Chapter XVII

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

From this reading While Ellen was going through these hours of anguish her mother and Mr. Sylvester sat in my grandmother's kitchen, a pair of helpless, middle-aged children, discussing how they would break the news to Miss Sarah Grant.

(followed by “to”) in agreement with or accordant with

From this reading He was quite grave and simple-hearted as he said this, but I know that Alec and I did not dare to meet one another's eyes, for the good man had mentioned not only two of the most talkative ladies in town, but also two who had, according to gossip, felt themselves very capable of taking care of an incapable but godly man.

anew

From this reading They didn't need to explain why Miss Grant would disapprove of their marriage; she would disapprove of it just as all the town would, for it was evident that if Mr. Sylvester was going to marry again it was his duty to himself and to his children to marry a "capable woman," and you might as well ask a moon-ray or a soft breeze in the trees to be capable as Ellen's little mother.

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

From this reading He was quite grave and simple-hearted as he said this, but I know that Alec and I did not dare to meet one another's eyes, for the good man had mentioned not only two of the most talkative ladies in town, but also two who had, according to gossip, felt themselves very capable of taking care of an incapable but godly man.

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

From this reading They didn't need to explain why Miss Grant would disapprove of their marriage; she would disapprove of it just as all the town would, for it was evident that if Mr. Sylvester was going to marry again it was his duty to himself and to his children to marry a "capable woman," and you might as well ask a moon-ray or a soft breeze in the trees to be capable as Ellen's little mother.

in addition

From this reading He was quite grave and simple-hearted as he said this, but I know that Alec and I did not dare to meet one another's eyes, for the good man had mentioned not only two of the most talkative ladies in town, but also two who had, according to gossip, felt themselves very capable of taking care of an incapable but godly man.

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

From this reading He was quite grave and simple-hearted as he said this, but I know that Alec and I did not dare to meet one another's eyes, for the good man had mentioned not only two of the most talkative ladies in town, but also two who had, according to gossip, felt themselves very capable of taking care of an incapable but godly man.

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

From this reading While Ellen was going through these hours of anguish her mother and Mr. Sylvester sat in my grandmother's kitchen, a pair of helpless, middle-aged children, discussing how they would break the news to Miss Sarah Grant.

extreme mental distress

From this reading While Ellen was going through these hours of anguish her mother and Mr. Sylvester sat in my grandmother's kitchen, a pair of helpless, middle-aged children, discussing how they would break the news to Miss Sarah Grant.

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

From this reading He was quite grave and simple-hearted as he said this, but I know that Alec and I did not dare to meet one another's eyes, for the good man had mentioned not only two of the most talkative ladies in town, but also two who had, according to gossip, felt themselves very capable of taking care of an incapable but godly man.

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

From this reading They didn't need to explain why Miss Grant would disapprove of their marriage; she would disapprove of it just as all the town would, for it was evident that if Mr. Sylvester was going to marry again it was his duty to himself and to his children to marry a "capable woman," and you might as well ask a moon-ray or a soft breeze in the trees to be capable as Ellen's little mother.

make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading They didn't need to explain why Miss Grant would disapprove of their marriage; she would disapprove of it just as all the town would, for it was evident that if Mr. Sylvester was going to marry again it was his duty to himself and to his children to marry a "capable woman," and you might as well ask a moon-ray or a soft breeze in the trees to be capable as Ellen's little mother.

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

From this reading They didn't need to explain why Miss Grant would disapprove of their marriage; she would disapprove of it just as all the town would, for it was evident that if Mr. Sylvester was going to marry again it was his duty to himself and to his children to marry a "capable woman," and you might as well ask a moon-ray or a soft breeze in the trees to be capable as Ellen's little mother.

terminate

From this reading While Ellen was going through these hours of anguish her mother and Mr. Sylvester sat in my grandmother's kitchen, a pair of helpless, middle-aged children, discussing how they would break the news to Miss Sarah Grant.

a slight wind (usually refreshing)

From this reading They didn't need to explain why Miss Grant would disapprove of their marriage; she would disapprove of it just as all the town would, for it was evident that if Mr. Sylvester was going to marry again it was his duty to himself and to his children to marry a "capable woman," and you might as well ask a moon-ray or a soft breeze in the trees to be capable as Ellen's little mother.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading He was quite grave and simple-hearted as he said this, but I know that Alec and I did not dare to meet one another's eyes, for the good man had mentioned not only two of the most talkative ladies in town, but also two who had, according to gossip, felt themselves very capable of taking care of an incapable but godly man.

(usually followed by “of”) having capacity or ability

From this reading They didn't need to explain why Miss Grant would disapprove of their marriage; she would disapprove of it just as all the town would, for it was evident that if Mr. Sylvester was going to marry again it was his duty to himself and to his children to marry a "capable woman," and you might as well ask a moon-ray or a soft breeze in the trees to be capable as Ellen's little mother.

the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something

From this reading He was quite grave and simple-hearted as he said this, but I know that Alec and I did not dare to meet one another's eyes, for the good man had mentioned not only two of the most talkative ladies in town, but also two who had, according to gossip, felt themselves very capable of taking care of an incapable but godly man.

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

From this reading While Ellen was going through these hours of anguish her mother and Mr. Sylvester sat in my grandmother's kitchen, a pair of helpless, middle-aged children, discussing how they would break the news to Miss Sarah Grant.

take upon oneself; act presumptuously, without permission

From this reading He was quite grave and simple-hearted as he said this, but I know that Alec and I did not dare to meet one another's eyes, for the good man had mentioned not only two of the most talkative ladies in town, but also two who had, according to gossip, felt themselves very capable of taking care of an incapable but godly man.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading He was quite grave and simple-hearted as he said this, but I know that Alec and I did not dare to meet one another's eyes, for the good man had mentioned not only two of the most talkative ladies in town, but also two who had, according to gossip, felt themselves very capable of taking care of an incapable but godly man.

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

From this reading They didn't need to explain why Miss Grant would disapprove of their marriage; she would disapprove of it just as all the town would, for it was evident that if Mr. Sylvester was going to marry again it was his duty to himself and to his children to marry a "capable woman," and you might as well ask a moon-ray or a soft breeze in the trees to be capable as Ellen's little mother.

consider bad or wrong

From this reading They didn't need to explain why Miss Grant would disapprove of their marriage; she would disapprove of it just as all the town would, for it was evident that if Mr. Sylvester was going to marry again it was his duty to himself and to his children to marry a "capable woman," and you might as well ask a moon-ray or a soft breeze in the trees to be capable as Ellen's little mother.

-ing form of “discuss” — to consider or examine in speech or writing

From this reading While Ellen was going through these hours of anguish her mother and Mr. Sylvester sat in my grandmother's kitchen, a pair of helpless, middle-aged children, discussing how they would break the news to Miss Sarah Grant.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading A simple and efficacious way has occurred to me, Mrs. Hathaway, of informing all our friends,--I shall merely tell Mrs. Snow and Miss Nellie Lee and then nature will do the rest."

the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force

From this reading They didn't need to explain why Miss Grant would disapprove of their marriage; she would disapprove of it just as all the town would, for it was evident that if Mr. Sylvester was going to marry again it was his duty to himself and to his children to marry a "capable woman," and you might as well ask a moon-ray or a soft breeze in the trees to be capable as Ellen's little mother.

marked by qualities giving the power to produce an intended effect

From this reading A simple and efficacious way has occurred to me, Mrs. Hathaway, of informing all our friends,--I shall merely tell Mrs. Snow and Miss Nellie Lee and then nature will do the rest."

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

From this reading While Ellen was going through these hours of anguish her mother and Mr. Sylvester sat in my grandmother's kitchen, a pair of helpless, middle-aged children, discussing how they would break the news to Miss Sarah Grant.

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

From this reading They didn't need to explain why Miss Grant would disapprove of their marriage; she would disapprove of it just as all the town would, for it was evident that if Mr. Sylvester was going to marry again it was his duty to himself and to his children to marry a "capable woman," and you might as well ask a moon-ray or a soft breeze in the trees to be capable as Ellen's little mother.

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading They didn't need to explain why Miss Grant would disapprove of their marriage; she would disapprove of it just as all the town would, for it was evident that if Mr. Sylvester was going to marry again it was his duty to himself and to his children to marry a "capable woman," and you might as well ask a moon-ray or a soft breeze in the trees to be capable as Ellen's little mother.

make plain and comprehensible

From this reading They didn't need to explain why Miss Grant would disapprove of their marriage; she would disapprove of it just as all the town would, for it was evident that if Mr. Sylvester was going to marry again it was his duty to himself and to his children to marry a "capable woman," and you might as well ask a moon-ray or a soft breeze in the trees to be capable as Ellen's little mother.

opinion or judgment

From this reading He was quite grave and simple-hearted as he said this, but I know that Alec and I did not dare to meet one another's eyes, for the good man had mentioned not only two of the most talkative ladies in town, but also two who had, according to gossip, felt themselves very capable of taking care of an incapable but godly man.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading He was quite grave and simple-hearted as he said this, but I know that Alec and I did not dare to meet one another's eyes, for the good man had mentioned not only two of the most talkative ladies in town, but also two who had, according to gossip, felt themselves very capable of taking care of an incapable but godly man.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading They didn't need to explain why Miss Grant would disapprove of their marriage; she would disapprove of it just as all the town would, for it was evident that if Mr. Sylvester was going to marry again it was his duty to himself and to his children to marry a "capable woman," and you might as well ask a moon-ray or a soft breeze in the trees to be capable as Ellen's little mother.

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

From this reading A simple and efficacious way has occurred to me, Mrs. Hathaway, of informing all our friends,--I shall merely tell Mrs. Snow and Miss Nellie Lee and then nature will do the rest."

showing great reverence for god

From this reading He was quite grave and simple-hearted as he said this, but I know that Alec and I did not dare to meet one another's eyes, for the good man had mentioned not only two of the most talkative ladies in town, but also two who had, according to gossip, felt themselves very capable of taking care of an incapable but godly man.

the act of departing

From this reading While Ellen was going through these hours of anguish her mother and Mr. Sylvester sat in my grandmother's kitchen, a pair of helpless, middle-aged children, discussing how they would break the news to Miss Sarah Grant.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading He was quite grave and simple-hearted as he said this, but I know that Alec and I did not dare to meet one another's eyes, for the good man had mentioned not only two of the most talkative ladies in town, but also two who had, according to gossip, felt themselves very capable of taking care of an incapable but godly man.

light informal conversation for social occasions

From this reading He was quite grave and simple-hearted as he said this, but I know that Alec and I did not dare to meet one another's eyes, for the good man had mentioned not only two of the most talkative ladies in town, but also two who had, according to gossip, felt themselves very capable of taking care of an incapable but godly man.

possessive form of “grandmother” — the mother of your father or mother

From this reading While Ellen was going through these hours of anguish her mother and Mr. Sylvester sat in my grandmother's kitchen, a pair of helpless, middle-aged children, discussing how they would break the news to Miss Sarah Grant.

let have

From this reading While Ellen was going through these hours of anguish her mother and Mr. Sylvester sat in my grandmother's kitchen, a pair of helpless, middle-aged children, discussing how they would break the news to Miss Sarah Grant.

death of a person

From this reading He was quite grave and simple-hearted as he said this, but I know that Alec and I did not dare to meet one another's eyes, for the good man had mentioned not only two of the most talkative ladies in town, but also two who had, according to gossip, felt themselves very capable of taking care of an incapable but godly man.

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

From this reading He was quite grave and simple-hearted as he said this, but I know that Alec and I did not dare to meet one another's eyes, for the good man had mentioned not only two of the most talkative ladies in town, but also two who had, according to gossip, felt themselves very capable of taking care of an incapable but godly man.

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

From this reading A simple and efficacious way has occurred to me, Mrs. Hathaway, of informing all our friends,--I shall merely tell Mrs. Snow and Miss Nellie Lee and then nature will do the rest."

wife of William Shakespeare (1556-1623)

From this reading A simple and efficacious way has occurred to me, Mrs. Hathaway, of informing all our friends,--I shall merely tell Mrs. Snow and Miss Nellie Lee and then nature will do the rest."

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading "I have suggested," said Mr. Sylvester, "that we let Miss Sarah learn of it as we shall the rest of the town.

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

From this reading He was quite grave and simple-hearted as he said this, but I know that Alec and I did not dare to meet one another's eyes, for the good man had mentioned not only two of the most talkative ladies in town, but also two who had, according to gossip, felt themselves very capable of taking care of an incapable but godly man.

lacking in or deprived of strength or power

From this reading While Ellen was going through these hours of anguish her mother and Mr. Sylvester sat in my grandmother's kitchen, a pair of helpless, middle-aged children, discussing how they would break the news to Miss Sarah Grant.

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

From this reading While Ellen was going through these hours of anguish her mother and Mr. Sylvester sat in my grandmother's kitchen, a pair of helpless, middle-aged children, discussing how they would break the news to Miss Sarah Grant.

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

From this reading They didn't need to explain why Miss Grant would disapprove of their marriage; she would disapprove of it just as all the town would, for it was evident that if Mr. Sylvester was going to marry again it was his duty to himself and to his children to marry a "capable woman," and you might as well ask a moon-ray or a soft breeze in the trees to be capable as Ellen's little mother.

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

From this reading They didn't need to explain why Miss Grant would disapprove of their marriage; she would disapprove of it just as all the town would, for it was evident that if Mr. Sylvester was going to marry again it was his duty to himself and to his children to marry a "capable woman," and you might as well ask a moon-ray or a soft breeze in the trees to be capable as Ellen's little mother.

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading While Ellen was going through these hours of anguish her mother and Mr. Sylvester sat in my grandmother's kitchen, a pair of helpless, middle-aged children, discussing how they would break the news to Miss Sarah Grant.

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

From this reading While Ellen was going through these hours of anguish her mother and Mr. Sylvester sat in my grandmother's kitchen, a pair of helpless, middle-aged children, discussing how they would break the news to Miss Sarah Grant.

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

From this reading "I have suggested," said Mr. Sylvester, "that we let Miss Sarah learn of it as we shall the rest of the town.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading They didn't need to explain why Miss Grant would disapprove of their marriage; she would disapprove of it just as all the town would, for it was evident that if Mr. Sylvester was going to marry again it was his duty to himself and to his children to marry a "capable woman," and you might as well ask a moon-ray or a soft breeze in the trees to be capable as Ellen's little mother.

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

From this reading While Ellen was going through these hours of anguish her mother and Mr. Sylvester sat in my grandmother's kitchen, a pair of helpless, middle-aged children, discussing how they would break the news to Miss Sarah Grant.

(followed by “of”) lacking capacity or ability

From this reading He was quite grave and simple-hearted as he said this, but I know that Alec and I did not dare to meet one another's eyes, for the good man had mentioned not only two of the most talkative ladies in town, but also two who had, according to gossip, felt themselves very capable of taking care of an incapable but godly man.

to furnish incriminating evidence to an officer of the law (usually in return for favors)

From this reading A simple and efficacious way has occurred to me, Mrs. Hathaway, of informing all our friends,--I shall merely tell Mrs. Snow and Miss Nellie Lee and then nature will do the rest."

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading They didn't need to explain why Miss Grant would disapprove of their marriage; she would disapprove of it just as all the town would, for it was evident that if Mr. Sylvester was going to marry again it was his duty to himself and to his children to marry a "capable woman," and you might as well ask a moon-ray or a soft breeze in the trees to be capable as Ellen's little mother.

and nothing more

From this reading They didn't need to explain why Miss Grant would disapprove of their marriage; she would disapprove of it just as all the town would, for it was evident that if Mr. Sylvester was going to marry again it was his duty to himself and to his children to marry a "capable woman," and you might as well ask a moon-ray or a soft breeze in the trees to be capable as Ellen's little mother.

a room equipped for preparing meals

From this reading While Ellen was going through these hours of anguish her mother and Mr. Sylvester sat in my grandmother's kitchen, a pair of helpless, middle-aged children, discussing how they would break the news to Miss Sarah Grant.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading He was quite grave and simple-hearted as he said this, but I know that Alec and I did not dare to meet one another's eyes, for the good man had mentioned not only two of the most talkative ladies in town, but also two who had, according to gossip, felt themselves very capable of taking care of an incapable but godly man.

plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman

From this reading He was quite grave and simple-hearted as he said this, but I know that Alec and I did not dare to meet one another's eyes, for the good man had mentioned not only two of the most talkative ladies in town, but also two who had, according to gossip, felt themselves very capable of taking care of an incapable but godly man.

gain knowledge or skills

From this reading "I have suggested," said Mr. Sylvester, "that we let Miss Sarah learn of it as we shall the rest of the town.

United States filmmaker whose works explore the richness of black culture in America (born in 1957)

From this reading A simple and efficacious way has occurred to me, Mrs. Hathaway, of informing all our friends,--I shall merely tell Mrs. Snow and Miss Nellie Lee and then nature will do the rest."

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading "I have suggested," said Mr. Sylvester, "that we let Miss Sarah learn of it as we shall the rest of the town.

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

From this reading They didn't need to explain why Miss Grant would disapprove of their marriage; she would disapprove of it just as all the town would, for it was evident that if Mr. Sylvester was going to marry again it was his duty to himself and to his children to marry a "capable woman," and you might as well ask a moon-ray or a soft breeze in the trees to be capable as Ellen's little mother.

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

From this reading He was quite grave and simple-hearted as he said this, but I know that Alec and I did not dare to meet one another's eyes, for the good man had mentioned not only two of the most talkative ladies in town, but also two who had, according to gossip, felt themselves very capable of taking care of an incapable but godly man.

the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce)

From this reading They didn't need to explain why Miss Grant would disapprove of their marriage; she would disapprove of it just as all the town would, for it was evident that if Mr. Sylvester was going to marry again it was his duty to himself and to his children to marry a "capable woman," and you might as well ask a moon-ray or a soft breeze in the trees to be capable as Ellen's little mother.

take in marriage

From this reading They didn't need to explain why Miss Grant would disapprove of their marriage; she would disapprove of it just as all the town would, for it was evident that if Mr. Sylvester was going to marry again it was his duty to himself and to his children to marry a "capable woman," and you might as well ask a moon-ray or a soft breeze in the trees to be capable as Ellen's little mother.

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

From this reading A simple and efficacious way has occurred to me, Mrs. Hathaway, of informing all our friends,--I shall merely tell Mrs. Snow and Miss Nellie Lee and then nature will do the rest."

come together

From this reading He was quite grave and simple-hearted as he said this, but I know that Alec and I did not dare to meet one another's eyes, for the good man had mentioned not only two of the most talkative ladies in town, but also two who had, according to gossip, felt themselves very capable of taking care of an incapable but godly man.

past form of “mention” — make reference to

From this reading He was quite grave and simple-hearted as he said this, but I know that Alec and I did not dare to meet one another's eyes, for the good man had mentioned not only two of the most talkative ladies in town, but also two who had, according to gossip, felt themselves very capable of taking care of an incapable but godly man.

and nothing more

From this reading A simple and efficacious way has occurred to me, Mrs. Hathaway, of informing all our friends,--I shall merely tell Mrs. Snow and Miss Nellie Lee and then nature will do the rest."

being roughly between 45 and 65 years old

From this reading While Ellen was going through these hours of anguish her mother and Mr. Sylvester sat in my grandmother's kitchen, a pair of helpless, middle-aged children, discussing how they would break the news to Miss Sarah Grant.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading They didn't need to explain why Miss Grant would disapprove of their marriage; she would disapprove of it just as all the town would, for it was evident that if Mr. Sylvester was going to marry again it was his duty to himself and to his children to marry a "capable woman," and you might as well ask a moon-ray or a soft breeze in the trees to be capable as Ellen's little mother.

fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind

From this reading While Ellen was going through these hours of anguish her mother and Mr. Sylvester sat in my grandmother's kitchen, a pair of helpless, middle-aged children, discussing how they would break the news to Miss Sarah Grant.

a ray of moonlight

From this reading They didn't need to explain why Miss Grant would disapprove of their marriage; she would disapprove of it just as all the town would, for it was evident that if Mr. Sylvester was going to marry again it was his duty to himself and to his children to marry a "capable woman," and you might as well ask a moon-ray or a soft breeze in the trees to be capable as Ellen's little mother.

used to form the superlative

From this reading He was quite grave and simple-hearted as he said this, but I know that Alec and I did not dare to meet one another's eyes, for the good man had mentioned not only two of the most talkative ladies in town, but also two who had, according to gossip, felt themselves very capable of taking care of an incapable but godly man.

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

From this reading While Ellen was going through these hours of anguish her mother and Mr. Sylvester sat in my grandmother's kitchen, a pair of helpless, middle-aged children, discussing how they would break the news to Miss Sarah Grant.

a form of address for a man

From this reading While Ellen was going through these hours of anguish her mother and Mr. Sylvester sat in my grandmother's kitchen, a pair of helpless, middle-aged children, discussing how they would break the news to Miss Sarah Grant.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading A simple and efficacious way has occurred to me, Mrs. Hathaway, of informing all our friends,--I shall merely tell Mrs. Snow and Miss Nellie Lee and then nature will do the rest."

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading While Ellen was going through these hours of anguish her mother and Mr. Sylvester sat in my grandmother's kitchen, a pair of helpless, middle-aged children, discussing how they would break the news to Miss Sarah Grant.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading A simple and efficacious way has occurred to me, Mrs. Hathaway, of informing all our friends,--I shall merely tell Mrs. Snow and Miss Nellie Lee and then nature will do the rest."

a condition requiring relief

From this reading They didn't need to explain why Miss Grant would disapprove of their marriage; she would disapprove of it just as all the town would, for it was evident that if Mr. Sylvester was going to marry again it was his duty to himself and to his children to marry a "capable woman," and you might as well ask a moon-ray or a soft breeze in the trees to be capable as Ellen's little mother.

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

From this reading A simple and efficacious way has occurred to me, Mrs. Hathaway, of informing all our friends,--I shall merely tell Mrs. Snow and Miss Nellie Lee and then nature will do the rest."

information about recent and important events

From this reading While Ellen was going through these hours of anguish her mother and Mr. Sylvester sat in my grandmother's kitchen, a pair of helpless, middle-aged children, discussing how they would break the news to Miss Sarah Grant.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading He was quite grave and simple-hearted as he said this, but I know that Alec and I did not dare to meet one another's eyes, for the good man had mentioned not only two of the most talkative ladies in town, but also two who had, according to gossip, felt themselves very capable of taking care of an incapable but godly man.

inflected form of “occur” — come to pass

From this reading A simple and efficacious way has occurred to me, Mrs. Hathaway, of informing all our friends,--I shall merely tell Mrs. Snow and Miss Nellie Lee and then nature will do the rest."

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading While Ellen was going through these hours of anguish her mother and Mr. Sylvester sat in my grandmother's kitchen, a pair of helpless, middle-aged children, discussing how they would break the news to Miss Sarah Grant.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading He was quite grave and simple-hearted as he said this, but I know that Alec and I did not dare to meet one another's eyes, for the good man had mentioned not only two of the most talkative ladies in town, but also two who had, according to gossip, felt themselves very capable of taking care of an incapable but godly man.

and nothing more

From this reading He was quite grave and simple-hearted as he said this, but I know that Alec and I did not dare to meet one another's eyes, for the good man had mentioned not only two of the most talkative ladies in town, but also two who had, according to gossip, felt themselves very capable of taking care of an incapable but godly man.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading They didn't need to explain why Miss Grant would disapprove of their marriage; she would disapprove of it just as all the town would, for it was evident that if Mr. Sylvester was going to marry again it was his duty to himself and to his children to marry a "capable woman," and you might as well ask a moon-ray or a soft breeze in the trees to be capable as Ellen's little mother.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading A simple and efficacious way has occurred to me, Mrs. Hathaway, of informing all our friends,--I shall merely tell Mrs. Snow and Miss Nellie Lee and then nature will do the rest."

a set of two similar things considered as a unit

From this reading While Ellen was going through these hours of anguish her mother and Mr. Sylvester sat in my grandmother's kitchen, a pair of helpless, middle-aged children, discussing how they would break the news to Miss Sarah Grant.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading He was quite grave and simple-hearted as he said this, but I know that Alec and I did not dare to meet one another's eyes, for the good man had mentioned not only two of the most talkative ladies in town, but also two who had, according to gossip, felt themselves very capable of taking care of an incapable but godly man.

not move; be in a resting position

From this reading "I have suggested," said Mr. Sylvester, "that we let Miss Sarah learn of it as we shall the rest of the town.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "I have suggested," said Mr. Sylvester, "that we let Miss Sarah learn of it as we shall the rest of the town.

(Old Testament) the wife of Abraham and mother of Isaac

From this reading While Ellen was going through these hours of anguish her mother and Mr. Sylvester sat in my grandmother's kitchen, a pair of helpless, middle-aged children, discussing how they would break the news to Miss Sarah Grant.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading While Ellen was going through these hours of anguish her mother and Mr. Sylvester sat in my grandmother's kitchen, a pair of helpless, middle-aged children, discussing how they would break the news to Miss Sarah Grant.

used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest

From this reading "I have suggested," said Mr. Sylvester, "that we let Miss Sarah learn of it as we shall the rest of the town.

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

From this reading They didn't need to explain why Miss Grant would disapprove of their marriage; she would disapprove of it just as all the town would, for it was evident that if Mr. Sylvester was going to marry again it was his duty to himself and to his children to marry a "capable woman," and you might as well ask a moon-ray or a soft breeze in the trees to be capable as Ellen's little mother.

having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved

From this reading A simple and efficacious way has occurred to me, Mrs. Hathaway, of informing all our friends,--I shall merely tell Mrs. Snow and Miss Nellie Lee and then nature will do the rest."

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

From this reading He was quite grave and simple-hearted as he said this, but I know that Alec and I did not dare to meet one another's eyes, for the good man had mentioned not only two of the most talkative ladies in town, but also two who had, according to gossip, felt themselves very capable of taking care of an incapable but godly man.

precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals

From this reading A simple and efficacious way has occurred to me, Mrs. Hathaway, of informing all our friends,--I shall merely tell Mrs. Snow and Miss Nellie Lee and then nature will do the rest."

yielding readily to pressure or weight

From this reading They didn't need to explain why Miss Grant would disapprove of their marriage; she would disapprove of it just as all the town would, for it was evident that if Mr. Sylvester was going to marry again it was his duty to himself and to his children to marry a "capable woman," and you might as well ask a moon-ray or a soft breeze in the trees to be capable as Ellen's little mother.

past form of “suggest” — make a proposal, declare a plan for something

From this reading "I have suggested," said Mr. Sylvester, "that we let Miss Sarah learn of it as we shall the rest of the town.

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

From this reading While Ellen was going through these hours of anguish her mother and Mr. Sylvester sat in my grandmother's kitchen, a pair of helpless, middle-aged children, discussing how they would break the news to Miss Sarah Grant.

the act of someone who picks up or takes something

From this reading He was quite grave and simple-hearted as he said this, but I know that Alec and I did not dare to meet one another's eyes, for the good man had mentioned not only two of the most talkative ladies in town, but also two who had, according to gossip, felt themselves very capable of taking care of an incapable but godly man.

full of trivial conversation

From this reading He was quite grave and simple-hearted as he said this, but I know that Alec and I did not dare to meet one another's eyes, for the good man had mentioned not only two of the most talkative ladies in town, but also two who had, according to gossip, felt themselves very capable of taking care of an incapable but godly man.

express in words

From this reading A simple and efficacious way has occurred to me, Mrs. Hathaway, of informing all our friends,--I shall merely tell Mrs. Snow and Miss Nellie Lee and then nature will do the rest."

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading They didn't need to explain why Miss Grant would disapprove of their marriage; she would disapprove of it just as all the town would, for it was evident that if Mr. Sylvester was going to marry again it was his duty to himself and to his children to marry a "capable woman," and you might as well ask a moon-ray or a soft breeze in the trees to be capable as Ellen's little mother.

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

From this reading While Ellen was going through these hours of anguish her mother and Mr. Sylvester sat in my grandmother's kitchen, a pair of helpless, middle-aged children, discussing how they would break the news to Miss Sarah Grant.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading They didn't need to explain why Miss Grant would disapprove of their marriage; she would disapprove of it just as all the town would, for it was evident that if Mr. Sylvester was going to marry again it was his duty to himself and to his children to marry a "capable woman," and you might as well ask a moon-ray or a soft breeze in the trees to be capable as Ellen's little mother.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading He was quite grave and simple-hearted as he said this, but I know that Alec and I did not dare to meet one another's eyes, for the good man had mentioned not only two of the most talkative ladies in town, but also two who had, according to gossip, felt themselves very capable of taking care of an incapable but godly man.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading A simple and efficacious way has occurred to me, Mrs. Hathaway, of informing all our friends,--I shall merely tell Mrs. Snow and Miss Nellie Lee and then nature will do the rest."

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading While Ellen was going through these hours of anguish her mother and Mr. Sylvester sat in my grandmother's kitchen, a pair of helpless, middle-aged children, discussing how they would break the news to Miss Sarah Grant.

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

From this reading While Ellen was going through these hours of anguish her mother and Mr. Sylvester sat in my grandmother's kitchen, a pair of helpless, middle-aged children, discussing how they would break the news to Miss Sarah Grant.

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

From this reading He was quite grave and simple-hearted as he said this, but I know that Alec and I did not dare to meet one another's eyes, for the good man had mentioned not only two of the most talkative ladies in town, but also two who had, according to gossip, felt themselves very capable of taking care of an incapable but godly man.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading While Ellen was going through these hours of anguish her mother and Mr. Sylvester sat in my grandmother's kitchen, a pair of helpless, middle-aged children, discussing how they would break the news to Miss Sarah Grant.

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

From this reading While Ellen was going through these hours of anguish her mother and Mr. Sylvester sat in my grandmother's kitchen, a pair of helpless, middle-aged children, discussing how they would break the news to Miss Sarah Grant.

an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading They didn't need to explain why Miss Grant would disapprove of their marriage; she would disapprove of it just as all the town would, for it was evident that if Mr. Sylvester was going to marry again it was his duty to himself and to his children to marry a "capable woman," and you might as well ask a moon-ray or a soft breeze in the trees to be capable as Ellen's little mother.

plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading They didn't need to explain why Miss Grant would disapprove of their marriage; she would disapprove of it just as all the town would, for it was evident that if Mr. Sylvester was going to marry again it was his duty to himself and to his children to marry a "capable woman," and you might as well ask a moon-ray or a soft breeze in the trees to be capable as Ellen's little mother.

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

From this reading He was quite grave and simple-hearted as he said this, but I know that Alec and I did not dare to meet one another's eyes, for the good man had mentioned not only two of the most talkative ladies in town, but also two who had, according to gossip, felt themselves very capable of taking care of an incapable but godly man.

precisely as stated

From this reading He was quite grave and simple-hearted as he said this, but I know that Alec and I did not dare to meet one another's eyes, for the good man had mentioned not only two of the most talkative ladies in town, but also two who had, according to gossip, felt themselves very capable of taking care of an incapable but godly man.

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

From this reading While Ellen was going through these hours of anguish her mother and Mr. Sylvester sat in my grandmother's kitchen, a pair of helpless, middle-aged children, discussing how they would break the news to Miss Sarah Grant.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading A simple and efficacious way has occurred to me, Mrs. Hathaway, of informing all our friends,--I shall merely tell Mrs. Snow and Miss Nellie Lee and then nature will do the rest."

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading "I have suggested," said Mr. Sylvester, "that we let Miss Sarah learn of it as we shall the rest of the town.

(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 They didn't need to explain why Miss Grant would disapprove of their marriage; she would disapprove of it just as all the town would, for it was evident that if Mr. Sylvester was going to marry again it was his duty to himself and to his children to marry a "capable woman," and you might as well ask a moon-ray or a soft breeze in the trees to be capable as Ellen's little mother.

during the time that

From this reading While Ellen was going through these hours of anguish her mother and Mr. Sylvester sat in my grandmother's kitchen, a pair of helpless, middle-aged children, discussing how they would break the news to Miss Sarah Grant.

which person or people

From this reading He was quite grave and simple-hearted as he said this, but I know that Alec and I did not dare to meet one another's eyes, for the good man had mentioned not only two of the most talkative ladies in town, but also two who had, according to gossip, felt themselves very capable of taking care of an incapable but godly man.

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading They didn't need to explain why Miss Grant would disapprove of their marriage; she would disapprove of it just as all the town would, for it was evident that if Mr. Sylvester was going to marry again it was his duty to himself and to his children to marry a "capable woman," and you might as well ask a moon-ray or a soft breeze in the trees to be capable as Ellen's little mother.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading A simple and efficacious way has occurred to me, Mrs. Hathaway, of informing all our friends,--I shall merely tell Mrs. Snow and Miss Nellie Lee and then nature will do the rest."

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading They didn't need to explain why Miss Grant would disapprove of their marriage; she would disapprove of it just as all the town would, for it was evident that if Mr. Sylvester was going to marry again it was his duty to himself and to his children to marry a "capable woman," and you might as well ask a moon-ray or a soft breeze in the trees to be capable as Ellen's little mother.

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

From this reading While Ellen was going through these hours of anguish her mother and Mr. Sylvester sat in my grandmother's kitchen, a pair of helpless, middle-aged children, discussing how they would break the news to Miss Sarah Grant.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading They didn't need to explain why Miss Grant would disapprove of their marriage; she would disapprove of it just as all the town would, for it was evident that if Mr. Sylvester was going to marry again it was his duty to himself and to his children to marry a "capable woman," and you might as well ask a moon-ray or a soft breeze in the trees to be capable as Ellen's little mother.