used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Perhaps there was never a quieter courtship than that which followed Olivia's acceptance of John Marchmont's offer.
absorbedadjectiveUS /əbˈzɔːrbd/
giving or marked by complete attention to
From this reading His love for his daughter, though it absorbed his whole being, was a silent and undemonstrative affection; a thoughtful and almost fearful devotion, which took the form of intense but hidden anxiety for his child's future, rather than any outward show of tenderness.
acceptancenounUS /ækˈseptəns/
the mental attitude that something is believable and should be accepted as true
From this reading Perhaps there was never a quieter courtship than that which followed Olivia's acceptance of John Marchmont's offer.
a positive feeling of liking
From this reading His love for his daughter, though it absorbed his whole being, was a silent and undemonstrative affection; a thoughtful and almost fearful devotion, which took the form of intense but hidden anxiety for his child's future, rather than any outward show of tenderness.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading His love for his daughter, though it absorbed his whole being, was a silent and undemonstrative affection; a thoughtful and almost fearful devotion, which took the form of intense but hidden anxiety for his child's future, rather than any outward show of tenderness.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading There had been no pretence of sentiment on either side; yet I doubt if John had been much more sentimental during his early love-making days, though he had very tenderly and truly loved his first wife.
(psychiatry) a relatively permanent state of worry and nervousness occurring in a variety of mental disorders, usually accompanied by compulsive behavior or attacks of panic
From this reading His love for his daughter, though it absorbed his whole being, was a silent and undemonstrative affection; a thoughtful and almost fearful devotion, which took the form of intense but hidden anxiety for his child's future, rather than any outward show of tenderness.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading His love for his daughter, though it absorbed his whole being, was a silent and undemonstrative affection; a thoughtful and almost fearful devotion, which took the form of intense but hidden anxiety for his child's future, rather than any outward show of tenderness.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading There had been no pretence of sentiment on either side; yet I doubt if John had been much more sentimental during his early love-making days, though he had very tenderly and truly loved his first wife.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading His love for his daughter, though it absorbed his whole being, was a silent and undemonstrative affection; a thoughtful and almost fearful devotion, which took the form of intense but hidden anxiety for his child's future, rather than any outward show of tenderness.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading His love for his daughter, though it absorbed his whole being, was a silent and undemonstrative affection; a thoughtful and almost fearful devotion, which took the form of intense but hidden anxiety for his child's future, rather than any outward show of tenderness.
child'snounUS /tʃaɪldz/
possessive form of “child” — a young person of either sex
From this reading His love for his daughter, though it absorbed his whole being, was a silent and undemonstrative affection; a thoughtful and almost fearful devotion, which took the form of intense but hidden anxiety for his child's future, rather than any outward show of tenderness.
courtshipnounUS /ˈkɔːrtʃɪp/
a man's courting of a woman; seeking the affections of a woman (usually with the hope of marriage)
From this reading Perhaps there was never a quieter courtship than that which followed Olivia's acceptance of John Marchmont's offer.
a female human offspring
From this reading His love for his daughter, though it absorbed his whole being, was a silent and undemonstrative affection; a thoughtful and almost fearful devotion, which took the form of intense but hidden anxiety for his child's future, rather than any outward show of tenderness.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading There had been no pretence of sentiment on either side; yet I doubt if John had been much more sentimental during his early love-making days, though he had very tenderly and truly loved his first wife.
feelings of ardent love
From this reading His love for his daughter, though it absorbed his whole being, was a silent and undemonstrative affection; a thoughtful and almost fearful devotion, which took the form of intense but hidden anxiety for his child's future, rather than any outward show of tenderness.
the state of being unsure of something
From this reading There had been no pretence of sentiment on either side; yet I doubt if John had been much more sentimental during his early love-making days, though he had very tenderly and truly loved his first wife.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading There had been no pretence of sentiment on either side; yet I doubt if John had been much more sentimental during his early love-making days, though he had very tenderly and truly loved his first wife.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading There had been no pretence of sentiment on either side; yet I doubt if John had been much more sentimental during his early love-making days, though he had very tenderly and truly loved his first wife.
one or the other of two
From this reading There had been no pretence of sentiment on either side; yet I doubt if John had been much more sentimental during his early love-making days, though he had very tenderly and truly loved his first wife.
emotionaladjectiveUS /ɪˈmoʊʃənəl/
determined or actuated by emotion rather than reason
From this reading There were few sparks of the romantic or emotional fire in his placid nature.
experiencing or showing fear
From this reading His love for his daughter, though it absorbed his whole being, was a silent and undemonstrative affection; a thoughtful and almost fearful devotion, which took the form of intense but hidden anxiety for his child's future, rather than any outward show of tenderness.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading There were few sparks of the romantic or emotional fire in his placid nature.
start firing a weapon
From this reading There were few sparks of the romantic or emotional fire in his placid nature.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading There had been no pretence of sentiment on either side; yet I doubt if John had been much more sentimental during his early love-making days, though he had very tenderly and truly loved his first wife.
past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading Perhaps there was never a quieter courtship than that which followed Olivia's acceptance of John Marchmont's offer.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading His love for his daughter, though it absorbed his whole being, was a silent and undemonstrative affection; a thoughtful and almost fearful devotion, which took the form of intense but hidden anxiety for his child's future, rather than any outward show of tenderness.
the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something
From this reading His love for his daughter, though it absorbed his whole being, was a silent and undemonstrative affection; a thoughtful and almost fearful devotion, which took the form of intense but hidden anxiety for his child's future, rather than any outward show of tenderness.
yet to be or coming
From this reading His love for his daughter, though it absorbed his whole being, was a silent and undemonstrative affection; a thoughtful and almost fearful devotion, which took the form of intense but hidden anxiety for his child's future, rather than any outward show of tenderness.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading There had been no pretence of sentiment on either side; yet I doubt if John had been much more sentimental during his early love-making days, though he had very tenderly and truly loved his first wife.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading There had been no pretence of sentiment on either side; yet I doubt if John had been much more sentimental during his early love-making days, though he had very tenderly and truly loved his first wife.
not accessible to view
From this reading His love for his daughter, though it absorbed his whole being, was a silent and undemonstrative affection; a thoughtful and almost fearful devotion, which took the form of intense but hidden anxiety for his child's future, rather than any outward show of tenderness.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading There had been no pretence of sentiment on either side; yet I doubt if John had been much more sentimental during his early love-making days, though he had very tenderly and truly loved his first wife.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading There had been no pretence of sentiment on either side; yet I doubt if John had been much more sentimental during his early love-making days, though he had very tenderly and truly loved his first wife.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading There had been no pretence of sentiment on either side; yet I doubt if John had been much more sentimental during his early love-making days, though he had very tenderly and truly loved his first wife.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading There were few sparks of the romantic or emotional fire in his placid nature.
possessing or displaying a distinctive feature to a heightened degree
From this reading His love for his daughter, though it absorbed his whole being, was a silent and undemonstrative affection; a thoughtful and almost fearful devotion, which took the form of intense but hidden anxiety for his child's future, rather than any outward show of tenderness.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading His love for his daughter, though it absorbed his whole being, was a silent and undemonstrative affection; a thoughtful and almost fearful devotion, which took the form of intense but hidden anxiety for his child's future, rather than any outward show of tenderness.
a room or building equipped with one or more toilets
From this reading Perhaps there was never a quieter courtship than that which followed Olivia's acceptance of John Marchmont's offer.
a strong positive emotion of regard and affection
From this reading His love for his daughter, though it absorbed his whole being, was a silent and undemonstrative affection; a thoughtful and almost fearful devotion, which took the form of intense but hidden anxiety for his child's future, rather than any outward show of tenderness.
love-making
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There had been no pretence of sentiment on either side; yet I doubt if John had been much more sentimental during his early love-making days, though he had very tenderly and truly loved his first wife.
held dear
From this reading There had been no pretence of sentiment on either side; yet I doubt if John had been much more sentimental during his early love-making days, though he had very tenderly and truly loved his first wife.
Marchmont's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Perhaps there was never a quieter courtship than that which followed Olivia's acceptance of John Marchmont's offer.
MARY'SnounUS /ˈmeriz/
possessive form of “mary” — the mother of Jesus; Christians refer to her as the Virgin Mary; she is especially honored by Roman Catholics
From this reading MARY'S STEPMOTHER.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading There had been no pretence of sentiment on either side; yet I doubt if John had been much more sentimental during his early love-making days, though he had very tenderly and truly loved his first wife.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading There had been no pretence of sentiment on either side; yet I doubt if John had been much more sentimental during his early love-making days, though he had very tenderly and truly loved his first wife.
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading There were few sparks of the romantic or emotional fire in his placid nature.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading Perhaps there was never a quieter courtship than that which followed Olivia's acceptance of John Marchmont's offer.
not any; not one
From this reading There had been no pretence of sentiment on either side; yet I doubt if John had been much more sentimental during his early love-making days, though he had very tenderly and truly loved his first wife.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Perhaps there was never a quieter courtship than that which followed Olivia's acceptance of John Marchmont's offer.
make available or accessible, provide or furnish
From this reading Perhaps there was never a quieter courtship than that which followed Olivia's acceptance of John Marchmont's offer.
Olivia's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Perhaps there was never a quieter courtship than that which followed Olivia's acceptance of John Marchmont's offer.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading There had been no pretence of sentiment on either side; yet I doubt if John had been much more sentimental during his early love-making days, though he had very tenderly and truly loved his first wife.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading There were few sparks of the romantic or emotional fire in his placid nature.
outwardadjectiveUS /ˈaʊtwərd/
relating to physical reality rather than with thoughts or the mind
From this reading His love for his daughter, though it absorbed his whole being, was a silent and undemonstrative affection; a thoughtful and almost fearful devotion, which took the form of intense but hidden anxiety for his child's future, rather than any outward show of tenderness.
by chance
From this reading Perhaps there was never a quieter courtship than that which followed Olivia's acceptance of John Marchmont's offer.
placidadjectiveUS /ˈplæsəd/
(of a body of water) free from disturbance by heavy waves
From this reading There were few sparks of the romantic or emotional fire in his placid nature.
pretencenoun
a false or unsupportable quality
From this reading There had been no pretence of sentiment on either side; yet I doubt if John had been much more sentimental during his early love-making days, though he had very tenderly and truly loved his first wife.
quieteradjectiveUS /ˈkwaɪətər/
comparative of “quiet” — characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity
From this reading Perhaps there was never a quieter courtship than that which followed Olivia's acceptance of John Marchmont's offer.
on the contrary
From this reading His love for his daughter, though it absorbed his whole being, was a silent and undemonstrative affection; a thoughtful and almost fearful devotion, which took the form of intense but hidden anxiety for his child's future, rather than any outward show of tenderness.
romanticadjectiveUS /roʊˈmæntɪk/
belonging to or characteristic of Romanticism or the Romantic Movement in the arts
From this reading There were few sparks of the romantic or emotional fire in his placid nature.
tender, romantic, or nostalgic feeling or emotion
From this reading There had been no pretence of sentiment on either side; yet I doubt if John had been much more sentimental during his early love-making days, though he had very tenderly and truly loved his first wife.
sentimentaladjectiveUS /ˌsentəˈmentəl/
given to or marked by sentiment or sentimentality
From this reading There had been no pretence of sentiment on either side; yet I doubt if John had been much more sentimental during his early love-making days, though he had very tenderly and truly loved his first wife.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading His love for his daughter, though it absorbed his whole being, was a silent and undemonstrative affection; a thoughtful and almost fearful devotion, which took the form of intense but hidden anxiety for his child's future, rather than any outward show of tenderness.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading There had been no pretence of sentiment on either side; yet I doubt if John had been much more sentimental during his early love-making days, though he had very tenderly and truly loved his first wife.
marked by absence of sound
From this reading His love for his daughter, though it absorbed his whole being, was a silent and undemonstrative affection; a thoughtful and almost fearful devotion, which took the form of intense but hidden anxiety for his child's future, rather than any outward show of tenderness.
sparksnounUS /spɑːrks/
plural of “spark” — a momentary flash of light
From this reading There were few sparks of the romantic or emotional fire in his placid nature.
STEPMOTHERnounUS /ˈstepmʌðər/
the wife of your father by a subsequent marriage
From this reading MARY'S STEPMOTHER.
tenderlyadverbUS /ˈtendərli/
with tenderness; in a tender manner
From this reading There had been no pretence of sentiment on either side; yet I doubt if John had been much more sentimental during his early love-making days, though he had very tenderly and truly loved his first wife.
a tendency to express warm and affectionate feeling
From this reading His love for his daughter, though it absorbed his whole being, was a silent and undemonstrative affection; a thoughtful and almost fearful devotion, which took the form of intense but hidden anxiety for his child's future, rather than any outward show of tenderness.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Perhaps there was never a quieter courtship than that which followed Olivia's acceptance of John Marchmont's offer.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Perhaps there was never a quieter courtship than that which followed Olivia's acceptance of John Marchmont's offer.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading There were few sparks of the romantic or emotional fire in his placid nature.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Perhaps there was never a quieter courtship than that which followed Olivia's acceptance of John Marchmont's offer.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading There had been no pretence of sentiment on either side; yet I doubt if John had been much more sentimental during his early love-making days, though he had very tenderly and truly loved his first wife.
thoughtfuladjectiveUS /ˈθɔːtfəl/
having intellectual depth
From this reading His love for his daughter, though it absorbed his whole being, was a silent and undemonstrative affection; a thoughtful and almost fearful devotion, which took the form of intense but hidden anxiety for his child's future, rather than any outward show of tenderness.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading His love for his daughter, though it absorbed his whole being, was a silent and undemonstrative affection; a thoughtful and almost fearful devotion, which took the form of intense but hidden anxiety for his child's future, rather than any outward show of tenderness.
in accordance with truth or fact or reality
From this reading There had been no pretence of sentiment on either side; yet I doubt if John had been much more sentimental during his early love-making days, though he had very tenderly and truly loved his first wife.
undemonstrativeadjective
not given to open expression of emotion
From this reading His love for his daughter, though it absorbed his whole being, was a silent and undemonstrative affection; a thoughtful and almost fearful devotion, which took the form of intense but hidden anxiety for his child's future, rather than any outward show of tenderness.
precisely as stated
From this reading There had been no pretence of sentiment on either side; yet I doubt if John had been much more sentimental during his early love-making days, though he had very tenderly and truly loved his first wife.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Perhaps there was never a quieter courtship than that which followed Olivia's acceptance of John Marchmont's offer.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading There were few sparks of the romantic or emotional fire in his placid nature.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Perhaps there was never a quieter courtship than that which followed Olivia's acceptance of John Marchmont's offer.
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading His love for his daughter, though it absorbed his whole being, was a silent and undemonstrative affection; a thoughtful and almost fearful devotion, which took the form of intense but hidden anxiety for his child's future, rather than any outward show of tenderness.
a married woman; a man's partner in marriage
From this reading There had been no pretence of sentiment on either side; yet I doubt if John had been much more sentimental during his early love-making days, though he had very tenderly and truly loved his first wife.
but in spite of that
From this reading There had been no pretence of sentiment on either side; yet I doubt if John had been much more sentimental during his early love-making days, though he had very tenderly and truly loved his first wife.
