Chapter VIII · Chapter 8

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

From this reading There are, in literary history, few `scenes de la vie privee' more affecting than that of the greatest of English poetesses, in the maturity of her first poetic period, lying, like a fading flower, for hours, for days continuously, in a darkened room in a London house.

past form of “add” — make an addition (to); join or combine or unite with others; increase the quality, quantity, size or scope of

From this reading To us, looking back at this period, in the light of what we know of a story of singular beauty, there is an added pathos in the circumstance that, as the singer of so many exquisite songs lay on her invalid's sofa, dreaming of things which, as she thought, might never be, all that was loveliest in her life was fast approaching -- though, like all joy, not without an equally unlooked-for sorrow.

arousing affect

From this reading There are, in literary history, few `scenes de la vie privee' more affecting than that of the greatest of English poetesses, in the maturity of her first poetic period, lying, like a fading flower, for hours, for days continuously, in a darkened room in a London house.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading To us, looking back at this period, in the light of what we know of a story of singular beauty, there is an added pathos in the circumstance that, as the singer of so many exquisite songs lay on her invalid's sofa, dreaming of things which, as she thought, might never be, all that was loveliest in her life was fast approaching -- though, like all joy, not without an equally unlooked-for sorrow.

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

From this reading To us, looking back at this period, in the light of what we know of a story of singular beauty, there is an added pathos in the circumstance that, as the singer of so many exquisite songs lay on her invalid's sofa, dreaming of things which, as she thought, might never be, all that was loveliest in her life was fast approaching -- though, like all joy, not without an equally unlooked-for sorrow.

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

From this reading "I lived with visions for my company, instead of men and women .

the event of one object coming closer to another

From this reading To us, looking back at this period, in the light of what we know of a story of singular beauty, there is an added pathos in the circumstance that, as the singer of so many exquisite songs lay on her invalid's sofa, dreaming of things which, as she thought, might never be, all that was loveliest in her life was fast approaching -- though, like all joy, not without an equally unlooked-for sorrow.

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

From this reading There are, in literary history, few `scenes de la vie privee' more affecting than that of the greatest of English poetesses, in the maturity of her first poetic period, lying, like a fading flower, for hours, for days continuously, in a darkened room in a London house.

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

From this reading To us, looking back at this period, in the light of what we know of a story of singular beauty, there is an added pathos in the circumstance that, as the singer of so many exquisite songs lay on her invalid's sofa, dreaming of things which, as she thought, might never be, all that was loveliest in her life was fast approaching -- though, like all joy, not without an equally unlooked-for sorrow.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading To us, looking back at this period, in the light of what we know of a story of singular beauty, there is an added pathos in the circumstance that, as the singer of so many exquisite songs lay on her invalid's sofa, dreaming of things which, as she thought, might never be, all that was loveliest in her life was fast approaching -- though, like all joy, not without an equally unlooked-for sorrow.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading To us, looking back at this period, in the light of what we know of a story of singular beauty, there is an added pathos in the circumstance that, as the singer of so many exquisite songs lay on her invalid's sofa, dreaming of things which, as she thought, might never be, all that was loveliest in her life was fast approaching -- though, like all joy, not without an equally unlooked-for sorrow.

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

From this reading So ill was Miss Elizabeth Barrett, early in the second half of the forties, that few friends, herself even, could venture to hope for a single one of those Springs which she previsioned so longingly.

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

From this reading To us, looking back at this period, in the light of what we know of a story of singular beauty, there is an added pathos in the circumstance that, as the singer of so many exquisite songs lay on her invalid's sofa, dreaming of things which, as she thought, might never be, all that was loveliest in her life was fast approaching -- though, like all joy, not without an equally unlooked-for sorrow.

the qualities that give pleasure to the senses

From this reading To us, looking back at this period, in the light of what we know of a story of singular beauty, there is an added pathos in the circumstance that, as the singer of so many exquisite songs lay on her invalid's sofa, dreaming of things which, as she thought, might never be, all that was loveliest in her life was fast approaching -- though, like all joy, not without an equally unlooked-for sorrow.

a condition that accompanies or influences some event or activity

From this reading To us, looking back at this period, in the light of what we know of a story of singular beauty, there is an added pathos in the circumstance that, as the singer of so many exquisite songs lay on her invalid's sofa, dreaming of things which, as she thought, might never be, all that was loveliest in her life was fast approaching -- though, like all joy, not without an equally unlooked-for sorrow.

an institution created to conduct business

From this reading "I lived with visions for my company, instead of men and women .

at every point

From this reading There are, in literary history, few `scenes de la vie privee' more affecting than that of the greatest of English poetesses, in the maturity of her first poetic period, lying, like a fading flower, for hours, for days continuously, in a darkened room in a London house.

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

From this reading So ill was Miss Elizabeth Barrett, early in the second half of the forties, that few friends, herself even, could venture to hope for a single one of those Springs which she previsioned so longingly.

(of fabrics and paper) grown dark in color over time

From this reading There are, in literary history, few `scenes de la vie privee' more affecting than that of the greatest of English poetesses, in the maturity of her first poetic period, lying, like a fading flower, for hours, for days continuously, in a darkened room in a London house.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading There are, in literary history, few `scenes de la vie privee' more affecting than that of the greatest of English poetesses, in the maturity of her first poetic period, lying, like a fading flower, for hours, for days continuously, in a darkened room in a London house.

a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies

From this reading There are, in literary history, few `scenes de la vie privee' more affecting than that of the greatest of English poetesses, in the maturity of her first poetic period, lying, like a fading flower, for hours, for days continuously, in a darkened room in a London house.

imaginative thoughts indulged in while awake

From this reading To us, looking back at this period, in the light of what we know of a story of singular beauty, there is an added pathos in the circumstance that, as the singer of so many exquisite songs lay on her invalid's sofa, dreaming of things which, as she thought, might never be, all that was loveliest in her life was fast approaching -- though, like all joy, not without an equally unlooked-for sorrow.

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

From this reading So ill was Miss Elizabeth Barrett, early in the second half of the forties, that few friends, herself even, could venture to hope for a single one of those Springs which she previsioned so longingly.

daughter of George VI who became the Queen of England and Northern Ireland in 1952 on the death of her father (1926-)

From this reading So ill was Miss Elizabeth Barrett, early in the second half of the forties, that few friends, herself even, could venture to hope for a single one of those Springs which she previsioned so longingly.

an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries

From this reading There are, in literary history, few `scenes de la vie privee' more affecting than that of the greatest of English poetesses, in the maturity of her first poetic period, lying, like a fading flower, for hours, for days continuously, in a darkened room in a London house.

to the same degree (often followed by “as”)

From this reading To us, looking back at this period, in the light of what we know of a story of singular beauty, there is an added pathos in the circumstance that, as the singer of so many exquisite songs lay on her invalid's sofa, dreaming of things which, as she thought, might never be, all that was loveliest in her life was fast approaching -- though, like all joy, not without an equally unlooked-for sorrow.

divisible by two

From this reading So ill was Miss Elizabeth Barrett, early in the second half of the forties, that few friends, herself even, could venture to hope for a single one of those Springs which she previsioned so longingly.

intense or sharp

From this reading To us, looking back at this period, in the light of what we know of a story of singular beauty, there is an added pathos in the circumstance that, as the singer of so many exquisite songs lay on her invalid's sofa, dreaming of things which, as she thought, might never be, all that was loveliest in her life was fast approaching -- though, like all joy, not without an equally unlooked-for sorrow.

weakening in force or intensity

From this reading There are, in literary history, few `scenes de la vie privee' more affecting than that of the greatest of English poetesses, in the maturity of her first poetic period, lying, like a fading flower, for hours, for days continuously, in a darkened room in a London house.

quickly or rapidly (often used as a combining form)

From this reading To us, looking back at this period, in the light of what we know of a story of singular beauty, there is an added pathos in the circumstance that, as the singer of so many exquisite songs lay on her invalid's sofa, dreaming of things which, as she thought, might never be, all that was loveliest in her life was fast approaching -- though, like all joy, not without an equally unlooked-for sorrow.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading There are, in literary history, few `scenes de la vie privee' more affecting than that of the greatest of English poetesses, in the maturity of her first poetic period, lying, like a fading flower, for hours, for days continuously, in a darkened room in a London house.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading There are, in literary history, few `scenes de la vie privee' more affecting than that of the greatest of English poetesses, in the maturity of her first poetic period, lying, like a fading flower, for hours, for days continuously, in a darkened room in a London house.

a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms

From this reading There are, in literary history, few `scenes de la vie privee' more affecting than that of the greatest of English poetesses, in the maturity of her first poetic period, lying, like a fading flower, for hours, for days continuously, in a darkened room in a London house.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading There are, in literary history, few `scenes de la vie privee' more affecting than that of the greatest of English poetesses, in the maturity of her first poetic period, lying, like a fading flower, for hours, for days continuously, in a darkened room in a London house.

the time of life between 40 and 50

From this reading So ill was Miss Elizabeth Barrett, early in the second half of the forties, that few friends, herself even, could venture to hope for a single one of those Springs which she previsioned so longingly.

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

From this reading So ill was Miss Elizabeth Barrett, early in the second half of the forties, that few friends, herself even, could venture to hope for a single one of those Springs which she previsioned so longingly.

highest in quality

From this reading There are, in literary history, few `scenes de la vie privee' more affecting than that of the greatest of English poetesses, in the maturity of her first poetic period, lying, like a fading flower, for hours, for days continuously, in a darkened room in a London house.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading So ill was Miss Elizabeth Barrett, early in the second half of the forties, that few friends, herself even, could venture to hope for a single one of those Springs which she previsioned so longingly.

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

From this reading There are, in literary history, few `scenes de la vie privee' more affecting than that of the greatest of English poetesses, in the maturity of her first poetic period, lying, like a fading flower, for hours, for days continuously, in a darkened room in a London house.

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

From this reading So ill was Miss Elizabeth Barrett, early in the second half of the forties, that few friends, herself even, could venture to hope for a single one of those Springs which she previsioned so longingly.

the aggregate of past events

From this reading There are, in literary history, few `scenes de la vie privee' more affecting than that of the greatest of English poetesses, in the maturity of her first poetic period, lying, like a fading flower, for hours, for days continuously, in a darkened room in a London house.

a specific instance of feeling hopeful

From this reading So ill was Miss Elizabeth Barrett, early in the second half of the forties, that few friends, herself even, could venture to hope for a single one of those Springs which she previsioned so longingly.

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading There are, in literary history, few `scenes de la vie privee' more affecting than that of the greatest of English poetesses, in the maturity of her first poetic period, lying, like a fading flower, for hours, for days continuously, in a darkened room in a London house.

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

From this reading There are, in literary history, few `scenes de la vie privee' more affecting than that of the greatest of English poetesses, in the maturity of her first poetic period, lying, like a fading flower, for hours, for days continuously, in a darkened room in a London house.

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

From this reading "I lived with visions for my company, instead of men and women .

affected by an impairment of normal physical or mental function

From this reading So ill was Miss Elizabeth Barrett, early in the second half of the forties, that few friends, herself even, could venture to hope for a single one of those Springs which she previsioned so longingly.

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

From this reading There are, in literary history, few `scenes de la vie privee' more affecting than that of the greatest of English poetesses, in the maturity of her first poetic period, lying, like a fading flower, for hours, for days continuously, in a darkened room in a London house.

in place of, or as an alternative to

From this reading "I lived with visions for my company, instead of men and women .

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

From this reading To us, looking back at this period, in the light of what we know of a story of singular beauty, there is an added pathos in the circumstance that, as the singer of so many exquisite songs lay on her invalid's sofa, dreaming of things which, as she thought, might never be, all that was loveliest in her life was fast approaching -- though, like all joy, not without an equally unlooked-for sorrow.

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

From this reading To us, looking back at this period, in the light of what we know of a story of singular beauty, there is an added pathos in the circumstance that, as the singer of so many exquisite songs lay on her invalid's sofa, dreaming of things which, as she thought, might never be, all that was loveliest in her life was fast approaching -- though, like all joy, not without an equally unlooked-for sorrow.

the emotion of great happiness

From this reading To us, looking back at this period, in the light of what we know of a story of singular beauty, there is an added pathos in the circumstance that, as the singer of so many exquisite songs lay on her invalid's sofa, dreaming of things which, as she thought, might never be, all that was loveliest in her life was fast approaching -- though, like all joy, not without an equally unlooked-for sorrow.

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

From this reading To us, looking back at this period, in the light of what we know of a story of singular beauty, there is an added pathos in the circumstance that, as the singer of so many exquisite songs lay on her invalid's sofa, dreaming of things which, as she thought, might never be, all that was loveliest in her life was fast approaching -- though, like all joy, not without an equally unlooked-for sorrow.

a white soft metallic element that tarnishes readily; occurs in rare earth minerals and is usually classified as a rare earth

From this reading There are, in literary history, few `scenes de la vie privee' more affecting than that of the greatest of English poetesses, in the maturity of her first poetic period, lying, like a fading flower, for hours, for days continuously, in a darkened room in a London house.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading To us, looking back at this period, in the light of what we know of a story of singular beauty, there is an added pathos in the circumstance that, as the singer of so many exquisite songs lay on her invalid's sofa, dreaming of things which, as she thought, might never be, all that was loveliest in her life was fast approaching -- though, like all joy, not without an equally unlooked-for sorrow.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading To us, looking back at this period, in the light of what we know of a story of singular beauty, there is an added pathos in the circumstance that, as the singer of so many exquisite songs lay on her invalid's sofa, dreaming of things which, as she thought, might never be, all that was loveliest in her life was fast approaching -- though, like all joy, not without an equally unlooked-for sorrow.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading To us, looking back at this period, in the light of what we know of a story of singular beauty, there is an added pathos in the circumstance that, as the singer of so many exquisite songs lay on her invalid's sofa, dreaming of things which, as she thought, might never be, all that was loveliest in her life was fast approaching -- though, like all joy, not without an equally unlooked-for sorrow.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading There are, in literary history, few `scenes de la vie privee' more affecting than that of the greatest of English poetesses, in the maturity of her first poetic period, lying, like a fading flower, for hours, for days continuously, in a darkened room in a London house.

of or relating to or characteristic of literature

From this reading There are, in literary history, few `scenes de la vie privee' more affecting than that of the greatest of English poetesses, in the maturity of her first poetic period, lying, like a fading flower, for hours, for days continuously, in a darkened room in a London house.

past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in

From this reading "I lived with visions for my company, instead of men and women .

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

From this reading There are, in literary history, few `scenes de la vie privee' more affecting than that of the greatest of English poetesses, in the maturity of her first poetic period, lying, like a fading flower, for hours, for days continuously, in a darkened room in a London house.

in a yearning manner

From this reading So ill was Miss Elizabeth Barrett, early in the second half of the forties, that few friends, herself even, could venture to hope for a single one of those Springs which she previsioned so longingly.

the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually

From this reading To us, looking back at this period, in the light of what we know of a story of singular beauty, there is an added pathos in the circumstance that, as the singer of so many exquisite songs lay on her invalid's sofa, dreaming of things which, as she thought, might never be, all that was loveliest in her life was fast approaching -- though, like all joy, not without an equally unlooked-for sorrow.

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

From this reading To us, looking back at this period, in the light of what we know of a story of singular beauty, there is an added pathos in the circumstance that, as the singer of so many exquisite songs lay on her invalid's sofa, dreaming of things which, as she thought, might never be, all that was loveliest in her life was fast approaching -- though, like all joy, not without an equally unlooked-for sorrow.

the deliberate act of deviating from the truth

From this reading There are, in literary history, few `scenes de la vie privee' more affecting than that of the greatest of English poetesses, in the maturity of her first poetic period, lying, like a fading flower, for hours, for days continuously, in a darkened room in a London house.

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

From this reading To us, looking back at this period, in the light of what we know of a story of singular beauty, there is an added pathos in the circumstance that, as the singer of so many exquisite songs lay on her invalid's sofa, dreaming of things which, as she thought, might never be, all that was loveliest in her life was fast approaching -- though, like all joy, not without an equally unlooked-for sorrow.

the period of time in your life after your physical growth has stopped and you are fully developed

From this reading There are, in literary history, few `scenes de la vie privee' more affecting than that of the greatest of English poetesses, in the maturity of her first poetic period, lying, like a fading flower, for hours, for days continuously, in a darkened room in a London house.

the force of workers available

From this reading "I lived with visions for my company, instead of men and women .

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading To us, looking back at this period, in the light of what we know of a story of singular beauty, there is an added pathos in the circumstance that, as the singer of so many exquisite songs lay on her invalid's sofa, dreaming of things which, as she thought, might never be, all that was loveliest in her life was fast approaching -- though, like all joy, not without an equally unlooked-for sorrow.

fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind

From this reading So ill was Miss Elizabeth Barrett, early in the second half of the forties, that few friends, herself even, could venture to hope for a single one of those Springs which she previsioned so longingly.

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

From this reading There are, in literary history, few `scenes de la vie privee' more affecting than that of the greatest of English poetesses, in the maturity of her first poetic period, lying, like a fading flower, for hours, for days continuously, in a darkened room in a London house.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading "I lived with visions for my company, instead of men and women .

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading To us, looking back at this period, in the light of what we know of a story of singular beauty, there is an added pathos in the circumstance that, as the singer of so many exquisite songs lay on her invalid's sofa, dreaming of things which, as she thought, might never be, all that was loveliest in her life was fast approaching -- though, like all joy, not without an equally unlooked-for sorrow.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading To us, looking back at this period, in the light of what we know of a story of singular beauty, there is an added pathos in the circumstance that, as the singer of so many exquisite songs lay on her invalid's sofa, dreaming of things which, as she thought, might never be, all that was loveliest in her life was fast approaching -- though, like all joy, not without an equally unlooked-for sorrow.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading There are, in literary history, few `scenes de la vie privee' more affecting than that of the greatest of English poetesses, in the maturity of her first poetic period, lying, like a fading flower, for hours, for days continuously, in a darkened room in a London house.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading To us, looking back at this period, in the light of what we know of a story of singular beauty, there is an added pathos in the circumstance that, as the singer of so many exquisite songs lay on her invalid's sofa, dreaming of things which, as she thought, might never be, all that was loveliest in her life was fast approaching -- though, like all joy, not without an equally unlooked-for sorrow.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading So ill was Miss Elizabeth Barrett, early in the second half of the forties, that few friends, herself even, could venture to hope for a single one of those Springs which she previsioned so longingly.

a quality that arouses emotions (especially pity or sorrow)

From this reading To us, looking back at this period, in the light of what we know of a story of singular beauty, there is an added pathos in the circumstance that, as the singer of so many exquisite songs lay on her invalid's sofa, dreaming of things which, as she thought, might never be, all that was loveliest in her life was fast approaching -- though, like all joy, not without an equally unlooked-for sorrow.

an amount of time

From this reading There are, in literary history, few `scenes de la vie privee' more affecting than that of the greatest of English poetesses, in the maturity of her first poetic period, lying, like a fading flower, for hours, for days continuously, in a darkened room in a London house.

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

From this reading There are, in literary history, few `scenes de la vie privee' more affecting than that of the greatest of English poetesses, in the maturity of her first poetic period, lying, like a fading flower, for hours, for days continuously, in a darkened room in a London house.

of or relating to poetry

From this reading There are, in literary history, few `scenes de la vie privee' more affecting than that of the greatest of English poetesses, in the maturity of her first poetic period, lying, like a fading flower, for hours, for days continuously, in a darkened room in a London house.

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

From this reading So ill was Miss Elizabeth Barrett, early in the second half of the forties, that few friends, herself even, could venture to hope for a single one of those Springs which she previsioned so longingly.

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

From this reading There are, in literary history, few `scenes de la vie privee' more affecting than that of the greatest of English poetesses, in the maturity of her first poetic period, lying, like a fading flower, for hours, for days continuously, in a darkened room in a London house.

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

From this reading There are, in literary history, few `scenes de la vie privee' more affecting than that of the greatest of English poetesses, in the maturity of her first poetic period, lying, like a fading flower, for hours, for days continuously, in a darkened room in a London house.

plural of “scene” — the place where some action occurs

From this reading There are, in literary history, few `scenes de la vie privee' more affecting than that of the greatest of English poetesses, in the maturity of her first poetic period, lying, like a fading flower, for hours, for days continuously, in a darkened room in a London house.

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading So ill was Miss Elizabeth Barrett, early in the second half of the forties, that few friends, herself even, could venture to hope for a single one of those Springs which she previsioned so longingly.

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

From this reading So ill was Miss Elizabeth Barrett, early in the second half of the forties, that few friends, herself even, could venture to hope for a single one of those Springs which she previsioned so longingly.

a person who sings

From this reading To us, looking back at this period, in the light of what we know of a story of singular beauty, there is an added pathos in the circumstance that, as the singer of so many exquisite songs lay on her invalid's sofa, dreaming of things which, as she thought, might never be, all that was loveliest in her life was fast approaching -- though, like all joy, not without an equally unlooked-for sorrow.

being or characteristic of a single thing or person

From this reading So ill was Miss Elizabeth Barrett, early in the second half of the forties, that few friends, herself even, could venture to hope for a single one of those Springs which she previsioned so longingly.

unusual or striking

From this reading To us, looking back at this period, in the light of what we know of a story of singular beauty, there is an added pathos in the circumstance that, as the singer of so many exquisite songs lay on her invalid's sofa, dreaming of things which, as she thought, might never be, all that was loveliest in her life was fast approaching -- though, like all joy, not without an equally unlooked-for sorrow.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading So ill was Miss Elizabeth Barrett, early in the second half of the forties, that few friends, herself even, could venture to hope for a single one of those Springs which she previsioned so longingly.

an upholstered seat for more than one person

From this reading To us, looking back at this period, in the light of what we know of a story of singular beauty, there is an added pathos in the circumstance that, as the singer of so many exquisite songs lay on her invalid's sofa, dreaming of things which, as she thought, might never be, all that was loveliest in her life was fast approaching -- though, like all joy, not without an equally unlooked-for sorrow.

plural of “song” — a short musical composition with words

From this reading To us, looking back at this period, in the light of what we know of a story of singular beauty, there is an added pathos in the circumstance that, as the singer of so many exquisite songs lay on her invalid's sofa, dreaming of things which, as she thought, might never be, all that was loveliest in her life was fast approaching -- though, like all joy, not without an equally unlooked-for sorrow.

an emotion of great sadness associated with loss or bereavement

From this reading To us, looking back at this period, in the light of what we know of a story of singular beauty, there is an added pathos in the circumstance that, as the singer of so many exquisite songs lay on her invalid's sofa, dreaming of things which, as she thought, might never be, all that was loveliest in her life was fast approaching -- though, like all joy, not without an equally unlooked-for sorrow.

plural of “spring” — the season of growth

From this reading So ill was Miss Elizabeth Barrett, early in the second half of the forties, that few friends, herself even, could venture to hope for a single one of those Springs which she previsioned so longingly.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading To us, looking back at this period, in the light of what we know of a story of singular beauty, there is an added pathos in the circumstance that, as the singer of so many exquisite songs lay on her invalid's sofa, dreaming of things which, as she thought, might never be, all that was loveliest in her life was fast approaching -- though, like all joy, not without an equally unlooked-for sorrow.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading There are, in literary history, few `scenes de la vie privee' more affecting than that of the greatest of English poetesses, in the maturity of her first poetic period, lying, like a fading flower, for hours, for days continuously, in a darkened room in a London house.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading There are, in literary history, few `scenes de la vie privee' more affecting than that of the greatest of English poetesses, in the maturity of her first poetic period, lying, like a fading flower, for hours, for days continuously, in a darkened room in a London house.

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

From this reading There are, in literary history, few `scenes de la vie privee' more affecting than that of the greatest of English poetesses, in the maturity of her first poetic period, lying, like a fading flower, for hours, for days continuously, in a darkened room in a London house.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There are, in literary history, few `scenes de la vie privee' more affecting than that of the greatest of English poetesses, in the maturity of her first poetic period, lying, like a fading flower, for hours, for days continuously, in a darkened room in a London house.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading To us, looking back at this period, in the light of what we know of a story of singular beauty, there is an added pathos in the circumstance that, as the singer of so many exquisite songs lay on her invalid's sofa, dreaming of things which, as she thought, might never be, all that was loveliest in her life was fast approaching -- though, like all joy, not without an equally unlooked-for sorrow.

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

From this reading To us, looking back at this period, in the light of what we know of a story of singular beauty, there is an added pathos in the circumstance that, as the singer of so many exquisite songs lay on her invalid's sofa, dreaming of things which, as she thought, might never be, all that was loveliest in her life was fast approaching -- though, like all joy, not without an equally unlooked-for sorrow.

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

From this reading So ill was Miss Elizabeth Barrett, early in the second half of the forties, that few friends, herself even, could venture to hope for a single one of those Springs which she previsioned so longingly.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading To us, looking back at this period, in the light of what we know of a story of singular beauty, there is an added pathos in the circumstance that, as the singer of so many exquisite songs lay on her invalid's sofa, dreaming of things which, as she thought, might never be, all that was loveliest in her life was fast approaching -- though, like all joy, not without an equally unlooked-for sorrow.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading To us, looking back at this period, in the light of what we know of a story of singular beauty, there is an added pathos in the circumstance that, as the singer of so many exquisite songs lay on her invalid's sofa, dreaming of things which, as she thought, might never be, all that was loveliest in her life was fast approaching -- though, like all joy, not without an equally unlooked-for sorrow.

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

From this reading So ill was Miss Elizabeth Barrett, early in the second half of the forties, that few friends, herself even, could venture to hope for a single one of those Springs which she previsioned so longingly.

not anticipated

From this reading To us, looking back at this period, in the light of what we know of a story of singular beauty, there is an added pathos in the circumstance that, as the singer of so many exquisite songs lay on her invalid's sofa, dreaming of things which, as she thought, might never be, all that was loveliest in her life was fast approaching -- though, like all joy, not without an equally unlooked-for sorrow.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading To us, looking back at this period, in the light of what we know of a story of singular beauty, there is an added pathos in the circumstance that, as the singer of so many exquisite songs lay on her invalid's sofa, dreaming of things which, as she thought, might never be, all that was loveliest in her life was fast approaching -- though, like all joy, not without an equally unlooked-for sorrow.

any venturesome undertaking especially one with an uncertain outcome

From this reading So ill was Miss Elizabeth Barrett, early in the second half of the forties, that few friends, herself even, could venture to hope for a single one of those Springs which she previsioned so longingly.

compete for something; engage in a contest; measure oneself against others

From this reading There are, in literary history, few `scenes de la vie privee' more affecting than that of the greatest of English poetesses, in the maturity of her first poetic period, lying, like a fading flower, for hours, for days continuously, in a darkened room in a London house.

plural of “vision” — a vivid mental image

From this reading "I lived with visions for my company, instead of men and women .

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

From this reading So ill was Miss Elizabeth Barrett, early in the second half of the forties, that few friends, herself even, could venture to hope for a single one of those Springs which she previsioned so longingly.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading To us, looking back at this period, in the light of what we know of a story of singular beauty, there is an added pathos in the circumstance that, as the singer of so many exquisite songs lay on her invalid's sofa, dreaming of things which, as she thought, might never be, all that was loveliest in her life was fast approaching -- though, like all joy, not without an equally unlooked-for sorrow.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading To us, looking back at this period, in the light of what we know of a story of singular beauty, there is an added pathos in the circumstance that, as the singer of so many exquisite songs lay on her invalid's sofa, dreaming of things which, as she thought, might never be, all that was loveliest in her life was fast approaching -- though, like all joy, not without an equally unlooked-for sorrow.

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

From this reading So ill was Miss Elizabeth Barrett, early in the second half of the forties, that few friends, herself even, could venture to hope for a single one of those Springs which she previsioned so longingly.

in the company of; together with

From this reading "I lived with visions for my company, instead of men and women .

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading To us, looking back at this period, in the light of what we know of a story of singular beauty, there is an added pathos in the circumstance that, as the singer of so many exquisite songs lay on her invalid's sofa, dreaming of things which, as she thought, might never be, all that was loveliest in her life was fast approaching -- though, like all joy, not without an equally unlooked-for sorrow.

plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading "I lived with visions for my company, instead of men and women .