used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Hsüeh P'an commits a grave mistake; but Pao-ch'ai makes this mistake a pretext to tender advice to her brother.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading "It was simply," he replied, "about those trifles.
a record or narrative description of past events
From this reading Tai-yü loves Pao-yü with extreme affection; but, on account of this affection, her female cousin gets indignant.
a proposal for an appropriate course of action
From this reading Hsüeh P'an commits a grave mistake; but Pao-ch'ai makes this mistake a pretext to tender advice to her brother.
a positive feeling of liking
From this reading Tai-yü loves Pao-yü with extreme affection; but, on account of this affection, her female cousin gets indignant.
(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 When Hsi Jen saw dowager lady Chia, Madame Wang and the other members of the family take their leave, our narrative says, she entered the room. and, taking a seat next to Pao-yü, she asked him, while she did all she could to hide her tears: "How was it that he beat you to such extremes?"
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading When Hsi Jen saw dowager lady Chia, Madame Wang and the other members of the family take their leave, our narrative says, she entered the room. and, taking a seat next to Pao-yü, she asked him, while she did all she could to hide her tears: "How was it that he beat you to such extremes?"
past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading When Hsi Jen saw dowager lady Chia, Madame Wang and the other members of the family take their leave, our narrative says, she entered the room. and, taking a seat next to Pao-yü, she asked him, while she did all she could to hide her tears: "How was it that he beat you to such extremes?"
come out better in a competition, race, or conflict
From this reading When Hsi Jen saw dowager lady Chia, Madame Wang and the other members of the family take their leave, our narrative says, she entered the room. and, taking a seat next to Pao-yü, she asked him, while she did all she could to hide her tears: "How was it that he beat you to such extremes?"
a male with the same parents as someone else
From this reading Hsüeh P'an commits a grave mistake; but Pao-ch'ai makes this mistake a pretext to tender advice to her brother.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Tai-yü loves Pao-yü with extreme affection; but, on account of this affection, her female cousin gets indignant.
Chia
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Hsi Jen saw dowager lady Chia, Madame Wang and the other members of the family take their leave, our narrative says, she entered the room. and, taking a seat next to Pao-yü, she asked him, while she did all she could to hide her tears: "How was it that he beat you to such extremes?"
commitsverbUS /kəˈmɪts/
third-person singular of “commit” — perform an act, usually with a negative connotation
From this reading Hsüeh P'an commits a grave mistake; but Pao-ch'ai makes this mistake a pretext to tender advice to her brother.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading When Hsi Jen saw dowager lady Chia, Madame Wang and the other members of the family take their leave, our narrative says, she entered the room. and, taking a seat next to Pao-yü, she asked him, while she did all she could to hide her tears: "How was it that he beat you to such extremes?"
the child of your aunt or uncle
From this reading Tai-yü loves Pao-yü with extreme affection; but, on account of this affection, her female cousin gets indignant.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading When Hsi Jen saw dowager lady Chia, Madame Wang and the other members of the family take their leave, our narrative says, she entered the room. and, taking a seat next to Pao-yü, she asked him, while she did all she could to hide her tears: "How was it that he beat you to such extremes?"
dowagernounUS /ˈdaʊədʒər/
a widow holding property received from her deceased husband
From this reading When Hsi Jen saw dowager lady Chia, Madame Wang and the other members of the family take their leave, our narrative says, she entered the room. and, taking a seat next to Pao-yü, she asked him, while she did all she could to hide her tears: "How was it that he beat you to such extremes?"
past form of “enter” — to come or go into
From this reading When Hsi Jen saw dowager lady Chia, Madame Wang and the other members of the family take their leave, our narrative says, she entered the room. and, taking a seat next to Pao-yü, she asked him, while she did all she could to hide her tears: "How was it that he beat you to such extremes?"
of the greatest possible degree or extent or intensity
From this reading Tai-yü loves Pao-yü with extreme affection; but, on account of this affection, her female cousin gets indignant.
extremesnounUS /ekˈstriːmz/
plural of “extreme” — the furthest or highest degree of something
From this reading When Hsi Jen saw dowager lady Chia, Madame Wang and the other members of the family take their leave, our narrative says, she entered the room. and, taking a seat next to Pao-yü, she asked him, while she did all she could to hide her tears: "How was it that he beat you to such extremes?"
a social unit living together
From this reading When Hsi Jen saw dowager lady Chia, Madame Wang and the other members of the family take their leave, our narrative says, she entered the room. and, taking a seat next to Pao-yü, she asked him, while she did all she could to hide her tears: "How was it that he beat you to such extremes?"
being the sex (of plant or animal) that produces fertilizable gametes (ova) from which offspring develop
From this reading Tai-yü loves Pao-yü with extreme affection; but, on account of this affection, her female cousin gets indignant.
plural of “get” — a return on a shot that seemed impossible to reach and would normally have resulted in a point for the opponent
From this reading Tai-yü loves Pao-yü with extreme affection; but, on account of this affection, her female cousin gets indignant.
death of a person
From this reading Hsüeh P'an commits a grave mistake; but Pao-ch'ai makes this mistake a pretext to tender advice to her brother.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading When Hsi Jen saw dowager lady Chia, Madame Wang and the other members of the family take their leave, our narrative says, she entered the room. and, taking a seat next to Pao-yü, she asked him, while she did all she could to hide her tears: "How was it that he beat you to such extremes?"
heavedverbUS /hiːvd/
past form of “heave” — utter a sound, as with obvious effort
From this reading Pao-yü heaved a sigh.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Tai-yü loves Pao-yü with extreme affection; but, on account of this affection, her female cousin gets indignant.
prevent from being seen or discovered
From this reading When Hsi Jen saw dowager lady Chia, Madame Wang and the other members of the family take their leave, our narrative says, she entered the room. and, taking a seat next to Pao-yü, she asked him, while she did all she could to hide her tears: "How was it that he beat you to such extremes?"
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading When Hsi Jen saw dowager lady Chia, Madame Wang and the other members of the family take their leave, our narrative says, she entered the room. and, taking a seat next to Pao-yü, she asked him, while she did all she could to hide her tears: "How was it that he beat you to such extremes?"
How
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Hsi Jen saw dowager lady Chia, Madame Wang and the other members of the family take their leave, our narrative says, she entered the room. and, taking a seat next to Pao-yü, she asked him, while she did all she could to hide her tears: "How was it that he beat you to such extremes?"
Hsi
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Hsi Jen saw dowager lady Chia, Madame Wang and the other members of the family take their leave, our narrative says, she entered the room. and, taking a seat next to Pao-yü, she asked him, while she did all she could to hide her tears: "How was it that he beat you to such extremes?"
Hsüeh
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Hsüeh P'an commits a grave mistake; but Pao-ch'ai makes this mistake a pretext to tender advice to her brother.
indignantadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈdɪɡnənt/
angered at something unjust or wrong
From this reading Tai-yü loves Pao-yü with extreme affection; but, on account of this affection, her female cousin gets indignant.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading When Hsi Jen saw dowager lady Chia, Madame Wang and the other members of the family take their leave, our narrative says, she entered the room. and, taking a seat next to Pao-yü, she asked him, while she did all she could to hide her tears: "How was it that he beat you to such extremes?"
Jen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Hsi Jen saw dowager lady Chia, Madame Wang and the other members of the family take their leave, our narrative says, she entered the room. and, taking a seat next to Pao-yü, she asked him, while she did all she could to hide her tears: "How was it that he beat you to such extremes?"
a polite name for any woman
From this reading When Hsi Jen saw dowager lady Chia, Madame Wang and the other members of the family take their leave, our narrative says, she entered the room. and, taking a seat next to Pao-yü, she asked him, while she did all she could to hide her tears: "How was it that he beat you to such extremes?"
go away from a place
From this reading When Hsi Jen saw dowager lady Chia, Madame Wang and the other members of the family take their leave, our narrative says, she entered the room. and, taking a seat next to Pao-yü, she asked him, while she did all she could to hide her tears: "How was it that he beat you to such extremes?"
plural of “love” — a strong positive emotion of regard and affection
From this reading Tai-yü loves Pao-yü with extreme affection; but, on account of this affection, her female cousin gets indignant.
title used for a married Frenchwoman
From this reading When Hsi Jen saw dowager lady Chia, Madame Wang and the other members of the family take their leave, our narrative says, she entered the room. and, taking a seat next to Pao-yü, she asked him, while she did all she could to hide her tears: "How was it that he beat you to such extremes?"
plural of “make” — a recognizable kind
From this reading Hsüeh P'an commits a grave mistake; but Pao-ch'ai makes this mistake a pretext to tender advice to her brother.
plural of “member” — one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)
From this reading When Hsi Jen saw dowager lady Chia, Madame Wang and the other members of the family take their leave, our narrative says, she entered the room. and, taking a seat next to Pao-yü, she asked him, while she did all she could to hide her tears: "How was it that he beat you to such extremes?"
a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention
From this reading Hsüeh P'an commits a grave mistake; but Pao-ch'ai makes this mistake a pretext to tender advice to her brother.
narrativenounUS /ˈnærətɪv/
a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading When Hsi Jen saw dowager lady Chia, Madame Wang and the other members of the family take their leave, our narrative says, she entered the room. and, taking a seat next to Pao-yü, she asked him, while she did all she could to hide her tears: "How was it that he beat you to such extremes?"
immediately following in time or order
From this reading When Hsi Jen saw dowager lady Chia, Madame Wang and the other members of the family take their leave, our narrative says, she entered the room. and, taking a seat next to Pao-yü, she asked him, while she did all she could to hide her tears: "How was it that he beat you to such extremes?"
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Tai-yü loves Pao-yü with extreme affection; but, on account of this affection, her female cousin gets indignant.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Tai-yü loves Pao-yü with extreme affection; but, on account of this affection, her female cousin gets indignant.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading When Hsi Jen saw dowager lady Chia, Madame Wang and the other members of the family take their leave, our narrative says, she entered the room. and, taking a seat next to Pao-yü, she asked him, while she did all she could to hide her tears: "How was it that he beat you to such extremes?"
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading When Hsi Jen saw dowager lady Chia, Madame Wang and the other members of the family take their leave, our narrative says, she entered the room. and, taking a seat next to Pao-yü, she asked him, while she did all she could to hide her tears: "How was it that he beat you to such extremes?"
P'an
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Hsüeh P'an commits a grave mistake; but Pao-ch'ai makes this mistake a pretext to tender advice to her brother.
Pao-ch'ai
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Hsüeh P'an commits a grave mistake; but Pao-ch'ai makes this mistake a pretext to tender advice to her brother.
Pao-yü
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Tai-yü loves Pao-yü with extreme affection; but, on account of this affection, her female cousin gets indignant.
pretextnounUS /ˈpriːtekst/
something serving to conceal plans; a fictitious reason that is concocted in order to conceal the real reason
From this reading Hsüeh P'an commits a grave mistake; but Pao-ch'ai makes this mistake a pretext to tender advice to her brother.
inflected form of “reply” — react verbally
From this reading "It was simply," he replied, "about those trifles.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading When Hsi Jen saw dowager lady Chia, Madame Wang and the other members of the family take their leave, our narrative says, she entered the room. and, taking a seat next to Pao-yü, she asked him, while she did all she could to hide her tears: "How was it that he beat you to such extremes?"
cut with a saw
From this reading When Hsi Jen saw dowager lady Chia, Madame Wang and the other members of the family take their leave, our narrative says, she entered the room. and, taking a seat next to Pao-yü, she asked him, while she did all she could to hide her tears: "How was it that he beat you to such extremes?"
plural of “say” — the chance to speak
From this reading When Hsi Jen saw dowager lady Chia, Madame Wang and the other members of the family take their leave, our narrative says, she entered the room. and, taking a seat next to Pao-yü, she asked him, while she did all she could to hide her tears: "How was it that he beat you to such extremes?"
a space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or on a train or airplane)
From this reading When Hsi Jen saw dowager lady Chia, Madame Wang and the other members of the family take their leave, our narrative says, she entered the room. and, taking a seat next to Pao-yü, she asked him, while she did all she could to hide her tears: "How was it that he beat you to such extremes?"
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading When Hsi Jen saw dowager lady Chia, Madame Wang and the other members of the family take their leave, our narrative says, she entered the room. and, taking a seat next to Pao-yü, she asked him, while she did all she could to hide her tears: "How was it that he beat you to such extremes?"
heave or utter a sigh; breathe deeply and heavily
From this reading Pao-yü heaved a sigh.
and nothing more
From this reading "It was simply," he replied, "about those trifles.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading When Hsi Jen saw dowager lady Chia, Madame Wang and the other members of the family take their leave, our narrative says, she entered the room. and, taking a seat next to Pao-yü, she asked him, while she did all she could to hide her tears: "How was it that he beat you to such extremes?"
Tai-yü
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Tai-yü loves Pao-yü with extreme affection; but, on account of this affection, her female cousin gets indignant.
carry out
From this reading When Hsi Jen saw dowager lady Chia, Madame Wang and the other members of the family take their leave, our narrative says, she entered the room. and, taking a seat next to Pao-yü, she asked him, while she did all she could to hide her tears: "How was it that he beat you to such extremes?"
the act of someone who picks up or takes something
From this reading When Hsi Jen saw dowager lady Chia, Madame Wang and the other members of the family take their leave, our narrative says, she entered the room. and, taking a seat next to Pao-yü, she asked him, while she did all she could to hide her tears: "How was it that he beat you to such extremes?"
the process of shedding tears (usually accompanied by sobs or other inarticulate sounds)
From this reading When Hsi Jen saw dowager lady Chia, Madame Wang and the other members of the family take their leave, our narrative says, she entered the room. and, taking a seat next to Pao-yü, she asked him, while she did all she could to hide her tears: "How was it that he beat you to such extremes?"
given to sympathy or gentleness or sentimentality
From this reading Hsüeh P'an commits a grave mistake; but Pao-ch'ai makes this mistake a pretext to tender advice to her brother.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading When Hsi Jen saw dowager lady Chia, Madame Wang and the other members of the family take their leave, our narrative says, she entered the room. and, taking a seat next to Pao-yü, she asked him, while she did all she could to hide her tears: "How was it that he beat you to such extremes?"
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading When Hsi Jen saw dowager lady Chia, Madame Wang and the other members of the family take their leave, our narrative says, she entered the room. and, taking a seat next to Pao-yü, she asked him, while she did all she could to hide her tears: "How was it that he beat you to such extremes?"
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading When Hsi Jen saw dowager lady Chia, Madame Wang and the other members of the family take their leave, our narrative says, she entered the room. and, taking a seat next to Pao-yü, she asked him, while she did all she could to hide her tears: "How was it that he beat you to such extremes?"
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Tai-yü loves Pao-yü with extreme affection; but, on account of this affection, her female cousin gets indignant.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading "It was simply," he replied, "about those trifles.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Hsüeh P'an commits a grave mistake; but Pao-ch'ai makes this mistake a pretext to tender advice to her brother.
triflesnounUS /ˈtraɪfəlz/
plural of “trifle” — a cold pudding made of layers of sponge cake spread with fruit or jelly; may be decorated with nuts, cream, or chocolate
From this reading "It was simply," he replied, "about those trifles.
Wang
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Hsi Jen saw dowager lady Chia, Madame Wang and the other members of the family take their leave, our narrative says, she entered the room. and, taking a seat next to Pao-yü, she asked him, while she did all she could to hide her tears: "How was it that he beat you to such extremes?"
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading When Hsi Jen saw dowager lady Chia, Madame Wang and the other members of the family take their leave, our narrative says, she entered the room. and, taking a seat next to Pao-yü, she asked him, while she did all she could to hide her tears: "How was it that he beat you to such extremes?"
at the time that
From this reading When Hsi Jen saw dowager lady Chia, Madame Wang and the other members of the family take their leave, our narrative says, she entered the room. and, taking a seat next to Pao-yü, she asked him, while she did all she could to hide her tears: "How was it that he beat you to such extremes?"
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading When Hsi Jen saw dowager lady Chia, Madame Wang and the other members of the family take their leave, our narrative says, she entered the room. and, taking a seat next to Pao-yü, she asked him, while she did all she could to hide her tears: "How was it that he beat you to such extremes?"
in the company of; together with
From this reading Tai-yü loves Pao-yü with extreme affection; but, on account of this affection, her female cousin gets indignant.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading When Hsi Jen saw dowager lady Chia, Madame Wang and the other members of the family take their leave, our narrative says, she entered the room. and, taking a seat next to Pao-yü, she asked him, while she did all she could to hide her tears: "How was it that he beat you to such extremes?"
