Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading My uncle's conjecture as to the parentage of Francis Vivian seemed to me a positive discovery.

willing to undertake or seeking out new and daring enterprises

From this reading It was natural that the unfriended wanderer should have been thrown into a society, the equivocal character of which had failed to revolt the audacity of an inquisitive mind and adventurous temper; but it was natural also that the habits of gentle birth, and that silent education which English gentlemen commonly receive from their very cradle, should have preserved his honor, at least, intact through all.

conforming to your own liking or feelings or nature

From this reading Such an explanation was the more agreeable to me as it cleared up much that had appeared discreditable in the mystery that surrounded Vivian.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading It was natural that the unfriended wanderer should have been thrown into a society, the equivocal character of which had failed to revolt the audacity of an inquisitive mind and adventurous temper; but it was natural also that the habits of gentle birth, and that silent education which English gentlemen commonly receive from their very cradle, should have preserved his honor, at least, intact through all.

in addition

From this reading It was natural that the unfriended wanderer should have been thrown into a society, the equivocal character of which had failed to revolt the audacity of an inquisitive mind and adventurous temper; but it was natural also that the habits of gentle birth, and that silent education which English gentlemen commonly receive from their very cradle, should have preserved his honor, at least, intact through all.

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

From this reading Such an explanation was the more agreeable to me as it cleared up much that had appeared discreditable in the mystery that surrounded Vivian.

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

From this reading Nothing more likely than that this wilful boy had formed some headstrong attachment which no father would sanction, and so, thwarted and irritated, thrown himself on the world.

any thing at all

From this reading I could never bear to think that he had done anything mean and criminal, however I might believe he had been rash and faulty.

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

From this reading Such an explanation was the more agreeable to me as it cleared up much that had appeared discreditable in the mystery that surrounded Vivian.

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

From this reading My uncle's conjecture as to the parentage of Francis Vivian seemed to me a positive discovery.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading It was natural that the unfriended wanderer should have been thrown into a society, the equivocal character of which had failed to revolt the audacity of an inquisitive mind and adventurous temper; but it was natural also that the habits of gentle birth, and that silent education which English gentlemen commonly receive from their very cradle, should have preserved his honor, at least, intact through all.

a feeling of affection for a person or an institution

From this reading Nothing more likely than that this wilful boy had formed some headstrong attachment which no father would sanction, and so, thwarted and irritated, thrown himself on the world.

A willingness to take bold risks; insolent and daring boldness that defies all authority.

From this reading It was natural that the unfriended wanderer should have been thrown into a society, the equivocal character of which had failed to revolt the audacity of an inquisitive mind and adventurous temper; but it was natural also that the habits of gentle birth, and that silent education which English gentlemen commonly receive from their very cradle, should have preserved his honor, at least, intact through all.

have

From this reading I could never bear to think that he had done anything mean and criminal, however I might believe he had been rash and faulty.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading I could never bear to think that he had done anything mean and criminal, however I might believe he had been rash and faulty.

accept as true; take to be true

From this reading I could never bear to think that he had done anything mean and criminal, however I might believe he had been rash and faulty.

the time when something begins (especially life)

From this reading It was natural that the unfriended wanderer should have been thrown into a society, the equivocal character of which had failed to revolt the audacity of an inquisitive mind and adventurous temper; but it was natural also that the habits of gentle birth, and that silent education which English gentlemen commonly receive from their very cradle, should have preserved his honor, at least, intact through all.

a youthful male person

From this reading Nothing more likely than that this wilful boy had formed some headstrong attachment which no father would sanction, and so, thwarted and irritated, thrown himself on the world.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading It was natural that the unfriended wanderer should have been thrown into a society, the equivocal character of which had failed to revolt the audacity of an inquisitive mind and adventurous temper; but it was natural also that the habits of gentle birth, and that silent education which English gentlemen commonly receive from their very cradle, should have preserved his honor, at least, intact through all.

an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)

From this reading It was natural that the unfriended wanderer should have been thrown into a society, the equivocal character of which had failed to revolt the audacity of an inquisitive mind and adventurous temper; but it was natural also that the habits of gentle birth, and that silent education which English gentlemen commonly receive from their very cradle, should have preserved his honor, at least, intact through all.

rid of objects or obstructions such as e.g. trees and brush

From this reading Such an explanation was the more agreeable to me as it cleared up much that had appeared discreditable in the mystery that surrounded Vivian.

under normal conditions

From this reading It was natural that the unfriended wanderer should have been thrown into a society, the equivocal character of which had failed to revolt the audacity of an inquisitive mind and adventurous temper; but it was natural also that the habits of gentle birth, and that silent education which English gentlemen commonly receive from their very cradle, should have preserved his honor, at least, intact through all.

a hypothesis that has been formed by speculating or conjecturing (usually with little hard evidence)

From this reading My uncle's conjecture as to the parentage of Francis Vivian seemed to me a positive discovery.

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

From this reading I could never bear to think that he had done anything mean and criminal, however I might believe he had been rash and faulty.

a baby bed with sides and rockers

From this reading It was natural that the unfriended wanderer should have been thrown into a society, the equivocal character of which had failed to revolt the audacity of an inquisitive mind and adventurous temper; but it was natural also that the habits of gentle birth, and that silent education which English gentlemen commonly receive from their very cradle, should have preserved his honor, at least, intact through all.

bringing or deserving severe rebuke or censure

From this reading I could never bear to think that he had done anything mean and criminal, however I might believe he had been rash and faulty.

the act of discovering something

From this reading My uncle's conjecture as to the parentage of Francis Vivian seemed to me a positive discovery.

tending to bring discredit or disrepute; blameworthy

From this reading Such an explanation was the more agreeable to me as it cleared up much that had appeared discreditable in the mystery that surrounded Vivian.

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading I could never bear to think that he had done anything mean and criminal, however I might believe he had been rash and faulty.

the activities of educating or instructing; activities that impart knowledge or skill

From this reading It was natural that the unfriended wanderer should have been thrown into a society, the equivocal character of which had failed to revolt the audacity of an inquisitive mind and adventurous temper; but it was natural also that the habits of gentle birth, and that silent education which English gentlemen commonly receive from their very cradle, should have preserved his honor, at least, intact through all.

an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries

From this reading It was natural that the unfriended wanderer should have been thrown into a society, the equivocal character of which had failed to revolt the audacity of an inquisitive mind and adventurous temper; but it was natural also that the habits of gentle birth, and that silent education which English gentlemen commonly receive from their very cradle, should have preserved his honor, at least, intact through all.

open to two or more interpretations; or of uncertain nature or significance; or (often) intended to mislead

From this reading It was natural that the unfriended wanderer should have been thrown into a society, the equivocal character of which had failed to revolt the audacity of an inquisitive mind and adventurous temper; but it was natural also that the habits of gentle birth, and that silent education which English gentlemen commonly receive from their very cradle, should have preserved his honor, at least, intact through all.

a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.

From this reading Such an explanation was the more agreeable to me as it cleared up much that had appeared discreditable in the mystery that surrounded Vivian.

past form of “fail” — fail to do something; leave something undone

From this reading It was natural that the unfriended wanderer should have been thrown into a society, the equivocal character of which had failed to revolt the audacity of an inquisitive mind and adventurous temper; but it was natural also that the habits of gentle birth, and that silent education which English gentlemen commonly receive from their very cradle, should have preserved his honor, at least, intact through all.

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading Nothing more likely than that this wilful boy had formed some headstrong attachment which no father would sanction, and so, thwarted and irritated, thrown himself on the world.

having a defect

From this reading I could never bear to think that he had done anything mean and criminal, however I might believe he had been rash and faulty.

having or given a form or shape

From this reading Nothing more likely than that this wilful boy had formed some headstrong attachment which no father would sanction, and so, thwarted and irritated, thrown himself on the world.

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

From this reading My uncle's conjecture as to the parentage of Francis Vivian seemed to me a positive discovery.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading It was natural that the unfriended wanderer should have been thrown into a society, the equivocal character of which had failed to revolt the audacity of an inquisitive mind and adventurous temper; but it was natural also that the habits of gentle birth, and that silent education which English gentlemen commonly receive from their very cradle, should have preserved his honor, at least, intact through all.

soft and mild; not harsh or stern or severe

From this reading It was natural that the unfriended wanderer should have been thrown into a society, the equivocal character of which had failed to revolt the audacity of an inquisitive mind and adventurous temper; but it was natural also that the habits of gentle birth, and that silent education which English gentlemen commonly receive from their very cradle, should have preserved his honor, at least, intact through all.

plural of “gentleman” — a man of refinement

From this reading It was natural that the unfriended wanderer should have been thrown into a society, the equivocal character of which had failed to revolt the audacity of an inquisitive mind and adventurous temper; but it was natural also that the habits of gentle birth, and that silent education which English gentlemen commonly receive from their very cradle, should have preserved his honor, at least, intact through all.

plural of “habit” — an established custom

From this reading It was natural that the unfriended wanderer should have been thrown into a society, the equivocal character of which had failed to revolt the audacity of an inquisitive mind and adventurous temper; but it was natural also that the habits of gentle birth, and that silent education which English gentlemen commonly receive from their very cradle, should have preserved his honor, at least, intact through all.

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

From this reading Nothing more likely than that this wilful boy had formed some headstrong attachment which no father would sanction, and so, thwarted and irritated, thrown himself on the world.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading It was natural that the unfriended wanderer should have been thrown into a society, the equivocal character of which had failed to revolt the audacity of an inquisitive mind and adventurous temper; but it was natural also that the habits of gentle birth, and that silent education which English gentlemen commonly receive from their very cradle, should have preserved his honor, at least, intact through all.

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

From this reading I could never bear to think that he had done anything mean and criminal, however I might believe he had been rash and faulty.

habitually disposed to disobedience and opposition

From this reading Nothing more likely than that this wilful boy had formed some headstrong attachment which no father would sanction, and so, thwarted and irritated, thrown himself on the world.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading Nothing more likely than that this wilful boy had formed some headstrong attachment which no father would sanction, and so, thwarted and irritated, thrown himself on the world.

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

From this reading It was natural that the unfriended wanderer should have been thrown into a society, the equivocal character of which had failed to revolt the audacity of an inquisitive mind and adventurous temper; but it was natural also that the habits of gentle birth, and that silent education which English gentlemen commonly receive from their very cradle, should have preserved his honor, at least, intact through all.

a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction

From this reading It was natural that the unfriended wanderer should have been thrown into a society, the equivocal character of which had failed to revolt the audacity of an inquisitive mind and adventurous temper; but it was natural also that the habits of gentle birth, and that silent education which English gentlemen commonly receive from their very cradle, should have preserved his honor, at least, intact through all.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading I could never bear to think that he had done anything mean and criminal, however I might believe he had been rash and faulty.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading I could never bear to think that he had done anything mean and criminal, however I might believe he had been rash and faulty.

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

From this reading Such an explanation was the more agreeable to me as it cleared up much that had appeared discreditable in the mystery that surrounded Vivian.

showing curiosity

From this reading It was natural that the unfriended wanderer should have been thrown into a society, the equivocal character of which had failed to revolt the audacity of an inquisitive mind and adventurous temper; but it was natural also that the habits of gentle birth, and that silent education which English gentlemen commonly receive from their very cradle, should have preserved his honor, at least, intact through all.

constituting the undiminished entirety; lacking nothing essential especially not damaged

From this reading It was natural that the unfriended wanderer should have been thrown into a society, the equivocal character of which had failed to revolt the audacity of an inquisitive mind and adventurous temper; but it was natural also that the habits of gentle birth, and that silent education which English gentlemen commonly receive from their very cradle, should have preserved his honor, at least, intact through all.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading It was natural that the unfriended wanderer should have been thrown into a society, the equivocal character of which had failed to revolt the audacity of an inquisitive mind and adventurous temper; but it was natural also that the habits of gentle birth, and that silent education which English gentlemen commonly receive from their very cradle, should have preserved his honor, at least, intact through all.

aroused to impatience or anger

From this reading Nothing more likely than that this wilful boy had formed some headstrong attachment which no father would sanction, and so, thwarted and irritated, thrown himself on the world.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Such an explanation was the more agreeable to me as it cleared up much that had appeared discreditable in the mystery that surrounded Vivian.

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 It was natural that the unfriended wanderer should have been thrown into a society, the equivocal character of which had failed to revolt the audacity of an inquisitive mind and adventurous temper; but it was natural also that the habits of gentle birth, and that silent education which English gentlemen commonly receive from their very cradle, should have preserved his honor, at least, intact through all.

has a good chance of being the case or of coming about

From this reading Nothing more likely than that this wilful boy had formed some headstrong attachment which no father would sanction, and so, thwarted and irritated, thrown himself on the world.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading My uncle's conjecture as to the parentage of Francis Vivian seemed to me a positive discovery.

mean or intend to express or convey

From this reading I could never bear to think that he had done anything mean and criminal, however I might believe he had been rash and faulty.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading I could never bear to think that he had done anything mean and criminal, however I might believe he had been rash and faulty.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading It was natural that the unfriended wanderer should have been thrown into a society, the equivocal character of which had failed to revolt the audacity of an inquisitive mind and adventurous temper; but it was natural also that the habits of gentle birth, and that silent education which English gentlemen commonly receive from their very cradle, should have preserved his honor, at least, intact through all.

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

From this reading Nothing more likely than that this wilful boy had formed some headstrong attachment which no father would sanction, and so, thwarted and irritated, thrown himself on the world.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading Such an explanation was the more agreeable to me as it cleared up much that had appeared discreditable in the mystery that surrounded Vivian.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading My uncle's conjecture as to the parentage of Francis Vivian seemed to me a positive discovery.

something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained

From this reading Such an explanation was the more agreeable to me as it cleared up much that had appeared discreditable in the mystery that surrounded Vivian.

in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature

From this reading It was natural that the unfriended wanderer should have been thrown into a society, the equivocal character of which had failed to revolt the audacity of an inquisitive mind and adventurous temper; but it was natural also that the habits of gentle birth, and that silent education which English gentlemen commonly receive from their very cradle, should have preserved his honor, at least, intact through all.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading I could never bear to think that he had done anything mean and criminal, however I might believe he had been rash and faulty.

not any; not one

From this reading Nothing more likely than that this wilful boy had formed some headstrong attachment which no father would sanction, and so, thwarted and irritated, thrown himself on the world.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading Nothing more likely than that this wilful boy had formed some headstrong attachment which no father would sanction, and so, thwarted and irritated, thrown himself on the world.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading My uncle's conjecture as to the parentage of Francis Vivian seemed to me a positive discovery.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Nothing more likely than that this wilful boy had formed some headstrong attachment which no father would sanction, and so, thwarted and irritated, thrown himself on the world.

the state of being a parent

From this reading My uncle's conjecture as to the parentage of Francis Vivian seemed to me a positive discovery.

characterized by or displaying affirmation or acceptance or certainty etc.

From this reading My uncle's conjecture as to the parentage of Francis Vivian seemed to me a positive discovery.

prevented from decaying or spoiling and prepared for future use

From this reading It was natural that the unfriended wanderer should have been thrown into a society, the equivocal character of which had failed to revolt the audacity of an inquisitive mind and adventurous temper; but it was natural also that the habits of gentle birth, and that silent education which English gentlemen commonly receive from their very cradle, should have preserved his honor, at least, intact through all.

any red eruption of the skin

From this reading I could never bear to think that he had done anything mean and criminal, however I might believe he had been rash and faulty.

get something; come into possession of

From this reading It was natural that the unfriended wanderer should have been thrown into a society, the equivocal character of which had failed to revolt the audacity of an inquisitive mind and adventurous temper; but it was natural also that the habits of gentle birth, and that silent education which English gentlemen commonly receive from their very cradle, should have preserved his honor, at least, intact through all.

organized opposition to authority; a conflict in which one faction tries to wrest control from another

From this reading It was natural that the unfriended wanderer should have been thrown into a society, the equivocal character of which had failed to revolt the audacity of an inquisitive mind and adventurous temper; but it was natural also that the habits of gentle birth, and that silent education which English gentlemen commonly receive from their very cradle, should have preserved his honor, at least, intact through all.

formal and explicit approval

From this reading Nothing more likely than that this wilful boy had formed some headstrong attachment which no father would sanction, and so, thwarted and irritated, thrown himself on the world.

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

From this reading My uncle's conjecture as to the parentage of Francis Vivian seemed to me a positive discovery.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading It was natural that the unfriended wanderer should have been thrown into a society, the equivocal character of which had failed to revolt the audacity of an inquisitive mind and adventurous temper; but it was natural also that the habits of gentle birth, and that silent education which English gentlemen commonly receive from their very cradle, should have preserved his honor, at least, intact through all.

marked by absence of sound

From this reading It was natural that the unfriended wanderer should have been thrown into a society, the equivocal character of which had failed to revolt the audacity of an inquisitive mind and adventurous temper; but it was natural also that the habits of gentle birth, and that silent education which English gentlemen commonly receive from their very cradle, should have preserved his honor, at least, intact through all.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Nothing more likely than that this wilful boy had formed some headstrong attachment which no father would sanction, and so, thwarted and irritated, thrown himself on the world.

an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization

From this reading It was natural that the unfriended wanderer should have been thrown into a society, the equivocal character of which had failed to revolt the audacity of an inquisitive mind and adventurous temper; but it was natural also that the habits of gentle birth, and that silent education which English gentlemen commonly receive from their very cradle, should have preserved his honor, at least, intact through all.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading Nothing more likely than that this wilful boy had formed some headstrong attachment which no father would sanction, and so, thwarted and irritated, thrown himself on the world.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Such an explanation was the more agreeable to me as it cleared up much that had appeared discreditable in the mystery that surrounded Vivian.

confined on all sides

From this reading Such an explanation was the more agreeable to me as it cleared up much that had appeared discreditable in the mystery that surrounded Vivian.

a sudden outburst of anger

From this reading It was natural that the unfriended wanderer should have been thrown into a society, the equivocal character of which had failed to revolt the audacity of an inquisitive mind and adventurous temper; but it was natural also that the habits of gentle birth, and that silent education which English gentlemen commonly receive from their very cradle, should have preserved his honor, at least, intact through all.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Nothing more likely than that this wilful boy had formed some headstrong attachment which no father would sanction, and so, thwarted and irritated, thrown himself on the world.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Nothing more likely than that this wilful boy had formed some headstrong attachment which no father would sanction, and so, thwarted and irritated, thrown himself on the world.

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

From this reading My uncle's conjecture as to the parentage of Francis Vivian seemed to me a positive discovery.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading It was natural that the unfriended wanderer should have been thrown into a society, the equivocal character of which had failed to revolt the audacity of an inquisitive mind and adventurous temper; but it was natural also that the habits of gentle birth, and that silent education which English gentlemen commonly receive from their very cradle, should have preserved his honor, at least, intact through all.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading I could never bear to think that he had done anything mean and criminal, however I might believe he had been rash and faulty.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading Nothing more likely than that this wilful boy had formed some headstrong attachment which no father would sanction, and so, thwarted and irritated, thrown himself on the world.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading It was natural that the unfriended wanderer should have been thrown into a society, the equivocal character of which had failed to revolt the audacity of an inquisitive mind and adventurous temper; but it was natural also that the habits of gentle birth, and that silent education which English gentlemen commonly receive from their very cradle, should have preserved his honor, at least, intact through all.

caused to fall to the ground

From this reading Nothing more likely than that this wilful boy had formed some headstrong attachment which no father would sanction, and so, thwarted and irritated, thrown himself on the world.

disappointingly unsuccessful

From this reading Nothing more likely than that this wilful boy had formed some headstrong attachment which no father would sanction, and so, thwarted and irritated, thrown himself on the world.

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

From this reading My uncle's conjecture as to the parentage of Francis Vivian seemed to me a positive discovery.

possessive form of “uncle” — the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt

From this reading My uncle's conjecture as to the parentage of Francis Vivian seemed to me a positive discovery.

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

From this reading It was natural that the unfriended wanderer should have been thrown into a society, the equivocal character of which had failed to revolt the audacity of an inquisitive mind and adventurous temper; but it was natural also that the habits of gentle birth, and that silent education which English gentlemen commonly receive from their very cradle, should have preserved his honor, at least, intact through all.

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

From this reading Such an explanation was the more agreeable to me as it cleared up much that had appeared discreditable in the mystery that surrounded Vivian.

precisely as stated

From this reading It was natural that the unfriended wanderer should have been thrown into a society, the equivocal character of which had failed to revolt the audacity of an inquisitive mind and adventurous temper; but it was natural also that the habits of gentle birth, and that silent education which English gentlemen commonly receive from their very cradle, should have preserved his honor, at least, intact through all.

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

From this reading My uncle's conjecture as to the parentage of Francis Vivian seemed to me a positive discovery.

someone who leads a wandering unsettled life

From this reading It was natural that the unfriended wanderer should have been thrown into a society, the equivocal character of which had failed to revolt the audacity of an inquisitive mind and adventurous temper; but it was natural also that the habits of gentle birth, and that silent education which English gentlemen commonly receive from their very cradle, should have preserved his honor, at least, intact through all.

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

From this reading Such an explanation was the more agreeable to me as it cleared up much that had appeared discreditable in the mystery that surrounded Vivian.

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

From this reading Nothing more likely than that this wilful boy had formed some headstrong attachment which no father would sanction, and so, thwarted and irritated, thrown himself on the world.

done by design

From this reading Nothing more likely than that this wilful boy had formed some headstrong attachment which no father would sanction, and so, thwarted and irritated, thrown himself on the world.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading Nothing more likely than that this wilful boy had formed some headstrong attachment which no father would sanction, and so, thwarted and irritated, thrown himself on the world.

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

From this reading Nothing more likely than that this wilful boy had formed some headstrong attachment which no father would sanction, and so, thwarted and irritated, thrown himself on the world.