Chapter VIII · Chapter 8

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

From this reading ‘If by this same strength and intensity he had merely projected himself as an invisible guest under the Duchess’ roof--if his feat had been wholly, as perhaps it was in part, a feat of mere wistfulness and longing--then I should have felt really sorry for him; and my conscience would have soundly rated me in his behalf.

(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 But no; if the wretched creature HAD been invisible to me, I shouldn’t have thought of Braxton at all--except with gladness that he wasn’t here.

Having no one else present.

From this reading That he was visible to me, and to me alone, wasn’t any sign of proper remorse within me.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading ‘If by this same strength and intensity he had merely projected himself as an invisible guest under the Duchess’ roof--if his feat had been wholly, as perhaps it was in part, a feat of mere wistfulness and longing--then I should have felt really sorry for him; and my conscience would have soundly rated me in his behalf.

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

From this reading ‘If by this same strength and intensity he had merely projected himself as an invisible guest under the Duchess’ roof--if his feat had been wholly, as perhaps it was in part, a feat of mere wistfulness and longing--then I should have felt really sorry for him; and my conscience would have soundly rated me in his behalf.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading That he was visible to me, and to me alone, wasn’t any sign of proper remorse within me.

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

From this reading ‘If by this same strength and intensity he had merely projected himself as an invisible guest under the Duchess’ roof--if his feat had been wholly, as perhaps it was in part, a feat of mere wistfulness and longing--then I should have felt really sorry for him; and my conscience would have soundly rated me in his behalf.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading But no; if the wretched creature HAD been invisible to me, I shouldn’t have thought of Braxton at all--except with gladness that he wasn’t here.

for which vengeance has been taken

From this reading ‘Well, it seemed to me that he was avenged--with a vengeance.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading ‘If by this same strength and intensity he had merely projected himself as an invisible guest under the Duchess’ roof--if his feat had been wholly, as perhaps it was in part, a feat of mere wistfulness and longing--then I should have felt really sorry for him; and my conscience would have soundly rated me in his behalf.

as the agent of or on someone's part (usually expressed as “on behalf of” rather than “in behalf of”)

From this reading ‘If by this same strength and intensity he had merely projected himself as an invisible guest under the Duchess’ roof--if his feat had been wholly, as perhaps it was in part, a feat of mere wistfulness and longing--then I should have felt really sorry for him; and my conscience would have soundly rated me in his behalf.

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

From this reading But no; if the wretched creature HAD been invisible to me, I shouldn’t have thought of Braxton at all--except with gladness that he wasn’t here.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But no; if the wretched creature HAD been invisible to me, I shouldn’t have thought of Braxton at all--except with gladness that he wasn’t here.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading ‘If by this same strength and intensity he had merely projected himself as an invisible guest under the Duchess’ roof--if his feat had been wholly, as perhaps it was in part, a feat of mere wistfulness and longing--then I should have felt really sorry for him; and my conscience would have soundly rated me in his behalf.

motivation deriving logically from ethical or moral principles that govern a person's thoughts and actions

From this reading ‘If by this same strength and intensity he had merely projected himself as an invisible guest under the Duchess’ roof--if his feat had been wholly, as perhaps it was in part, a feat of mere wistfulness and longing--then I should have felt really sorry for him; and my conscience would have soundly rated me in his behalf.

a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading But no; if the wretched creature HAD been invisible to me, I shouldn’t have thought of Braxton at all--except with gladness that he wasn’t here.

the wife of a duke or a woman holding ducal title in her own right

From this reading ‘If by this same strength and intensity he had merely projected himself as an invisible guest under the Duchess’ roof--if his feat had been wholly, as perhaps it was in part, a feat of mere wistfulness and longing--then I should have felt really sorry for him; and my conscience would have soundly rated me in his behalf.

apart from; not including

From this reading But no; if the wretched creature HAD been invisible to me, I shouldn’t have thought of Braxton at all--except with gladness that he wasn’t here.

a notable achievement

From this reading ‘If by this same strength and intensity he had merely projected himself as an invisible guest under the Duchess’ roof--if his feat had been wholly, as perhaps it was in part, a feat of mere wistfulness and longing--then I should have felt really sorry for him; and my conscience would have soundly rated me in his behalf.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading ‘If by this same strength and intensity he had merely projected himself as an invisible guest under the Duchess’ roof--if his feat had been wholly, as perhaps it was in part, a feat of mere wistfulness and longing--then I should have felt really sorry for him; and my conscience would have soundly rated me in his behalf.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading ‘If by this same strength and intensity he had merely projected himself as an invisible guest under the Duchess’ roof--if his feat had been wholly, as perhaps it was in part, a feat of mere wistfulness and longing--then I should have felt really sorry for him; and my conscience would have soundly rated me in his behalf.

judge tentatively or form an estimate of (quantities or time)

From this reading It was but the gauge of his incredible ill-will.

experiencing joy and pleasure

From this reading But no; if the wretched creature HAD been invisible to me, I shouldn’t have thought of Braxton at all--except with gladness that he wasn’t here.

a visitor to whom hospitality is extended

From this reading ‘If by this same strength and intensity he had merely projected himself as an invisible guest under the Duchess’ roof--if his feat had been wholly, as perhaps it was in part, a feat of mere wistfulness and longing--then I should have felt really sorry for him; and my conscience would have soundly rated me in his behalf.

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

From this reading ‘If by this same strength and intensity he had merely projected himself as an invisible guest under the Duchess’ roof--if his feat had been wholly, as perhaps it was in part, a feat of mere wistfulness and longing--then I should have felt really sorry for him; and my conscience would have soundly rated me in his behalf.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading ‘If by this same strength and intensity he had merely projected himself as an invisible guest under the Duchess’ roof--if his feat had been wholly, as perhaps it was in part, a feat of mere wistfulness and longing--then I should have felt really sorry for him; and my conscience would have soundly rated me in his behalf.

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

From this reading ‘If by this same strength and intensity he had merely projected himself as an invisible guest under the Duchess’ roof--if his feat had been wholly, as perhaps it was in part, a feat of mere wistfulness and longing--then I should have felt really sorry for him; and my conscience would have soundly rated me in his behalf.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading But no; if the wretched creature HAD been invisible to me, I shouldn’t have thought of Braxton at all--except with gladness that he wasn’t here.

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

From this reading ‘If by this same strength and intensity he had merely projected himself as an invisible guest under the Duchess’ roof--if his feat had been wholly, as perhaps it was in part, a feat of mere wistfulness and longing--then I should have felt really sorry for him; and my conscience would have soundly rated me in his behalf.

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

From this reading ‘If by this same strength and intensity he had merely projected himself as an invisible guest under the Duchess’ roof--if his feat had been wholly, as perhaps it was in part, a feat of mere wistfulness and longing--then I should have felt really sorry for him; and my conscience would have soundly rated me in his behalf.

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

From this reading ‘If by this same strength and intensity he had merely projected himself as an invisible guest under the Duchess’ roof--if his feat had been wholly, as perhaps it was in part, a feat of mere wistfulness and longing--then I should have felt really sorry for him; and my conscience would have soundly rated me in his behalf.

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

From this reading ‘If by this same strength and intensity he had merely projected himself as an invisible guest under the Duchess’ roof--if his feat had been wholly, as perhaps it was in part, a feat of mere wistfulness and longing--then I should have felt really sorry for him; and my conscience would have soundly rated me in his behalf.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading ‘If by this same strength and intensity he had merely projected himself as an invisible guest under the Duchess’ roof--if his feat had been wholly, as perhaps it was in part, a feat of mere wistfulness and longing--then I should have felt really sorry for him; and my conscience would have soundly rated me in his behalf.

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

From this reading It was but the gauge of his incredible ill-will.

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

From this reading ‘If by this same strength and intensity he had merely projected himself as an invisible guest under the Duchess’ roof--if his feat had been wholly, as perhaps it was in part, a feat of mere wistfulness and longing--then I should have felt really sorry for him; and my conscience would have soundly rated me in his behalf.

beyond belief or understanding

From this reading It was but the gauge of his incredible ill-will.

the amount of energy transmitted (as by acoustic or electromagnetic radiation)

From this reading ‘If by this same strength and intensity he had merely projected himself as an invisible guest under the Duchess’ roof--if his feat had been wholly, as perhaps it was in part, a feat of mere wistfulness and longing--then I should have felt really sorry for him; and my conscience would have soundly rated me in his behalf.

impossible or nearly impossible to see; imperceptible by the eye

From this reading ‘If by this same strength and intensity he had merely projected himself as an invisible guest under the Duchess’ roof--if his feat had been wholly, as perhaps it was in part, a feat of mere wistfulness and longing--then I should have felt really sorry for him; and my conscience would have soundly rated me in his behalf.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading ‘If by this same strength and intensity he had merely projected himself as an invisible guest under the Duchess’ roof--if his feat had been wholly, as perhaps it was in part, a feat of mere wistfulness and longing--then I should have felt really sorry for him; and my conscience would have soundly rated me in his behalf.

prolonged unfulfilled desire or need

From this reading ‘If by this same strength and intensity he had merely projected himself as an invisible guest under the Duchess’ roof--if his feat had been wholly, as perhaps it was in part, a feat of mere wistfulness and longing--then I should have felt really sorry for him; and my conscience would have soundly rated me in his behalf.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading ‘If by this same strength and intensity he had merely projected himself as an invisible guest under the Duchess’ roof--if his feat had been wholly, as perhaps it was in part, a feat of mere wistfulness and longing--then I should have felt really sorry for him; and my conscience would have soundly rated me in his behalf.

being nothing more than specified

From this reading ‘If by this same strength and intensity he had merely projected himself as an invisible guest under the Duchess’ roof--if his feat had been wholly, as perhaps it was in part, a feat of mere wistfulness and longing--then I should have felt really sorry for him; and my conscience would have soundly rated me in his behalf.

and nothing more

From this reading ‘If by this same strength and intensity he had merely projected himself as an invisible guest under the Duchess’ roof--if his feat had been wholly, as perhaps it was in part, a feat of mere wistfulness and longing--then I should have felt really sorry for him; and my conscience would have soundly rated me in his behalf.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading ‘If by this same strength and intensity he had merely projected himself as an invisible guest under the Duchess’ roof--if his feat had been wholly, as perhaps it was in part, a feat of mere wistfulness and longing--then I should have felt really sorry for him; and my conscience would have soundly rated me in his behalf.

not any; not one

From this reading But no; if the wretched creature HAD been invisible to me, I shouldn’t have thought of Braxton at all--except with gladness that he wasn’t here.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading ‘If by this same strength and intensity he had merely projected himself as an invisible guest under the Duchess’ roof--if his feat had been wholly, as perhaps it was in part, a feat of mere wistfulness and longing--then I should have felt really sorry for him; and my conscience would have soundly rated me in his behalf.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading ‘If by this same strength and intensity he had merely projected himself as an invisible guest under the Duchess’ roof--if his feat had been wholly, as perhaps it was in part, a feat of mere wistfulness and longing--then I should have felt really sorry for him; and my conscience would have soundly rated me in his behalf.

by chance

From this reading ‘If by this same strength and intensity he had merely projected himself as an invisible guest under the Duchess’ roof--if his feat had been wholly, as perhaps it was in part, a feat of mere wistfulness and longing--then I should have felt really sorry for him; and my conscience would have soundly rated me in his behalf.

extending out above or beyond a surface or boundary

From this reading ‘If by this same strength and intensity he had merely projected himself as an invisible guest under the Duchess’ roof--if his feat had been wholly, as perhaps it was in part, a feat of mere wistfulness and longing--then I should have felt really sorry for him; and my conscience would have soundly rated me in his behalf.

marked by suitability or rightness or appropriateness

From this reading That he was visible to me, and to me alone, wasn’t any sign of proper remorse within me.

past form of “rate” — assign a rank or rating to

From this reading ‘If by this same strength and intensity he had merely projected himself as an invisible guest under the Duchess’ roof--if his feat had been wholly, as perhaps it was in part, a feat of mere wistfulness and longing--then I should have felt really sorry for him; and my conscience would have soundly rated me in his behalf.

in accordance with truth or fact or reality

From this reading ‘If by this same strength and intensity he had merely projected himself as an invisible guest under the Duchess’ roof--if his feat had been wholly, as perhaps it was in part, a feat of mere wistfulness and longing--then I should have felt really sorry for him; and my conscience would have soundly rated me in his behalf.

a feeling of deep regret (usually for some misdeed)

From this reading That he was visible to me, and to me alone, wasn’t any sign of proper remorse within me.

a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building

From this reading ‘If by this same strength and intensity he had merely projected himself as an invisible guest under the Duchess’ roof--if his feat had been wholly, as perhaps it was in part, a feat of mere wistfulness and longing--then I should have felt really sorry for him; and my conscience would have soundly rated me in his behalf.

Identical; not different.

From this reading ‘If by this same strength and intensity he had merely projected himself as an invisible guest under the Duchess’ roof--if his feat had been wholly, as perhaps it was in part, a feat of mere wistfulness and longing--then I should have felt really sorry for him; and my conscience would have soundly rated me in his behalf.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading ‘Well, it seemed to me that he was avenged--with a vengeance.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading ‘If by this same strength and intensity he had merely projected himself as an invisible guest under the Duchess’ roof--if his feat had been wholly, as perhaps it was in part, a feat of mere wistfulness and longing--then I should have felt really sorry for him; and my conscience would have soundly rated me in his behalf.

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

From this reading But no; if the wretched creature HAD been invisible to me, I shouldn’t have thought of Braxton at all--except with gladness that he wasn’t here.

a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)

From this reading That he was visible to me, and to me alone, wasn’t any sign of proper remorse within me.

feeling or expressing regret or sorrow or a sense of loss over something done or undone

From this reading ‘If by this same strength and intensity he had merely projected himself as an invisible guest under the Duchess’ roof--if his feat had been wholly, as perhaps it was in part, a feat of mere wistfulness and longing--then I should have felt really sorry for him; and my conscience would have soundly rated me in his behalf.

deeply or completely

From this reading ‘If by this same strength and intensity he had merely projected himself as an invisible guest under the Duchess’ roof--if his feat had been wholly, as perhaps it was in part, a feat of mere wistfulness and longing--then I should have felt really sorry for him; and my conscience would have soundly rated me in his behalf.

the property of being physically or mentally strong

From this reading ‘If by this same strength and intensity he had merely projected himself as an invisible guest under the Duchess’ roof--if his feat had been wholly, as perhaps it was in part, a feat of mere wistfulness and longing--then I should have felt really sorry for him; and my conscience would have soundly rated me in his behalf.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading But no; if the wretched creature HAD been invisible to me, I shouldn’t have thought of Braxton at all--except with gladness that he wasn’t here.

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

From this reading ‘If by this same strength and intensity he had merely projected himself as an invisible guest under the Duchess’ roof--if his feat had been wholly, as perhaps it was in part, a feat of mere wistfulness and longing--then I should have felt really sorry for him; and my conscience would have soundly rated me in his behalf.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading ‘If by this same strength and intensity he had merely projected himself as an invisible guest under the Duchess’ roof--if his feat had been wholly, as perhaps it was in part, a feat of mere wistfulness and longing--then I should have felt really sorry for him; and my conscience would have soundly rated me in his behalf.

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

From this reading ‘If by this same strength and intensity he had merely projected himself as an invisible guest under the Duchess’ roof--if his feat had been wholly, as perhaps it was in part, a feat of mere wistfulness and longing--then I should have felt really sorry for him; and my conscience would have soundly rated me in his behalf.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading But no; if the wretched creature HAD been invisible to me, I shouldn’t have thought of Braxton at all--except with gladness that he wasn’t here.

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

From this reading But no; if the wretched creature HAD been invisible to me, I shouldn’t have thought of Braxton at all--except with gladness that he wasn’t here.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading ‘If by this same strength and intensity he had merely projected himself as an invisible guest under the Duchess’ roof--if his feat had been wholly, as perhaps it was in part, a feat of mere wistfulness and longing--then I should have felt really sorry for him; and my conscience would have soundly rated me in his behalf.

the act of taking revenge (harming someone in retaliation for something harmful that they have done) especially in the next life

From this reading ‘Well, it seemed to me that he was avenged--with a vengeance.

capable of being seen; or open to easy view

From this reading That he was visible to me, and to me alone, wasn’t any sign of proper remorse within me.

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

From this reading ‘If by this same strength and intensity he had merely projected himself as an invisible guest under the Duchess’ roof--if his feat had been wholly, as perhaps it was in part, a feat of mere wistfulness and longing--then I should have felt really sorry for him; and my conscience would have soundly rated me in his behalf.

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

From this reading But no; if the wretched creature HAD been invisible to me, I shouldn’t have thought of Braxton at all--except with gladness that he wasn’t here.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading ‘Well, it seemed to me that he was avenged--with a vengeance.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading ‘If by this same strength and intensity he had merely projected himself as an invisible guest under the Duchess’ roof--if his feat had been wholly, as perhaps it was in part, a feat of mere wistfulness and longing--then I should have felt really sorry for him; and my conscience would have soundly rated me in his behalf.

a sadly pensive longing

From this reading ‘If by this same strength and intensity he had merely projected himself as an invisible guest under the Duchess’ roof--if his feat had been wholly, as perhaps it was in part, a feat of mere wistfulness and longing--then I should have felt really sorry for him; and my conscience would have soundly rated me in his behalf.

in the company of; together with

From this reading But no; if the wretched creature HAD been invisible to me, I shouldn’t have thought of Braxton at all--except with gladness that he wasn’t here.

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading That he was visible to me, and to me alone, wasn’t any sign of proper remorse within me.

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

From this reading ‘If by this same strength and intensity he had merely projected himself as an invisible guest under the Duchess’ roof--if his feat had been wholly, as perhaps it was in part, a feat of mere wistfulness and longing--then I should have felt really sorry for him; and my conscience would have soundly rated me in his behalf.

of very poor quality or condition

From this reading But no; if the wretched creature HAD been invisible to me, I shouldn’t have thought of Braxton at all--except with gladness that he wasn’t here.