Chapter XXXVIII · Chapter 38

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

From this reading The old lord, wishing to induce his son to undertake work of some sort, and feeling that his own efforts in this direction were worse than useless, had closeted himself with his intended daughter-in-law, and had obtained from her a promise that she would use her influence with her lover.

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

From this reading Comparing Notes It would, perhaps, be difficult to decide,--between Lord Chiltern and Miss Effingham,--which had been most wrong, or which had been nearest to the right, in the circumstances which had led to their separation.

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

From this reading Violet expressed a great doubt as to this willingness of obedience; but, nevertheless, she promised to do her best, and she did her best.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading Comparing Notes It would, perhaps, be difficult to decide,--between Lord Chiltern and Miss Effingham,--which had been most wrong, or which had been nearest to the right, in the circumstances which had led to their separation.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Comparing Notes It would, perhaps, be difficult to decide,--between Lord Chiltern and Miss Effingham,--which had been most wrong, or which had been nearest to the right, in the circumstances which had led to their separation.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading Violet expressed a great doubt as to this willingness of obedience; but, nevertheless, she promised to do her best, and she did her best.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading Comparing Notes It would, perhaps, be difficult to decide,--between Lord Chiltern and Miss Effingham,--which had been most wrong, or which had been nearest to the right, in the circumstances which had led to their separation.

propose a payment

From this reading “And he will if you bid him,” replied the Earl.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Violet expressed a great doubt as to this willingness of obedience; but, nevertheless, she promised to do her best, and she did her best.

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

From this reading Comparing Notes It would, perhaps, be difficult to decide,--between Lord Chiltern and Miss Effingham,--which had been most wrong, or which had been nearest to the right, in the circumstances which had led to their separation.

your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)

From this reading Comparing Notes It would, perhaps, be difficult to decide,--between Lord Chiltern and Miss Effingham,--which had been most wrong, or which had been nearest to the right, in the circumstances which had led to their separation.

past form of “closet” — confine to a small space, as for intensive work

From this reading The old lord, wishing to induce his son to undertake work of some sort, and feeling that his own efforts in this direction were worse than useless, had closeted himself with his intended daughter-in-law, and had obtained from her a promise that she would use her influence with her lover.

the act of examining resemblances

From this reading Comparing Notes It would, perhaps, be difficult to decide,--between Lord Chiltern and Miss Effingham,--which had been most wrong, or which had been nearest to the right, in the circumstances which had led to their separation.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading “Of course I think it right that he should do something,” Violet had said.

the wife of your son

From this reading The old lord, wishing to induce his son to undertake work of some sort, and feeling that his own efforts in this direction were worse than useless, had closeted himself with his intended daughter-in-law, and had obtained from her a promise that she would use her influence with her lover.

reach, make, or come to a decision about something

From this reading Comparing Notes It would, perhaps, be difficult to decide,--between Lord Chiltern and Miss Effingham,--which had been most wrong, or which had been nearest to the right, in the circumstances which had led to their separation.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading Violet expressed a great doubt as to this willingness of obedience; but, nevertheless, she promised to do her best, and she did her best.

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

From this reading Comparing Notes It would, perhaps, be difficult to decide,--between Lord Chiltern and Miss Effingham,--which had been most wrong, or which had been nearest to the right, in the circumstances which had led to their separation.

a line leading to a place or point

From this reading The old lord, wishing to induce his son to undertake work of some sort, and feeling that his own efforts in this direction were worse than useless, had closeted himself with his intended daughter-in-law, and had obtained from her a promise that she would use her influence with her lover.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading “Of course I think it right that he should do something,” Violet had said.

the state of being unsure of something

From this reading Violet expressed a great doubt as to this willingness of obedience; but, nevertheless, she promised to do her best, and she did her best.

a British peer ranking below a marquess and above a viscount

From this reading “And he will if you bid him,” replied the Earl.

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

From this reading Comparing Notes It would, perhaps, be difficult to decide,--between Lord Chiltern and Miss Effingham,--which had been most wrong, or which had been nearest to the right, in the circumstances which had led to their separation.

plural of “effort” — earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading The old lord, wishing to induce his son to undertake work of some sort, and feeling that his own efforts in this direction were worse than useless, had closeted himself with his intended daughter-in-law, and had obtained from her a promise that she would use her influence with her lover.

communicated in words

From this reading Violet expressed a great doubt as to this willingness of obedience; but, nevertheless, she promised to do her best, and she did her best.

the experiencing of affective and emotional states

From this reading The old lord, wishing to induce his son to undertake work of some sort, and feeling that his own efforts in this direction were worse than useless, had closeted himself with his intended daughter-in-law, and had obtained from her a promise that she would use her influence with her lover.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The old lord, wishing to induce his son to undertake work of some sort, and feeling that his own efforts in this direction were worse than useless, had closeted himself with his intended daughter-in-law, and had obtained from her a promise that she would use her influence with her lover.

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

From this reading Violet expressed a great doubt as to this willingness of obedience; but, nevertheless, she promised to do her best, and she did her best.

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

From this reading Comparing Notes It would, perhaps, be difficult to decide,--between Lord Chiltern and Miss Effingham,--which had been most wrong, or which had been nearest to the right, in the circumstances which had led to their separation.

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

From this reading “Of course I think it right that he should do something,” Violet had said.

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

From this reading The old lord, wishing to induce his son to undertake work of some sort, and feeling that his own efforts in this direction were worse than useless, had closeted himself with his intended daughter-in-law, and had obtained from her a promise that she would use her influence with her lover.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading “And he will if you bid him,” replied the Earl.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading The old lord, wishing to induce his son to undertake work of some sort, and feeling that his own efforts in this direction were worse than useless, had closeted himself with his intended daughter-in-law, and had obtained from her a promise that she would use her influence with her lover.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading The old lord, wishing to induce his son to undertake work of some sort, and feeling that his own efforts in this direction were worse than useless, had closeted himself with his intended daughter-in-law, and had obtained from her a promise that she would use her influence with her lover.

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

From this reading “Of course I think it right that he should do something,” Violet had said.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading “And he will if you bid him,” replied the Earl.

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

From this reading Comparing Notes It would, perhaps, be difficult to decide,--between Lord Chiltern and Miss Effingham,--which had been most wrong, or which had been nearest to the right, in the circumstances which had led to their separation.

cause to arise

From this reading The old lord, wishing to induce his son to undertake work of some sort, and feeling that his own efforts in this direction were worse than useless, had closeted himself with his intended daughter-in-law, and had obtained from her a promise that she would use her influence with her lover.

a power to affect persons or events especially power based on prestige etc

From this reading The old lord, wishing to induce his son to undertake work of some sort, and feeling that his own efforts in this direction were worse than useless, had closeted himself with his intended daughter-in-law, and had obtained from her a promise that she would use her influence with her lover.

resulting from one's intentions

From this reading The old lord, wishing to induce his son to undertake work of some sort, and feeling that his own efforts in this direction were worse than useless, had closeted himself with his intended daughter-in-law, and had obtained from her a promise that she would use her influence with her lover.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Comparing Notes It would, perhaps, be difficult to decide,--between Lord Chiltern and Miss Effingham,--which had been most wrong, or which had been nearest to the right, in the circumstances which had led to their separation.

diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used

From this reading Comparing Notes It would, perhaps, be difficult to decide,--between Lord Chiltern and Miss Effingham,--which had been most wrong, or which had been nearest to the right, in the circumstances which had led to their separation.

terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God

From this reading Comparing Notes It would, perhaps, be difficult to decide,--between Lord Chiltern and Miss Effingham,--which had been most wrong, or which had been nearest to the right, in the circumstances which had led to their separation.

a person who loves someone or is loved by someone

From this reading The old lord, wishing to induce his son to undertake work of some sort, and feeling that his own efforts in this direction were worse than useless, had closeted himself with his intended daughter-in-law, and had obtained from her a promise that she would use her influence with her lover.

fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind

From this reading Comparing Notes It would, perhaps, be difficult to decide,--between Lord Chiltern and Miss Effingham,--which had been most wrong, or which had been nearest to the right, in the circumstances which had led to their separation.

used to form the superlative

From this reading Comparing Notes It would, perhaps, be difficult to decide,--between Lord Chiltern and Miss Effingham,--which had been most wrong, or which had been nearest to the right, in the circumstances which had led to their separation.

(superlative of “near” or “close”) within the shortest distance

From this reading Comparing Notes It would, perhaps, be difficult to decide,--between Lord Chiltern and Miss Effingham,--which had been most wrong, or which had been nearest to the right, in the circumstances which had led to their separation.

in spite of what has just been said

From this reading Violet expressed a great doubt as to this willingness of obedience; but, nevertheless, she promised to do her best, and she did her best.

plural of “note” — a brief written record

From this reading Comparing Notes It would, perhaps, be difficult to decide,--between Lord Chiltern and Miss Effingham,--which had been most wrong, or which had been nearest to the right, in the circumstances which had led to their separation.

the act of obeying; dutiful or submissive behavior with respect to another person

From this reading Violet expressed a great doubt as to this willingness of obedience; but, nevertheless, she promised to do her best, and she did her best.

past form of “obtain” — come into possession of

From this reading The old lord, wishing to induce his son to undertake work of some sort, and feeling that his own efforts in this direction were worse than useless, had closeted himself with his intended daughter-in-law, and had obtained from her a promise that she would use her influence with her lover.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The old lord, wishing to induce his son to undertake work of some sort, and feeling that his own efforts in this direction were worse than useless, had closeted himself with his intended daughter-in-law, and had obtained from her a promise that she would use her influence with her lover.

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

From this reading The old lord, wishing to induce his son to undertake work of some sort, and feeling that his own efforts in this direction were worse than useless, had closeted himself with his intended daughter-in-law, and had obtained from her a promise that she would use her influence with her lover.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Comparing Notes It would, perhaps, be difficult to decide,--between Lord Chiltern and Miss Effingham,--which had been most wrong, or which had been nearest to the right, in the circumstances which had led to their separation.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading The old lord, wishing to induce his son to undertake work of some sort, and feeling that his own efforts in this direction were worse than useless, had closeted himself with his intended daughter-in-law, and had obtained from her a promise that she would use her influence with her lover.

by chance

From this reading Comparing Notes It would, perhaps, be difficult to decide,--between Lord Chiltern and Miss Effingham,--which had been most wrong, or which had been nearest to the right, in the circumstances which had led to their separation.

make a promise or commitment

From this reading The old lord, wishing to induce his son to undertake work of some sort, and feeling that his own efforts in this direction were worse than useless, had closeted himself with his intended daughter-in-law, and had obtained from her a promise that she would use her influence with her lover.

past form of “promise” — make a promise or commitment

From this reading Violet expressed a great doubt as to this willingness of obedience; but, nevertheless, she promised to do her best, and she did her best.

inflected form of “reply” — react verbally

From this reading “And he will if you bid him,” replied the Earl.

precisely, exactly

From this reading Comparing Notes It would, perhaps, be difficult to decide,--between Lord Chiltern and Miss Effingham,--which had been most wrong, or which had been nearest to the right, in the circumstances which had led to their separation.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading “Of course I think it right that he should do something,” Violet had said.

the state of lacking unity

From this reading Comparing Notes It would, perhaps, be difficult to decide,--between Lord Chiltern and Miss Effingham,--which had been most wrong, or which had been nearest to the right, in the circumstances which had led to their separation.

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

From this reading The old lord, wishing to induce his son to undertake work of some sort, and feeling that his own efforts in this direction were worse than useless, had closeted himself with his intended daughter-in-law, and had obtained from her a promise that she would use her influence with her lover.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading “Of course I think it right that he should do something,” Violet had said.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading The old lord, wishing to induce his son to undertake work of some sort, and feeling that his own efforts in this direction were worse than useless, had closeted himself with his intended daughter-in-law, and had obtained from her a promise that she would use her influence with her lover.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading “Of course I think it right that he should do something,” Violet had said.

a male human offspring

From this reading The old lord, wishing to induce his son to undertake work of some sort, and feeling that his own efforts in this direction were worse than useless, had closeted himself with his intended daughter-in-law, and had obtained from her a promise that she would use her influence with her lover.

a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading The old lord, wishing to induce his son to undertake work of some sort, and feeling that his own efforts in this direction were worse than useless, had closeted himself with his intended daughter-in-law, and had obtained from her a promise that she would use her influence with her lover.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading The old lord, wishing to induce his son to undertake work of some sort, and feeling that his own efforts in this direction were worse than useless, had closeted himself with his intended daughter-in-law, and had obtained from her a promise that she would use her influence with her lover.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The old lord, wishing to induce his son to undertake work of some sort, and feeling that his own efforts in this direction were worse than useless, had closeted himself with his intended daughter-in-law, and had obtained from her a promise that she would use her influence with her lover.

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

From this reading Comparing Notes It would, perhaps, be difficult to decide,--between Lord Chiltern and Miss Effingham,--which had been most wrong, or which had been nearest to the right, in the circumstances which had led to their separation.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Comparing Notes It would, perhaps, be difficult to decide,--between Lord Chiltern and Miss Effingham,--which had been most wrong, or which had been nearest to the right, in the circumstances which had led to their separation.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading “Of course I think it right that he should do something,” Violet had said.

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

From this reading The old lord, wishing to induce his son to undertake work of some sort, and feeling that his own efforts in this direction were worse than useless, had closeted himself with his intended daughter-in-law, and had obtained from her a promise that she would use her influence with her lover.

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

From this reading Comparing Notes It would, perhaps, be difficult to decide,--between Lord Chiltern and Miss Effingham,--which had been most wrong, or which had been nearest to the right, in the circumstances which had led to their separation.

enter upon an activity or enterprise

From this reading The old lord, wishing to induce his son to undertake work of some sort, and feeling that his own efforts in this direction were worse than useless, had closeted himself with his intended daughter-in-law, and had obtained from her a promise that she would use her influence with her lover.

the act of using

From this reading The old lord, wishing to induce his son to undertake work of some sort, and feeling that his own efforts in this direction were worse than useless, had closeted himself with his intended daughter-in-law, and had obtained from her a promise that she would use her influence with her lover.

having no beneficial use or incapable of functioning usefully

From this reading The old lord, wishing to induce his son to undertake work of some sort, and feeling that his own efforts in this direction were worse than useless, had closeted himself with his intended daughter-in-law, and had obtained from her a promise that she would use her influence with her lover.

any of numerous low-growing violas with small flowers

From this reading “Of course I think it right that he should do something,” Violet had said.

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

From this reading The old lord, wishing to induce his son to undertake work of some sort, and feeling that his own efforts in this direction were worse than useless, had closeted himself with his intended daughter-in-law, and had obtained from her a promise that she would use her influence with her lover.

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

From this reading Comparing Notes It would, perhaps, be difficult to decide,--between Lord Chiltern and Miss Effingham,--which had been most wrong, or which had been nearest to the right, in the circumstances which had led to their separation.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading “And he will if you bid him,” replied the Earl.

cheerful compliance

From this reading Violet expressed a great doubt as to this willingness of obedience; but, nevertheless, she promised to do her best, and she did her best.

a specific feeling of desire

From this reading The old lord, wishing to induce his son to undertake work of some sort, and feeling that his own efforts in this direction were worse than useless, had closeted himself with his intended daughter-in-law, and had obtained from her a promise that she would use her influence with her lover.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The old lord, wishing to induce his son to undertake work of some sort, and feeling that his own efforts in this direction were worse than useless, had closeted himself with his intended daughter-in-law, and had obtained from her a promise that she would use her influence with her lover.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading The old lord, wishing to induce his son to undertake work of some sort, and feeling that his own efforts in this direction were worse than useless, had closeted himself with his intended daughter-in-law, and had obtained from her a promise that she would use her influence with her lover.

(comparative of “bad”) inferior to another in quality or condition or desirability

From this reading The old lord, wishing to induce his son to undertake work of some sort, and feeling that his own efforts in this direction were worse than useless, had closeted himself with his intended daughter-in-law, and had obtained from her a promise that she would use her influence with her lover.

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

From this reading Comparing Notes It would, perhaps, be difficult to decide,--between Lord Chiltern and Miss Effingham,--which had been most wrong, or which had been nearest to the right, in the circumstances which had led to their separation.

not correct; not in conformity with fact or truth

From this reading Comparing Notes It would, perhaps, be difficult to decide,--between Lord Chiltern and Miss Effingham,--which had been most wrong, or which had been nearest to the right, in the circumstances which had led to their separation.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading “And he will if you bid him,” replied the Earl.