Chapter XXI

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

From this reading THE PLEASURES OF DESPAIR The disappointment had indeed been a shattering blow, and its effects lasted much longer than the failure at the Hôtel de Rambouillet.

declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of

From this reading For then her vanity or, which is the same thing, her instinct of self-preservation, had not allowed her to acknowledge that she had been a social failure.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading But this disappointment was a hard fact against whose fabric saving fancy beat its wings in vain.

(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 Sometimes she would play with the thought of suicide, but would shrink back from it as the final blow to all her hopes.

past form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen

From this reading For then her vanity or, which is the same thing, her instinct of self-preservation, had not allowed her to acknowledge that she had been a social failure.

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

From this reading THE PLEASURES OF DESPAIR The disappointment had indeed been a shattering blow, and its effects lasted much longer than the failure at the Hôtel de Rambouillet.

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

From this reading Sometimes she would play with the thought of suicide, but would shrink back from it as the final blow to all her hopes.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading THE PLEASURES OF DESPAIR The disappointment had indeed been a shattering blow, and its effects lasted much longer than the failure at the Hôtel de Rambouillet.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading Sometimes she would play with the thought of suicide, but would shrink back from it as the final blow to all her hopes.

come out better in a competition, race, or conflict

From this reading But this disappointment was a hard fact against whose fabric saving fancy beat its wings in vain.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading THE PLEASURES OF DESPAIR The disappointment had indeed been a shattering blow, and its effects lasted much longer than the failure at the Hôtel de Rambouillet.

exhale hard

From this reading THE PLEASURES OF DESPAIR The disappointment had indeed been a shattering blow, and its effects lasted much longer than the failure at the Hôtel de Rambouillet.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But this disappointment was a hard fact against whose fabric saving fancy beat its wings in vain.

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

From this reading For, supposing she should wake up in the other world, and find the old longing gnawing still, like Céladon, when he wakes up in the Palace of Galathée?

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

From this reading THE PLEASURES OF DESPAIR The disappointment had indeed been a shattering blow, and its effects lasted much longer than the failure at the Hôtel de Rambouillet.

a state in which all hope is lost or absent

From this reading THE PLEASURES OF DESPAIR The disappointment had indeed been a shattering blow, and its effects lasted much longer than the failure at the Hôtel de Rambouillet.

a feeling of dissatisfaction that results when your expectations are not realized

From this reading THE PLEASURES OF DESPAIR The disappointment had indeed been a shattering blow, and its effects lasted much longer than the failure at the Hôtel de Rambouillet.

property of a personal character that is portable but not used in business

From this reading THE PLEASURES OF DESPAIR The disappointment had indeed been a shattering blow, and its effects lasted much longer than the failure at the Hôtel de Rambouillet.

artifact made by weaving or felting or knitting or crocheting natural or synthetic fibers

From this reading But this disappointment was a hard fact against whose fabric saving fancy beat its wings in vain.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading But this disappointment was a hard fact against whose fabric saving fancy beat its wings in vain.

an act that fails

From this reading THE PLEASURES OF DESPAIR The disappointment had indeed been a shattering blow, and its effects lasted much longer than the failure at the Hôtel de Rambouillet.

something many people believe that is false

From this reading But this disappointment was a hard fact against whose fabric saving fancy beat its wings in vain.

occurring at or forming an end or termination

From this reading Sometimes she would play with the thought of suicide, but would shrink back from it as the final blow to all her hopes.

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading For, supposing she should wake up in the other world, and find the old longing gnawing still, like Céladon, when he wakes up in the Palace of Galathée?

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading For then her vanity or, which is the same thing, her instinct of self-preservation, had not allowed her to acknowledge that she had been a social failure.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Sometimes she would play with the thought of suicide, but would shrink back from it as the final blow to all her hopes.

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

From this reading For, supposing she should wake up in the other world, and find the old longing gnawing still, like Céladon, when he wakes up in the Palace of Galathée?

-ing form of “gnaw” — bite or chew on with the teeth

From this reading For, supposing she should wake up in the other world, and find the old longing gnawing still, like Céladon, when he wakes up in the Palace of Galathée?

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

From this reading THE PLEASURES OF DESPAIR The disappointment had indeed been a shattering blow, and its effects lasted much longer than the failure at the Hôtel de Rambouillet.

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading But this disappointment was a hard fact against whose fabric saving fancy beat its wings in vain.

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

From this reading For, supposing she should wake up in the other world, and find the old longing gnawing still, like Céladon, when he wakes up in the Palace of Galathée?

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

From this reading For then her vanity or, which is the same thing, her instinct of self-preservation, had not allowed her to acknowledge that she had been a social failure.

plural of “hope” — a specific instance of feeling hopeful

From this reading Sometimes she would play with the thought of suicide, but would shrink back from it as the final blow to all her hopes.

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

From this reading THE PLEASURES OF DESPAIR The disappointment had indeed been a shattering blow, and its effects lasted much longer than the failure at the Hôtel de Rambouillet.

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

From this reading But this disappointment was a hard fact against whose fabric saving fancy beat its wings in vain.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading THE PLEASURES OF DESPAIR The disappointment had indeed been a shattering blow, and its effects lasted much longer than the failure at the Hôtel de Rambouillet.

inborn pattern of behavior often responsive to specific stimuli

From this reading For then her vanity or, which is the same thing, her instinct of self-preservation, had not allowed her to acknowledge that she had been a social failure.

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

From this reading For then her vanity or, which is the same thing, her instinct of self-preservation, had not allowed her to acknowledge that she had been a social failure.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Sometimes she would play with the thought of suicide, but would shrink back from it as the final blow to all her hopes.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading THE PLEASURES OF DESPAIR The disappointment had indeed been a shattering blow, and its effects lasted much longer than the failure at the Hôtel de Rambouillet.

past form of “last” — persist for a specified period of time

From this reading THE PLEASURES OF DESPAIR The disappointment had indeed been a shattering blow, and its effects lasted much longer than the failure at the Hôtel de Rambouillet.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading For, supposing she should wake up in the other world, and find the old longing gnawing still, like Céladon, when he wakes up in the Palace of Galathée?

for more time

From this reading THE PLEASURES OF DESPAIR The disappointment had indeed been a shattering blow, and its effects lasted much longer than the failure at the Hôtel de Rambouillet.

prolonged unfulfilled desire or need

From this reading For, supposing she should wake up in the other world, and find the old longing gnawing still, like Céladon, when he wakes up in the Palace of Galathée?

to a great degree or extent

From this reading THE PLEASURES OF DESPAIR The disappointment had indeed been a shattering blow, and its effects lasted much longer than the failure at the Hôtel de Rambouillet.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading For then her vanity or, which is the same thing, her instinct of self-preservation, had not allowed her to acknowledge that she had been a social failure.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE PLEASURES OF DESPAIR The disappointment had indeed been a shattering blow, and its effects lasted much longer than the failure at the Hôtel de Rambouillet.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading For, supposing she should wake up in the other world, and find the old longing gnawing still, like Céladon, when he wakes up in the Palace of Galathée?

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading For then her vanity or, which is the same thing, her instinct of self-preservation, had not allowed her to acknowledge that she had been a social failure.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading For, supposing she should wake up in the other world, and find the old longing gnawing still, like Céladon, when he wakes up in the Palace of Galathée?

a large and stately mansion

From this reading For, supposing she should wake up in the other world, and find the old longing gnawing still, like Céladon, when he wakes up in the Palace of Galathée?

participate in games or sport

From this reading Sometimes she would play with the thought of suicide, but would shrink back from it as the final blow to all her hopes.

plural of “pleasure” — a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience

From this reading THE PLEASURES OF DESPAIR The disappointment had indeed been a shattering blow, and its effects lasted much longer than the failure at the Hôtel de Rambouillet.

hardy sheep developed from the merino producing both good mutton and fine wool

From this reading THE PLEASURES OF DESPAIR The disappointment had indeed been a shattering blow, and its effects lasted much longer than the failure at the Hôtel de Rambouillet.

Identical; not different.

From this reading For then her vanity or, which is the same thing, her instinct of self-preservation, had not allowed her to acknowledge that she had been a social failure.

an act of economizing; reduction in cost

From this reading But this disappointment was a hard fact against whose fabric saving fancy beat its wings in vain.

preservation of yourself from harm; a natural or instinctive tendency

From this reading For then her vanity or, which is the same thing, her instinct of self-preservation, had not allowed her to acknowledge that she had been a social failure.

seemingly loud enough to break something; violently rattling or clattering

From this reading THE PLEASURES OF DESPAIR The disappointment had indeed been a shattering blow, and its effects lasted much longer than the failure at the Hôtel de Rambouillet.

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

From this reading For then her vanity or, which is the same thing, her instinct of self-preservation, had not allowed her to acknowledge that she had been a social failure.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading For, supposing she should wake up in the other world, and find the old longing gnawing still, like Céladon, when he wakes up in the Palace of Galathée?

wither, as with a loss of moisture

From this reading Sometimes she would play with the thought of suicide, but would shrink back from it as the final blow to all her hopes.

relating to human society and its members

From this reading For then her vanity or, which is the same thing, her instinct of self-preservation, had not allowed her to acknowledge that she had been a social failure.

on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always

From this reading Sometimes she would play with the thought of suicide, but would shrink back from it as the final blow to all her hopes.

not in physical motion

From this reading For, supposing she should wake up in the other world, and find the old longing gnawing still, like Céladon, when he wakes up in the Palace of Galathée?

the act of killing yourself

From this reading Sometimes she would play with the thought of suicide, but would shrink back from it as the final blow to all her hopes.

-ing form of “suppose” — express a supposition

From this reading For, supposing she should wake up in the other world, and find the old longing gnawing still, like Céladon, when he wakes up in the Palace of Galathée?

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading THE PLEASURES OF DESPAIR The disappointment had indeed been a shattering blow, and its effects lasted much longer than the failure at the Hôtel de Rambouillet.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading For then her vanity or, which is the same thing, her instinct of self-preservation, had not allowed her to acknowledge that she had been a social failure.

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

From this reading THE PLEASURES OF DESPAIR The disappointment had indeed been a shattering blow, and its effects lasted much longer than the failure at the Hôtel de Rambouillet.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading For then her vanity or, which is the same thing, her instinct of self-preservation, had not allowed her to acknowledge that she had been a social failure.

a special situation

From this reading For then her vanity or, which is the same thing, her instinct of self-preservation, had not allowed her to acknowledge that she had been a social failure.

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

From this reading But this disappointment was a hard fact against whose fabric saving fancy beat its wings in vain.

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

From this reading Sometimes she would play with the thought of suicide, but would shrink back from it as the final blow to all her hopes.

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

From this reading For then her vanity or, which is the same thing, her instinct of self-preservation, had not allowed her to acknowledge that she had been a social failure.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading For, supposing she should wake up in the other world, and find the old longing gnawing still, like Céladon, when he wakes up in the Palace of Galathée?

characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance

From this reading But this disappointment was a hard fact against whose fabric saving fancy beat its wings in vain.

feelings of excessive pride

From this reading For then her vanity or, which is the same thing, her instinct of self-preservation, had not allowed her to acknowledge that she had been a social failure.

be awake, be alert, be there

From this reading For, supposing she should wake up in the other world, and find the old longing gnawing still, like Céladon, when he wakes up in the Palace of Galathée?

plural of “wake” — the consequences of an event (especially a catastrophic event)

From this reading For, supposing she should wake up in the other world, and find the old longing gnawing still, like Céladon, when he wakes up in the Palace of Galathée?

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

From this reading But this disappointment was a hard fact against whose fabric saving fancy beat its wings in vain.

at the time that

From this reading For, supposing she should wake up in the other world, and find the old longing gnawing still, like Céladon, when he wakes up in the Palace of Galathée?

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

From this reading For then her vanity or, which is the same thing, her instinct of self-preservation, had not allowed her to acknowledge that she had been a social failure.

belonging to which person

From this reading But this disappointment was a hard fact against whose fabric saving fancy beat its wings in vain.

a means of flight or ascent

From this reading But this disappointment was a hard fact against whose fabric saving fancy beat its wings in vain.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Sometimes she would play with the thought of suicide, but would shrink back from it as the final blow to all her hopes.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading For, supposing she should wake up in the other world, and find the old longing gnawing still, like Céladon, when he wakes up in the Palace of Galathée?

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading Sometimes she would play with the thought of suicide, but would shrink back from it as the final blow to all her hopes.