Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

giving or marked by complete attention to

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

plural of “acquaintance” — personal knowledge or information about someone or something

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

conforming to your own liking or feelings or nature

From this reading There was what is called a /conversazione/ at the house of one of those Whig noblemen who yet retain the graceful art of bringing agreeable people together, and collecting round them the true aristocracy, which combines letters and art and science with hereditary rank and political distinction,--that art which was the happy secret of the Lansdownes and Hollands of the last generation.

surrounded by; in the company of

From this reading Amongst the guests at the Beaumanoirs, this evening were two men, seated apart in a small room, and conversing familiarly.

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

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

separated or at a distance in place or position or time

From this reading Amongst the guests at the Beaumanoirs, this evening were two men, seated apart in a small room, and conversing familiarly.

official approval

From this reading He had a charming wife, devoted to him and to her children, but with enough love of general approbation to make herself as popular in the fashionable world as if she sought in its gayeties a refuge from the dulness of domestic life.

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

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

a privileged class holding hereditary titles

From this reading There was what is called a /conversazione/ at the house of one of those Whig noblemen who yet retain the graceful art of bringing agreeable people together, and collecting round them the true aristocracy, which combines letters and art and science with hereditary rank and political distinction,--that art which was the happy secret of the Lansdownes and Hollands of the last generation.

an old form of “are”, used with “thou”

From this reading There was what is called a /conversazione/ at the house of one of those Whig noblemen who yet retain the graceful art of bringing agreeable people together, and collecting round them the true aristocracy, which combines letters and art and science with hereditary rank and political distinction,--that art which was the happy secret of the Lansdownes and Hollands of the last generation.

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

From this reading He had a charming wife, devoted to him and to her children, but with enough love of general approbation to make herself as popular in the fashionable world as if she sought in its gayeties a refuge from the dulness of domestic life.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

a particular environment or surrounding influence

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

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

From this reading Lord Beaumanoir was himself a genial, well-read man, a good judge of art, and a pleasant talker.

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

From this reading Amongst the guests at the Beaumanoirs, this evening were two men, seated apart in a small room, and conversing familiarly.

on the far side of; further than

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

the act of delivering or distributing something (as goods or mail)

From this reading There was what is called a /conversazione/ at the house of one of those Whig noblemen who yet retain the graceful art of bringing agreeable people together, and collecting round them the true aristocracy, which combines letters and art and science with hereditary rank and political distinction,--that art which was the happy secret of the Lansdownes and Hollands of the last generation.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading He had a charming wife, devoted to him and to her children, but with enough love of general approbation to make herself as popular in the fashionable world as if she sought in its gayeties a refuge from the dulness of domestic life.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading There was what is called a /conversazione/ at the house of one of those Whig noblemen who yet retain the graceful art of bringing agreeable people together, and collecting round them the true aristocracy, which combines letters and art and science with hereditary rank and political distinction,--that art which was the happy secret of the Lansdownes and Hollands of the last generation.

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

attractiveness that interests or pleases or stimulates

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

pleasing or delighting

From this reading He had a charming wife, devoted to him and to her children, but with enough love of general approbation to make herself as popular in the fashionable world as if she sought in its gayeties a refuge from the dulness of domestic life.

plural of “child” — a young person of either sex

From this reading He had a charming wife, devoted to him and to her children, but with enough love of general approbation to make herself as popular in the fashionable world as if she sought in its gayeties a refuge from the dulness of domestic life.

superlative of “chilly” — not characterized by emotion

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

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

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

plural of “claim” — an assertion of a right (as to money or property)

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

the act of gathering something together

From this reading There was what is called a /conversazione/ at the house of one of those Whig noblemen who yet retain the graceful art of bringing agreeable people together, and collecting round them the true aristocracy, which combines letters and art and science with hereditary rank and political distinction,--that art which was the happy secret of the Lansdownes and Hollands of the last generation.

plural of “combine” — harvester that heads and threshes and cleans grain while moving across the field

From this reading There was what is called a /conversazione/ at the house of one of those Whig noblemen who yet retain the graceful art of bringing agreeable people together, and collecting round them the true aristocracy, which combines letters and art and science with hereditary rank and political distinction,--that art which was the happy secret of the Lansdownes and Hollands of the last generation.

completely ordinary and unremarkable

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

the state of being with someone

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

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

From this reading There was what is called a /conversazione/ at the house of one of those Whig noblemen who yet retain the graceful art of bringing agreeable people together, and collecting round them the true aristocracy, which combines letters and art and science with hereditary rank and political distinction,--that art which was the happy secret of the Lansdownes and Hollands of the last generation.

-ing form of “converse” — carry on a conversation

From this reading Amongst the guests at the Beaumanoirs, this evening were two men, seated apart in a small room, and conversing familiarly.

overfilled or compacted or concentrated

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

zealous in devotion or affection

From this reading He had a charming wife, devoted to him and to her children, but with enough love of general approbation to make herself as popular in the fashionable world as if she sought in its gayeties a refuge from the dulness of domestic life.

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

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

a discrimination between things as different and distinct on the basis of their characteristics or attributes

From this reading There was what is called a /conversazione/ at the house of one of those Whig noblemen who yet retain the graceful art of bringing agreeable people together, and collecting round them the true aristocracy, which combines letters and art and science with hereditary rank and political distinction,--that art which was the happy secret of the Lansdownes and Hollands of the last generation.

of concern to or concerning the internal affairs of a nation

From this reading He had a charming wife, devoted to him and to her children, but with enough love of general approbation to make herself as popular in the fashionable world as if she sought in its gayeties a refuge from the dulness of domestic life.

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

From this reading He had a charming wife, devoted to him and to her children, but with enough love of general approbation to make herself as popular in the fashionable world as if she sought in its gayeties a refuge from the dulness of domestic life.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

earlier in time; previously

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

a Christian celebration of the Resurrection of Christ; celebrated on the Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

a division of the United Kingdom

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading He had a charming wife, devoted to him and to her children, but with enough love of general approbation to make herself as popular in the fashionable world as if she sought in its gayeties a refuge from the dulness of domestic life.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading Amongst the guests at the Beaumanoirs, this evening were two men, seated apart in a small room, and conversing familiarly.

third-person singular of “extend” — extend in scope or range or area

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; conforming with established standards or rules

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

in an intimately familiar manner

From this reading Amongst the guests at the Beaumanoirs, this evening were two men, seated apart in a small room, and conversing familiarly.

being or in accordance with current social fashions

From this reading He had a charming wife, devoted to him and to her children, but with enough love of general approbation to make herself as popular in the fashionable world as if she sought in its gayeties a refuge from the dulness of domestic life.

the act of determining the properties of something, usually by research or calculation

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading He had a charming wife, devoted to him and to her children, but with enough love of general approbation to make herself as popular in the fashionable world as if she sought in its gayeties a refuge from the dulness of domestic life.

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

From this reading He had a charming wife, devoted to him and to her children, but with enough love of general approbation to make herself as popular in the fashionable world as if she sought in its gayeties a refuge from the dulness of domestic life.

applying to all or most members of a category or group

From this reading He had a charming wife, devoted to him and to her children, but with enough love of general approbation to make herself as popular in the fashionable world as if she sought in its gayeties a refuge from the dulness of domestic life.

all the people living at the same time or of approximately the same age

From this reading There was what is called a /conversazione/ at the house of one of those Whig noblemen who yet retain the graceful art of bringing agreeable people together, and collecting round them the true aristocracy, which combines letters and art and science with hereditary rank and political distinction,--that art which was the happy secret of the Lansdownes and Hollands of the last generation.

diffusing warmth and friendliness

From this reading Lord Beaumanoir was himself a genial, well-read man, a good judge of art, and a pleasant talker.

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

From this reading Lord Beaumanoir was himself a genial, well-read man, a good judge of art, and a pleasant talker.

characterized by beauty of movement, style, form, or execution

From this reading There was what is called a /conversazione/ at the house of one of those Whig noblemen who yet retain the graceful art of bringing agreeable people together, and collecting round them the true aristocracy, which combines letters and art and science with hereditary rank and political distinction,--that art which was the happy secret of the Lansdownes and Hollands of the last generation.

plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended

From this reading Amongst the guests at the Beaumanoirs, this evening were two men, seated apart in a small room, and conversing familiarly.

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

From this reading He had a charming wife, devoted to him and to her children, but with enough love of general approbation to make herself as popular in the fashionable world as if she sought in its gayeties a refuge from the dulness of domestic life.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure

From this reading There was what is called a /conversazione/ at the house of one of those Whig noblemen who yet retain the graceful art of bringing agreeable people together, and collecting round them the true aristocracy, which combines letters and art and science with hereditary rank and political distinction,--that art which was the happy secret of the Lansdownes and Hollands of the last generation.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading He had a charming wife, devoted to him and to her children, but with enough love of general approbation to make herself as popular in the fashionable world as if she sought in its gayeties a refuge from the dulness of domestic life.

made warm or hot (“het” is a dialectal variant of “heated”)

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

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

From this reading He had a charming wife, devoted to him and to her children, but with enough love of general approbation to make herself as popular in the fashionable world as if she sought in its gayeties a refuge from the dulness of domestic life.

occurring among members of a family usually by heredity

From this reading There was what is called a /conversazione/ at the house of one of those Whig noblemen who yet retain the graceful art of bringing agreeable people together, and collecting round them the true aristocracy, which combines letters and art and science with hereditary rank and political distinction,--that art which was the happy secret of the Lansdownes and Hollands of the last generation.

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

From this reading He had a charming wife, devoted to him and to her children, but with enough love of general approbation to make herself as popular in the fashionable world as if she sought in its gayeties a refuge from the dulness of domestic life.

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

From this reading He had a charming wife, devoted to him and to her children, but with enough love of general approbation to make herself as popular in the fashionable world as if she sought in its gayeties a refuge from the dulness of domestic life.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading Lord Beaumanoir was himself a genial, well-read man, a good judge of art, and a pleasant talker.

plural of “holiday” — leisure time away from work devoted to rest or pleasure

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

gin made in the Netherlands

From this reading There was what is called a /conversazione/ at the house of one of those Whig noblemen who yet retain the graceful art of bringing agreeable people together, and collecting round them the true aristocracy, which combines letters and art and science with hereditary rank and political distinction,--that art which was the happy secret of the Lansdownes and Hollands of the last generation.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading There was what is called a /conversazione/ at the house of one of those Whig noblemen who yet retain the graceful art of bringing agreeable people together, and collecting round them the true aristocracy, which combines letters and art and science with hereditary rank and political distinction,--that art which was the happy secret of the Lansdownes and Hollands of the last generation.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading He had a charming wife, devoted to him and to her children, but with enough love of general approbation to make herself as popular in the fashionable world as if she sought in its gayeties a refuge from the dulness of domestic life.

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

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

of or associated with or requiring the use of the mind

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

a junction of highways on different levels that permits traffic to move from one to another without crossing traffic streams

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

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

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading He had a charming wife, devoted to him and to her children, but with enough love of general approbation to make herself as popular in the fashionable world as if she sought in its gayeties a refuge from the dulness of domestic life.

determine the result of (a competition)

From this reading Lord Beaumanoir was himself a genial, well-read man, a good judge of art, and a pleasant talker.

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

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

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

From this reading There was what is called a /conversazione/ at the house of one of those Whig noblemen who yet retain the graceful art of bringing agreeable people together, and collecting round them the true aristocracy, which combines letters and art and science with hereditary rank and political distinction,--that art which was the happy secret of the Lansdownes and Hollands of the last generation.

immediately past

From this reading There was what is called a /conversazione/ at the house of one of those Whig noblemen who yet retain the graceful art of bringing agreeable people together, and collecting round them the true aristocracy, which combines letters and art and science with hereditary rank and political distinction,--that art which was the happy secret of the Lansdownes and Hollands of the last generation.

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

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

the literary culture

From this reading There was what is called a /conversazione/ at the house of one of those Whig noblemen who yet retain the graceful art of bringing agreeable people together, and collecting round them the true aristocracy, which combines letters and art and science with hereditary rank and political distinction,--that art which was the happy secret of the Lansdownes and Hollands of the last generation.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading He had a charming wife, devoted to him and to her children, but with enough love of general approbation to make herself as popular in the fashionable world as if she sought in its gayeties a refuge from the dulness of domestic life.

the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God

From this reading Lord Beaumanoir was himself a genial, well-read man, a good judge of art, and a pleasant talker.

a strong positive emotion of regard and affection

From this reading He had a charming wife, devoted to him and to her children, but with enough love of general approbation to make herself as popular in the fashionable world as if she sought in its gayeties a refuge from the dulness of domestic life.

engage in

From this reading He had a charming wife, devoted to him and to her children, but with enough love of general approbation to make herself as popular in the fashionable world as if she sought in its gayeties a refuge from the dulness of domestic life.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading Lord Beaumanoir was himself a genial, well-read man, a good judge of art, and a pleasant talker.

the force of workers available

From this reading Amongst the guests at the Beaumanoirs, this evening were two men, seated apart in a small room, and conversing familiarly.

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

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

a person who lives (or is located) near another

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

immediately following in time or order

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

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

From this reading There was what is called a /conversazione/ at the house of one of those Whig noblemen who yet retain the graceful art of bringing agreeable people together, and collecting round them the true aristocracy, which combines letters and art and science with hereditary rank and political distinction,--that art which was the happy secret of the Lansdownes and Hollands of the last generation.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading There was what is called a /conversazione/ at the house of one of those Whig noblemen who yet retain the graceful art of bringing agreeable people together, and collecting round them the true aristocracy, which combines letters and art and science with hereditary rank and political distinction,--that art which was the happy secret of the Lansdownes and Hollands of the last generation.

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

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

plural of “party” — an organization to gain political power

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading There was what is called a /conversazione/ at the house of one of those Whig noblemen who yet retain the graceful art of bringing agreeable people together, and collecting round them the true aristocracy, which combines letters and art and science with hereditary rank and political distinction,--that art which was the happy secret of the Lansdownes and Hollands of the last generation.

affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings

From this reading Lord Beaumanoir was himself a genial, well-read man, a good judge of art, and a pleasant talker.

involving or characteristic of politics or parties or politicians

From this reading There was what is called a /conversazione/ at the house of one of those Whig noblemen who yet retain the graceful art of bringing agreeable people together, and collecting round them the true aristocracy, which combines letters and art and science with hereditary rank and political distinction,--that art which was the happy secret of the Lansdownes and Hollands of the last generation.

regarded with great favor, approval, or affection especially by the general public

From this reading He had a charming wife, devoted to him and to her children, but with enough love of general approbation to make herself as popular in the fashionable world as if she sought in its gayeties a refuge from the dulness of domestic life.

third-person singular of “precede” — be earlier in time; go back further

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

a row or line of people (especially soldiers or police) standing abreast of one another

From this reading There was what is called a /conversazione/ at the house of one of those Whig noblemen who yet retain the graceful art of bringing agreeable people together, and collecting round them the true aristocracy, which combines letters and art and science with hereditary rank and political distinction,--that art which was the happy secret of the Lansdownes and Hollands of the last generation.

a safe place

From this reading He had a charming wife, devoted to him and to her children, but with enough love of general approbation to make herself as popular in the fashionable world as if she sought in its gayeties a refuge from the dulness of domestic life.

hold back within

From this reading There was what is called a /conversazione/ at the house of one of those Whig noblemen who yet retain the graceful art of bringing agreeable people together, and collecting round them the true aristocracy, which combines letters and art and science with hereditary rank and political distinction,--that art which was the happy secret of the Lansdownes and Hollands of the last generation.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading Amongst the guests at the Beaumanoirs, this evening were two men, seated apart in a small room, and conversing familiarly.

apartment consisting of a series of connected rooms used as a living unit (as in a hotel)

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading There was what is called a /conversazione/ at the house of one of those Whig noblemen who yet retain the graceful art of bringing agreeable people together, and collecting round them the true aristocracy, which combines letters and art and science with hereditary rank and political distinction,--that art which was the happy secret of the Lansdownes and Hollands of the last generation.

the place where some action occurs

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

a particular branch of scientific knowledge

From this reading There was what is called a /conversazione/ at the house of one of those Whig noblemen who yet retain the graceful art of bringing agreeable people together, and collecting round them the true aristocracy, which combines letters and art and science with hereditary rank and political distinction,--that art which was the happy secret of the Lansdownes and Hollands of the last generation.

a period of the year marked by special events or activities in some field

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks

From this reading Amongst the guests at the Beaumanoirs, this evening were two men, seated apart in a small room, and conversing familiarly.

Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.

From this reading There was what is called a /conversazione/ at the house of one of those Whig noblemen who yet retain the graceful art of bringing agreeable people together, and collecting round them the true aristocracy, which combines letters and art and science with hereditary rank and political distinction,--that art which was the happy secret of the Lansdownes and Hollands of the last generation.

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

From this reading He had a charming wife, devoted to him and to her children, but with enough love of general approbation to make herself as popular in the fashionable world as if she sought in its gayeties a refuge from the dulness of domestic life.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

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

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

inclined to or conducive to companionship with others

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

that is looked for

From this reading He had a charming wife, devoted to him and to her children, but with enough love of general approbation to make herself as popular in the fashionable world as if she sought in its gayeties a refuge from the dulness of domestic life.

of high or superior quality or performance

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

someone who expresses in language; someone who talks (especially someone who delivers a public speech or someone especially garrulous)

From this reading Lord Beaumanoir was himself a genial, well-read man, a good judge of art, and a pleasant talker.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

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

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading There was what is called a /conversazione/ at the house of one of those Whig noblemen who yet retain the graceful art of bringing agreeable people together, and collecting round them the true aristocracy, which combines letters and art and science with hereditary rank and political distinction,--that art which was the happy secret of the Lansdownes and Hollands of the last generation.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There was what is called a /conversazione/ at the house of one of those Whig noblemen who yet retain the graceful art of bringing agreeable people together, and collecting round them the true aristocracy, which combines letters and art and science with hereditary rank and political distinction,--that art which was the happy secret of the Lansdownes and Hollands of the last generation.

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

From this reading Amongst the guests at the Beaumanoirs, this evening were two men, seated apart in a small room, and conversing familiarly.

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

From this reading There was what is called a /conversazione/ at the house of one of those Whig noblemen who yet retain the graceful art of bringing agreeable people together, and collecting round them the true aristocracy, which combines letters and art and science with hereditary rank and political distinction,--that art which was the happy secret of the Lansdownes and Hollands of the last generation.

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

From this reading He had a charming wife, devoted to him and to her children, but with enough love of general approbation to make herself as popular in the fashionable world as if she sought in its gayeties a refuge from the dulness of domestic life.

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading There was what is called a /conversazione/ at the house of one of those Whig noblemen who yet retain the graceful art of bringing agreeable people together, and collecting round them the true aristocracy, which combines letters and art and science with hereditary rank and political distinction,--that art which was the happy secret of the Lansdownes and Hollands of the last generation.

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading There was what is called a /conversazione/ at the house of one of those Whig noblemen who yet retain the graceful art of bringing agreeable people together, and collecting round them the true aristocracy, which combines letters and art and science with hereditary rank and political distinction,--that art which was the happy secret of the Lansdownes and Hollands of the last generation.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading Amongst the guests at the Beaumanoirs, this evening were two men, seated apart in a small room, and conversing familiarly.

superlative of “warm” — having or producing a comfortable and agreeable degree of heat or imparting or maintaining heat

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

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

From this reading There was what is called a /conversazione/ at the house of one of those Whig noblemen who yet retain the graceful art of bringing agreeable people together, and collecting round them the true aristocracy, which combines letters and art and science with hereditary rank and political distinction,--that art which was the happy secret of the Lansdownes and Hollands of the last generation.

well informed or deeply versed through reading

From this reading Lord Beaumanoir was himself a genial, well-read man, a good judge of art, and a pleasant talker.

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

From this reading Amongst the guests at the Beaumanoirs, this evening were two men, seated apart in a small room, and conversing familiarly.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading There was what is called a /conversazione/ at the house of one of those Whig noblemen who yet retain the graceful art of bringing agreeable people together, and collecting round them the true aristocracy, which combines letters and art and science with hereditary rank and political distinction,--that art which was the happy secret of the Lansdownes and Hollands of the last generation.

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

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

a member of the political party that urged social reform in 18th and 19th century England; was the opposition party to the Tories

From this reading There was what is called a /conversazione/ at the house of one of those Whig noblemen who yet retain the graceful art of bringing agreeable people together, and collecting round them the true aristocracy, which combines letters and art and science with hereditary rank and political distinction,--that art which was the happy secret of the Lansdownes and Hollands of the last generation.

which person or people

From this reading There was what is called a /conversazione/ at the house of one of those Whig noblemen who yet retain the graceful art of bringing agreeable people together, and collecting round them the true aristocracy, which combines letters and art and science with hereditary rank and political distinction,--that art which was the happy secret of the Lansdownes and Hollands of the last generation.

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading He had a charming wife, devoted to him and to her children, but with enough love of general approbation to make herself as popular in the fashionable world as if she sought in its gayeties a refuge from the dulness of domestic life.

in the company of; together with

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

lean and wrinkled by shrinkage as from age or illness

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading He had a charming wife, devoted to him and to her children, but with enough love of general approbation to make herself as popular in the fashionable world as if she sought in its gayeties a refuge from the dulness of domestic life.

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

but in spite of that

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading IT is somewhat more than a year and a half since Kenelm Chillingly left England, and the scene now is in London, during that earlier and more sociable season which precedes the Easter holidays,--season in which the charm of intellectual companionship is not yet withered away in the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms,--season in which parties are small, and conversation extends beyond the interchange of commonplace with one's next neighbour at a dinner-table,--season in which you have a fair chance of finding your warmest friends not absorbed by the superior claims of their chilliest acquaintances.