used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Made conscious by the very conventions designed to safeguard unconsciousness; made wise by the unwisdom of a civilisation which required ignorance of innocence, she had as yet lost none of her sweetness and confidence in herself and in a world which she considered a friendly one at best and, at worst, more silly than vicious.
a record or narrative description of past events
From this reading It was slowly becoming evident to Neville that Valerie's was the stronger character--not through any genius for tenacity nor on account of any domineering instinct--but because, mistaken or otherwise in her ethical reasoning, she was consistent, true to her belief, and had the courage to live up to it.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading And this made her convictions almost unassailable.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Her life, the experience of a lonely girlhood in the world, wide and varied reading, unwise and otherwise, and an intelligence which needed only experience and training, had hastened to a premature maturity her impatience with the faults of civilisation.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It was slowly becoming evident to Neville that Valerie's was the stronger character--not through any genius for tenacity nor on account of any domineering instinct--but because, mistaken or otherwise in her ethical reasoning, she was consistent, true to her belief, and had the courage to live up to it.
annoyedadjectiveUS /əˈnɔɪd/
aroused to impatience or anger
From this reading Slavery to established custom of any kind she smilingly disdained, refusing to submit to restrictions which centuries of social usage had established, when such social restrictions and limitations hampered or annoyed her.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading It was slowly becoming evident to Neville that Valerie's was the stronger character--not through any genius for tenacity nor on account of any domineering instinct--but because, mistaken or otherwise in her ethical reasoning, she was consistent, true to her belief, and had the courage to live up to it.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Made conscious by the very conventions designed to safeguard unconsciousness; made wise by the unwisdom of a civilisation which required ignorance of innocence, she had as yet lost none of her sweetness and confidence in herself and in a world which she considered a friendly one at best and, at worst, more silly than vicious.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Made conscious by the very conventions designed to safeguard unconsciousness; made wise by the unwisdom of a civilisation which required ignorance of innocence, she had as yet lost none of her sweetness and confidence in herself and in a world which she considered a friendly one at best and, at worst, more silly than vicious.
for the reason that
From this reading It was slowly becoming evident to Neville that Valerie's was the stronger character--not through any genius for tenacity nor on account of any domineering instinct--but because, mistaken or otherwise in her ethical reasoning, she was consistent, true to her belief, and had the courage to live up to it.
according with custom or propriety
From this reading It was slowly becoming evident to Neville that Valerie's was the stronger character--not through any genius for tenacity nor on account of any domineering instinct--but because, mistaken or otherwise in her ethical reasoning, she was consistent, true to her belief, and had the courage to live up to it.
any cognitive content held as true
From this reading It was slowly becoming evident to Neville that Valerie's was the stronger character--not through any genius for tenacity nor on account of any domineering instinct--but because, mistaken or otherwise in her ethical reasoning, she was consistent, true to her belief, and had the courage to live up to it.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading Made conscious by the very conventions designed to safeguard unconsciousness; made wise by the unwisdom of a civilisation which required ignorance of innocence, she had as yet lost none of her sweetness and confidence in herself and in a world which she considered a friendly one at best and, at worst, more silly than vicious.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading It was slowly becoming evident to Neville that Valerie's was the stronger character--not through any genius for tenacity nor on account of any domineering instinct--but because, mistaken or otherwise in her ethical reasoning, she was consistent, true to her belief, and had the courage to live up to it.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Made conscious by the very conventions designed to safeguard unconsciousness; made wise by the unwisdom of a civilisation which required ignorance of innocence, she had as yet lost none of her sweetness and confidence in herself and in a world which she considered a friendly one at best and, at worst, more silly than vicious.
centuriesnounUS /ˈsentʃəriz/
plural of “century” — a period of 100 years
From this reading Slavery to established custom of any kind she smilingly disdained, refusing to submit to restrictions which centuries of social usage had established, when such social restrictions and limitations hampered or annoyed her.
an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)
From this reading It was slowly becoming evident to Neville that Valerie's was the stronger character--not through any genius for tenacity nor on account of any domineering instinct--but because, mistaken or otherwise in her ethical reasoning, she was consistent, true to her belief, and had the courage to live up to it.
civilisationnoun
the social process whereby societies achieve an advanced stage of development and organization
From this reading Made conscious by the very conventions designed to safeguard unconsciousness; made wise by the unwisdom of a civilisation which required ignorance of innocence, she had as yet lost none of her sweetness and confidence in herself and in a world which she considered a friendly one at best and, at worst, more silly than vicious.
freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities
From this reading Made conscious by the very conventions designed to safeguard unconsciousness; made wise by the unwisdom of a civilisation which required ignorance of innocence, she had as yet lost none of her sweetness and confidence in herself and in a world which she considered a friendly one at best and, at worst, more silly than vicious.
intentionally conceived
From this reading Made conscious by the very conventions designed to safeguard unconsciousness; made wise by the unwisdom of a civilisation which required ignorance of innocence, she had as yet lost none of her sweetness and confidence in herself and in a world which she considered a friendly one at best and, at worst, more silly than vicious.
carefully weighed
From this reading Made conscious by the very conventions designed to safeguard unconsciousness; made wise by the unwisdom of a civilisation which required ignorance of innocence, she had as yet lost none of her sweetness and confidence in herself and in a world which she considered a friendly one at best and, at worst, more silly than vicious.
consistentadjectiveUS /kənˈsɪstənt/
(sometimes followed by “with”) in agreement or consistent or reliable
From this reading It was slowly becoming evident to Neville that Valerie's was the stronger character--not through any genius for tenacity nor on account of any domineering instinct--but because, mistaken or otherwise in her ethical reasoning, she was consistent, true to her belief, and had the courage to live up to it.
conventionsnounUS /kənˈvenʃənz/
plural of “convention” — a large formal assembly
From this reading Made conscious by the very conventions designed to safeguard unconsciousness; made wise by the unwisdom of a civilisation which required ignorance of innocence, she had as yet lost none of her sweetness and confidence in herself and in a world which she considered a friendly one at best and, at worst, more silly than vicious.
convictionsnounUS /kənˈvɪkʃənz/
plural of “conviction” — an unshakable belief in something without need for proof or evidence
From this reading And this made her convictions almost unassailable.
a quality of spirit that enables you to face danger or pain without showing fear
From this reading It was slowly becoming evident to Neville that Valerie's was the stronger character--not through any genius for tenacity nor on account of any domineering instinct--but because, mistaken or otherwise in her ethical reasoning, she was consistent, true to her belief, and had the courage to live up to it.
accepted or habitual practice
From this reading Slavery to established custom of any kind she smilingly disdained, refusing to submit to restrictions which centuries of social usage had established, when such social restrictions and limitations hampered or annoyed her.
designedadjectiveUS /dɪˈzaɪnd/
done or made or performed with purpose and intent
From this reading Made conscious by the very conventions designed to safeguard unconsciousness; made wise by the unwisdom of a civilisation which required ignorance of innocence, she had as yet lost none of her sweetness and confidence in herself and in a world which she considered a friendly one at best and, at worst, more silly than vicious.
disdainedverbUS /dɪsˈdeɪnd/
past form of “disdain” — look down on with disdain
From this reading Slavery to established custom of any kind she smilingly disdained, refusing to submit to restrictions which centuries of social usage had established, when such social restrictions and limitations hampered or annoyed her.
domineeringadjectiveUS /ˌdɑːməˈnɪrɪŋ/
tending to domineer
From this reading It was slowly becoming evident to Neville that Valerie's was the stronger character--not through any genius for tenacity nor on account of any domineering instinct--but because, mistaken or otherwise in her ethical reasoning, she was consistent, true to her belief, and had the courage to live up to it.
brought about or set up or accepted; especially long established
From this reading Slavery to established custom of any kind she smilingly disdained, refusing to submit to restrictions which centuries of social usage had established, when such social restrictions and limitations hampered or annoyed her.
ethicaladjectiveUS /ˈeθɪkəl/
of or relating to the philosophical study of ethics
From this reading It was slowly becoming evident to Neville that Valerie's was the stronger character--not through any genius for tenacity nor on account of any domineering instinct--but because, mistaken or otherwise in her ethical reasoning, she was consistent, true to her belief, and had the courage to live up to it.
clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
From this reading It was slowly becoming evident to Neville that Valerie's was the stronger character--not through any genius for tenacity nor on account of any domineering instinct--but because, mistaken or otherwise in her ethical reasoning, she was consistent, true to her belief, and had the courage to live up to it.
undergo or live through a difficult experience
From this reading Her life, the experience of a lonely girlhood in the world, wide and varied reading, unwise and otherwise, and an intelligence which needed only experience and training, had hastened to a premature maturity her impatience with the faults of civilisation.
faultsnounUS /fɔːlts/
plural of “fault” — a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention
From this reading Her life, the experience of a lonely girlhood in the world, wide and varied reading, unwise and otherwise, and an intelligence which needed only experience and training, had hastened to a premature maturity her impatience with the faults of civilisation.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It was slowly becoming evident to Neville that Valerie's was the stronger character--not through any genius for tenacity nor on account of any domineering instinct--but because, mistaken or otherwise in her ethical reasoning, she was consistent, true to her belief, and had the courage to live up to it.
characteristic of or befitting a friend
From this reading Made conscious by the very conventions designed to safeguard unconsciousness; made wise by the unwisdom of a civilisation which required ignorance of innocence, she had as yet lost none of her sweetness and confidence in herself and in a world which she considered a friendly one at best and, at worst, more silly than vicious.
someone who has exceptional intellectual ability and originality
From this reading It was slowly becoming evident to Neville that Valerie's was the stronger character--not through any genius for tenacity nor on account of any domineering instinct--but because, mistaken or otherwise in her ethical reasoning, she was consistent, true to her belief, and had the courage to live up to it.
girlhoodnounUS /ˈɡɜːrlhʊd/
the childhood of a girl
From this reading Her life, the experience of a lonely girlhood in the world, wide and varied reading, unwise and otherwise, and an intelligence which needed only experience and training, had hastened to a premature maturity her impatience with the faults of civilisation.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It was slowly becoming evident to Neville that Valerie's was the stronger character--not through any genius for tenacity nor on account of any domineering instinct--but because, mistaken or otherwise in her ethical reasoning, she was consistent, true to her belief, and had the courage to live up to it.
hamperedverbUS /ˈhæmpərd/
past form of “hamper” — prevent the progress or free movement of
From this reading Slavery to established custom of any kind she smilingly disdained, refusing to submit to restrictions which centuries of social usage had established, when such social restrictions and limitations hampered or annoyed her.
past form of “hasten” — act or move at high speed
From this reading Her life, the experience of a lonely girlhood in the world, wide and varied reading, unwise and otherwise, and an intelligence which needed only experience and training, had hastened to a premature maturity her impatience with the faults of civilisation.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading It was slowly becoming evident to Neville that Valerie's was the stronger character--not through any genius for tenacity nor on account of any domineering instinct--but because, mistaken or otherwise in her ethical reasoning, she was consistent, true to her belief, and had the courage to live up to it.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading Made conscious by the very conventions designed to safeguard unconsciousness; made wise by the unwisdom of a civilisation which required ignorance of innocence, she had as yet lost none of her sweetness and confidence in herself and in a world which she considered a friendly one at best and, at worst, more silly than vicious.
the lack of knowledge or education
From this reading Made conscious by the very conventions designed to safeguard unconsciousness; made wise by the unwisdom of a civilisation which required ignorance of innocence, she had as yet lost none of her sweetness and confidence in herself and in a world which she considered a friendly one at best and, at worst, more silly than vicious.
a lack of patience; irritation with anything that causes delay
From this reading Her life, the experience of a lonely girlhood in the world, wide and varied reading, unwise and otherwise, and an intelligence which needed only experience and training, had hastened to a premature maturity her impatience with the faults of civilisation.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It was slowly becoming evident to Neville that Valerie's was the stronger character--not through any genius for tenacity nor on account of any domineering instinct--but because, mistaken or otherwise in her ethical reasoning, she was consistent, true to her belief, and had the courage to live up to it.
the quality of innocent naivete
From this reading Made conscious by the very conventions designed to safeguard unconsciousness; made wise by the unwisdom of a civilisation which required ignorance of innocence, she had as yet lost none of her sweetness and confidence in herself and in a world which she considered a friendly one at best and, at worst, more silly than vicious.
inborn pattern of behavior often responsive to specific stimuli
From this reading It was slowly becoming evident to Neville that Valerie's was the stronger character--not through any genius for tenacity nor on account of any domineering instinct--but because, mistaken or otherwise in her ethical reasoning, she was consistent, true to her belief, and had the courage to live up to it.
the ability to comprehend; to understand and profit from experience
From this reading Her life, the experience of a lonely girlhood in the world, wide and varied reading, unwise and otherwise, and an intelligence which needed only experience and training, had hastened to a premature maturity her impatience with the faults of civilisation.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was slowly becoming evident to Neville that Valerie's was the stronger character--not through any genius for tenacity nor on account of any domineering instinct--but because, mistaken or otherwise in her ethical reasoning, she was consistent, true to her belief, and had the courage to live up to it.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading Slavery to established custom of any kind she smilingly disdained, refusing to submit to restrictions which centuries of social usage had established, when such social restrictions and limitations hampered or annoyed her.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Her life, the experience of a lonely girlhood in the world, wide and varied reading, unwise and otherwise, and an intelligence which needed only experience and training, had hastened to a premature maturity her impatience with the faults of civilisation.
limitationsnounUS /ˌlɪmɪˈteɪʃənz/
plural of “limitation” — a principle that limits the extent of something
From this reading Slavery to established custom of any kind she smilingly disdained, refusing to submit to restrictions which centuries of social usage had established, when such social restrictions and limitations hampered or annoyed her.
be an inhabitant of or reside in
From this reading It was slowly becoming evident to Neville that Valerie's was the stronger character--not through any genius for tenacity nor on account of any domineering instinct--but because, mistaken or otherwise in her ethical reasoning, she was consistent, true to her belief, and had the courage to live up to it.
lacking companions or companionship
From this reading Her life, the experience of a lonely girlhood in the world, wide and varied reading, unwise and otherwise, and an intelligence which needed only experience and training, had hastened to a premature maturity her impatience with the faults of civilisation.
no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered
From this reading Made conscious by the very conventions designed to safeguard unconsciousness; made wise by the unwisdom of a civilisation which required ignorance of innocence, she had as yet lost none of her sweetness and confidence in herself and in a world which she considered a friendly one at best and, at worst, more silly than vicious.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading And this made her convictions almost unassailable.
maturitynounUS /məˈtʃʊrəti/
the period of time in your life after your physical growth has stopped and you are fully developed
From this reading Her life, the experience of a lonely girlhood in the world, wide and varied reading, unwise and otherwise, and an intelligence which needed only experience and training, had hastened to a premature maturity her impatience with the faults of civilisation.
wrong in e.g. opinion or judgment
From this reading It was slowly becoming evident to Neville that Valerie's was the stronger character--not through any genius for tenacity nor on account of any domineering instinct--but because, mistaken or otherwise in her ethical reasoning, she was consistent, true to her belief, and had the courage to live up to it.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Made conscious by the very conventions designed to safeguard unconsciousness; made wise by the unwisdom of a civilisation which required ignorance of innocence, she had as yet lost none of her sweetness and confidence in herself and in a world which she considered a friendly one at best and, at worst, more silly than vicious.
necessary for relief or supply
From this reading Her life, the experience of a lonely girlhood in the world, wide and varied reading, unwise and otherwise, and an intelligence which needed only experience and training, had hastened to a premature maturity her impatience with the faults of civilisation.
Neville
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was slowly becoming evident to Neville that Valerie's was the stronger character--not through any genius for tenacity nor on account of any domineering instinct--but because, mistaken or otherwise in her ethical reasoning, she was consistent, true to her belief, and had the courage to live up to it.
not one, and not any
From this reading Made conscious by the very conventions designed to safeguard unconsciousness; made wise by the unwisdom of a civilisation which required ignorance of innocence, she had as yet lost none of her sweetness and confidence in herself and in a world which she considered a friendly one at best and, at worst, more silly than vicious.
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading It was slowly becoming evident to Neville that Valerie's was the stronger character--not through any genius for tenacity nor on account of any domineering instinct--but because, mistaken or otherwise in her ethical reasoning, she was consistent, true to her belief, and had the courage to live up to it.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading It was slowly becoming evident to Neville that Valerie's was the stronger character--not through any genius for tenacity nor on account of any domineering instinct--but because, mistaken or otherwise in her ethical reasoning, she was consistent, true to her belief, and had the courage to live up to it.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It was slowly becoming evident to Neville that Valerie's was the stronger character--not through any genius for tenacity nor on account of any domineering instinct--but because, mistaken or otherwise in her ethical reasoning, she was consistent, true to her belief, and had the courage to live up to it.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading It was slowly becoming evident to Neville that Valerie's was the stronger character--not through any genius for tenacity nor on account of any domineering instinct--but because, mistaken or otherwise in her ethical reasoning, she was consistent, true to her belief, and had the courage to live up to it.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Made conscious by the very conventions designed to safeguard unconsciousness; made wise by the unwisdom of a civilisation which required ignorance of innocence, she had as yet lost none of her sweetness and confidence in herself and in a world which she considered a friendly one at best and, at worst, more silly than vicious.
and nothing more
From this reading Her life, the experience of a lonely girlhood in the world, wide and varied reading, unwise and otherwise, and an intelligence which needed only experience and training, had hastened to a premature maturity her impatience with the faults of civilisation.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading It was slowly becoming evident to Neville that Valerie's was the stronger character--not through any genius for tenacity nor on account of any domineering instinct--but because, mistaken or otherwise in her ethical reasoning, she was consistent, true to her belief, and had the courage to live up to it.
in other respects or ways
From this reading It was slowly becoming evident to Neville that Valerie's was the stronger character--not through any genius for tenacity nor on account of any domineering instinct--but because, mistaken or otherwise in her ethical reasoning, she was consistent, true to her belief, and had the courage to live up to it.
prematureadjectiveUS /ˌpriːməˈtʃʊr/
born after a gestation period of less than the normal time
From this reading Her life, the experience of a lonely girlhood in the world, wide and varied reading, unwise and otherwise, and an intelligence which needed only experience and training, had hastened to a premature maturity her impatience with the faults of civilisation.
the cognitive process of understanding a written linguistic message
From this reading Her life, the experience of a lonely girlhood in the world, wide and varied reading, unwise and otherwise, and an intelligence which needed only experience and training, had hastened to a premature maturity her impatience with the faults of civilisation.
reasoningnounUS /ˈriːzənɪŋ/
thinking that is coherent and logical
From this reading It was slowly becoming evident to Neville that Valerie's was the stronger character--not through any genius for tenacity nor on account of any domineering instinct--but because, mistaken or otherwise in her ethical reasoning, she was consistent, true to her belief, and had the courage to live up to it.
refusingverbUS /rəˈfjuːzɪŋ/
-ing form of “refuse” — show unwillingness towards
From this reading Slavery to established custom of any kind she smilingly disdained, refusing to submit to restrictions which centuries of social usage had established, when such social restrictions and limitations hampered or annoyed her.
necessary for relief or supply
From this reading Made conscious by the very conventions designed to safeguard unconsciousness; made wise by the unwisdom of a civilisation which required ignorance of innocence, she had as yet lost none of her sweetness and confidence in herself and in a world which she considered a friendly one at best and, at worst, more silly than vicious.
restrictionsnounUS /riˈstrɪkʃənz/
plural of “restriction” — a principle that limits the extent of something
From this reading Slavery to established custom of any kind she smilingly disdained, refusing to submit to restrictions which centuries of social usage had established, when such social restrictions and limitations hampered or annoyed her.
safeguardnounUS /ˈseɪfɡɑːrd/
a precautionary measure warding off impending danger or damage or injury etc.
From this reading Made conscious by the very conventions designed to safeguard unconsciousness; made wise by the unwisdom of a civilisation which required ignorance of innocence, she had as yet lost none of her sweetness and confidence in herself and in a world which she considered a friendly one at best and, at worst, more silly than vicious.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading It was slowly becoming evident to Neville that Valerie's was the stronger character--not through any genius for tenacity nor on account of any domineering instinct--but because, mistaken or otherwise in her ethical reasoning, she was consistent, true to her belief, and had the courage to live up to it.
ludicrous, foolish
From this reading Made conscious by the very conventions designed to safeguard unconsciousness; made wise by the unwisdom of a civilisation which required ignorance of innocence, she had as yet lost none of her sweetness and confidence in herself and in a world which she considered a friendly one at best and, at worst, more silly than vicious.
SlaverynounUS /ˈsleɪvəri/
the state of being under the control of another person
From this reading Slavery to established custom of any kind she smilingly disdained, refusing to submit to restrictions which centuries of social usage had established, when such social restrictions and limitations hampered or annoyed her.
without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)
From this reading It was slowly becoming evident to Neville that Valerie's was the stronger character--not through any genius for tenacity nor on account of any domineering instinct--but because, mistaken or otherwise in her ethical reasoning, she was consistent, true to her belief, and had the courage to live up to it.
smilinglyadverbUS /ˈsmaɪlɪŋli/
with smiles; in a smiling manner
From this reading Slavery to established custom of any kind she smilingly disdained, refusing to submit to restrictions which centuries of social usage had established, when such social restrictions and limitations hampered or annoyed her.
relating to human society and its members
From this reading Slavery to established custom of any kind she smilingly disdained, refusing to submit to restrictions which centuries of social usage had established, when such social restrictions and limitations hampered or annoyed her.
comparative of “strong” — having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading It was slowly becoming evident to Neville that Valerie's was the stronger character--not through any genius for tenacity nor on account of any domineering instinct--but because, mistaken or otherwise in her ethical reasoning, she was consistent, true to her belief, and had the courage to live up to it.
submitverbUS /səbˈmɪt/
refer for judgment or consideration
From this reading Slavery to established custom of any kind she smilingly disdained, refusing to submit to restrictions which centuries of social usage had established, when such social restrictions and limitations hampered or annoyed her.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Slavery to established custom of any kind she smilingly disdained, refusing to submit to restrictions which centuries of social usage had established, when such social restrictions and limitations hampered or annoyed her.
sweetnessnounUS /ˈswiːtnəs/
the taste experience when sugar dissolves in the mouth
From this reading Made conscious by the very conventions designed to safeguard unconsciousness; made wise by the unwisdom of a civilisation which required ignorance of innocence, she had as yet lost none of her sweetness and confidence in herself and in a world which she considered a friendly one at best and, at worst, more silly than vicious.
tenacitynounUS /təˈnæsɪti/
persistent determination
From this reading It was slowly becoming evident to Neville that Valerie's was the stronger character--not through any genius for tenacity nor on account of any domineering instinct--but because, mistaken or otherwise in her ethical reasoning, she was consistent, true to her belief, and had the courage to live up to it.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Made conscious by the very conventions designed to safeguard unconsciousness; made wise by the unwisdom of a civilisation which required ignorance of innocence, she had as yet lost none of her sweetness and confidence in herself and in a world which she considered a friendly one at best and, at worst, more silly than vicious.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It was slowly becoming evident to Neville that Valerie's was the stronger character--not through any genius for tenacity nor on account of any domineering instinct--but because, mistaken or otherwise in her ethical reasoning, she was consistent, true to her belief, and had the courage to live up to it.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It was slowly becoming evident to Neville that Valerie's was the stronger character--not through any genius for tenacity nor on account of any domineering instinct--but because, mistaken or otherwise in her ethical reasoning, she was consistent, true to her belief, and had the courage to live up to it.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading And this made her convictions almost unassailable.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading It was slowly becoming evident to Neville that Valerie's was the stronger character--not through any genius for tenacity nor on account of any domineering instinct--but because, mistaken or otherwise in her ethical reasoning, she was consistent, true to her belief, and had the courage to live up to it.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It was slowly becoming evident to Neville that Valerie's was the stronger character--not through any genius for tenacity nor on account of any domineering instinct--but because, mistaken or otherwise in her ethical reasoning, she was consistent, true to her belief, and had the courage to live up to it.
trainingnounUS /ˈtreɪnɪŋ/
activity leading to skilled behavior
From this reading Her life, the experience of a lonely girlhood in the world, wide and varied reading, unwise and otherwise, and an intelligence which needed only experience and training, had hastened to a premature maturity her impatience with the faults of civilisation.
consistent with fact or reality; not false
From this reading It was slowly becoming evident to Neville that Valerie's was the stronger character--not through any genius for tenacity nor on account of any domineering instinct--but because, mistaken or otherwise in her ethical reasoning, she was consistent, true to her belief, and had the courage to live up to it.
unassailableadjectiveUS /ˌʌnəˈseɪləbəl/
immune to attack; incapable of being tampered with
From this reading And this made her convictions almost unassailable.
unconsciousnessnounUS /ˌʌnˈkɑːnʃəsnɪs/
a state lacking normal awareness of the self or environment
From this reading Made conscious by the very conventions designed to safeguard unconsciousness; made wise by the unwisdom of a civilisation which required ignorance of innocence, she had as yet lost none of her sweetness and confidence in herself and in a world which she considered a friendly one at best and, at worst, more silly than vicious.
unwisdom
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Made conscious by the very conventions designed to safeguard unconsciousness; made wise by the unwisdom of a civilisation which required ignorance of innocence, she had as yet lost none of her sweetness and confidence in herself and in a world which she considered a friendly one at best and, at worst, more silly than vicious.
unwiseadjectiveUS /ənˈwaɪz/
showing or resulting from lack of judgment or wisdom
From this reading Her life, the experience of a lonely girlhood in the world, wide and varied reading, unwise and otherwise, and an intelligence which needed only experience and training, had hastened to a premature maturity her impatience with the faults of civilisation.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading It was slowly becoming evident to Neville that Valerie's was the stronger character--not through any genius for tenacity nor on account of any domineering instinct--but because, mistaken or otherwise in her ethical reasoning, she was consistent, true to her belief, and had the courage to live up to it.
usagenounUS /ˈjuːsədʒ/
the act of using
From this reading Slavery to established custom of any kind she smilingly disdained, refusing to submit to restrictions which centuries of social usage had established, when such social restrictions and limitations hampered or annoyed her.
Valerie's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was slowly becoming evident to Neville that Valerie's was the stronger character--not through any genius for tenacity nor on account of any domineering instinct--but because, mistaken or otherwise in her ethical reasoning, she was consistent, true to her belief, and had the courage to live up to it.
variedadjectiveUS /ˈverid/
characterized by variety
From this reading Her life, the experience of a lonely girlhood in the world, wide and varied reading, unwise and otherwise, and an intelligence which needed only experience and training, had hastened to a premature maturity her impatience with the faults of civilisation.
precisely as stated
From this reading Made conscious by the very conventions designed to safeguard unconsciousness; made wise by the unwisdom of a civilisation which required ignorance of innocence, she had as yet lost none of her sweetness and confidence in herself and in a world which she considered a friendly one at best and, at worst, more silly than vicious.
viciousadjectiveUS /ˈvɪʃəs/
(of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering
From this reading Made conscious by the very conventions designed to safeguard unconsciousness; made wise by the unwisdom of a civilisation which required ignorance of innocence, she had as yet lost none of her sweetness and confidence in herself and in a world which she considered a friendly one at best and, at worst, more silly than vicious.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was slowly becoming evident to Neville that Valerie's was the stronger character--not through any genius for tenacity nor on account of any domineering instinct--but because, mistaken or otherwise in her ethical reasoning, she was consistent, true to her belief, and had the courage to live up to it.
at the time that
From this reading Slavery to established custom of any kind she smilingly disdained, refusing to submit to restrictions which centuries of social usage had established, when such social restrictions and limitations hampered or annoyed her.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Slavery to established custom of any kind she smilingly disdained, refusing to submit to restrictions which centuries of social usage had established, when such social restrictions and limitations hampered or annoyed her.
having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other
From this reading Her life, the experience of a lonely girlhood in the world, wide and varied reading, unwise and otherwise, and an intelligence which needed only experience and training, had hastened to a premature maturity her impatience with the faults of civilisation.
having or prompted by wisdom or discernment
From this reading Made conscious by the very conventions designed to safeguard unconsciousness; made wise by the unwisdom of a civilisation which required ignorance of innocence, she had as yet lost none of her sweetness and confidence in herself and in a world which she considered a friendly one at best and, at worst, more silly than vicious.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Her life, the experience of a lonely girlhood in the world, wide and varied reading, unwise and otherwise, and an intelligence which needed only experience and training, had hastened to a premature maturity her impatience with the faults of civilisation.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading Made conscious by the very conventions designed to safeguard unconsciousness; made wise by the unwisdom of a civilisation which required ignorance of innocence, she had as yet lost none of her sweetness and confidence in herself and in a world which she considered a friendly one at best and, at worst, more silly than vicious.
the least favorable outcome
From this reading Made conscious by the very conventions designed to safeguard unconsciousness; made wise by the unwisdom of a civilisation which required ignorance of innocence, she had as yet lost none of her sweetness and confidence in herself and in a world which she considered a friendly one at best and, at worst, more silly than vicious.
but in spite of that
From this reading Made conscious by the very conventions designed to safeguard unconsciousness; made wise by the unwisdom of a civilisation which required ignorance of innocence, she had as yet lost none of her sweetness and confidence in herself and in a world which she considered a friendly one at best and, at worst, more silly than vicious.
