used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Grace was from the city, dressed well, had dependent little ways which appealed to just such a manly person as Martin.
a positive feeling of liking
From this reading Between Linda and her brother there had always been good comradeship, but not much over-demonstration of affection.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading Between Linda and her brother there had always been good comradeship, but not much over-demonstration of affection.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading She made much of him, demanded his presence continually, cooed to him persuasively when he would be gone, pouted if he stayed too long, wept if he chided her for being a baby, but under her apparent softness there was obstinacy, and the set purpose of a jealous nature.
AnglesnounUS /ˈæŋɡəlz/
plural of “angle” — the space between two lines or planes that intersect; the inclination of one line to another; measured in degrees or radians
From this reading THE CLINGING VINE When, two years earlier, Martin Talbot brought his wife to the old family homestead of Talbot's Angles, Linda determined to make the best of the situation.
clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
From this reading She made much of him, demanded his presence continually, cooed to him persuasively when he would be gone, pouted if he stayed too long, wept if he chided her for being a baby, but under her apparent softness there was obstinacy, and the set purpose of a jealous nature.
appealedverbUS /əˈpiːld/
past form of “appeal” — take a court case to a higher court for review
From this reading Grace was from the city, dressed well, had dependent little ways which appealed to just such a manly person as Martin.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Grace was from the city, dressed well, had dependent little ways which appealed to just such a manly person as Martin.
a very young child (birth to 1 year) who has not yet begun to walk or talk
From this reading She made much of him, demanded his presence continually, cooed to him persuasively when he would be gone, pouted if he stayed too long, wept if he chided her for being a baby, but under her apparent softness there was obstinacy, and the set purpose of a jealous nature.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading If it was for Martin's happiness to marry the pretty, rather underbred, wholly self-centered Grace Johnson, his sister would not be the one to offer disillusionment.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Between Linda and her brother there had always been good comradeship, but not much over-demonstration of affection.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading She made much of him, demanded his presence continually, cooed to him persuasively when he would be gone, pouted if he stayed too long, wept if he chided her for being a baby, but under her apparent softness there was obstinacy, and the set purpose of a jealous nature.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading THE CLINGING VINE When, two years earlier, Martin Talbot brought his wife to the old family homestead of Talbot's Angles, Linda determined to make the best of the situation.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading Between Linda and her brother there had always been good comradeship, but not much over-demonstration of affection.
a male with the same parents as someone else
From this reading Between Linda and her brother there had always been good comradeship, but not much over-demonstration of affection.
inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading THE CLINGING VINE When, two years earlier, Martin Talbot brought his wife to the old family homestead of Talbot's Angles, Linda determined to make the best of the situation.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading She made much of him, demanded his presence continually, cooed to him persuasively when he would be gone, pouted if he stayed too long, wept if he chided her for being a baby, but under her apparent softness there was obstinacy, and the set purpose of a jealous nature.
chidedverbUS /ˈtʃaɪdɪd/
past form of “chide” — censure severely or angrily
From this reading She made much of him, demanded his presence continually, cooed to him persuasively when he would be gone, pouted if he stayed too long, wept if he chided her for being a baby, but under her apparent softness there was obstinacy, and the set purpose of a jealous nature.
a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts
From this reading Grace was from the city, dressed well, had dependent little ways which appealed to just such a manly person as Martin.
CLINGINGverbUS /ˈklɪŋɪŋ/
-ing form of “cling” — come or be in close contact with; stick or hold together and resist separation
From this reading THE CLINGING VINE When, two years earlier, Martin Talbot brought his wife to the old family homestead of Talbot's Angles, Linda determined to make the best of the situation.
comradeshipnoun
the quality of affording easy familiarity and sociability
From this reading Between Linda and her brother there had always been good comradeship, but not much over-demonstration of affection.
continuallyadverbUS /kənˈtɪnjuːəli/
seemingly without interruption
From this reading She made much of him, demanded his presence continually, cooed to him persuasively when he would be gone, pouted if he stayed too long, wept if he chided her for being a baby, but under her apparent softness there was obstinacy, and the set purpose of a jealous nature.
cooedverbUS /kuːd/
past form of “coo” — speak softly or lovingly
From this reading She made much of him, demanded his presence continually, cooed to him persuasively when he would be gone, pouted if he stayed too long, wept if he chided her for being a baby, but under her apparent softness there was obstinacy, and the set purpose of a jealous nature.
past form of “demand” — request urgently and forcefully
From this reading She made much of him, demanded his presence continually, cooed to him persuasively when he would be gone, pouted if he stayed too long, wept if he chided her for being a baby, but under her apparent softness there was obstinacy, and the set purpose of a jealous nature.
dependentadjectiveUS /dɪˈpendənt/
relying on or requiring a person or thing for support, supply, or what is needed
From this reading Grace was from the city, dressed well, had dependent little ways which appealed to just such a manly person as Martin.
characterized by great determination
From this reading THE CLINGING VINE When, two years earlier, Martin Talbot brought his wife to the old family homestead of Talbot's Angles, Linda determined to make the best of the situation.
disillusionmentnounUS /ˌdɪsɪˈluːʒənmənt/
freeing from false belief or illusions
From this reading If it was for Martin's happiness to marry the pretty, rather underbred, wholly self-centered Grace Johnson, his sister would not be the one to offer disillusionment.
dressed or clothed especially in fine attire; often used in combination
From this reading Grace was from the city, dressed well, had dependent little ways which appealed to just such a manly person as Martin.
earlier in time; previously
From this reading THE CLINGING VINE When, two years earlier, Martin Talbot brought his wife to the old family homestead of Talbot's Angles, Linda determined to make the best of the situation.
a social unit living together
From this reading THE CLINGING VINE When, two years earlier, Martin Talbot brought his wife to the old family homestead of Talbot's Angles, Linda determined to make the best of the situation.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading If it was for Martin's happiness to marry the pretty, rather underbred, wholly self-centered Grace Johnson, his sister would not be the one to offer disillusionment.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Grace was from the city, dressed well, had dependent little ways which appealed to just such a manly person as Martin.
destroyed or killed
From this reading She made much of him, demanded his presence continually, cooed to him persuasively when he would be gone, pouted if he stayed too long, wept if he chided her for being a baby, but under her apparent softness there was obstinacy, and the set purpose of a jealous nature.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading Between Linda and her brother there had always been good comradeship, but not much over-demonstration of affection.
(Christian theology) a state of sanctification by God; the state of one who is under such divine influence
From this reading If it was for Martin's happiness to marry the pretty, rather underbred, wholly self-centered Grace Johnson, his sister would not be the one to offer disillusionment.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Grace was from the city, dressed well, had dependent little ways which appealed to just such a manly person as Martin.
state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy
From this reading If it was for Martin's happiness to marry the pretty, rather underbred, wholly self-centered Grace Johnson, his sister would not be the one to offer disillusionment.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She made much of him, demanded his presence continually, cooed to him persuasively when he would be gone, pouted if he stayed too long, wept if he chided her for being a baby, but under her apparent softness there was obstinacy, and the set purpose of a jealous nature.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading She made much of him, demanded his presence continually, cooed to him persuasively when he would be gone, pouted if he stayed too long, wept if he chided her for being a baby, but under her apparent softness there was obstinacy, and the set purpose of a jealous nature.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading She made much of him, demanded his presence continually, cooed to him persuasively when he would be gone, pouted if he stayed too long, wept if he chided her for being a baby, but under her apparent softness there was obstinacy, and the set purpose of a jealous nature.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading THE CLINGING VINE When, two years earlier, Martin Talbot brought his wife to the old family homestead of Talbot's Angles, Linda determined to make the best of the situation.
homesteadnounUS /ˈhoʊmsted/
the home and adjacent grounds occupied by a family
From this reading THE CLINGING VINE When, two years earlier, Martin Talbot brought his wife to the old family homestead of Talbot's Angles, Linda determined to make the best of the situation.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading If it was for Martin's happiness to marry the pretty, rather underbred, wholly self-centered Grace Johnson, his sister would not be the one to offer disillusionment.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading If it was for Martin's happiness to marry the pretty, rather underbred, wholly self-centered Grace Johnson, his sister would not be the one to offer disillusionment.
showing extreme cupidity; painfully desirous of another's advantages
From this reading She made much of him, demanded his presence continually, cooed to him persuasively when he would be gone, pouted if he stayed too long, wept if he chided her for being a baby, but under her apparent softness there was obstinacy, and the set purpose of a jealous nature.
English writer and lexicographer (1709-1784)
From this reading If it was for Martin's happiness to marry the pretty, rather underbred, wholly self-centered Grace Johnson, his sister would not be the one to offer disillusionment.
and nothing more
From this reading Grace was from the city, dressed well, had dependent little ways which appealed to just such a manly person as Martin.
Linda
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE CLINGING VINE When, two years earlier, Martin Talbot brought his wife to the old family homestead of Talbot's Angles, Linda determined to make the best of the situation.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Grace was from the city, dressed well, had dependent little ways which appealed to just such a manly person as Martin.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading She made much of him, demanded his presence continually, cooed to him persuasively when he would be gone, pouted if he stayed too long, wept if he chided her for being a baby, but under her apparent softness there was obstinacy, and the set purpose of a jealous nature.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading She made much of him, demanded his presence continually, cooed to him persuasively when he would be gone, pouted if he stayed too long, wept if he chided her for being a baby, but under her apparent softness there was obstinacy, and the set purpose of a jealous nature.
engage in
From this reading THE CLINGING VINE When, two years earlier, Martin Talbot brought his wife to the old family homestead of Talbot's Angles, Linda determined to make the best of the situation.
manlyadjectiveUS /ˈmænli/
possessing qualities befitting a man
From this reading Grace was from the city, dressed well, had dependent little ways which appealed to just such a manly person as Martin.
take in marriage
From this reading If it was for Martin's happiness to marry the pretty, rather underbred, wholly self-centered Grace Johnson, his sister would not be the one to offer disillusionment.
French bishop who is a patron saint of France (died in 397)
From this reading THE CLINGING VINE When, two years earlier, Martin Talbot brought his wife to the old family homestead of Talbot's Angles, Linda determined to make the best of the situation.
Martin'snounUS /ˈmɑːrtənz/
possessive form of “martin” — French bishop who is a patron saint of France (died in 397)
From this reading If it was for Martin's happiness to marry the pretty, rather underbred, wholly self-centered Grace Johnson, his sister would not be the one to offer disillusionment.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading She made much of him, demanded his presence continually, cooed to him persuasively when he would be gone, pouted if he stayed too long, wept if he chided her for being a baby, but under her apparent softness there was obstinacy, and the set purpose of a jealous nature.
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading She made much of him, demanded his presence continually, cooed to him persuasively when he would be gone, pouted if he stayed too long, wept if he chided her for being a baby, but under her apparent softness there was obstinacy, and the set purpose of a jealous nature.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading If it was for Martin's happiness to marry the pretty, rather underbred, wholly self-centered Grace Johnson, his sister would not be the one to offer disillusionment.
obstinacynounUS /ˈɑːbstənəsi/
the trait of being difficult to handle or overcome
From this reading She made much of him, demanded his presence continually, cooed to him persuasively when he would be gone, pouted if he stayed too long, wept if he chided her for being a baby, but under her apparent softness there was obstinacy, and the set purpose of a jealous nature.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE CLINGING VINE When, two years earlier, Martin Talbot brought his wife to the old family homestead of Talbot's Angles, Linda determined to make the best of the situation.
make available or accessible, provide or furnish
From this reading If it was for Martin's happiness to marry the pretty, rather underbred, wholly self-centered Grace Johnson, his sister would not be the one to offer disillusionment.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading THE CLINGING VINE When, two years earlier, Martin Talbot brought his wife to the old family homestead of Talbot's Angles, Linda determined to make the best of the situation.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading If it was for Martin's happiness to marry the pretty, rather underbred, wholly self-centered Grace Johnson, his sister would not be the one to offer disillusionment.
over-demonstration
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Between Linda and her brother there had always been good comradeship, but not much over-demonstration of affection.
a human being
From this reading Grace was from the city, dressed well, had dependent little ways which appealed to just such a manly person as Martin.
persuasivelyadverbUS /pərˈsweɪsɪvli/
in a persuasive manner
From this reading She made much of him, demanded his presence continually, cooed to him persuasively when he would be gone, pouted if he stayed too long, wept if he chided her for being a baby, but under her apparent softness there was obstinacy, and the set purpose of a jealous nature.
poutedverbUS /ˈpaʊtɪd/
past form of “pout” — be in a huff and display one's displeasure
From this reading She made much of him, demanded his presence continually, cooed to him persuasively when he would be gone, pouted if he stayed too long, wept if he chided her for being a baby, but under her apparent softness there was obstinacy, and the set purpose of a jealous nature.
the state of being present; current existence
From this reading She made much of him, demanded his presence continually, cooed to him persuasively when he would be gone, pouted if he stayed too long, wept if he chided her for being a baby, but under her apparent softness there was obstinacy, and the set purpose of a jealous nature.
pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing
From this reading If it was for Martin's happiness to marry the pretty, rather underbred, wholly self-centered Grace Johnson, his sister would not be the one to offer disillusionment.
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading She made much of him, demanded his presence continually, cooed to him persuasively when he would be gone, pouted if he stayed too long, wept if he chided her for being a baby, but under her apparent softness there was obstinacy, and the set purpose of a jealous nature.
on the contrary
From this reading If it was for Martin's happiness to marry the pretty, rather underbred, wholly self-centered Grace Johnson, his sister would not be the one to offer disillusionment.
self-centeredadjectiveUS /ˈselfˈsentərd/
limited to or caring only about yourself and your own needs
From this reading If it was for Martin's happiness to marry the pretty, rather underbred, wholly self-centered Grace Johnson, his sister would not be the one to offer disillusionment.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading She made much of him, demanded his presence continually, cooed to him persuasively when he would be gone, pouted if he stayed too long, wept if he chided her for being a baby, but under her apparent softness there was obstinacy, and the set purpose of a jealous nature.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She made much of him, demanded his presence continually, cooed to him persuasively when he would be gone, pouted if he stayed too long, wept if he chided her for being a baby, but under her apparent softness there was obstinacy, and the set purpose of a jealous nature.
a female person who has the same parents as another person
From this reading If it was for Martin's happiness to marry the pretty, rather underbred, wholly self-centered Grace Johnson, his sister would not be the one to offer disillusionment.
the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time
From this reading THE CLINGING VINE When, two years earlier, Martin Talbot brought his wife to the old family homestead of Talbot's Angles, Linda determined to make the best of the situation.
softnessnounUS /ˈsɔːftnəs/
the property of giving little resistance to pressure and being easily cut or molded
From this reading She made much of him, demanded his presence continually, cooed to him persuasively when he would be gone, pouted if he stayed too long, wept if he chided her for being a baby, but under her apparent softness there was obstinacy, and the set purpose of a jealous nature.
past form of “stay” — stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading She made much of him, demanded his presence continually, cooed to him persuasively when he would be gone, pouted if he stayed too long, wept if he chided her for being a baby, but under her apparent softness there was obstinacy, and the set purpose of a jealous nature.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Grace was from the city, dressed well, had dependent little ways which appealed to just such a manly person as Martin.
TalbotnounUS /ˈtælbət/
English inventor and pioneer in photography who published the first book illustrated with photographs (1800-1877)
From this reading THE CLINGING VINE When, two years earlier, Martin Talbot brought his wife to the old family homestead of Talbot's Angles, Linda determined to make the best of the situation.
Talbot'snounUS /ˈtælbəts/
possessive form of “talbot” — English inventor and pioneer in photography who published the first book illustrated with photographs (1800-1877)
From this reading THE CLINGING VINE When, two years earlier, Martin Talbot brought his wife to the old family homestead of Talbot's Angles, Linda determined to make the best of the situation.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE CLINGING VINE When, two years earlier, Martin Talbot brought his wife to the old family homestead of Talbot's Angles, Linda determined to make the best of the situation.
in or at that place or location
From this reading She made much of him, demanded his presence continually, cooed to him persuasively when he would be gone, pouted if he stayed too long, wept if he chided her for being a baby, but under her apparent softness there was obstinacy, and the set purpose of a jealous nature.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE CLINGING VINE When, two years earlier, Martin Talbot brought his wife to the old family homestead of Talbot's Angles, Linda determined to make the best of the situation.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading She made much of him, demanded his presence continually, cooed to him persuasively when he would be gone, pouted if he stayed too long, wept if he chided her for being a baby, but under her apparent softness there was obstinacy, and the set purpose of a jealous nature.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading THE CLINGING VINE When, two years earlier, Martin Talbot brought his wife to the old family homestead of Talbot's Angles, Linda determined to make the best of the situation.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading She made much of him, demanded his presence continually, cooed to him persuasively when he would be gone, pouted if he stayed too long, wept if he chided her for being a baby, but under her apparent softness there was obstinacy, and the set purpose of a jealous nature.
underbredadjective
(of persons) lacking in refinement or grace
From this reading If it was for Martin's happiness to marry the pretty, rather underbred, wholly self-centered Grace Johnson, his sister would not be the one to offer disillusionment.
VINEnounUS /vaɪn/
a plant with a weak stem that derives support from climbing, twining, or creeping along a surface
From this reading THE CLINGING VINE When, two years earlier, Martin Talbot brought his wife to the old family homestead of Talbot's Angles, Linda determined to make the best of the situation.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading If it was for Martin's happiness to marry the pretty, rather underbred, wholly self-centered Grace Johnson, his sister would not be the one to offer disillusionment.
structure consisting of a sloping way down to the water from the place where ships are built or repaired
From this reading Grace was from the city, dressed well, had dependent little ways which appealed to just such a manly person as Martin.
(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 Grace was from the city, dressed well, had dependent little ways which appealed to just such a manly person as Martin.
inflected form of “weep” — shed tears because of sadness, rage, or pain
From this reading She made much of him, demanded his presence continually, cooed to him persuasively when he would be gone, pouted if he stayed too long, wept if he chided her for being a baby, but under her apparent softness there was obstinacy, and the set purpose of a jealous nature.
at the time that
From this reading THE CLINGING VINE When, two years earlier, Martin Talbot brought his wife to the old family homestead of Talbot's Angles, Linda determined to make the best of the situation.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Grace was from the city, dressed well, had dependent little ways which appealed to just such a manly person as Martin.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading If it was for Martin's happiness to marry the pretty, rather underbred, wholly self-centered Grace Johnson, his sister would not be the one to offer disillusionment.
a married woman; a man's partner in marriage
From this reading THE CLINGING VINE When, two years earlier, Martin Talbot brought his wife to the old family homestead of Talbot's Angles, Linda determined to make the best of the situation.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading If it was for Martin's happiness to marry the pretty, rather underbred, wholly self-centered Grace Johnson, his sister would not be the one to offer disillusionment.
a late time of life
From this reading THE CLINGING VINE When, two years earlier, Martin Talbot brought his wife to the old family homestead of Talbot's Angles, Linda determined to make the best of the situation.
