used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading When Sir Robert went in somewhat reluctantly to Lily’s room--for he was not accustomed to illness, and did not know what to do or say, or even how to look, in a sick room--he found her fully conscious, very white, very worn, her eyes looking twice their usual size and full of that wonderful translucent clearness which exhaustion gives.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading “Uncle!” she cried, holding out two thin hands which seemed whiter than the mass of white linen about her.
commonly used or practiced; usual
From this reading When Sir Robert went in somewhat reluctantly to Lily’s room--for he was not accustomed to illness, and did not know what to do or say, or even how to look, in a sick room--he found her fully conscious, very white, very worn, her eyes looking twice their usual size and full of that wonderful translucent clearness which exhaustion gives.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading When Sir Robert went in somewhat reluctantly to Lily’s room--for he was not accustomed to illness, and did not know what to do or say, or even how to look, in a sick room--he found her fully conscious, very white, very worn, her eyes looking twice their usual size and full of that wonderful translucent clearness which exhaustion gives.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Her face, he did not know why, disposed the old gentleman to shed tears, though he was very far indeed from having any inclination that way in general.
take a court case to a higher court for review
From this reading There was a smile upon it, a smile of wistful appeal to him, such a claim upon his sympathy and help as perhaps no other human creature had ever made before.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading “Uncle Robert! oh! are you there?
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading There was a smile upon it, a smile of wistful appeal to him, such a claim upon his sympathy and help as perhaps no other human creature had ever made before.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading There was a smile upon it, a smile of wistful appeal to him, such a claim upon his sympathy and help as perhaps no other human creature had ever made before.
an assertion of a right (as to money or property)
From this reading There was a smile upon it, a smile of wistful appeal to him, such a claim upon his sympathy and help as perhaps no other human creature had ever made before.
clearnessnounUS /ˈklɪrnəs/
free from obscurity and easy to understand; the comprehensibility of clear expression
From this reading When Sir Robert went in somewhat reluctantly to Lily’s room--for he was not accustomed to illness, and did not know what to do or say, or even how to look, in a sick room--he found her fully conscious, very white, very worn, her eyes looking twice their usual size and full of that wonderful translucent clearness which exhaustion gives.
intentionally conceived
From this reading When Sir Robert went in somewhat reluctantly to Lily’s room--for he was not accustomed to illness, and did not know what to do or say, or even how to look, in a sick room--he found her fully conscious, very white, very worn, her eyes looking twice their usual size and full of that wonderful translucent clearness which exhaustion gives.
a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading There was a smile upon it, a smile of wistful appeal to him, such a claim upon his sympathy and help as perhaps no other human creature had ever made before.
inflected form of “cry” — utter a sudden loud cry
From this reading “Uncle!” she cried, holding out two thin hands which seemed whiter than the mass of white linen about her.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading When Sir Robert went in somewhat reluctantly to Lily’s room--for he was not accustomed to illness, and did not know what to do or say, or even how to look, in a sick room--he found her fully conscious, very white, very worn, her eyes looking twice their usual size and full of that wonderful translucent clearness which exhaustion gives.
having made preparations
From this reading Her face, he did not know why, disposed the old gentleman to shed tears, though he was very far indeed from having any inclination that way in general.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading When Sir Robert went in somewhat reluctantly to Lily’s room--for he was not accustomed to illness, and did not know what to do or say, or even how to look, in a sick room--he found her fully conscious, very white, very worn, her eyes looking twice their usual size and full of that wonderful translucent clearness which exhaustion gives.
divisible by two
From this reading When Sir Robert went in somewhat reluctantly to Lily’s room--for he was not accustomed to illness, and did not know what to do or say, or even how to look, in a sick room--he found her fully conscious, very white, very worn, her eyes looking twice their usual size and full of that wonderful translucent clearness which exhaustion gives.
at any time
From this reading There was a smile upon it, a smile of wistful appeal to him, such a claim upon his sympathy and help as perhaps no other human creature had ever made before.
exhaustionnounUS /ɪɡˈzɔːstʃən/
extreme fatigue
From this reading When Sir Robert went in somewhat reluctantly to Lily’s room--for he was not accustomed to illness, and did not know what to do or say, or even how to look, in a sick room--he found her fully conscious, very white, very worn, her eyes looking twice their usual size and full of that wonderful translucent clearness which exhaustion gives.
opinion or judgment
From this reading When Sir Robert went in somewhat reluctantly to Lily’s room--for he was not accustomed to illness, and did not know what to do or say, or even how to look, in a sick room--he found her fully conscious, very white, very worn, her eyes looking twice their usual size and full of that wonderful translucent clearness which exhaustion gives.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading Her face, he did not know why, disposed the old gentleman to shed tears, though he was very far indeed from having any inclination that way in general.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading Her face, he did not know why, disposed the old gentleman to shed tears, though he was very far indeed from having any inclination that way in general.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading When Sir Robert went in somewhat reluctantly to Lily’s room--for he was not accustomed to illness, and did not know what to do or say, or even how to look, in a sick room--he found her fully conscious, very white, very worn, her eyes looking twice their usual size and full of that wonderful translucent clearness which exhaustion gives.
set up or found
From this reading When Sir Robert went in somewhat reluctantly to Lily’s room--for he was not accustomed to illness, and did not know what to do or say, or even how to look, in a sick room--he found her fully conscious, very white, very worn, her eyes looking twice their usual size and full of that wonderful translucent clearness which exhaustion gives.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Her face, he did not know why, disposed the old gentleman to shed tears, though he was very far indeed from having any inclination that way in general.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading When Sir Robert went in somewhat reluctantly to Lily’s room--for he was not accustomed to illness, and did not know what to do or say, or even how to look, in a sick room--he found her fully conscious, very white, very worn, her eyes looking twice their usual size and full of that wonderful translucent clearness which exhaustion gives.
to the greatest degree or extent; completely or entirely; (“full” in this sense is used as a combining form)
From this reading When Sir Robert went in somewhat reluctantly to Lily’s room--for he was not accustomed to illness, and did not know what to do or say, or even how to look, in a sick room--he found her fully conscious, very white, very worn, her eyes looking twice their usual size and full of that wonderful translucent clearness which exhaustion gives.
applying to all or most members of a category or group
From this reading Her face, he did not know why, disposed the old gentleman to shed tears, though he was very far indeed from having any inclination that way in general.
a man of refinement
From this reading Her face, he did not know why, disposed the old gentleman to shed tears, though he was very far indeed from having any inclination that way in general.
plural of “give” — the elasticity of something that can be stretched and returns to its original length
From this reading When Sir Robert went in somewhat reluctantly to Lily’s room--for he was not accustomed to illness, and did not know what to do or say, or even how to look, in a sick room--he found her fully conscious, very white, very worn, her eyes looking twice their usual size and full of that wonderful translucent clearness which exhaustion gives.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading There was a smile upon it, a smile of wistful appeal to him, such a claim upon his sympathy and help as perhaps no other human creature had ever made before.
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading “Uncle!” she cried, holding out two thin hands which seemed whiter than the mass of white linen about her.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading Her face, he did not know why, disposed the old gentleman to shed tears, though he was very far indeed from having any inclination that way in general.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading When Sir Robert went in somewhat reluctantly to Lily’s room--for he was not accustomed to illness, and did not know what to do or say, or even how to look, in a sick room--he found her fully conscious, very white, very worn, her eyes looking twice their usual size and full of that wonderful translucent clearness which exhaustion gives.
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading There was a smile upon it, a smile of wistful appeal to him, such a claim upon his sympathy and help as perhaps no other human creature had ever made before.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading When Sir Robert went in somewhat reluctantly to Lily’s room--for he was not accustomed to illness, and did not know what to do or say, or even how to look, in a sick room--he found her fully conscious, very white, very worn, her eyes looking twice their usual size and full of that wonderful translucent clearness which exhaustion gives.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading There was a smile upon it, a smile of wistful appeal to him, such a claim upon his sympathy and help as perhaps no other human creature had ever made before.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading There was a smile upon it, a smile of wistful appeal to him, such a claim upon his sympathy and help as perhaps no other human creature had ever made before.
the act of retaining something
From this reading “Uncle!” she cried, holding out two thin hands which seemed whiter than the mass of white linen about her.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Sir Robert went in somewhat reluctantly to Lily’s room--for he was not accustomed to illness, and did not know what to do or say, or even how to look, in a sick room--he found her fully conscious, very white, very worn, her eyes looking twice their usual size and full of that wonderful translucent clearness which exhaustion gives.
humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading There was a smile upon it, a smile of wistful appeal to him, such a claim upon his sympathy and help as perhaps no other human creature had ever made before.
illnessnounUS /ˈɪlnəs/
impairment of normal physiological function affecting part or all of an organism
From this reading When Sir Robert went in somewhat reluctantly to Lily’s room--for he was not accustomed to illness, and did not know what to do or say, or even how to look, in a sick room--he found her fully conscious, very white, very worn, her eyes looking twice their usual size and full of that wonderful translucent clearness which exhaustion gives.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading When Sir Robert went in somewhat reluctantly to Lily’s room--for he was not accustomed to illness, and did not know what to do or say, or even how to look, in a sick room--he found her fully conscious, very white, very worn, her eyes looking twice their usual size and full of that wonderful translucent clearness which exhaustion gives.
inclinationnounUS /ˌɪnkləˈneɪʃən/
an attitude of mind especially one that favors one alternative over others
From this reading Her face, he did not know why, disposed the old gentleman to shed tears, though he was very far indeed from having any inclination that way in general.
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading Her face, he did not know why, disposed the old gentleman to shed tears, though he was very far indeed from having any inclination that way in general.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading There was a smile upon it, a smile of wistful appeal to him, such a claim upon his sympathy and help as perhaps no other human creature had ever made before.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading When Sir Robert went in somewhat reluctantly to Lily’s room--for he was not accustomed to illness, and did not know what to do or say, or even how to look, in a sick room--he found her fully conscious, very white, very worn, her eyes looking twice their usual size and full of that wonderful translucent clearness which exhaustion gives.
Lily'snounUS /ˈlɪliːz/
possessive form of “lily” — any liliaceous plant of the genus Lilium having showy pendulous flowers
From this reading When Sir Robert went in somewhat reluctantly to Lily’s room--for he was not accustomed to illness, and did not know what to do or say, or even how to look, in a sick room--he found her fully conscious, very white, very worn, her eyes looking twice their usual size and full of that wonderful translucent clearness which exhaustion gives.
linennounUS /ˈlɪnən/
a fabric woven with fibers from the flax plant
From this reading “Uncle!” she cried, holding out two thin hands which seemed whiter than the mass of white linen about her.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading When Sir Robert went in somewhat reluctantly to Lily’s room--for he was not accustomed to illness, and did not know what to do or say, or even how to look, in a sick room--he found her fully conscious, very white, very worn, her eyes looking twice their usual size and full of that wonderful translucent clearness which exhaustion gives.
the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually
From this reading When Sir Robert went in somewhat reluctantly to Lily’s room--for he was not accustomed to illness, and did not know what to do or say, or even how to look, in a sick room--he found her fully conscious, very white, very worn, her eyes looking twice their usual size and full of that wonderful translucent clearness which exhaustion gives.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading There was a smile upon it, a smile of wistful appeal to him, such a claim upon his sympathy and help as perhaps no other human creature had ever made before.
the property of a body that causes it to have weight in a gravitational field
From this reading “Uncle!” she cried, holding out two thin hands which seemed whiter than the mass of white linen about her.
not any; not one
From this reading There was a smile upon it, a smile of wistful appeal to him, such a claim upon his sympathy and help as perhaps no other human creature had ever made before.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading When Sir Robert went in somewhat reluctantly to Lily’s room--for he was not accustomed to illness, and did not know what to do or say, or even how to look, in a sick room--he found her fully conscious, very white, very worn, her eyes looking twice their usual size and full of that wonderful translucent clearness which exhaustion gives.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading When Sir Robert went in somewhat reluctantly to Lily’s room--for he was not accustomed to illness, and did not know what to do or say, or even how to look, in a sick room--he found her fully conscious, very white, very worn, her eyes looking twice their usual size and full of that wonderful translucent clearness which exhaustion gives.
a midwestern state in north central United States in the Great Lakes region
From this reading “Uncle Robert! oh! are you there?
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading Her face, he did not know why, disposed the old gentleman to shed tears, though he was very far indeed from having any inclination that way in general.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading When Sir Robert went in somewhat reluctantly to Lily’s room--for he was not accustomed to illness, and did not know what to do or say, or even how to look, in a sick room--he found her fully conscious, very white, very worn, her eyes looking twice their usual size and full of that wonderful translucent clearness which exhaustion gives.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading There was a smile upon it, a smile of wistful appeal to him, such a claim upon his sympathy and help as perhaps no other human creature had ever made before.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading “Uncle!” she cried, holding out two thin hands which seemed whiter than the mass of white linen about her.
by chance
From this reading There was a smile upon it, a smile of wistful appeal to him, such a claim upon his sympathy and help as perhaps no other human creature had ever made before.
reluctantlyadverbUS /rɪˈlʌktəntli/
with reluctance
From this reading When Sir Robert went in somewhat reluctantly to Lily’s room--for he was not accustomed to illness, and did not know what to do or say, or even how to look, in a sick room--he found her fully conscious, very white, very worn, her eyes looking twice their usual size and full of that wonderful translucent clearness which exhaustion gives.
United States parliamentary authority and author (in 1876) of Robert's Rules of Order (1837-1923)
From this reading When Sir Robert went in somewhat reluctantly to Lily’s room--for he was not accustomed to illness, and did not know what to do or say, or even how to look, in a sick room--he found her fully conscious, very white, very worn, her eyes looking twice their usual size and full of that wonderful translucent clearness which exhaustion gives.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading When Sir Robert went in somewhat reluctantly to Lily’s room--for he was not accustomed to illness, and did not know what to do or say, or even how to look, in a sick room--he found her fully conscious, very white, very worn, her eyes looking twice their usual size and full of that wonderful translucent clearness which exhaustion gives.
express in words
From this reading When Sir Robert went in somewhat reluctantly to Lily’s room--for he was not accustomed to illness, and did not know what to do or say, or even how to look, in a sick room--he found her fully conscious, very white, very worn, her eyes looking twice their usual size and full of that wonderful translucent clearness which exhaustion gives.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading “Uncle!” she cried, holding out two thin hands which seemed whiter than the mass of white linen about her.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading “Uncle!” she cried, holding out two thin hands which seemed whiter than the mass of white linen about her.
get rid of
From this reading Her face, he did not know why, disposed the old gentleman to shed tears, though he was very far indeed from having any inclination that way in general.
affected by an impairment of normal physical or mental function
From this reading When Sir Robert went in somewhat reluctantly to Lily’s room--for he was not accustomed to illness, and did not know what to do or say, or even how to look, in a sick room--he found her fully conscious, very white, very worn, her eyes looking twice their usual size and full of that wonderful translucent clearness which exhaustion gives.
term of address for a man
From this reading When Sir Robert went in somewhat reluctantly to Lily’s room--for he was not accustomed to illness, and did not know what to do or say, or even how to look, in a sick room--he found her fully conscious, very white, very worn, her eyes looking twice their usual size and full of that wonderful translucent clearness which exhaustion gives.
the physical magnitude of something (how big it is)
From this reading When Sir Robert went in somewhat reluctantly to Lily’s room--for he was not accustomed to illness, and did not know what to do or say, or even how to look, in a sick room--he found her fully conscious, very white, very worn, her eyes looking twice their usual size and full of that wonderful translucent clearness which exhaustion gives.
change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure
From this reading There was a smile upon it, a smile of wistful appeal to him, such a claim upon his sympathy and help as perhaps no other human creature had ever made before.
to a small degree or extent
From this reading When Sir Robert went in somewhat reluctantly to Lily’s room--for he was not accustomed to illness, and did not know what to do or say, or even how to look, in a sick room--he found her fully conscious, very white, very worn, her eyes looking twice their usual size and full of that wonderful translucent clearness which exhaustion gives.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading There was a smile upon it, a smile of wistful appeal to him, such a claim upon his sympathy and help as perhaps no other human creature had ever made before.
an inclination to support or be loyal to or to agree with an opinion
From this reading There was a smile upon it, a smile of wistful appeal to him, such a claim upon his sympathy and help as perhaps no other human creature had ever made before.
the process of shedding tears (usually accompanied by sobs or other inarticulate sounds)
From this reading Her face, he did not know why, disposed the old gentleman to shed tears, though he was very far indeed from having any inclination that way in general.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading “Uncle!” she cried, holding out two thin hands which seemed whiter than the mass of white linen about her.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading When Sir Robert went in somewhat reluctantly to Lily’s room--for he was not accustomed to illness, and did not know what to do or say, or even how to look, in a sick room--he found her fully conscious, very white, very worn, her eyes looking twice their usual size and full of that wonderful translucent clearness which exhaustion gives.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Her face, he did not know why, disposed the old gentleman to shed tears, though he was very far indeed from having any inclination that way in general.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading When Sir Robert went in somewhat reluctantly to Lily’s room--for he was not accustomed to illness, and did not know what to do or say, or even how to look, in a sick room--he found her fully conscious, very white, very worn, her eyes looking twice their usual size and full of that wonderful translucent clearness which exhaustion gives.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There was a smile upon it, a smile of wistful appeal to him, such a claim upon his sympathy and help as perhaps no other human creature had ever made before.
Having little thickness or extent.
From this reading “Uncle!” she cried, holding out two thin hands which seemed whiter than the mass of white linen about her.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Her face, he did not know why, disposed the old gentleman to shed tears, though he was very far indeed from having any inclination that way in general.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading When Sir Robert went in somewhat reluctantly to Lily’s room--for he was not accustomed to illness, and did not know what to do or say, or even how to look, in a sick room--he found her fully conscious, very white, very worn, her eyes looking twice their usual size and full of that wonderful translucent clearness which exhaustion gives.
translucentadjectiveUS /trænˈsluːsənt/
allowing light to pass through diffusely
From this reading When Sir Robert went in somewhat reluctantly to Lily’s room--for he was not accustomed to illness, and did not know what to do or say, or even how to look, in a sick room--he found her fully conscious, very white, very worn, her eyes looking twice their usual size and full of that wonderful translucent clearness which exhaustion gives.
two times
From this reading When Sir Robert went in somewhat reluctantly to Lily’s room--for he was not accustomed to illness, and did not know what to do or say, or even how to look, in a sick room--he found her fully conscious, very white, very worn, her eyes looking twice their usual size and full of that wonderful translucent clearness which exhaustion gives.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading “Uncle!” she cried, holding out two thin hands which seemed whiter than the mass of white linen about her.
the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt
From this reading “Uncle!” she cried, holding out two thin hands which seemed whiter than the mass of white linen about her.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading There was a smile upon it, a smile of wistful appeal to him, such a claim upon his sympathy and help as perhaps no other human creature had ever made before.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading When Sir Robert went in somewhat reluctantly to Lily’s room--for he was not accustomed to illness, and did not know what to do or say, or even how to look, in a sick room--he found her fully conscious, very white, very worn, her eyes looking twice their usual size and full of that wonderful translucent clearness which exhaustion gives.
precisely as stated
From this reading When Sir Robert went in somewhat reluctantly to Lily’s room--for he was not accustomed to illness, and did not know what to do or say, or even how to look, in a sick room--he found her fully conscious, very white, very worn, her eyes looking twice their usual size and full of that wonderful translucent clearness which exhaustion gives.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading When Sir Robert went in somewhat reluctantly to Lily’s room--for he was not accustomed to illness, and did not know what to do or say, or even how to look, in a sick room--he found her fully conscious, very white, very worn, her eyes looking twice their usual size and full of that wonderful translucent clearness which exhaustion gives.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Her face, he did not know why, disposed the old gentleman to shed tears, though he was very far indeed from having any inclination that way in general.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading When Sir Robert went in somewhat reluctantly to Lily’s room--for he was not accustomed to illness, and did not know what to do or say, or even how to look, in a sick room--he found her fully conscious, very white, very worn, her eyes looking twice their usual size and full of that wonderful translucent clearness which exhaustion gives.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading When Sir Robert went in somewhat reluctantly to Lily’s room--for he was not accustomed to illness, and did not know what to do or say, or even how to look, in a sick room--he found her fully conscious, very white, very worn, her eyes looking twice their usual size and full of that wonderful translucent clearness which exhaustion gives.
at the time that
From this reading When Sir Robert went in somewhat reluctantly to Lily’s room--for he was not accustomed to illness, and did not know what to do or say, or even how to look, in a sick room--he found her fully conscious, very white, very worn, her eyes looking twice their usual size and full of that wonderful translucent clearness which exhaustion gives.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading When Sir Robert went in somewhat reluctantly to Lily’s room--for he was not accustomed to illness, and did not know what to do or say, or even how to look, in a sick room--he found her fully conscious, very white, very worn, her eyes looking twice their usual size and full of that wonderful translucent clearness which exhaustion gives.
a Caucasian
From this reading When Sir Robert went in somewhat reluctantly to Lily’s room--for he was not accustomed to illness, and did not know what to do or say, or even how to look, in a sick room--he found her fully conscious, very white, very worn, her eyes looking twice their usual size and full of that wonderful translucent clearness which exhaustion gives.
whiteradjectiveUS /ˈwaɪtər/
comparative of “white” — being of the achromatic color of maximum lightness; having little or no hue owing to reflection of almost all incident light
From this reading “Uncle!” she cried, holding out two thin hands which seemed whiter than the mass of white linen about her.
the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”
From this reading Her face, he did not know why, disposed the old gentleman to shed tears, though he was very far indeed from having any inclination that way in general.
wistfuladjectiveUS /ˈwɪstfəl/
showing pensive sadness
From this reading There was a smile upon it, a smile of wistful appeal to him, such a claim upon his sympathy and help as perhaps no other human creature had ever made before.
extraordinarily good or great; used especially as intensifiers
From this reading When Sir Robert went in somewhat reluctantly to Lily’s room--for he was not accustomed to illness, and did not know what to do or say, or even how to look, in a sick room--he found her fully conscious, very white, very worn, her eyes looking twice their usual size and full of that wonderful translucent clearness which exhaustion gives.
Damaged or thinned by continuous use.
From this reading When Sir Robert went in somewhat reluctantly to Lily’s room--for he was not accustomed to illness, and did not know what to do or say, or even how to look, in a sick room--he found her fully conscious, very white, very worn, her eyes looking twice their usual size and full of that wonderful translucent clearness which exhaustion gives.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “Uncle Robert! oh! are you there?
