Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading We permit the great general, confronted suddenly with a mad bull, to turn and run, without forfeiting his reputation for courage.

having companions or an escort

From this reading In the same way we must condone the behaviour of Cynthia Drassilis on opening the door of Mrs Ford's sitting-room and admitting, not Ogden, but this total stranger, who accompanied his entry with the remarkable speech recorded at the close of the last section.

inflected form of “admit” — declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of

From this reading In the same way we must condone the behaviour of Cynthia Drassilis on opening the door of Mrs Ford's sitting-room and admitting, not Ogden, but this total stranger, who accompanied his entry with the remarkable speech recorded at the close of the last section.

be in accord; be in agreement

From this reading II There are some situations in life so unexpected, so trying, that, as far as concerns our opinion of those subjected to them, we agree, as it were, not to count them; we refuse to allow the victim's behaviour in circumstances so exacting to weigh with us in our estimate of his or her character.

make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen

From this reading II There are some situations in life so unexpected, so trying, that, as far as concerns our opinion of those subjected to them, we agree, as it were, not to count them; we refuse to allow the victim's behaviour in circumstances so exacting to weigh with us in our estimate of his or her character.

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

From this reading We permit the great general, confronted suddenly with a mad bull, to turn and run, without forfeiting his reputation for courage.

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

From this reading II There are some situations in life so unexpected, so trying, that, as far as concerns our opinion of those subjected to them, we agree, as it were, not to count them; we refuse to allow the victim's behaviour in circumstances so exacting to weigh with us in our estimate of his or her character.

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

From this reading II There are some situations in life so unexpected, so trying, that, as far as concerns our opinion of those subjected to them, we agree, as it were, not to count them; we refuse to allow the victim's behaviour in circumstances so exacting to weigh with us in our estimate of his or her character.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading In the same way we must condone the behaviour of Cynthia Drassilis on opening the door of Mrs Ford's sitting-room and admitting, not Ogden, but this total stranger, who accompanied his entry with the remarkable speech recorded at the close of the last section.

a complex mental state involving beliefs and feelings and values and dispositions to act in certain ways

From this reading She was a girl who prided herself on her carefully blase' and supercilious attitude towards life; but this changeling was too much for her.

the action or reaction of something (as a machine or substance) under specified circumstances

From this reading II There are some situations in life so unexpected, so trying, that, as far as concerns our opinion of those subjected to them, we agree, as it were, not to count them; we refuse to allow the victim's behaviour in circumstances so exacting to weigh with us in our estimate of his or her character.

a senior member of the Christian clergy having spiritual and administrative authority; appointed in Christian churches to oversee priests or ministers; considered in some churches to be successors of the twelve Apostles of Christ

From this reading The bishop who, stepping on a concealed slide in winter, entertains passers-by with momentary rag-time steps, loses none of his dignity once the performance is concluded.

very sophisticated especially because of surfeit; versed in the ways of the world

From this reading She was a girl who prided herself on her carefully blase' and supercilious attitude towards life; but this changeling was too much for her.

uncastrated adult male of domestic cattle

From this reading We permit the great general, confronted suddenly with a mad bull, to turn and run, without forfeiting his reputation for courage.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading In the same way we must condone the behaviour of Cynthia Drassilis on opening the door of Mrs Ford's sitting-room and admitting, not Ogden, but this total stranger, who accompanied his entry with the remarkable speech recorded at the close of the last section.

taking care or paying attention

From this reading She was a girl who prided herself on her carefully blase' and supercilious attitude towards life; but this changeling was too much for her.

a person of subnormal intelligence

From this reading She was a girl who prided herself on her carefully blase' and supercilious attitude towards life; but this changeling was too much for her.

an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)

From this reading II There are some situations in life so unexpected, so trying, that, as far as concerns our opinion of those subjected to them, we agree, as it were, not to count them; we refuse to allow the victim's behaviour in circumstances so exacting to weigh with us in our estimate of his or her character.

your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)

From this reading II There are some situations in life so unexpected, so trying, that, as far as concerns our opinion of those subjected to them, we agree, as it were, not to count them; we refuse to allow the victim's behaviour in circumstances so exacting to weigh with us in our estimate of his or her character.

at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other

From this reading In the same way we must condone the behaviour of Cynthia Drassilis on opening the door of Mrs Ford's sitting-room and admitting, not Ogden, but this total stranger, who accompanied his entry with the remarkable speech recorded at the close of the last section.

not accessible to view

From this reading The bishop who, stepping on a concealed slide in winter, entertains passers-by with momentary rag-time steps, loses none of his dignity once the performance is concluded.

plural of “concern” — something that interests you because it is important or affects you

From this reading II There are some situations in life so unexpected, so trying, that, as far as concerns our opinion of those subjected to them, we agree, as it were, not to count them; we refuse to allow the victim's behaviour in circumstances so exacting to weigh with us in our estimate of his or her character.

having come or been brought to a conclusion

From this reading The bishop who, stepping on a concealed slide in winter, entertains passers-by with momentary rag-time steps, loses none of his dignity once the performance is concluded.

excuse, overlook, or make allowances for; be lenient with

From this reading In the same way we must condone the behaviour of Cynthia Drassilis on opening the door of Mrs Ford's sitting-room and admitting, not Ogden, but this total stranger, who accompanied his entry with the remarkable speech recorded at the close of the last section.

past form of “confront” — oppose, as in hostility or a competition

From this reading We permit the great general, confronted suddenly with a mad bull, to turn and run, without forfeiting his reputation for courage.

determine the number or amount of

From this reading II There are some situations in life so unexpected, so trying, that, as far as concerns our opinion of those subjected to them, we agree, as it were, not to count them; we refuse to allow the victim's behaviour in circumstances so exacting to weigh with us in our estimate of his or her character.

a quality of spirit that enables you to face danger or pain without showing fear

From this reading We permit the great general, confronted suddenly with a mad bull, to turn and run, without forfeiting his reputation for courage.

(Greek mythology) the virgin goddess of the hunt and the Moon; daughter of Leto and twin sister of Apollo; identified with Roman Diana

From this reading In the same way we must condone the behaviour of Cynthia Drassilis on opening the door of Mrs Ford's sitting-room and admitting, not Ogden, but this total stranger, who accompanied his entry with the remarkable speech recorded at the close of the last section.

the quality of being worthy of esteem or respect

From this reading The bishop who, stepping on a concealed slide in winter, entertains passers-by with momentary rag-time steps, loses none of his dignity once the performance is concluded.

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

From this reading In the same way we must condone the behaviour of Cynthia Drassilis on opening the door of Mrs Ford's sitting-room and admitting, not Ogden, but this total stranger, who accompanied his entry with the remarkable speech recorded at the close of the last section.

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

From this reading In the same way we must condone the behaviour of Cynthia Drassilis on opening the door of Mrs Ford's sitting-room and admitting, not Ogden, but this total stranger, who accompanied his entry with the remarkable speech recorded at the close of the last section.

third-person singular of “entertain” — provide entertainment for

From this reading The bishop who, stepping on a concealed slide in winter, entertains passers-by with momentary rag-time steps, loses none of his dignity once the performance is concluded.

an item inserted in a written record

From this reading In the same way we must condone the behaviour of Cynthia Drassilis on opening the door of Mrs Ford's sitting-room and admitting, not Ogden, but this total stranger, who accompanied his entry with the remarkable speech recorded at the close of the last section.

an approximate calculation of quantity or degree or worth

From this reading II There are some situations in life so unexpected, so trying, that, as far as concerns our opinion of those subjected to them, we agree, as it were, not to count them; we refuse to allow the victim's behaviour in circumstances so exacting to weigh with us in our estimate of his or her character.

having complicated nutritional requirements; especially growing only in special artificial cultures

From this reading II There are some situations in life so unexpected, so trying, that, as far as concerns our opinion of those subjected to them, we agree, as it were, not to count them; we refuse to allow the victim's behaviour in circumstances so exacting to weigh with us in our estimate of his or her character.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading II There are some situations in life so unexpected, so trying, that, as far as concerns our opinion of those subjected to them, we agree, as it were, not to count them; we refuse to allow the victim's behaviour in circumstances so exacting to weigh with us in our estimate of his or her character.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading We permit the great general, confronted suddenly with a mad bull, to turn and run, without forfeiting his reputation for courage.

possessive form of “ford” — United States film maker (1896-1973)

From this reading In the same way we must condone the behaviour of Cynthia Drassilis on opening the door of Mrs Ford's sitting-room and admitting, not Ogden, but this total stranger, who accompanied his entry with the remarkable speech recorded at the close of the last section.

-ing form of “forfeit” — lose (s.th.) or lose the right to (s.th.) by some error, offense, or crime

From this reading We permit the great general, confronted suddenly with a mad bull, to turn and run, without forfeiting his reputation for courage.

applying to all or most members of a category or group

From this reading We permit the great general, confronted suddenly with a mad bull, to turn and run, without forfeiting his reputation for courage.

a young female

From this reading She was a girl who prided herself on her carefully blase' and supercilious attitude towards life; but this changeling was too much for her.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading We permit the great general, confronted suddenly with a mad bull, to turn and run, without forfeiting his reputation for courage.

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

From this reading II There are some situations in life so unexpected, so trying, that, as far as concerns our opinion of those subjected to them, we agree, as it were, not to count them; we refuse to allow the victim's behaviour in circumstances so exacting to weigh with us in our estimate of his or her character.

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

From this reading She was a girl who prided herself on her carefully blase' and supercilious attitude towards life; but this changeling was too much for her.

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

From this reading II There are some situations in life so unexpected, so trying, that, as far as concerns our opinion of those subjected to them, we agree, as it were, not to count them; we refuse to allow the victim's behaviour in circumstances so exacting to weigh with us in our estimate of his or her character.

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

From this reading II There are some situations in life so unexpected, so trying, that, as far as concerns our opinion of those subjected to them, we agree, as it were, not to count them; we refuse to allow the victim's behaviour in circumstances so exacting to weigh with us in our estimate of his or her character.

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

From this reading II There are some situations in life so unexpected, so trying, that, as far as concerns our opinion of those subjected to them, we agree, as it were, not to count them; we refuse to allow the victim's behaviour in circumstances so exacting to weigh with us in our estimate of his or her character.

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

From this reading The bishop who, stepping on a concealed slide in winter, entertains passers-by with momentary rag-time steps, loses none of his dignity once the performance is concluded.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading II There are some situations in life so unexpected, so trying, that, as far as concerns our opinion of those subjected to them, we agree, as it were, not to count them; we refuse to allow the victim's behaviour in circumstances so exacting to weigh with us in our estimate of his or her character.

immediately past

From this reading In the same way we must condone the behaviour of Cynthia Drassilis on opening the door of Mrs Ford's sitting-room and admitting, not Ogden, but this total stranger, who accompanied his entry with the remarkable speech recorded at the close of the last section.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading II There are some situations in life so unexpected, so trying, that, as far as concerns our opinion of those subjected to them, we agree, as it were, not to count them; we refuse to allow the victim's behaviour in circumstances so exacting to weigh with us in our estimate of his or her character.

third-person singular of “lose” — fail to keep or to maintain; cease to have, either physically or in an abstract sense

From this reading The bishop who, stepping on a concealed slide in winter, entertains passers-by with momentary rag-time steps, loses none of his dignity once the performance is concluded.

roused to anger

From this reading We permit the great general, confronted suddenly with a mad bull, to turn and run, without forfeiting his reputation for courage.

lasting for a markedly brief time

From this reading The bishop who, stepping on a concealed slide in winter, entertains passers-by with momentary rag-time steps, loses none of his dignity once the performance is concluded.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading In the same way we must condone the behaviour of Cynthia Drassilis on opening the door of Mrs Ford's sitting-room and admitting, not Ogden, but this total stranger, who accompanied his entry with the remarkable speech recorded at the close of the last section.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading She was a girl who prided herself on her carefully blase' and supercilious attitude towards life; but this changeling was too much for her.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading In the same way we must condone the behaviour of Cynthia Drassilis on opening the door of Mrs Ford's sitting-room and admitting, not Ogden, but this total stranger, who accompanied his entry with the remarkable speech recorded at the close of the last section.

not one, and not any

From this reading The bishop who, stepping on a concealed slide in winter, entertains passers-by with momentary rag-time steps, loses none of his dignity once the performance is concluded.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading II There are some situations in life so unexpected, so trying, that, as far as concerns our opinion of those subjected to them, we agree, as it were, not to count them; we refuse to allow the victim's behaviour in circumstances so exacting to weigh with us in our estimate of his or her character.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading II There are some situations in life so unexpected, so trying, that, as far as concerns our opinion of those subjected to them, we agree, as it were, not to count them; we refuse to allow the victim's behaviour in circumstances so exacting to weigh with us in our estimate of his or her character.

English psychologist who collaborated with I. A. Richards in designing Basic English (1889-1957)

From this reading In the same way we must condone the behaviour of Cynthia Drassilis on opening the door of Mrs Ford's sitting-room and admitting, not Ogden, but this total stranger, who accompanied his entry with the remarkable speech recorded at the close of the last section.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The bishop who, stepping on a concealed slide in winter, entertains passers-by with momentary rag-time steps, loses none of his dignity once the performance is concluded.

on one occasion

From this reading The bishop who, stepping on a concealed slide in winter, entertains passers-by with momentary rag-time steps, loses none of his dignity once the performance is concluded.

an open or empty space in or between things

From this reading In the same way we must condone the behaviour of Cynthia Drassilis on opening the door of Mrs Ford's sitting-room and admitting, not Ogden, but this total stranger, who accompanied his entry with the remarkable speech recorded at the close of the last section.

a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty

From this reading II There are some situations in life so unexpected, so trying, that, as far as concerns our opinion of those subjected to them, we agree, as it were, not to count them; we refuse to allow the victim's behaviour in circumstances so exacting to weigh with us in our estimate of his or her character.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading II There are some situations in life so unexpected, so trying, that, as far as concerns our opinion of those subjected to them, we agree, as it were, not to count them; we refuse to allow the victim's behaviour in circumstances so exacting to weigh with us in our estimate of his or her character.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading II There are some situations in life so unexpected, so trying, that, as far as concerns our opinion of those subjected to them, we agree, as it were, not to count them; we refuse to allow the victim's behaviour in circumstances so exacting to weigh with us in our estimate of his or her character.

plural of “passer-by” — a person who passes by casually or by chance

From this reading The bishop who, stepping on a concealed slide in winter, entertains passers-by with momentary rag-time steps, loses none of his dignity once the performance is concluded.

a dramatic or musical entertainment

From this reading The bishop who, stepping on a concealed slide in winter, entertains passers-by with momentary rag-time steps, loses none of his dignity once the performance is concluded.

a legal document giving official permission to do something

From this reading We permit the great general, confronted suddenly with a mad bull, to turn and run, without forfeiting his reputation for courage.

past form of “pride” — be proud of

From this reading She was a girl who prided herself on her carefully blase' and supercilious attitude towards life; but this changeling was too much for her.

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

From this reading The bishop who, stepping on a concealed slide in winter, entertains passers-by with momentary rag-time steps, loses none of his dignity once the performance is concluded.

set down or registered in a permanent form especially on film or tape for reproduction

From this reading In the same way we must condone the behaviour of Cynthia Drassilis on opening the door of Mrs Ford's sitting-room and admitting, not Ogden, but this total stranger, who accompanied his entry with the remarkable speech recorded at the close of the last section.

show unwillingness towards

From this reading II There are some situations in life so unexpected, so trying, that, as far as concerns our opinion of those subjected to them, we agree, as it were, not to count them; we refuse to allow the victim's behaviour in circumstances so exacting to weigh with us in our estimate of his or her character.

unusual or striking

From this reading In the same way we must condone the behaviour of Cynthia Drassilis on opening the door of Mrs Ford's sitting-room and admitting, not Ogden, but this total stranger, who accompanied his entry with the remarkable speech recorded at the close of the last section.

the state of being held in high esteem and honor

From this reading We permit the great general, confronted suddenly with a mad bull, to turn and run, without forfeiting his reputation for courage.

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

From this reading We permit the great general, confronted suddenly with a mad bull, to turn and run, without forfeiting his reputation for courage.

Identical; not different.

From this reading In the same way we must condone the behaviour of Cynthia Drassilis on opening the door of Mrs Ford's sitting-room and admitting, not Ogden, but this total stranger, who accompanied his entry with the remarkable speech recorded at the close of the last section.

a self-contained part of a larger composition (written or musical)

From this reading In the same way we must condone the behaviour of Cynthia Drassilis on opening the door of Mrs Ford's sitting-room and admitting, not Ogden, but this total stranger, who accompanied his entry with the remarkable speech recorded at the close of the last section.

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

From this reading She was a girl who prided herself on her carefully blase' and supercilious attitude towards life; but this changeling was too much for her.

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

From this reading In the same way we must condone the behaviour of Cynthia Drassilis on opening the door of Mrs Ford's sitting-room and admitting, not Ogden, but this total stranger, who accompanied his entry with the remarkable speech recorded at the close of the last section.

plural of “situation” — the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time

From this reading II There are some situations in life so unexpected, so trying, that, as far as concerns our opinion of those subjected to them, we agree, as it were, not to count them; we refuse to allow the victim's behaviour in circumstances so exacting to weigh with us in our estimate of his or her character.

a small flat rectangular piece of glass on which specimens can be mounted for microscopic study

From this reading The bishop who, stepping on a concealed slide in winter, entertains passers-by with momentary rag-time steps, loses none of his dignity once the performance is concluded.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading II There are some situations in life so unexpected, so trying, that, as far as concerns our opinion of those subjected to them, we agree, as it were, not to count them; we refuse to allow the victim's behaviour in circumstances so exacting to weigh with us in our estimate of his or her character.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading II There are some situations in life so unexpected, so trying, that, as far as concerns our opinion of those subjected to them, we agree, as it were, not to count them; we refuse to allow the victim's behaviour in circumstances so exacting to weigh with us in our estimate of his or her character.

the act of delivering a formal spoken communication to an audience

From this reading In the same way we must condone the behaviour of Cynthia Drassilis on opening the door of Mrs Ford's sitting-room and admitting, not Ogden, but this total stranger, who accompanied his entry with the remarkable speech recorded at the close of the last section.

inflected form of “step” — shift or move by taking a step

From this reading The bishop who, stepping on a concealed slide in winter, entertains passers-by with momentary rag-time steps, loses none of his dignity once the performance is concluded.

a flight of stairs or a flight of steps

From this reading The bishop who, stepping on a concealed slide in winter, entertains passers-by with momentary rag-time steps, loses none of his dignity once the performance is concluded.

anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found

From this reading In the same way we must condone the behaviour of Cynthia Drassilis on opening the door of Mrs Ford's sitting-room and admitting, not Ogden, but this total stranger, who accompanied his entry with the remarkable speech recorded at the close of the last section.

past form of “subject” — cause to experience or suffer or make liable or vulnerable to

From this reading II There are some situations in life so unexpected, so trying, that, as far as concerns our opinion of those subjected to them, we agree, as it were, not to count them; we refuse to allow the victim's behaviour in circumstances so exacting to weigh with us in our estimate of his or her character.

happening unexpectedly

From this reading We permit the great general, confronted suddenly with a mad bull, to turn and run, without forfeiting his reputation for courage.

having or showing arrogant superiority to and disdain of those one views as unworthy

From this reading She was a girl who prided herself on her carefully blase' and supercilious attitude towards life; but this changeling was too much for her.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading II There are some situations in life so unexpected, so trying, that, as far as concerns our opinion of those subjected to them, we agree, as it were, not to count them; we refuse to allow the victim's behaviour in circumstances so exacting to weigh with us in our estimate of his or her character.

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

From this reading II There are some situations in life so unexpected, so trying, that, as far as concerns our opinion of those subjected to them, we agree, as it were, not to count them; we refuse to allow the victim's behaviour in circumstances so exacting to weigh with us in our estimate of his or her character.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading II There are some situations in life so unexpected, so trying, that, as far as concerns our opinion of those subjected to them, we agree, as it were, not to count them; we refuse to allow the victim's behaviour in circumstances so exacting to weigh with us in our estimate of his or her character.

in or at that place or location

From this reading II There are some situations in life so unexpected, so trying, that, as far as concerns our opinion of those subjected to them, we agree, as it were, not to count them; we refuse to allow the victim's behaviour in circumstances so exacting to weigh with us in our estimate of his or her character.

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

From this reading In the same way we must condone the behaviour of Cynthia Drassilis on opening the door of Mrs Ford's sitting-room and admitting, not Ogden, but this total stranger, who accompanied his entry with the remarkable speech recorded at the close of the last section.

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

From this reading II There are some situations in life so unexpected, so trying, that, as far as concerns our opinion of those subjected to them, we agree, as it were, not to count them; we refuse to allow the victim's behaviour in circumstances so exacting to weigh with us in our estimate of his or her character.

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

From this reading II There are some situations in life so unexpected, so trying, that, as far as concerns our opinion of those subjected to them, we agree, as it were, not to count them; we refuse to allow the victim's behaviour in circumstances so exacting to weigh with us in our estimate of his or her character.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading She was a girl who prided herself on her carefully blase' and supercilious attitude towards life; but this changeling was too much for her.

add up in number or quantity

From this reading In the same way we must condone the behaviour of Cynthia Drassilis on opening the door of Mrs Ford's sitting-room and admitting, not Ogden, but this total stranger, who accompanied his entry with the remarkable speech recorded at the close of the last section.

in the direction of

From this reading She was a girl who prided herself on her carefully blase' and supercilious attitude towards life; but this changeling was too much for her.

hard to endure

From this reading II There are some situations in life so unexpected, so trying, that, as far as concerns our opinion of those subjected to them, we agree, as it were, not to count them; we refuse to allow the victim's behaviour in circumstances so exacting to weigh with us in our estimate of his or her character.

change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense

From this reading We permit the great general, confronted suddenly with a mad bull, to turn and run, without forfeiting his reputation for courage.

not expected or anticipated

From this reading II There are some situations in life so unexpected, so trying, that, as far as concerns our opinion of those subjected to them, we agree, as it were, not to count them; we refuse to allow the victim's behaviour in circumstances so exacting to weigh with us in our estimate of his or her character.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading II There are some situations in life so unexpected, so trying, that, as far as concerns our opinion of those subjected to them, we agree, as it were, not to count them; we refuse to allow the victim's behaviour in circumstances so exacting to weigh with us in our estimate of his or her character.

possessive form of “victim” — an unfortunate person who suffers from some adverse circumstance

From this reading II There are some situations in life so unexpected, so trying, that, as far as concerns our opinion of those subjected to them, we agree, as it were, not to count them; we refuse to allow the victim's behaviour in circumstances so exacting to weigh with us in our estimate of his or her character.

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

From this reading She was a girl who prided herself on her carefully blase' and supercilious attitude towards life; but this changeling was too much for her.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading In the same way we must condone the behaviour of Cynthia Drassilis on opening the door of Mrs Ford's sitting-room and admitting, not Ogden, but this total stranger, who accompanied his entry with the remarkable speech recorded at the close of the last section.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading II There are some situations in life so unexpected, so trying, that, as far as concerns our opinion of those subjected to them, we agree, as it were, not to count them; we refuse to allow the victim's behaviour in circumstances so exacting to weigh with us in our estimate of his or her character.

have a certain weight

From this reading II There are some situations in life so unexpected, so trying, that, as far as concerns our opinion of those subjected to them, we agree, as it were, not to count them; we refuse to allow the victim's behaviour in circumstances so exacting to weigh with us in our estimate of his or her character.

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

From this reading II There are some situations in life so unexpected, so trying, that, as far as concerns our opinion of those subjected to them, we agree, as it were, not to count them; we refuse to allow the victim's behaviour in circumstances so exacting to weigh with us in our estimate of his or her character.

which person or people

From this reading The bishop who, stepping on a concealed slide in winter, entertains passers-by with momentary rag-time steps, loses none of his dignity once the performance is concluded.

the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox

From this reading The bishop who, stepping on a concealed slide in winter, entertains passers-by with momentary rag-time steps, loses none of his dignity once the performance is concluded.

in the company of; together with

From this reading II There are some situations in life so unexpected, so trying, that, as far as concerns our opinion of those subjected to them, we agree, as it were, not to count them; we refuse to allow the victim's behaviour in circumstances so exacting to weigh with us in our estimate of his or her character.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading We permit the great general, confronted suddenly with a mad bull, to turn and run, without forfeiting his reputation for courage.