Chapter V · Whom Do You Believe?

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

From this reading The Beldings lived in a nice house on Whiffle Street, with quite a big plot of ground about it—room for a lawn in front, a tennis court at the side, and a garden in the rear, out of which a rustic gate opened into the street where the Hargrews lived.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading The Beldings lived in a nice house on Whiffle Street, with quite a big plot of ground about it—room for a lawn in front, a tennis court at the side, and a garden in the rear, out of which a rustic gate opened into the street where the Hargrews lived.

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

From this reading Mrs. Belding was, Laura knew, just the dearest mother who ever lived; yet she had been brought up as a girl in a country community, had never had interests any broader than her own home while her children were small, and now that Laura and Chetwood were almost “grown up”—or, at least, _felt_ they were—Mother Belding scarcely understood their plans and aspirations.

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

From this reading The Beldings lived in a nice house on Whiffle Street, with quite a big plot of ground about it—room for a lawn in front, a tennis court at the side, and a garden in the rear, out of which a rustic gate opened into the street where the Hargrews lived.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Mrs. Belding was, Laura knew, just the dearest mother who ever lived; yet she had been brought up as a girl in a country community, had never had interests any broader than her own home while her children were small, and now that Laura and Chetwood were almost “grown up”—or, at least, _felt_ they were—Mother Belding scarcely understood their plans and aspirations.

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

From this reading Mr. Belding owned the house and, with his business as jeweler, was considered, as fortunes went in Centerport, a wealthy man.

plural of “aspiration” — a will to succeed

From this reading Mrs. Belding was, Laura knew, just the dearest mother who ever lived; yet she had been brought up as a girl in a country community, had never had interests any broader than her own home while her children were small, and now that Laura and Chetwood were almost “grown up”—or, at least, _felt_ they were—Mother Belding scarcely understood their plans and aspirations.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The Beldings lived in a nice house on Whiffle Street, with quite a big plot of ground about it—room for a lawn in front, a tennis court at the side, and a garden in the rear, out of which a rustic gate opened into the street where the Hargrews lived.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Mrs. Belding was, Laura knew, just the dearest mother who ever lived; yet she had been brought up as a girl in a country community, had never had interests any broader than her own home while her children were small, and now that Laura and Chetwood were almost “grown up”—or, at least, _felt_ they were—Mother Belding scarcely understood their plans and aspirations.

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

From this reading Mr. Belding owned the house and, with his business as jeweler, was considered, as fortunes went in Centerport, a wealthy man.

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

From this reading The Beldings lived in a nice house on Whiffle Street, with quite a big plot of ground about it—room for a lawn in front, a tennis court at the side, and a garden in the rear, out of which a rustic gate opened into the street where the Hargrews lived.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading The Beldings lived in a nice house on Whiffle Street, with quite a big plot of ground about it—room for a lawn in front, a tennis court at the side, and a garden in the rear, out of which a rustic gate opened into the street where the Hargrews lived.

comparative of “broad” — having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading Mrs. Belding was, Laura knew, just the dearest mother who ever lived; yet she had been brought up as a girl in a country community, had never had interests any broader than her own home while her children were small, and now that Laura and Chetwood were almost “grown up”—or, at least, _felt_ they were—Mother Belding scarcely understood their plans and aspirations.

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

From this reading Mrs. Belding was, Laura knew, just the dearest mother who ever lived; yet she had been brought up as a girl in a country community, had never had interests any broader than her own home while her children were small, and now that Laura and Chetwood were almost “grown up”—or, at least, _felt_ they were—Mother Belding scarcely understood their plans and aspirations.

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading Mr. Belding owned the house and, with his business as jeweler, was considered, as fortunes went in Centerport, a wealthy man.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But the family lived with old-fashioned simplicity.

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

From this reading Mr. Belding owned the house and, with his business as jeweler, was considered, as fortunes went in Centerport, a wealthy man.

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

From this reading Mrs. Belding was, Laura knew, just the dearest mother who ever lived; yet she had been brought up as a girl in a country community, had never had interests any broader than her own home while her children were small, and now that Laura and Chetwood were almost “grown up”—or, at least, _felt_ they were—Mother Belding scarcely understood their plans and aspirations.

plural of “child” — a young person of either sex

From this reading Mrs. Belding was, Laura knew, just the dearest mother who ever lived; yet she had been brought up as a girl in a country community, had never had interests any broader than her own home while her children were small, and now that Laura and Chetwood were almost “grown up”—or, at least, _felt_ they were—Mother Belding scarcely understood their plans and aspirations.

a group of people living in a particular local area

From this reading Mrs. Belding was, Laura knew, just the dearest mother who ever lived; yet she had been brought up as a girl in a country community, had never had interests any broader than her own home while her children were small, and now that Laura and Chetwood were almost “grown up”—or, at least, _felt_ they were—Mother Belding scarcely understood their plans and aspirations.

carefully weighed

From this reading Mr. Belding owned the house and, with his business as jeweler, was considered, as fortunes went in Centerport, a wealthy man.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading Mrs. Belding was, Laura knew, just the dearest mother who ever lived; yet she had been brought up as a girl in a country community, had never had interests any broader than her own home while her children were small, and now that Laura and Chetwood were almost “grown up”—or, at least, _felt_ they were—Mother Belding scarcely understood their plans and aspirations.

an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business

From this reading The Beldings lived in a nice house on Whiffle Street, with quite a big plot of ground about it—room for a lawn in front, a tennis court at the side, and a garden in the rear, out of which a rustic gate opened into the street where the Hargrews lived.

a beloved person; used as terms of endearment

From this reading Mrs. Belding was, Laura knew, just the dearest mother who ever lived; yet she had been brought up as a girl in a country community, had never had interests any broader than her own home while her children were small, and now that Laura and Chetwood were almost “grown up”—or, at least, _felt_ they were—Mother Belding scarcely understood their plans and aspirations.

at any time

From this reading Mrs. Belding was, Laura knew, just the dearest mother who ever lived; yet she had been brought up as a girl in a country community, had never had interests any broader than her own home while her children were small, and now that Laura and Chetwood were almost “grown up”—or, at least, _felt_ they were—Mother Belding scarcely understood their plans and aspirations.

a social unit living together

From this reading But the family lived with old-fashioned simplicity.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading Mrs. Belding was, Laura knew, just the dearest mother who ever lived; yet she had been brought up as a girl in a country community, had never had interests any broader than her own home while her children were small, and now that Laura and Chetwood were almost “grown up”—or, at least, _felt_ they were—Mother Belding scarcely understood their plans and aspirations.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The Beldings lived in a nice house on Whiffle Street, with quite a big plot of ground about it—room for a lawn in front, a tennis court at the side, and a garden in the rear, out of which a rustic gate opened into the street where the Hargrews lived.

plural of “fortune” — an unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that causes an event to result one way rather than another

From this reading Mr. Belding owned the house and, with his business as jeweler, was considered, as fortunes went in Centerport, a wealthy man.

many times at short intervals

From this reading The new organization was “too much” for her, as she frequently said.

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading The Beldings lived in a nice house on Whiffle Street, with quite a big plot of ground about it—room for a lawn in front, a tennis court at the side, and a garden in the rear, out of which a rustic gate opened into the street where the Hargrews lived.

a plot of ground where plants are cultivated

From this reading The Beldings lived in a nice house on Whiffle Street, with quite a big plot of ground about it—room for a lawn in front, a tennis court at the side, and a garden in the rear, out of which a rustic gate opened into the street where the Hargrews lived.

a movable barrier in a fence or wall

From this reading The Beldings lived in a nice house on Whiffle Street, with quite a big plot of ground about it—room for a lawn in front, a tennis court at the side, and a garden in the rear, out of which a rustic gate opened into the street where the Hargrews lived.

a young female

From this reading Mrs. Belding was, Laura knew, just the dearest mother who ever lived; yet she had been brought up as a girl in a country community, had never had interests any broader than her own home while her children were small, and now that Laura and Chetwood were almost “grown up”—or, at least, _felt_ they were—Mother Belding scarcely understood their plans and aspirations.

the solid part of the earth's surface

From this reading The Beldings lived in a nice house on Whiffle Street, with quite a big plot of ground about it—room for a lawn in front, a tennis court at the side, and a garden in the rear, out of which a rustic gate opened into the street where the Hargrews lived.

(of animals) fully developed

From this reading Mrs. Belding was, Laura knew, just the dearest mother who ever lived; yet she had been brought up as a girl in a country community, had never had interests any broader than her own home while her children were small, and now that Laura and Chetwood were almost “grown up”—or, at least, _felt_ they were—Mother Belding scarcely understood their plans and aspirations.

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

From this reading Mrs. Belding was, Laura knew, just the dearest mother who ever lived; yet she had been brought up as a girl in a country community, had never had interests any broader than her own home while her children were small, and now that Laura and Chetwood were almost “grown up”—or, at least, _felt_ they were—Mother Belding scarcely understood their plans and aspirations.

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

From this reading The Beldings lived in a nice house on Whiffle Street, with quite a big plot of ground about it—room for a lawn in front, a tennis court at the side, and a garden in the rear, out of which a rustic gate opened into the street where the Hargrews lived.

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

From this reading Mrs. Belding was, Laura knew, just the dearest mother who ever lived; yet she had been brought up as a girl in a country community, had never had interests any broader than her own home while her children were small, and now that Laura and Chetwood were almost “grown up”—or, at least, _felt_ they were—Mother Belding scarcely understood their plans and aspirations.

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

From this reading Mr. Belding owned the house and, with his business as jeweler, was considered, as fortunes went in Centerport, a wealthy man.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading Mrs. Belding was, Laura knew, just the dearest mother who ever lived; yet she had been brought up as a girl in a country community, had never had interests any broader than her own home while her children were small, and now that Laura and Chetwood were almost “grown up”—or, at least, _felt_ they were—Mother Belding scarcely understood their plans and aspirations.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading The Beldings lived in a nice house on Whiffle Street, with quite a big plot of ground about it—room for a lawn in front, a tennis court at the side, and a garden in the rear, out of which a rustic gate opened into the street where the Hargrews lived.

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

From this reading The Beldings lived in a nice house on Whiffle Street, with quite a big plot of ground about it—room for a lawn in front, a tennis court at the side, and a garden in the rear, out of which a rustic gate opened into the street where the Hargrews lived.

plural of “interest” — a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading Mrs. Belding was, Laura knew, just the dearest mother who ever lived; yet she had been brought up as a girl in a country community, had never had interests any broader than her own home while her children were small, and now that Laura and Chetwood were almost “grown up”—or, at least, _felt_ they were—Mother Belding scarcely understood their plans and aspirations.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading The Beldings lived in a nice house on Whiffle Street, with quite a big plot of ground about it—room for a lawn in front, a tennis court at the side, and a garden in the rear, out of which a rustic gate opened into the street where the Hargrews lived.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The Beldings lived in a nice house on Whiffle Street, with quite a big plot of ground about it—room for a lawn in front, a tennis court at the side, and a garden in the rear, out of which a rustic gate opened into the street where the Hargrews lived.

someone who makes jewelry

From this reading Mr. Belding owned the house and, with his business as jeweler, was considered, as fortunes went in Centerport, a wealthy man.

and nothing more

From this reading Mrs. Belding was, Laura knew, just the dearest mother who ever lived; yet she had been brought up as a girl in a country community, had never had interests any broader than her own home while her children were small, and now that Laura and Chetwood were almost “grown up”—or, at least, _felt_ they were—Mother Belding scarcely understood their plans and aspirations.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading Mrs. Belding was, Laura knew, just the dearest mother who ever lived; yet she had been brought up as a girl in a country community, had never had interests any broader than her own home while her children were small, and now that Laura and Chetwood were almost “grown up”—or, at least, _felt_ they were—Mother Belding scarcely understood their plans and aspirations.

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

From this reading Mrs. Belding was, Laura knew, just the dearest mother who ever lived; yet she had been brought up as a girl in a country community, had never had interests any broader than her own home while her children were small, and now that Laura and Chetwood were almost “grown up”—or, at least, _felt_ they were—Mother Belding scarcely understood their plans and aspirations.

a field of cultivated and mowed grass

From this reading The Beldings lived in a nice house on Whiffle Street, with quite a big plot of ground about it—room for a lawn in front, a tennis court at the side, and a garden in the rear, out of which a rustic gate opened into the street where the Hargrews lived.

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 Mrs. Belding was, Laura knew, just the dearest mother who ever lived; yet she had been brought up as a girl in a country community, had never had interests any broader than her own home while her children were small, and now that Laura and Chetwood were almost “grown up”—or, at least, _felt_ they were—Mother Belding scarcely understood their plans and aspirations.

past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in

From this reading The Beldings lived in a nice house on Whiffle Street, with quite a big plot of ground about it—room for a lawn in front, a tennis court at the side, and a garden in the rear, out of which a rustic gate opened into the street where the Hargrews lived.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading Mr. Belding owned the house and, with his business as jeweler, was considered, as fortunes went in Centerport, a wealthy man.

a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading Mrs. Belding was, Laura knew, just the dearest mother who ever lived; yet she had been brought up as a girl in a country community, had never had interests any broader than her own home while her children were small, and now that Laura and Chetwood were almost “grown up”—or, at least, _felt_ they were—Mother Belding scarcely understood their plans and aspirations.

a form of address for a man

From this reading Mr. Belding owned the house and, with his business as jeweler, was considered, as fortunes went in Centerport, a wealthy man.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading Mrs. Belding was, Laura knew, just the dearest mother who ever lived; yet she had been brought up as a girl in a country community, had never had interests any broader than her own home while her children were small, and now that Laura and Chetwood were almost “grown up”—or, at least, _felt_ they were—Mother Belding scarcely understood their plans and aspirations.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading The new organization was “too much” for her, as she frequently said.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading Mrs. Belding was, Laura knew, just the dearest mother who ever lived; yet she had been brought up as a girl in a country community, had never had interests any broader than her own home while her children were small, and now that Laura and Chetwood were almost “grown up”—or, at least, _felt_ they were—Mother Belding scarcely understood their plans and aspirations.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading The new organization was “too much” for her, as she frequently said.

pleasant or pleasing or agreeable in nature or appearance

From this reading The Beldings lived in a nice house on Whiffle Street, with quite a big plot of ground about it—room for a lawn in front, a tennis court at the side, and a garden in the rear, out of which a rustic gate opened into the street where the Hargrews lived.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading Mrs. Belding was, Laura knew, just the dearest mother who ever lived; yet she had been brought up as a girl in a country community, had never had interests any broader than her own home while her children were small, and now that Laura and Chetwood were almost “grown up”—or, at least, _felt_ they were—Mother Belding scarcely understood their plans and aspirations.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The Beldings lived in a nice house on Whiffle Street, with quite a big plot of ground about it—room for a lawn in front, a tennis court at the side, and a garden in the rear, out of which a rustic gate opened into the street where the Hargrews lived.

out of fashion

From this reading But the family lived with old-fashioned simplicity.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The Beldings lived in a nice house on Whiffle Street, with quite a big plot of ground about it—room for a lawn in front, a tennis court at the side, and a garden in the rear, out of which a rustic gate opened into the street where the Hargrews lived.

used of mouth or eyes

From this reading The Beldings lived in a nice house on Whiffle Street, with quite a big plot of ground about it—room for a lawn in front, a tennis court at the side, and a garden in the rear, out of which a rustic gate opened into the street where the Hargrews lived.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Mrs. Belding was, Laura knew, just the dearest mother who ever lived; yet she had been brought up as a girl in a country community, had never had interests any broader than her own home while her children were small, and now that Laura and Chetwood were almost “grown up”—or, at least, _felt_ they were—Mother Belding scarcely understood their plans and aspirations.

a group of people who work together

From this reading The new organization was “too much” for her, as she frequently said.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading The Beldings lived in a nice house on Whiffle Street, with quite a big plot of ground about it—room for a lawn in front, a tennis court at the side, and a garden in the rear, out of which a rustic gate opened into the street where the Hargrews lived.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading Mrs. Belding was, Laura knew, just the dearest mother who ever lived; yet she had been brought up as a girl in a country community, had never had interests any broader than her own home while her children were small, and now that Laura and Chetwood were almost “grown up”—or, at least, _felt_ they were—Mother Belding scarcely understood their plans and aspirations.

having an owner; often used in combination

From this reading Mr. Belding owned the house and, with his business as jeweler, was considered, as fortunes went in Centerport, a wealthy man.

plural of “plan” — a series of steps to be carried out or goals to be accomplished

From this reading Mrs. Belding was, Laura knew, just the dearest mother who ever lived; yet she had been brought up as a girl in a country community, had never had interests any broader than her own home while her children were small, and now that Laura and Chetwood were almost “grown up”—or, at least, _felt_ they were—Mother Belding scarcely understood their plans and aspirations.

a secret scheme to do something (especially something underhand or illegal)

From this reading The Beldings lived in a nice house on Whiffle Street, with quite a big plot of ground about it—room for a lawn in front, a tennis court at the side, and a garden in the rear, out of which a rustic gate opened into the street where the Hargrews lived.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading The Beldings lived in a nice house on Whiffle Street, with quite a big plot of ground about it—room for a lawn in front, a tennis court at the side, and a garden in the rear, out of which a rustic gate opened into the street where the Hargrews lived.

the back of a military formation or procession

From this reading The Beldings lived in a nice house on Whiffle Street, with quite a big plot of ground about it—room for a lawn in front, a tennis court at the side, and a garden in the rear, out of which a rustic gate opened into the street where the Hargrews lived.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading The Beldings lived in a nice house on Whiffle Street, with quite a big plot of ground about it—room for a lawn in front, a tennis court at the side, and a garden in the rear, out of which a rustic gate opened into the street where the Hargrews lived.

characteristic of rural life

From this reading The Beldings lived in a nice house on Whiffle Street, with quite a big plot of ground about it—room for a lawn in front, a tennis court at the side, and a garden in the rear, out of which a rustic gate opened into the street where the Hargrews lived.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading The new organization was “too much” for her, as she frequently said.

only a very short time before

From this reading Mrs. Belding was, Laura knew, just the dearest mother who ever lived; yet she had been brought up as a girl in a country community, had never had interests any broader than her own home while her children were small, and now that Laura and Chetwood were almost “grown up”—or, at least, _felt_ they were—Mother Belding scarcely understood their plans and aspirations.

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

From this reading Mrs. Belding was, Laura knew, just the dearest mother who ever lived; yet she had been brought up as a girl in a country community, had never had interests any broader than her own home while her children were small, and now that Laura and Chetwood were almost “grown up”—or, at least, _felt_ they were—Mother Belding scarcely understood their plans and aspirations.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading The Beldings lived in a nice house on Whiffle Street, with quite a big plot of ground about it—room for a lawn in front, a tennis court at the side, and a garden in the rear, out of which a rustic gate opened into the street where the Hargrews lived.

the quality of being simple or uncompounded

From this reading But the family lived with old-fashioned simplicity.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Mrs. Belding was, Laura knew, just the dearest mother who ever lived; yet she had been brought up as a girl in a country community, had never had interests any broader than her own home while her children were small, and now that Laura and Chetwood were almost “grown up”—or, at least, _felt_ they were—Mother Belding scarcely understood their plans and aspirations.

a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading The Beldings lived in a nice house on Whiffle Street, with quite a big plot of ground about it—room for a lawn in front, a tennis court at the side, and a garden in the rear, out of which a rustic gate opened into the street where the Hargrews lived.

a game played with rackets by two or four players who hit a ball back and forth over a net that divides the court

From this reading The Beldings lived in a nice house on Whiffle Street, with quite a big plot of ground about it—room for a lawn in front, a tennis court at the side, and a garden in the rear, out of which a rustic gate opened into the street where the Hargrews lived.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Mrs. Belding was, Laura knew, just the dearest mother who ever lived; yet she had been brought up as a girl in a country community, had never had interests any broader than her own home while her children were small, and now that Laura and Chetwood were almost “grown up”—or, at least, _felt_ they were—Mother Belding scarcely understood their plans and aspirations.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Mrs. Belding was, Laura knew, just the dearest mother who ever lived; yet she had been brought up as a girl in a country community, had never had interests any broader than her own home while her children were small, and now that Laura and Chetwood were almost “grown up”—or, at least, _felt_ they were—Mother Belding scarcely understood their plans and aspirations.

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

From this reading The Beldings lived in a nice house on Whiffle Street, with quite a big plot of ground about it—room for a lawn in front, a tennis court at the side, and a garden in the rear, out of which a rustic gate opened into the street where the Hargrews lived.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Mrs. Belding was, Laura knew, just the dearest mother who ever lived; yet she had been brought up as a girl in a country community, had never had interests any broader than her own home while her children were small, and now that Laura and Chetwood were almost “grown up”—or, at least, _felt_ they were—Mother Belding scarcely understood their plans and aspirations.

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

From this reading Mrs. Belding was, Laura knew, just the dearest mother who ever lived; yet she had been brought up as a girl in a country community, had never had interests any broader than her own home while her children were small, and now that Laura and Chetwood were almost “grown up”—or, at least, _felt_ they were—Mother Belding scarcely understood their plans and aspirations.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading The new organization was “too much” for her, as she frequently said.

fully apprehended as to purport or meaning or explanation

From this reading Mrs. Belding was, Laura knew, just the dearest mother who ever lived; yet she had been brought up as a girl in a country community, had never had interests any broader than her own home while her children were small, and now that Laura and Chetwood were almost “grown up”—or, at least, _felt_ they were—Mother Belding scarcely understood their plans and aspirations.

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

From this reading Mrs. Belding was, Laura knew, just the dearest mother who ever lived; yet she had been brought up as a girl in a country community, had never had interests any broader than her own home while her children were small, and now that Laura and Chetwood were almost “grown up”—or, at least, _felt_ they were—Mother Belding scarcely understood their plans and aspirations.

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

From this reading Mr. Belding owned the house and, with his business as jeweler, was considered, as fortunes went in Centerport, a wealthy man.

having an abundant supply of money or possessions of value

From this reading Mr. Belding owned the house and, with his business as jeweler, was considered, as fortunes went in Centerport, a wealthy man.

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

From this reading Mr. Belding owned the house and, with his business as jeweler, was considered, as fortunes went in Centerport, a wealthy man.

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

From this reading Mrs. Belding was, Laura knew, just the dearest mother who ever lived; yet she had been brought up as a girl in a country community, had never had interests any broader than her own home while her children were small, and now that Laura and Chetwood were almost “grown up”—or, at least, _felt_ they were—Mother Belding scarcely understood their plans and aspirations.

in or at the place that

From this reading The Beldings lived in a nice house on Whiffle Street, with quite a big plot of ground about it—room for a lawn in front, a tennis court at the side, and a garden in the rear, out of which a rustic gate opened into the street where the Hargrews lived.

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

From this reading The Beldings lived in a nice house on Whiffle Street, with quite a big plot of ground about it—room for a lawn in front, a tennis court at the side, and a garden in the rear, out of which a rustic gate opened into the street where the Hargrews lived.

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

From this reading The Beldings lived in a nice house on Whiffle Street, with quite a big plot of ground about it—room for a lawn in front, a tennis court at the side, and a garden in the rear, out of which a rustic gate opened into the street where the Hargrews lived.

during the time that

From this reading Mrs. Belding was, Laura knew, just the dearest mother who ever lived; yet she had been brought up as a girl in a country community, had never had interests any broader than her own home while her children were small, and now that Laura and Chetwood were almost “grown up”—or, at least, _felt_ they were—Mother Belding scarcely understood their plans and aspirations.

which person or people

From this reading Mrs. Belding was, Laura knew, just the dearest mother who ever lived; yet she had been brought up as a girl in a country community, had never had interests any broader than her own home while her children were small, and now that Laura and Chetwood were almost “grown up”—or, at least, _felt_ they were—Mother Belding scarcely understood their plans and aspirations.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The Beldings lived in a nice house on Whiffle Street, with quite a big plot of ground about it—room for a lawn in front, a tennis court at the side, and a garden in the rear, out of which a rustic gate opened into the street where the Hargrews lived.

but in spite of that

From this reading Mrs. Belding was, Laura knew, just the dearest mother who ever lived; yet she had been brought up as a girl in a country community, had never had interests any broader than her own home while her children were small, and now that Laura and Chetwood were almost “grown up”—or, at least, _felt_ they were—Mother Belding scarcely understood their plans and aspirations.