Chapter IV · Chapter 4

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

From this reading The dance to which Sarah M'Gowan went after the conflict with her step-mother, was but a miserable specimen of what a dance usually is in Ireland.

later than; following

From this reading The dance to which Sarah M'Gowan went after the conflict with her step-mother, was but a miserable specimen of what a dance usually is in Ireland.

in addition

From this reading On the contrary, the failure of the potato crop, especially in its quality, as well as that in the grain generally, was not only the cause of hunger and distress, but also of the sickness which prevailed.

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

From this reading On that occasion, there were but comparatively few assembled; and these few, as may be guessed, consisted chiefly of those gay and frolicsome spirits whom no pressure of distress, nor anything short of sickness or death, could sober down into seriousness.

any thing at all

From this reading On that occasion, there were but comparatively few assembled; and these few, as may be guessed, consisted chiefly of those gay and frolicsome spirits whom no pressure of distress, nor anything short of sickness or death, could sober down into seriousness.

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

From this reading On that occasion, there were but comparatively few assembled; and these few, as may be guessed, consisted chiefly of those gay and frolicsome spirits whom no pressure of distress, nor anything short of sickness or death, could sober down into seriousness.

past form of “assemble” — create by putting components or members together

From this reading On that occasion, there were but comparatively few assembled; and these few, as may be guessed, consisted chiefly of those gay and frolicsome spirits whom no pressure of distress, nor anything short of sickness or death, could sober down into seriousness.

the season when the leaves fall from the trees

From this reading The season brought with it none of that relief to the peasantry which usually makes autumn so welcome.

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

From this reading On that occasion, there were but comparatively few assembled; and these few, as may be guessed, consisted chiefly of those gay and frolicsome spirits whom no pressure of distress, nor anything short of sickness or death, could sober down into seriousness.

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading The season brought with it none of that relief to the peasantry which usually makes autumn so welcome.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The dance to which Sarah M'Gowan went after the conflict with her step-mother, was but a miserable specimen of what a dance usually is in Ireland.

events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something

From this reading On the contrary, the failure of the potato crop, especially in its quality, as well as that in the grain generally, was not only the cause of hunger and distress, but also of the sickness which prevailed.

for the most part

From this reading On that occasion, there were but comparatively few assembled; and these few, as may be guessed, consisted chiefly of those gay and frolicsome spirits whom no pressure of distress, nor anything short of sickness or death, could sober down into seriousness.

in a relative manner; by comparison to something else

From this reading On that occasion, there were but comparatively few assembled; and these few, as may be guessed, consisted chiefly of those gay and frolicsome spirits whom no pressure of distress, nor anything short of sickness or death, could sober down into seriousness.

an open clash between two opposing groups (or individuals)

From this reading The dance to which Sarah M'Gowan went after the conflict with her step-mother, was but a miserable specimen of what a dance usually is in Ireland.

past form of “consist” — originate

From this reading On that occasion, there were but comparatively few assembled; and these few, as may be guessed, consisted chiefly of those gay and frolicsome spirits whom no pressure of distress, nor anything short of sickness or death, could sober down into seriousness.

very opposed in nature or character or purpose

From this reading On the contrary, the failure of the potato crop, especially in its quality, as well as that in the grain generally, was not only the cause of hunger and distress, but also of the sickness which prevailed.

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

From this reading On that occasion, there were but comparatively few assembled; and these few, as may be guessed, consisted chiefly of those gay and frolicsome spirits whom no pressure of distress, nor anything short of sickness or death, could sober down into seriousness.

the yield from plants in a single growing season

From this reading On the contrary, the failure of the potato crop, especially in its quality, as well as that in the grain generally, was not only the cause of hunger and distress, but also of the sickness which prevailed.

an artistic form of nonverbal communication

From this reading The dance to which Sarah M'Gowan went after the conflict with her step-mother, was but a miserable specimen of what a dance usually is in Ireland.

the event of dying or departure from life

From this reading On that occasion, there were but comparatively few assembled; and these few, as may be guessed, consisted chiefly of those gay and frolicsome spirits whom no pressure of distress, nor anything short of sickness or death, could sober down into seriousness.

psychological suffering

From this reading On that occasion, there were but comparatively few assembled; and these few, as may be guessed, consisted chiefly of those gay and frolicsome spirits whom no pressure of distress, nor anything short of sickness or death, could sober down into seriousness.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading On that occasion, there were but comparatively few assembled; and these few, as may be guessed, consisted chiefly of those gay and frolicsome spirits whom no pressure of distress, nor anything short of sickness or death, could sober down into seriousness.

to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common

From this reading On the contrary, the failure of the potato crop, especially in its quality, as well as that in the grain generally, was not only the cause of hunger and distress, but also of the sickness which prevailed.

past form of “exhibit” — show an attribute, property, knowledge, or skill

From this reading The meeting, in fact, exhibited a painful union of mirth and melancholy.

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

From this reading The meeting, in fact, exhibited a painful union of mirth and melancholy.

an act that fails

From this reading On the contrary, the failure of the potato crop, especially in its quality, as well as that in the grain generally, was not only the cause of hunger and distress, but also of the sickness which prevailed.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading On that occasion, there were but comparatively few assembled; and these few, as may be guessed, consisted chiefly of those gay and frolicsome spirits whom no pressure of distress, nor anything short of sickness or death, could sober down into seriousness.

given to merry frolicking

From this reading On that occasion, there were but comparatively few assembled; and these few, as may be guessed, consisted chiefly of those gay and frolicsome spirits whom no pressure of distress, nor anything short of sickness or death, could sober down into seriousness.

bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer

From this reading On that occasion, there were but comparatively few assembled; and these few, as may be guessed, consisted chiefly of those gay and frolicsome spirits whom no pressure of distress, nor anything short of sickness or death, could sober down into seriousness.

usually; as a rule

From this reading On the contrary, the failure of the potato crop, especially in its quality, as well as that in the grain generally, was not only the cause of hunger and distress, but also of the sickness which prevailed.

a relatively small granular particle of a substance

From this reading On the contrary, the failure of the potato crop, especially in its quality, as well as that in the grain generally, was not only the cause of hunger and distress, but also of the sickness which prevailed.

past form of “guess” — expect, believe, or suppose

From this reading On that occasion, there were but comparatively few assembled; and these few, as may be guessed, consisted chiefly of those gay and frolicsome spirits whom no pressure of distress, nor anything short of sickness or death, could sober down into seriousness.

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

From this reading The dance to which Sarah M'Gowan went after the conflict with her step-mother, was but a miserable specimen of what a dance usually is in Ireland.

a physiological need for food; the consequence of food deprivation

From this reading On the contrary, the failure of the potato crop, especially in its quality, as well as that in the grain generally, was not only the cause of hunger and distress, but also of the sickness which prevailed.

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

From this reading The dance to which Sarah M'Gowan went after the conflict with her step-mother, was but a miserable specimen of what a dance usually is in Ireland.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading On that occasion, there were but comparatively few assembled; and these few, as may be guessed, consisted chiefly of those gay and frolicsome spirits whom no pressure of distress, nor anything short of sickness or death, could sober down into seriousness.

a republic consisting of 26 of 32 counties comprising the island of Ireland; achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1921

From this reading The dance to which Sarah M'Gowan went after the conflict with her step-mother, was but a miserable specimen of what a dance usually is in Ireland.

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

From this reading The dance to which Sarah M'Gowan went after the conflict with her step-mother, was but a miserable specimen of what a dance usually is in Ireland.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The season brought with it none of that relief to the peasantry which usually makes autumn so welcome.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading On the contrary, the failure of the potato crop, especially in its quality, as well as that in the grain generally, was not only the cause of hunger and distress, but also of the sickness which prevailed.

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

From this reading The dance to which Sarah M'Gowan went after the conflict with her step-mother, was but a miserable specimen of what a dance usually is in Ireland.

plural of “make” — a recognizable kind

From this reading The season brought with it none of that relief to the peasantry which usually makes autumn so welcome.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading On that occasion, there were but comparatively few assembled; and these few, as may be guessed, consisted chiefly of those gay and frolicsome spirits whom no pressure of distress, nor anything short of sickness or death, could sober down into seriousness.

a formally arranged gathering

From this reading The meeting, in fact, exhibited a painful union of mirth and melancholy.

a feeling of thoughtful sadness

From this reading The meeting, in fact, exhibited a painful union of mirth and melancholy.

great merriment

From this reading The meeting, in fact, exhibited a painful union of mirth and melancholy.

very unhappy; full of misery

From this reading The dance to which Sarah M'Gowan went after the conflict with her step-mother, was but a miserable specimen of what a dance usually is in Ireland.

not any; not one

From this reading On that occasion, there were but comparatively few assembled; and these few, as may be guessed, consisted chiefly of those gay and frolicsome spirits whom no pressure of distress, nor anything short of sickness or death, could sober down into seriousness.

not one, and not any

From this reading The season brought with it none of that relief to the peasantry which usually makes autumn so welcome.

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading On that occasion, there were but comparatively few assembled; and these few, as may be guessed, consisted chiefly of those gay and frolicsome spirits whom no pressure of distress, nor anything short of sickness or death, could sober down into seriousness.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading On the contrary, the failure of the potato crop, especially in its quality, as well as that in the grain generally, was not only the cause of hunger and distress, but also of the sickness which prevailed.

an event that occurs at a critical time

From this reading On that occasion, there were but comparatively few assembled; and these few, as may be guessed, consisted chiefly of those gay and frolicsome spirits whom no pressure of distress, nor anything short of sickness or death, could sober down into seriousness.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The dance to which Sarah M'Gowan went after the conflict with her step-mother, was but a miserable specimen of what a dance usually is in Ireland.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading On that occasion, there were but comparatively few assembled; and these few, as may be guessed, consisted chiefly of those gay and frolicsome spirits whom no pressure of distress, nor anything short of sickness or death, could sober down into seriousness.

and nothing more

From this reading On the contrary, the failure of the potato crop, especially in its quality, as well as that in the grain generally, was not only the cause of hunger and distress, but also of the sickness which prevailed.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading On that occasion, there were but comparatively few assembled; and these few, as may be guessed, consisted chiefly of those gay and frolicsome spirits whom no pressure of distress, nor anything short of sickness or death, could sober down into seriousness.

causing physical or psychological pain

From this reading The meeting, in fact, exhibited a painful union of mirth and melancholy.

the class of peasants

From this reading The season brought with it none of that relief to the peasantry which usually makes autumn so welcome.

an edible tuber native to South America; a staple food of Ireland

From this reading On the contrary, the failure of the potato crop, especially in its quality, as well as that in the grain generally, was not only the cause of hunger and distress, but also of the sickness which prevailed.

the force applied to a unit area of surface; measured in pascals (SI unit) or in dynes (cgs unit)

From this reading On that occasion, there were but comparatively few assembled; and these few, as may be guessed, consisted chiefly of those gay and frolicsome spirits whom no pressure of distress, nor anything short of sickness or death, could sober down into seriousness.

past form of “prevail” — be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance

From this reading On the contrary, the failure of the potato crop, especially in its quality, as well as that in the grain generally, was not only the cause of hunger and distress, but also of the sickness which prevailed.

an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone

From this reading On the contrary, the failure of the potato crop, especially in its quality, as well as that in the grain generally, was not only the cause of hunger and distress, but also of the sickness which prevailed.

the feeling that comes when something burdensome is removed or reduced

From this reading The season brought with it none of that relief to the peasantry which usually makes autumn so welcome.

(Old Testament) the wife of Abraham and mother of Isaac

From this reading The dance to which Sarah M'Gowan went after the conflict with her step-mother, was but a miserable specimen of what a dance usually is in Ireland.

a period of the year marked by special events or activities in some field

From this reading The season brought with it none of that relief to the peasantry which usually makes autumn so welcome.

an earnest and sincere feeling

From this reading On that occasion, there were but comparatively few assembled; and these few, as may be guessed, consisted chiefly of those gay and frolicsome spirits whom no pressure of distress, nor anything short of sickness or death, could sober down into seriousness.

primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration

From this reading On that occasion, there were but comparatively few assembled; and these few, as may be guessed, consisted chiefly of those gay and frolicsome spirits whom no pressure of distress, nor anything short of sickness or death, could sober down into seriousness.

impairment of normal physiological function affecting part or all of an organism

From this reading On that occasion, there were but comparatively few assembled; and these few, as may be guessed, consisted chiefly of those gay and frolicsome spirits whom no pressure of distress, nor anything short of sickness or death, could sober down into seriousness.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The season brought with it none of that relief to the peasantry which usually makes autumn so welcome.

not affected by a chemical substance (especially alcohol)

From this reading On that occasion, there were but comparatively few assembled; and these few, as may be guessed, consisted chiefly of those gay and frolicsome spirits whom no pressure of distress, nor anything short of sickness or death, could sober down into seriousness.

an example regarded as typical of its class

From this reading The dance to which Sarah M'Gowan went after the conflict with her step-mother, was but a miserable specimen of what a dance usually is in Ireland.

an alcoholic beverage that is distilled rather than fermented

From this reading On that occasion, there were but comparatively few assembled; and these few, as may be guessed, consisted chiefly of those gay and frolicsome spirits whom no pressure of distress, nor anything short of sickness or death, could sober down into seriousness.

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

From this reading The dance to which Sarah M'Gowan went after the conflict with her step-mother, was but a miserable specimen of what a dance usually is in Ireland.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading On that occasion, there were but comparatively few assembled; and these few, as may be guessed, consisted chiefly of those gay and frolicsome spirits whom no pressure of distress, nor anything short of sickness or death, could sober down into seriousness.

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

From this reading The dance to which Sarah M'Gowan went after the conflict with her step-mother, was but a miserable specimen of what a dance usually is in Ireland.

in or at that place or location

From this reading On that occasion, there were but comparatively few assembled; and these few, as may be guessed, consisted chiefly of those gay and frolicsome spirits whom no pressure of distress, nor anything short of sickness or death, could sober down into seriousness.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading On that occasion, there were but comparatively few assembled; and these few, as may be guessed, consisted chiefly of those gay and frolicsome spirits whom no pressure of distress, nor anything short of sickness or death, could sober down into seriousness.

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

From this reading On that occasion, there were but comparatively few assembled; and these few, as may be guessed, consisted chiefly of those gay and frolicsome spirits whom no pressure of distress, nor anything short of sickness or death, could sober down into seriousness.

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

From this reading The dance to which Sarah M'Gowan went after the conflict with her step-mother, was but a miserable specimen of what a dance usually is in Ireland.

an organization of employees formed to bargain with the employer

From this reading The meeting, in fact, exhibited a painful union of mirth and melancholy.

under normal conditions

From this reading The dance to which Sarah M'Gowan went after the conflict with her step-mother, was but a miserable specimen of what a dance usually is in Ireland.

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

From this reading The dance to which Sarah M'Gowan went after the conflict with her step-mother, was but a miserable specimen of what a dance usually is in Ireland.

accept gladly

From this reading The season brought with it none of that relief to the peasantry which usually makes autumn so welcome.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading On the contrary, the failure of the potato crop, especially in its quality, as well as that in the grain generally, was not only the cause of hunger and distress, but also of the sickness which prevailed.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading The dance to which Sarah M'Gowan went after the conflict with her step-mother, was but a miserable specimen of what a dance usually is in Ireland.

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

From this reading On that occasion, there were but comparatively few assembled; and these few, as may be guessed, consisted chiefly of those gay and frolicsome spirits whom no pressure of distress, nor anything short of sickness or death, could sober down into seriousness.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading The dance to which Sarah M'Gowan went after the conflict with her step-mother, was but a miserable specimen of what a dance usually is in Ireland.

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

From this reading The dance to which Sarah M'Gowan went after the conflict with her step-mother, was but a miserable specimen of what a dance usually is in Ireland.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading On that occasion, there were but comparatively few assembled; and these few, as may be guessed, consisted chiefly of those gay and frolicsome spirits whom no pressure of distress, nor anything short of sickness or death, could sober down into seriousness.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The dance to which Sarah M'Gowan went after the conflict with her step-mother, was but a miserable specimen of what a dance usually is in Ireland.