Chapter XXIII

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

From this reading Mrs. Percy-Bartlett and Gertrude Van Vleck were seated _en tête-à-tête_ in the drawing-room, talking of a quiet wedding that had taken place recently in the inner circle.

in actual fact

From this reading It was rumored, on evidence more conclusive than gossip often enjoys, that the bride had done the larger part of the wooing and had actually proposed to the man of her choice.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading “Even if it turns out happily, Harriet, I will always feel that she did an unwomanly thing.”

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

From this reading “Even if it turns out happily, Harriet, I will always feel that she did an unwomanly thing.”

Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.

From this reading What the circumstances were that had led to this reversal of ancient custom on the part of people to whom time-honored precedents are especially dear nobody but the high contracting parties knew; but it was well understood that the woman had taken the initiative, and had been successful in her egotistic match-making.

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

From this reading Mrs. Percy-Bartlett and Gertrude Van Vleck were seated _en tête-à-tête_ in the drawing-room, talking of a quiet wedding that had taken place recently in the inner circle.

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

From this reading What the circumstances were that had led to this reversal of ancient custom on the part of people to whom time-honored precedents are especially dear nobody but the high contracting parties knew; but it was well understood that the woman had taken the initiative, and had been successful in her egotistic match-making.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading What the circumstances were that had led to this reversal of ancient custom on the part of people to whom time-honored precedents are especially dear nobody but the high contracting parties knew; but it was well understood that the woman had taken the initiative, and had been successful in her egotistic match-making.

a woman who has recently been married

From this reading It was rumored, on evidence more conclusive than gossip often enjoys, that the bride had done the larger part of the wooing and had actually proposed to the man of her choice.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading What the circumstances were that had led to this reversal of ancient custom on the part of people to whom time-honored precedents are especially dear nobody but the high contracting parties knew; but it was well understood that the woman had taken the initiative, and had been successful in her egotistic match-making.

the person or thing chosen or selected

From this reading It was rumored, on evidence more conclusive than gossip often enjoys, that the bride had done the larger part of the wooing and had actually proposed to the man of her choice.

ellipse in which the two axes are of equal length; a plane curve generated by one point moving at a constant distance from a fixed point

From this reading Mrs. Percy-Bartlett and Gertrude Van Vleck were seated _en tête-à-tête_ in the drawing-room, talking of a quiet wedding that had taken place recently in the inner circle.

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

From this reading What the circumstances were that had led to this reversal of ancient custom on the part of people to whom time-honored precedents are especially dear nobody but the high contracting parties knew; but it was well understood that the woman had taken the initiative, and had been successful in her egotistic match-making.

forming an end or termination; especially putting an end to doubt or question

From this reading It was rumored, on evidence more conclusive than gossip often enjoys, that the bride had done the larger part of the wooing and had actually proposed to the man of her choice.

becoming infected

From this reading What the circumstances were that had led to this reversal of ancient custom on the part of people to whom time-honored precedents are especially dear nobody but the high contracting parties knew; but it was well understood that the woman had taken the initiative, and had been successful in her egotistic match-making.

accepted or habitual practice

From this reading What the circumstances were that had led to this reversal of ancient custom on the part of people to whom time-honored precedents are especially dear nobody but the high contracting parties knew; but it was well understood that the woman had taken the initiative, and had been successful in her egotistic match-making.

dearly loved

From this reading What the circumstances were that had led to this reversal of ancient custom on the part of people to whom time-honored precedents are especially dear nobody but the high contracting parties knew; but it was well understood that the woman had taken the initiative, and had been successful in her egotistic match-making.

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

From this reading “Even if it turns out happily, Harriet, I will always feel that she did an unwomanly thing.”

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading It was rumored, on evidence more conclusive than gossip often enjoys, that the bride had done the larger part of the wooing and had actually proposed to the man of her choice.

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

From this reading Mrs. Percy-Bartlett and Gertrude Van Vleck were seated _en tête-à-tête_ in the drawing-room, talking of a quiet wedding that had taken place recently in the inner circle.

characteristic of those having an inflated idea of their own importance

From this reading What the circumstances were that had led to this reversal of ancient custom on the part of people to whom time-honored precedents are especially dear nobody but the high contracting parties knew; but it was well understood that the woman had taken the initiative, and had been successful in her egotistic match-making.

half the width of an em

From this reading Mrs. Percy-Bartlett and Gertrude Van Vleck were seated _en tête-à-tête_ in the drawing-room, talking of a quiet wedding that had taken place recently in the inner circle.

third-person singular of “enjoy” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in

From this reading It was rumored, on evidence more conclusive than gossip often enjoys, that the bride had done the larger part of the wooing and had actually proposed to the man of her choice.

to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common

From this reading What the circumstances were that had led to this reversal of ancient custom on the part of people to whom time-honored precedents are especially dear nobody but the high contracting parties knew; but it was well understood that the woman had taken the initiative, and had been successful in her egotistic match-making.

divisible by two

From this reading “Even if it turns out happily, Harriet, I will always feel that she did an unwomanly thing.”

something that happens at a given place and time

From this reading This matrimonial event had possessed peculiar features.

your basis for belief or disbelief; knowledge on which to base belief

From this reading It was rumored, on evidence more conclusive than gossip often enjoys, that the bride had done the larger part of the wooing and had actually proposed to the man of her choice.

plural of “feature” — a prominent attribute or aspect of something

From this reading This matrimonial event had possessed peculiar features.

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

From this reading “Even if it turns out happily, Harriet, I will always feel that she did an unwomanly thing.”

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

From this reading Mrs. Percy-Bartlett and Gertrude Van Vleck were seated _en tête-à-tête_ in the drawing-room, talking of a quiet wedding that had taken place recently in the inner circle.

light informal conversation for social occasions

From this reading It was rumored, on evidence more conclusive than gossip often enjoys, that the bride had done the larger part of the wooing and had actually proposed to the man of her choice.

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

From this reading Mrs. Percy-Bartlett and Gertrude Van Vleck were seated _en tête-à-tête_ in the drawing-room, talking of a quiet wedding that had taken place recently in the inner circle.

in a joyous manner

From this reading “Even if it turns out happily, Harriet, I will always feel that she did an unwomanly thing.”

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

From this reading “Even if it turns out happily, Harriet, I will always feel that she did an unwomanly thing.”

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

From this reading It was rumored, on evidence more conclusive than gossip often enjoys, that the bride had done the larger part of the wooing and had actually proposed to the man of her choice.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading What the circumstances were that had led to this reversal of ancient custom on the part of people to whom time-honored precedents are especially dear nobody but the high contracting parties knew; but it was well understood that the woman had taken the initiative, and had been successful in her egotistic match-making.

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

From this reading “Even if it turns out happily, Harriet, I will always feel that she did an unwomanly thing.”

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading “Even if it turns out happily, Harriet, I will always feel that she did an unwomanly thing.”

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

From this reading Mrs. Percy-Bartlett and Gertrude Van Vleck were seated _en tête-à-tête_ in the drawing-room, talking of a quiet wedding that had taken place recently in the inner circle.

readiness to embark on bold new ventures

From this reading What the circumstances were that had led to this reversal of ancient custom on the part of people to whom time-honored precedents are especially dear nobody but the high contracting parties knew; but it was well understood that the woman had taken the initiative, and had been successful in her egotistic match-making.

located inward

From this reading Mrs. Percy-Bartlett and Gertrude Van Vleck were seated _en tête-à-tête_ in the drawing-room, talking of a quiet wedding that had taken place recently in the inner circle.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading “Even if it turns out happily, Harriet, I will always feel that she did an unwomanly thing.”

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading What the circumstances were that had led to this reversal of ancient custom on the part of people to whom time-honored precedents are especially dear nobody but the high contracting parties knew; but it was well understood that the woman had taken the initiative, and had been successful in her egotistic match-making.

large or big relative to something else

From this reading It was rumored, on evidence more conclusive than gossip often enjoys, that the bride had done the larger part of the wooing and had actually proposed to the man of her choice.

diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used

From this reading What the circumstances were that had led to this reversal of ancient custom on the part of people to whom time-honored precedents are especially dear nobody but the high contracting parties knew; but it was well understood that the woman had taken the initiative, and had been successful in her egotistic match-making.

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

From this reading It was rumored, on evidence more conclusive than gossip often enjoys, that the bride had done the larger part of the wooing and had actually proposed to the man of her choice.

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

From this reading What the circumstances were that had led to this reversal of ancient custom on the part of people to whom time-honored precedents are especially dear nobody but the high contracting parties knew; but it was well understood that the woman had taken the initiative, and had been successful in her egotistic match-making.

of or relating to the state of marriage

From this reading This matrimonial event had possessed peculiar features.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading It was rumored, on evidence more conclusive than gossip often enjoys, that the bride had done the larger part of the wooing and had actually proposed to the man of her choice.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading Mrs. Percy-Bartlett and Gertrude Van Vleck were seated _en tête-à-tête_ in the drawing-room, talking of a quiet wedding that had taken place recently in the inner circle.

no person; not anyone

From this reading What the circumstances were that had led to this reversal of ancient custom on the part of people to whom time-honored precedents are especially dear nobody but the high contracting parties knew; but it was well understood that the woman had taken the initiative, and had been successful in her egotistic match-making.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Mrs. Percy-Bartlett and Gertrude Van Vleck were seated _en tête-à-tête_ in the drawing-room, talking of a quiet wedding that had taken place recently in the inner circle.

many times at short intervals

From this reading It was rumored, on evidence more conclusive than gossip often enjoys, that the bride had done the larger part of the wooing and had actually proposed to the man of her choice.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading It was rumored, on evidence more conclusive than gossip often enjoys, that the bride had done the larger part of the wooing and had actually proposed to the man of her choice.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading “Even if it turns out happily, Harriet, I will always feel that she did an unwomanly thing.”

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading It was rumored, on evidence more conclusive than gossip often enjoys, that the bride had done the larger part of the wooing and had actually proposed to the man of her choice.

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

From this reading What the circumstances were that had led to this reversal of ancient custom on the part of people to whom time-honored precedents are especially dear nobody but the high contracting parties knew; but it was well understood that the woman had taken the initiative, and had been successful in her egotistic match-making.

beyond or deviating from the usual or expected

From this reading This matrimonial event had possessed peculiar features.

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

From this reading What the circumstances were that had led to this reversal of ancient custom on the part of people to whom time-honored precedents are especially dear nobody but the high contracting parties knew; but it was well understood that the woman had taken the initiative, and had been successful in her egotistic match-making.

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

From this reading Mrs. Percy-Bartlett and Gertrude Van Vleck were seated _en tête-à-tête_ in the drawing-room, talking of a quiet wedding that had taken place recently in the inner circle.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading Mrs. Percy-Bartlett and Gertrude Van Vleck were seated _en tête-à-tête_ in the drawing-room, talking of a quiet wedding that had taken place recently in the inner circle.

influenced or controlled by a powerful force such as a strong emotion

From this reading This matrimonial event had possessed peculiar features.

plural of “precedent” — an example that is used to justify similar occurrences at a later time

From this reading What the circumstances were that had led to this reversal of ancient custom on the part of people to whom time-honored precedents are especially dear nobody but the high contracting parties knew; but it was well understood that the woman had taken the initiative, and had been successful in her egotistic match-making.

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

From this reading It was rumored, on evidence more conclusive than gossip often enjoys, that the bride had done the larger part of the wooing and had actually proposed to the man of her choice.

characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity

From this reading Mrs. Percy-Bartlett and Gertrude Van Vleck were seated _en tête-à-tête_ in the drawing-room, talking of a quiet wedding that had taken place recently in the inner circle.

in the recent past

From this reading Mrs. Percy-Bartlett and Gertrude Van Vleck were seated _en tête-à-tête_ in the drawing-room, talking of a quiet wedding that had taken place recently in the inner circle.

a change from one state to the opposite state

From this reading What the circumstances were that had led to this reversal of ancient custom on the part of people to whom time-honored precedents are especially dear nobody but the high contracting parties knew; but it was well understood that the woman had taken the initiative, and had been successful in her egotistic match-making.

past form of “rumor” — tell or spread rumors

From this reading It was rumored, on evidence more conclusive than gossip often enjoys, that the bride had done the larger part of the wooing and had actually proposed to the man of her choice.

(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks

From this reading Mrs. Percy-Bartlett and Gertrude Van Vleck were seated _en tête-à-tête_ in the drawing-room, talking of a quiet wedding that had taken place recently in the inner circle.

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

From this reading “Even if it turns out happily, Harriet, I will always feel that she did an unwomanly thing.”

having succeeded or being marked by a favorable outcome

From this reading What the circumstances were that had led to this reversal of ancient custom on the part of people to whom time-honored precedents are especially dear nobody but the high contracting parties knew; but it was well understood that the woman had taken the initiative, and had been successful in her egotistic match-making.

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading Mrs. Percy-Bartlett and Gertrude Van Vleck were seated _en tête-à-tête_ in the drawing-room, talking of a quiet wedding that had taken place recently in the inner circle.

an exchange of ideas via conversation

From this reading Mrs. Percy-Bartlett and Gertrude Van Vleck were seated _en tête-à-tête_ in the drawing-room, talking of a quiet wedding that had taken place recently in the inner circle.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading It was rumored, on evidence more conclusive than gossip often enjoys, that the bride had done the larger part of the wooing and had actually proposed to the man of her choice.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading “Even if it turns out happily, Harriet, I will always feel that she did an unwomanly thing.”

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

From this reading Mrs. Percy-Bartlett and Gertrude Van Vleck were seated _en tête-à-tête_ in the drawing-room, talking of a quiet wedding that had taken place recently in the inner circle.

a special situation

From this reading “Even if it turns out happily, Harriet, I will always feel that she did an unwomanly thing.”

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

From this reading This matrimonial event had possessed peculiar features.

acceptable for a long time

From this reading What the circumstances were that had led to this reversal of ancient custom on the part of people to whom time-honored precedents are especially dear nobody but the high contracting parties knew; but it was well understood that the woman had taken the initiative, and had been successful in her egotistic match-making.

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

From this reading It was rumored, on evidence more conclusive than gossip often enjoys, that the bride had done the larger part of the wooing and had actually proposed to the man of her choice.

plural of “turn” — a circular segment of a curve

From this reading “Even if it turns out happily, Harriet, I will always feel that she did an unwomanly thing.”

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

From this reading Mrs. Percy-Bartlett and Gertrude Van Vleck were seated _en tête-à-tête_ in the drawing-room, talking of a quiet wedding that had taken place recently in the inner circle.

fully apprehended as to purport or meaning or explanation

From this reading What the circumstances were that had led to this reversal of ancient custom on the part of people to whom time-honored precedents are especially dear nobody but the high contracting parties knew; but it was well understood that the woman had taken the initiative, and had been successful in her egotistic match-making.

not womanly

From this reading “Even if it turns out happily, Harriet, I will always feel that she did an unwomanly thing.”

any creative group active in the innovation and application of new concepts and techniques in a given field (especially in the arts)

From this reading Mrs. Percy-Bartlett and Gertrude Van Vleck were seated _en tête-à-tête_ in the drawing-room, talking of a quiet wedding that had taken place recently in the inner circle.

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

From this reading Mrs. Percy-Bartlett and Gertrude Van Vleck were seated _en tête-à-tête_ in the drawing-room, talking of a quiet wedding that had taken place recently in the inner circle.

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

From this reading It was rumored, on evidence more conclusive than gossip often enjoys, that the bride had done the larger part of the wooing and had actually proposed to the man of her choice.

the social event at which the ceremony of marriage is performed

From this reading Mrs. Percy-Bartlett and Gertrude Van Vleck were seated _en tête-à-tête_ in the drawing-room, talking of a quiet wedding that had taken place recently in the inner circle.

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

From this reading What the circumstances were that had led to this reversal of ancient custom on the part of people to whom time-honored precedents are especially dear nobody but the high contracting parties knew; but it was well understood that the woman had taken the initiative, and had been successful in her egotistic match-making.

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

From this reading Mrs. Percy-Bartlett and Gertrude Van Vleck were seated _en tête-à-tête_ in the drawing-room, talking of a quiet wedding that had taken place recently in the inner circle.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading What the circumstances were that had led to this reversal of ancient custom on the part of people to whom time-honored precedents are especially dear nobody but the high contracting parties knew; but it was well understood that the woman had taken the initiative, and had been successful in her egotistic match-making.

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

From this reading What the circumstances were that had led to this reversal of ancient custom on the part of people to whom time-honored precedents are especially dear nobody but the high contracting parties knew; but it was well understood that the woman had taken the initiative, and had been successful in her egotistic match-making.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading “Even if it turns out happily, Harriet, I will always feel that she did an unwomanly thing.”

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading What the circumstances were that had led to this reversal of ancient custom on the part of people to whom time-honored precedents are especially dear nobody but the high contracting parties knew; but it was well understood that the woman had taken the initiative, and had been successful in her egotistic match-making.

a man's courting of a woman; seeking the affections of a woman (usually with the hope of marriage)

From this reading It was rumored, on evidence more conclusive than gossip often enjoys, that the bride had done the larger part of the wooing and had actually proposed to the man of her choice.