used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The baronet then lived principally in London, with occasional visits rather to the Continent or a watering- place than to his own family mansion.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading When Lucretia first came to the house of Sir Miles St. John she was an infant about four years old.
how long something has existed
From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.
airyadjectiveUS /ˈeri/
open to or abounding in fresh air
From this reading He did not pay any minute attention to his little ward, satisfied that her nurse was sedulous, and her nursery airy and commodious.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading When Lucretia first came to the house of Sir Miles St. John she was an infant about four years old.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He did not pay any minute attention to his little ward, satisfied that her nurse was sedulous, and her nursery airy and commodious.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading He did not pay any minute attention to his little ward, satisfied that her nurse was sedulous, and her nursery airy and commodious.
the event of one object coming closer to another
From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.
attainingverbUS /əˈteɪnɪŋ/
-ing form of “attain” — to gain with effort
From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.
the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others
From this reading He did not pay any minute attention to his little ward, satisfied that her nurse was sedulous, and her nursery airy and commodious.
baronetnounUS /ˈberənət/
a member of the British order of honor; ranks below a baron but above a knight
From this reading The baronet then lived principally in London, with occasional visits rather to the Continent or a watering- place than to his own family mansion.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.
a relatively permanent inclination to react in a particular way
From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading When Lucretia first came to the house of Sir Miles St. John she was an infant about four years old.
coaxingadjectiveUS /ˈkoʊksɪŋ/
pleasingly persuasive or intended to persuade
From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.
commodiousadjectiveUS /kəˈmoʊdiəs/
large and roomy (“convenient” is archaic in this sense)
From this reading He did not pay any minute attention to his little ward, satisfied that her nurse was sedulous, and her nursery airy and commodious.
deem to be
From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.
contemptuousadjectiveUS /kənˈtemptʃuːəs/
expressing extreme contempt
From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.
ContinentnounUS /ˈkɑːntənənt/
one of the large landmasses of the earth
From this reading The baronet then lived principally in London, with occasional visits rather to the Continent or a watering- place than to his own family mansion.
recognizable; marked
From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.
definiteadjectiveUS /ˈdefənət/
precise; explicit and clearly defined
From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.
a state in which all hope is lost or absent
From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading He did not pay any minute attention to his little ward, satisfied that her nurse was sedulous, and her nursery airy and commodious.
a social unit living together
From this reading The baronet then lived principally in London, with occasional visits rather to the Continent or a watering- place than to his own family mansion.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading When Lucretia first came to the house of Sir Miles St. John she was an infant about four years old.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.
having or given a form or shape
From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.
the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
From this reading When Lucretia first came to the house of Sir Miles St. John she was an infant about four years old.
governessnounUS /ˈɡʌvərnəs/
a woman entrusted with the care and supervision of a child (especially in a private home)
From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He did not pay any minute attention to his little ward, satisfied that her nurse was sedulous, and her nursery airy and commodious.
heiressnounUS /ˈerəs/
a female heir
From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading He did not pay any minute attention to his little ward, satisfied that her nurse was sedulous, and her nursery airy and commodious.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The baronet then lived principally in London, with occasional visits rather to the Continent or a watering- place than to his own family mansion.
used in negative statement to describe a situation that has existed up to this point or up to the present time
From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.
honestlyadverbUS /ˈɑːnəstli/
(used as intensives reflecting the speaker's attitude) it is sincerely the case that
From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading When Lucretia first came to the house of Sir Miles St. John she was an infant about four years old.
imperiousadjUS /ɪmˈpɪr.i.əs/
Assuming power or authority without justification; arrogant and domineering. (Hách dịch, độc đoán, kiêu kỳ.)
From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The baronet then lived principally in London, with occasional visits rather to the Continent or a watering- place than to his own family mansion.
indifferentlyadverbUS /ˌɪnˈdɪfrəntli/
with indifference; in an indifferent manner
From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.
infantnounUS /ˈɪnfənt/
a very young child (birth to 1 year) who has not yet begun to walk or talk
From this reading When Lucretia first came to the house of Sir Miles St. John she was an infant about four years old.
a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.
a room or building equipped with one or more toilets
From this reading When Lucretia first came to the house of Sir Miles St. John she was an infant about four years old.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading He did not pay any minute attention to his little ward, satisfied that her nurse was sedulous, and her nursery airy and commodious.
past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in
From this reading The baronet then lived principally in London, with occasional visits rather to the Continent or a watering- place than to his own family mansion.
the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center
From this reading The baronet then lived principally in London, with occasional visits rather to the Continent or a watering- place than to his own family mansion.
LUCRETIA
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading LUCRETIA.
mansionnounUS /ˈmænʃən/
(astrology) one of 12 equal areas into which the zodiac is divided
From this reading The baronet then lived principally in London, with occasional visits rather to the Continent or a watering- place than to his own family mansion.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.
plural of “mile” — a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters
From this reading When Lucretia first came to the house of Sir Miles St. John she was an infant about four years old.
a unit of time equal to 60 seconds or 1/60th of an hour
From this reading He did not pay any minute attention to his little ward, satisfied that her nurse was sedulous, and her nursery airy and commodious.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading He did not pay any minute attention to his little ward, satisfied that her nurse was sedulous, and her nursery airy and commodious.
notionsnounUS /ˈnoʊʃənz/
plural of “notion” — a vague idea in which some confidence is placed
From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.
try to cure by special care of treatment, of an illness or injury
From this reading He did not pay any minute attention to his little ward, satisfied that her nurse was sedulous, and her nursery airy and commodious.
nurserynounUS /ˈnɜːrsəri/
a child's room for a baby
From this reading He did not pay any minute attention to his little ward, satisfied that her nurse was sedulous, and her nursery airy and commodious.
a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow
From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.
obstinatelyadverb
in a stubborn unregenerate manner
From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.
occasionaladjectiveUS /əˈkeɪʒənəl/
occurring from time to time
From this reading The baronet then lived principally in London, with occasional visits rather to the Continent or a watering- place than to his own family mansion.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading When Lucretia first came to the house of Sir Miles St. John she was an infant about four years old.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading When Lucretia first came to the house of Sir Miles St. John she was an infant about four years old.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading The baronet then lived principally in London, with occasional visits rather to the Continent or a watering- place than to his own family mansion.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading The baronet then lived principally in London, with occasional visits rather to the Continent or a watering- place than to his own family mansion.
give money, usually in exchange for goods or services
From this reading He did not pay any minute attention to his little ward, satisfied that her nurse was sedulous, and her nursery airy and commodious.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading The baronet then lived principally in London, with occasional visits rather to the Continent or a watering- place than to his own family mansion.
principallyadverbUS /ˈprɪnsɪpli/
for the most part
From this reading The baronet then lived principally in London, with occasional visits rather to the Continent or a watering- place than to his own family mansion.
the act of punishing
From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.
on the contrary
From this reading The baronet then lived principally in London, with occasional visits rather to the Continent or a watering- place than to his own family mansion.
reproofnoun
an act or expression of criticism and censure
From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.
filled with satisfaction
From this reading He did not pay any minute attention to his little ward, satisfied that her nurse was sedulous, and her nursery airy and commodious.
sedulousadjective
marked by care and persistent effort
From this reading He did not pay any minute attention to his little ward, satisfied that her nurse was sedulous, and her nursery airy and commodious.
selectadjectiveUS /səˈlekt/
of superior grade
From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.
self-willedadjective
habitually disposed to disobedience and opposition
From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.
in a serious manner
From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.
the cardinal number that is the sum of six and one
From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading When Lucretia first came to the house of Sir Miles St. John she was an infant about four years old.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.
term of address for a man
From this reading When Lucretia first came to the house of Sir Miles St. John she was an infant about four years old.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.
St
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Lucretia first came to the house of Sir Miles St. John she was an infant about four years old.
excited by sudden surprise or alarm and making a quick involuntary movement
From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.
sternlyadverbUS /ˈstɜːrnli/
with sternness; in a severe manner
From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.
a sudden outburst of anger
From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading The baronet then lived principally in London, with occasional visits rather to the Continent or a watering- place than to his own family mansion.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading He did not pay any minute attention to his little ward, satisfied that her nurse was sedulous, and her nursery airy and commodious.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading When Lucretia first came to the house of Sir Miles St. John she was an infant about four years old.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading The baronet then lived principally in London, with occasional visits rather to the Continent or a watering- place than to his own family mansion.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading When Lucretia first came to the house of Sir Miles St. John she was an infant about four years old.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.
vehementadjectiveUS /ˈviːəmənt/
marked by extreme intensity of emotions or convictions; inclined to react violently; fervid
From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.
visitsnounUS /ˈvɪzɪts/
plural of “visit” — the act of going to see some person or place or thing for a short time
From this reading The baronet then lived principally in London, with occasional visits rather to the Continent or a watering- place than to his own family mansion.
wardnounUS /wɔːrd/
a person who is under the protection or in the custody of another
From this reading He did not pay any minute attention to his little ward, satisfied that her nurse was sedulous, and her nursery airy and commodious.
a message informing of danger
From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading When Lucretia first came to the house of Sir Miles St. John she was an infant about four years old.
wateringnounUS /ˈwɔːtərɪŋ/
shedding tears
From this reading The baronet then lived principally in London, with occasional visits rather to the Continent or a watering- place than to his own family mansion.
at the time that
From this reading When Lucretia first came to the house of Sir Miles St. John she was an infant about four years old.
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading When, at the age of seven, she began to interest him, and he himself, approaching old age, began seriously to consider whether he should select her as his heiress, for hitherto he had not formed any decided or definite notions on the matter, he was startled by a temper so vehement, so self-willed and sternly imperious, so obstinately bent upon attaining its object, so indifferently contemptuous of warning, reproof, coaxing, or punishment, that her governess honestly came to him in despair.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The baronet then lived principally in London, with occasional visits rather to the Continent or a watering- place than to his own family mansion.
a late time of life
From this reading When Lucretia first came to the house of Sir Miles St. John she was an infant about four years old.
