used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading But it was an idealism purely intellectual, a husk that hardly touched her inner life.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading The scaffolding of her life had raised her above crude or coarse desires; she did not need to scheme for social gains and recognitions; but her sympathy, her tenderness, her claiming of highest aims were tools to her--though she did not know that they were only tools--tools in a complex modern world weary of hardness and cynicism; altruistic tools used always for an egotistic end.
actionsnounUS /ˈækʃənz/
plural of “action” — something done (usually as opposed to something said)
From this reading Her thoughts dwelt upon lofty towers; her motives and actions often scuffled in the dust.
aimsnounUS /eɪmz/
plural of “aim” — an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading The scaffolding of her life had raised her above crude or coarse desires; she did not need to scheme for social gains and recognitions; but her sympathy, her tenderness, her claiming of highest aims were tools to her--though she did not know that they were only tools--tools in a complex modern world weary of hardness and cynicism; altruistic tools used always for an egotistic end.
altruisticadjectiveUS /ˌɔːltruːˈɪstɪk/
showing unselfish concern for the welfare of others
From this reading The scaffolding of her life had raised her above crude or coarse desires; she did not need to scheme for social gains and recognitions; but her sympathy, her tenderness, her claiming of highest aims were tools to her--though she did not know that they were only tools--tools in a complex modern world weary of hardness and cynicism; altruistic tools used always for an egotistic end.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading The scaffolding of her life had raised her above crude or coarse desires; she did not need to scheme for social gains and recognitions; but her sympathy, her tenderness, her claiming of highest aims were tools to her--though she did not know that they were only tools--tools in a complex modern world weary of hardness and cynicism; altruistic tools used always for an egotistic end.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading But it was an idealism purely intellectual, a husk that hardly touched her inner life.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Angela Bagley wore her idealism with conviction, so at home in it that she only saw herself dressed in its becoming lines and colours.
Angela
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Angela Bagley wore her idealism with conviction, so at home in it that she only saw herself dressed in its becoming lines and colours.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Angela Bagley wore her idealism with conviction, so at home in it that she only saw herself dressed in its becoming lines and colours.
Bagley
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Angela Bagley wore her idealism with conviction, so at home in it that she only saw herself dressed in its becoming lines and colours.
according with custom or propriety
From this reading Angela Bagley wore her idealism with conviction, so at home in it that she only saw herself dressed in its becoming lines and colours.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But it was an idealism purely intellectual, a husk that hardly touched her inner life.
claimingverbUS /ˈkleɪmɪŋ/
-ing form of “claim” — assert or affirm strongly; state to be true or existing
From this reading The scaffolding of her life had raised her above crude or coarse desires; she did not need to scheme for social gains and recognitions; but her sympathy, her tenderness, her claiming of highest aims were tools to her--though she did not know that they were only tools--tools in a complex modern world weary of hardness and cynicism; altruistic tools used always for an egotistic end.
clutchnounUS /klʌtʃ/
the act of grasping
From this reading Her meagre, self-intent nature grasped at power and prominence through the decorative spirituality, like the clutch, from precious laces, of a covetous hand.
coarseadjectiveUS /kɔːrs/
of textures that are rough to the touch or substances consisting of relatively large particles
From this reading The scaffolding of her life had raised her above crude or coarse desires; she did not need to scheme for social gains and recognitions; but her sympathy, her tenderness, her claiming of highest aims were tools to her--though she did not know that they were only tools--tools in a complex modern world weary of hardness and cynicism; altruistic tools used always for an egotistic end.
coloursnounUS /ˈkʌlərz/
a distinguishing emblem
From this reading Angela Bagley wore her idealism with conviction, so at home in it that she only saw herself dressed in its becoming lines and colours.
complexnounUS /ˈkɑːmpleks/
a conceptual whole made up of complicated and related parts
From this reading The scaffolding of her life had raised her above crude or coarse desires; she did not need to scheme for social gains and recognitions; but her sympathy, her tenderness, her claiming of highest aims were tools to her--though she did not know that they were only tools--tools in a complex modern world weary of hardness and cynicism; altruistic tools used always for an egotistic end.
an unshakable belief in something without need for proof or evidence
From this reading Angela Bagley wore her idealism with conviction, so at home in it that she only saw herself dressed in its becoming lines and colours.
covetousadjective
showing extreme cupidity; painfully desirous of another's advantages
From this reading Her meagre, self-intent nature grasped at power and prominence through the decorative spirituality, like the clutch, from precious laces, of a covetous hand.
crudeadjectiveUS /kruːd/
not carefully or expertly made
From this reading The scaffolding of her life had raised her above crude or coarse desires; she did not need to scheme for social gains and recognitions; but her sympathy, her tenderness, her claiming of highest aims were tools to her--though she did not know that they were only tools--tools in a complex modern world weary of hardness and cynicism; altruistic tools used always for an egotistic end.
cynicismnounUS /ˈsɪnɪsɪzəm/
a cynical feeling of distrust
From this reading The scaffolding of her life had raised her above crude or coarse desires; she did not need to scheme for social gains and recognitions; but her sympathy, her tenderness, her claiming of highest aims were tools to her--though she did not know that they were only tools--tools in a complex modern world weary of hardness and cynicism; altruistic tools used always for an egotistic end.
decorativeadjectiveUS /ˈdekrətɪv/
serving an esthetic rather than a useful purpose
From this reading Her meagre, self-intent nature grasped at power and prominence through the decorative spirituality, like the clutch, from precious laces, of a covetous hand.
desiresnounUS /dɪˈzaɪərz/
plural of “desire” — the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state
From this reading The scaffolding of her life had raised her above crude or coarse desires; she did not need to scheme for social gains and recognitions; but her sympathy, her tenderness, her claiming of highest aims were tools to her--though she did not know that they were only tools--tools in a complex modern world weary of hardness and cynicism; altruistic tools used always for an egotistic end.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading The scaffolding of her life had raised her above crude or coarse desires; she did not need to scheme for social gains and recognitions; but her sympathy, her tenderness, her claiming of highest aims were tools to her--though she did not know that they were only tools--tools in a complex modern world weary of hardness and cynicism; altruistic tools used always for an egotistic end.
dressed or clothed especially in fine attire; often used in combination
From this reading Angela Bagley wore her idealism with conviction, so at home in it that she only saw herself dressed in its becoming lines and colours.
remove the dust from
From this reading Her thoughts dwelt upon lofty towers; her motives and actions often scuffled in the dust.
dweltverbUS /dwelt/
inflected form of “dwell” — think moodily or anxiously about something
From this reading Her thoughts dwelt upon lofty towers; her motives and actions often scuffled in the dust.
egotisticadjective
characteristic of those having an inflated idea of their own importance
From this reading The scaffolding of her life had raised her above crude or coarse desires; she did not need to scheme for social gains and recognitions; but her sympathy, her tenderness, her claiming of highest aims were tools to her--though she did not know that they were only tools--tools in a complex modern world weary of hardness and cynicism; altruistic tools used always for an egotistic end.
either extremity of something that has length
From this reading The scaffolding of her life had raised her above crude or coarse desires; she did not need to scheme for social gains and recognitions; but her sympathy, her tenderness, her claiming of highest aims were tools to her--though she did not know that they were only tools--tools in a complex modern world weary of hardness and cynicism; altruistic tools used always for an egotistic end.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The scaffolding of her life had raised her above crude or coarse desires; she did not need to scheme for social gains and recognitions; but her sympathy, her tenderness, her claiming of highest aims were tools to her--though she did not know that they were only tools--tools in a complex modern world weary of hardness and cynicism; altruistic tools used always for an egotistic end.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Her meagre, self-intent nature grasped at power and prominence through the decorative spirituality, like the clutch, from precious laces, of a covetous hand.
gainsnounUS /ɡeɪnz/
plural of “gain” — a quantity that is added
From this reading The scaffolding of her life had raised her above crude or coarse desires; she did not need to scheme for social gains and recognitions; but her sympathy, her tenderness, her claiming of highest aims were tools to her--though she did not know that they were only tools--tools in a complex modern world weary of hardness and cynicism; altruistic tools used always for an egotistic end.
graspedverbUS /ɡræspt/
past form of “grasp” — hold firmly
From this reading Her meagre, self-intent nature grasped at power and prominence through the decorative spirituality, like the clutch, from precious laces, of a covetous hand.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The scaffolding of her life had raised her above crude or coarse desires; she did not need to scheme for social gains and recognitions; but her sympathy, her tenderness, her claiming of highest aims were tools to her--though she did not know that they were only tools--tools in a complex modern world weary of hardness and cynicism; altruistic tools used always for an egotistic end.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading Her meagre, self-intent nature grasped at power and prominence through the decorative spirituality, like the clutch, from precious laces, of a covetous hand.
only a very short time before
From this reading But it was an idealism purely intellectual, a husk that hardly touched her inner life.
hardnessnounUS /ˈhɑːrdnəs/
the property of being rigid and resistant to pressure; not easily scratched; measured on Mohs scale
From this reading The scaffolding of her life had raised her above crude or coarse desires; she did not need to scheme for social gains and recognitions; but her sympathy, her tenderness, her claiming of highest aims were tools to her--though she did not know that they were only tools--tools in a complex modern world weary of hardness and cynicism; altruistic tools used always for an egotistic end.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Angela Bagley wore her idealism with conviction, so at home in it that she only saw herself dressed in its becoming lines and colours.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading Angela Bagley wore her idealism with conviction, so at home in it that she only saw herself dressed in its becoming lines and colours.
superlative of “high” — greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading The scaffolding of her life had raised her above crude or coarse desires; she did not need to scheme for social gains and recognitions; but her sympathy, her tenderness, her claiming of highest aims were tools to her--though she did not know that they were only tools--tools in a complex modern world weary of hardness and cynicism; altruistic tools used always for an egotistic end.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading Angela Bagley wore her idealism with conviction, so at home in it that she only saw herself dressed in its becoming lines and colours.
husknounUS /hʌsk/
material consisting of seed coverings and small pieces of stem or leaves that have been separated from the seeds
From this reading But it was an idealism purely intellectual, a husk that hardly touched her inner life.
idealismnounUS /aɪˈdiːlɪzəm/
(philosophy) the philosophical theory that ideas are the only reality
From this reading Angela Bagley wore her idealism with conviction, so at home in it that she only saw herself dressed in its becoming lines and colours.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Angela Bagley wore her idealism with conviction, so at home in it that she only saw herself dressed in its becoming lines and colours.
located inward
From this reading But it was an idealism purely intellectual, a husk that hardly touched her inner life.
intellectualadjectiveUS /ˌɪntəˈlektʃuːəl/
of or associated with or requiring the use of the mind
From this reading But it was an idealism purely intellectual, a husk that hardly touched her inner life.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Angela Bagley wore her idealism with conviction, so at home in it that she only saw herself dressed in its becoming lines and colours.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Angela Bagley wore her idealism with conviction, so at home in it that she only saw herself dressed in its becoming lines and colours.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading The scaffolding of her life had raised her above crude or coarse desires; she did not need to scheme for social gains and recognitions; but her sympathy, her tenderness, her claiming of highest aims were tools to her--though she did not know that they were only tools--tools in a complex modern world weary of hardness and cynicism; altruistic tools used always for an egotistic end.
lacesnounUS /ˈleɪsəz/
plural of “lace” — a cord that is drawn through eyelets or around hooks in order to draw together two edges (as of a shoe or garment)
From this reading Her meagre, self-intent nature grasped at power and prominence through the decorative spirituality, like the clutch, from precious laces, of a covetous hand.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading But it was an idealism purely intellectual, a husk that hardly touched her inner life.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading Her meagre, self-intent nature grasped at power and prominence through the decorative spirituality, like the clutch, from precious laces, of a covetous hand.
plural of “line” — a formation of people or things one beside another
From this reading Angela Bagley wore her idealism with conviction, so at home in it that she only saw herself dressed in its becoming lines and colours.
loftyadjectiveUS /ˈlɔːfti/
of high moral or intellectual value; elevated in nature or style
From this reading Her thoughts dwelt upon lofty towers; her motives and actions often scuffled in the dust.
meagreadjective
deficient in amount or quality or extent
From this reading Her meagre, self-intent nature grasped at power and prominence through the decorative spirituality, like the clutch, from precious laces, of a covetous hand.
belonging to the modern era; since the Middle Ages
From this reading The scaffolding of her life had raised her above crude or coarse desires; she did not need to scheme for social gains and recognitions; but her sympathy, her tenderness, her claiming of highest aims were tools to her--though she did not know that they were only tools--tools in a complex modern world weary of hardness and cynicism; altruistic tools used always for an egotistic end.
motivesnounUS /ˈmoʊtɪvz/
plural of “motive” — the psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal; the reason for the action; that which gives purpose and direction to behavior
From this reading Her thoughts dwelt upon lofty towers; her motives and actions often scuffled in the dust.
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading Her meagre, self-intent nature grasped at power and prominence through the decorative spirituality, like the clutch, from precious laces, of a covetous hand.
a condition requiring relief
From this reading The scaffolding of her life had raised her above crude or coarse desires; she did not need to scheme for social gains and recognitions; but her sympathy, her tenderness, her claiming of highest aims were tools to her--though she did not know that they were only tools--tools in a complex modern world weary of hardness and cynicism; altruistic tools used always for an egotistic end.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The scaffolding of her life had raised her above crude or coarse desires; she did not need to scheme for social gains and recognitions; but her sympathy, her tenderness, her claiming of highest aims were tools to her--though she did not know that they were only tools--tools in a complex modern world weary of hardness and cynicism; altruistic tools used always for an egotistic end.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Her meagre, self-intent nature grasped at power and prominence through the decorative spirituality, like the clutch, from precious laces, of a covetous hand.
many times at short intervals
From this reading Her thoughts dwelt upon lofty towers; her motives and actions often scuffled in the dust.
and nothing more
From this reading Angela Bagley wore her idealism with conviction, so at home in it that she only saw herself dressed in its becoming lines and colours.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading The scaffolding of her life had raised her above crude or coarse desires; she did not need to scheme for social gains and recognitions; but her sympathy, her tenderness, her claiming of highest aims were tools to her--though she did not know that they were only tools--tools in a complex modern world weary of hardness and cynicism; altruistic tools used always for an egotistic end.
possession of controlling influence
From this reading Her meagre, self-intent nature grasped at power and prominence through the decorative spirituality, like the clutch, from precious laces, of a covetous hand.
characterized by feeling or showing fond affection for
From this reading Her meagre, self-intent nature grasped at power and prominence through the decorative spirituality, like the clutch, from precious laces, of a covetous hand.
prominencenounUS /ˈprɑːmənəns/
the state of being prominent: widely known or eminent
From this reading Her meagre, self-intent nature grasped at power and prominence through the decorative spirituality, like the clutch, from precious laces, of a covetous hand.
purelyadverbUS /ˈpjʊrli/
restricted to something
From this reading But it was an idealism purely intellectual, a husk that hardly touched her inner life.
located or moved above the surround or above the normal position
From this reading The scaffolding of her life had raised her above crude or coarse desires; she did not need to scheme for social gains and recognitions; but her sympathy, her tenderness, her claiming of highest aims were tools to her--though she did not know that they were only tools--tools in a complex modern world weary of hardness and cynicism; altruistic tools used always for an egotistic end.
recognitions
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The scaffolding of her life had raised her above crude or coarse desires; she did not need to scheme for social gains and recognitions; but her sympathy, her tenderness, her claiming of highest aims were tools to her--though she did not know that they were only tools--tools in a complex modern world weary of hardness and cynicism; altruistic tools used always for an egotistic end.
cut with a saw
From this reading Angela Bagley wore her idealism with conviction, so at home in it that she only saw herself dressed in its becoming lines and colours.
scaffoldingnounUS /ˈskæfəldɪŋ/
a system of scaffolds
From this reading The scaffolding of her life had raised her above crude or coarse desires; she did not need to scheme for social gains and recognitions; but her sympathy, her tenderness, her claiming of highest aims were tools to her--though she did not know that they were only tools--tools in a complex modern world weary of hardness and cynicism; altruistic tools used always for an egotistic end.
an elaborate and systematic plan of action
From this reading The scaffolding of her life had raised her above crude or coarse desires; she did not need to scheme for social gains and recognitions; but her sympathy, her tenderness, her claiming of highest aims were tools to her--though she did not know that they were only tools--tools in a complex modern world weary of hardness and cynicism; altruistic tools used always for an egotistic end.
scuffledverbUS /ˈskʌfəld/
past form of “scuffle” — walk by dragging one's feet
From this reading Her thoughts dwelt upon lofty towers; her motives and actions often scuffled in the dust.
self-intent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her meagre, self-intent nature grasped at power and prominence through the decorative spirituality, like the clutch, from precious laces, of a covetous hand.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Angela Bagley wore her idealism with conviction, so at home in it that she only saw herself dressed in its becoming lines and colours.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Angela Bagley wore her idealism with conviction, so at home in it that she only saw herself dressed in its becoming lines and colours.
relating to human society and its members
From this reading The scaffolding of her life had raised her above crude or coarse desires; she did not need to scheme for social gains and recognitions; but her sympathy, her tenderness, her claiming of highest aims were tools to her--though she did not know that they were only tools--tools in a complex modern world weary of hardness and cynicism; altruistic tools used always for an egotistic end.
spiritualitynounUS /ˌspɪrɪtʃuːˈælətiː/
property or income owned by a church
From this reading Her meagre, self-intent nature grasped at power and prominence through the decorative spirituality, like the clutch, from precious laces, of a covetous hand.
an inclination to support or be loyal to or to agree with an opinion
From this reading The scaffolding of her life had raised her above crude or coarse desires; she did not need to scheme for social gains and recognitions; but her sympathy, her tenderness, her claiming of highest aims were tools to her--though she did not know that they were only tools--tools in a complex modern world weary of hardness and cynicism; altruistic tools used always for an egotistic end.
a tendency to express warm and affectionate feeling
From this reading The scaffolding of her life had raised her above crude or coarse desires; she did not need to scheme for social gains and recognitions; but her sympathy, her tenderness, her claiming of highest aims were tools to her--though she did not know that they were only tools--tools in a complex modern world weary of hardness and cynicism; altruistic tools used always for an egotistic end.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Angela Bagley wore her idealism with conviction, so at home in it that she only saw herself dressed in its becoming lines and colours.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Her thoughts dwelt upon lofty towers; her motives and actions often scuffled in the dust.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The scaffolding of her life had raised her above crude or coarse desires; she did not need to scheme for social gains and recognitions; but her sympathy, her tenderness, her claiming of highest aims were tools to her--though she did not know that they were only tools--tools in a complex modern world weary of hardness and cynicism; altruistic tools used always for an egotistic end.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading The scaffolding of her life had raised her above crude or coarse desires; she did not need to scheme for social gains and recognitions; but her sympathy, her tenderness, her claiming of highest aims were tools to her--though she did not know that they were only tools--tools in a complex modern world weary of hardness and cynicism; altruistic tools used always for an egotistic end.
plural of “thought” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading Her thoughts dwelt upon lofty towers; her motives and actions often scuffled in the dust.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading Her meagre, self-intent nature grasped at power and prominence through the decorative spirituality, like the clutch, from precious laces, of a covetous hand.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The scaffolding of her life had raised her above crude or coarse desires; she did not need to scheme for social gains and recognitions; but her sympathy, her tenderness, her claiming of highest aims were tools to her--though she did not know that they were only tools--tools in a complex modern world weary of hardness and cynicism; altruistic tools used always for an egotistic end.
toolsnounUS /tuːlz/
plural of “tool” — an implement used in the practice of a vocation
From this reading The scaffolding of her life had raised her above crude or coarse desires; she did not need to scheme for social gains and recognitions; but her sympathy, her tenderness, her claiming of highest aims were tools to her--though she did not know that they were only tools--tools in a complex modern world weary of hardness and cynicism; altruistic tools used always for an egotistic end.
having come into contact
From this reading But it was an idealism purely intellectual, a husk that hardly touched her inner life.
towersnounUS /ˈtaʊərz/
plural of “tower” — a structure taller than its diameter; can stand alone or be attached to a larger building
From this reading Her thoughts dwelt upon lofty towers; her motives and actions often scuffled in the dust.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Her thoughts dwelt upon lofty towers; her motives and actions often scuffled in the dust.
employed in accomplishing something
From this reading The scaffolding of her life had raised her above crude or coarse desires; she did not need to scheme for social gains and recognitions; but her sympathy, her tenderness, her claiming of highest aims were tools to her--though she did not know that they were only tools--tools in a complex modern world weary of hardness and cynicism; altruistic tools used always for an egotistic end.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading But it was an idealism purely intellectual, a husk that hardly touched her inner life.
exhaust or get tired through overuse or great strain or stress
From this reading The scaffolding of her life had raised her above crude or coarse desires; she did not need to scheme for social gains and recognitions; but her sympathy, her tenderness, her claiming of highest aims were tools to her--though she did not know that they were only tools--tools in a complex modern world weary of hardness and cynicism; altruistic tools used always for an egotistic end.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The scaffolding of her life had raised her above crude or coarse desires; she did not need to scheme for social gains and recognitions; but her sympathy, her tenderness, her claiming of highest aims were tools to her--though she did not know that they were only tools--tools in a complex modern world weary of hardness and cynicism; altruistic tools used always for an egotistic end.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Angela Bagley wore her idealism with conviction, so at home in it that she only saw herself dressed in its becoming lines and colours.
inflected form of “wear” — be dressed in
From this reading Angela Bagley wore her idealism with conviction, so at home in it that she only saw herself dressed in its becoming lines and colours.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading The scaffolding of her life had raised her above crude or coarse desires; she did not need to scheme for social gains and recognitions; but her sympathy, her tenderness, her claiming of highest aims were tools to her--though she did not know that they were only tools--tools in a complex modern world weary of hardness and cynicism; altruistic tools used always for an egotistic end.
