Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading “Of that,” said Belinda, with a constrained smile, “he gives the most convincing proof, by his admiring your ladyship so much.”

-ing form of “admire” — feel admiration for

From this reading “Of that,” said Belinda, with a constrained smile, “he gives the most convincing proof, by his admiring your ladyship so much.”

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading “Where were we when all this began?” cried Lady Delacour, forcing herself to resume an air of gaiety--“O, masquerade was the order of the day---tragedy or comedy? which suits your genius best, my dear?”

(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 “Where were we when all this began?” cried Lady Delacour, forcing herself to resume an air of gaiety--“O, masquerade was the order of the day---tragedy or comedy? which suits your genius best, my dear?”

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading “Why, my woman, Marriott, says I ought to be tragedy; and, upon the notion that people always succeed best when they take characters diametrically opposite to their own--Clarence Hervey’s principle--perhaps you don’t think that he has any principles; but there you are wrong; I do assure you, he has sound principles--of taste.”

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

From this reading “Where were we when all this began?” cried Lady Delacour, forcing herself to resume an air of gaiety--“O, masquerade was the order of the day---tragedy or comedy? which suits your genius best, my dear?”

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

From this reading “Why, my woman, Marriott, says I ought to be tragedy; and, upon the notion that people always succeed best when they take characters diametrically opposite to their own--Clarence Hervey’s principle--perhaps you don’t think that he has any principles; but there you are wrong; I do assure you, he has sound principles--of taste.”

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading “Why, my woman, Marriott, says I ought to be tragedy; and, upon the notion that people always succeed best when they take characters diametrically opposite to their own--Clarence Hervey’s principle--perhaps you don’t think that he has any principles; but there you are wrong; I do assure you, he has sound principles--of taste.”

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

From this reading “Why, my woman, Marriott, says I ought to be tragedy; and, upon the notion that people always succeed best when they take characters diametrically opposite to their own--Clarence Hervey’s principle--perhaps you don’t think that he has any principles; but there you are wrong; I do assure you, he has sound principles--of taste.”

make certain of

From this reading “Why, my woman, Marriott, says I ought to be tragedy; and, upon the notion that people always succeed best when they take characters diametrically opposite to their own--Clarence Hervey’s principle--perhaps you don’t think that he has any principles; but there you are wrong; I do assure you, he has sound principles--of taste.”

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

From this reading “Why, my woman, Marriott, says I ought to be tragedy; and, upon the notion that people always succeed best when they take characters diametrically opposite to their own--Clarence Hervey’s principle--perhaps you don’t think that he has any principles; but there you are wrong; I do assure you, he has sound principles--of taste.”

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading “Where were we when all this began?” cried Lady Delacour, forcing herself to resume an air of gaiety--“O, masquerade was the order of the day---tragedy or comedy? which suits your genius best, my dear?”

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

From this reading “Of that,” said Belinda, with a constrained smile, “he gives the most convincing proof, by his admiring your ladyship so much.”

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading “Where were we when all this began?” cried Lady Delacour, forcing herself to resume an air of gaiety--“O, masquerade was the order of the day---tragedy or comedy? which suits your genius best, my dear?”

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading “Why, my woman, Marriott, says I ought to be tragedy; and, upon the notion that people always succeed best when they take characters diametrically opposite to their own--Clarence Hervey’s principle--perhaps you don’t think that he has any principles; but there you are wrong; I do assure you, he has sound principles--of taste.”

showing who or what does the action

From this reading “Of that,” said Belinda, with a constrained smile, “he gives the most convincing proof, by his admiring your ladyship so much.”

plural of “character” — an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)

From this reading “Why, my woman, Marriott, says I ought to be tragedy; and, upon the notion that people always succeed best when they take characters diametrically opposite to their own--Clarence Hervey’s principle--perhaps you don’t think that he has any principles; but there you are wrong; I do assure you, he has sound principles--of taste.”

a closed carriage with four wheels and seats for four passengers

From this reading “Why, my woman, Marriott, says I ought to be tragedy; and, upon the notion that people always succeed best when they take characters diametrically opposite to their own--Clarence Hervey’s principle--perhaps you don’t think that he has any principles; but there you are wrong; I do assure you, he has sound principles--of taste.”

light and humorous drama with a happy ending

From this reading “Where were we when all this began?” cried Lady Delacour, forcing herself to resume an air of gaiety--“O, masquerade was the order of the day---tragedy or comedy? which suits your genius best, my dear?”

lacking spontaneity; not natural

From this reading “Of that,” said Belinda, with a constrained smile, “he gives the most convincing proof, by his admiring your ladyship so much.”

causing one to believe the truth of something

From this reading “Of that,” said Belinda, with a constrained smile, “he gives the most convincing proof, by his admiring your ladyship so much.”

inflected form of “cry” — utter a sudden loud cry

From this reading “Where were we when all this began?” cried Lady Delacour, forcing herself to resume an air of gaiety--“O, masquerade was the order of the day---tragedy or comedy? which suits your genius best, my dear?”

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading “Where were we when all this began?” cried Lady Delacour, forcing herself to resume an air of gaiety--“O, masquerade was the order of the day---tragedy or comedy? which suits your genius best, my dear?”

dearly loved

From this reading “Where were we when all this began?” cried Lady Delacour, forcing herself to resume an air of gaiety--“O, masquerade was the order of the day---tragedy or comedy? which suits your genius best, my dear?”

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

From this reading “Where were we when all this began?” cried Lady Delacour, forcing herself to resume an air of gaiety--“O, masquerade was the order of the day---tragedy or comedy? which suits your genius best, my dear?”

as from opposite ends of a diameter

From this reading “Why, my woman, Marriott, says I ought to be tragedy; and, upon the notion that people always succeed best when they take characters diametrically opposite to their own--Clarence Hervey’s principle--perhaps you don’t think that he has any principles; but there you are wrong; I do assure you, he has sound principles--of taste.”

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading “Why, my woman, Marriott, says I ought to be tragedy; and, upon the notion that people always succeed best when they take characters diametrically opposite to their own--Clarence Hervey’s principle--perhaps you don’t think that he has any principles; but there you are wrong; I do assure you, he has sound principles--of taste.”

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

From this reading “Why, my woman, Marriott, says I ought to be tragedy; and, upon the notion that people always succeed best when they take characters diametrically opposite to their own--Clarence Hervey’s principle--perhaps you don’t think that he has any principles; but there you are wrong; I do assure you, he has sound principles--of taste.”

-ing form of “force” — to cause to do through pressure or necessity, by physical, moral or intellectual means

From this reading “Where were we when all this began?” cried Lady Delacour, forcing herself to resume an air of gaiety--“O, masquerade was the order of the day---tragedy or comedy? which suits your genius best, my dear?”

a gay feeling

From this reading “Where were we when all this began?” cried Lady Delacour, forcing herself to resume an air of gaiety--“O, masquerade was the order of the day---tragedy or comedy? which suits your genius best, my dear?”

someone who has exceptional intellectual ability and originality

From this reading “Where were we when all this began?” cried Lady Delacour, forcing herself to resume an air of gaiety--“O, masquerade was the order of the day---tragedy or comedy? which suits your genius best, my dear?”

plural of “give” — the elasticity of something that can be stretched and returns to its original length

From this reading “Of that,” said Belinda, with a constrained smile, “he gives the most convincing proof, by his admiring your ladyship so much.”

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading “Why, my woman, Marriott, says I ought to be tragedy; and, upon the notion that people always succeed best when they take characters diametrically opposite to their own--Clarence Hervey’s principle--perhaps you don’t think that he has any principles; but there you are wrong; I do assure you, he has sound principles--of taste.”

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

From this reading “Why, my woman, Marriott, says I ought to be tragedy; and, upon the notion that people always succeed best when they take characters diametrically opposite to their own--Clarence Hervey’s principle--perhaps you don’t think that he has any principles; but there you are wrong; I do assure you, he has sound principles--of taste.”

used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object

From this reading “Where were we when all this began?” cried Lady Delacour, forcing herself to resume an air of gaiety--“O, masquerade was the order of the day---tragedy or comedy? which suits your genius best, my dear?”

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

From this reading “Why, my woman, Marriott, says I ought to be tragedy; and, upon the notion that people always succeed best when they take characters diametrically opposite to their own--Clarence Hervey’s principle--perhaps you don’t think that he has any principles; but there you are wrong; I do assure you, he has sound principles--of taste.”

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

From this reading “Of that,” said Belinda, with a constrained smile, “he gives the most convincing proof, by his admiring your ladyship so much.”

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

From this reading “Why, my woman, Marriott, says I ought to be tragedy; and, upon the notion that people always succeed best when they take characters diametrically opposite to their own--Clarence Hervey’s principle--perhaps you don’t think that he has any principles; but there you are wrong; I do assure you, he has sound principles--of taste.”

a polite name for any woman

From this reading “Where were we when all this began?” cried Lady Delacour, forcing herself to resume an air of gaiety--“O, masquerade was the order of the day---tragedy or comedy? which suits your genius best, my dear?”

a title used to address any peeress except a duchess

From this reading “Of that,” said Belinda, with a constrained smile, “he gives the most convincing proof, by his admiring your ladyship so much.”

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

From this reading “Whichever suits your ladyship’s taste least.”

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading “Whichever suits your ladyship’s taste least.”

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

From this reading “Why, my woman, Marriott, says I ought to be tragedy; and, upon the notion that people always succeed best when they take characters diametrically opposite to their own--Clarence Hervey’s principle--perhaps you don’t think that he has any principles; but there you are wrong; I do assure you, he has sound principles--of taste.”

take part in a masquerade

From this reading “Where were we when all this began?” cried Lady Delacour, forcing herself to resume an air of gaiety--“O, masquerade was the order of the day---tragedy or comedy? which suits your genius best, my dear?”

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

From this reading “And by his admiring Miss Portman so much more.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading “And by his admiring Miss Portman so much more.

used to form the superlative

From this reading “Of that,” said Belinda, with a constrained smile, “he gives the most convincing proof, by his admiring your ladyship so much.”

to a great degree or extent

From this reading “Of that,” said Belinda, with a constrained smile, “he gives the most convincing proof, by his admiring your ladyship so much.”

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading “Where were we when all this began?” cried Lady Delacour, forcing herself to resume an air of gaiety--“O, masquerade was the order of the day---tragedy or comedy? which suits your genius best, my dear?”

a vague idea in which some confidence is placed

From this reading “Why, my woman, Marriott, says I ought to be tragedy; and, upon the notion that people always succeed best when they take characters diametrically opposite to their own--Clarence Hervey’s principle--perhaps you don’t think that he has any principles; but there you are wrong; I do assure you, he has sound principles--of taste.”

a nonmetallic bivalent element that is normally a colorless odorless tasteless nonflammable diatomic gas; constitutes 21 percent of the atmosphere by volume; the most abundant element in the earth's crust

From this reading “Where were we when all this began?” cried Lady Delacour, forcing herself to resume an air of gaiety--“O, masquerade was the order of the day---tragedy or comedy? which suits your genius best, my dear?”

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading “Where were we when all this began?” cried Lady Delacour, forcing herself to resume an air of gaiety--“O, masquerade was the order of the day---tragedy or comedy? which suits your genius best, my dear?”

being directly across from each other; facing

From this reading “Why, my woman, Marriott, says I ought to be tragedy; and, upon the notion that people always succeed best when they take characters diametrically opposite to their own--Clarence Hervey’s principle--perhaps you don’t think that he has any principles; but there you are wrong; I do assure you, he has sound principles--of taste.”

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading “Where were we when all this began?” cried Lady Delacour, forcing herself to resume an air of gaiety--“O, masquerade was the order of the day---tragedy or comedy? which suits your genius best, my dear?”

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading “Where were we when all this began?” cried Lady Delacour, forcing herself to resume an air of gaiety--“O, masquerade was the order of the day---tragedy or comedy? which suits your genius best, my dear?”

used with “to” to say what is right or advisable

From this reading “Why, my woman, Marriott, says I ought to be tragedy; and, upon the notion that people always succeed best when they take characters diametrically opposite to their own--Clarence Hervey’s principle--perhaps you don’t think that he has any principles; but there you are wrong; I do assure you, he has sound principles--of taste.”

have ownership or possession of

From this reading “Why, my woman, Marriott, says I ought to be tragedy; and, upon the notion that people always succeed best when they take characters diametrically opposite to their own--Clarence Hervey’s principle--perhaps you don’t think that he has any principles; but there you are wrong; I do assure you, he has sound principles--of taste.”

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading “Why, my woman, Marriott, says I ought to be tragedy; and, upon the notion that people always succeed best when they take characters diametrically opposite to their own--Clarence Hervey’s principle--perhaps you don’t think that he has any principles; but there you are wrong; I do assure you, he has sound principles--of taste.”

by chance

From this reading “Why, my woman, Marriott, says I ought to be tragedy; and, upon the notion that people always succeed best when they take characters diametrically opposite to their own--Clarence Hervey’s principle--perhaps you don’t think that he has any principles; but there you are wrong; I do assure you, he has sound principles--of taste.”

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

From this reading “And by his admiring Miss Portman so much more.

a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct

From this reading “Why, my woman, Marriott, says I ought to be tragedy; and, upon the notion that people always succeed best when they take characters diametrically opposite to their own--Clarence Hervey’s principle--perhaps you don’t think that he has any principles; but there you are wrong; I do assure you, he has sound principles--of taste.”

plural of “principle” — a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct

From this reading “Why, my woman, Marriott, says I ought to be tragedy; and, upon the notion that people always succeed best when they take characters diametrically opposite to their own--Clarence Hervey’s principle--perhaps you don’t think that he has any principles; but there you are wrong; I do assure you, he has sound principles--of taste.”

any factual evidence that helps to establish the truth of something

From this reading “Of that,” said Belinda, with a constrained smile, “he gives the most convincing proof, by his admiring your ladyship so much.”

take up or begin anew

From this reading “Where were we when all this began?” cried Lady Delacour, forcing herself to resume an air of gaiety--“O, masquerade was the order of the day---tragedy or comedy? which suits your genius best, my dear?”

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading “Of that,” said Belinda, with a constrained smile, “he gives the most convincing proof, by his admiring your ladyship so much.”

plural of “say” — the chance to speak

From this reading “Why, my woman, Marriott, says I ought to be tragedy; and, upon the notion that people always succeed best when they take characters diametrically opposite to their own--Clarence Hervey’s principle--perhaps you don’t think that he has any principles; but there you are wrong; I do assure you, he has sound principles--of taste.”

change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure

From this reading “Of that,” said Belinda, with a constrained smile, “he gives the most convincing proof, by his admiring your ladyship so much.”

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading “Of that,” said Belinda, with a constrained smile, “he gives the most convincing proof, by his admiring your ladyship so much.”

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading “Why, my woman, Marriott, says I ought to be tragedy; and, upon the notion that people always succeed best when they take characters diametrically opposite to their own--Clarence Hervey’s principle--perhaps you don’t think that he has any principles; but there you are wrong; I do assure you, he has sound principles--of taste.”

attain success or reach a desired goal

From this reading “Why, my woman, Marriott, says I ought to be tragedy; and, upon the notion that people always succeed best when they take characters diametrically opposite to their own--Clarence Hervey’s principle--perhaps you don’t think that he has any principles; but there you are wrong; I do assure you, he has sound principles--of taste.”

plural of “suit” — a set of garments (usually including a jacket and trousers or skirt) for outerwear all of the same fabric and color

From this reading “Where were we when all this began?” cried Lady Delacour, forcing herself to resume an air of gaiety--“O, masquerade was the order of the day---tragedy or comedy? which suits your genius best, my dear?”

carry out

From this reading “Why, my woman, Marriott, says I ought to be tragedy; and, upon the notion that people always succeed best when they take characters diametrically opposite to their own--Clarence Hervey’s principle--perhaps you don’t think that he has any principles; but there you are wrong; I do assure you, he has sound principles--of taste.”

To perceive flavor through the mouth.

From this reading “Whichever suits your ladyship’s taste least.”

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading “Why, my woman, Marriott, says I ought to be tragedy; and, upon the notion that people always succeed best when they take characters diametrically opposite to their own--Clarence Hervey’s principle--perhaps you don’t think that he has any principles; but there you are wrong; I do assure you, he has sound principles--of taste.”

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

From this reading “Where were we when all this began?” cried Lady Delacour, forcing herself to resume an air of gaiety--“O, masquerade was the order of the day---tragedy or comedy? which suits your genius best, my dear?”

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading “Why, my woman, Marriott, says I ought to be tragedy; and, upon the notion that people always succeed best when they take characters diametrically opposite to their own--Clarence Hervey’s principle--perhaps you don’t think that he has any principles; but there you are wrong; I do assure you, he has sound principles--of taste.”

in or at that place or location

From this reading “Why, my woman, Marriott, says I ought to be tragedy; and, upon the notion that people always succeed best when they take characters diametrically opposite to their own--Clarence Hervey’s principle--perhaps you don’t think that he has any principles; but there you are wrong; I do assure you, he has sound principles--of taste.”

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading “Why, my woman, Marriott, says I ought to be tragedy; and, upon the notion that people always succeed best when they take characters diametrically opposite to their own--Clarence Hervey’s principle--perhaps you don’t think that he has any principles; but there you are wrong; I do assure you, he has sound principles--of taste.”

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading “Why, my woman, Marriott, says I ought to be tragedy; and, upon the notion that people always succeed best when they take characters diametrically opposite to their own--Clarence Hervey’s principle--perhaps you don’t think that he has any principles; but there you are wrong; I do assure you, he has sound principles--of taste.”

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

From this reading “Where were we when all this began?” cried Lady Delacour, forcing herself to resume an air of gaiety--“O, masquerade was the order of the day---tragedy or comedy? which suits your genius best, my dear?”

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

From this reading “Where were we when all this began?” cried Lady Delacour, forcing herself to resume an air of gaiety--“O, masquerade was the order of the day---tragedy or comedy? which suits your genius best, my dear?”

an event resulting in great loss and misfortune

From this reading “Where were we when all this began?” cried Lady Delacour, forcing herself to resume an air of gaiety--“O, masquerade was the order of the day---tragedy or comedy? which suits your genius best, my dear?”

a formal word for “on”

From this reading “Why, my woman, Marriott, says I ought to be tragedy; and, upon the notion that people always succeed best when they take characters diametrically opposite to their own--Clarence Hervey’s principle--perhaps you don’t think that he has any principles; but there you are wrong; I do assure you, he has sound principles--of taste.”

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

From this reading “Where were we when all this began?” cried Lady Delacour, forcing herself to resume an air of gaiety--“O, masquerade was the order of the day---tragedy or comedy? which suits your genius best, my dear?”

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading “Where were we when all this began?” cried Lady Delacour, forcing herself to resume an air of gaiety--“O, masquerade was the order of the day---tragedy or comedy? which suits your genius best, my dear?”

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

From this reading “Where were we when all this began?” cried Lady Delacour, forcing herself to resume an air of gaiety--“O, masquerade was the order of the day---tragedy or comedy? which suits your genius best, my dear?”

at the time that

From this reading “Where were we when all this began?” cried Lady Delacour, forcing herself to resume an air of gaiety--“O, masquerade was the order of the day---tragedy or comedy? which suits your genius best, my dear?”

in or at the place that

From this reading “Where were we when all this began?” cried Lady Delacour, forcing herself to resume an air of gaiety--“O, masquerade was the order of the day---tragedy or comedy? which suits your genius best, my dear?”

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

From this reading “Where were we when all this began?” cried Lady Delacour, forcing herself to resume an air of gaiety--“O, masquerade was the order of the day---tragedy or comedy? which suits your genius best, my dear?”

any one of a set, it does not matter which

From this reading “Whichever suits your ladyship’s taste least.”

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading “Why, my woman, Marriott, says I ought to be tragedy; and, upon the notion that people always succeed best when they take characters diametrically opposite to their own--Clarence Hervey’s principle--perhaps you don’t think that he has any principles; but there you are wrong; I do assure you, he has sound principles--of taste.”

in the company of; together with

From this reading “Of that,” said Belinda, with a constrained smile, “he gives the most convincing proof, by his admiring your ladyship so much.”

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading “Why, my woman, Marriott, says I ought to be tragedy; and, upon the notion that people always succeed best when they take characters diametrically opposite to their own--Clarence Hervey’s principle--perhaps you don’t think that he has any principles; but there you are wrong; I do assure you, he has sound principles--of taste.”

not correct; not in conformity with fact or truth

From this reading “Why, my woman, Marriott, says I ought to be tragedy; and, upon the notion that people always succeed best when they take characters diametrically opposite to their own--Clarence Hervey’s principle--perhaps you don’t think that he has any principles; but there you are wrong; I do assure you, he has sound principles--of taste.”

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading “Why, my woman, Marriott, says I ought to be tragedy; and, upon the notion that people always succeed best when they take characters diametrically opposite to their own--Clarence Hervey’s principle--perhaps you don’t think that he has any principles; but there you are wrong; I do assure you, he has sound principles--of taste.”

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading “Where were we when all this began?” cried Lady Delacour, forcing herself to resume an air of gaiety--“O, masquerade was the order of the day---tragedy or comedy? which suits your genius best, my dear?”