Chapter VIII · Some Signs of the Times

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

From this reading And, excepting to the parties most nearly concerned, it was scarcely a nine days’ wonder.

later than; following

From this reading To a great extent even their minds were speedily set at rest, for a few days after the wedding was to have taken place a letter reached her friend, Margaret Miller, which explained in part the occurrence, though unquestionably the real reason was that Mary’s heart was playing truant.

king of Wessex; defeated the Vikings and encouraged writing in English (849-899)

From this reading I simply dare not marry Alfred Greenholme, and I dare not say so.

(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 “Dear Margaret,” it said, “I am so frightened at what I have done that I do not know how to bear it; but you know I am such a coward that I could not bravely face it all out as I ought to have done.

the form of “be” used with “I”

From this reading “Dear Margaret,” it said, “I am so frightened at what I have done that I do not know how to bear it; but you know I am such a coward that I could not bravely face it all out as I ought to have done.

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

From this reading And, excepting to the parties most nearly concerned, it was scarcely a nine days’ wonder.

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

From this reading “Dear Margaret,” it said, “I am so frightened at what I have done that I do not know how to bear it; but you know I am such a coward that I could not bravely face it all out as I ought to have done.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading To a great extent even their minds were speedily set at rest, for a few days after the wedding was to have taken place a letter reached her friend, Margaret Miller, which explained in part the occurrence, though unquestionably the real reason was that Mary’s heart was playing truant.

have

From this reading “Dear Margaret,” it said, “I am so frightened at what I have done that I do not know how to bear it; but you know I am such a coward that I could not bravely face it all out as I ought to have done.

in a courageous manner

From this reading “Dear Margaret,” it said, “I am so frightened at what I have done that I do not know how to bear it; but you know I am such a coward that I could not bravely face it all out as I ought to have done.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading “Dear Margaret,” it said, “I am so frightened at what I have done that I do not know how to bear it; but you know I am such a coward that I could not bravely face it all out as I ought to have done.

feeling or showing worry or solicitude

From this reading And, excepting to the parties most nearly concerned, it was scarcely a nine days’ wonder.

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

From this reading “Dear Margaret,” it said, “I am so frightened at what I have done that I do not know how to bear it; but you know I am such a coward that I could not bravely face it all out as I ought to have done.

a person who shows fear or timidity

From this reading “Dear Margaret,” it said, “I am so frightened at what I have done that I do not know how to bear it; but you know I am such a coward that I could not bravely face it all out as I ought to have done.

take upon oneself; act presumptuously, without permission

From this reading I simply dare not marry Alfred Greenholme, and I dare not say so.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading And, excepting to the parties most nearly concerned, it was scarcely a nine days’ wonder.

dearly loved

From this reading “Dear Margaret,” it said, “I am so frightened at what I have done that I do not know how to bear it; but you know I am such a coward that I could not bravely face it all out as I ought to have done.

the act of leaving secretly or without explanation

From this reading Mary Wythburn’s disappearance was one of the signs of the times.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading “Dear Margaret,” it said, “I am so frightened at what I have done that I do not know how to bear it; but you know I am such a coward that I could not bravely face it all out as I ought to have done.

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading “Dear Margaret,” it said, “I am so frightened at what I have done that I do not know how to bear it; but you know I am such a coward that I could not bravely face it all out as I ought to have done.

divisible by two

From this reading To a great extent even their minds were speedily set at rest, for a few days after the wedding was to have taken place a letter reached her friend, Margaret Miller, which explained in part the occurrence, though unquestionably the real reason was that Mary’s heart was playing truant.

-ing form of “except” — take exception to

From this reading And, excepting to the parties most nearly concerned, it was scarcely a nine days’ wonder.

past form of “explain” — make plain and comprehensible

From this reading To a great extent even their minds were speedily set at rest, for a few days after the wedding was to have taken place a letter reached her friend, Margaret Miller, which explained in part the occurrence, though unquestionably the real reason was that Mary’s heart was playing truant.

the point or degree to which something extends

From this reading To a great extent even their minds were speedily set at rest, for a few days after the wedding was to have taken place a letter reached her friend, Margaret Miller, which explained in part the occurrence, though unquestionably the real reason was that Mary’s heart was playing truant.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading “Dear Margaret,” it said, “I am so frightened at what I have done that I do not know how to bear it; but you know I am such a coward that I could not bravely face it all out as I ought to have done.

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

From this reading To a great extent even their minds were speedily set at rest, for a few days after the wedding was to have taken place a letter reached her friend, Margaret Miller, which explained in part the occurrence, though unquestionably the real reason was that Mary’s heart was playing truant.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading To a great extent even their minds were speedily set at rest, for a few days after the wedding was to have taken place a letter reached her friend, Margaret Miller, which explained in part the occurrence, though unquestionably the real reason was that Mary’s heart was playing truant.

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading To a great extent even their minds were speedily set at rest, for a few days after the wedding was to have taken place a letter reached her friend, Margaret Miller, which explained in part the occurrence, though unquestionably the real reason was that Mary’s heart was playing truant.

made afraid

From this reading “Dear Margaret,” it said, “I am so frightened at what I have done that I do not know how to bear it; but you know I am such a coward that I could not bravely face it all out as I ought to have done.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading To a great extent even their minds were speedily set at rest, for a few days after the wedding was to have taken place a letter reached her friend, Margaret Miller, which explained in part the occurrence, though unquestionably the real reason was that Mary’s heart was playing truant.

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

From this reading I simply dare not marry Alfred Greenholme, and I dare not say so.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading To a great extent even their minds were speedily set at rest, for a few days after the wedding was to have taken place a letter reached her friend, Margaret Miller, which explained in part the occurrence, though unquestionably the real reason was that Mary’s heart was playing truant.

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading To a great extent even their minds were speedily set at rest, for a few days after the wedding was to have taken place a letter reached her friend, Margaret Miller, which explained in part the occurrence, though unquestionably the real reason was that Mary’s heart was playing truant.

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

From this reading To a great extent even their minds were speedily set at rest, for a few days after the wedding was to have taken place a letter reached her friend, Margaret Miller, which explained in part the occurrence, though unquestionably the real reason was that Mary’s heart was playing truant.

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

From this reading “Dear Margaret,” it said, “I am so frightened at what I have done that I do not know how to bear it; but you know I am such a coward that I could not bravely face it all out as I ought to have done.

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

From this reading “Dear Margaret,” it said, “I am so frightened at what I have done that I do not know how to bear it; but you know I am such a coward that I could not bravely face it all out as I ought to have done.

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

From this reading To a great extent even their minds were speedily set at rest, for a few days after the wedding was to have taken place a letter reached her friend, Margaret Miller, which explained in part the occurrence, though unquestionably the real reason was that Mary’s heart was playing truant.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading And, excepting to the parties most nearly concerned, it was scarcely a nine days’ wonder.

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

From this reading “Dear Margaret,” it said, “I am so frightened at what I have done that I do not know how to bear it; but you know I am such a coward that I could not bravely face it all out as I ought to have done.

a written message addressed to a person or organization

From this reading To a great extent even their minds were speedily set at rest, for a few days after the wedding was to have taken place a letter reached her friend, Margaret Miller, which explained in part the occurrence, though unquestionably the real reason was that Mary’s heart was playing truant.

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

From this reading To a great extent even their minds were speedily set at rest, for a few days after the wedding was to have taken place a letter reached her friend, Margaret Miller, which explained in part the occurrence, though unquestionably the real reason was that Mary’s heart was playing truant.

take in marriage

From this reading I simply dare not marry Alfred Greenholme, and I dare not say so.

the mother of Jesus; Christians refer to her as the Virgin Mary; she is especially honored by Roman Catholics

From this reading Mary Wythburn’s disappearance was one of the signs of the times.

possessive form of “mary” — the mother of Jesus; Christians refer to her as the Virgin Mary; she is especially honored by Roman Catholics

From this reading To a great extent even their minds were speedily set at rest, for a few days after the wedding was to have taken place a letter reached her friend, Margaret Miller, which explained in part the occurrence, though unquestionably the real reason was that Mary’s heart was playing truant.

United States bandleader of a popular big band (1909-1944)

From this reading To a great extent even their minds were speedily set at rest, for a few days after the wedding was to have taken place a letter reached her friend, Margaret Miller, which explained in part the occurrence, though unquestionably the real reason was that Mary’s heart was playing truant.

plural of “mind” — that which is responsible for one's thoughts, feelings, and conscious brain functions; the seat of the faculty of reason

From this reading To a great extent even their minds were speedily set at rest, for a few days after the wedding was to have taken place a letter reached her friend, Margaret Miller, which explained in part the occurrence, though unquestionably the real reason was that Mary’s heart was playing truant.

used to form the superlative

From this reading And, excepting to the parties most nearly concerned, it was scarcely a nine days’ wonder.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading And, excepting to the parties most nearly concerned, it was scarcely a nine days’ wonder.

the cardinal number that is the sum of eight and one

From this reading And, excepting to the parties most nearly concerned, it was scarcely a nine days’ wonder.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading “Dear Margaret,” it said, “I am so frightened at what I have done that I do not know how to bear it; but you know I am such a coward that I could not bravely face it all out as I ought to have done.

an event that happens

From this reading To a great extent even their minds were speedily set at rest, for a few days after the wedding was to have taken place a letter reached her friend, Margaret Miller, which explained in part the occurrence, though unquestionably the real reason was that Mary’s heart was playing truant.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Mary Wythburn’s disappearance was one of the signs of the times.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Mary Wythburn’s disappearance was one of the signs of the times.

used with “to” to say what is right or advisable

From this reading “Dear Margaret,” it said, “I am so frightened at what I have done that I do not know how to bear it; but you know I am such a coward that I could not bravely face it all out as I ought to have done.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading “Dear Margaret,” it said, “I am so frightened at what I have done that I do not know how to bear it; but you know I am such a coward that I could not bravely face it all out as I ought to have done.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading To a great extent even their minds were speedily set at rest, for a few days after the wedding was to have taken place a letter reached her friend, Margaret Miller, which explained in part the occurrence, though unquestionably the real reason was that Mary’s heart was playing truant.

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

From this reading And, excepting to the parties most nearly concerned, it was scarcely a nine days’ wonder.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading To a great extent even their minds were speedily set at rest, for a few days after the wedding was to have taken place a letter reached her friend, Margaret Miller, which explained in part the occurrence, though unquestionably the real reason was that Mary’s heart was playing truant.

the act of playing a musical instrument

From this reading To a great extent even their minds were speedily set at rest, for a few days after the wedding was to have taken place a letter reached her friend, Margaret Miller, which explained in part the occurrence, though unquestionably the real reason was that Mary’s heart was playing truant.

past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading To a great extent even their minds were speedily set at rest, for a few days after the wedding was to have taken place a letter reached her friend, Margaret Miller, which explained in part the occurrence, though unquestionably the real reason was that Mary’s heart was playing truant.

being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory

From this reading To a great extent even their minds were speedily set at rest, for a few days after the wedding was to have taken place a letter reached her friend, Margaret Miller, which explained in part the occurrence, though unquestionably the real reason was that Mary’s heart was playing truant.

a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading To a great extent even their minds were speedily set at rest, for a few days after the wedding was to have taken place a letter reached her friend, Margaret Miller, which explained in part the occurrence, though unquestionably the real reason was that Mary’s heart was playing truant.

not move; be in a resting position

From this reading To a great extent even their minds were speedily set at rest, for a few days after the wedding was to have taken place a letter reached her friend, Margaret Miller, which explained in part the occurrence, though unquestionably the real reason was that Mary’s heart was playing truant.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading “Dear Margaret,” it said, “I am so frightened at what I have done that I do not know how to bear it; but you know I am such a coward that I could not bravely face it all out as I ought to have done.

express in words

From this reading I simply dare not marry Alfred Greenholme, and I dare not say so.

only a very short time before

From this reading And, excepting to the parties most nearly concerned, it was scarcely a nine days’ wonder.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading To a great extent even their minds were speedily set at rest, for a few days after the wedding was to have taken place a letter reached her friend, Margaret Miller, which explained in part the occurrence, though unquestionably the real reason was that Mary’s heart was playing truant.

plural of “sign” — a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)

From this reading Mary Wythburn’s disappearance was one of the signs of the times.

and nothing more

From this reading I simply dare not marry Alfred Greenholme, and I dare not say so.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading “Dear Margaret,” it said, “I am so frightened at what I have done that I do not know how to bear it; but you know I am such a coward that I could not bravely face it all out as I ought to have done.

with speed

From this reading To a great extent even their minds were speedily set at rest, for a few days after the wedding was to have taken place a letter reached her friend, Margaret Miller, which explained in part the occurrence, though unquestionably the real reason was that Mary’s heart was playing truant.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading “Dear Margaret,” it said, “I am so frightened at what I have done that I do not know how to bear it; but you know I am such a coward that I could not bravely face it all out as I ought to have done.

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading To a great extent even their minds were speedily set at rest, for a few days after the wedding was to have taken place a letter reached her friend, Margaret Miller, which explained in part the occurrence, though unquestionably the real reason was that Mary’s heart was playing truant.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading To a great extent even their minds were speedily set at rest, for a few days after the wedding was to have taken place a letter reached her friend, Margaret Miller, which explained in part the occurrence, though unquestionably the real reason was that Mary’s heart was playing truant.

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

From this reading Mary Wythburn’s disappearance was one of the signs of the times.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading To a great extent even their minds were speedily set at rest, for a few days after the wedding was to have taken place a letter reached her friend, Margaret Miller, which explained in part the occurrence, though unquestionably the real reason was that Mary’s heart was playing truant.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading To a great extent even their minds were speedily set at rest, for a few days after the wedding was to have taken place a letter reached her friend, Margaret Miller, which explained in part the occurrence, though unquestionably the real reason was that Mary’s heart was playing truant.

a more or less definite period of time now or previously present

From this reading Mary Wythburn’s disappearance was one of the signs of the times.

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

From this reading And, excepting to the parties most nearly concerned, it was scarcely a nine days’ wonder.

one who is absent from school without permission

From this reading To a great extent even their minds were speedily set at rest, for a few days after the wedding was to have taken place a letter reached her friend, Margaret Miller, which explained in part the occurrence, though unquestionably the real reason was that Mary’s heart was playing truant.

without question

From this reading To a great extent even their minds were speedily set at rest, for a few days after the wedding was to have taken place a letter reached her friend, Margaret Miller, which explained in part the occurrence, though unquestionably the real reason was that Mary’s heart was playing truant.

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

From this reading Mary Wythburn’s disappearance was one of the signs of the times.

the social event at which the ceremony of marriage is performed

From this reading To a great extent even their minds were speedily set at rest, for a few days after the wedding was to have taken place a letter reached her friend, Margaret Miller, which explained in part the occurrence, though unquestionably the real reason was that Mary’s heart was playing truant.

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

From this reading To a great extent even their minds were speedily set at rest, for a few days after the wedding was to have taken place a letter reached her friend, Margaret Miller, which explained in part the occurrence, though unquestionably the real reason was that Mary’s heart was playing truant.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading “Dear Margaret,” it said, “I am so frightened at what I have done that I do not know how to bear it; but you know I am such a coward that I could not bravely face it all out as I ought to have done.

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

From this reading To a great extent even their minds were speedily set at rest, for a few days after the wedding was to have taken place a letter reached her friend, Margaret Miller, which explained in part the occurrence, though unquestionably the real reason was that Mary’s heart was playing truant.

the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising

From this reading And, excepting to the parties most nearly concerned, it was scarcely a nine days’ wonder.

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

From this reading Mary Wythburn’s disappearance was one of the signs of the times.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading “Dear Margaret,” it said, “I am so frightened at what I have done that I do not know how to bear it; but you know I am such a coward that I could not bravely face it all out as I ought to have done.