Chapter XV · Chapter 15

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

From this reading She had just finished when a knock at the door of her squalid sitting-room on the second story, with the pea-green walls and shabby furniture, aroused her from what was the nearest approach to a nap in which she ever indulged.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading As the marchesa did not permit herself to be lulled by the morphitic influences of those long, dreary days of an Italian summer, which must perforce be passed in closed and darkened chambers, and in a stifling atmosphere, she resolutely set her face against any one in her palace enjoying this national luxury.

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

From this reading As the marchesa did not permit herself to be lulled by the morphitic influences of those long, dreary days of an Italian summer, which must perforce be passed in closed and darkened chambers, and in a stifling atmosphere, she resolutely set her face against any one in her palace enjoying this national luxury.

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

From this reading She had just finished when a knock at the door of her squalid sitting-room on the second story, with the pea-green walls and shabby furniture, aroused her from what was the nearest approach to a nap in which she ever indulged.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading As the marchesa did not permit herself to be lulled by the morphitic influences of those long, dreary days of an Italian summer, which must perforce be passed in closed and darkened chambers, and in a stifling atmosphere, she resolutely set her face against any one in her palace enjoying this national luxury.

move towards

From this reading She had just finished when a knock at the door of her squalid sitting-room on the second story, with the pea-green walls and shabby furniture, aroused her from what was the nearest approach to a nap in which she ever indulged.

aroused to action

From this reading She had just finished when a knock at the door of her squalid sitting-room on the second story, with the pea-green walls and shabby furniture, aroused her from what was the nearest approach to a nap in which she ever indulged.

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

From this reading As the marchesa did not permit herself to be lulled by the morphitic influences of those long, dreary days of an Italian summer, which must perforce be passed in closed and darkened chambers, and in a stifling atmosphere, she resolutely set her face against any one in her palace enjoying this national luxury.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading She had just finished when a knock at the door of her squalid sitting-room on the second story, with the pea-green walls and shabby furniture, aroused her from what was the nearest approach to a nap in which she ever indulged.

a particular environment or surrounding influence

From this reading As the marchesa did not permit herself to be lulled by the morphitic influences of those long, dreary days of an Italian summer, which must perforce be passed in closed and darkened chambers, and in a stifling atmosphere, she resolutely set her face against any one in her palace enjoying this national luxury.

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

From this reading As the marchesa did not permit herself to be lulled by the morphitic influences of those long, dreary days of an Italian summer, which must perforce be passed in closed and darkened chambers, and in a stifling atmosphere, she resolutely set her face against any one in her palace enjoying this national luxury.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading In direct opposition to Italian habits, she maintained that sleeping in the day was not only lazy, but pernicious to health.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading As the marchesa did not permit herself to be lulled by the morphitic influences of those long, dreary days of an Italian summer, which must perforce be passed in closed and darkened chambers, and in a stifling atmosphere, she resolutely set her face against any one in her palace enjoying this national luxury.

English architect (1723-1796)

From this reading As the marchesa did not permit herself to be lulled by the morphitic influences of those long, dreary days of an Italian summer, which must perforce be passed in closed and darkened chambers, and in a stifling atmosphere, she resolutely set her face against any one in her palace enjoying this national luxury.

not open or affording passage or access

From this reading As the marchesa did not permit herself to be lulled by the morphitic influences of those long, dreary days of an Italian summer, which must perforce be passed in closed and darkened chambers, and in a stifling atmosphere, she resolutely set her face against any one in her palace enjoying this national luxury.

(of fabrics and paper) grown dark in color over time

From this reading As the marchesa did not permit herself to be lulled by the morphitic influences of those long, dreary days of an Italian summer, which must perforce be passed in closed and darkened chambers, and in a stifling atmosphere, she resolutely set her face against any one in her palace enjoying this national luxury.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading In direct opposition to Italian habits, she maintained that sleeping in the day was not only lazy, but pernicious to health.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading As the marchesa did not permit herself to be lulled by the morphitic influences of those long, dreary days of an Italian summer, which must perforce be passed in closed and darkened chambers, and in a stifling atmosphere, she resolutely set her face against any one in her palace enjoying this national luxury.

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

From this reading As the marchesa did not permit herself to be lulled by the morphitic influences of those long, dreary days of an Italian summer, which must perforce be passed in closed and darkened chambers, and in a stifling atmosphere, she resolutely set her face against any one in her palace enjoying this national luxury.

past form of “dine” — have supper; eat dinner

From this reading The Marchesa Guinigi dined early.

command with authority

From this reading In direct opposition to Italian habits, she maintained that sleeping in the day was not only lazy, but pernicious to health.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading She had just finished when a knock at the door of her squalid sitting-room on the second story, with the pea-green walls and shabby furniture, aroused her from what was the nearest approach to a nap in which she ever indulged.

lacking in liveliness or charm or surprise

From this reading As the marchesa did not permit herself to be lulled by the morphitic influences of those long, dreary days of an Italian summer, which must perforce be passed in closed and darkened chambers, and in a stifling atmosphere, she resolutely set her face against any one in her palace enjoying this national luxury.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading The Marchesa Guinigi dined early.

-ing form of “enjoy” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in

From this reading As the marchesa did not permit herself to be lulled by the morphitic influences of those long, dreary days of an Italian summer, which must perforce be passed in closed and darkened chambers, and in a stifling atmosphere, she resolutely set her face against any one in her palace enjoying this national luxury.

at any time

From this reading She had just finished when a knock at the door of her squalid sitting-room on the second story, with the pea-green walls and shabby furniture, aroused her from what was the nearest approach to a nap in which she ever indulged.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading As the marchesa did not permit herself to be lulled by the morphitic influences of those long, dreary days of an Italian summer, which must perforce be passed in closed and darkened chambers, and in a stifling atmosphere, she resolutely set her face against any one in her palace enjoying this national luxury.

(of materials or goods) brought to the desired final state

From this reading She had just finished when a knock at the door of her squalid sitting-room on the second story, with the pea-green walls and shabby furniture, aroused her from what was the nearest approach to a nap in which she ever indulged.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading She had just finished when a knock at the door of her squalid sitting-room on the second story, with the pea-green walls and shabby furniture, aroused her from what was the nearest approach to a nap in which she ever indulged.

furnishings that make a room or other area ready for occupancy

From this reading She had just finished when a knock at the door of her squalid sitting-room on the second story, with the pea-green walls and shabby furniture, aroused her from what was the nearest approach to a nap in which she ever indulged.

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

From this reading The Marchesa Guinigi dined early.

plural of “habit” — an established custom

From this reading In direct opposition to Italian habits, she maintained that sleeping in the day was not only lazy, but pernicious to health.

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

From this reading She had just finished when a knock at the door of her squalid sitting-room on the second story, with the pea-green walls and shabby furniture, aroused her from what was the nearest approach to a nap in which she ever indulged.

a healthy state of wellbeing free from disease

From this reading In direct opposition to Italian habits, she maintained that sleeping in the day was not only lazy, but pernicious to health.

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

From this reading She had just finished when a knock at the door of her squalid sitting-room on the second story, with the pea-green walls and shabby furniture, aroused her from what was the nearest approach to a nap in which she ever indulged.

used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object

From this reading As the marchesa did not permit herself to be lulled by the morphitic influences of those long, dreary days of an Italian summer, which must perforce be passed in closed and darkened chambers, and in a stifling atmosphere, she resolutely set her face against any one in her palace enjoying this national luxury.

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

From this reading She had just finished when a knock at the door of her squalid sitting-room on the second story, with the pea-green walls and shabby furniture, aroused her from what was the nearest approach to a nap in which she ever indulged.

past form of “indulge” — give free rein to

From this reading She had just finished when a knock at the door of her squalid sitting-room on the second story, with the pea-green walls and shabby furniture, aroused her from what was the nearest approach to a nap in which she ever indulged.

plural of “influence” — a power to affect persons or events especially power based on prestige etc

From this reading As the marchesa did not permit herself to be lulled by the morphitic influences of those long, dreary days of an Italian summer, which must perforce be passed in closed and darkened chambers, and in a stifling atmosphere, she resolutely set her face against any one in her palace enjoying this national luxury.

a native or inhabitant of Italy

From this reading In direct opposition to Italian habits, she maintained that sleeping in the day was not only lazy, but pernicious to health.

and nothing more

From this reading She had just finished when a knock at the door of her squalid sitting-room on the second story, with the pea-green walls and shabby furniture, aroused her from what was the nearest approach to a nap in which she ever indulged.

deliver a sharp blow or push

From this reading She had just finished when a knock at the door of her squalid sitting-room on the second story, with the pea-green walls and shabby furniture, aroused her from what was the nearest approach to a nap in which she ever indulged.

moving slowly and gently

From this reading In direct opposition to Italian habits, she maintained that sleeping in the day was not only lazy, but pernicious to health.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading As the marchesa did not permit herself to be lulled by the morphitic influences of those long, dreary days of an Italian summer, which must perforce be passed in closed and darkened chambers, and in a stifling atmosphere, she resolutely set her face against any one in her palace enjoying this national luxury.

past form of “lull” — calm by deception

From this reading As the marchesa did not permit herself to be lulled by the morphitic influences of those long, dreary days of an Italian summer, which must perforce be passed in closed and darkened chambers, and in a stifling atmosphere, she resolutely set her face against any one in her palace enjoying this national luxury.

something that is an indulgence rather than a necessity

From this reading As the marchesa did not permit herself to be lulled by the morphitic influences of those long, dreary days of an Italian summer, which must perforce be passed in closed and darkened chambers, and in a stifling atmosphere, she resolutely set her face against any one in her palace enjoying this national luxury.

kept in good condition

From this reading In direct opposition to Italian habits, she maintained that sleeping in the day was not only lazy, but pernicious to health.

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

From this reading The Marchesa Guinigi dined early.

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

From this reading THE MARCHESA'S PASSION.

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

From this reading As the marchesa did not permit herself to be lulled by the morphitic influences of those long, dreary days of an Italian summer, which must perforce be passed in closed and darkened chambers, and in a stifling atmosphere, she resolutely set her face against any one in her palace enjoying this national luxury.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading As the marchesa did not permit herself to be lulled by the morphitic influences of those long, dreary days of an Italian summer, which must perforce be passed in closed and darkened chambers, and in a stifling atmosphere, she resolutely set her face against any one in her palace enjoying this national luxury.

a period of time spent sleeping

From this reading She had just finished when a knock at the door of her squalid sitting-room on the second story, with the pea-green walls and shabby furniture, aroused her from what was the nearest approach to a nap in which she ever indulged.

of or relating to or belonging to a nation or country

From this reading As the marchesa did not permit herself to be lulled by the morphitic influences of those long, dreary days of an Italian summer, which must perforce be passed in closed and darkened chambers, and in a stifling atmosphere, she resolutely set her face against any one in her palace enjoying this national luxury.

(superlative of “near” or “close”) within the shortest distance

From this reading She had just finished when a knock at the door of her squalid sitting-room on the second story, with the pea-green walls and shabby furniture, aroused her from what was the nearest approach to a nap in which she ever indulged.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading In direct opposition to Italian habits, she maintained that sleeping in the day was not only lazy, but pernicious to health.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading She had just finished when a knock at the door of her squalid sitting-room on the second story, with the pea-green walls and shabby furniture, aroused her from what was the nearest approach to a nap in which she ever indulged.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading She had just finished when a knock at the door of her squalid sitting-room on the second story, with the pea-green walls and shabby furniture, aroused her from what was the nearest approach to a nap in which she ever indulged.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading As the marchesa did not permit herself to be lulled by the morphitic influences of those long, dreary days of an Italian summer, which must perforce be passed in closed and darkened chambers, and in a stifling atmosphere, she resolutely set her face against any one in her palace enjoying this national luxury.

and nothing more

From this reading In direct opposition to Italian habits, she maintained that sleeping in the day was not only lazy, but pernicious to health.

the action of opposing something that you disapprove or disagree with

From this reading In direct opposition to Italian habits, she maintained that sleeping in the day was not only lazy, but pernicious to health.

a large and stately mansion

From this reading As the marchesa did not permit herself to be lulled by the morphitic influences of those long, dreary days of an Italian summer, which must perforce be passed in closed and darkened chambers, and in a stifling atmosphere, she resolutely set her face against any one in her palace enjoying this national luxury.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading As the marchesa did not permit herself to be lulled by the morphitic influences of those long, dreary days of an Italian summer, which must perforce be passed in closed and darkened chambers, and in a stifling atmosphere, she resolutely set her face against any one in her palace enjoying this national luxury.

a strong feeling or emotion

From this reading THE MARCHESA'S PASSION.

of a moderate slightly yellowish-green color

From this reading She had just finished when a knock at the door of her squalid sitting-room on the second story, with the pea-green walls and shabby furniture, aroused her from what was the nearest approach to a nap in which she ever indulged.

by necessity; by force of circumstance

From this reading As the marchesa did not permit herself to be lulled by the morphitic influences of those long, dreary days of an Italian summer, which must perforce be passed in closed and darkened chambers, and in a stifling atmosphere, she resolutely set her face against any one in her palace enjoying this national luxury.

a legal document giving official permission to do something

From this reading As the marchesa did not permit herself to be lulled by the morphitic influences of those long, dreary days of an Italian summer, which must perforce be passed in closed and darkened chambers, and in a stifling atmosphere, she resolutely set her face against any one in her palace enjoying this national luxury.

exceedingly harmful

From this reading In direct opposition to Italian habits, she maintained that sleeping in the day was not only lazy, but pernicious to health.

showing firm determination or purpose

From this reading As the marchesa did not permit herself to be lulled by the morphitic influences of those long, dreary days of an Italian summer, which must perforce be passed in closed and darkened chambers, and in a stifling atmosphere, she resolutely set her face against any one in her palace enjoying this national luxury.

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading She had just finished when a knock at the door of her squalid sitting-room on the second story, with the pea-green walls and shabby furniture, aroused her from what was the nearest approach to a nap in which she ever indulged.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading As the marchesa did not permit herself to be lulled by the morphitic influences of those long, dreary days of an Italian summer, which must perforce be passed in closed and darkened chambers, and in a stifling atmosphere, she resolutely set her face against any one in her palace enjoying this national luxury.

showing signs of wear and tear

From this reading She had just finished when a knock at the door of her squalid sitting-room on the second story, with the pea-green walls and shabby furniture, aroused her from what was the nearest approach to a nap in which she ever indulged.

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

From this reading She had just finished when a knock at the door of her squalid sitting-room on the second story, with the pea-green walls and shabby furniture, aroused her from what was the nearest approach to a nap in which she ever indulged.

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

From this reading She had just finished when a knock at the door of her squalid sitting-room on the second story, with the pea-green walls and shabby furniture, aroused her from what was the nearest approach to a nap in which she ever indulged.

the state of being asleep

From this reading In direct opposition to Italian habits, she maintained that sleeping in the day was not only lazy, but pernicious to health.

morally degraded

From this reading She had just finished when a knock at the door of her squalid sitting-room on the second story, with the pea-green walls and shabby furniture, aroused her from what was the nearest approach to a nap in which she ever indulged.

forceful prevention; putting down by power or authority

From this reading As the marchesa did not permit herself to be lulled by the morphitic influences of those long, dreary days of an Italian summer, which must perforce be passed in closed and darkened chambers, and in a stifling atmosphere, she resolutely set her face against any one in her palace enjoying this national luxury.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading She had just finished when a knock at the door of her squalid sitting-room on the second story, with the pea-green walls and shabby furniture, aroused her from what was the nearest approach to a nap in which she ever indulged.

the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox

From this reading As the marchesa did not permit herself to be lulled by the morphitic influences of those long, dreary days of an Italian summer, which must perforce be passed in closed and darkened chambers, and in a stifling atmosphere, she resolutely set her face against any one in her palace enjoying this national luxury.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading In direct opposition to Italian habits, she maintained that sleeping in the day was not only lazy, but pernicious to health.

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

From this reading THE MARCHESA'S PASSION.

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

From this reading As the marchesa did not permit herself to be lulled by the morphitic influences of those long, dreary days of an Italian summer, which must perforce be passed in closed and darkened chambers, and in a stifling atmosphere, she resolutely set her face against any one in her palace enjoying this national luxury.

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

From this reading As the marchesa did not permit herself to be lulled by the morphitic influences of those long, dreary days of an Italian summer, which must perforce be passed in closed and darkened chambers, and in a stifling atmosphere, she resolutely set her face against any one in her palace enjoying this national luxury.

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

From this reading She had just finished when a knock at the door of her squalid sitting-room on the second story, with the pea-green walls and shabby furniture, aroused her from what was the nearest approach to a nap in which she ever indulged.

plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading She had just finished when a knock at the door of her squalid sitting-room on the second story, with the pea-green walls and shabby furniture, aroused her from what was the nearest approach to a nap in which she ever indulged.

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

From this reading She had just finished when a knock at the door of her squalid sitting-room on the second story, with the pea-green walls and shabby furniture, aroused her from what was the nearest approach to a nap in which she ever indulged.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading She had just finished when a knock at the door of her squalid sitting-room on the second story, with the pea-green walls and shabby furniture, aroused her from what was the nearest approach to a nap in which she ever indulged.

at the time that

From this reading She had just finished when a knock at the door of her squalid sitting-room on the second story, with the pea-green walls and shabby furniture, aroused her from what was the nearest approach to a nap in which she ever indulged.

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

From this reading She had just finished when a knock at the door of her squalid sitting-room on the second story, with the pea-green walls and shabby furniture, aroused her from what was the nearest approach to a nap in which she ever indulged.

in the company of; together with

From this reading She had just finished when a knock at the door of her squalid sitting-room on the second story, with the pea-green walls and shabby furniture, aroused her from what was the nearest approach to a nap in which she ever indulged.