used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading She, who had no secrets from herself as sillier people have, confessed frankly to herself that what pleased her was what her fine penetration had discovered at a glance, the first moment that she had entered the Hôtel d'Othmar.
adventnounUS /ˈædvent/
arrival that has been awaited (especially of something momentous)
From this reading The Paris season seemed to all her world to have gained new brilliancy with the advent of the Princess Napraxine.
(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 The Paris season seemed to all her world to have gained new brilliancy with the advent of the Princess Napraxine.
amiableadjectiveUS /ˈeɪmiəbəl/
disposed to please
From this reading The opening of that most desired and exclusive of all houses was an event of supreme import in the hierarchy of society, and she herself had returned from her self-inflicted exile in the North more disposed than usual for its frivolities and graces, more willing than usual to deign to see and be seen, more general in her courtesies, more amiable and benignant in her condescensions.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The opening of that most desired and exclusive of all houses was an event of supreme import in the hierarchy of society, and she herself had returned from her self-inflicted exile in the North more disposed than usual for its frivolities and graces, more willing than usual to deign to see and be seen, more general in her courtesies, more amiable and benignant in her condescensions.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The opening of that most desired and exclusive of all houses was an event of supreme import in the hierarchy of society, and she herself had returned from her self-inflicted exile in the North more disposed than usual for its frivolities and graces, more willing than usual to deign to see and be seen, more general in her courtesies, more amiable and benignant in her condescensions.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading She, who had no secrets from herself as sillier people have, confessed frankly to herself that what pleased her was what her fine penetration had discovered at a glance, the first moment that she had entered the Hôtel d'Othmar.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading She, who had no secrets from herself as sillier people have, confessed frankly to herself that what pleased her was what her fine penetration had discovered at a glance, the first moment that she had entered the Hôtel d'Othmar.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The opening of that most desired and exclusive of all houses was an event of supreme import in the hierarchy of society, and she herself had returned from her self-inflicted exile in the North more disposed than usual for its frivolities and graces, more willing than usual to deign to see and be seen, more general in her courtesies, more amiable and benignant in her condescensions.
benignantadjective
pleasant and beneficial in nature or influence
From this reading The opening of that most desired and exclusive of all houses was an event of supreme import in the hierarchy of society, and she herself had returned from her self-inflicted exile in the North more disposed than usual for its frivolities and graces, more willing than usual to deign to see and be seen, more general in her courtesies, more amiable and benignant in her condescensions.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading She was less capricious, less inexorably exclusive, less merciless in her ironies; those who knew her nature best concluded that something had pleased her; no one knew what.
brilliancynoun
a quality that outshines the usual
From this reading The Paris season seemed to all her world to have gained new brilliancy with the advent of the Princess Napraxine.
capriciousadjectiveUS /kəˈprɪʃəs/
changeable
From this reading She was less capricious, less inexorably exclusive, less merciless in her ironies; those who knew her nature best concluded that something had pleased her; no one knew what.
pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives
From this reading When she chose, she could fascinate women scarcely less completely than she did men, and she did so choose this year of her reappearance from Russia.
inflected form of “choose” — pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives
From this reading When she chose, she could fascinate women scarcely less completely than she did men, and she did so choose this year of her reappearance from Russia.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading When she chose, she could fascinate women scarcely less completely than she did men, and she did so choose this year of her reappearance from Russia.
having come or been brought to a conclusion
From this reading She was less capricious, less inexorably exclusive, less merciless in her ironies; those who knew her nature best concluded that something had pleased her; no one knew what.
condescensions
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The opening of that most desired and exclusive of all houses was an event of supreme import in the hierarchy of society, and she herself had returned from her self-inflicted exile in the North more disposed than usual for its frivolities and graces, more willing than usual to deign to see and be seen, more general in her courtesies, more amiable and benignant in her condescensions.
confessedverbUS /kənˈfest/
past form of “confess” — confess to a punishable or reprehensible deed, usually under pressure
From this reading She, who had no secrets from herself as sillier people have, confessed frankly to herself that what pleased her was what her fine penetration had discovered at a glance, the first moment that she had entered the Hôtel d'Othmar.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading When she chose, she could fascinate women scarcely less completely than she did men, and she did so choose this year of her reappearance from Russia.
courtesiesnounUS /ˈkɜːrtəsiz/
plural of “courtesy” — a courteous or respectful or considerate act
From this reading The opening of that most desired and exclusive of all houses was an event of supreme import in the hierarchy of society, and she herself had returned from her self-inflicted exile in the North more disposed than usual for its frivolities and graces, more willing than usual to deign to see and be seen, more general in her courtesies, more amiable and benignant in her condescensions.
d'Othmar
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She, who had no secrets from herself as sillier people have, confessed frankly to herself that what pleased her was what her fine penetration had discovered at a glance, the first moment that she had entered the Hôtel d'Othmar.
deignverbUS /deɪn/
do something that one considers to be below one's dignity
From this reading The opening of that most desired and exclusive of all houses was an event of supreme import in the hierarchy of society, and she herself had returned from her self-inflicted exile in the North more disposed than usual for its frivolities and graces, more willing than usual to deign to see and be seen, more general in her courtesies, more amiable and benignant in her condescensions.
wanted intensely
From this reading The opening of that most desired and exclusive of all houses was an event of supreme import in the hierarchy of society, and she herself had returned from her self-inflicted exile in the North more disposed than usual for its frivolities and graces, more willing than usual to deign to see and be seen, more general in her courtesies, more amiable and benignant in her condescensions.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading When she chose, she could fascinate women scarcely less completely than she did men, and she did so choose this year of her reappearance from Russia.
discovered or determined by scientific observation
From this reading She, who had no secrets from herself as sillier people have, confessed frankly to herself that what pleased her was what her fine penetration had discovered at a glance, the first moment that she had entered the Hôtel d'Othmar.
having made preparations
From this reading The opening of that most desired and exclusive of all houses was an event of supreme import in the hierarchy of society, and she herself had returned from her self-inflicted exile in the North more disposed than usual for its frivolities and graces, more willing than usual to deign to see and be seen, more general in her courtesies, more amiable and benignant in her condescensions.
past form of “enter” — to come or go into
From this reading She, who had no secrets from herself as sillier people have, confessed frankly to herself that what pleased her was what her fine penetration had discovered at a glance, the first moment that she had entered the Hôtel d'Othmar.
something that happens at a given place and time
From this reading The opening of that most desired and exclusive of all houses was an event of supreme import in the hierarchy of society, and she herself had returned from her self-inflicted exile in the North more disposed than usual for its frivolities and graces, more willing than usual to deign to see and be seen, more general in her courtesies, more amiable and benignant in her condescensions.
exclusiveadjectiveUS /ɪkˈskluːsɪv/
not divided or shared with others
From this reading The opening of that most desired and exclusive of all houses was an event of supreme import in the hierarchy of society, and she herself had returned from her self-inflicted exile in the North more disposed than usual for its frivolities and graces, more willing than usual to deign to see and be seen, more general in her courtesies, more amiable and benignant in her condescensions.
exileverbUS /ˈeɡzaɪl/
expel from a country
From this reading The opening of that most desired and exclusive of all houses was an event of supreme import in the hierarchy of society, and she herself had returned from her self-inflicted exile in the North more disposed than usual for its frivolities and graces, more willing than usual to deign to see and be seen, more general in her courtesies, more amiable and benignant in her condescensions.
fascinateverbUS /ˈfæsəneɪt/
cause to be interested or curious
From this reading When she chose, she could fascinate women scarcely less completely than she did men, and she did so choose this year of her reappearance from Russia.
being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition
From this reading She, who had no secrets from herself as sillier people have, confessed frankly to herself that what pleased her was what her fine penetration had discovered at a glance, the first moment that she had entered the Hôtel d'Othmar.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading She, who had no secrets from herself as sillier people have, confessed frankly to herself that what pleased her was what her fine penetration had discovered at a glance, the first moment that she had entered the Hôtel d'Othmar.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The opening of that most desired and exclusive of all houses was an event of supreme import in the hierarchy of society, and she herself had returned from her self-inflicted exile in the North more disposed than usual for its frivolities and graces, more willing than usual to deign to see and be seen, more general in her courtesies, more amiable and benignant in her condescensions.
franklyadverbUS /ˈfræŋkli/
(used as intensives reflecting the speaker's attitude) it is sincerely the case that
From this reading She, who had no secrets from herself as sillier people have, confessed frankly to herself that what pleased her was what her fine penetration had discovered at a glance, the first moment that she had entered the Hôtel d'Othmar.
frivolities
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The opening of that most desired and exclusive of all houses was an event of supreme import in the hierarchy of society, and she herself had returned from her self-inflicted exile in the North more disposed than usual for its frivolities and graces, more willing than usual to deign to see and be seen, more general in her courtesies, more amiable and benignant in her condescensions.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The opening of that most desired and exclusive of all houses was an event of supreme import in the hierarchy of society, and she herself had returned from her self-inflicted exile in the North more disposed than usual for its frivolities and graces, more willing than usual to deign to see and be seen, more general in her courtesies, more amiable and benignant in her condescensions.
past form of “gain” — obtain
From this reading The Paris season seemed to all her world to have gained new brilliancy with the advent of the Princess Napraxine.
applying to all or most members of a category or group
From this reading The opening of that most desired and exclusive of all houses was an event of supreme import in the hierarchy of society, and she herself had returned from her self-inflicted exile in the North more disposed than usual for its frivolities and graces, more willing than usual to deign to see and be seen, more general in her courtesies, more amiable and benignant in her condescensions.
throw a glance at; take a brief look at
From this reading She, who had no secrets from herself as sillier people have, confessed frankly to herself that what pleased her was what her fine penetration had discovered at a glance, the first moment that she had entered the Hôtel d'Othmar.
gracesnounUS /ˈɡreɪsɪz/
plural of “grace” — (Christian theology) a state of sanctification by God; the state of one who is under such divine influence
From this reading The opening of that most desired and exclusive of all houses was an event of supreme import in the hierarchy of society, and she herself had returned from her self-inflicted exile in the North more disposed than usual for its frivolities and graces, more willing than usual to deign to see and be seen, more general in her courtesies, more amiable and benignant in her condescensions.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The opening of that most desired and exclusive of all houses was an event of supreme import in the hierarchy of society, and she herself had returned from her self-inflicted exile in the North more disposed than usual for its frivolities and graces, more willing than usual to deign to see and be seen, more general in her courtesies, more amiable and benignant in her condescensions.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading The Paris season seemed to all her world to have gained new brilliancy with the advent of the Princess Napraxine.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading The Paris season seemed to all her world to have gained new brilliancy with the advent of the Princess Napraxine.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading The opening of that most desired and exclusive of all houses was an event of supreme import in the hierarchy of society, and she herself had returned from her self-inflicted exile in the North more disposed than usual for its frivolities and graces, more willing than usual to deign to see and be seen, more general in her courtesies, more amiable and benignant in her condescensions.
hierarchynounUS /ˈhaɪərɑːrki/
a series of ordered groupings of people or things within a system
From this reading The opening of that most desired and exclusive of all houses was an event of supreme import in the hierarchy of society, and she herself had returned from her self-inflicted exile in the North more disposed than usual for its frivolities and graces, more willing than usual to deign to see and be seen, more general in her courtesies, more amiable and benignant in her condescensions.
plural of “house” — a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading The opening of that most desired and exclusive of all houses was an event of supreme import in the hierarchy of society, and she herself had returned from her self-inflicted exile in the North more disposed than usual for its frivolities and graces, more willing than usual to deign to see and be seen, more general in her courtesies, more amiable and benignant in her condescensions.
Hôtel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She, who had no secrets from herself as sillier people have, confessed frankly to herself that what pleased her was what her fine penetration had discovered at a glance, the first moment that she had entered the Hôtel d'Othmar.
importnounUS /ˌɪmˈpɔːrt/
commodities (goods or services) bought from a foreign country
From this reading The opening of that most desired and exclusive of all houses was an event of supreme import in the hierarchy of society, and she herself had returned from her self-inflicted exile in the North more disposed than usual for its frivolities and graces, more willing than usual to deign to see and be seen, more general in her courtesies, more amiable and benignant in her condescensions.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The opening of that most desired and exclusive of all houses was an event of supreme import in the hierarchy of society, and she herself had returned from her self-inflicted exile in the North more disposed than usual for its frivolities and graces, more willing than usual to deign to see and be seen, more general in her courtesies, more amiable and benignant in her condescensions.
inexorablyadverbUS /ˌɪˈneksərəbli/
in an inexorable manner
From this reading She was less capricious, less inexorably exclusive, less merciless in her ironies; those who knew her nature best concluded that something had pleased her; no one knew what.
ironiesnounUS /ˈaɪrəniz/
plural of “irony” — witty language used to convey insults or scorn
From this reading She was less capricious, less inexorably exclusive, less merciless in her ironies; those who knew her nature best concluded that something had pleased her; no one knew what.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading The opening of that most desired and exclusive of all houses was an event of supreme import in the hierarchy of society, and she herself had returned from her self-inflicted exile in the North more disposed than usual for its frivolities and graces, more willing than usual to deign to see and be seen, more general in her courtesies, more amiable and benignant in her condescensions.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading She was less capricious, less inexorably exclusive, less merciless in her ironies; those who knew her nature best concluded that something had pleased her; no one knew what.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading When she chose, she could fascinate women scarcely less completely than she did men, and she did so choose this year of her reappearance from Russia.
the force of workers available
From this reading When she chose, she could fascinate women scarcely less completely than she did men, and she did so choose this year of her reappearance from Russia.
mercilessadjectiveUS /ˈmɜːrsələs/
having or showing no mercy
From this reading She was less capricious, less inexorably exclusive, less merciless in her ironies; those who knew her nature best concluded that something had pleased her; no one knew what.
a particular point in time
From this reading She, who had no secrets from herself as sillier people have, confessed frankly to herself that what pleased her was what her fine penetration had discovered at a glance, the first moment that she had entered the Hôtel d'Othmar.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading The opening of that most desired and exclusive of all houses was an event of supreme import in the hierarchy of society, and she herself had returned from her self-inflicted exile in the North more disposed than usual for its frivolities and graces, more willing than usual to deign to see and be seen, more general in her courtesies, more amiable and benignant in her condescensions.
used to form the superlative
From this reading The opening of that most desired and exclusive of all houses was an event of supreme import in the hierarchy of society, and she herself had returned from her self-inflicted exile in the North more disposed than usual for its frivolities and graces, more willing than usual to deign to see and be seen, more general in her courtesies, more amiable and benignant in her condescensions.
Napraxine
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Paris season seemed to all her world to have gained new brilliancy with the advent of the Princess Napraxine.
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading She was less capricious, less inexorably exclusive, less merciless in her ironies; those who knew her nature best concluded that something had pleased her; no one knew what.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading The Paris season seemed to all her world to have gained new brilliancy with the advent of the Princess Napraxine.
not any; not one
From this reading She was less capricious, less inexorably exclusive, less merciless in her ironies; those who knew her nature best concluded that something had pleased her; no one knew what.
the region of the United States lying to the north of the Mason-Dixon line
From this reading The opening of that most desired and exclusive of all houses was an event of supreme import in the hierarchy of society, and she herself had returned from her self-inflicted exile in the North more disposed than usual for its frivolities and graces, more willing than usual to deign to see and be seen, more general in her courtesies, more amiable and benignant in her condescensions.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The Paris season seemed to all her world to have gained new brilliancy with the advent of the Princess Napraxine.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading She was less capricious, less inexorably exclusive, less merciless in her ironies; those who knew her nature best concluded that something had pleased her; no one knew what.
an open or empty space in or between things
From this reading The opening of that most desired and exclusive of all houses was an event of supreme import in the hierarchy of society, and she herself had returned from her self-inflicted exile in the North more disposed than usual for its frivolities and graces, more willing than usual to deign to see and be seen, more general in her courtesies, more amiable and benignant in her condescensions.
the capital and largest city of France; and international center of culture and commerce
From this reading The Paris season seemed to all her world to have gained new brilliancy with the advent of the Princess Napraxine.
penetrationnounUS /ˌpenəˈtreɪʃən/
an attack that penetrates into enemy territory
From this reading She, who had no secrets from herself as sillier people have, confessed frankly to herself that what pleased her was what her fine penetration had discovered at a glance, the first moment that she had entered the Hôtel d'Othmar.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading She, who had no secrets from herself as sillier people have, confessed frankly to herself that what pleased her was what her fine penetration had discovered at a glance, the first moment that she had entered the Hôtel d'Othmar.
experiencing or manifesting pleasure
From this reading She was less capricious, less inexorably exclusive, less merciless in her ironies; those who knew her nature best concluded that something had pleased her; no one knew what.
The daughter of a monarch; a female member of a royal family.
From this reading The Paris season seemed to all her world to have gained new brilliancy with the advent of the Princess Napraxine.
reappearancenounUS /ˌriːəˈpɪrəns/
the event of something appearing again
From this reading When she chose, she could fascinate women scarcely less completely than she did men, and she did so choose this year of her reappearance from Russia.
past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading The opening of that most desired and exclusive of all houses was an event of supreme import in the hierarchy of society, and she herself had returned from her self-inflicted exile in the North more disposed than usual for its frivolities and graces, more willing than usual to deign to see and be seen, more general in her courtesies, more amiable and benignant in her condescensions.
RussianounUS /ˈrʌʃə/
a former communist country in eastern Europe and northern Asia; established in 1922; included Russia and 14 other soviet socialist republics (Ukraine and Byelorussia and others); officially dissolved 31 December 1991
From this reading When she chose, she could fascinate women scarcely less completely than she did men, and she did so choose this year of her reappearance from Russia.
only a very short time before
From this reading When she chose, she could fascinate women scarcely less completely than she did men, and she did so choose this year of her reappearance from Russia.
a period of the year marked by special events or activities in some field
From this reading The Paris season seemed to all her world to have gained new brilliancy with the advent of the Princess Napraxine.
secretsnounUS /ˈsiːkrəts/
plural of “secret” — something that should remain hidden from others (especially information that is not to be passed on)
From this reading She, who had no secrets from herself as sillier people have, confessed frankly to herself that what pleased her was what her fine penetration had discovered at a glance, the first moment that she had entered the Hôtel d'Othmar.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading The opening of that most desired and exclusive of all houses was an event of supreme import in the hierarchy of society, and she herself had returned from her self-inflicted exile in the North more disposed than usual for its frivolities and graces, more willing than usual to deign to see and be seen, more general in her courtesies, more amiable and benignant in her condescensions.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading The Paris season seemed to all her world to have gained new brilliancy with the advent of the Princess Napraxine.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading The opening of that most desired and exclusive of all houses was an event of supreme import in the hierarchy of society, and she herself had returned from her self-inflicted exile in the North more disposed than usual for its frivolities and graces, more willing than usual to deign to see and be seen, more general in her courtesies, more amiable and benignant in her condescensions.
self-inflicted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The opening of that most desired and exclusive of all houses was an event of supreme import in the hierarchy of society, and she herself had returned from her self-inflicted exile in the North more disposed than usual for its frivolities and graces, more willing than usual to deign to see and be seen, more general in her courtesies, more amiable and benignant in her condescensions.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The opening of that most desired and exclusive of all houses was an event of supreme import in the hierarchy of society, and she herself had returned from her self-inflicted exile in the North more disposed than usual for its frivolities and graces, more willing than usual to deign to see and be seen, more general in her courtesies, more amiable and benignant in her condescensions.
sillieradjectiveUS /ˈsɪliər/
comparative of “silly” — ludicrous, foolish
From this reading She, who had no secrets from herself as sillier people have, confessed frankly to herself that what pleased her was what her fine penetration had discovered at a glance, the first moment that she had entered the Hôtel d'Othmar.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading When she chose, she could fascinate women scarcely less completely than she did men, and she did so choose this year of her reappearance from Russia.
an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization
From this reading The opening of that most desired and exclusive of all houses was an event of supreme import in the hierarchy of society, and she herself had returned from her self-inflicted exile in the North more disposed than usual for its frivolities and graces, more willing than usual to deign to see and be seen, more general in her courtesies, more amiable and benignant in her condescensions.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading She was less capricious, less inexorably exclusive, less merciless in her ironies; those who knew her nature best concluded that something had pleased her; no one knew what.
supremeadjectiveUS /səˈpriːm/
final or last in your life or progress
From this reading The opening of that most desired and exclusive of all houses was an event of supreme import in the hierarchy of society, and she herself had returned from her self-inflicted exile in the North more disposed than usual for its frivolities and graces, more willing than usual to deign to see and be seen, more general in her courtesies, more amiable and benignant in her condescensions.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading The opening of that most desired and exclusive of all houses was an event of supreme import in the hierarchy of society, and she herself had returned from her self-inflicted exile in the North more disposed than usual for its frivolities and graces, more willing than usual to deign to see and be seen, more general in her courtesies, more amiable and benignant in her condescensions.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The opening of that most desired and exclusive of all houses was an event of supreme import in the hierarchy of society, and she herself had returned from her self-inflicted exile in the North more disposed than usual for its frivolities and graces, more willing than usual to deign to see and be seen, more general in her courtesies, more amiable and benignant in her condescensions.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The Paris season seemed to all her world to have gained new brilliancy with the advent of the Princess Napraxine.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading When she chose, she could fascinate women scarcely less completely than she did men, and she did so choose this year of her reappearance from Russia.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading She was less capricious, less inexorably exclusive, less merciless in her ironies; those who knew her nature best concluded that something had pleased her; no one knew what.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The Paris season seemed to all her world to have gained new brilliancy with the advent of the Princess Napraxine.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading The opening of that most desired and exclusive of all houses was an event of supreme import in the hierarchy of society, and she herself had returned from her self-inflicted exile in the North more disposed than usual for its frivolities and graces, more willing than usual to deign to see and be seen, more general in her courtesies, more amiable and benignant in her condescensions.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The opening of that most desired and exclusive of all houses was an event of supreme import in the hierarchy of society, and she herself had returned from her self-inflicted exile in the North more disposed than usual for its frivolities and graces, more willing than usual to deign to see and be seen, more general in her courtesies, more amiable and benignant in her condescensions.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading She was less capricious, less inexorably exclusive, less merciless in her ironies; those who knew her nature best concluded that something had pleased her; no one knew what.
at the time that
From this reading When she chose, she could fascinate women scarcely less completely than she did men, and she did so choose this year of her reappearance from Russia.
which person or people
From this reading She was less capricious, less inexorably exclusive, less merciless in her ironies; those who knew her nature best concluded that something had pleased her; no one knew what.
disposed or inclined toward
From this reading The opening of that most desired and exclusive of all houses was an event of supreme import in the hierarchy of society, and she herself had returned from her self-inflicted exile in the North more disposed than usual for its frivolities and graces, more willing than usual to deign to see and be seen, more general in her courtesies, more amiable and benignant in her condescensions.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The Paris season seemed to all her world to have gained new brilliancy with the advent of the Princess Napraxine.
plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading When she chose, she could fascinate women scarcely less completely than she did men, and she did so choose this year of her reappearance from Russia.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading The Paris season seemed to all her world to have gained new brilliancy with the advent of the Princess Napraxine.
a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days
From this reading When she chose, she could fascinate women scarcely less completely than she did men, and she did so choose this year of her reappearance from Russia.
