used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A COMMISSION Within a few days of Christopher’s departure to Lewes, Ralph also left Overfield and went back to London.
matters of personal concern
From this reading It seemed to him that the simple country life was unbearably insipid; he found there neither wit nor affairs: to see day after day the same faces, to listen to the same talk either on country subjects that were distasteful to him, or, out of compliment to himself, political subjects that were unfamiliar to the conversationalists, was a very hard burden, and he counted such things as the price he must pay for his occasional duty visits to his parents.
acted upon; influenced
From this reading He thought he understood her, and it pleased him sometimes to watch her, to calculate how she would behave in any little domestic crisis or incident that affected her, to notice the slight movement of her lips and her eyelids gently lowering and rising again in movements of extreme annoyance.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading It seemed to him that the simple country life was unbearably insipid; he found there neither wit nor affairs: to see day after day the same faces, to listen to the same talk either on country subjects that were distasteful to him, or, out of compliment to himself, political subjects that were unfamiliar to the conversationalists, was a very hard burden, and he counted such things as the price he must pay for his occasional duty visits to his parents.
anew
From this reading He thought he understood her, and it pleased him sometimes to watch her, to calculate how she would behave in any little domestic crisis or incident that affected her, to notice the slight movement of her lips and her eyelids gently lowering and rising again in movements of extreme annoyance.
in addition
From this reading A COMMISSION Within a few days of Christopher’s departure to Lewes, Ralph also left Overfield and went back to London.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading He was always a little intolerant at home, and generally appeared there at his worst--caustic, silent, and unsympathetic.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A COMMISSION Within a few days of Christopher’s departure to Lewes, Ralph also left Overfield and went back to London.
annoyancenounUS /əˈnɔɪəns/
the psychological state of being irritated or annoyed
From this reading He thought he understood her, and it pleased him sometimes to watch her, to calculate how she would behave in any little domestic crisis or incident that affected her, to notice the slight movement of her lips and her eyelids gently lowering and rising again in movements of extreme annoyance.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading He thought he understood her, and it pleased him sometimes to watch her, to calculate how she would behave in any little domestic crisis or incident that affected her, to notice the slight movement of her lips and her eyelids gently lowering and rising again in movements of extreme annoyance.
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading He was always a little intolerant at home, and generally appeared there at his worst--caustic, silent, and unsympathetic.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading It seemed to him that the simple country life was unbearably insipid; he found there neither wit nor affairs: to see day after day the same faces, to listen to the same talk either on country subjects that were distasteful to him, or, out of compliment to himself, political subjects that were unfamiliar to the conversationalists, was a very hard burden, and he counted such things as the price he must pay for his occasional duty visits to his parents.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading He was always a little intolerant at home, and generally appeared there at his worst--caustic, silent, and unsympathetic.
a particular environment or surrounding influence
From this reading He could not help respecting the piety of his father, but he was none the less bored by it; and the atmosphere of silent cynicism that seemed to hang round his mother was his only relief.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading A COMMISSION Within a few days of Christopher’s departure to Lewes, Ralph also left Overfield and went back to London.
behaveverbUS /bɪˈheɪv/
behave in a certain manner; show a certain behavior; conduct or comport oneself
From this reading He thought he understood her, and it pleased him sometimes to watch her, to calculate how she would behave in any little domestic crisis or incident that affected her, to notice the slight movement of her lips and her eyelids gently lowering and rising again in movements of extreme annoyance.
boredadjectiveUS /bɔːrd/
tired of the world
From this reading He could not help respecting the piety of his father, but he was none the less bored by it; and the atmosphere of silent cynicism that seemed to hang round his mother was his only relief.
an onerous or difficult concern
From this reading It seemed to him that the simple country life was unbearably insipid; he found there neither wit nor affairs: to see day after day the same faces, to listen to the same talk either on country subjects that were distasteful to him, or, out of compliment to himself, political subjects that were unfamiliar to the conversationalists, was a very hard burden, and he counted such things as the price he must pay for his occasional duty visits to his parents.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading He could not help respecting the piety of his father, but he was none the less bored by it; and the atmosphere of silent cynicism that seemed to hang round his mother was his only relief.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading He could not help respecting the piety of his father, but he was none the less bored by it; and the atmosphere of silent cynicism that seemed to hang round his mother was his only relief.
calculateverbUS /ˈkælkjəleɪt/
make a mathematical calculation or computation
From this reading He thought he understood her, and it pleased him sometimes to watch her, to calculate how she would behave in any little domestic crisis or incident that affected her, to notice the slight movement of her lips and her eyelids gently lowering and rising again in movements of extreme annoyance.
causticadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːstɪk/
harsh or corrosive in tone
From this reading He was always a little intolerant at home, and generally appeared there at his worst--caustic, silent, and unsympathetic.
Christopher'snounUS /ˈkrɪstəfərz/
possessive form of “christopher” — Christian martyr and patron saint of travellers (3rd century)
From this reading A COMMISSION Within a few days of Christopher’s departure to Lewes, Ralph also left Overfield and went back to London.
COMMISSIONnounUS /kəˈmɪʃən/
a special group delegated to consider some matter
From this reading A COMMISSION Within a few days of Christopher’s departure to Lewes, Ralph also left Overfield and went back to London.
complimentverbUS /ˈkɑːmpləment/
say something to someone that expresses praise
From this reading It seemed to him that the simple country life was unbearably insipid; he found there neither wit nor affairs: to see day after day the same faces, to listen to the same talk either on country subjects that were distasteful to him, or, out of compliment to himself, political subjects that were unfamiliar to the conversationalists, was a very hard burden, and he counted such things as the price he must pay for his occasional duty visits to his parents.
conversationalists
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It seemed to him that the simple country life was unbearably insipid; he found there neither wit nor affairs: to see day after day the same faces, to listen to the same talk either on country subjects that were distasteful to him, or, out of compliment to himself, political subjects that were unfamiliar to the conversationalists, was a very hard burden, and he counted such things as the price he must pay for his occasional duty visits to his parents.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading He could not help respecting the piety of his father, but he was none the less bored by it; and the atmosphere of silent cynicism that seemed to hang round his mother was his only relief.
countedverbUS /ˈkaʊntɪd/
past form of “count” — determine the number or amount of
From this reading It seemed to him that the simple country life was unbearably insipid; he found there neither wit nor affairs: to see day after day the same faces, to listen to the same talk either on country subjects that were distasteful to him, or, out of compliment to himself, political subjects that were unfamiliar to the conversationalists, was a very hard burden, and he counted such things as the price he must pay for his occasional duty visits to his parents.
a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading It seemed to him that the simple country life was unbearably insipid; he found there neither wit nor affairs: to see day after day the same faces, to listen to the same talk either on country subjects that were distasteful to him, or, out of compliment to himself, political subjects that were unfamiliar to the conversationalists, was a very hard burden, and he counted such things as the price he must pay for his occasional duty visits to his parents.
crisisnounUS /ˈkraɪsəs/
an unstable situation of extreme danger or difficulty
From this reading He thought he understood her, and it pleased him sometimes to watch her, to calculate how she would behave in any little domestic crisis or incident that affected her, to notice the slight movement of her lips and her eyelids gently lowering and rising again in movements of extreme annoyance.
cynicismnounUS /ˈsɪnɪsɪzəm/
a cynical feeling of distrust
From this reading He could not help respecting the piety of his father, but he was none the less bored by it; and the atmosphere of silent cynicism that seemed to hang round his mother was his only relief.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading It seemed to him that the simple country life was unbearably insipid; he found there neither wit nor affairs: to see day after day the same faces, to listen to the same talk either on country subjects that were distasteful to him, or, out of compliment to himself, political subjects that were unfamiliar to the conversationalists, was a very hard burden, and he counted such things as the price he must pay for his occasional duty visits to his parents.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading A COMMISSION Within a few days of Christopher’s departure to Lewes, Ralph also left Overfield and went back to London.
the act of departing
From this reading A COMMISSION Within a few days of Christopher’s departure to Lewes, Ralph also left Overfield and went back to London.
distastefuladjectiveUS /dɪˈsteɪstfəl/
not pleasing in odor or taste
From this reading It seemed to him that the simple country life was unbearably insipid; he found there neither wit nor affairs: to see day after day the same faces, to listen to the same talk either on country subjects that were distasteful to him, or, out of compliment to himself, political subjects that were unfamiliar to the conversationalists, was a very hard burden, and he counted such things as the price he must pay for his occasional duty visits to his parents.
of concern to or concerning the internal affairs of a nation
From this reading He thought he understood her, and it pleased him sometimes to watch her, to calculate how she would behave in any little domestic crisis or incident that affected her, to notice the slight movement of her lips and her eyelids gently lowering and rising again in movements of extreme annoyance.
the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force
From this reading It seemed to him that the simple country life was unbearably insipid; he found there neither wit nor affairs: to see day after day the same faces, to listen to the same talk either on country subjects that were distasteful to him, or, out of compliment to himself, political subjects that were unfamiliar to the conversationalists, was a very hard burden, and he counted such things as the price he must pay for his occasional duty visits to his parents.
one or the other of two
From this reading It seemed to him that the simple country life was unbearably insipid; he found there neither wit nor affairs: to see day after day the same faces, to listen to the same talk either on country subjects that were distasteful to him, or, out of compliment to himself, political subjects that were unfamiliar to the conversationalists, was a very hard burden, and he counted such things as the price he must pay for his occasional duty visits to his parents.
of the greatest possible degree or extent or intensity
From this reading He thought he understood her, and it pleased him sometimes to watch her, to calculate how she would behave in any little domestic crisis or incident that affected her, to notice the slight movement of her lips and her eyelids gently lowering and rising again in movements of extreme annoyance.
eyelidsnounUS /ˈaɪlɪdz/
plural of “eyelid” — either of two folds of skin that can be moved to cover or open the eye
From this reading He thought he understood her, and it pleased him sometimes to watch her, to calculate how she would behave in any little domestic crisis or incident that affected her, to notice the slight movement of her lips and her eyelids gently lowering and rising again in movements of extreme annoyance.
plural of “face” — the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading It seemed to him that the simple country life was unbearably insipid; he found there neither wit nor affairs: to see day after day the same faces, to listen to the same talk either on country subjects that were distasteful to him, or, out of compliment to himself, political subjects that were unfamiliar to the conversationalists, was a very hard burden, and he counted such things as the price he must pay for his occasional duty visits to his parents.
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading He could not help respecting the piety of his father, but he was none the less bored by it; and the atmosphere of silent cynicism that seemed to hang round his mother was his only relief.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading A COMMISSION Within a few days of Christopher’s departure to Lewes, Ralph also left Overfield and went back to London.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It seemed to him that the simple country life was unbearably insipid; he found there neither wit nor affairs: to see day after day the same faces, to listen to the same talk either on country subjects that were distasteful to him, or, out of compliment to himself, political subjects that were unfamiliar to the conversationalists, was a very hard burden, and he counted such things as the price he must pay for his occasional duty visits to his parents.
set up or found
From this reading It seemed to him that the simple country life was unbearably insipid; he found there neither wit nor affairs: to see day after day the same faces, to listen to the same talk either on country subjects that were distasteful to him, or, out of compliment to himself, political subjects that were unfamiliar to the conversationalists, was a very hard burden, and he counted such things as the price he must pay for his occasional duty visits to his parents.
usually; as a rule
From this reading He was always a little intolerant at home, and generally appeared there at his worst--caustic, silent, and unsympathetic.
in a gradual manner
From this reading He thought he understood her, and it pleased him sometimes to watch her, to calculate how she would behave in any little domestic crisis or incident that affected her, to notice the slight movement of her lips and her eyelids gently lowering and rising again in movements of extreme annoyance.
be suspended or hanging
From this reading He could not help respecting the piety of his father, but he was none the less bored by it; and the atmosphere of silent cynicism that seemed to hang round his mother was his only relief.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading It seemed to him that the simple country life was unbearably insipid; he found there neither wit nor affairs: to see day after day the same faces, to listen to the same talk either on country subjects that were distasteful to him, or, out of compliment to himself, political subjects that were unfamiliar to the conversationalists, was a very hard burden, and he counted such things as the price he must pay for his occasional duty visits to his parents.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He was always a little intolerant at home, and generally appeared there at his worst--caustic, silent, and unsympathetic.
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading He could not help respecting the piety of his father, but he was none the less bored by it; and the atmosphere of silent cynicism that seemed to hang round his mother was his only relief.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading He thought he understood her, and it pleased him sometimes to watch her, to calculate how she would behave in any little domestic crisis or incident that affected her, to notice the slight movement of her lips and her eyelids gently lowering and rising again in movements of extreme annoyance.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading It seemed to him that the simple country life was unbearably insipid; he found there neither wit nor affairs: to see day after day the same faces, to listen to the same talk either on country subjects that were distasteful to him, or, out of compliment to himself, political subjects that were unfamiliar to the conversationalists, was a very hard burden, and he counted such things as the price he must pay for his occasional duty visits to his parents.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading It seemed to him that the simple country life was unbearably insipid; he found there neither wit nor affairs: to see day after day the same faces, to listen to the same talk either on country subjects that were distasteful to him, or, out of compliment to himself, political subjects that were unfamiliar to the conversationalists, was a very hard burden, and he counted such things as the price he must pay for his occasional duty visits to his parents.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading He was always a little intolerant at home, and generally appeared there at his worst--caustic, silent, and unsympathetic.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading He was always a little intolerant at home, and generally appeared there at his worst--caustic, silent, and unsympathetic.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He thought he understood her, and it pleased him sometimes to watch her, to calculate how she would behave in any little domestic crisis or incident that affected her, to notice the slight movement of her lips and her eyelids gently lowering and rising again in movements of extreme annoyance.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading He thought he understood her, and it pleased him sometimes to watch her, to calculate how she would behave in any little domestic crisis or incident that affected her, to notice the slight movement of her lips and her eyelids gently lowering and rising again in movements of extreme annoyance.
a single distinct event
From this reading He thought he understood her, and it pleased him sometimes to watch her, to calculate how she would behave in any little domestic crisis or incident that affected her, to notice the slight movement of her lips and her eyelids gently lowering and rising again in movements of extreme annoyance.
insipidadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈsɪpəd/
lacking taste or flavor or tang
From this reading It seemed to him that the simple country life was unbearably insipid; he found there neither wit nor affairs: to see day after day the same faces, to listen to the same talk either on country subjects that were distasteful to him, or, out of compliment to himself, political subjects that were unfamiliar to the conversationalists, was a very hard burden, and he counted such things as the price he must pay for his occasional duty visits to his parents.
intolerantadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈtɑːlərənt/
unwilling to tolerate difference of opinion
From this reading He was always a little intolerant at home, and generally appeared there at his worst--caustic, silent, and unsympathetic.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It seemed to him that the simple country life was unbearably insipid; he found there neither wit nor affairs: to see day after day the same faces, to listen to the same talk either on country subjects that were distasteful to him, or, out of compliment to himself, political subjects that were unfamiliar to the conversationalists, was a very hard burden, and he counted such things as the price he must pay for his occasional duty visits to his parents.
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading A COMMISSION Within a few days of Christopher’s departure to Lewes, Ralph also left Overfield and went back to London.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading He could not help respecting the piety of his father, but he was none the less bored by it; and the atmosphere of silent cynicism that seemed to hang round his mother was his only relief.
Lewes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A COMMISSION Within a few days of Christopher’s departure to Lewes, Ralph also left Overfield and went back to London.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading It seemed to him that the simple country life was unbearably insipid; he found there neither wit nor affairs: to see day after day the same faces, to listen to the same talk either on country subjects that were distasteful to him, or, out of compliment to himself, political subjects that were unfamiliar to the conversationalists, was a very hard burden, and he counted such things as the price he must pay for his occasional duty visits to his parents.
plural of “lip” — either of two fleshy folds of tissue that surround the mouth and play a role in speaking
From this reading He thought he understood her, and it pleased him sometimes to watch her, to calculate how she would behave in any little domestic crisis or incident that affected her, to notice the slight movement of her lips and her eyelids gently lowering and rising again in movements of extreme annoyance.
hear with intention
From this reading It seemed to him that the simple country life was unbearably insipid; he found there neither wit nor affairs: to see day after day the same faces, to listen to the same talk either on country subjects that were distasteful to him, or, out of compliment to himself, political subjects that were unfamiliar to the conversationalists, was a very hard burden, and he counted such things as the price he must pay for his occasional duty visits to his parents.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading He was always a little intolerant at home, and generally appeared there at his worst--caustic, silent, and unsympathetic.
the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center
From this reading A COMMISSION Within a few days of Christopher’s departure to Lewes, Ralph also left Overfield and went back to London.
loweringadjectiveUS /ˈloʊərɪŋ/
darkened by clouds
From this reading He thought he understood her, and it pleased him sometimes to watch her, to calculate how she would behave in any little domestic crisis or incident that affected her, to notice the slight movement of her lips and her eyelids gently lowering and rising again in movements of extreme annoyance.
a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading He could not help respecting the piety of his father, but he was none the less bored by it; and the atmosphere of silent cynicism that seemed to hang round his mother was his only relief.
a change of position that does not entail a change of location
From this reading He thought he understood her, and it pleased him sometimes to watch her, to calculate how she would behave in any little domestic crisis or incident that affected her, to notice the slight movement of her lips and her eyelids gently lowering and rising again in movements of extreme annoyance.
plural of “movement” — a change of position that does not entail a change of location
From this reading He thought he understood her, and it pleased him sometimes to watch her, to calculate how she would behave in any little domestic crisis or incident that affected her, to notice the slight movement of her lips and her eyelids gently lowering and rising again in movements of extreme annoyance.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading It seemed to him that the simple country life was unbearably insipid; he found there neither wit nor affairs: to see day after day the same faces, to listen to the same talk either on country subjects that were distasteful to him, or, out of compliment to himself, political subjects that were unfamiliar to the conversationalists, was a very hard burden, and he counted such things as the price he must pay for his occasional duty visits to his parents.
not one and not the other of two
From this reading It seemed to him that the simple country life was unbearably insipid; he found there neither wit nor affairs: to see day after day the same faces, to listen to the same talk either on country subjects that were distasteful to him, or, out of compliment to himself, political subjects that were unfamiliar to the conversationalists, was a very hard burden, and he counted such things as the price he must pay for his occasional duty visits to his parents.
not one, and not any
From this reading He could not help respecting the piety of his father, but he was none the less bored by it; and the atmosphere of silent cynicism that seemed to hang round his mother was his only relief.
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading It seemed to him that the simple country life was unbearably insipid; he found there neither wit nor affairs: to see day after day the same faces, to listen to the same talk either on country subjects that were distasteful to him, or, out of compliment to himself, political subjects that were unfamiliar to the conversationalists, was a very hard burden, and he counted such things as the price he must pay for his occasional duty visits to his parents.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading He could not help respecting the piety of his father, but he was none the less bored by it; and the atmosphere of silent cynicism that seemed to hang round his mother was his only relief.
an announcement containing information about an event
From this reading He thought he understood her, and it pleased him sometimes to watch her, to calculate how she would behave in any little domestic crisis or incident that affected her, to notice the slight movement of her lips and her eyelids gently lowering and rising again in movements of extreme annoyance.
occasionaladjectiveUS /əˈkeɪʒənəl/
occurring from time to time
From this reading It seemed to him that the simple country life was unbearably insipid; he found there neither wit nor affairs: to see day after day the same faces, to listen to the same talk either on country subjects that were distasteful to him, or, out of compliment to himself, political subjects that were unfamiliar to the conversationalists, was a very hard burden, and he counted such things as the price he must pay for his occasional duty visits to his parents.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A COMMISSION Within a few days of Christopher’s departure to Lewes, Ralph also left Overfield and went back to London.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading It seemed to him that the simple country life was unbearably insipid; he found there neither wit nor affairs: to see day after day the same faces, to listen to the same talk either on country subjects that were distasteful to him, or, out of compliment to himself, political subjects that were unfamiliar to the conversationalists, was a very hard burden, and he counted such things as the price he must pay for his occasional duty visits to his parents.
and nothing more
From this reading He could not help respecting the piety of his father, but he was none the less bored by it; and the atmosphere of silent cynicism that seemed to hang round his mother was his only relief.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading It seemed to him that the simple country life was unbearably insipid; he found there neither wit nor affairs: to see day after day the same faces, to listen to the same talk either on country subjects that were distasteful to him, or, out of compliment to himself, political subjects that were unfamiliar to the conversationalists, was a very hard burden, and he counted such things as the price he must pay for his occasional duty visits to his parents.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading It seemed to him that the simple country life was unbearably insipid; he found there neither wit nor affairs: to see day after day the same faces, to listen to the same talk either on country subjects that were distasteful to him, or, out of compliment to himself, political subjects that were unfamiliar to the conversationalists, was a very hard burden, and he counted such things as the price he must pay for his occasional duty visits to his parents.
Overfield
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A COMMISSION Within a few days of Christopher’s departure to Lewes, Ralph also left Overfield and went back to London.
plural of “parent” — a father or mother; one who begets or one who gives birth to or nurtures and raises a child; a relative who plays the role of guardian
From this reading It seemed to him that the simple country life was unbearably insipid; he found there neither wit nor affairs: to see day after day the same faces, to listen to the same talk either on country subjects that were distasteful to him, or, out of compliment to himself, political subjects that were unfamiliar to the conversationalists, was a very hard burden, and he counted such things as the price he must pay for his occasional duty visits to his parents.
give money, usually in exchange for goods or services
From this reading It seemed to him that the simple country life was unbearably insipid; he found there neither wit nor affairs: to see day after day the same faces, to listen to the same talk either on country subjects that were distasteful to him, or, out of compliment to himself, political subjects that were unfamiliar to the conversationalists, was a very hard burden, and he counted such things as the price he must pay for his occasional duty visits to his parents.
pietynounUS /ˈpaɪəti/
righteousness by virtue of being pious
From this reading He could not help respecting the piety of his father, but he was none the less bored by it; and the atmosphere of silent cynicism that seemed to hang round his mother was his only relief.
experiencing or manifesting pleasure
From this reading He thought he understood her, and it pleased him sometimes to watch her, to calculate how she would behave in any little domestic crisis or incident that affected her, to notice the slight movement of her lips and her eyelids gently lowering and rising again in movements of extreme annoyance.
involving or characteristic of politics or parties or politicians
From this reading It seemed to him that the simple country life was unbearably insipid; he found there neither wit nor affairs: to see day after day the same faces, to listen to the same talk either on country subjects that were distasteful to him, or, out of compliment to himself, political subjects that were unfamiliar to the conversationalists, was a very hard burden, and he counted such things as the price he must pay for his occasional duty visits to his parents.
the property of having material worth (often indicated by the amount of money something would bring if sold)
From this reading It seemed to him that the simple country life was unbearably insipid; he found there neither wit nor affairs: to see day after day the same faces, to listen to the same talk either on country subjects that were distasteful to him, or, out of compliment to himself, political subjects that were unfamiliar to the conversationalists, was a very hard burden, and he counted such things as the price he must pay for his occasional duty visits to his parents.
Ralph
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A COMMISSION Within a few days of Christopher’s departure to Lewes, Ralph also left Overfield and went back to London.
the feeling that comes when something burdensome is removed or reduced
From this reading He could not help respecting the piety of his father, but he was none the less bored by it; and the atmosphere of silent cynicism that seemed to hang round his mother was his only relief.
respectingverbUS /riˈspektɪŋ/
-ing form of “respect” — regard highly; think much of
From this reading He could not help respecting the piety of his father, but he was none the less bored by it; and the atmosphere of silent cynicism that seemed to hang round his mother was his only relief.
advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status
From this reading He thought he understood her, and it pleased him sometimes to watch her, to calculate how she would behave in any little domestic crisis or incident that affected her, to notice the slight movement of her lips and her eyelids gently lowering and rising again in movements of extreme annoyance.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading He could not help respecting the piety of his father, but he was none the less bored by it; and the atmosphere of silent cynicism that seemed to hang round his mother was his only relief.
Identical; not different.
From this reading It seemed to him that the simple country life was unbearably insipid; he found there neither wit nor affairs: to see day after day the same faces, to listen to the same talk either on country subjects that were distasteful to him, or, out of compliment to himself, political subjects that were unfamiliar to the conversationalists, was a very hard burden, and he counted such things as the price he must pay for his occasional duty visits to his parents.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading It seemed to him that the simple country life was unbearably insipid; he found there neither wit nor affairs: to see day after day the same faces, to listen to the same talk either on country subjects that were distasteful to him, or, out of compliment to himself, political subjects that were unfamiliar to the conversationalists, was a very hard burden, and he counted such things as the price he must pay for his occasional duty visits to his parents.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading It seemed to him that the simple country life was unbearably insipid; he found there neither wit nor affairs: to see day after day the same faces, to listen to the same talk either on country subjects that were distasteful to him, or, out of compliment to himself, political subjects that were unfamiliar to the conversationalists, was a very hard burden, and he counted such things as the price he must pay for his occasional duty visits to his parents.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He thought he understood her, and it pleased him sometimes to watch her, to calculate how she would behave in any little domestic crisis or incident that affected her, to notice the slight movement of her lips and her eyelids gently lowering and rising again in movements of extreme annoyance.
marked by absence of sound
From this reading He was always a little intolerant at home, and generally appeared there at his worst--caustic, silent, and unsympathetic.
having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved
From this reading It seemed to him that the simple country life was unbearably insipid; he found there neither wit nor affairs: to see day after day the same faces, to listen to the same talk either on country subjects that were distasteful to him, or, out of compliment to himself, political subjects that were unfamiliar to the conversationalists, was a very hard burden, and he counted such things as the price he must pay for his occasional duty visits to his parents.
a deliberate discourteous act (usually as an expression of anger or disapproval)
From this reading He thought he understood her, and it pleased him sometimes to watch her, to calculate how she would behave in any little domestic crisis or incident that affected her, to notice the slight movement of her lips and her eyelids gently lowering and rising again in movements of extreme annoyance.
on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always
From this reading He thought he understood her, and it pleased him sometimes to watch her, to calculate how she would behave in any little domestic crisis or incident that affected her, to notice the slight movement of her lips and her eyelids gently lowering and rising again in movements of extreme annoyance.
plural of “subject” — the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading It seemed to him that the simple country life was unbearably insipid; he found there neither wit nor affairs: to see day after day the same faces, to listen to the same talk either on country subjects that were distasteful to him, or, out of compliment to himself, political subjects that were unfamiliar to the conversationalists, was a very hard burden, and he counted such things as the price he must pay for his occasional duty visits to his parents.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading It seemed to him that the simple country life was unbearably insipid; he found there neither wit nor affairs: to see day after day the same faces, to listen to the same talk either on country subjects that were distasteful to him, or, out of compliment to himself, political subjects that were unfamiliar to the conversationalists, was a very hard burden, and he counted such things as the price he must pay for his occasional duty visits to his parents.
exchange thoughts; talk with
From this reading It seemed to him that the simple country life was unbearably insipid; he found there neither wit nor affairs: to see day after day the same faces, to listen to the same talk either on country subjects that were distasteful to him, or, out of compliment to himself, political subjects that were unfamiliar to the conversationalists, was a very hard burden, and he counted such things as the price he must pay for his occasional duty visits to his parents.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It seemed to him that the simple country life was unbearably insipid; he found there neither wit nor affairs: to see day after day the same faces, to listen to the same talk either on country subjects that were distasteful to him, or, out of compliment to himself, political subjects that were unfamiliar to the conversationalists, was a very hard burden, and he counted such things as the price he must pay for his occasional duty visits to his parents.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It seemed to him that the simple country life was unbearably insipid; he found there neither wit nor affairs: to see day after day the same faces, to listen to the same talk either on country subjects that were distasteful to him, or, out of compliment to himself, political subjects that were unfamiliar to the conversationalists, was a very hard burden, and he counted such things as the price he must pay for his occasional duty visits to his parents.
in or at that place or location
From this reading He was always a little intolerant at home, and generally appeared there at his worst--caustic, silent, and unsympathetic.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading It seemed to him that the simple country life was unbearably insipid; he found there neither wit nor affairs: to see day after day the same faces, to listen to the same talk either on country subjects that were distasteful to him, or, out of compliment to himself, political subjects that were unfamiliar to the conversationalists, was a very hard burden, and he counted such things as the price he must pay for his occasional duty visits to his parents.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading He thought he understood her, and it pleased him sometimes to watch her, to calculate how she would behave in any little domestic crisis or incident that affected her, to notice the slight movement of her lips and her eyelids gently lowering and rising again in movements of extreme annoyance.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A COMMISSION Within a few days of Christopher’s departure to Lewes, Ralph also left Overfield and went back to London.
unbearablyadverbUS /ənˈberəbli/
to an unbearable degree
From this reading It seemed to him that the simple country life was unbearably insipid; he found there neither wit nor affairs: to see day after day the same faces, to listen to the same talk either on country subjects that were distasteful to him, or, out of compliment to himself, political subjects that were unfamiliar to the conversationalists, was a very hard burden, and he counted such things as the price he must pay for his occasional duty visits to his parents.
fully apprehended as to purport or meaning or explanation
From this reading He thought he understood her, and it pleased him sometimes to watch her, to calculate how she would behave in any little domestic crisis or incident that affected her, to notice the slight movement of her lips and her eyelids gently lowering and rising again in movements of extreme annoyance.
unfamiliaradjectiveUS /ˌʌnfəˈmɪljər/
not known or well known
From this reading It seemed to him that the simple country life was unbearably insipid; he found there neither wit nor affairs: to see day after day the same faces, to listen to the same talk either on country subjects that were distasteful to him, or, out of compliment to himself, political subjects that were unfamiliar to the conversationalists, was a very hard burden, and he counted such things as the price he must pay for his occasional duty visits to his parents.
unsympatheticadjectiveUS /ənˌsɪmpəˈθetɪk/
not sympathetic or disposed toward
From this reading He was always a little intolerant at home, and generally appeared there at his worst--caustic, silent, and unsympathetic.
precisely as stated
From this reading It seemed to him that the simple country life was unbearably insipid; he found there neither wit nor affairs: to see day after day the same faces, to listen to the same talk either on country subjects that were distasteful to him, or, out of compliment to himself, political subjects that were unfamiliar to the conversationalists, was a very hard burden, and he counted such things as the price he must pay for his occasional duty visits to his parents.
visitsnounUS /ˈvɪzɪts/
plural of “visit” — the act of going to see some person or place or thing for a short time
From this reading It seemed to him that the simple country life was unbearably insipid; he found there neither wit nor affairs: to see day after day the same faces, to listen to the same talk either on country subjects that were distasteful to him, or, out of compliment to himself, political subjects that were unfamiliar to the conversationalists, was a very hard burden, and he counted such things as the price he must pay for his occasional duty visits to his parents.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He was always a little intolerant at home, and generally appeared there at his worst--caustic, silent, and unsympathetic.
look attentively
From this reading He thought he understood her, and it pleased him sometimes to watch her, to calculate how she would behave in any little domestic crisis or incident that affected her, to notice the slight movement of her lips and her eyelids gently lowering and rising again in movements of extreme annoyance.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading A COMMISSION Within a few days of Christopher’s departure to Lewes, Ralph also left Overfield and went back to London.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading It seemed to him that the simple country life was unbearably insipid; he found there neither wit nor affairs: to see day after day the same faces, to listen to the same talk either on country subjects that were distasteful to him, or, out of compliment to himself, political subjects that were unfamiliar to the conversationalists, was a very hard burden, and he counted such things as the price he must pay for his occasional duty visits to his parents.
a message whose ingenuity or verbal skill or incongruity has the power to evoke laughter
From this reading It seemed to him that the simple country life was unbearably insipid; he found there neither wit nor affairs: to see day after day the same faces, to listen to the same talk either on country subjects that were distasteful to him, or, out of compliment to himself, political subjects that were unfamiliar to the conversationalists, was a very hard burden, and he counted such things as the price he must pay for his occasional duty visits to his parents.
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading A COMMISSION Within a few days of Christopher’s departure to Lewes, Ralph also left Overfield and went back to London.
the least favorable outcome
From this reading He was always a little intolerant at home, and generally appeared there at his worst--caustic, silent, and unsympathetic.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading He thought he understood her, and it pleased him sometimes to watch her, to calculate how she would behave in any little domestic crisis or incident that affected her, to notice the slight movement of her lips and her eyelids gently lowering and rising again in movements of extreme annoyance.
