used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading She was a woman of strong convictions and bitter prejudices; but her heart was soft enough.
afflictedadjectiveUS /əˈflɪktɪd/
grievously affected especially by disease
From this reading She had, indeed attended to the religious training of her girl with constant care;--but the yearnings of her maternal heart had softened even her religion, so that the laws, and dogmas, and texts, and exercises by which her husband was oppressed, and her servants afflicted, had been made lighter for Hester,--sometimes not without pangs of conscience on the part of the self-convicted parent.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading The Boltons Are Much Troubled The condition of the inhabitants of Puritan Grange during the six weeks immediately after the verdict was very sad indeed.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading I have described badly the character of the lady living there, if I have induced my readers to think that her heart was hardened against her daughter.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading When she married, circumstances had separated her widely from her own family, in which she had never known either a brother or a sister; and the burden of her marriage with an old man had been brightened to her by the possession of an only child,--of one daughter, who had been the lamp of her life, the solitary delight of her heart, the single relief to the otherwise solitary tedium of her monotonous existence.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading She was a woman of strong convictions and bitter prejudices; but her heart was soft enough.
Areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The Boltons Are Much Troubled The condition of the inhabitants of Puritan Grange during the six weeks immediately after the verdict was very sad indeed.
playing or singing with instrumental or vocal accompaniment
From this reading She had, indeed attended to the religious training of her girl with constant care;--but the yearnings of her maternal heart had softened even her religion, so that the laws, and dogmas, and texts, and exercises by which her husband was oppressed, and her servants afflicted, had been made lighter for Hester,--sometimes not without pangs of conscience on the part of the self-convicted parent.
to a severe or serious degree
From this reading I have described badly the character of the lady living there, if I have induced my readers to think that her heart was hardened against her daughter.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading When she married, circumstances had separated her widely from her own family, in which she had never known either a brother or a sister; and the burden of her marriage with an old man had been brightened to her by the possession of an only child,--of one daughter, who had been the lamp of her life, the solitary delight of her heart, the single relief to the otherwise solitary tedium of her monotonous existence.
marked by strong resentment or cynicism
From this reading She was a woman of strong convictions and bitter prejudices; but her heart was soft enough.
Boltons
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Boltons Are Much Troubled The condition of the inhabitants of Puritan Grange during the six weeks immediately after the verdict was very sad indeed.
brightenedverbUS /ˈbraɪtənd/
past form of “brighten” — make more cheerful through the use of color
From this reading When she married, circumstances had separated her widely from her own family, in which she had never known either a brother or a sister; and the burden of her marriage with an old man had been brightened to her by the possession of an only child,--of one daughter, who had been the lamp of her life, the solitary delight of her heart, the single relief to the otherwise solitary tedium of her monotonous existence.
a male with the same parents as someone else
From this reading When she married, circumstances had separated her widely from her own family, in which she had never known either a brother or a sister; and the burden of her marriage with an old man had been brightened to her by the possession of an only child,--of one daughter, who had been the lamp of her life, the solitary delight of her heart, the single relief to the otherwise solitary tedium of her monotonous existence.
an onerous or difficult concern
From this reading When she married, circumstances had separated her widely from her own family, in which she had never known either a brother or a sister; and the burden of her marriage with an old man had been brightened to her by the possession of an only child,--of one daughter, who had been the lamp of her life, the solitary delight of her heart, the single relief to the otherwise solitary tedium of her monotonous existence.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading She was a woman of strong convictions and bitter prejudices; but her heart was soft enough.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading When she married, circumstances had separated her widely from her own family, in which she had never known either a brother or a sister; and the burden of her marriage with an old man had been brightened to her by the possession of an only child,--of one daughter, who had been the lamp of her life, the solitary delight of her heart, the single relief to the otherwise solitary tedium of her monotonous existence.
the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something
From this reading She had, indeed attended to the religious training of her girl with constant care;--but the yearnings of her maternal heart had softened even her religion, so that the laws, and dogmas, and texts, and exercises by which her husband was oppressed, and her servants afflicted, had been made lighter for Hester,--sometimes not without pangs of conscience on the part of the self-convicted parent.
an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)
From this reading I have described badly the character of the lady living there, if I have induced my readers to think that her heart was hardened against her daughter.
a young person of either sex
From this reading When she married, circumstances had separated her widely from her own family, in which she had never known either a brother or a sister; and the burden of her marriage with an old man had been brightened to her by the possession of an only child,--of one daughter, who had been the lamp of her life, the solitary delight of her heart, the single relief to the otherwise solitary tedium of her monotonous existence.
your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)
From this reading When she married, circumstances had separated her widely from her own family, in which she had never known either a brother or a sister; and the burden of her marriage with an old man had been brightened to her by the possession of an only child,--of one daughter, who had been the lamp of her life, the solitary delight of her heart, the single relief to the otherwise solitary tedium of her monotonous existence.
a state at a particular time
From this reading The Boltons Are Much Troubled The condition of the inhabitants of Puritan Grange during the six weeks immediately after the verdict was very sad indeed.
motivation deriving logically from ethical or moral principles that govern a person's thoughts and actions
From this reading She had, indeed attended to the religious training of her girl with constant care;--but the yearnings of her maternal heart had softened even her religion, so that the laws, and dogmas, and texts, and exercises by which her husband was oppressed, and her servants afflicted, had been made lighter for Hester,--sometimes not without pangs of conscience on the part of the self-convicted parent.
unvarying in nature
From this reading She had, indeed attended to the religious training of her girl with constant care;--but the yearnings of her maternal heart had softened even her religion, so that the laws, and dogmas, and texts, and exercises by which her husband was oppressed, and her servants afflicted, had been made lighter for Hester,--sometimes not without pangs of conscience on the part of the self-convicted parent.
convictionsnounUS /kənˈvɪkʃənz/
plural of “conviction” — an unshakable belief in something without need for proof or evidence
From this reading She was a woman of strong convictions and bitter prejudices; but her heart was soft enough.
a female human offspring
From this reading I have described badly the character of the lady living there, if I have induced my readers to think that her heart was hardened against her daughter.
give pleasure to or be pleasing to
From this reading When she married, circumstances had separated her widely from her own family, in which she had never known either a brother or a sister; and the burden of her marriage with an old man had been brightened to her by the possession of an only child,--of one daughter, who had been the lamp of her life, the solitary delight of her heart, the single relief to the otherwise solitary tedium of her monotonous existence.
represented in words especially with sharpness and detail
From this reading I have described badly the character of the lady living there, if I have induced my readers to think that her heart was hardened against her daughter.
dogmas
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She had, indeed attended to the religious training of her girl with constant care;--but the yearnings of her maternal heart had softened even her religion, so that the laws, and dogmas, and texts, and exercises by which her husband was oppressed, and her servants afflicted, had been made lighter for Hester,--sometimes not without pangs of conscience on the part of the self-convicted parent.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading The Boltons Are Much Troubled The condition of the inhabitants of Puritan Grange during the six weeks immediately after the verdict was very sad indeed.
one or the other of two
From this reading When she married, circumstances had separated her widely from her own family, in which she had never known either a brother or a sister; and the burden of her marriage with an old man had been brightened to her by the possession of an only child,--of one daughter, who had been the lamp of her life, the solitary delight of her heart, the single relief to the otherwise solitary tedium of her monotonous existence.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading She was a woman of strong convictions and bitter prejudices; but her heart was soft enough.
divisible by two
From this reading She had, indeed attended to the religious training of her girl with constant care;--but the yearnings of her maternal heart had softened even her religion, so that the laws, and dogmas, and texts, and exercises by which her husband was oppressed, and her servants afflicted, had been made lighter for Hester,--sometimes not without pangs of conscience on the part of the self-convicted parent.
exercisesnounUS /ˈeksərsaɪzəz/
plural of “exercise” — the activity of exerting your muscles in various ways to keep fit
From this reading She had, indeed attended to the religious training of her girl with constant care;--but the yearnings of her maternal heart had softened even her religion, so that the laws, and dogmas, and texts, and exercises by which her husband was oppressed, and her servants afflicted, had been made lighter for Hester,--sometimes not without pangs of conscience on the part of the self-convicted parent.
the state or fact of existing
From this reading When she married, circumstances had separated her widely from her own family, in which she had never known either a brother or a sister; and the burden of her marriage with an old man had been brightened to her by the possession of an only child,--of one daughter, who had been the lamp of her life, the solitary delight of her heart, the single relief to the otherwise solitary tedium of her monotonous existence.
a social unit living together
From this reading When she married, circumstances had separated her widely from her own family, in which she had never known either a brother or a sister; and the burden of her marriage with an old man had been brightened to her by the possession of an only child,--of one daughter, who had been the lamp of her life, the solitary delight of her heart, the single relief to the otherwise solitary tedium of her monotonous existence.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading She had, indeed attended to the religious training of her girl with constant care;--but the yearnings of her maternal heart had softened even her religion, so that the laws, and dogmas, and texts, and exercises by which her husband was oppressed, and her servants afflicted, had been made lighter for Hester,--sometimes not without pangs of conscience on the part of the self-convicted parent.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading When she married, circumstances had separated her widely from her own family, in which she had never known either a brother or a sister; and the burden of her marriage with an old man had been brightened to her by the possession of an only child,--of one daughter, who had been the lamp of her life, the solitary delight of her heart, the single relief to the otherwise solitary tedium of her monotonous existence.
a young female
From this reading She had, indeed attended to the religious training of her girl with constant care;--but the yearnings of her maternal heart had softened even her religion, so that the laws, and dogmas, and texts, and exercises by which her husband was oppressed, and her servants afflicted, had been made lighter for Hester,--sometimes not without pangs of conscience on the part of the self-convicted parent.
GrangenounUS /ɡreɪndʒ/
an outlying farm
From this reading The Boltons Are Much Troubled The condition of the inhabitants of Puritan Grange during the six weeks immediately after the verdict was very sad indeed.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading When she married, circumstances had separated her widely from her own family, in which she had never known either a brother or a sister; and the burden of her marriage with an old man had been brightened to her by the possession of an only child,--of one daughter, who had been the lamp of her life, the solitary delight of her heart, the single relief to the otherwise solitary tedium of her monotonous existence.
hardenedadjectiveUS /ˈhɑːrdənd/
used of persons; emotionally hardened
From this reading I have described badly the character of the lady living there, if I have induced my readers to think that her heart was hardened against her daughter.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading I have described badly the character of the lady living there, if I have induced my readers to think that her heart was hardened against her daughter.
the locus of feelings and intuitions
From this reading I have described badly the character of the lady living there, if I have induced my readers to think that her heart was hardened against her daughter.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading I have described badly the character of the lady living there, if I have induced my readers to think that her heart was hardened against her daughter.
Hester
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She had, indeed attended to the religious training of her girl with constant care;--but the yearnings of her maternal heart had softened even her religion, so that the laws, and dogmas, and texts, and exercises by which her husband was oppressed, and her servants afflicted, had been made lighter for Hester,--sometimes not without pangs of conscience on the part of the self-convicted parent.
a married man; a woman's partner in marriage
From this reading She had, indeed attended to the religious training of her girl with constant care;--but the yearnings of her maternal heart had softened even her religion, so that the laws, and dogmas, and texts, and exercises by which her husband was oppressed, and her servants afflicted, had been made lighter for Hester,--sometimes not without pangs of conscience on the part of the self-convicted parent.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading I have described badly the character of the lady living there, if I have induced my readers to think that her heart was hardened against her daughter.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading I have described badly the character of the lady living there, if I have induced my readers to think that her heart was hardened against her daughter.
without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening
From this reading The Boltons Are Much Troubled The condition of the inhabitants of Puritan Grange during the six weeks immediately after the verdict was very sad indeed.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading When she married, circumstances had separated her widely from her own family, in which she had never known either a brother or a sister; and the burden of her marriage with an old man had been brightened to her by the possession of an only child,--of one daughter, who had been the lamp of her life, the solitary delight of her heart, the single relief to the otherwise solitary tedium of her monotonous existence.
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading The Boltons Are Much Troubled The condition of the inhabitants of Puritan Grange during the six weeks immediately after the verdict was very sad indeed.
inducedadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈduːst/
brought about or caused; not spontaneous
From this reading I have described badly the character of the lady living there, if I have induced my readers to think that her heart was hardened against her daughter.
plural of “inhabitant” — a person who inhabits a particular place
From this reading The Boltons Are Much Troubled The condition of the inhabitants of Puritan Grange during the six weeks immediately after the verdict was very sad indeed.
apprehended with certainty
From this reading When she married, circumstances had separated her widely from her own family, in which she had never known either a brother or a sister; and the burden of her marriage with an old man had been brightened to her by the possession of an only child,--of one daughter, who had been the lamp of her life, the solitary delight of her heart, the single relief to the otherwise solitary tedium of her monotonous existence.
a polite name for any woman
From this reading I have described badly the character of the lady living there, if I have induced my readers to think that her heart was hardened against her daughter.
an artificial source of visible illumination
From this reading When she married, circumstances had separated her widely from her own family, in which she had never known either a brother or a sister; and the burden of her marriage with an old man had been brightened to her by the possession of an only child,--of one daughter, who had been the lamp of her life, the solitary delight of her heart, the single relief to the otherwise solitary tedium of her monotonous existence.
the first of three divisions of the Hebrew Scriptures comprising the first five books of the Hebrew Bible considered as a unit
From this reading She had, indeed attended to the religious training of her girl with constant care;--but the yearnings of her maternal heart had softened even her religion, so that the laws, and dogmas, and texts, and exercises by which her husband was oppressed, and her servants afflicted, had been made lighter for Hester,--sometimes not without pangs of conscience on the part of the self-convicted parent.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading When she married, circumstances had separated her widely from her own family, in which she had never known either a brother or a sister; and the burden of her marriage with an old man had been brightened to her by the possession of an only child,--of one daughter, who had been the lamp of her life, the solitary delight of her heart, the single relief to the otherwise solitary tedium of her monotonous existence.
lighternounUS /ˈlaɪtər/
a substance used to ignite or kindle a fire
From this reading She had, indeed attended to the religious training of her girl with constant care;--but the yearnings of her maternal heart had softened even her religion, so that the laws, and dogmas, and texts, and exercises by which her husband was oppressed, and her servants afflicted, had been made lighter for Hester,--sometimes not without pangs of conscience on the part of the self-convicted parent.
the experience of being alive; the course of human events and activities
From this reading I have described badly the character of the lady living there, if I have induced my readers to think that her heart was hardened against her daughter.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading She had, indeed attended to the religious training of her girl with constant care;--but the yearnings of her maternal heart had softened even her religion, so that the laws, and dogmas, and texts, and exercises by which her husband was oppressed, and her servants afflicted, had been made lighter for Hester,--sometimes not without pangs of conscience on the part of the self-convicted parent.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading When she married, circumstances had separated her widely from her own family, in which she had never known either a brother or a sister; and the burden of her marriage with an old man had been brightened to her by the possession of an only child,--of one daughter, who had been the lamp of her life, the solitary delight of her heart, the single relief to the otherwise solitary tedium of her monotonous existence.
the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce)
From this reading When she married, circumstances had separated her widely from her own family, in which she had never known either a brother or a sister; and the burden of her marriage with an old man had been brightened to her by the possession of an only child,--of one daughter, who had been the lamp of her life, the solitary delight of her heart, the single relief to the otherwise solitary tedium of her monotonous existence.
joined in matrimony
From this reading When she married, circumstances had separated her widely from her own family, in which she had never known either a brother or a sister; and the burden of her marriage with an old man had been brightened to her by the possession of an only child,--of one daughter, who had been the lamp of her life, the solitary delight of her heart, the single relief to the otherwise solitary tedium of her monotonous existence.
maternaladjectiveUS /məˈtɜːrnəl/
characteristic of a mother
From this reading She had, indeed attended to the religious training of her girl with constant care;--but the yearnings of her maternal heart had softened even her religion, so that the laws, and dogmas, and texts, and exercises by which her husband was oppressed, and her servants afflicted, had been made lighter for Hester,--sometimes not without pangs of conscience on the part of the self-convicted parent.
monotonousadjectiveUS /məˈnɑːtənəs/
tediously repetitious or lacking in variety
From this reading When she married, circumstances had separated her widely from her own family, in which she had never known either a brother or a sister; and the burden of her marriage with an old man had been brightened to her by the possession of an only child,--of one daughter, who had been the lamp of her life, the solitary delight of her heart, the single relief to the otherwise solitary tedium of her monotonous existence.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading The Boltons Are Much Troubled The condition of the inhabitants of Puritan Grange during the six weeks immediately after the verdict was very sad indeed.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading I have described badly the character of the lady living there, if I have induced my readers to think that her heart was hardened against her daughter.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading When she married, circumstances had separated her widely from her own family, in which she had never known either a brother or a sister; and the burden of her marriage with an old man had been brightened to her by the possession of an only child,--of one daughter, who had been the lamp of her life, the solitary delight of her heart, the single relief to the otherwise solitary tedium of her monotonous existence.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading She had, indeed attended to the religious training of her girl with constant care;--but the yearnings of her maternal heart had softened even her religion, so that the laws, and dogmas, and texts, and exercises by which her husband was oppressed, and her servants afflicted, had been made lighter for Hester,--sometimes not without pangs of conscience on the part of the self-convicted parent.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The Boltons Are Much Troubled The condition of the inhabitants of Puritan Grange during the six weeks immediately after the verdict was very sad indeed.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading When she married, circumstances had separated her widely from her own family, in which she had never known either a brother or a sister; and the burden of her marriage with an old man had been brightened to her by the possession of an only child,--of one daughter, who had been the lamp of her life, the solitary delight of her heart, the single relief to the otherwise solitary tedium of her monotonous existence.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading She had, indeed attended to the religious training of her girl with constant care;--but the yearnings of her maternal heart had softened even her religion, so that the laws, and dogmas, and texts, and exercises by which her husband was oppressed, and her servants afflicted, had been made lighter for Hester,--sometimes not without pangs of conscience on the part of the self-convicted parent.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading When she married, circumstances had separated her widely from her own family, in which she had never known either a brother or a sister; and the burden of her marriage with an old man had been brightened to her by the possession of an only child,--of one daughter, who had been the lamp of her life, the solitary delight of her heart, the single relief to the otherwise solitary tedium of her monotonous existence.
and nothing more
From this reading When she married, circumstances had separated her widely from her own family, in which she had never known either a brother or a sister; and the burden of her marriage with an old man had been brightened to her by the possession of an only child,--of one daughter, who had been the lamp of her life, the solitary delight of her heart, the single relief to the otherwise solitary tedium of her monotonous existence.
oppressedadjectiveUS /əˈprest/
burdened psychologically or mentally
From this reading She had, indeed attended to the religious training of her girl with constant care;--but the yearnings of her maternal heart had softened even her religion, so that the laws, and dogmas, and texts, and exercises by which her husband was oppressed, and her servants afflicted, had been made lighter for Hester,--sometimes not without pangs of conscience on the part of the self-convicted parent.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading When she married, circumstances had separated her widely from her own family, in which she had never known either a brother or a sister; and the burden of her marriage with an old man had been brightened to her by the possession of an only child,--of one daughter, who had been the lamp of her life, the solitary delight of her heart, the single relief to the otherwise solitary tedium of her monotonous existence.
in other respects or ways
From this reading When she married, circumstances had separated her widely from her own family, in which she had never known either a brother or a sister; and the burden of her marriage with an old man had been brightened to her by the possession of an only child,--of one daughter, who had been the lamp of her life, the solitary delight of her heart, the single relief to the otherwise solitary tedium of her monotonous existence.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading When she married, circumstances had separated her widely from her own family, in which she had never known either a brother or a sister; and the burden of her marriage with an old man had been brightened to her by the possession of an only child,--of one daughter, who had been the lamp of her life, the solitary delight of her heart, the single relief to the otherwise solitary tedium of her monotonous existence.
pangsnounUS /pæŋz/
plural of “pang” — a sudden sharp feeling
From this reading She had, indeed attended to the religious training of her girl with constant care;--but the yearnings of her maternal heart had softened even her religion, so that the laws, and dogmas, and texts, and exercises by which her husband was oppressed, and her servants afflicted, had been made lighter for Hester,--sometimes not without pangs of conscience on the part of the self-convicted parent.
parentnounUS /ˈperənt/
a father or mother; one who begets or one who gives birth to or nurtures and raises a child; a relative who plays the role of guardian
From this reading She had, indeed attended to the religious training of her girl with constant care;--but the yearnings of her maternal heart had softened even her religion, so that the laws, and dogmas, and texts, and exercises by which her husband was oppressed, and her servants afflicted, had been made lighter for Hester,--sometimes not without pangs of conscience on the part of the self-convicted parent.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading She had, indeed attended to the religious training of her girl with constant care;--but the yearnings of her maternal heart had softened even her religion, so that the laws, and dogmas, and texts, and exercises by which her husband was oppressed, and her servants afflicted, had been made lighter for Hester,--sometimes not without pangs of conscience on the part of the self-convicted parent.
the act of having and controlling property
From this reading When she married, circumstances had separated her widely from her own family, in which she had never known either a brother or a sister; and the burden of her marriage with an old man had been brightened to her by the possession of an only child,--of one daughter, who had been the lamp of her life, the solitary delight of her heart, the single relief to the otherwise solitary tedium of her monotonous existence.
prejudicesnounUS /ˈpredʒədɪsɪz/
plural of “prejudice” — a partiality that prevents objective consideration of an issue or situation
From this reading She was a woman of strong convictions and bitter prejudices; but her heart was soft enough.
PuritannounUS /ˈpjʊrətən/
a member of a group of English Protestants who in the 16th and 17th centuries thought that the Protestant Reformation under Elizabeth was incomplete and advocated the simplification and regulation of forms of worship
From this reading The Boltons Are Much Troubled The condition of the inhabitants of Puritan Grange during the six weeks immediately after the verdict was very sad indeed.
readersnounUS /ˈriːdərz/
plural of “reader” — a person who enjoys reading
From this reading I have described badly the character of the lady living there, if I have induced my readers to think that her heart was hardened against her daughter.
the feeling that comes when something burdensome is removed or reduced
From this reading When she married, circumstances had separated her widely from her own family, in which she had never known either a brother or a sister; and the burden of her marriage with an old man had been brightened to her by the possession of an only child,--of one daughter, who had been the lamp of her life, the solitary delight of her heart, the single relief to the otherwise solitary tedium of her monotonous existence.
a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny
From this reading She had, indeed attended to the religious training of her girl with constant care;--but the yearnings of her maternal heart had softened even her religion, so that the laws, and dogmas, and texts, and exercises by which her husband was oppressed, and her servants afflicted, had been made lighter for Hester,--sometimes not without pangs of conscience on the part of the self-convicted parent.
concerned with sacred matters or religion or the church
From this reading She had, indeed attended to the religious training of her girl with constant care;--but the yearnings of her maternal heart had softened even her religion, so that the laws, and dogmas, and texts, and exercises by which her husband was oppressed, and her servants afflicted, had been made lighter for Hester,--sometimes not without pangs of conscience on the part of the self-convicted parent.
experiencing or showing sorrow or unhappiness
From this reading The Boltons Are Much Troubled The condition of the inhabitants of Puritan Grange during the six weeks immediately after the verdict was very sad indeed.
self-convicted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She had, indeed attended to the religious training of her girl with constant care;--but the yearnings of her maternal heart had softened even her religion, so that the laws, and dogmas, and texts, and exercises by which her husband was oppressed, and her servants afflicted, had been made lighter for Hester,--sometimes not without pangs of conscience on the part of the self-convicted parent.
being or feeling set or kept apart from others
From this reading When she married, circumstances had separated her widely from her own family, in which she had never known either a brother or a sister; and the burden of her marriage with an old man had been brightened to her by the possession of an only child,--of one daughter, who had been the lamp of her life, the solitary delight of her heart, the single relief to the otherwise solitary tedium of her monotonous existence.
plural of “servant” — a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)
From this reading She had, indeed attended to the religious training of her girl with constant care;--but the yearnings of her maternal heart had softened even her religion, so that the laws, and dogmas, and texts, and exercises by which her husband was oppressed, and her servants afflicted, had been made lighter for Hester,--sometimes not without pangs of conscience on the part of the self-convicted parent.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She was a woman of strong convictions and bitter prejudices; but her heart was soft enough.
being or characteristic of a single thing or person
From this reading When she married, circumstances had separated her widely from her own family, in which she had never known either a brother or a sister; and the burden of her marriage with an old man had been brightened to her by the possession of an only child,--of one daughter, who had been the lamp of her life, the solitary delight of her heart, the single relief to the otherwise solitary tedium of her monotonous existence.
a female person who has the same parents as another person
From this reading When she married, circumstances had separated her widely from her own family, in which she had never known either a brother or a sister; and the burden of her marriage with an old man had been brightened to her by the possession of an only child,--of one daughter, who had been the lamp of her life, the solitary delight of her heart, the single relief to the otherwise solitary tedium of her monotonous existence.
the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one
From this reading The Boltons Are Much Troubled The condition of the inhabitants of Puritan Grange during the six weeks immediately after the verdict was very sad indeed.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading She had, indeed attended to the religious training of her girl with constant care;--but the yearnings of her maternal heart had softened even her religion, so that the laws, and dogmas, and texts, and exercises by which her husband was oppressed, and her servants afflicted, had been made lighter for Hester,--sometimes not without pangs of conscience on the part of the self-convicted parent.
yielding readily to pressure or weight
From this reading She was a woman of strong convictions and bitter prejudices; but her heart was soft enough.
softenedadjectiveUS /ˈsɔːfənd/
toned down
From this reading She had, indeed attended to the religious training of her girl with constant care;--but the yearnings of her maternal heart had softened even her religion, so that the laws, and dogmas, and texts, and exercises by which her husband was oppressed, and her servants afflicted, had been made lighter for Hester,--sometimes not without pangs of conscience on the part of the self-convicted parent.
characterized by or preferring solitude
From this reading When she married, circumstances had separated her widely from her own family, in which she had never known either a brother or a sister; and the burden of her marriage with an old man had been brightened to her by the possession of an only child,--of one daughter, who had been the lamp of her life, the solitary delight of her heart, the single relief to the otherwise solitary tedium of her monotonous existence.
on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always
From this reading She had, indeed attended to the religious training of her girl with constant care;--but the yearnings of her maternal heart had softened even her religion, so that the laws, and dogmas, and texts, and exercises by which her husband was oppressed, and her servants afflicted, had been made lighter for Hester,--sometimes not without pangs of conscience on the part of the self-convicted parent.
having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading She was a woman of strong convictions and bitter prejudices; but her heart was soft enough.
tediumnounUS /ˈtiːdiəm/
the feeling of being bored by something tedious
From this reading When she married, circumstances had separated her widely from her own family, in which she had never known either a brother or a sister; and the burden of her marriage with an old man had been brightened to her by the possession of an only child,--of one daughter, who had been the lamp of her life, the solitary delight of her heart, the single relief to the otherwise solitary tedium of her monotonous existence.
textsnounUS /teksts/
plural of “text” — the words of something written
From this reading She had, indeed attended to the religious training of her girl with constant care;--but the yearnings of her maternal heart had softened even her religion, so that the laws, and dogmas, and texts, and exercises by which her husband was oppressed, and her servants afflicted, had been made lighter for Hester,--sometimes not without pangs of conscience on the part of the self-convicted parent.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading I have described badly the character of the lady living there, if I have induced my readers to think that her heart was hardened against her daughter.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The Boltons Are Much Troubled The condition of the inhabitants of Puritan Grange during the six weeks immediately after the verdict was very sad indeed.
in or at that place or location
From this reading I have described badly the character of the lady living there, if I have induced my readers to think that her heart was hardened against her daughter.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading I have described badly the character of the lady living there, if I have induced my readers to think that her heart was hardened against her daughter.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading I have described badly the character of the lady living there, if I have induced my readers to think that her heart was hardened against her daughter.
trainingnounUS /ˈtreɪnɪŋ/
activity leading to skilled behavior
From this reading She had, indeed attended to the religious training of her girl with constant care;--but the yearnings of her maternal heart had softened even her religion, so that the laws, and dogmas, and texts, and exercises by which her husband was oppressed, and her servants afflicted, had been made lighter for Hester,--sometimes not without pangs of conscience on the part of the self-convicted parent.
characterized by or indicative of distress or affliction or danger or need
From this reading The Boltons Are Much Troubled The condition of the inhabitants of Puritan Grange during the six weeks immediately after the verdict was very sad indeed.
verdictnounUS /ˈvɜːrdɪkt/
(law) the findings of a jury on issues of fact submitted to it for decision; can be used in formulating a judgment
From this reading The Boltons Are Much Troubled The condition of the inhabitants of Puritan Grange during the six weeks immediately after the verdict was very sad indeed.
precisely as stated
From this reading The Boltons Are Much Troubled The condition of the inhabitants of Puritan Grange during the six weeks immediately after the verdict was very sad indeed.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The Boltons Are Much Troubled The condition of the inhabitants of Puritan Grange during the six weeks immediately after the verdict was very sad indeed.
plural of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading The Boltons Are Much Troubled The condition of the inhabitants of Puritan Grange during the six weeks immediately after the verdict was very sad indeed.
at the time that
From this reading When she married, circumstances had separated her widely from her own family, in which she had never known either a brother or a sister; and the burden of her marriage with an old man had been brightened to her by the possession of an only child,--of one daughter, who had been the lamp of her life, the solitary delight of her heart, the single relief to the otherwise solitary tedium of her monotonous existence.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading When she married, circumstances had separated her widely from her own family, in which she had never known either a brother or a sister; and the burden of her marriage with an old man had been brightened to her by the possession of an only child,--of one daughter, who had been the lamp of her life, the solitary delight of her heart, the single relief to the otherwise solitary tedium of her monotonous existence.
which person or people
From this reading When she married, circumstances had separated her widely from her own family, in which she had never known either a brother or a sister; and the burden of her marriage with an old man had been brightened to her by the possession of an only child,--of one daughter, who had been the lamp of her life, the solitary delight of her heart, the single relief to the otherwise solitary tedium of her monotonous existence.
widelyadverbUS /ˈwaɪdli/
to a great degree
From this reading When she married, circumstances had separated her widely from her own family, in which she had never known either a brother or a sister; and the burden of her marriage with an old man had been brightened to her by the possession of an only child,--of one daughter, who had been the lamp of her life, the solitary delight of her heart, the single relief to the otherwise solitary tedium of her monotonous existence.
in the company of; together with
From this reading When she married, circumstances had separated her widely from her own family, in which she had never known either a brother or a sister; and the burden of her marriage with an old man had been brightened to her by the possession of an only child,--of one daughter, who had been the lamp of her life, the solitary delight of her heart, the single relief to the otherwise solitary tedium of her monotonous existence.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading She had, indeed attended to the religious training of her girl with constant care;--but the yearnings of her maternal heart had softened even her religion, so that the laws, and dogmas, and texts, and exercises by which her husband was oppressed, and her servants afflicted, had been made lighter for Hester,--sometimes not without pangs of conscience on the part of the self-convicted parent.
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading She was a woman of strong convictions and bitter prejudices; but her heart was soft enough.
yearningsnounUS /ˈjɜːrnɪŋz/
plural of “yearning” — prolonged unfulfilled desire or need
From this reading She had, indeed attended to the religious training of her girl with constant care;--but the yearnings of her maternal heart had softened even her religion, so that the laws, and dogmas, and texts, and exercises by which her husband was oppressed, and her servants afflicted, had been made lighter for Hester,--sometimes not without pangs of conscience on the part of the self-convicted parent.
