used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading I have personally always had a feeling that this first of hymeneal experiments was rather a marriage of convenience than anything else, and I have heard my great-great-great-grandmother say that in the old pioneer days there was very little for a woman to choose from in the matter of men's society.
(Old Testament) in Judeo-Christian mythology; the first man and the husband of Eve and the progenitor of the human race
From this reading GRANDMOTHER EVE Very different in almost every imaginable respect from Adam was his attractive lady, Madame Eve.
(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 He seemed to my girlish fancy to be all that a man should be.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading GRANDMOTHER EVE Very different in almost every imaginable respect from Adam was his attractive lady, Madame Eve.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading Indeed, so radically different from each other were this rather ill-assorted pair that it was always difficult for us to believe that they were related even by marriage, and I hesitate to say what I think would have been the outcome of their little romance had there been any competition for the lady's hand when Adam set out to win it.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Indeed, so radically different from each other were this rather ill-assorted pair that it was always difficult for us to believe that they were related even by marriage, and I hesitate to say what I think would have been the outcome of their little romance had there been any competition for the lady's hand when Adam set out to win it.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Indeed, so radically different from each other were this rather ill-assorted pair that it was always difficult for us to believe that they were related even by marriage, and I hesitate to say what I think would have been the outcome of their little romance had there been any competition for the lady's hand when Adam set out to win it.
any thing at all
From this reading I have personally always had a feeling that this first of hymeneal experiments was rather a marriage of convenience than anything else, and I have heard my great-great-great-grandmother say that in the old pioneer days there was very little for a woman to choose from in the matter of men's society.
attractiveadjectiveUS /əˈtræktɪv/
pleasing to the eye or mind especially through beauty or charm
From this reading GRANDMOTHER EVE Very different in almost every imaginable respect from Adam was his attractive lady, Madame Eve.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading He seemed to my girlish fancy to be all that a man should be.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Indeed, so radically different from each other were this rather ill-assorted pair that it was always difficult for us to believe that they were related even by marriage, and I hesitate to say what I think would have been the outcome of their little romance had there been any competition for the lady's hand when Adam set out to win it.
accept as true; take to be true
From this reading Indeed, so radically different from each other were this rather ill-assorted pair that it was always difficult for us to believe that they were related even by marriage, and I hesitate to say what I think would have been the outcome of their little romance had there been any competition for the lady's hand when Adam set out to win it.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Indeed, so radically different from each other were this rather ill-assorted pair that it was always difficult for us to believe that they were related even by marriage, and I hesitate to say what I think would have been the outcome of their little romance had there been any competition for the lady's hand when Adam set out to win it.
pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives
From this reading I have personally always had a feeling that this first of hymeneal experiments was rather a marriage of convenience than anything else, and I have heard my great-great-great-grandmother say that in the old pioneer days there was very little for a woman to choose from in the matter of men's society.
competitionnounUS /ˌkɑːmpəˈtɪʃən/
a business relation in which two parties compete to gain customers
From this reading Indeed, so radically different from each other were this rather ill-assorted pair that it was always difficult for us to believe that they were related even by marriage, and I hesitate to say what I think would have been the outcome of their little romance had there been any competition for the lady's hand when Adam set out to win it.
conveniencenounUS /kənˈviːnjəns/
the state of being suitable or opportune
From this reading I have personally always had a feeling that this first of hymeneal experiments was rather a marriage of convenience than anything else, and I have heard my great-great-great-grandmother say that in the old pioneer days there was very little for a woman to choose from in the matter of men's society.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading I have personally always had a feeling that this first of hymeneal experiments was rather a marriage of convenience than anything else, and I have heard my great-great-great-grandmother say that in the old pioneer days there was very little for a woman to choose from in the matter of men's society.
unlike in nature or quality or form or degree
From this reading GRANDMOTHER EVE Very different in almost every imaginable respect from Adam was his attractive lady, Madame Eve.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading Indeed, so radically different from each other were this rather ill-assorted pair that it was always difficult for us to believe that they were related even by marriage, and I hesitate to say what I think would have been the outcome of their little romance had there been any competition for the lady's hand when Adam set out to win it.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading Indeed, so radically different from each other were this rather ill-assorted pair that it was always difficult for us to believe that they were related even by marriage, and I hesitate to say what I think would have been the outcome of their little romance had there been any competition for the lady's hand when Adam set out to win it.
else
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I have personally always had a feeling that this first of hymeneal experiments was rather a marriage of convenience than anything else, and I have heard my great-great-great-grandmother say that in the old pioneer days there was very little for a woman to choose from in the matter of men's society.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading "For a long time," she remarked, "Adam was the only man in sight, and I was a young thing entirely without experience in worldly matters.
(Old Testament) Adam's wife in Judeo-Christian mythology: the first woman and mother of the human race; God created Eve from Adam's rib and placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden
From this reading GRANDMOTHER EVE Very different in almost every imaginable respect from Adam was his attractive lady, Madame Eve.
divisible by two
From this reading Indeed, so radically different from each other were this rather ill-assorted pair that it was always difficult for us to believe that they were related even by marriage, and I hesitate to say what I think would have been the outcome of their little romance had there been any competition for the lady's hand when Adam set out to win it.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading GRANDMOTHER EVE Very different in almost every imaginable respect from Adam was his attractive lady, Madame Eve.
undergo or live through a difficult experience
From this reading "For a long time," she remarked, "Adam was the only man in sight, and I was a young thing entirely without experience in worldly matters.
experimentsnounUS /ɪkˈsperəmənts/
plural of “experiment” — the act of conducting a controlled test or investigation
From this reading I have personally always had a feeling that this first of hymeneal experiments was rather a marriage of convenience than anything else, and I have heard my great-great-great-grandmother say that in the old pioneer days there was very little for a woman to choose from in the matter of men's society.
something many people believe that is false
From this reading He seemed to my girlish fancy to be all that a man should be.
the experiencing of affective and emotional states
From this reading I have personally always had a feeling that this first of hymeneal experiments was rather a marriage of convenience than anything else, and I have heard my great-great-great-grandmother say that in the old pioneer days there was very little for a woman to choose from in the matter of men's society.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading I have personally always had a feeling that this first of hymeneal experiments was rather a marriage of convenience than anything else, and I have heard my great-great-great-grandmother say that in the old pioneer days there was very little for a woman to choose from in the matter of men's society.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Indeed, so radically different from each other were this rather ill-assorted pair that it was always difficult for us to believe that they were related even by marriage, and I hesitate to say what I think would have been the outcome of their little romance had there been any competition for the lady's hand when Adam set out to win it.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading GRANDMOTHER EVE Very different in almost every imaginable respect from Adam was his attractive lady, Madame Eve.
girlishadjectiveUS /ˈɡɜːrlɪʃ/
befitting or characteristic of a young girl
From this reading He seemed to my girlish fancy to be all that a man should be.
GRANDMOTHERnounUS /ˈɡrændmʌðər/
the mother of your father or mother
From this reading GRANDMOTHER EVE Very different in almost every imaginable respect from Adam was his attractive lady, Madame Eve.
great-great-great-grandmother
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I have personally always had a feeling that this first of hymeneal experiments was rather a marriage of convenience than anything else, and I have heard my great-great-great-grandmother say that in the old pioneer days there was very little for a woman to choose from in the matter of men's society.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Indeed, so radically different from each other were this rather ill-assorted pair that it was always difficult for us to believe that they were related even by marriage, and I hesitate to say what I think would have been the outcome of their little romance had there been any competition for the lady's hand when Adam set out to win it.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading Indeed, so radically different from each other were this rather ill-assorted pair that it was always difficult for us to believe that they were related even by marriage, and I hesitate to say what I think would have been the outcome of their little romance had there been any competition for the lady's hand when Adam set out to win it.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Indeed, so radically different from each other were this rather ill-assorted pair that it was always difficult for us to believe that they were related even by marriage, and I hesitate to say what I think would have been the outcome of their little romance had there been any competition for the lady's hand when Adam set out to win it.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He seemed to my girlish fancy to be all that a man should be.
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading I have personally always had a feeling that this first of hymeneal experiments was rather a marriage of convenience than anything else, and I have heard my great-great-great-grandmother say that in the old pioneer days there was very little for a woman to choose from in the matter of men's society.
hesitateverbUS /ˈhezəteɪt/
pause or hold back in uncertainty or unwillingness
From this reading Indeed, so radically different from each other were this rather ill-assorted pair that it was always difficult for us to believe that they were related even by marriage, and I hesitate to say what I think would have been the outcome of their little romance had there been any competition for the lady's hand when Adam set out to win it.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading GRANDMOTHER EVE Very different in almost every imaginable respect from Adam was his attractive lady, Madame Eve.
hymenealnounUS /ˌhɪməˈniːəl/
a wedding hymn
From this reading I have personally always had a feeling that this first of hymeneal experiments was rather a marriage of convenience than anything else, and I have heard my great-great-great-grandmother say that in the old pioneer days there was very little for a woman to choose from in the matter of men's society.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading Indeed, so radically different from each other were this rather ill-assorted pair that it was always difficult for us to believe that they were related even by marriage, and I hesitate to say what I think would have been the outcome of their little romance had there been any competition for the lady's hand when Adam set out to win it.
ill-assorted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Indeed, so radically different from each other were this rather ill-assorted pair that it was always difficult for us to believe that they were related even by marriage, and I hesitate to say what I think would have been the outcome of their little romance had there been any competition for the lady's hand when Adam set out to win it.
imaginableadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈmædʒənəbəl/
capable of being imagined
From this reading GRANDMOTHER EVE Very different in almost every imaginable respect from Adam was his attractive lady, Madame Eve.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading GRANDMOTHER EVE Very different in almost every imaginable respect from Adam was his attractive lady, Madame Eve.
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading Indeed, so radically different from each other were this rather ill-assorted pair that it was always difficult for us to believe that they were related even by marriage, and I hesitate to say what I think would have been the outcome of their little romance had there been any competition for the lady's hand when Adam set out to win it.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Indeed, so radically different from each other were this rather ill-assorted pair that it was always difficult for us to believe that they were related even by marriage, and I hesitate to say what I think would have been the outcome of their little romance had there been any competition for the lady's hand when Adam set out to win it.
a polite name for any woman
From this reading GRANDMOTHER EVE Very different in almost every imaginable respect from Adam was his attractive lady, Madame Eve.
lady'snounUS /ˈleɪdiz/
possessive form of “lady” — a polite name for any woman
From this reading Indeed, so radically different from each other were this rather ill-assorted pair that it was always difficult for us to believe that they were related even by marriage, and I hesitate to say what I think would have been the outcome of their little romance had there been any competition for the lady's hand when Adam set out to win it.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Indeed, so radically different from each other were this rather ill-assorted pair that it was always difficult for us to believe that they were related even by marriage, and I hesitate to say what I think would have been the outcome of their little romance had there been any competition for the lady's hand when Adam set out to win it.
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 "For a long time," she remarked, "Adam was the only man in sight, and I was a young thing entirely without experience in worldly matters.
title used for a married Frenchwoman
From this reading GRANDMOTHER EVE Very different in almost every imaginable respect from Adam was his attractive lady, Madame Eve.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading "For a long time," she remarked, "Adam was the only man in sight, and I was a young thing entirely without experience in worldly matters.
the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce)
From this reading Indeed, so radically different from each other were this rather ill-assorted pair that it was always difficult for us to believe that they were related even by marriage, and I hesitate to say what I think would have been the outcome of their little romance had there been any competition for the lady's hand when Adam set out to win it.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading I have personally always had a feeling that this first of hymeneal experiments was rather a marriage of convenience than anything else, and I have heard my great-great-great-grandmother say that in the old pioneer days there was very little for a woman to choose from in the matter of men's society.
plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern
From this reading "For a long time," she remarked, "Adam was the only man in sight, and I was a young thing entirely without experience in worldly matters.
men'snounUS /menz/
a public toilet for men
From this reading I have personally always had a feeling that this first of hymeneal experiments was rather a marriage of convenience than anything else, and I have heard my great-great-great-grandmother say that in the old pioneer days there was very little for a woman to choose from in the matter of men's society.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading I have personally always had a feeling that this first of hymeneal experiments was rather a marriage of convenience than anything else, and I have heard my great-great-great-grandmother say that in the old pioneer days there was very little for a woman to choose from in the matter of men's society.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Indeed, so radically different from each other were this rather ill-assorted pair that it was always difficult for us to believe that they were related even by marriage, and I hesitate to say what I think would have been the outcome of their little romance had there been any competition for the lady's hand when Adam set out to win it.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading I have personally always had a feeling that this first of hymeneal experiments was rather a marriage of convenience than anything else, and I have heard my great-great-great-grandmother say that in the old pioneer days there was very little for a woman to choose from in the matter of men's society.
and nothing more
From this reading "For a long time," she remarked, "Adam was the only man in sight, and I was a young thing entirely without experience in worldly matters.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading Indeed, so radically different from each other were this rather ill-assorted pair that it was always difficult for us to believe that they were related even by marriage, and I hesitate to say what I think would have been the outcome of their little romance had there been any competition for the lady's hand when Adam set out to win it.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Indeed, so radically different from each other were this rather ill-assorted pair that it was always difficult for us to believe that they were related even by marriage, and I hesitate to say what I think would have been the outcome of their little romance had there been any competition for the lady's hand when Adam set out to win it.
outcomenounUS /ˈaʊtkʌm/
something that results
From this reading Indeed, so radically different from each other were this rather ill-assorted pair that it was always difficult for us to believe that they were related even by marriage, and I hesitate to say what I think would have been the outcome of their little romance had there been any competition for the lady's hand when Adam set out to win it.
a set of two similar things considered as a unit
From this reading Indeed, so radically different from each other were this rather ill-assorted pair that it was always difficult for us to believe that they were related even by marriage, and I hesitate to say what I think would have been the outcome of their little romance had there been any competition for the lady's hand when Adam set out to win it.
personallyadverbUS /ˈpɜːrsənəli/
as yourself
From this reading I have personally always had a feeling that this first of hymeneal experiments was rather a marriage of convenience than anything else, and I have heard my great-great-great-grandmother say that in the old pioneer days there was very little for a woman to choose from in the matter of men's society.
pioneernounUS /ˌpaɪəˈnɪr/
someone who helps to open up a new line of research or technology or art
From this reading I have personally always had a feeling that this first of hymeneal experiments was rather a marriage of convenience than anything else, and I have heard my great-great-great-grandmother say that in the old pioneer days there was very little for a woman to choose from in the matter of men's society.
radicallyadverbUS /ˈrædɪkli/
in a radical manner
From this reading Indeed, so radically different from each other were this rather ill-assorted pair that it was always difficult for us to believe that they were related even by marriage, and I hesitate to say what I think would have been the outcome of their little romance had there been any competition for the lady's hand when Adam set out to win it.
on the contrary
From this reading Indeed, so radically different from each other were this rather ill-assorted pair that it was always difficult for us to believe that they were related even by marriage, and I hesitate to say what I think would have been the outcome of their little romance had there been any competition for the lady's hand when Adam set out to win it.
being connected either logically or causally or by shared characteristics
From this reading Indeed, so radically different from each other were this rather ill-assorted pair that it was always difficult for us to believe that they were related even by marriage, and I hesitate to say what I think would have been the outcome of their little romance had there been any competition for the lady's hand when Adam set out to win it.
past form of “remark” — make mention of
From this reading "For a long time," she remarked, "Adam was the only man in sight, and I was a young thing entirely without experience in worldly matters.
(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point
From this reading GRANDMOTHER EVE Very different in almost every imaginable respect from Adam was his attractive lady, Madame Eve.
a relationship between two lovers
From this reading Indeed, so radically different from each other were this rather ill-assorted pair that it was always difficult for us to believe that they were related even by marriage, and I hesitate to say what I think would have been the outcome of their little romance had there been any competition for the lady's hand when Adam set out to win it.
express in words
From this reading Indeed, so radically different from each other were this rather ill-assorted pair that it was always difficult for us to believe that they were related even by marriage, and I hesitate to say what I think would have been the outcome of their little romance had there been any competition for the lady's hand when Adam set out to win it.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading He seemed to my girlish fancy to be all that a man should be.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading Indeed, so radically different from each other were this rather ill-assorted pair that it was always difficult for us to believe that they were related even by marriage, and I hesitate to say what I think would have been the outcome of their little romance had there been any competition for the lady's hand when Adam set out to win it.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "For a long time," she remarked, "Adam was the only man in sight, and I was a young thing entirely without experience in worldly matters.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading He seemed to my girlish fancy to be all that a man should be.
an instance of visual perception
From this reading "For a long time," she remarked, "Adam was the only man in sight, and I was a young thing entirely without experience in worldly matters.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Indeed, so radically different from each other were this rather ill-assorted pair that it was always difficult for us to believe that they were related even by marriage, and I hesitate to say what I think would have been the outcome of their little romance had there been any competition for the lady's hand when Adam set out to win it.
an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization
From this reading I have personally always had a feeling that this first of hymeneal experiments was rather a marriage of convenience than anything else, and I have heard my great-great-great-grandmother say that in the old pioneer days there was very little for a woman to choose from in the matter of men's society.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading I have personally always had a feeling that this first of hymeneal experiments was rather a marriage of convenience than anything else, and I have heard my great-great-great-grandmother say that in the old pioneer days there was very little for a woman to choose from in the matter of men's society.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Indeed, so radically different from each other were this rather ill-assorted pair that it was always difficult for us to believe that they were related even by marriage, and I hesitate to say what I think would have been the outcome of their little romance had there been any competition for the lady's hand when Adam set out to win it.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Indeed, so radically different from each other were this rather ill-assorted pair that it was always difficult for us to believe that they were related even by marriage, and I hesitate to say what I think would have been the outcome of their little romance had there been any competition for the lady's hand when Adam set out to win it.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Indeed, so radically different from each other were this rather ill-assorted pair that it was always difficult for us to believe that they were related even by marriage, and I hesitate to say what I think would have been the outcome of their little romance had there been any competition for the lady's hand when Adam set out to win it.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Indeed, so radically different from each other were this rather ill-assorted pair that it was always difficult for us to believe that they were related even by marriage, and I hesitate to say what I think would have been the outcome of their little romance had there been any competition for the lady's hand when Adam set out to win it.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Indeed, so radically different from each other were this rather ill-assorted pair that it was always difficult for us to believe that they were related even by marriage, and I hesitate to say what I think would have been the outcome of their little romance had there been any competition for the lady's hand when Adam set out to win it.
a special situation
From this reading "For a long time," she remarked, "Adam was the only man in sight, and I was a young thing entirely without experience in worldly matters.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading Indeed, so radically different from each other were this rather ill-assorted pair that it was always difficult for us to believe that they were related even by marriage, and I hesitate to say what I think would have been the outcome of their little romance had there been any competition for the lady's hand when Adam set out to win it.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Indeed, so radically different from each other were this rather ill-assorted pair that it was always difficult for us to believe that they were related even by marriage, and I hesitate to say what I think would have been the outcome of their little romance had there been any competition for the lady's hand when Adam set out to win it.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading "For a long time," she remarked, "Adam was the only man in sight, and I was a young thing entirely without experience in worldly matters.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Indeed, so radically different from each other were this rather ill-assorted pair that it was always difficult for us to believe that they were related even by marriage, and I hesitate to say what I think would have been the outcome of their little romance had there been any competition for the lady's hand when Adam set out to win it.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Indeed, so radically different from each other were this rather ill-assorted pair that it was always difficult for us to believe that they were related even by marriage, and I hesitate to say what I think would have been the outcome of their little romance had there been any competition for the lady's hand when Adam set out to win it.
precisely as stated
From this reading GRANDMOTHER EVE Very different in almost every imaginable respect from Adam was his attractive lady, Madame Eve.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading GRANDMOTHER EVE Very different in almost every imaginable respect from Adam was his attractive lady, Madame Eve.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Indeed, so radically different from each other were this rather ill-assorted pair that it was always difficult for us to believe that they were related even by marriage, and I hesitate to say what I think would have been the outcome of their little romance had there been any competition for the lady's hand when Adam set out to win it.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Indeed, so radically different from each other were this rather ill-assorted pair that it was always difficult for us to believe that they were related even by marriage, and I hesitate to say what I think would have been the outcome of their little romance had there been any competition for the lady's hand when Adam set out to win it.
at the time that
From this reading Indeed, so radically different from each other were this rather ill-assorted pair that it was always difficult for us to believe that they were related even by marriage, and I hesitate to say what I think would have been the outcome of their little romance had there been any competition for the lady's hand when Adam set out to win it.
be the winner in a contest or competition; be victorious
From this reading Indeed, so radically different from each other were this rather ill-assorted pair that it was always difficult for us to believe that they were related even by marriage, and I hesitate to say what I think would have been the outcome of their little romance had there been any competition for the lady's hand when Adam set out to win it.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading "For a long time," she remarked, "Adam was the only man in sight, and I was a young thing entirely without experience in worldly matters.
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading I have personally always had a feeling that this first of hymeneal experiments was rather a marriage of convenience than anything else, and I have heard my great-great-great-grandmother say that in the old pioneer days there was very little for a woman to choose from in the matter of men's society.
worldlyadjectiveUS /ˈwɜːrldli/
characteristic of or devoted to the temporal world as opposed to the spiritual world
From this reading "For a long time," she remarked, "Adam was the only man in sight, and I was a young thing entirely without experience in worldly matters.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Indeed, so radically different from each other were this rather ill-assorted pair that it was always difficult for us to believe that they were related even by marriage, and I hesitate to say what I think would have been the outcome of their little romance had there been any competition for the lady's hand when Adam set out to win it.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading "For a long time," she remarked, "Adam was the only man in sight, and I was a young thing entirely without experience in worldly matters.
