Chapter XXVIII · Chapter 28

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

From this reading I hoped Claudia's plain speaking had made an impression, but for a long time after that it seemed as if Ideala's interest in life had really ended, that her sphere of usefulness had contracted, and that she herself would become like the rest--a doer of unconnected trifles that have meaning only as the straws have meaning which show which way the current sets.

later than; following

From this reading I hoped Claudia's plain speaking had made an impression, but for a long time after that it seemed as if Ideala's interest in life had really ended, that her sphere of usefulness had contracted, and that she herself would become like the rest--a doer of unconnected trifles that have meaning only as the straws have meaning which show which way the current sets.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading Those who loved her watched her in her trouble with eager hope that some good might yet come of it; but the hope diminished always as the days wore on.

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

From this reading I hoped Claudia's plain speaking had made an impression, but for a long time after that it seemed as if Ideala's interest in life had really ended, that her sphere of usefulness had contracted, and that she herself would become like the rest--a doer of unconnected trifles that have meaning only as the straws have meaning which show which way the current sets.

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

From this reading I hoped Claudia's plain speaking had made an impression, but for a long time after that it seemed as if Ideala's interest in life had really ended, that her sphere of usefulness had contracted, and that she herself would become like the rest--a doer of unconnected trifles that have meaning only as the straws have meaning which show which way the current sets.

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

From this reading I hoped Claudia's plain speaking had made an impression, but for a long time after that it seemed as if Ideala's interest in life had really ended, that her sphere of usefulness had contracted, and that she herself would become like the rest--a doer of unconnected trifles that have meaning only as the straws have meaning which show which way the current sets.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading One cannot help thinking how many of these significant straws must go down to the ocean and be lost, their little use unrecognised, their little labour unavailing: because it does so little good merely to know which way the stream is setting, or what ocean will receive it at last, if we have no power to profit by the knowledge.

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

From this reading One cannot help thinking how many of these significant straws must go down to the ocean and be lost, their little use unrecognised, their little labour unavailing: because it does so little good merely to know which way the stream is setting, or what ocean will receive it at last, if we have no power to profit by the knowledge.

delighting the senses or exciting intellectual or emotional admiration

From this reading At this time Ideala's own life was not unlike one of these hapless straws, and it seemed a wretched failure of its early promise, that ending as a straw on the common stream, when so little might have made her influence in her own sphere like the river itself, strong and beautiful.

for the reason that

From this reading One cannot help thinking how many of these significant straws must go down to the ocean and be lost, their little use unrecognised, their little labour unavailing: because it does so little good merely to know which way the stream is setting, or what ocean will receive it at last, if we have no power to profit by the knowledge.

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading I hoped Claudia's plain speaking had made an impression, but for a long time after that it seemed as if Ideala's interest in life had really ended, that her sphere of usefulness had contracted, and that she herself would become like the rest--a doer of unconnected trifles that have meaning only as the straws have meaning which show which way the current sets.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading I hoped Claudia's plain speaking had made an impression, but for a long time after that it seemed as if Ideala's interest in life had really ended, that her sphere of usefulness had contracted, and that she herself would become like the rest--a doer of unconnected trifles that have meaning only as the straws have meaning which show which way the current sets.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading One cannot help thinking how many of these significant straws must go down to the ocean and be lost, their little use unrecognised, their little labour unavailing: because it does so little good merely to know which way the stream is setting, or what ocean will receive it at last, if we have no power to profit by the knowledge.

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

From this reading One cannot help thinking how many of these significant straws must go down to the ocean and be lost, their little use unrecognised, their little labour unavailing: because it does so little good merely to know which way the stream is setting, or what ocean will receive it at last, if we have no power to profit by the knowledge.

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

From this reading I hoped Claudia's plain speaking had made an impression, but for a long time after that it seemed as if Ideala's interest in life had really ended, that her sphere of usefulness had contracted, and that she herself would become like the rest--a doer of unconnected trifles that have meaning only as the straws have meaning which show which way the current sets.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Those who loved her watched her in her trouble with eager hope that some good might yet come of it; but the hope diminished always as the days wore on.

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

From this reading At this time Ideala's own life was not unlike one of these hapless straws, and it seemed a wretched failure of its early promise, that ending as a straw on the common stream, when so little might have made her influence in her own sphere like the river itself, strong and beautiful.

reduced in size or pulled together

From this reading I hoped Claudia's plain speaking had made an impression, but for a long time after that it seemed as if Ideala's interest in life had really ended, that her sphere of usefulness had contracted, and that she herself would become like the rest--a doer of unconnected trifles that have meaning only as the straws have meaning which show which way the current sets.

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

From this reading At first her mind had raged and stormed; one could see it, though she said so little.

a flow of electricity through a conductor

From this reading I hoped Claudia's plain speaking had made an impression, but for a long time after that it seemed as if Ideala's interest in life had really ended, that her sphere of usefulness had contracted, and that she herself would become like the rest--a doer of unconnected trifles that have meaning only as the straws have meaning which show which way the current sets.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading Those who loved her watched her in her trouble with eager hope that some good might yet come of it; but the hope diminished always as the days wore on.

impaired by diminution

From this reading Those who loved her watched her in her trouble with eager hope that some good might yet come of it; but the hope diminished always as the days wore on.

a person who acts and gets things done

From this reading I hoped Claudia's plain speaking had made an impression, but for a long time after that it seemed as if Ideala's interest in life had really ended, that her sphere of usefulness had contracted, and that she herself would become like the rest--a doer of unconnected trifles that have meaning only as the straws have meaning which show which way the current sets.

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

From this reading One cannot help thinking how many of these significant straws must go down to the ocean and be lost, their little use unrecognised, their little labour unavailing: because it does so little good merely to know which way the stream is setting, or what ocean will receive it at last, if we have no power to profit by the knowledge.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading One cannot help thinking how many of these significant straws must go down to the ocean and be lost, their little use unrecognised, their little labour unavailing: because it does so little good merely to know which way the stream is setting, or what ocean will receive it at last, if we have no power to profit by the knowledge.

having or showing keen interest or intense desire or impatient expectancy

From this reading Those who loved her watched her in her trouble with eager hope that some good might yet come of it; but the hope diminished always as the days wore on.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading At this time Ideala's own life was not unlike one of these hapless straws, and it seemed a wretched failure of its early promise, that ending as a straw on the common stream, when so little might have made her influence in her own sphere like the river itself, strong and beautiful.

having come or been brought to a conclusion

From this reading I hoped Claudia's plain speaking had made an impression, but for a long time after that it seemed as if Ideala's interest in life had really ended, that her sphere of usefulness had contracted, and that she herself would become like the rest--a doer of unconnected trifles that have meaning only as the straws have meaning which show which way the current sets.

the end of a word (a suffix or inflectional ending or final morpheme)

From this reading At this time Ideala's own life was not unlike one of these hapless straws, and it seemed a wretched failure of its early promise, that ending as a straw on the common stream, when so little might have made her influence in her own sphere like the river itself, strong and beautiful.

an act that fails

From this reading At this time Ideala's own life was not unlike one of these hapless straws, and it seemed a wretched failure of its early promise, that ending as a straw on the common stream, when so little might have made her influence in her own sphere like the river itself, strong and beautiful.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading At first her mind had raged and stormed; one could see it, though she said so little.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading I hoped Claudia's plain speaking had made an impression, but for a long time after that it seemed as if Ideala's interest in life had really ended, that her sphere of usefulness had contracted, and that she herself would become like the rest--a doer of unconnected trifles that have meaning only as the straws have meaning which show which way the current sets.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading One cannot help thinking how many of these significant straws must go down to the ocean and be lost, their little use unrecognised, their little labour unavailing: because it does so little good merely to know which way the stream is setting, or what ocean will receive it at last, if we have no power to profit by the knowledge.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading One cannot help thinking how many of these significant straws must go down to the ocean and be lost, their little use unrecognised, their little labour unavailing: because it does so little good merely to know which way the stream is setting, or what ocean will receive it at last, if we have no power to profit by the knowledge.

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

From this reading I hoped Claudia's plain speaking had made an impression, but for a long time after that it seemed as if Ideala's interest in life had really ended, that her sphere of usefulness had contracted, and that she herself would become like the rest--a doer of unconnected trifles that have meaning only as the straws have meaning which show which way the current sets.

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading At this time Ideala's own life was not unlike one of these hapless straws, and it seemed a wretched failure of its early promise, that ending as a straw on the common stream, when so little might have made her influence in her own sphere like the river itself, strong and beautiful.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading I hoped Claudia's plain speaking had made an impression, but for a long time after that it seemed as if Ideala's interest in life had really ended, that her sphere of usefulness had contracted, and that she herself would become like the rest--a doer of unconnected trifles that have meaning only as the straws have meaning which show which way the current sets.

give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading One cannot help thinking how many of these significant straws must go down to the ocean and be lost, their little use unrecognised, their little labour unavailing: because it does so little good merely to know which way the stream is setting, or what ocean will receive it at last, if we have no power to profit by the knowledge.

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

From this reading I hoped Claudia's plain speaking had made an impression, but for a long time after that it seemed as if Ideala's interest in life had really ended, that her sphere of usefulness had contracted, and that she herself would become like the rest--a doer of unconnected trifles that have meaning only as the straws have meaning which show which way the current sets.

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

From this reading I hoped Claudia's plain speaking had made an impression, but for a long time after that it seemed as if Ideala's interest in life had really ended, that her sphere of usefulness had contracted, and that she herself would become like the rest--a doer of unconnected trifles that have meaning only as the straws have meaning which show which way the current sets.

a specific instance of feeling hopeful

From this reading Those who loved her watched her in her trouble with eager hope that some good might yet come of it; but the hope diminished always as the days wore on.

past form of “hope” — expect and wish

From this reading I hoped Claudia's plain speaking had made an impression, but for a long time after that it seemed as if Ideala's interest in life had really ended, that her sphere of usefulness had contracted, and that she herself would become like the rest--a doer of unconnected trifles that have meaning only as the straws have meaning which show which way the current sets.

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

From this reading One cannot help thinking how many of these significant straws must go down to the ocean and be lost, their little use unrecognised, their little labour unavailing: because it does so little good merely to know which way the stream is setting, or what ocean will receive it at last, if we have no power to profit by the knowledge.

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

From this reading I hoped Claudia's plain speaking had made an impression, but for a long time after that it seemed as if Ideala's interest in life had really ended, that her sphere of usefulness had contracted, and that she herself would become like the rest--a doer of unconnected trifles that have meaning only as the straws have meaning which show which way the current sets.

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

From this reading I hoped Claudia's plain speaking had made an impression, but for a long time after that it seemed as if Ideala's interest in life had really ended, that her sphere of usefulness had contracted, and that she herself would become like the rest--a doer of unconnected trifles that have meaning only as the straws have meaning which show which way the current sets.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading I hoped Claudia's plain speaking had made an impression, but for a long time after that it seemed as if Ideala's interest in life had really ended, that her sphere of usefulness had contracted, and that she herself would become like the rest--a doer of unconnected trifles that have meaning only as the straws have meaning which show which way the current sets.

a vague idea in which some confidence is placed

From this reading I hoped Claudia's plain speaking had made an impression, but for a long time after that it seemed as if Ideala's interest in life had really ended, that her sphere of usefulness had contracted, and that she herself would become like the rest--a doer of unconnected trifles that have meaning only as the straws have meaning which show which way the current sets.

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

From this reading I hoped Claudia's plain speaking had made an impression, but for a long time after that it seemed as if Ideala's interest in life had really ended, that her sphere of usefulness had contracted, and that she herself would become like the rest--a doer of unconnected trifles that have meaning only as the straws have meaning which show which way the current sets.

a power to affect persons or events especially power based on prestige etc

From this reading At this time Ideala's own life was not unlike one of these hapless straws, and it seemed a wretched failure of its early promise, that ending as a straw on the common stream, when so little might have made her influence in her own sphere like the river itself, strong and beautiful.

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading I hoped Claudia's plain speaking had made an impression, but for a long time after that it seemed as if Ideala's interest in life had really ended, that her sphere of usefulness had contracted, and that she herself would become like the rest--a doer of unconnected trifles that have meaning only as the straws have meaning which show which way the current sets.

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

From this reading One cannot help thinking how many of these significant straws must go down to the ocean and be lost, their little use unrecognised, their little labour unavailing: because it does so little good merely to know which way the stream is setting, or what ocean will receive it at last, if we have no power to profit by the knowledge.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading I hoped Claudia's plain speaking had made an impression, but for a long time after that it seemed as if Ideala's interest in life had really ended, that her sphere of usefulness had contracted, and that she herself would become like the rest--a doer of unconnected trifles that have meaning only as the straws have meaning which show which way the current sets.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading At this time Ideala's own life was not unlike one of these hapless straws, and it seemed a wretched failure of its early promise, that ending as a straw on the common stream, when so little might have made her influence in her own sphere like the river itself, strong and beautiful.

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading At this time Ideala's own life was not unlike one of these hapless straws, and it seemed a wretched failure of its early promise, that ending as a straw on the common stream, when so little might have made her influence in her own sphere like the river itself, strong and beautiful.

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

From this reading One cannot help thinking how many of these significant straws must go down to the ocean and be lost, their little use unrecognised, their little labour unavailing: because it does so little good merely to know which way the stream is setting, or what ocean will receive it at last, if we have no power to profit by the knowledge.

the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning

From this reading One cannot help thinking how many of these significant straws must go down to the ocean and be lost, their little use unrecognised, their little labour unavailing: because it does so little good merely to know which way the stream is setting, or what ocean will receive it at last, if we have no power to profit by the knowledge.

a social class comprising those who do manual labor or work for wages

From this reading One cannot help thinking how many of these significant straws must go down to the ocean and be lost, their little use unrecognised, their little labour unavailing: because it does so little good merely to know which way the stream is setting, or what ocean will receive it at last, if we have no power to profit by the knowledge.

immediately past

From this reading One cannot help thinking how many of these significant straws must go down to the ocean and be lost, their little use unrecognised, their little labour unavailing: because it does so little good merely to know which way the stream is setting, or what ocean will receive it at last, if we have no power to profit by the knowledge.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading I hoped Claudia's plain speaking had made an impression, but for a long time after that it seemed as if Ideala's interest in life had really ended, that her sphere of usefulness had contracted, and that she herself would become like the rest--a doer of unconnected trifles that have meaning only as the straws have meaning which show which way the current sets.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading I hoped Claudia's plain speaking had made an impression, but for a long time after that it seemed as if Ideala's interest in life had really ended, that her sphere of usefulness had contracted, and that she herself would become like the rest--a doer of unconnected trifles that have meaning only as the straws have meaning which show which way the current sets.

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

From this reading One cannot help thinking how many of these significant straws must go down to the ocean and be lost, their little use unrecognised, their little labour unavailing: because it does so little good merely to know which way the stream is setting, or what ocean will receive it at last, if we have no power to profit by the knowledge.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading I hoped Claudia's plain speaking had made an impression, but for a long time after that it seemed as if Ideala's interest in life had really ended, that her sphere of usefulness had contracted, and that she herself would become like the rest--a doer of unconnected trifles that have meaning only as the straws have meaning which show which way the current sets.

no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered

From this reading One cannot help thinking how many of these significant straws must go down to the ocean and be lost, their little use unrecognised, their little labour unavailing: because it does so little good merely to know which way the stream is setting, or what ocean will receive it at last, if we have no power to profit by the knowledge.

held dear

From this reading Those who loved her watched her in her trouble with eager hope that some good might yet come of it; but the hope diminished always as the days wore on.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading I hoped Claudia's plain speaking had made an impression, but for a long time after that it seemed as if Ideala's interest in life had really ended, that her sphere of usefulness had contracted, and that she herself would become like the rest--a doer of unconnected trifles that have meaning only as the straws have meaning which show which way the current sets.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading One cannot help thinking how many of these significant straws must go down to the ocean and be lost, their little use unrecognised, their little labour unavailing: because it does so little good merely to know which way the stream is setting, or what ocean will receive it at last, if we have no power to profit by the knowledge.

the message that is intended or expressed or signified

From this reading I hoped Claudia's plain speaking had made an impression, but for a long time after that it seemed as if Ideala's interest in life had really ended, that her sphere of usefulness had contracted, and that she herself would become like the rest--a doer of unconnected trifles that have meaning only as the straws have meaning which show which way the current sets.

and nothing more

From this reading One cannot help thinking how many of these significant straws must go down to the ocean and be lost, their little use unrecognised, their little labour unavailing: because it does so little good merely to know which way the stream is setting, or what ocean will receive it at last, if we have no power to profit by the knowledge.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading At this time Ideala's own life was not unlike one of these hapless straws, and it seemed a wretched failure of its early promise, that ending as a straw on the common stream, when so little might have made her influence in her own sphere like the river itself, strong and beautiful.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading At first her mind had raged and stormed; one could see it, though she said so little.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading One cannot help thinking how many of these significant straws must go down to the ocean and be lost, their little use unrecognised, their little labour unavailing: because it does so little good merely to know which way the stream is setting, or what ocean will receive it at last, if we have no power to profit by the knowledge.

not any; not one

From this reading One cannot help thinking how many of these significant straws must go down to the ocean and be lost, their little use unrecognised, their little labour unavailing: because it does so little good merely to know which way the stream is setting, or what ocean will receive it at last, if we have no power to profit by the knowledge.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading At this time Ideala's own life was not unlike one of these hapless straws, and it seemed a wretched failure of its early promise, that ending as a straw on the common stream, when so little might have made her influence in her own sphere like the river itself, strong and beautiful.

a large body of water constituting a principal part of the hydrosphere

From this reading One cannot help thinking how many of these significant straws must go down to the ocean and be lost, their little use unrecognised, their little labour unavailing: because it does so little good merely to know which way the stream is setting, or what ocean will receive it at last, if we have no power to profit by the knowledge.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading I hoped Claudia's plain speaking had made an impression, but for a long time after that it seemed as if Ideala's interest in life had really ended, that her sphere of usefulness had contracted, and that she herself would become like the rest--a doer of unconnected trifles that have meaning only as the straws have meaning which show which way the current sets.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading At this time Ideala's own life was not unlike one of these hapless straws, and it seemed a wretched failure of its early promise, that ending as a straw on the common stream, when so little might have made her influence in her own sphere like the river itself, strong and beautiful.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading One cannot help thinking how many of these significant straws must go down to the ocean and be lost, their little use unrecognised, their little labour unavailing: because it does so little good merely to know which way the stream is setting, or what ocean will receive it at last, if we have no power to profit by the knowledge.

and nothing more

From this reading I hoped Claudia's plain speaking had made an impression, but for a long time after that it seemed as if Ideala's interest in life had really ended, that her sphere of usefulness had contracted, and that she herself would become like the rest--a doer of unconnected trifles that have meaning only as the straws have meaning which show which way the current sets.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading One cannot help thinking how many of these significant straws must go down to the ocean and be lost, their little use unrecognised, their little labour unavailing: because it does so little good merely to know which way the stream is setting, or what ocean will receive it at last, if we have no power to profit by the knowledge.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading At this time Ideala's own life was not unlike one of these hapless straws, and it seemed a wretched failure of its early promise, that ending as a straw on the common stream, when so little might have made her influence in her own sphere like the river itself, strong and beautiful.

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading I hoped Claudia's plain speaking had made an impression, but for a long time after that it seemed as if Ideala's interest in life had really ended, that her sphere of usefulness had contracted, and that she herself would become like the rest--a doer of unconnected trifles that have meaning only as the straws have meaning which show which way the current sets.

possession of controlling influence

From this reading One cannot help thinking how many of these significant straws must go down to the ocean and be lost, their little use unrecognised, their little labour unavailing: because it does so little good merely to know which way the stream is setting, or what ocean will receive it at last, if we have no power to profit by the knowledge.

the excess of revenues over outlays in a given period of time (including depreciation and other non-cash expenses)

From this reading One cannot help thinking how many of these significant straws must go down to the ocean and be lost, their little use unrecognised, their little labour unavailing: because it does so little good merely to know which way the stream is setting, or what ocean will receive it at last, if we have no power to profit by the knowledge.

make a promise or commitment

From this reading At this time Ideala's own life was not unlike one of these hapless straws, and it seemed a wretched failure of its early promise, that ending as a straw on the common stream, when so little might have made her influence in her own sphere like the river itself, strong and beautiful.

past form of “rage” — behave violently, as if in state of a great anger

From this reading At first her mind had raged and stormed; one could see it, though she said so little.

in accordance with truth or fact or reality

From this reading I hoped Claudia's plain speaking had made an impression, but for a long time after that it seemed as if Ideala's interest in life had really ended, that her sphere of usefulness had contracted, and that she herself would become like the rest--a doer of unconnected trifles that have meaning only as the straws have meaning which show which way the current sets.

get something; come into possession of

From this reading One cannot help thinking how many of these significant straws must go down to the ocean and be lost, their little use unrecognised, their little labour unavailing: because it does so little good merely to know which way the stream is setting, or what ocean will receive it at last, if we have no power to profit by the knowledge.

not move; be in a resting position

From this reading I hoped Claudia's plain speaking had made an impression, but for a long time after that it seemed as if Ideala's interest in life had really ended, that her sphere of usefulness had contracted, and that she herself would become like the rest--a doer of unconnected trifles that have meaning only as the straws have meaning which show which way the current sets.

a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading At this time Ideala's own life was not unlike one of these hapless straws, and it seemed a wretched failure of its early promise, that ending as a straw on the common stream, when so little might have made her influence in her own sphere like the river itself, strong and beautiful.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading At first her mind had raged and stormed; one could see it, though she said so little.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading At first her mind had raged and stormed; one could see it, though she said so little.

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

From this reading I hoped Claudia's plain speaking had made an impression, but for a long time after that it seemed as if Ideala's interest in life had really ended, that her sphere of usefulness had contracted, and that she herself would become like the rest--a doer of unconnected trifles that have meaning only as the straws have meaning which show which way the current sets.

plural of “set” — a group of things of the same kind that belong together and are so used

From this reading I hoped Claudia's plain speaking had made an impression, but for a long time after that it seemed as if Ideala's interest in life had really ended, that her sphere of usefulness had contracted, and that she herself would become like the rest--a doer of unconnected trifles that have meaning only as the straws have meaning which show which way the current sets.

the context and environment in which something is set

From this reading One cannot help thinking how many of these significant straws must go down to the ocean and be lost, their little use unrecognised, their little labour unavailing: because it does so little good merely to know which way the stream is setting, or what ocean will receive it at last, if we have no power to profit by the knowledge.

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

From this reading I hoped Claudia's plain speaking had made an impression, but for a long time after that it seemed as if Ideala's interest in life had really ended, that her sphere of usefulness had contracted, and that she herself would become like the rest--a doer of unconnected trifles that have meaning only as the straws have meaning which show which way the current sets.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading I hoped Claudia's plain speaking had made an impression, but for a long time after that it seemed as if Ideala's interest in life had really ended, that her sphere of usefulness had contracted, and that she herself would become like the rest--a doer of unconnected trifles that have meaning only as the straws have meaning which show which way the current sets.

important in effect or meaning

From this reading One cannot help thinking how many of these significant straws must go down to the ocean and be lost, their little use unrecognised, their little labour unavailing: because it does so little good merely to know which way the stream is setting, or what ocean will receive it at last, if we have no power to profit by the knowledge.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading One cannot help thinking how many of these significant straws must go down to the ocean and be lost, their little use unrecognised, their little labour unavailing: because it does so little good merely to know which way the stream is setting, or what ocean will receive it at last, if we have no power to profit by the knowledge.

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

From this reading Those who loved her watched her in her trouble with eager hope that some good might yet come of it; but the hope diminished always as the days wore on.

the utterance of intelligible speech

From this reading I hoped Claudia's plain speaking had made an impression, but for a long time after that it seemed as if Ideala's interest in life had really ended, that her sphere of usefulness had contracted, and that she herself would become like the rest--a doer of unconnected trifles that have meaning only as the straws have meaning which show which way the current sets.

a particular environment or walk of life

From this reading I hoped Claudia's plain speaking had made an impression, but for a long time after that it seemed as if Ideala's interest in life had really ended, that her sphere of usefulness had contracted, and that she herself would become like the rest--a doer of unconnected trifles that have meaning only as the straws have meaning which show which way the current sets.

past form of “storm” — behave violently, as if in state of a great anger

From this reading At first her mind had raged and stormed; one could see it, though she said so little.

plant fiber used e.g. for making baskets and hats or as fodder

From this reading At this time Ideala's own life was not unlike one of these hapless straws, and it seemed a wretched failure of its early promise, that ending as a straw on the common stream, when so little might have made her influence in her own sphere like the river itself, strong and beautiful.

plural of “straw” — plant fiber used e.g. for making baskets and hats or as fodder

From this reading I hoped Claudia's plain speaking had made an impression, but for a long time after that it seemed as if Ideala's interest in life had really ended, that her sphere of usefulness had contracted, and that she herself would become like the rest--a doer of unconnected trifles that have meaning only as the straws have meaning which show which way the current sets.

a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth

From this reading One cannot help thinking how many of these significant straws must go down to the ocean and be lost, their little use unrecognised, their little labour unavailing: because it does so little good merely to know which way the stream is setting, or what ocean will receive it at last, if we have no power to profit by the knowledge.

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading At this time Ideala's own life was not unlike one of these hapless straws, and it seemed a wretched failure of its early promise, that ending as a straw on the common stream, when so little might have made her influence in her own sphere like the river itself, strong and beautiful.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading I hoped Claudia's plain speaking had made an impression, but for a long time after that it seemed as if Ideala's interest in life had really ended, that her sphere of usefulness had contracted, and that she herself would become like the rest--a doer of unconnected trifles that have meaning only as the straws have meaning which show which way the current sets.

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

From this reading I hoped Claudia's plain speaking had made an impression, but for a long time after that it seemed as if Ideala's interest in life had really ended, that her sphere of usefulness had contracted, and that she herself would become like the rest--a doer of unconnected trifles that have meaning only as the straws have meaning which show which way the current sets.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading One cannot help thinking how many of these significant straws must go down to the ocean and be lost, their little use unrecognised, their little labour unavailing: because it does so little good merely to know which way the stream is setting, or what ocean will receive it at last, if we have no power to profit by the knowledge.

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

From this reading One cannot help thinking how many of these significant straws must go down to the ocean and be lost, their little use unrecognised, their little labour unavailing: because it does so little good merely to know which way the stream is setting, or what ocean will receive it at last, if we have no power to profit by the knowledge.

the process of using your mind to consider something carefully

From this reading One cannot help thinking how many of these significant straws must go down to the ocean and be lost, their little use unrecognised, their little labour unavailing: because it does so little good merely to know which way the stream is setting, or what ocean will receive it at last, if we have no power to profit by the knowledge.

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

From this reading At this time Ideala's own life was not unlike one of these hapless straws, and it seemed a wretched failure of its early promise, that ending as a straw on the common stream, when so little might have made her influence in her own sphere like the river itself, strong and beautiful.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading Those who loved her watched her in her trouble with eager hope that some good might yet come of it; but the hope diminished always as the days wore on.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading At first her mind had raged and stormed; one could see it, though she said so little.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading I hoped Claudia's plain speaking had made an impression, but for a long time after that it seemed as if Ideala's interest in life had really ended, that her sphere of usefulness had contracted, and that she herself would become like the rest--a doer of unconnected trifles that have meaning only as the straws have meaning which show which way the current sets.

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

From this reading One cannot help thinking how many of these significant straws must go down to the ocean and be lost, their little use unrecognised, their little labour unavailing: because it does so little good merely to know which way the stream is setting, or what ocean will receive it at last, if we have no power to profit by the knowledge.

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 I hoped Claudia's plain speaking had made an impression, but for a long time after that it seemed as if Ideala's interest in life had really ended, that her sphere of usefulness had contracted, and that she herself would become like the rest--a doer of unconnected trifles that have meaning only as the straws have meaning which show which way the current sets.

a source of difficulty

From this reading Those who loved her watched her in her trouble with eager hope that some good might yet come of it; but the hope diminished always as the days wore on.

producing no result or effect

From this reading One cannot help thinking how many of these significant straws must go down to the ocean and be lost, their little use unrecognised, their little labour unavailing: because it does so little good merely to know which way the stream is setting, or what ocean will receive it at last, if we have no power to profit by the knowledge.

not joined or linked together

From this reading I hoped Claudia's plain speaking had made an impression, but for a long time after that it seemed as if Ideala's interest in life had really ended, that her sphere of usefulness had contracted, and that she herself would become like the rest--a doer of unconnected trifles that have meaning only as the straws have meaning which show which way the current sets.

marked by dissimilarity

From this reading At this time Ideala's own life was not unlike one of these hapless straws, and it seemed a wretched failure of its early promise, that ending as a straw on the common stream, when so little might have made her influence in her own sphere like the river itself, strong and beautiful.

not having a secure reputation

From this reading One cannot help thinking how many of these significant straws must go down to the ocean and be lost, their little use unrecognised, their little labour unavailing: because it does so little good merely to know which way the stream is setting, or what ocean will receive it at last, if we have no power to profit by the knowledge.

the act of using

From this reading One cannot help thinking how many of these significant straws must go down to the ocean and be lost, their little use unrecognised, their little labour unavailing: because it does so little good merely to know which way the stream is setting, or what ocean will receive it at last, if we have no power to profit by the knowledge.

the quality of being of practical use

From this reading I hoped Claudia's plain speaking had made an impression, but for a long time after that it seemed as if Ideala's interest in life had really ended, that her sphere of usefulness had contracted, and that she herself would become like the rest--a doer of unconnected trifles that have meaning only as the straws have meaning which show which way the current sets.

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

From this reading At this time Ideala's own life was not unlike one of these hapless straws, and it seemed a wretched failure of its early promise, that ending as a straw on the common stream, when so little might have made her influence in her own sphere like the river itself, strong and beautiful.

past form of “watch” — look attentively

From this reading Those who loved her watched her in her trouble with eager hope that some good might yet come of it; but the hope diminished always as the days wore on.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading I hoped Claudia's plain speaking had made an impression, but for a long time after that it seemed as if Ideala's interest in life had really ended, that her sphere of usefulness had contracted, and that she herself would become like the rest--a doer of unconnected trifles that have meaning only as the straws have meaning which show which way the current sets.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading One cannot help thinking how many of these significant straws must go down to the ocean and be lost, their little use unrecognised, their little labour unavailing: because it does so little good merely to know which way the stream is setting, or what ocean will receive it at last, if we have no power to profit by the knowledge.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading One cannot help thinking how many of these significant straws must go down to the ocean and be lost, their little use unrecognised, their little labour unavailing: because it does so little good merely to know which way the stream is setting, or what ocean will receive it at last, if we have no power to profit by the knowledge.

at the time that

From this reading At this time Ideala's own life was not unlike one of these hapless straws, and it seemed a wretched failure of its early promise, that ending as a straw on the common stream, when so little might have made her influence in her own sphere like the river itself, strong and beautiful.

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

From this reading I hoped Claudia's plain speaking had made an impression, but for a long time after that it seemed as if Ideala's interest in life had really ended, that her sphere of usefulness had contracted, and that she herself would become like the rest--a doer of unconnected trifles that have meaning only as the straws have meaning which show which way the current sets.

which person or people

From this reading Those who loved her watched her in her trouble with eager hope that some good might yet come of it; but the hope diminished always as the days wore on.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading One cannot help thinking how many of these significant straws must go down to the ocean and be lost, their little use unrecognised, their little labour unavailing: because it does so little good merely to know which way the stream is setting, or what ocean will receive it at last, if we have no power to profit by the knowledge.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Those who loved her watched her in her trouble with eager hope that some good might yet come of it; but the hope diminished always as the days wore on.

inflected form of “wear” — be dressed in

From this reading Those who loved her watched her in her trouble with eager hope that some good might yet come of it; but the hope diminished always as the days wore on.

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

From this reading I hoped Claudia's plain speaking had made an impression, but for a long time after that it seemed as if Ideala's interest in life had really ended, that her sphere of usefulness had contracted, and that she herself would become like the rest--a doer of unconnected trifles that have meaning only as the straws have meaning which show which way the current sets.

of very poor quality or condition

From this reading At this time Ideala's own life was not unlike one of these hapless straws, and it seemed a wretched failure of its early promise, that ending as a straw on the common stream, when so little might have made her influence in her own sphere like the river itself, strong and beautiful.

but in spite of that

From this reading Those who loved her watched her in her trouble with eager hope that some good might yet come of it; but the hope diminished always as the days wore on.