Chapter III

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

From this reading Madame Koller could have told something about their miseries, from the first struggling steps up to the pinnacle when they can fight with managers, down again to the point when the most dreadful sound that nature holds--so she thought--a hiss--laid them figuratively among the dead.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Madame Koller could have told something about their miseries, from the first struggling steps up to the pinnacle when they can fight with managers, down again to the point when the most dreadful sound that nature holds--so she thought--a hiss--laid them figuratively among the dead.

anew

From this reading Madame Koller could have told something about their miseries, from the first struggling steps up to the pinnacle when they can fight with managers, down again to the point when the most dreadful sound that nature holds--so she thought--a hiss--laid them figuratively among the dead.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading Madame Koller could have told something about their miseries, from the first struggling steps up to the pinnacle when they can fight with managers, down again to the point when the most dreadful sound that nature holds--so she thought--a hiss--laid them figuratively among the dead.

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

From this reading Without one atom of artistic heredity, surroundings or atmosphere to draw upon, Eliza Peyton had come into the world an artist.

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

From this reading She had a voice, and she grew up with the conviction that there was nothing in the world but voices and pianos.

any person at all

From this reading DOES anybody ever ask what becomes of the _prime donne_ who break down early?

a person whose creative work shows sensitivity and imagination

From this reading Without one atom of artistic heredity, surroundings or atmosphere to draw upon, Eliza Peyton had come into the world an artist.

relating to or characteristic of art or artists

From this reading Without one atom of artistic heredity, surroundings or atmosphere to draw upon, Eliza Peyton had come into the world an artist.

make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading DOES anybody ever ask what becomes of the _prime donne_ who break down early?

a particular environment or surrounding influence

From this reading Without one atom of artistic heredity, surroundings or atmosphere to draw upon, Eliza Peyton had come into the world an artist.

(physics and chemistry) the smallest component of an element having the chemical properties of the element

From this reading Without one atom of artistic heredity, surroundings or atmosphere to draw upon, Eliza Peyton had come into the world an artist.

third-person singular of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading DOES anybody ever ask what becomes of the _prime donne_ who break down early?

terminate

From this reading DOES anybody ever ask what becomes of the _prime donne_ who break down early?

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Nature generally works methodically, but in Madame Koller’s case, she seemed to take a delight in producing grapes from thorns.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading Madame Koller could have told something about their miseries, from the first struggling steps up to the pinnacle when they can fight with managers, down again to the point when the most dreadful sound that nature holds--so she thought--a hiss--laid them figuratively among the dead.

an occurrence of something

From this reading Nature generally works methodically, but in Madame Koller’s case, she seemed to take a delight in producing grapes from thorns.

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

From this reading Without one atom of artistic heredity, surroundings or atmosphere to draw upon, Eliza Peyton had come into the world an artist.

an unshakable belief in something without need for proof or evidence

From this reading She had a voice, and she grew up with the conviction that there was nothing in the world but voices and pianos.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading Madame Koller could have told something about their miseries, from the first struggling steps up to the pinnacle when they can fight with managers, down again to the point when the most dreadful sound that nature holds--so she thought--a hiss--laid them figuratively among the dead.

no longer having or seeming to have or expecting to have life

From this reading Madame Koller could have told something about their miseries, from the first struggling steps up to the pinnacle when they can fight with managers, down again to the point when the most dreadful sound that nature holds--so she thought--a hiss--laid them figuratively among the dead.

give pleasure to or be pleasing to

From this reading Nature generally works methodically, but in Madame Koller’s case, she seemed to take a delight in producing grapes from thorns.

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

From this reading DOES anybody ever ask what becomes of the _prime donne_ who break down early?

English clergyman and metaphysical poet celebrated as a preacher (1572-1631)

From this reading DOES anybody ever ask what becomes of the _prime donne_ who break down early?

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading DOES anybody ever ask what becomes of the _prime donne_ who break down early?

cause to move by pulling

From this reading Without one atom of artistic heredity, surroundings or atmosphere to draw upon, Eliza Peyton had come into the world an artist.

causing fear or dread or terror

From this reading Madame Koller could have told something about their miseries, from the first struggling steps up to the pinnacle when they can fight with managers, down again to the point when the most dreadful sound that nature holds--so she thought--a hiss--laid them figuratively among the dead.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading DOES anybody ever ask what becomes of the _prime donne_ who break down early?

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

From this reading Without one atom of artistic heredity, surroundings or atmosphere to draw upon, Eliza Peyton had come into the world an artist.

at any time

From this reading DOES anybody ever ask what becomes of the _prime donne_ who break down early?

be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight

From this reading Madame Koller could have told something about their miseries, from the first struggling steps up to the pinnacle when they can fight with managers, down again to the point when the most dreadful sound that nature holds--so she thought--a hiss--laid them figuratively among the dead.

in a figurative sense

From this reading Madame Koller could have told something about their miseries, from the first struggling steps up to the pinnacle when they can fight with managers, down again to the point when the most dreadful sound that nature holds--so she thought--a hiss--laid them figuratively among the dead.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Madame Koller could have told something about their miseries, from the first struggling steps up to the pinnacle when they can fight with managers, down again to the point when the most dreadful sound that nature holds--so she thought--a hiss--laid them figuratively among the dead.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Madame Koller could have told something about their miseries, from the first struggling steps up to the pinnacle when they can fight with managers, down again to the point when the most dreadful sound that nature holds--so she thought--a hiss--laid them figuratively among the dead.

usually; as a rule

From this reading Nature generally works methodically, but in Madame Koller’s case, she seemed to take a delight in producing grapes from thorns.

plural of “grape” — any of various juicy fruit of the genus Vitis with green or purple skins; grow in clusters

From this reading Nature generally works methodically, but in Madame Koller’s case, she seemed to take a delight in producing grapes from thorns.

inflected form of “grow” — pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become

From this reading She had a voice, and she grew up with the conviction that there was nothing in the world but voices and pianos.

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

From this reading Without one atom of artistic heredity, surroundings or atmosphere to draw upon, Eliza Peyton had come into the world an artist.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Madame Koller could have told something about their miseries, from the first struggling steps up to the pinnacle when they can fight with managers, down again to the point when the most dreadful sound that nature holds--so she thought--a hiss--laid them figuratively among the dead.

the biological process whereby genetic factors are transmitted from one generation to the next

From this reading Without one atom of artistic heredity, surroundings or atmosphere to draw upon, Eliza Peyton had come into the world an artist.

make a sharp hissing sound, as if to show disapproval

From this reading Madame Koller could have told something about their miseries, from the first struggling steps up to the pinnacle when they can fight with managers, down again to the point when the most dreadful sound that nature holds--so she thought--a hiss--laid them figuratively among the dead.

plural of “hold” — the act of grasping

From this reading Madame Koller could have told something about their miseries, from the first struggling steps up to the pinnacle when they can fight with managers, down again to the point when the most dreadful sound that nature holds--so she thought--a hiss--laid them figuratively among the dead.

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

From this reading Nature generally works methodically, but in Madame Koller’s case, she seemed to take a delight in producing grapes from thorns.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Without one atom of artistic heredity, surroundings or atmosphere to draw upon, Eliza Peyton had come into the world an artist.

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

From this reading Madame Koller could have told something about their miseries, from the first struggling steps up to the pinnacle when they can fight with managers, down again to the point when the most dreadful sound that nature holds--so she thought--a hiss--laid them figuratively among the dead.

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

From this reading Nature generally works methodically, but in Madame Koller’s case, she seemed to take a delight in producing grapes from thorns.

set down according to a plan

From this reading Madame Koller could have told something about their miseries, from the first struggling steps up to the pinnacle when they can fight with managers, down again to the point when the most dreadful sound that nature holds--so she thought--a hiss--laid them figuratively among the dead.

title used for a married Frenchwoman

From this reading Madame Koller could have told something about their miseries, from the first struggling steps up to the pinnacle when they can fight with managers, down again to the point when the most dreadful sound that nature holds--so she thought--a hiss--laid them figuratively among the dead.

plural of “manager” — someone who controls resources and expenditures

From this reading Madame Koller could have told something about their miseries, from the first struggling steps up to the pinnacle when they can fight with managers, down again to the point when the most dreadful sound that nature holds--so she thought--a hiss--laid them figuratively among the dead.

in a methodical manner

From this reading Nature generally works methodically, but in Madame Koller’s case, she seemed to take a delight in producing grapes from thorns.

plural of “misery” — a state of ill-being due to affliction or misfortune

From this reading Madame Koller could have told something about their miseries, from the first struggling steps up to the pinnacle when they can fight with managers, down again to the point when the most dreadful sound that nature holds--so she thought--a hiss--laid them figuratively among the dead.

used to form the superlative

From this reading Madame Koller could have told something about their miseries, from the first struggling steps up to the pinnacle when they can fight with managers, down again to the point when the most dreadful sound that nature holds--so she thought--a hiss--laid them figuratively among the dead.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading Madame Koller could have told something about their miseries, from the first struggling steps up to the pinnacle when they can fight with managers, down again to the point when the most dreadful sound that nature holds--so she thought--a hiss--laid them figuratively among the dead.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading She had a voice, and she grew up with the conviction that there was nothing in the world but voices and pianos.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading DOES anybody ever ask what becomes of the _prime donne_ who break down early?

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Without one atom of artistic heredity, surroundings or atmosphere to draw upon, Eliza Peyton had come into the world an artist.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Without one atom of artistic heredity, surroundings or atmosphere to draw upon, Eliza Peyton had come into the world an artist.

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

From this reading Without one atom of artistic heredity, surroundings or atmosphere to draw upon, Eliza Peyton had come into the world an artist.

plural of “piano” — a keyboard instrument that is played by depressing keys that cause hammers to strike tuned strings and produce sounds

From this reading She had a voice, and she grew up with the conviction that there was nothing in the world but voices and pianos.

(architecture) a slender upright spire at the top of a buttress of tower

From this reading Madame Koller could have told something about their miseries, from the first struggling steps up to the pinnacle when they can fight with managers, down again to the point when the most dreadful sound that nature holds--so she thought--a hiss--laid them figuratively among the dead.

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading Madame Koller could have told something about their miseries, from the first struggling steps up to the pinnacle when they can fight with managers, down again to the point when the most dreadful sound that nature holds--so she thought--a hiss--laid them figuratively among the dead.

first in rank or degree

From this reading DOES anybody ever ask what becomes of the _prime donne_ who break down early?

-ing form of “produce” — bring forth or yield

From this reading Nature generally works methodically, but in Madame Koller’s case, she seemed to take a delight in producing grapes from thorns.

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

From this reading Nature generally works methodically, but in Madame Koller’s case, she seemed to take a delight in producing grapes from thorns.

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

From this reading Madame Koller could have told something about their miseries, from the first struggling steps up to the pinnacle when they can fight with managers, down again to the point when the most dreadful sound that nature holds--so she thought--a hiss--laid them figuratively among the dead.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Madame Koller could have told something about their miseries, from the first struggling steps up to the pinnacle when they can fight with managers, down again to the point when the most dreadful sound that nature holds--so she thought--a hiss--laid them figuratively among the dead.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading Madame Koller could have told something about their miseries, from the first struggling steps up to the pinnacle when they can fight with managers, down again to the point when the most dreadful sound that nature holds--so she thought--a hiss--laid them figuratively among the dead.

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading Madame Koller could have told something about their miseries, from the first struggling steps up to the pinnacle when they can fight with managers, down again to the point when the most dreadful sound that nature holds--so she thought--a hiss--laid them figuratively among the dead.

a flight of stairs or a flight of steps

From this reading Madame Koller could have told something about their miseries, from the first struggling steps up to the pinnacle when they can fight with managers, down again to the point when the most dreadful sound that nature holds--so she thought--a hiss--laid them figuratively among the dead.

engaged in a struggle to overcome especially poverty or obscurity

From this reading Madame Koller could have told something about their miseries, from the first struggling steps up to the pinnacle when they can fight with managers, down again to the point when the most dreadful sound that nature holds--so she thought--a hiss--laid them figuratively among the dead.

the environmental condition

From this reading Without one atom of artistic heredity, surroundings or atmosphere to draw upon, Eliza Peyton had come into the world an artist.

carry out

From this reading Nature generally works methodically, but in Madame Koller’s case, she seemed to take a delight in producing grapes from thorns.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Madame Koller could have told something about their miseries, from the first struggling steps up to the pinnacle when they can fight with managers, down again to the point when the most dreadful sound that nature holds--so she thought--a hiss--laid them figuratively among the dead.

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

From this reading DOES anybody ever ask what becomes of the _prime donne_ who break down early?

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Madame Koller could have told something about their miseries, from the first struggling steps up to the pinnacle when they can fight with managers, down again to the point when the most dreadful sound that nature holds--so she thought--a hiss--laid them figuratively among the dead.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Madame Koller could have told something about their miseries, from the first struggling steps up to the pinnacle when they can fight with managers, down again to the point when the most dreadful sound that nature holds--so she thought--a hiss--laid them figuratively among the dead.

in or at that place or location

From this reading She had a voice, and she grew up with the conviction that there was nothing in the world but voices and pianos.

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

From this reading Madame Koller could have told something about their miseries, from the first struggling steps up to the pinnacle when they can fight with managers, down again to the point when the most dreadful sound that nature holds--so she thought--a hiss--laid them figuratively among the dead.

plural of “thorn” — something that causes irritation and annoyance

From this reading Nature generally works methodically, but in Madame Koller’s case, she seemed to take a delight in producing grapes from thorns.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading Madame Koller could have told something about their miseries, from the first struggling steps up to the pinnacle when they can fight with managers, down again to the point when the most dreadful sound that nature holds--so she thought--a hiss--laid them figuratively among the dead.

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

From this reading Madame Koller could have told something about their miseries, from the first struggling steps up to the pinnacle when they can fight with managers, down again to the point when the most dreadful sound that nature holds--so she thought--a hiss--laid them figuratively among the dead.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading Madame Koller could have told something about their miseries, from the first struggling steps up to the pinnacle when they can fight with managers, down again to the point when the most dreadful sound that nature holds--so she thought--a hiss--laid them figuratively among the dead.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading Madame Koller could have told something about their miseries, from the first struggling steps up to the pinnacle when they can fight with managers, down again to the point when the most dreadful sound that nature holds--so she thought--a hiss--laid them figuratively among the dead.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Without one atom of artistic heredity, surroundings or atmosphere to draw upon, Eliza Peyton had come into the world an artist.

the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading She had a voice, and she grew up with the conviction that there was nothing in the world but voices and pianos.

plural of “voice” — the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading She had a voice, and she grew up with the conviction that there was nothing in the world but voices and pianos.

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

From this reading She had a voice, and she grew up with the conviction that there was nothing in the world but voices and pianos.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading DOES anybody ever ask what becomes of the _prime donne_ who break down early?

at the time that

From this reading Madame Koller could have told something about their miseries, from the first struggling steps up to the pinnacle when they can fight with managers, down again to the point when the most dreadful sound that nature holds--so she thought--a hiss--laid them figuratively among the dead.

which person or people

From this reading DOES anybody ever ask what becomes of the _prime donne_ who break down early?

in the company of; together with

From this reading Madame Koller could have told something about their miseries, from the first struggling steps up to the pinnacle when they can fight with managers, down again to the point when the most dreadful sound that nature holds--so she thought--a hiss--laid them figuratively among the dead.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading Without one atom of artistic heredity, surroundings or atmosphere to draw upon, Eliza Peyton had come into the world an artist.

buildings for carrying on industrial labor

From this reading Nature generally works methodically, but in Madame Koller’s case, she seemed to take a delight in producing grapes from thorns.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading Without one atom of artistic heredity, surroundings or atmosphere to draw upon, Eliza Peyton had come into the world an artist.