it seemed to her as if a real customer never would appear.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading There was a glare of gas-light in the window above the fancy articles, and Nora watched the faces of the passers-by who peered in, sometimes pausing for a more critical survey, sometimes hurrying on with absent-minded glances, but it seemed to her as if a real customer never would appear.

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

From this reading These were followed by a cross old gentleman, who had evidently been induced by his wife to match some silk, and who vented his ill-humor on poor little Nora, scolding her about the silk, and the change she made, and everything she tried to do for him.

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

From this reading To any one unaccustomed to serving in a shop the duties seem very perplexing.

brought about or caused; not spontaneous

From this reading These were followed by a cross old gentleman, who had evidently been induced by his wife to match some silk, and who vented his ill-humor on poor little Nora, scolding her about the silk, and the change she made, and everything she tried to do for him.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading There was a glare of gas-light in the window above the fancy articles, and Nora watched the faces of the passers-by who peered in, sometimes pausing for a more critical survey, sometimes hurrying on with absent-minded glances, but it seemed to her as if a real customer never would appear.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading Left alone, Nora sat down behind the counter feeling decidedly confused by the novelty of her position.

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

From this reading These were followed by a cross old gentleman, who had evidently been induced by his wife to match some silk, and who vented his ill-humor on poor little Nora, scolding her about the silk, and the change she made, and everything she tried to do for him.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading These were followed by a cross old gentleman, who had evidently been induced by his wife to match some silk, and who vented his ill-humor on poor little Nora, scolding her about the silk, and the change she made, and everything she tried to do for him.

be compatible, similar or consistent; coincide in their characteristics

From this reading Finally, with a rush of frosty air, a small boy appeared who wanted some needles; then a bevy of girls who had wools to match, and drove Nora wild with their questions.

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

From this reading There was a glare of gas-light in the window above the fancy articles, and Nora watched the faces of the passers-by who peered in, sometimes pausing for a more critical survey, sometimes hurrying on with absent-minded glances, but it seemed to her as if a real customer never would appear.

plural of “needle” — the leaf of a conifer

From this reading Finally, with a rush of frosty air, a small boy appeared who wanted some needles; then a bevy of girls who had wools to match, and drove Nora wild with their questions.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading There was a glare of gas-light in the window above the fancy articles, and Nora watched the faces of the passers-by who peered in, sometimes pausing for a more critical survey, sometimes hurrying on with absent-minded glances, but it seemed to her as if a real customer never would appear.

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

From this reading Left alone, Nora sat down behind the counter feeling decidedly confused by the novelty of her position.

originality by virtue of being refreshingly novel

From this reading Left alone, Nora sat down behind the counter feeling decidedly confused by the novelty of her position.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Left alone, Nora sat down behind the counter feeling decidedly confused by the novelty of her position.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading These were followed by a cross old gentleman, who had evidently been induced by his wife to match some silk, and who vented his ill-humor on poor little Nora, scolding her about the silk, and the change she made, and everything she tried to do for him.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading There was a glare of gas-light in the window above the fancy articles, and Nora watched the faces of the passers-by who peered in, sometimes pausing for a more critical survey, sometimes hurrying on with absent-minded glances, but it seemed to her as if a real customer never would appear.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading To any one unaccustomed to serving in a shop the duties seem very perplexing.

plural of “passer-by” — a person who passes by casually or by chance

From this reading There was a glare of gas-light in the window above the fancy articles, and Nora watched the faces of the passers-by who peered in, sometimes pausing for a more critical survey, sometimes hurrying on with absent-minded glances, but it seemed to her as if a real customer never would appear.

-ing form of “pause” — interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing

From this reading There was a glare of gas-light in the window above the fancy articles, and Nora watched the faces of the passers-by who peered in, sometimes pausing for a more critical survey, sometimes hurrying on with absent-minded glances, but it seemed to her as if a real customer never would appear.

past form of “peer” — look searchingly

From this reading There was a glare of gas-light in the window above the fancy articles, and Nora watched the faces of the passers-by who peered in, sometimes pausing for a more critical survey, sometimes hurrying on with absent-minded glances, but it seemed to her as if a real customer never would appear.

lacking clarity of meaning; causing confusion or perplexity

From this reading To any one unaccustomed to serving in a shop the duties seem very perplexing.

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading These were followed by a cross old gentleman, who had evidently been induced by his wife to match some silk, and who vented his ill-humor on poor little Nora, scolding her about the silk, and the change she made, and everything she tried to do for him.

the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading Left alone, Nora sat down behind the counter feeling decidedly confused by the novelty of her position.

plural of “question” — an instance of questioning

From this reading Finally, with a rush of frosty air, a small boy appeared who wanted some needles; then a bevy of girls who had wools to match, and drove Nora wild with their questions.

being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory

From this reading There was a glare of gas-light in the window above the fancy articles, and Nora watched the faces of the passers-by who peered in, sometimes pausing for a more critical survey, sometimes hurrying on with absent-minded glances, but it seemed to her as if a real customer never would appear.

move hurridly

From this reading Finally, with a rush of frosty air, a small boy appeared who wanted some needles; then a bevy of girls who had wools to match, and drove Nora wild with their questions.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading Left alone, Nora sat down behind the counter feeling decidedly confused by the novelty of her position.

rebuking a person harshly

From this reading These were followed by a cross old gentleman, who had evidently been induced by his wife to match some silk, and who vented his ill-humor on poor little Nora, scolding her about the silk, and the change she made, and everything she tried to do for him.

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading To any one unaccustomed to serving in a shop the duties seem very perplexing.

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

From this reading There was a glare of gas-light in the window above the fancy articles, and Nora watched the faces of the passers-by who peered in, sometimes pausing for a more critical survey, sometimes hurrying on with absent-minded glances, but it seemed to her as if a real customer never would appear.

an individual quantity of food or drink taken as part of a meal

From this reading To any one unaccustomed to serving in a shop the duties seem very perplexing.

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

From this reading These were followed by a cross old gentleman, who had evidently been induced by his wife to match some silk, and who vented his ill-humor on poor little Nora, scolding her about the silk, and the change she made, and everything she tried to do for him.

do one's shopping

From this reading To any one unaccustomed to serving in a shop the duties seem very perplexing.

a fabric made from the fine threads produced by certain insect larvae

From this reading These were followed by a cross old gentleman, who had evidently been induced by his wife to match some silk, and who vented his ill-humor on poor little Nora, scolding her about the silk, and the change she made, and everything she tried to do for him.

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

From this reading Finally, with a rush of frosty air, a small boy appeared who wanted some needles; then a bevy of girls who had wools to match, and drove Nora wild with their questions.

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

From this reading Finally, with a rush of frosty air, a small boy appeared who wanted some needles; then a bevy of girls who had wools to match, and drove Nora wild with their questions.

on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always

From this reading There was a glare of gas-light in the window above the fancy articles, and Nora watched the faces of the passers-by who peered in, sometimes pausing for a more critical survey, sometimes hurrying on with absent-minded glances, but it seemed to her as if a real customer never would appear.

a detailed critical inspection

From this reading There was a glare of gas-light in the window above the fancy articles, and Nora watched the faces of the passers-by who peered in, sometimes pausing for a more critical survey, sometimes hurrying on with absent-minded glances, but it seemed to her as if a real customer never would appear.

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

From this reading To any one unaccustomed to serving in a shop the duties seem very perplexing.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Finally, with a rush of frosty air, a small boy appeared who wanted some needles; then a bevy of girls who had wools to match, and drove Nora wild with their questions.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Finally, with a rush of frosty air, a small boy appeared who wanted some needles; then a bevy of girls who had wools to match, and drove Nora wild with their questions.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There was a glare of gas-light in the window above the fancy articles, and Nora watched the faces of the passers-by who peered in, sometimes pausing for a more critical survey, sometimes hurrying on with absent-minded glances, but it seemed to her as if a real customer never would appear.

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

From this reading These were followed by a cross old gentleman, who had evidently been induced by his wife to match some silk, and who vented his ill-humor on poor little Nora, scolding her about the silk, and the change she made, and everything she tried to do for him.

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

From this reading To any one unaccustomed to serving in a shop the duties seem very perplexing.

tested and proved useful or correct

From this reading These were followed by a cross old gentleman, who had evidently been induced by his wife to match some silk, and who vented his ill-humor on poor little Nora, scolding her about the silk, and the change she made, and everything she tried to do for him.

unusual or unfamiliar

From this reading To any one unaccustomed to serving in a shop the duties seem very perplexing.

supplied with a vent or vents for intake of air or discharge of gases

From this reading These were followed by a cross old gentleman, who had evidently been induced by his wife to match some silk, and who vented his ill-humor on poor little Nora, scolding her about the silk, and the change she made, and everything she tried to do for him.

precisely as stated

From this reading To any one unaccustomed to serving in a shop the duties seem very perplexing.

desired or wished for or sought

From this reading Finally, with a rush of frosty air, a small boy appeared who wanted some needles; then a bevy of girls who had wools to match, and drove Nora wild with their questions.

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

From this reading There was a glare of gas-light in the window above the fancy articles, and Nora watched the faces of the passers-by who peered in, sometimes pausing for a more critical survey, sometimes hurrying on with absent-minded glances, but it seemed to her as if a real customer never would appear.

past form of “watch” — look attentively

From this reading There was a glare of gas-light in the window above the fancy articles, and Nora watched the faces of the passers-by who peered in, sometimes pausing for a more critical survey, sometimes hurrying on with absent-minded glances, but it seemed to her as if a real customer never would appear.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading These were followed by a cross old gentleman, who had evidently been induced by his wife to match some silk, and who vented his ill-humor on poor little Nora, scolding her about the silk, and the change she made, and everything she tried to do for him.

which person or people

From this reading There was a glare of gas-light in the window above the fancy articles, and Nora watched the faces of the passers-by who peered in, sometimes pausing for a more critical survey, sometimes hurrying on with absent-minded glances, but it seemed to her as if a real customer never would appear.

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading These were followed by a cross old gentleman, who had evidently been induced by his wife to match some silk, and who vented his ill-humor on poor little Nora, scolding her about the silk, and the change she made, and everything she tried to do for him.

marked by extreme lack of restraint or control

From this reading Finally, with a rush of frosty air, a small boy appeared who wanted some needles; then a bevy of girls who had wools to match, and drove Nora wild with their questions.

a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air

From this reading There was a glare of gas-light in the window above the fancy articles, and Nora watched the faces of the passers-by who peered in, sometimes pausing for a more critical survey, sometimes hurrying on with absent-minded glances, but it seemed to her as if a real customer never would appear.

in the company of; together with

From this reading There was a glare of gas-light in the window above the fancy articles, and Nora watched the faces of the passers-by who peered in, sometimes pausing for a more critical survey, sometimes hurrying on with absent-minded glances, but it seemed to her as if a real customer never would appear.

plural of “wool” — a fabric made from the hair of sheep

From this reading Finally, with a rush of frosty air, a small boy appeared who wanted some needles; then a bevy of girls who had wools to match, and drove Nora wild with their questions.

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

From this reading There was a glare of gas-light in the window above the fancy articles, and Nora watched the faces of the passers-by who peered in, sometimes pausing for a more critical survey, sometimes hurrying on with absent-minded glances, but it seemed to her as if a real customer never would appear.