Chapter II

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

From this reading IX A COALITION We will pass rapidly over the years following that during which Monsieur Gérondif became the young marquis’s tutor.

acted upon; influenced

From this reading At thirteen, she seemed at least fifteen; she was slender, well-built, and possessed of many graces; not studied and affected ones such as so many young ladies in Paris assume, thinking that they will be deemed natural; but those naïve, simple graces which one recognizes instantly but vainly tries to imitate.

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

From this reading Chérubin had kept his word; he had consented to study, but he had insisted on Louise’s presence during his lessons; at first, Monsieur Gérondif had tried to keep the little girl from the room, but Chérubin had shrieked and wept and refused to listen to his tutor; so that it was found necessary to yield to him.

past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress

From this reading By slow degrees Louise’s presence had evidently come to seem less inconvenient to Monsieur Gérondif, for if she were not there when he arrived, he was the first to send for her.

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

From this reading At thirteen, she seemed at least fifteen; she was slender, well-built, and possessed of many graces; not studied and affected ones such as so many young ladies in Paris assume, thinking that they will be deemed natural; but those naïve, simple graces which one recognizes instantly but vainly tries to imitate.

take to be the case or to be true; accept without verification or proof

From this reading At thirteen, she seemed at least fifteen; she was slender, well-built, and possessed of many graces; not studied and affected ones such as so many young ladies in Paris assume, thinking that they will be deemed natural; but those naïve, simple graces which one recognizes instantly but vainly tries to imitate.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Chérubin had kept his word; he had consented to study, but he had insisted on Louise’s presence during his lessons; at first, Monsieur Gérondif had tried to keep the little girl from the room, but Chérubin had shrieked and wept and refused to listen to his tutor; so that it was found necessary to yield to him.

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

From this reading At thirteen, she seemed at least fifteen; she was slender, well-built, and possessed of many graces; not studied and affected ones such as so many young ladies in Paris assume, thinking that they will be deemed natural; but those naïve, simple graces which one recognizes instantly but vainly tries to imitate.

inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading IX A COALITION We will pass rapidly over the years following that during which Monsieur Gérondif became the young marquis’s tutor.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Chérubin had kept his word; he had consented to study, but he had insisted on Louise’s presence during his lessons; at first, Monsieur Gérondif had tried to keep the little girl from the room, but Chérubin had shrieked and wept and refused to listen to his tutor; so that it was found necessary to yield to him.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading By slow degrees Louise’s presence had evidently come to seem less inconvenient to Monsieur Gérondif, for if she were not there when he arrived, he was the first to send for her.

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

From this reading Chérubin had kept his word; he had consented to study, but he had insisted on Louise’s presence during his lessons; at first, Monsieur Gérondif had tried to keep the little girl from the room, but Chérubin had shrieked and wept and refused to listen to his tutor; so that it was found necessary to yield to him.

an organization of people (or countries) involved in a pact or treaty

From this reading IX A COALITION We will pass rapidly over the years following that during which Monsieur Gérondif became the young marquis’s tutor.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading By slow degrees Louise’s presence had evidently come to seem less inconvenient to Monsieur Gérondif, for if she were not there when he arrived, he was the first to send for her.

past form of “consent” — give an affirmative reply to; respond favorably to

From this reading Chérubin had kept his word; he had consented to study, but he had insisted on Louise’s presence during his lessons; at first, Monsieur Gérondif had tried to keep the little girl from the room, but Chérubin had shrieked and wept and refused to listen to his tutor; so that it was found necessary to yield to him.

past form of “deem” — keep in mind or convey as a conviction or view

From this reading At thirteen, she seemed at least fifteen; she was slender, well-built, and possessed of many graces; not studied and affected ones such as so many young ladies in Paris assume, thinking that they will be deemed natural; but those naïve, simple graces which one recognizes instantly but vainly tries to imitate.

plural of “degree” — a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality

From this reading By slow degrees Louise’s presence had evidently come to seem less inconvenient to Monsieur Gérondif, for if she were not there when he arrived, he was the first to send for her.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading IX A COALITION We will pass rapidly over the years following that during which Monsieur Gérondif became the young marquis’s tutor.

divisible by two

From this reading The fact is that Louise had grown too, and that she had improved even more rapidly.

unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)

From this reading By slow degrees Louise’s presence had evidently come to seem less inconvenient to Monsieur Gérondif, for if she were not there when he arrived, he was the first to send for her.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading The fact is that Louise had grown too, and that she had improved even more rapidly.

the cardinal number that is the sum of fourteen and one

From this reading At thirteen, she seemed at least fifteen; she was slender, well-built, and possessed of many graces; not studied and affected ones such as so many young ladies in Paris assume, thinking that they will be deemed natural; but those naïve, simple graces which one recognizes instantly but vainly tries to imitate.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Chérubin had kept his word; he had consented to study, but he had insisted on Louise’s presence during his lessons; at first, Monsieur Gérondif had tried to keep the little girl from the room, but Chérubin had shrieked and wept and refused to listen to his tutor; so that it was found necessary to yield to him.

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading IX A COALITION We will pass rapidly over the years following that during which Monsieur Gérondif became the young marquis’s tutor.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading By slow degrees Louise’s presence had evidently come to seem less inconvenient to Monsieur Gérondif, for if she were not there when he arrived, he was the first to send for her.

set up or found

From this reading Chérubin had kept his word; he had consented to study, but he had insisted on Louise’s presence during his lessons; at first, Monsieur Gérondif had tried to keep the little girl from the room, but Chérubin had shrieked and wept and refused to listen to his tutor; so that it was found necessary to yield to him.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Chérubin had kept his word; he had consented to study, but he had insisted on Louise’s presence during his lessons; at first, Monsieur Gérondif had tried to keep the little girl from the room, but Chérubin had shrieked and wept and refused to listen to his tutor; so that it was found necessary to yield to him.

a young female

From this reading Chérubin had kept his word; he had consented to study, but he had insisted on Louise’s presence during his lessons; at first, Monsieur Gérondif had tried to keep the little girl from the room, but Chérubin had shrieked and wept and refused to listen to his tutor; so that it was found necessary to yield to him.

plural of “grace” — (Christian theology) a state of sanctification by God; the state of one who is under such divine influence

From this reading At thirteen, she seemed at least fifteen; she was slender, well-built, and possessed of many graces; not studied and affected ones such as so many young ladies in Paris assume, thinking that they will be deemed natural; but those naïve, simple graces which one recognizes instantly but vainly tries to imitate.

(of animals) fully developed

From this reading The fact is that Louise had grown too, and that she had improved even more rapidly.

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

From this reading IX A COALITION We will pass rapidly over the years following that during which Monsieur Gérondif became the young marquis’s tutor.

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

From this reading Chérubin had kept his word; he had consented to study, but he had insisted on Louise’s presence during his lessons; at first, Monsieur Gérondif had tried to keep the little girl from the room, but Chérubin had shrieked and wept and refused to listen to his tutor; so that it was found necessary to yield to him.

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

From this reading Chérubin had kept his word; he had consented to study, but he had insisted on Louise’s presence during his lessons; at first, Monsieur Gérondif had tried to keep the little girl from the room, but Chérubin had shrieked and wept and refused to listen to his tutor; so that it was found necessary to yield to him.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading By slow degrees Louise’s presence had evidently come to seem less inconvenient to Monsieur Gérondif, for if she were not there when he arrived, he was the first to send for her.

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

From this reading Chérubin had kept his word; he had consented to study, but he had insisted on Louise’s presence during his lessons; at first, Monsieur Gérondif had tried to keep the little girl from the room, but Chérubin had shrieked and wept and refused to listen to his tutor; so that it was found necessary to yield to him.

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

From this reading Chérubin had kept his word; he had consented to study, but he had insisted on Louise’s presence during his lessons; at first, Monsieur Gérondif had tried to keep the little girl from the room, but Chérubin had shrieked and wept and refused to listen to his tutor; so that it was found necessary to yield to him.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading By slow degrees Louise’s presence had evidently come to seem less inconvenient to Monsieur Gérondif, for if she were not there when he arrived, he was the first to send for her.

reproduce someone's behavior or looks

From this reading At thirteen, she seemed at least fifteen; she was slender, well-built, and possessed of many graces; not studied and affected ones such as so many young ladies in Paris assume, thinking that they will be deemed natural; but those naïve, simple graces which one recognizes instantly but vainly tries to imitate.

made more desirable or valuable or profitable; especially made ready for use or marketing

From this reading The fact is that Louise had grown too, and that she had improved even more rapidly.

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

From this reading At thirteen, she seemed at least fifteen; she was slender, well-built, and possessed of many graces; not studied and affected ones such as so many young ladies in Paris assume, thinking that they will be deemed natural; but those naïve, simple graces which one recognizes instantly but vainly tries to imitate.

not suited to your comfort, purpose or needs

From this reading By slow degrees Louise’s presence had evidently come to seem less inconvenient to Monsieur Gérondif, for if she were not there when he arrived, he was the first to send for her.

past form of “insist” — be emphatic or resolute and refuse to budge

From this reading Chérubin had kept his word; he had consented to study, but he had insisted on Louise’s presence during his lessons; at first, Monsieur Gérondif had tried to keep the little girl from the room, but Chérubin had shrieked and wept and refused to listen to his tutor; so that it was found necessary to yield to him.

without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening

From this reading At thirteen, she seemed at least fifteen; she was slender, well-built, and possessed of many graces; not studied and affected ones such as so many young ladies in Paris assume, thinking that they will be deemed natural; but those naïve, simple graces which one recognizes instantly but vainly tries to imitate.

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

From this reading The fact is that Louise had grown too, and that she had improved even more rapidly.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Chérubin had kept his word; he had consented to study, but he had insisted on Louise’s presence during his lessons; at first, Monsieur Gérondif had tried to keep the little girl from the room, but Chérubin had shrieked and wept and refused to listen to his tutor; so that it was found necessary to yield to him.

the cardinal number that is the sum of eight and one

From this reading IX A COALITION We will pass rapidly over the years following that during which Monsieur Gérondif became the young marquis’s tutor.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading Chérubin had kept his word; he had consented to study, but he had insisted on Louise’s presence during his lessons; at first, Monsieur Gérondif had tried to keep the little girl from the room, but Chérubin had shrieked and wept and refused to listen to his tutor; so that it was found necessary to yield to him.

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading Chérubin had kept his word; he had consented to study, but he had insisted on Louise’s presence during his lessons; at first, Monsieur Gérondif had tried to keep the little girl from the room, but Chérubin had shrieked and wept and refused to listen to his tutor; so that it was found necessary to yield to him.

plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman

From this reading At thirteen, she seemed at least fifteen; she was slender, well-built, and possessed of many graces; not studied and affected ones such as so many young ladies in Paris assume, thinking that they will be deemed natural; but those naïve, simple graces which one recognizes instantly but vainly tries to imitate.

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 At thirteen, she seemed at least fifteen; she was slender, well-built, and possessed of many graces; not studied and affected ones such as so many young ladies in Paris assume, thinking that they will be deemed natural; but those naïve, simple graces which one recognizes instantly but vainly tries to imitate.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading By slow degrees Louise’s presence had evidently come to seem less inconvenient to Monsieur Gérondif, for if she were not there when he arrived, he was the first to send for her.

plural of “lesson” — a unit of instruction

From this reading Chérubin had kept his word; he had consented to study, but he had insisted on Louise’s presence during his lessons; at first, Monsieur Gérondif had tried to keep the little girl from the room, but Chérubin had shrieked and wept and refused to listen to his tutor; so that it was found necessary to yield to him.

hear with intention

From this reading Chérubin had kept his word; he had consented to study, but he had insisted on Louise’s presence during his lessons; at first, Monsieur Gérondif had tried to keep the little girl from the room, but Chérubin had shrieked and wept and refused to listen to his tutor; so that it was found necessary to yield to him.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Chérubin had kept his word; he had consented to study, but he had insisted on Louise’s presence during his lessons; at first, Monsieur Gérondif had tried to keep the little girl from the room, but Chérubin had shrieked and wept and refused to listen to his tutor; so that it was found necessary to yield to him.

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

From this reading The fact is that Louise had grown too, and that she had improved even more rapidly.

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

From this reading Chérubin had kept his word; he had consented to study, but he had insisted on Louise’s presence during his lessons; at first, Monsieur Gérondif had tried to keep the little girl from the room, but Chérubin had shrieked and wept and refused to listen to his tutor; so that it was found necessary to yield to him.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading At thirteen, she seemed at least fifteen; she was slender, well-built, and possessed of many graces; not studied and affected ones such as so many young ladies in Paris assume, thinking that they will be deemed natural; but those naïve, simple graces which one recognizes instantly but vainly tries to imitate.

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

From this reading IX A COALITION We will pass rapidly over the years following that during which Monsieur Gérondif became the young marquis’s tutor.

used as a French courtesy title; equivalent to English “Mr”

From this reading IX A COALITION We will pass rapidly over the years following that during which Monsieur Gérondif became the young marquis’s tutor.

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

From this reading The fact is that Louise had grown too, and that she had improved even more rapidly.

in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature

From this reading At thirteen, she seemed at least fifteen; she was slender, well-built, and possessed of many graces; not studied and affected ones such as so many young ladies in Paris assume, thinking that they will be deemed natural; but those naïve, simple graces which one recognizes instantly but vainly tries to imitate.

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

From this reading At thirteen, she seemed at least fifteen; she was slender, well-built, and possessed of many graces; not studied and affected ones such as so many young ladies in Paris assume, thinking that they will be deemed natural; but those naïve, simple graces which one recognizes instantly but vainly tries to imitate.

absolutely essential

From this reading Chérubin had kept his word; he had consented to study, but he had insisted on Louise’s presence during his lessons; at first, Monsieur Gérondif had tried to keep the little girl from the room, but Chérubin had shrieked and wept and refused to listen to his tutor; so that it was found necessary to yield to him.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading By slow degrees Louise’s presence had evidently come to seem less inconvenient to Monsieur Gérondif, for if she were not there when he arrived, he was the first to send for her.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading At thirteen, she seemed at least fifteen; she was slender, well-built, and possessed of many graces; not studied and affected ones such as so many young ladies in Paris assume, thinking that they will be deemed natural; but those naïve, simple graces which one recognizes instantly but vainly tries to imitate.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Chérubin had kept his word; he had consented to study, but he had insisted on Louise’s presence during his lessons; at first, Monsieur Gérondif had tried to keep the little girl from the room, but Chérubin had shrieked and wept and refused to listen to his tutor; so that it was found necessary to yield to him.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading At thirteen, she seemed at least fifteen; she was slender, well-built, and possessed of many graces; not studied and affected ones such as so many young ladies in Paris assume, thinking that they will be deemed natural; but those naïve, simple graces which one recognizes instantly but vainly tries to imitate.

plural of “one” — the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number

From this reading At thirteen, she seemed at least fifteen; she was slender, well-built, and possessed of many graces; not studied and affected ones such as so many young ladies in Paris assume, thinking that they will be deemed natural; but those naïve, simple graces which one recognizes instantly but vainly tries to imitate.

above and across; more than

From this reading IX A COALITION We will pass rapidly over the years following that during which Monsieur Gérondif became the young marquis’s tutor.

the capital and largest city of France; and international center of culture and commerce

From this reading At thirteen, she seemed at least fifteen; she was slender, well-built, and possessed of many graces; not studied and affected ones such as so many young ladies in Paris assume, thinking that they will be deemed natural; but those naïve, simple graces which one recognizes instantly but vainly tries to imitate.

go across or through

From this reading IX A COALITION We will pass rapidly over the years following that during which Monsieur Gérondif became the young marquis’s tutor.

influenced or controlled by a powerful force such as a strong emotion

From this reading At thirteen, she seemed at least fifteen; she was slender, well-built, and possessed of many graces; not studied and affected ones such as so many young ladies in Paris assume, thinking that they will be deemed natural; but those naïve, simple graces which one recognizes instantly but vainly tries to imitate.

the state of being present; current existence

From this reading Chérubin had kept his word; he had consented to study, but he had insisted on Louise’s presence during his lessons; at first, Monsieur Gérondif had tried to keep the little girl from the room, but Chérubin had shrieked and wept and refused to listen to his tutor; so that it was found necessary to yield to him.

with speed

From this reading IX A COALITION We will pass rapidly over the years following that during which Monsieur Gérondif became the young marquis’s tutor.

third-person singular of “recognize” — accept (someone) to be what is claimed or accept his power and authority

From this reading At thirteen, she seemed at least fifteen; she was slender, well-built, and possessed of many graces; not studied and affected ones such as so many young ladies in Paris assume, thinking that they will be deemed natural; but those naïve, simple graces which one recognizes instantly but vainly tries to imitate.

past form of “refuse” — show unwillingness towards

From this reading Chérubin had kept his word; he had consented to study, but he had insisted on Louise’s presence during his lessons; at first, Monsieur Gérondif had tried to keep the little girl from the room, but Chérubin had shrieked and wept and refused to listen to his tutor; so that it was found necessary to yield to him.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading Chérubin had kept his word; he had consented to study, but he had insisted on Louise’s presence during his lessons; at first, Monsieur Gérondif had tried to keep the little girl from the room, but Chérubin had shrieked and wept and refused to listen to his tutor; so that it was found necessary to yield to him.

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading By slow degrees Louise’s presence had evidently come to seem less inconvenient to Monsieur Gérondif, for if she were not there when he arrived, he was the first to send for her.

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

From this reading At thirteen, she seemed at least fifteen; she was slender, well-built, and possessed of many graces; not studied and affected ones such as so many young ladies in Paris assume, thinking that they will be deemed natural; but those naïve, simple graces which one recognizes instantly but vainly tries to imitate.

cause to go somewhere

From this reading By slow degrees Louise’s presence had evidently come to seem less inconvenient to Monsieur Gérondif, for if she were not there when he arrived, he was the first to send for her.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading By slow degrees Louise’s presence had evidently come to seem less inconvenient to Monsieur Gérondif, for if she were not there when he arrived, he was the first to send for her.

uttered in a shrill scream as of pain or terror

From this reading Chérubin had kept his word; he had consented to study, but he had insisted on Louise’s presence during his lessons; at first, Monsieur Gérondif had tried to keep the little girl from the room, but Chérubin had shrieked and wept and refused to listen to his tutor; so that it was found necessary to yield to him.

having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved

From this reading At thirteen, she seemed at least fifteen; she was slender, well-built, and possessed of many graces; not studied and affected ones such as so many young ladies in Paris assume, thinking that they will be deemed natural; but those naïve, simple graces which one recognizes instantly but vainly tries to imitate.

being of delicate or slender build

From this reading At thirteen, she seemed at least fifteen; she was slender, well-built, and possessed of many graces; not studied and affected ones such as so many young ladies in Paris assume, thinking that they will be deemed natural; but those naïve, simple graces which one recognizes instantly but vainly tries to imitate.

not moving quickly; taking a comparatively long time

From this reading By slow degrees Louise’s presence had evidently come to seem less inconvenient to Monsieur Gérondif, for if she were not there when he arrived, he was the first to send for her.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Chérubin had kept his word; he had consented to study, but he had insisted on Louise’s presence during his lessons; at first, Monsieur Gérondif had tried to keep the little girl from the room, but Chérubin had shrieked and wept and refused to listen to his tutor; so that it was found necessary to yield to him.

produced or marked by conscious design or premeditation

From this reading At thirteen, she seemed at least fifteen; she was slender, well-built, and possessed of many graces; not studied and affected ones such as so many young ladies in Paris assume, thinking that they will be deemed natural; but those naïve, simple graces which one recognizes instantly but vainly tries to imitate.

a detailed critical inspection

From this reading Chérubin had kept his word; he had consented to study, but he had insisted on Louise’s presence during his lessons; at first, Monsieur Gérondif had tried to keep the little girl from the room, but Chérubin had shrieked and wept and refused to listen to his tutor; so that it was found necessary to yield to him.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading At thirteen, she seemed at least fifteen; she was slender, well-built, and possessed of many graces; not studied and affected ones such as so many young ladies in Paris assume, thinking that they will be deemed natural; but those naïve, simple graces which one recognizes instantly but vainly tries to imitate.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading IX A COALITION We will pass rapidly over the years following that during which Monsieur Gérondif became the young marquis’s tutor.

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

From this reading IX A COALITION We will pass rapidly over the years following that during which Monsieur Gérondif became the young marquis’s tutor.

in or at that place or location

From this reading By slow degrees Louise’s presence had evidently come to seem less inconvenient to Monsieur Gérondif, for if she were not there when he arrived, he was the first to send for her.

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

From this reading At thirteen, she seemed at least fifteen; she was slender, well-built, and possessed of many graces; not studied and affected ones such as so many young ladies in Paris assume, thinking that they will be deemed natural; but those naïve, simple graces which one recognizes instantly but vainly tries to imitate.

the process of using your mind to consider something carefully

From this reading At thirteen, she seemed at least fifteen; she was slender, well-built, and possessed of many graces; not studied and affected ones such as so many young ladies in Paris assume, thinking that they will be deemed natural; but those naïve, simple graces which one recognizes instantly but vainly tries to imitate.

the cardinal number that is the sum of twelve and one

From this reading At thirteen, she seemed at least fifteen; she was slender, well-built, and possessed of many graces; not studied and affected ones such as so many young ladies in Paris assume, thinking that they will be deemed natural; but those naïve, simple graces which one recognizes instantly but vainly tries to imitate.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading At thirteen, she seemed at least fifteen; she was slender, well-built, and possessed of many graces; not studied and affected ones such as so many young ladies in Paris assume, thinking that they will be deemed natural; but those naïve, simple graces which one recognizes instantly but vainly tries to imitate.

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

From this reading Chérubin had kept his word; he had consented to study, but he had insisted on Louise’s presence during his lessons; at first, Monsieur Gérondif had tried to keep the little girl from the room, but Chérubin had shrieked and wept and refused to listen to his tutor; so that it was found necessary to yield to him.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading The fact is that Louise had grown too, and that she had improved even more rapidly.

tested and proved useful or correct

From this reading Chérubin had kept his word; he had consented to study, but he had insisted on Louise’s presence during his lessons; at first, Monsieur Gérondif had tried to keep the little girl from the room, but Chérubin had shrieked and wept and refused to listen to his tutor; so that it was found necessary to yield to him.

plural of “try” — earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading At thirteen, she seemed at least fifteen; she was slender, well-built, and possessed of many graces; not studied and affected ones such as so many young ladies in Paris assume, thinking that they will be deemed natural; but those naïve, simple graces which one recognizes instantly but vainly tries to imitate.

be a tutor to someone; give individual instruction

From this reading IX A COALITION We will pass rapidly over the years following that during which Monsieur Gérondif became the young marquis’s tutor.

to no avail

From this reading At thirteen, she seemed at least fifteen; she was slender, well-built, and possessed of many graces; not studied and affected ones such as so many young ladies in Paris assume, thinking that they will be deemed natural; but those naïve, simple graces which one recognizes instantly but vainly tries to imitate.

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

From this reading Chérubin had kept his word; he had consented to study, but he had insisted on Louise’s presence during his lessons; at first, Monsieur Gérondif had tried to keep the little girl from the room, but Chérubin had shrieked and wept and refused to listen to his tutor; so that it was found necessary to yield to him.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading IX A COALITION We will pass rapidly over the years following that during which Monsieur Gérondif became the young marquis’s tutor.

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

From this reading At thirteen, she seemed at least fifteen; she was slender, well-built, and possessed of many graces; not studied and affected ones such as so many young ladies in Paris assume, thinking that they will be deemed natural; but those naïve, simple graces which one recognizes instantly but vainly tries to imitate.

inflected form of “weep” — shed tears because of sadness, rage, or pain

From this reading Chérubin had kept his word; he had consented to study, but he had insisted on Louise’s presence during his lessons; at first, Monsieur Gérondif had tried to keep the little girl from the room, but Chérubin had shrieked and wept and refused to listen to his tutor; so that it was found necessary to yield to him.

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

From this reading By slow degrees Louise’s presence had evidently come to seem less inconvenient to Monsieur Gérondif, for if she were not there when he arrived, he was the first to send for her.

at the time that

From this reading By slow degrees Louise’s presence had evidently come to seem less inconvenient to Monsieur Gérondif, for if she were not there when he arrived, he was the first to send for her.

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

From this reading IX A COALITION We will pass rapidly over the years following that during which Monsieur Gérondif became the young marquis’s tutor.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading IX A COALITION We will pass rapidly over the years following that during which Monsieur Gérondif became the young marquis’s tutor.

a unit of language that native speakers can identify

From this reading Chérubin had kept his word; he had consented to study, but he had insisted on Louise’s presence during his lessons; at first, Monsieur Gérondif had tried to keep the little girl from the room, but Chérubin had shrieked and wept and refused to listen to his tutor; so that it was found necessary to yield to him.

a late time of life

From this reading IX A COALITION We will pass rapidly over the years following that during which Monsieur Gérondif became the young marquis’s tutor.

be the cause or source of

From this reading Chérubin had kept his word; he had consented to study, but he had insisted on Louise’s presence during his lessons; at first, Monsieur Gérondif had tried to keep the little girl from the room, but Chérubin had shrieked and wept and refused to listen to his tutor; so that it was found necessary to yield to him.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading IX A COALITION We will pass rapidly over the years following that during which Monsieur Gérondif became the young marquis’s tutor.