used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A younger and more pessimistically disposed man than I might conceivably have been plunged into the depths of despair at being thus told by the woman he loved that she hated him.
actsnounUS /ækts/
a New Testament book describing the development of the early church from Christ's Ascension to Paul's sojourn at Rome
From this reading But her words and her acts of to-day--so it seemed to me--were a tacit admission that the barrier had been removed.
admissionnounUS /ædˈmɪʃən/
the act of admitting someone to enter
From this reading But her words and her acts of to-day--so it seemed to me--were a tacit admission that the barrier had been removed.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading But, on the whole, I was not inclined to be altogether dissatisfied with the interview.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Never before--even though her words were sympathetic and her manner not unkindly--had she failed to make me realise that I was kept at a distance; that I was an unvouched-for stranger, between whom and her the barriers of custom and convention still necessarily existed.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A younger and more pessimistically disposed man than I might conceivably have been plunged into the depths of despair at being thus told by the woman he loved that she hated him.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading A younger and more pessimistically disposed man than I might conceivably have been plunged into the depths of despair at being thus told by the woman he loved that she hated him.
barriernounUS /ˈbæriər/
a structure or object that impedes free movement
From this reading But her words and her acts of to-day--so it seemed to me--were a tacit admission that the barrier had been removed.
barriersnounUS /ˈbæriərz/
plural of “barrier” — a structure or object that impedes free movement
From this reading Never before--even though her words were sympathetic and her manner not unkindly--had she failed to make me realise that I was kept at a distance; that I was an unvouched-for stranger, between whom and her the barriers of custom and convention still necessarily existed.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading But, on the whole, I was not inclined to be altogether dissatisfied with the interview.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading A younger and more pessimistically disposed man than I might conceivably have been plunged into the depths of despair at being thus told by the woman he loved that she hated him.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Never before--even though her words were sympathetic and her manner not unkindly--had she failed to make me realise that I was kept at a distance; that I was an unvouched-for stranger, between whom and her the barriers of custom and convention still necessarily existed.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading A younger and more pessimistically disposed man than I might conceivably have been plunged into the depths of despair at being thus told by the woman he loved that she hated him.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading Never before--even though her words were sympathetic and her manner not unkindly--had she failed to make me realise that I was kept at a distance; that I was an unvouched-for stranger, between whom and her the barriers of custom and convention still necessarily existed.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But, on the whole, I was not inclined to be altogether dissatisfied with the interview.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading A younger and more pessimistically disposed man than I might conceivably have been plunged into the depths of despair at being thus told by the woman he loved that she hated him.
CLARA
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE INEXPLICABLE CONDUCT OF MISS CLARA.
conceivablyadverbUS /kənˈsiːvəbli/
within the realm of possibility
From this reading A younger and more pessimistically disposed man than I might conceivably have been plunged into the depths of despair at being thus told by the woman he loved that she hated him.
direct the course of; manage or control
From this reading THE INEXPLICABLE CONDUCT OF MISS CLARA.
conventionnounUS /kənˈvenʃən/
a large formal assembly
From this reading Never before--even though her words were sympathetic and her manner not unkindly--had she failed to make me realise that I was kept at a distance; that I was an unvouched-for stranger, between whom and her the barriers of custom and convention still necessarily existed.
accepted or habitual practice
From this reading Never before--even though her words were sympathetic and her manner not unkindly--had she failed to make me realise that I was kept at a distance; that I was an unvouched-for stranger, between whom and her the barriers of custom and convention still necessarily existed.
(plural) the deepest and most remote part
From this reading A younger and more pessimistically disposed man than I might conceivably have been plunged into the depths of despair at being thus told by the woman he loved that she hated him.
a state in which all hope is lost or absent
From this reading A younger and more pessimistically disposed man than I might conceivably have been plunged into the depths of despair at being thus told by the woman he loved that she hated him.
having made preparations
From this reading A younger and more pessimistically disposed man than I might conceivably have been plunged into the depths of despair at being thus told by the woman he loved that she hated him.
dissatisfiedadjectiveUS /dɪˈsætəsfaɪd/
in a state of sulky dissatisfaction
From this reading But, on the whole, I was not inclined to be altogether dissatisfied with the interview.
the property created by the space between two objects or points
From this reading Never before--even though her words were sympathetic and her manner not unkindly--had she failed to make me realise that I was kept at a distance; that I was an unvouched-for stranger, between whom and her the barriers of custom and convention still necessarily existed.
divisible by two
From this reading Never before--even though her words were sympathetic and her manner not unkindly--had she failed to make me realise that I was kept at a distance; that I was an unvouched-for stranger, between whom and her the barriers of custom and convention still necessarily existed.
existedverbUS /ɪɡˈzɪstəd/
past form of “exist” — have an existence, be extant
From this reading Never before--even though her words were sympathetic and her manner not unkindly--had she failed to make me realise that I was kept at a distance; that I was an unvouched-for stranger, between whom and her the barriers of custom and convention still necessarily existed.
past form of “fail” — fail to do something; leave something undone
From this reading Never before--even though her words were sympathetic and her manner not unkindly--had she failed to make me realise that I was kept at a distance; that I was an unvouched-for stranger, between whom and her the barriers of custom and convention still necessarily existed.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Never before--even though her words were sympathetic and her manner not unkindly--had she failed to make me realise that I was kept at a distance; that I was an unvouched-for stranger, between whom and her the barriers of custom and convention still necessarily existed.
hatedadjectiveUS /ˈheɪtəd/
treated with dislike or contempt
From this reading A younger and more pessimistically disposed man than I might conceivably have been plunged into the depths of despair at being thus told by the woman he loved that she hated him.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading A younger and more pessimistically disposed man than I might conceivably have been plunged into the depths of despair at being thus told by the woman he loved that she hated him.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading A younger and more pessimistically disposed man than I might conceivably have been plunged into the depths of despair at being thus told by the woman he loved that she hated him.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Never before--even though her words were sympathetic and her manner not unkindly--had she failed to make me realise that I was kept at a distance; that I was an unvouched-for stranger, between whom and her the barriers of custom and convention still necessarily existed.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading A younger and more pessimistically disposed man than I might conceivably have been plunged into the depths of despair at being thus told by the woman he loved that she hated him.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading A younger and more pessimistically disposed man than I might conceivably have been plunged into the depths of despair at being thus told by the woman he loved that she hated him.
(often followed by “to”) having a preference, disposition, or tendency
From this reading But, on the whole, I was not inclined to be altogether dissatisfied with the interview.
INEXPLICABLEadjectiveUS /ˌɪnəkˈsplɪsəbəl/
incapable of being explained or accounted for
From this reading THE INEXPLICABLE CONDUCT OF MISS CLARA.
conduct an interview in television, newspaper, and radio reporting
From this reading But, on the whole, I was not inclined to be altogether dissatisfied with the interview.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading A younger and more pessimistically disposed man than I might conceivably have been plunged into the depths of despair at being thus told by the woman he loved that she hated him.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading But her words and her acts of to-day--so it seemed to me--were a tacit admission that the barrier had been removed.
(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
From this reading Never before--even though her words were sympathetic and her manner not unkindly--had she failed to make me realise that I was kept at a distance; that I was an unvouched-for stranger, between whom and her the barriers of custom and convention still necessarily existed.
held dear
From this reading A younger and more pessimistically disposed man than I might conceivably have been plunged into the depths of despair at being thus told by the woman he loved that she hated him.
engage in
From this reading Never before--even though her words were sympathetic and her manner not unkindly--had she failed to make me realise that I was kept at a distance; that I was an unvouched-for stranger, between whom and her the barriers of custom and convention still necessarily existed.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading A younger and more pessimistically disposed man than I might conceivably have been plunged into the depths of despair at being thus told by the woman he loved that she hated him.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Never before--even though her words were sympathetic and her manner not unkindly--had she failed to make me realise that I was kept at a distance; that I was an unvouched-for stranger, between whom and her the barriers of custom and convention still necessarily existed.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Never before--even though her words were sympathetic and her manner not unkindly--had she failed to make me realise that I was kept at a distance; that I was an unvouched-for stranger, between whom and her the barriers of custom and convention still necessarily existed.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading A younger and more pessimistically disposed man than I might conceivably have been plunged into the depths of despair at being thus told by the woman he loved that she hated him.
fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind
From this reading THE INEXPLICABLE CONDUCT OF MISS CLARA.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading A younger and more pessimistically disposed man than I might conceivably have been plunged into the depths of despair at being thus told by the woman he loved that she hated him.
necessarilyadverbUS /ˌnesəˈserəli/
in an essential manner
From this reading Never before--even though her words were sympathetic and her manner not unkindly--had she failed to make me realise that I was kept at a distance; that I was an unvouched-for stranger, between whom and her the barriers of custom and convention still necessarily existed.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading Never before--even though her words were sympathetic and her manner not unkindly--had she failed to make me realise that I was kept at a distance; that I was an unvouched-for stranger, between whom and her the barriers of custom and convention still necessarily existed.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading But, on the whole, I was not inclined to be altogether dissatisfied with the interview.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE INEXPLICABLE CONDUCT OF MISS CLARA.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading But, on the whole, I was not inclined to be altogether dissatisfied with the interview.
pessimisticallyadverb
with pessimism; in a pessimistic manner
From this reading A younger and more pessimistically disposed man than I might conceivably have been plunged into the depths of despair at being thus told by the woman he loved that she hated him.
past form of “plunge” — thrust or throw into
From this reading A younger and more pessimistically disposed man than I might conceivably have been plunged into the depths of despair at being thus told by the woman he loved that she hated him.
realiseverbUS /ˈriːəlaɪz/
earn on some commercial or business transaction; earn as salary or wages
From this reading Never before--even though her words were sympathetic and her manner not unkindly--had she failed to make me realise that I was kept at a distance; that I was an unvouched-for stranger, between whom and her the barriers of custom and convention still necessarily existed.
separated in relationship by a given degree of descent
From this reading But her words and her acts of to-day--so it seemed to me--were a tacit admission that the barrier had been removed.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading But her words and her acts of to-day--so it seemed to me--were a tacit admission that the barrier had been removed.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading A younger and more pessimistically disposed man than I might conceivably have been plunged into the depths of despair at being thus told by the woman he loved that she hated him.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading But her words and her acts of to-day--so it seemed to me--were a tacit admission that the barrier had been removed.
not in physical motion
From this reading Never before--even though her words were sympathetic and her manner not unkindly--had she failed to make me realise that I was kept at a distance; that I was an unvouched-for stranger, between whom and her the barriers of custom and convention still necessarily existed.
anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found
From this reading Never before--even though her words were sympathetic and her manner not unkindly--had she failed to make me realise that I was kept at a distance; that I was an unvouched-for stranger, between whom and her the barriers of custom and convention still necessarily existed.
sympatheticadjectiveUS /ˌsɪmpəˈθetɪk/
of or relating to the sympathetic nervous system
From this reading Never before--even though her words were sympathetic and her manner not unkindly--had she failed to make me realise that I was kept at a distance; that I was an unvouched-for stranger, between whom and her the barriers of custom and convention still necessarily existed.
tacitadjectiveUS /ˈtæsɪt/
implied by or inferred from actions or statements
From this reading But her words and her acts of to-day--so it seemed to me--were a tacit admission that the barrier had been removed.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading A younger and more pessimistically disposed man than I might conceivably have been plunged into the depths of despair at being thus told by the woman he loved that she hated him.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading A younger and more pessimistically disposed man than I might conceivably have been plunged into the depths of despair at being thus told by the woman he loved that she hated him.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE INEXPLICABLE CONDUCT OF MISS CLARA.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Never before--even though her words were sympathetic and her manner not unkindly--had she failed to make me realise that I was kept at a distance; that I was an unvouched-for stranger, between whom and her the barriers of custom and convention still necessarily existed.
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
From this reading A younger and more pessimistically disposed man than I might conceivably have been plunged into the depths of despair at being thus told by the woman he loved that she hated him.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading But, on the whole, I was not inclined to be altogether dissatisfied with the interview.
to-day
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But her words and her acts of to-day--so it seemed to me--were a tacit admission that the barrier had been removed.
inflected form of “tell” — express in words
From this reading A younger and more pessimistically disposed man than I might conceivably have been plunged into the depths of despair at being thus told by the woman he loved that she hated him.
unkindlyadjective
lacking in sympathy and kindness
From this reading Never before--even though her words were sympathetic and her manner not unkindly--had she failed to make me realise that I was kept at a distance; that I was an unvouched-for stranger, between whom and her the barriers of custom and convention still necessarily existed.
unvouched-for
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Never before--even though her words were sympathetic and her manner not unkindly--had she failed to make me realise that I was kept at a distance; that I was an unvouched-for stranger, between whom and her the barriers of custom and convention still necessarily existed.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading But, on the whole, I was not inclined to be altogether dissatisfied with the interview.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Never before--even though her words were sympathetic and her manner not unkindly--had she failed to make me realise that I was kept at a distance; that I was an unvouched-for stranger, between whom and her the barriers of custom and convention still necessarily existed.
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading But, on the whole, I was not inclined to be altogether dissatisfied with the interview.
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Never before--even though her words were sympathetic and her manner not unkindly--had she failed to make me realise that I was kept at a distance; that I was an unvouched-for stranger, between whom and her the barriers of custom and convention still necessarily existed.
in the company of; together with
From this reading But, on the whole, I was not inclined to be altogether dissatisfied with the interview.
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading A younger and more pessimistically disposed man than I might conceivably have been plunged into the depths of despair at being thus told by the woman he loved that she hated him.
the words that are spoken
From this reading Never before--even though her words were sympathetic and her manner not unkindly--had she failed to make me realise that I was kept at a distance; that I was an unvouched-for stranger, between whom and her the barriers of custom and convention still necessarily existed.
used of the younger of two persons of the same name especially used to distinguish a son from his father
From this reading A younger and more pessimistically disposed man than I might conceivably have been plunged into the depths of despair at being thus told by the woman he loved that she hated him.
