used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading When she recovered her health and was able to resume her habits, it blazed out again like a fire, momentarily subdued, which has gained new strength in its coercion.
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading When she recovered her health and was able to resume her habits, it blazed out again like a fire, momentarily subdued, which has gained new strength in its coercion.
achingadjectiveUS /ˈeɪkɪŋ/
causing a dull and steady pain
From this reading She had such a consuming desire to find in Edward the lover of her dreams, that for certain periods she was indeed able to live in a fool’s paradise, which was none the less grateful because at the bottom of her heart she had an aching suspicion of its true character.
anew
From this reading When she recovered her health and was able to resume her habits, it blazed out again like a fire, momentarily subdued, which has gained new strength in its coercion.
(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 She no longer sought to deny that his love was unlike hers; but his coldness was not always apparent; vehemently wishing to find a response to her ardour, she closed her eyes to all that did not too readily obtrude itself.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading She no longer sought to deny that his love was unlike hers; but his coldness was not always apparent; vehemently wishing to find a response to her ardour, she closed her eyes to all that did not too readily obtrude itself.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading She had such a consuming desire to find in Edward the lover of her dreams, that for certain periods she was indeed able to live in a fool’s paradise, which was none the less grateful because at the bottom of her heart she had an aching suspicion of its true character.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading When she recovered her health and was able to resume her habits, it blazed out again like a fire, momentarily subdued, which has gained new strength in its coercion.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading But the love which had taken such despotic possession of Bertha’s nature could not be overthrown by any sudden means.
clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
From this reading She no longer sought to deny that his love was unlike hers; but his coldness was not always apparent; vehemently wishing to find a response to her ardour, she closed her eyes to all that did not too readily obtrude itself.
ardournoun
a feeling of strong eagerness (usually in favor of a person or cause)
From this reading She no longer sought to deny that his love was unlike hers; but his coldness was not always apparent; vehemently wishing to find a response to her ardour, she closed her eyes to all that did not too readily obtrude itself.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading She had such a consuming desire to find in Edward the lover of her dreams, that for certain periods she was indeed able to live in a fool’s paradise, which was none the less grateful because at the bottom of her heart she had an aching suspicion of its true character.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading But the love which had taken such despotic possession of Bertha’s nature could not be overthrown by any sudden means.
for the reason that
From this reading She had such a consuming desire to find in Edward the lover of her dreams, that for certain periods she was indeed able to live in a fool’s paradise, which was none the less grateful because at the bottom of her heart she had an aching suspicion of its true character.
Bertha's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But the love which had taken such despotic possession of Bertha’s nature could not be overthrown by any sudden means.
blazedverbUS /bleɪzd/
past form of “blaze” — shine brightly and intensively
From this reading When she recovered her health and was able to resume her habits, it blazed out again like a fire, momentarily subdued, which has gained new strength in its coercion.
the lower side of anything
From this reading She had such a consuming desire to find in Edward the lover of her dreams, that for certain periods she was indeed able to live in a fool’s paradise, which was none the less grateful because at the bottom of her heart she had an aching suspicion of its true character.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But the love which had taken such despotic possession of Bertha’s nature could not be overthrown by any sudden means.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading But the love which had taken such despotic possession of Bertha’s nature could not be overthrown by any sudden means.
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading She had such a consuming desire to find in Edward the lover of her dreams, that for certain periods she was indeed able to live in a fool’s paradise, which was none the less grateful because at the bottom of her heart she had an aching suspicion of its true character.
an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)
From this reading She had such a consuming desire to find in Edward the lover of her dreams, that for certain periods she was indeed able to live in a fool’s paradise, which was none the less grateful because at the bottom of her heart she had an aching suspicion of its true character.
not open or affording passage or access
From this reading She no longer sought to deny that his love was unlike hers; but his coldness was not always apparent; vehemently wishing to find a response to her ardour, she closed her eyes to all that did not too readily obtrude itself.
coercionnounUS /koʊˈɜːrʃən/
the act of compelling by force of authority
From this reading When she recovered her health and was able to resume her habits, it blazed out again like a fire, momentarily subdued, which has gained new strength in its coercion.
coldnessnounUS /ˈkoʊldnəs/
the sensation produced by low temperatures
From this reading She no longer sought to deny that his love was unlike hers; but his coldness was not always apparent; vehemently wishing to find a response to her ardour, she closed her eyes to all that did not too readily obtrude itself.
consumingadjectiveUS /kənˈsuːmɪŋ/
very strong; urgently felt
From this reading She had such a consuming desire to find in Edward the lover of her dreams, that for certain periods she was indeed able to live in a fool’s paradise, which was none the less grateful because at the bottom of her heart she had an aching suspicion of its true character.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading But the love which had taken such despotic possession of Bertha’s nature could not be overthrown by any sudden means.
declare untrue; contradict
From this reading She no longer sought to deny that his love was unlike hers; but his coldness was not always apparent; vehemently wishing to find a response to her ardour, she closed her eyes to all that did not too readily obtrude itself.
the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state
From this reading She had such a consuming desire to find in Edward the lover of her dreams, that for certain periods she was indeed able to live in a fool’s paradise, which was none the less grateful because at the bottom of her heart she had an aching suspicion of its true character.
despoticadjectiveUS /dɪˈspɑːtɪk/
belonging to or having the characteristics of a despot
From this reading But the love which had taken such despotic possession of Bertha’s nature could not be overthrown by any sudden means.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading She no longer sought to deny that his love was unlike hers; but his coldness was not always apparent; vehemently wishing to find a response to her ardour, she closed her eyes to all that did not too readily obtrude itself.
dismayedadjectiveUS /dɪˈsmeɪd/
struck with fear, dread, or consternation
From this reading It dismayed her to think of her extreme loneliness; Edward was now her only mainstay and her only hope.
plural of “dream” — a series of mental images and emotions occurring during sleep
From this reading She had such a consuming desire to find in Edward the lover of her dreams, that for certain periods she was indeed able to live in a fool’s paradise, which was none the less grateful because at the bottom of her heart she had an aching suspicion of its true character.
King of England and Ireland in 1936; his marriage to Wallis Warfield Simpson created a constitutional crisis leading to his abdication (1894-1972)
From this reading It dismayed her to think of her extreme loneliness; Edward was now her only mainstay and her only hope.
of the greatest possible degree or extent or intensity
From this reading It dismayed her to think of her extreme loneliness; Edward was now her only mainstay and her only hope.
opinion or judgment
From this reading She no longer sought to deny that his love was unlike hers; but his coldness was not always apparent; vehemently wishing to find a response to her ardour, she closed her eyes to all that did not too readily obtrude itself.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading She no longer sought to deny that his love was unlike hers; but his coldness was not always apparent; vehemently wishing to find a response to her ardour, she closed her eyes to all that did not too readily obtrude itself.
start firing a weapon
From this reading When she recovered her health and was able to resume her habits, it blazed out again like a fire, momentarily subdued, which has gained new strength in its coercion.
fool'snounUS /fuːlz/
possessive form of “fool” — a person who lacks good judgment
From this reading She had such a consuming desire to find in Edward the lover of her dreams, that for certain periods she was indeed able to live in a fool’s paradise, which was none the less grateful because at the bottom of her heart she had an aching suspicion of its true character.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading She had such a consuming desire to find in Edward the lover of her dreams, that for certain periods she was indeed able to live in a fool’s paradise, which was none the less grateful because at the bottom of her heart she had an aching suspicion of its true character.
past form of “gain” — obtain
From this reading When she recovered her health and was able to resume her habits, it blazed out again like a fire, momentarily subdued, which has gained new strength in its coercion.
feeling or showing gratitude
From this reading She had such a consuming desire to find in Edward the lover of her dreams, that for certain periods she was indeed able to live in a fool’s paradise, which was none the less grateful because at the bottom of her heart she had an aching suspicion of its true character.
plural of “habit” — an established custom
From this reading When she recovered her health and was able to resume her habits, it blazed out again like a fire, momentarily subdued, which has gained new strength in its coercion.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading But the love which had taken such despotic possession of Bertha’s nature could not be overthrown by any sudden means.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading When she recovered her health and was able to resume her habits, it blazed out again like a fire, momentarily subdued, which has gained new strength in its coercion.
a healthy state of wellbeing free from disease
From this reading When she recovered her health and was able to resume her habits, it blazed out again like a fire, momentarily subdued, which has gained new strength in its coercion.
the locus of feelings and intuitions
From this reading She had such a consuming desire to find in Edward the lover of her dreams, that for certain periods she was indeed able to live in a fool’s paradise, which was none the less grateful because at the bottom of her heart she had an aching suspicion of its true character.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading When she recovered her health and was able to resume her habits, it blazed out again like a fire, momentarily subdued, which has gained new strength in its coercion.
the one or ones belonging to her
From this reading She no longer sought to deny that his love was unlike hers; but his coldness was not always apparent; vehemently wishing to find a response to her ardour, she closed her eyes to all that did not too readily obtrude itself.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading She no longer sought to deny that his love was unlike hers; but his coldness was not always apparent; vehemently wishing to find a response to her ardour, she closed her eyes to all that did not too readily obtrude itself.
a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading It dismayed her to think of her extreme loneliness; Edward was now her only mainstay and her only hope.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading When she recovered her health and was able to resume her habits, it blazed out again like a fire, momentarily subdued, which has gained new strength in its coercion.
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading She had such a consuming desire to find in Edward the lover of her dreams, that for certain periods she was indeed able to live in a fool’s paradise, which was none the less grateful because at the bottom of her heart she had an aching suspicion of its true character.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading When she recovered her health and was able to resume her habits, it blazed out again like a fire, momentarily subdued, which has gained new strength in its coercion.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading When she recovered her health and was able to resume her habits, it blazed out again like a fire, momentarily subdued, which has gained new strength in its coercion.
used when the thing doing the action is also its object
From this reading She no longer sought to deny that his love was unlike hers; but his coldness was not always apparent; vehemently wishing to find a response to her ardour, she closed her eyes to all that did not too readily obtrude itself.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading She had such a consuming desire to find in Edward the lover of her dreams, that for certain periods she was indeed able to live in a fool’s paradise, which was none the less grateful because at the bottom of her heart she had an aching suspicion of its true character.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading When she recovered her health and was able to resume her habits, it blazed out again like a fire, momentarily subdued, which has gained new strength in its coercion.
be an inhabitant of or reside in
From this reading She had such a consuming desire to find in Edward the lover of her dreams, that for certain periods she was indeed able to live in a fool’s paradise, which was none the less grateful because at the bottom of her heart she had an aching suspicion of its true character.
lonelinessnounUS /ˈloʊnlinəs/
the state of being alone in solitary isolation
From this reading It dismayed her to think of her extreme loneliness; Edward was now her only mainstay and her only hope.
for more time
From this reading She no longer sought to deny that his love was unlike hers; but his coldness was not always apparent; vehemently wishing to find a response to her ardour, she closed her eyes to all that did not too readily obtrude itself.
a strong positive emotion of regard and affection
From this reading But the love which had taken such despotic possession of Bertha’s nature could not be overthrown by any sudden means.
a person who loves someone or is loved by someone
From this reading She had such a consuming desire to find in Edward the lover of her dreams, that for certain periods she was indeed able to live in a fool’s paradise, which was none the less grateful because at the bottom of her heart she had an aching suspicion of its true character.
mainstaynounUS /ˈmeɪnsteɪ/
a prominent supporter
From this reading It dismayed her to think of her extreme loneliness; Edward was now her only mainstay and her only hope.
thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end
From this reading But the love which had taken such despotic possession of Bertha’s nature could not be overthrown by any sudden means.
momentarilyadverbUS /ˌmoʊmənˈterəli/
for an instant or moment
From this reading When she recovered her health and was able to resume her habits, it blazed out again like a fire, momentarily subdued, which has gained new strength in its coercion.
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading But the love which had taken such despotic possession of Bertha’s nature could not be overthrown by any sudden means.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading When she recovered her health and was able to resume her habits, it blazed out again like a fire, momentarily subdued, which has gained new strength in its coercion.
not any; not one
From this reading She no longer sought to deny that his love was unlike hers; but his coldness was not always apparent; vehemently wishing to find a response to her ardour, she closed her eyes to all that did not too readily obtrude itself.
not one, and not any
From this reading She had such a consuming desire to find in Edward the lover of her dreams, that for certain periods she was indeed able to live in a fool’s paradise, which was none the less grateful because at the bottom of her heart she had an aching suspicion of its true character.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading But the love which had taken such despotic possession of Bertha’s nature could not be overthrown by any sudden means.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading It dismayed her to think of her extreme loneliness; Edward was now her only mainstay and her only hope.
obtrudeverbUS /əbˈtruːd/
push to thrust outward
From this reading She no longer sought to deny that his love was unlike hers; but his coldness was not always apparent; vehemently wishing to find a response to her ardour, she closed her eyes to all that did not too readily obtrude itself.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading But the love which had taken such despotic possession of Bertha’s nature could not be overthrown by any sudden means.
and nothing more
From this reading It dismayed her to think of her extreme loneliness; Edward was now her only mainstay and her only hope.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading When she recovered her health and was able to resume her habits, it blazed out again like a fire, momentarily subdued, which has gained new strength in its coercion.
overthrownverbUS /ˌoʊvərˈθroʊn/
inflected form of “overthrow” — cause the downfall of; of rulers
From this reading But the love which had taken such despotic possession of Bertha’s nature could not be overthrown by any sudden means.
paradisenounUS /ˈperədaɪs/
any place of complete bliss and delight and peace
From this reading She had such a consuming desire to find in Edward the lover of her dreams, that for certain periods she was indeed able to live in a fool’s paradise, which was none the less grateful because at the bottom of her heart she had an aching suspicion of its true character.
periodsnounUS /ˈpɪriədz/
plural of “period” — an amount of time
From this reading She had such a consuming desire to find in Edward the lover of her dreams, that for certain periods she was indeed able to live in a fool’s paradise, which was none the less grateful because at the bottom of her heart she had an aching suspicion of its true character.
the act of having and controlling property
From this reading But the love which had taken such despotic possession of Bertha’s nature could not be overthrown by any sudden means.
without much difficulty
From this reading She no longer sought to deny that his love was unlike hers; but his coldness was not always apparent; vehemently wishing to find a response to her ardour, she closed her eyes to all that did not too readily obtrude itself.
freed from illness or injury
From this reading When she recovered her health and was able to resume her habits, it blazed out again like a fire, momentarily subdued, which has gained new strength in its coercion.
responsenounUS /rɪˈspɑːns/
a result
From this reading She no longer sought to deny that his love was unlike hers; but his coldness was not always apparent; vehemently wishing to find a response to her ardour, she closed her eyes to all that did not too readily obtrude itself.
resumeverbUS /rɪˈzuːm/
take up or begin anew
From this reading When she recovered her health and was able to resume her habits, it blazed out again like a fire, momentarily subdued, which has gained new strength in its coercion.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading When she recovered her health and was able to resume her habits, it blazed out again like a fire, momentarily subdued, which has gained new strength in its coercion.
that is looked for
From this reading She no longer sought to deny that his love was unlike hers; but his coldness was not always apparent; vehemently wishing to find a response to her ardour, she closed her eyes to all that did not too readily obtrude itself.
the property of being physically or mentally strong
From this reading When she recovered her health and was able to resume her habits, it blazed out again like a fire, momentarily subdued, which has gained new strength in its coercion.
subduedadjectiveUS /səbˈduːd/
in a softened tone
From this reading When she recovered her health and was able to resume her habits, it blazed out again like a fire, momentarily subdued, which has gained new strength in its coercion.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading But the love which had taken such despotic possession of Bertha’s nature could not be overthrown by any sudden means.
happening without warning or in a short space of time
From this reading But the love which had taken such despotic possession of Bertha’s nature could not be overthrown by any sudden means.
an impression that something might be the case
From this reading She had such a consuming desire to find in Edward the lover of her dreams, that for certain periods she was indeed able to live in a fool’s paradise, which was none the less grateful because at the bottom of her heart she had an aching suspicion of its true character.
takenadjectiveUS /ˈteɪkən/
understood in a certain way; made sense of
From this reading But the love which had taken such despotic possession of Bertha’s nature could not be overthrown by any sudden means.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading She no longer sought to deny that his love was unlike hers; but his coldness was not always apparent; vehemently wishing to find a response to her ardour, she closed her eyes to all that did not too readily obtrude itself.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading But the love which had taken such despotic possession of Bertha’s nature could not be overthrown by any sudden means.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading It dismayed her to think of her extreme loneliness; Edward was now her only mainstay and her only hope.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading When she recovered her health and was able to resume her habits, it blazed out again like a fire, momentarily subdued, which has gained new strength in its coercion.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading She no longer sought to deny that his love was unlike hers; but his coldness was not always apparent; vehemently wishing to find a response to her ardour, she closed her eyes to all that did not too readily obtrude itself.
consistent with fact or reality; not false
From this reading She had such a consuming desire to find in Edward the lover of her dreams, that for certain periods she was indeed able to live in a fool’s paradise, which was none the less grateful because at the bottom of her heart she had an aching suspicion of its true character.
unlikeadjectiveUS /ənˈlaɪk/
marked by dissimilarity
From this reading She no longer sought to deny that his love was unlike hers; but his coldness was not always apparent; vehemently wishing to find a response to her ardour, she closed her eyes to all that did not too readily obtrude itself.
vehementlyadverbUS /ˈviːəməntli/
in a vehement manner
From this reading She no longer sought to deny that his love was unlike hers; but his coldness was not always apparent; vehemently wishing to find a response to her ardour, she closed her eyes to all that did not too readily obtrude itself.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading When she recovered her health and was able to resume her habits, it blazed out again like a fire, momentarily subdued, which has gained new strength in its coercion.
at the time that
From this reading When she recovered her health and was able to resume her habits, it blazed out again like a fire, momentarily subdued, which has gained new strength in its coercion.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading But the love which had taken such despotic possession of Bertha’s nature could not be overthrown by any sudden means.
wishingnounUS /ˈwɪʃɪŋ/
a specific feeling of desire
From this reading She no longer sought to deny that his love was unlike hers; but his coldness was not always apparent; vehemently wishing to find a response to her ardour, she closed her eyes to all that did not too readily obtrude itself.
