Chapter V · Chapter 5

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

From this reading She had a pear-shaped head, cheeks that hung flabby as if they had been emptied of air, a pompous nose that drooped till it very nearly touched a projecting underlip like a bracket, giving her an expression of determined contempt which she very certainly had never felt.

inconsistent with reason or logic or common sense

From this reading In short, she suggested the absurd idea of a solemn, gawky Marlborough disguised as a cook.

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

From this reading She had a pear-shaped head, cheeks that hung flabby as if they had been emptied of air, a pompous nose that drooped till it very nearly touched a projecting underlip like a bracket, giving her an expression of determined contempt which she very certainly had never felt.

make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen

From this reading She was one of those women whose stalwart build and masculine presence would allow of their dressing in men's clothes without attracting attention.

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

From this reading She had a pear-shaped head, cheeks that hung flabby as if they had been emptied of air, a pompous nose that drooped till it very nearly touched a projecting underlip like a bracket, giving her an expression of determined contempt which she very certainly had never felt.

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

From this reading She was one of those women whose stalwart build and masculine presence would allow of their dressing in men's clothes without attracting attention.

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

From this reading She had a pear-shaped head, cheeks that hung flabby as if they had been emptied of air, a pompous nose that drooped till it very nearly touched a projecting underlip like a bracket, giving her an expression of determined contempt which she very certainly had never felt.

marked by care and persistent effort

From this reading Durtal breakfasted under the assiduous watchfulness of his servant, Madame Mesurat.

the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others

From this reading She was one of those women whose stalwart build and masculine presence would allow of their dressing in men's clothes without attracting attention.

-ing form of “attract” — direct toward itself or oneself by means of some psychological power or physical attributes

From this reading She was one of those women whose stalwart build and masculine presence would allow of their dressing in men's clothes without attracting attention.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading She had a pear-shaped head, cheeks that hung flabby as if they had been emptied of air, a pompous nose that drooped till it very nearly touched a projecting underlip like a bracket, giving her an expression of determined contempt which she very certainly had never felt.

a category falling within certain defined limits

From this reading She had a pear-shaped head, cheeks that hung flabby as if they had been emptied of air, a pompous nose that drooped till it very nearly touched a projecting underlip like a bracket, giving her an expression of determined contempt which she very certainly had never felt.

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

From this reading Durtal breakfasted under the assiduous watchfulness of his servant, Madame Mesurat.

make by combining materials and parts

From this reading She was one of those women whose stalwart build and masculine presence would allow of their dressing in men's clothes without attracting attention.

-ing form of “cease” — put an end to a state or an activity

From this reading It rained without ceasing.

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading She had a pear-shaped head, cheeks that hung flabby as if they had been emptied of air, a pompous nose that drooped till it very nearly touched a projecting underlip like a bracket, giving her an expression of determined contempt which she very certainly had never felt.

plural of “cheek” — either side of the face below the eyes

From this reading She had a pear-shaped head, cheeks that hung flabby as if they had been emptied of air, a pompous nose that drooped till it very nearly touched a projecting underlip like a bracket, giving her an expression of determined contempt which she very certainly had never felt.

clothing in general

From this reading She was one of those women whose stalwart build and masculine presence would allow of their dressing in men's clothes without attracting attention.

lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike

From this reading She had a pear-shaped head, cheeks that hung flabby as if they had been emptied of air, a pompous nose that drooped till it very nearly touched a projecting underlip like a bracket, giving her an expression of determined contempt which she very certainly had never felt.

prepare a hot meal

From this reading In short, she suggested the absurd idea of a solemn, gawky Marlborough disguised as a cook.

characterized by great determination

From this reading She had a pear-shaped head, cheeks that hung flabby as if they had been emptied of air, a pompous nose that drooped till it very nearly touched a projecting underlip like a bracket, giving her an expression of determined contempt which she very certainly had never felt.

having its true character concealed with the intent of misleading

From this reading In short, she suggested the absurd idea of a solemn, gawky Marlborough disguised as a cook.

savory dressings for salads; basically of two kinds: either the thin French or vinaigrette type or the creamy mayonnaise type

From this reading She was one of those women whose stalwart build and masculine presence would allow of their dressing in men's clothes without attracting attention.

past form of “droop” — droop, sink, or settle from or as if from pressure or loss of tautness

From this reading She had a pear-shaped head, cheeks that hung flabby as if they had been emptied of air, a pompous nose that drooped till it very nearly touched a projecting underlip like a bracket, giving her an expression of determined contempt which she very certainly had never felt.

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

From this reading Durtal breakfasted under the assiduous watchfulness of his servant, Madame Mesurat.

inflected form of “empty” — make void or empty of contents

From this reading She had a pear-shaped head, cheeks that hung flabby as if they had been emptied of air, a pompous nose that drooped till it very nearly touched a projecting underlip like a bracket, giving her an expression of determined contempt which she very certainly had never felt.

the feelings expressed on a person's face

From this reading She had a pear-shaped head, cheeks that hung flabby as if they had been emptied of air, a pompous nose that drooped till it very nearly touched a projecting underlip like a bracket, giving her an expression of determined contempt which she very certainly had never felt.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading She had a pear-shaped head, cheeks that hung flabby as if they had been emptied of air, a pompous nose that drooped till it very nearly touched a projecting underlip like a bracket, giving her an expression of determined contempt which she very certainly had never felt.

out of condition; not strong or robust; incapable of exertion or endurance

From this reading She had a pear-shaped head, cheeks that hung flabby as if they had been emptied of air, a pompous nose that drooped till it very nearly touched a projecting underlip like a bracket, giving her an expression of determined contempt which she very certainly had never felt.

lacking grace in movement or posture

From this reading In short, she suggested the absurd idea of a solemn, gawky Marlborough disguised as a cook.

the act of giving

From this reading She had a pear-shaped head, cheeks that hung flabby as if they had been emptied of air, a pompous nose that drooped till it very nearly touched a projecting underlip like a bracket, giving her an expression of determined contempt which she very certainly had never felt.

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

From this reading She had a pear-shaped head, cheeks that hung flabby as if they had been emptied of air, a pompous nose that drooped till it very nearly touched a projecting underlip like a bracket, giving her an expression of determined contempt which she very certainly had never felt.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading She had a pear-shaped head, cheeks that hung flabby as if they had been emptied of air, a pompous nose that drooped till it very nearly touched a projecting underlip like a bracket, giving her an expression of determined contempt which she very certainly had never felt.

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

From this reading She had a pear-shaped head, cheeks that hung flabby as if they had been emptied of air, a pompous nose that drooped till it very nearly touched a projecting underlip like a bracket, giving her an expression of determined contempt which she very certainly had never felt.

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

From this reading Durtal breakfasted under the assiduous watchfulness of his servant, Madame Mesurat.

inflected form of “hang” — be suspended or hanging

From this reading She had a pear-shaped head, cheeks that hung flabby as if they had been emptied of air, a pompous nose that drooped till it very nearly touched a projecting underlip like a bracket, giving her an expression of determined contempt which she very certainly had never felt.

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

From this reading In short, she suggested the absurd idea of a solemn, gawky Marlborough disguised as a cook.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading She had a pear-shaped head, cheeks that hung flabby as if they had been emptied of air, a pompous nose that drooped till it very nearly touched a projecting underlip like a bracket, giving her an expression of determined contempt which she very certainly had never felt.

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

From this reading She was one of those women whose stalwart build and masculine presence would allow of their dressing in men's clothes without attracting attention.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It rained without ceasing.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading She had a pear-shaped head, cheeks that hung flabby as if they had been emptied of air, a pompous nose that drooped till it very nearly touched a projecting underlip like a bracket, giving her an expression of determined contempt which she very certainly had never felt.

title used for a married Frenchwoman

From this reading Durtal breakfasted under the assiduous watchfulness of his servant, Madame Mesurat.

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

From this reading In short, she suggested the absurd idea of a solemn, gawky Marlborough disguised as a cook.

of grammatical gender

From this reading She was one of those women whose stalwart build and masculine presence would allow of their dressing in men's clothes without attracting attention.

a public toilet for men

From this reading She was one of those women whose stalwart build and masculine presence would allow of their dressing in men's clothes without attracting attention.

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

From this reading Durtal breakfasted under the assiduous watchfulness of his servant, Madame Mesurat.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading She had a pear-shaped head, cheeks that hung flabby as if they had been emptied of air, a pompous nose that drooped till it very nearly touched a projecting underlip like a bracket, giving her an expression of determined contempt which she very certainly had never felt.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading She had a pear-shaped head, cheeks that hung flabby as if they had been emptied of air, a pompous nose that drooped till it very nearly touched a projecting underlip like a bracket, giving her an expression of determined contempt which she very certainly had never felt.

the organ of smell and entrance to the respiratory tract; the prominent part of the face of man or other mammals

From this reading She had a pear-shaped head, cheeks that hung flabby as if they had been emptied of air, a pompous nose that drooped till it very nearly touched a projecting underlip like a bracket, giving her an expression of determined contempt which she very certainly had never felt.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Durtal breakfasted under the assiduous watchfulness of his servant, Madame Mesurat.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading She was one of those women whose stalwart build and masculine presence would allow of their dressing in men's clothes without attracting attention.

having a round shape tapered at one end

From this reading She had a pear-shaped head, cheeks that hung flabby as if they had been emptied of air, a pompous nose that drooped till it very nearly touched a projecting underlip like a bracket, giving her an expression of determined contempt which she very certainly had never felt.

puffed up with vanity

From this reading She had a pear-shaped head, cheeks that hung flabby as if they had been emptied of air, a pompous nose that drooped till it very nearly touched a projecting underlip like a bracket, giving her an expression of determined contempt which she very certainly had never felt.

the state of being present; current existence

From this reading She was one of those women whose stalwart build and masculine presence would allow of their dressing in men's clothes without attracting attention.

extending out above or beyond a surface or boundary

From this reading She had a pear-shaped head, cheeks that hung flabby as if they had been emptied of air, a pompous nose that drooped till it very nearly touched a projecting underlip like a bracket, giving her an expression of determined contempt which she very certainly had never felt.

past form of “rain” — precipitate as rain

From this reading It rained without ceasing.

a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)

From this reading Durtal breakfasted under the assiduous watchfulness of his servant, Madame Mesurat.

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

From this reading She was one of those women whose stalwart build and masculine presence would allow of their dressing in men's clothes without attracting attention.

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

From this reading In short, she suggested the absurd idea of a solemn, gawky Marlborough disguised as a cook.

dignified and somber in manner or character and committed to keeping promises

From this reading In short, she suggested the absurd idea of a solemn, gawky Marlborough disguised as a cook.

having rugged physical strength; inured to fatigue or hardships

From this reading She was one of those women whose stalwart build and masculine presence would allow of their dressing in men's clothes without attracting attention.

past form of “suggest” — make a proposal, declare a plan for something

From this reading In short, she suggested the absurd idea of a solemn, gawky Marlborough disguised as a cook.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading She had a pear-shaped head, cheeks that hung flabby as if they had been emptied of air, a pompous nose that drooped till it very nearly touched a projecting underlip like a bracket, giving her an expression of determined contempt which she very certainly had never felt.

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

From this reading Durtal breakfasted under the assiduous watchfulness of his servant, Madame Mesurat.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading She was one of those women whose stalwart build and masculine presence would allow of their dressing in men's clothes without attracting attention.

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

From this reading She had a pear-shaped head, cheeks that hung flabby as if they had been emptied of air, a pompous nose that drooped till it very nearly touched a projecting underlip like a bracket, giving her an expression of determined contempt which she very certainly had never felt.

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

From this reading She was one of those women whose stalwart build and masculine presence would allow of their dressing in men's clothes without attracting attention.

up to a particular time

From this reading She had a pear-shaped head, cheeks that hung flabby as if they had been emptied of air, a pompous nose that drooped till it very nearly touched a projecting underlip like a bracket, giving her an expression of determined contempt which she very certainly had never felt.

having come into contact

From this reading She had a pear-shaped head, cheeks that hung flabby as if they had been emptied of air, a pompous nose that drooped till it very nearly touched a projecting underlip like a bracket, giving her an expression of determined contempt which she very certainly had never felt.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading Durtal breakfasted under the assiduous watchfulness of his servant, Madame Mesurat.

the lower lip

From this reading She had a pear-shaped head, cheeks that hung flabby as if they had been emptied of air, a pompous nose that drooped till it very nearly touched a projecting underlip like a bracket, giving her an expression of determined contempt which she very certainly had never felt.

precisely as stated

From this reading She had a pear-shaped head, cheeks that hung flabby as if they had been emptied of air, a pompous nose that drooped till it very nearly touched a projecting underlip like a bracket, giving her an expression of determined contempt which she very certainly had never felt.

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

From this reading She was one of those women whose stalwart build and masculine presence would allow of their dressing in men's clothes without attracting attention.

the process of paying close and continuous attention

From this reading Durtal breakfasted under the assiduous watchfulness of his servant, Madame Mesurat.

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

From this reading She had a pear-shaped head, cheeks that hung flabby as if they had been emptied of air, a pompous nose that drooped till it very nearly touched a projecting underlip like a bracket, giving her an expression of determined contempt which she very certainly had never felt.

belonging to which person

From this reading She was one of those women whose stalwart build and masculine presence would allow of their dressing in men's clothes without attracting attention.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading It rained without ceasing.

plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading She was one of those women whose stalwart build and masculine presence would allow of their dressing in men's clothes without attracting attention.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading She was one of those women whose stalwart build and masculine presence would allow of their dressing in men's clothes without attracting attention.