Chapter II · Chapter 2

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

From this reading MY FRIENDS By virtue of my being a successful man my family has an established position in New York society.

plural of “acquaintance” — personal knowledge or information about someone or something

From this reading Our less desirable acquaintances, and those toward whom we have minor social obligations, my wife disposes of by means of an elaborate "at home," where the inadequacies of the orchestra are drowned in the roar of conversation, and which a sufficient number of well-known people are good-natured enough to attend in order to make the others feel that the occasion is really smart and that they are not being trifled with.

the form of “be” used with “I”

From this reading This method of getting rid of one's shabby friends and their claims is, I am informed, known as "killing them off with a tea."

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

From this reading MY FRIENDS By virtue of my being a successful man my family has an established position in New York society.

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

From this reading We are not, to be sure--at least, my wife and I are not--a part of the sacrosanct fifty or sixty who run the show and perform in the big ring; but we are well up in the front of the procession and occasionally do a turn or so in one of the side rings.

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

From this reading We are not, to be sure--at least, my wife and I are not--a part of the sacrosanct fifty or sixty who run the show and perform in the big ring; but we are well up in the front of the procession and occasionally do a turn or so in one of the side rings.

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

From this reading This method of getting rid of one's shabby friends and their claims is, I am informed, known as "killing them off with a tea."

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading We are not, to be sure--at least, my wife and I are not--a part of the sacrosanct fifty or sixty who run the show and perform in the big ring; but we are well up in the front of the procession and occasionally do a turn or so in one of the side rings.

be present at (meetings, church services, university), etc.

From this reading Our less desirable acquaintances, and those toward whom we have minor social obligations, my wife disposes of by means of an elaborate "at home," where the inadequacies of the orchestra are drowned in the roar of conversation, and which a sufficient number of well-known people are good-natured enough to attend in order to make the others feel that the occasion is really smart and that they are not being trifled with.

round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games

From this reading We give a couple of dinners each week during the season and a ball or two, besides a continuous succession of opera and theater parties.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading We are not, to be sure--at least, my wife and I are not--a part of the sacrosanct fifty or sixty who run the show and perform in the big ring; but we are well up in the front of the procession and occasionally do a turn or so in one of the side rings.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading MY FRIENDS By virtue of my being a successful man my family has an established position in New York society.

in addition to; as well as

From this reading We give a couple of dinners each week during the season and a ball or two, besides a continuous succession of opera and theater parties.

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

From this reading We are not, to be sure--at least, my wife and I are not--a part of the sacrosanct fifty or sixty who run the show and perform in the big ring; but we are well up in the front of the procession and occasionally do a turn or so in one of the side rings.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading We are not, to be sure--at least, my wife and I are not--a part of the sacrosanct fifty or sixty who run the show and perform in the big ring; but we are well up in the front of the procession and occasionally do a turn or so in one of the side rings.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading MY FRIENDS By virtue of my being a successful man my family has an established position in New York society.

plural of “claim” — an assertion of a right (as to money or property)

From this reading This method of getting rid of one's shabby friends and their claims is, I am informed, known as "killing them off with a tea."

continuing in time or space without interruption

From this reading We give a couple of dinners each week during the season and a ball or two, besides a continuous succession of opera and theater parties.

the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.

From this reading Our less desirable acquaintances, and those toward whom we have minor social obligations, my wife disposes of by means of an elaborate "at home," where the inadequacies of the orchestra are drowned in the roar of conversation, and which a sufficient number of well-known people are good-natured enough to attend in order to make the others feel that the occasion is really smart and that they are not being trifled with.

a pair who associate with one another

From this reading We give a couple of dinners each week during the season and a ball or two, besides a continuous succession of opera and theater parties.

worth having or seeking or achieving

From this reading Our less desirable acquaintances, and those toward whom we have minor social obligations, my wife disposes of by means of an elaborate "at home," where the inadequacies of the orchestra are drowned in the roar of conversation, and which a sufficient number of well-known people are good-natured enough to attend in order to make the others feel that the occasion is really smart and that they are not being trifled with.

plural of “dinner” — the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday

From this reading We give a couple of dinners each week during the season and a ball or two, besides a continuous succession of opera and theater parties.

third-person singular of “dispose” — give, sell, or transfer to another

From this reading Our less desirable acquaintances, and those toward whom we have minor social obligations, my wife disposes of by means of an elaborate "at home," where the inadequacies of the orchestra are drowned in the roar of conversation, and which a sufficient number of well-known people are good-natured enough to attend in order to make the others feel that the occasion is really smart and that they are not being trifled with.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading We are not, to be sure--at least, my wife and I are not--a part of the sacrosanct fifty or sixty who run the show and perform in the big ring; but we are well up in the front of the procession and occasionally do a turn or so in one of the side rings.

past form of “drown” — cover completely or make imperceptible

From this reading Our less desirable acquaintances, and those toward whom we have minor social obligations, my wife disposes of by means of an elaborate "at home," where the inadequacies of the orchestra are drowned in the roar of conversation, and which a sufficient number of well-known people are good-natured enough to attend in order to make the others feel that the occasion is really smart and that they are not being trifled with.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading We give a couple of dinners each week during the season and a ball or two, besides a continuous succession of opera and theater parties.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading We give a couple of dinners each week during the season and a ball or two, besides a continuous succession of opera and theater parties.

marked by complexity and richness of detail

From this reading Our less desirable acquaintances, and those toward whom we have minor social obligations, my wife disposes of by means of an elaborate "at home," where the inadequacies of the orchestra are drowned in the roar of conversation, and which a sufficient number of well-known people are good-natured enough to attend in order to make the others feel that the occasion is really smart and that they are not being trifled with.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading Our less desirable acquaintances, and those toward whom we have minor social obligations, my wife disposes of by means of an elaborate "at home," where the inadequacies of the orchestra are drowned in the roar of conversation, and which a sufficient number of well-known people are good-natured enough to attend in order to make the others feel that the occasion is really smart and that they are not being trifled with.

brought about or set up or accepted; especially long established

From this reading MY FRIENDS By virtue of my being a successful man my family has an established position in New York society.

a social unit living together

From this reading MY FRIENDS By virtue of my being a successful man my family has an established position in New York society.

undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind

From this reading Our less desirable acquaintances, and those toward whom we have minor social obligations, my wife disposes of by means of an elaborate "at home," where the inadequacies of the orchestra are drowned in the roar of conversation, and which a sufficient number of well-known people are good-natured enough to attend in order to make the others feel that the occasion is really smart and that they are not being trifled with.

the cardinal number that is the product of ten and five

From this reading We are not, to be sure--at least, my wife and I are not--a part of the sacrosanct fifty or sixty who run the show and perform in the big ring; but we are well up in the front of the procession and occasionally do a turn or so in one of the side rings.

plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading MY FRIENDS By virtue of my being a successful man my family has an established position in New York society.

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading We are not, to be sure--at least, my wife and I are not--a part of the sacrosanct fifty or sixty who run the show and perform in the big ring; but we are well up in the front of the procession and occasionally do a turn or so in one of the side rings.

the act of acquiring something

From this reading This method of getting rid of one's shabby friends and their claims is, I am informed, known as "killing them off with a tea."

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading We give a couple of dinners each week during the season and a ball or two, besides a continuous succession of opera and theater parties.

having an easygoing and cheerful disposition

From this reading Our less desirable acquaintances, and those toward whom we have minor social obligations, my wife disposes of by means of an elaborate "at home," where the inadequacies of the orchestra are drowned in the roar of conversation, and which a sufficient number of well-known people are good-natured enough to attend in order to make the others feel that the occasion is really smart and that they are not being trifled with.

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading MY FRIENDS By virtue of my being a successful man my family has an established position in New York society.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Our less desirable acquaintances, and those toward whom we have minor social obligations, my wife disposes of by means of an elaborate "at home," where the inadequacies of the orchestra are drowned in the roar of conversation, and which a sufficient number of well-known people are good-natured enough to attend in order to make the others feel that the occasion is really smart and that they are not being trifled with.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading Our less desirable acquaintances, and those toward whom we have minor social obligations, my wife disposes of by means of an elaborate "at home," where the inadequacies of the orchestra are drowned in the roar of conversation, and which a sufficient number of well-known people are good-natured enough to attend in order to make the others feel that the occasion is really smart and that they are not being trifled with.

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

From this reading We are not, to be sure--at least, my wife and I are not--a part of the sacrosanct fifty or sixty who run the show and perform in the big ring; but we are well up in the front of the procession and occasionally do a turn or so in one of the side rings.

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

From this reading MY FRIENDS By virtue of my being a successful man my family has an established position in New York society.

plural of “inadequacy” — lack of an adequate quantity or number

From this reading Our less desirable acquaintances, and those toward whom we have minor social obligations, my wife disposes of by means of an elaborate "at home," where the inadequacies of the orchestra are drowned in the roar of conversation, and which a sufficient number of well-known people are good-natured enough to attend in order to make the others feel that the occasion is really smart and that they are not being trifled with.

having much knowledge or education

From this reading This method of getting rid of one's shabby friends and their claims is, I am informed, known as "killing them off with a tea."

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

From this reading Our less desirable acquaintances, and those toward whom we have minor social obligations, my wife disposes of by means of an elaborate "at home," where the inadequacies of the orchestra are drowned in the roar of conversation, and which a sufficient number of well-known people are good-natured enough to attend in order to make the others feel that the occasion is really smart and that they are not being trifled with.

an event that causes someone to die

From this reading This method of getting rid of one's shabby friends and their claims is, I am informed, known as "killing them off with a tea."

apprehended with certainty

From this reading This method of getting rid of one's shabby friends and their claims is, I am informed, known as "killing them off with a tea."

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 We are not, to be sure--at least, my wife and I are not--a part of the sacrosanct fifty or sixty who run the show and perform in the big ring; but we are well up in the front of the procession and occasionally do a turn or so in one of the side rings.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading Our less desirable acquaintances, and those toward whom we have minor social obligations, my wife disposes of by means of an elaborate "at home," where the inadequacies of the orchestra are drowned in the roar of conversation, and which a sufficient number of well-known people are good-natured enough to attend in order to make the others feel that the occasion is really smart and that they are not being trifled with.

engage in

From this reading Our less desirable acquaintances, and those toward whom we have minor social obligations, my wife disposes of by means of an elaborate "at home," where the inadequacies of the orchestra are drowned in the roar of conversation, and which a sufficient number of well-known people are good-natured enough to attend in order to make the others feel that the occasion is really smart and that they are not being trifled with.

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

From this reading MY FRIENDS By virtue of my being a successful man my family has an established position in New York society.

thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end

From this reading Our less desirable acquaintances, and those toward whom we have minor social obligations, my wife disposes of by means of an elaborate "at home," where the inadequacies of the orchestra are drowned in the roar of conversation, and which a sufficient number of well-known people are good-natured enough to attend in order to make the others feel that the occasion is really smart and that they are not being trifled with.

a way of doing something, especially a systematic way; implies an orderly logical arrangement (usually in steps)

From this reading This method of getting rid of one's shabby friends and their claims is, I am informed, known as "killing them off with a tea."

of lesser importance or stature or rank

From this reading Our less desirable acquaintances, and those toward whom we have minor social obligations, my wife disposes of by means of an elaborate "at home," where the inadequacies of the orchestra are drowned in the roar of conversation, and which a sufficient number of well-known people are good-natured enough to attend in order to make the others feel that the occasion is really smart and that they are not being trifled with.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading MY FRIENDS By virtue of my being a successful man my family has an established position in New York society.

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

From this reading MY FRIENDS By virtue of my being a successful man my family has an established position in New York society.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading We are not, to be sure--at least, my wife and I are not--a part of the sacrosanct fifty or sixty who run the show and perform in the big ring; but we are well up in the front of the procession and occasionally do a turn or so in one of the side rings.

the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals

From this reading Our less desirable acquaintances, and those toward whom we have minor social obligations, my wife disposes of by means of an elaborate "at home," where the inadequacies of the orchestra are drowned in the roar of conversation, and which a sufficient number of well-known people are good-natured enough to attend in order to make the others feel that the occasion is really smart and that they are not being trifled with.

plural of “obligation” — the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force

From this reading Our less desirable acquaintances, and those toward whom we have minor social obligations, my wife disposes of by means of an elaborate "at home," where the inadequacies of the orchestra are drowned in the roar of conversation, and which a sufficient number of well-known people are good-natured enough to attend in order to make the others feel that the occasion is really smart and that they are not being trifled with.

an event that occurs at a critical time

From this reading Our less desirable acquaintances, and those toward whom we have minor social obligations, my wife disposes of by means of an elaborate "at home," where the inadequacies of the orchestra are drowned in the roar of conversation, and which a sufficient number of well-known people are good-natured enough to attend in order to make the others feel that the occasion is really smart and that they are not being trifled with.

sporadically and infrequently

From this reading We are not, to be sure--at least, my wife and I are not--a part of the sacrosanct fifty or sixty who run the show and perform in the big ring; but we are well up in the front of the procession and occasionally do a turn or so in one of the side rings.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading MY FRIENDS By virtue of my being a successful man my family has an established position in New York society.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading This method of getting rid of one's shabby friends and their claims is, I am informed, known as "killing them off with a tea."

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading We are not, to be sure--at least, my wife and I are not--a part of the sacrosanct fifty or sixty who run the show and perform in the big ring; but we are well up in the front of the procession and occasionally do a turn or so in one of the side rings.

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

From this reading This method of getting rid of one's shabby friends and their claims is, I am informed, known as "killing them off with a tea."

a drama set to music; consists of singing with orchestral accompaniment and an orchestral overture and interludes

From this reading We give a couple of dinners each week during the season and a ball or two, besides a continuous succession of opera and theater parties.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading We are not, to be sure--at least, my wife and I are not--a part of the sacrosanct fifty or sixty who run the show and perform in the big ring; but we are well up in the front of the procession and occasionally do a turn or so in one of the side rings.

a musical organization consisting of a group of instrumentalists including string players

From this reading Our less desirable acquaintances, and those toward whom we have minor social obligations, my wife disposes of by means of an elaborate "at home," where the inadequacies of the orchestra are drowned in the roar of conversation, and which a sufficient number of well-known people are good-natured enough to attend in order to make the others feel that the occasion is really smart and that they are not being trifled with.

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading Our less desirable acquaintances, and those toward whom we have minor social obligations, my wife disposes of by means of an elaborate "at home," where the inadequacies of the orchestra are drowned in the roar of conversation, and which a sufficient number of well-known people are good-natured enough to attend in order to make the others feel that the occasion is really smart and that they are not being trifled with.

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

From this reading Our less desirable acquaintances, and those toward whom we have minor social obligations, my wife disposes of by means of an elaborate "at home," where the inadequacies of the orchestra are drowned in the roar of conversation, and which a sufficient number of well-known people are good-natured enough to attend in order to make the others feel that the occasion is really smart and that they are not being trifled with.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading Our less desirable acquaintances, and those toward whom we have minor social obligations, my wife disposes of by means of an elaborate "at home," where the inadequacies of the orchestra are drowned in the roar of conversation, and which a sufficient number of well-known people are good-natured enough to attend in order to make the others feel that the occasion is really smart and that they are not being trifled with.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading We are not, to be sure--at least, my wife and I are not--a part of the sacrosanct fifty or sixty who run the show and perform in the big ring; but we are well up in the front of the procession and occasionally do a turn or so in one of the side rings.

plural of “party” — an organization to gain political power

From this reading We give a couple of dinners each week during the season and a ball or two, besides a continuous succession of opera and theater parties.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading Our less desirable acquaintances, and those toward whom we have minor social obligations, my wife disposes of by means of an elaborate "at home," where the inadequacies of the orchestra are drowned in the roar of conversation, and which a sufficient number of well-known people are good-natured enough to attend in order to make the others feel that the occasion is really smart and that they are not being trifled with.

carry out or perform an action

From this reading We are not, to be sure--at least, my wife and I are not--a part of the sacrosanct fifty or sixty who run the show and perform in the big ring; but we are well up in the front of the procession and occasionally do a turn or so in one of the side rings.

the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading MY FRIENDS By virtue of my being a successful man my family has an established position in New York society.

(theology) the origination of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost

From this reading We are not, to be sure--at least, my wife and I are not--a part of the sacrosanct fifty or sixty who run the show and perform in the big ring; but we are well up in the front of the procession and occasionally do a turn or so in one of the side rings.

in accordance with truth or fact or reality

From this reading Our less desirable acquaintances, and those toward whom we have minor social obligations, my wife disposes of by means of an elaborate "at home," where the inadequacies of the orchestra are drowned in the roar of conversation, and which a sufficient number of well-known people are good-natured enough to attend in order to make the others feel that the occasion is really smart and that they are not being trifled with.

relieve from

From this reading This method of getting rid of one's shabby friends and their claims is, I am informed, known as "killing them off with a tea."

sound loudly and sonorously

From this reading We are not, to be sure--at least, my wife and I are not--a part of the sacrosanct fifty or sixty who run the show and perform in the big ring; but we are well up in the front of the procession and occasionally do a turn or so in one of the side rings.

gymnastic apparatus consisting of a pair of heavy metal circles (usually covered with leather) suspended by ropes; used for gymnastic exercises

From this reading We are not, to be sure--at least, my wife and I are not--a part of the sacrosanct fifty or sixty who run the show and perform in the big ring; but we are well up in the front of the procession and occasionally do a turn or so in one of the side rings.

make a loud noise, as of wind, water, or vehicles

From this reading Our less desirable acquaintances, and those toward whom we have minor social obligations, my wife disposes of by means of an elaborate "at home," where the inadequacies of the orchestra are drowned in the roar of conversation, and which a sufficient number of well-known people are good-natured enough to attend in order to make the others feel that the occasion is really smart and that they are not being trifled with.

move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading We are not, to be sure--at least, my wife and I are not--a part of the sacrosanct fifty or sixty who run the show and perform in the big ring; but we are well up in the front of the procession and occasionally do a turn or so in one of the side rings.

must be kept sacred

From this reading We are not, to be sure--at least, my wife and I are not--a part of the sacrosanct fifty or sixty who run the show and perform in the big ring; but we are well up in the front of the procession and occasionally do a turn or so in one of the side rings.

a period of the year marked by special events or activities in some field

From this reading We give a couple of dinners each week during the season and a ball or two, besides a continuous succession of opera and theater parties.

showing signs of wear and tear

From this reading This method of getting rid of one's shabby friends and their claims is, I am informed, known as "killing them off with a tea."

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading We are not, to be sure--at least, my wife and I are not--a part of the sacrosanct fifty or sixty who run the show and perform in the big ring; but we are well up in the front of the procession and occasionally do a turn or so in one of the side rings.

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

From this reading We are not, to be sure--at least, my wife and I are not--a part of the sacrosanct fifty or sixty who run the show and perform in the big ring; but we are well up in the front of the procession and occasionally do a turn or so in one of the side rings.

being ten more than fifty

From this reading We are not, to be sure--at least, my wife and I are not--a part of the sacrosanct fifty or sixty who run the show and perform in the big ring; but we are well up in the front of the procession and occasionally do a turn or so in one of the side rings.

showing mental alertness and calculation and resourcefulness

From this reading Our less desirable acquaintances, and those toward whom we have minor social obligations, my wife disposes of by means of an elaborate "at home," where the inadequacies of the orchestra are drowned in the roar of conversation, and which a sufficient number of well-known people are good-natured enough to attend in order to make the others feel that the occasion is really smart and that they are not being trifled with.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading We are not, to be sure--at least, my wife and I are not--a part of the sacrosanct fifty or sixty who run the show and perform in the big ring; but we are well up in the front of the procession and occasionally do a turn or so in one of the side rings.

relating to human society and its members

From this reading Our less desirable acquaintances, and those toward whom we have minor social obligations, my wife disposes of by means of an elaborate "at home," where the inadequacies of the orchestra are drowned in the roar of conversation, and which a sufficient number of well-known people are good-natured enough to attend in order to make the others feel that the occasion is really smart and that they are not being trifled with.

an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization

From this reading MY FRIENDS By virtue of my being a successful man my family has an established position in New York society.

having succeeded or being marked by a favorable outcome

From this reading MY FRIENDS By virtue of my being a successful man my family has an established position in New York society.

a following of one thing after another in time

From this reading We give a couple of dinners each week during the season and a ball or two, besides a continuous succession of opera and theater parties.

of a quantity that can fulfill a need or requirement but without being abundant

From this reading Our less desirable acquaintances, and those toward whom we have minor social obligations, my wife disposes of by means of an elaborate "at home," where the inadequacies of the orchestra are drowned in the roar of conversation, and which a sufficient number of well-known people are good-natured enough to attend in order to make the others feel that the occasion is really smart and that they are not being trifled with.

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading We are not, to be sure--at least, my wife and I are not--a part of the sacrosanct fifty or sixty who run the show and perform in the big ring; but we are well up in the front of the procession and occasionally do a turn or so in one of the side rings.

a beverage made by steeping tea leaves in water

From this reading This method of getting rid of one's shabby friends and their claims is, I am informed, known as "killing them off with a tea."

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Our less desirable acquaintances, and those toward whom we have minor social obligations, my wife disposes of by means of an elaborate "at home," where the inadequacies of the orchestra are drowned in the roar of conversation, and which a sufficient number of well-known people are good-natured enough to attend in order to make the others feel that the occasion is really smart and that they are not being trifled with.

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

From this reading We are not, to be sure--at least, my wife and I are not--a part of the sacrosanct fifty or sixty who run the show and perform in the big ring; but we are well up in the front of the procession and occasionally do a turn or so in one of the side rings.

a building where theatrical performances or motion-picture shows can be presented

From this reading We give a couple of dinners each week during the season and a ball or two, besides a continuous succession of opera and theater parties.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading This method of getting rid of one's shabby friends and their claims is, I am informed, known as "killing them off with a tea."

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading This method of getting rid of one's shabby friends and their claims is, I am informed, known as "killing them off with a tea."

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

From this reading Our less desirable acquaintances, and those toward whom we have minor social obligations, my wife disposes of by means of an elaborate "at home," where the inadequacies of the orchestra are drowned in the roar of conversation, and which a sufficient number of well-known people are good-natured enough to attend in order to make the others feel that the occasion is really smart and that they are not being trifled with.

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

From this reading This method of getting rid of one's shabby friends and their claims is, I am informed, known as "killing them off with a tea."

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

From this reading Our less desirable acquaintances, and those toward whom we have minor social obligations, my wife disposes of by means of an elaborate "at home," where the inadequacies of the orchestra are drowned in the roar of conversation, and which a sufficient number of well-known people are good-natured enough to attend in order to make the others feel that the occasion is really smart and that they are not being trifled with.

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

From this reading We are not, to be sure--at least, my wife and I are not--a part of the sacrosanct fifty or sixty who run the show and perform in the big ring; but we are well up in the front of the procession and occasionally do a turn or so in one of the side rings.

in the direction of

From this reading Our less desirable acquaintances, and those toward whom we have minor social obligations, my wife disposes of by means of an elaborate "at home," where the inadequacies of the orchestra are drowned in the roar of conversation, and which a sufficient number of well-known people are good-natured enough to attend in order to make the others feel that the occasion is really smart and that they are not being trifled with.

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

From this reading Our less desirable acquaintances, and those toward whom we have minor social obligations, my wife disposes of by means of an elaborate "at home," where the inadequacies of the orchestra are drowned in the roar of conversation, and which a sufficient number of well-known people are good-natured enough to attend in order to make the others feel that the occasion is really smart and that they are not being trifled with.

change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense

From this reading We are not, to be sure--at least, my wife and I are not--a part of the sacrosanct fifty or sixty who run the show and perform in the big ring; but we are well up in the front of the procession and occasionally do a turn or so in one of the side rings.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading We give a couple of dinners each week during the season and a ball or two, besides a continuous succession of opera and theater parties.

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

From this reading We are not, to be sure--at least, my wife and I are not--a part of the sacrosanct fifty or sixty who run the show and perform in the big ring; but we are well up in the front of the procession and occasionally do a turn or so in one of the side rings.

Moral excellence and goodness of character; the highest human attainment in Stoic philosophy.

From this reading MY FRIENDS By virtue of my being a successful man my family has an established position in New York society.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading We are not, to be sure--at least, my wife and I are not--a part of the sacrosanct fifty or sixty who run the show and perform in the big ring; but we are well up in the front of the procession and occasionally do a turn or so in one of the side rings.

any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading We give a couple of dinners each week during the season and a ball or two, besides a continuous succession of opera and theater parties.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading We are not, to be sure--at least, my wife and I are not--a part of the sacrosanct fifty or sixty who run the show and perform in the big ring; but we are well up in the front of the procession and occasionally do a turn or so in one of the side rings.

widely or fully known

From this reading Our less desirable acquaintances, and those toward whom we have minor social obligations, my wife disposes of by means of an elaborate "at home," where the inadequacies of the orchestra are drowned in the roar of conversation, and which a sufficient number of well-known people are good-natured enough to attend in order to make the others feel that the occasion is really smart and that they are not being trifled with.

in or at the place that

From this reading Our less desirable acquaintances, and those toward whom we have minor social obligations, my wife disposes of by means of an elaborate "at home," where the inadequacies of the orchestra are drowned in the roar of conversation, and which a sufficient number of well-known people are good-natured enough to attend in order to make the others feel that the occasion is really smart and that they are not being trifled with.

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

From this reading Our less desirable acquaintances, and those toward whom we have minor social obligations, my wife disposes of by means of an elaborate "at home," where the inadequacies of the orchestra are drowned in the roar of conversation, and which a sufficient number of well-known people are good-natured enough to attend in order to make the others feel that the occasion is really smart and that they are not being trifled with.

which person or people

From this reading We are not, to be sure--at least, my wife and I are not--a part of the sacrosanct fifty or sixty who run the show and perform in the big ring; but we are well up in the front of the procession and occasionally do a turn or so in one of the side rings.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Our less desirable acquaintances, and those toward whom we have minor social obligations, my wife disposes of by means of an elaborate "at home," where the inadequacies of the orchestra are drowned in the roar of conversation, and which a sufficient number of well-known people are good-natured enough to attend in order to make the others feel that the occasion is really smart and that they are not being trifled with.

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading We are not, to be sure--at least, my wife and I are not--a part of the sacrosanct fifty or sixty who run the show and perform in the big ring; but we are well up in the front of the procession and occasionally do a turn or so in one of the side rings.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Our less desirable acquaintances, and those toward whom we have minor social obligations, my wife disposes of by means of an elaborate "at home," where the inadequacies of the orchestra are drowned in the roar of conversation, and which a sufficient number of well-known people are good-natured enough to attend in order to make the others feel that the occasion is really smart and that they are not being trifled with.

the English royal house (a branch of the Plantagenet line) that reigned from 1461 to 1485; its emblem was a white rose

From this reading MY FRIENDS By virtue of my being a successful man my family has an established position in New York society.