Chapter XXI · Chapter 21

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

From this reading The ladies were both a little doubtful if his plan was the best--they were still frightened for what might happen, and kept up a watch, as John perceived, fearing every step that approached, trembling at every shadow.

commonly used or practiced; usual

From this reading This was doubly strong in Mrs. Dennistoun, a woman full of toleration and experience; but the issues were so momentous to her, and the possible results so terrible, that she lost her accustomed good sense.

perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)

From this reading There are some circumstances in which people forget all the shades of character, and take it for granted that a man who can go wrong in one matter will act like a very demon in all.

matters of personal concern

From this reading John left the Cottage next morning with the full conduct of the affairs of the family placed in his hands.

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

From this reading There are some circumstances in which people forget all the shades of character, and take it for granted that a man who can go wrong in one matter will act like a very demon in all.

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

From this reading The ladies were both a little doubtful if his plan was the best--they were still frightened for what might happen, and kept up a watch, as John perceived, fearing every step that approached, trembling at every shadow.

past form of “approach” — move towards

From this reading The ladies were both a little doubtful if his plan was the best--they were still frightened for what might happen, and kept up a watch, as John perceived, fearing every step that approached, trembling at every shadow.

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

From this reading There are some circumstances in which people forget all the shades of character, and take it for granted that a man who can go wrong in one matter will act like a very demon in all.

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

From this reading The ladies were both a little doubtful if his plan was the best--they were still frightened for what might happen, and kept up a watch, as John perceived, fearing every step that approached, trembling at every shadow.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The ladies were both a little doubtful if his plan was the best--they were still frightened for what might happen, and kept up a watch, as John perceived, fearing every step that approached, trembling at every shadow.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading They remembered many stories, such as rush to the minds of persons in trouble, of similar cases, of the machinations of the bad father whose only object was to overcome and break down his wife, and who stole his child away to let it languish and die.

having undesirable or negative qualities

From this reading They remembered many stories, such as rush to the minds of persons in trouble, of similar cases, of the machinations of the bad father whose only object was to overcome and break down his wife, and who stole his child away to let it languish and die.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading The ladies were both a little doubtful if his plan was the best--they were still frightened for what might happen, and kept up a watch, as John perceived, fearing every step that approached, trembling at every shadow.

the two together, not just one

From this reading The ladies were both a little doubtful if his plan was the best--they were still frightened for what might happen, and kept up a watch, as John perceived, fearing every step that approached, trembling at every shadow.

terminate

From this reading They remembered many stories, such as rush to the minds of persons in trouble, of similar cases, of the machinations of the bad father whose only object was to overcome and break down his wife, and who stole his child away to let it languish and die.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading This was doubly strong in Mrs. Dennistoun, a woman full of toleration and experience; but the issues were so momentous to her, and the possible results so terrible, that she lost her accustomed good sense.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading There are some circumstances in which people forget all the shades of character, and take it for granted that a man who can go wrong in one matter will act like a very demon in all.

plural of “case” — an occurrence of something

From this reading They remembered many stories, such as rush to the minds of persons in trouble, of similar cases, of the machinations of the bad father whose only object was to overcome and break down his wife, and who stole his child away to let it languish and die.

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

From this reading There are some circumstances in which people forget all the shades of character, and take it for granted that a man who can go wrong in one matter will act like a very demon in all.

a young person of either sex

From this reading They remembered many stories, such as rush to the minds of persons in trouble, of similar cases, of the machinations of the bad father whose only object was to overcome and break down his wife, and who stole his child away to let it languish and die.

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

From this reading There are some circumstances in which people forget all the shades of character, and take it for granted that a man who can go wrong in one matter will act like a very demon in all.

direct the course of; manage or control

From this reading John left the Cottage next morning with the full conduct of the affairs of the family placed in his hands.

a small house with a single story

From this reading John left the Cottage next morning with the full conduct of the affairs of the family placed in his hands.

an evil supernatural being

From this reading There are some circumstances in which people forget all the shades of character, and take it for granted that a man who can go wrong in one matter will act like a very demon in all.

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

From this reading This was doubly strong in Mrs. Dennistoun, a woman full of toleration and experience; but the issues were so momentous to her, and the possible results so terrible, that she lost her accustomed good sense.

pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life

From this reading They remembered many stories, such as rush to the minds of persons in trouble, of similar cases, of the machinations of the bad father whose only object was to overcome and break down his wife, and who stole his child away to let it languish and die.

to double the degree

From this reading This was doubly strong in Mrs. Dennistoun, a woman full of toleration and experience; but the issues were so momentous to her, and the possible results so terrible, that she lost her accustomed good sense.

open to doubt or suspicion

From this reading The ladies were both a little doubtful if his plan was the best--they were still frightened for what might happen, and kept up a watch, as John perceived, fearing every step that approached, trembling at every shadow.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading They remembered many stories, such as rush to the minds of persons in trouble, of similar cases, of the machinations of the bad father whose only object was to overcome and break down his wife, and who stole his child away to let it languish and die.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading The ladies were both a little doubtful if his plan was the best--they were still frightened for what might happen, and kept up a watch, as John perceived, fearing every step that approached, trembling at every shadow.

undergo or live through a difficult experience

From this reading This was doubly strong in Mrs. Dennistoun, a woman full of toleration and experience; but the issues were so momentous to her, and the possible results so terrible, that she lost her accustomed good sense.

a social unit living together

From this reading John left the Cottage next morning with the full conduct of the affairs of the family placed in his hands.

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading They remembered many stories, such as rush to the minds of persons in trouble, of similar cases, of the machinations of the bad father whose only object was to overcome and break down his wife, and who stole his child away to let it languish and die.

-ing form of “fear” — be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading The ladies were both a little doubtful if his plan was the best--they were still frightened for what might happen, and kept up a watch, as John perceived, fearing every step that approached, trembling at every shadow.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The ladies were both a little doubtful if his plan was the best--they were still frightened for what might happen, and kept up a watch, as John perceived, fearing every step that approached, trembling at every shadow.

dismiss from the mind; stop remembering

From this reading There are some circumstances in which people forget all the shades of character, and take it for granted that a man who can go wrong in one matter will act like a very demon in all.

made afraid

From this reading The ladies were both a little doubtful if his plan was the best--they were still frightened for what might happen, and kept up a watch, as John perceived, fearing every step that approached, trembling at every shadow.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading John left the Cottage next morning with the full conduct of the affairs of the family placed in his hands.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading There are some circumstances in which people forget all the shades of character, and take it for granted that a man who can go wrong in one matter will act like a very demon in all.

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

From this reading This was doubly strong in Mrs. Dennistoun, a woman full of toleration and experience; but the issues were so momentous to her, and the possible results so terrible, that she lost her accustomed good sense.

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading There are some circumstances in which people forget all the shades of character, and take it for granted that a man who can go wrong in one matter will act like a very demon in all.

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading John left the Cottage next morning with the full conduct of the affairs of the family placed in his hands.

come to pass

From this reading The ladies were both a little doubtful if his plan was the best--they were still frightened for what might happen, and kept up a watch, as John perceived, fearing every step that approached, trembling at every shadow.

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

From this reading This was doubly strong in Mrs. Dennistoun, a woman full of toleration and experience; but the issues were so momentous to her, and the possible results so terrible, that she lost her accustomed good sense.

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

From this reading John left the Cottage next morning with the full conduct of the affairs of the family placed in his hands.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading The ladies were both a little doubtful if his plan was the best--they were still frightened for what might happen, and kept up a watch, as John perceived, fearing every step that approached, trembling at every shadow.

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

From this reading John left the Cottage next morning with the full conduct of the affairs of the family placed in his hands.

plural of “issue” — an important question that is in dispute and must be settled

From this reading This was doubly strong in Mrs. Dennistoun, a woman full of toleration and experience; but the issues were so momentous to her, and the possible results so terrible, that she lost her accustomed good sense.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading They remembered many stories, such as rush to the minds of persons in trouble, of similar cases, of the machinations of the bad father whose only object was to overcome and break down his wife, and who stole his child away to let it languish and die.

a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading John left the Cottage next morning with the full conduct of the affairs of the family placed in his hands.

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading The ladies were both a little doubtful if his plan was the best--they were still frightened for what might happen, and kept up a watch, as John perceived, fearing every step that approached, trembling at every shadow.

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

From this reading The ladies were both a little doubtful if his plan was the best--they were still frightened for what might happen, and kept up a watch, as John perceived, fearing every step that approached, trembling at every shadow.

lose vigor, health, or flesh, as through grief

From this reading They remembered many stories, such as rush to the minds of persons in trouble, of similar cases, of the machinations of the bad father whose only object was to overcome and break down his wife, and who stole his child away to let it languish and die.

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 John left the Cottage next morning with the full conduct of the affairs of the family placed in his hands.

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading They remembered many stories, such as rush to the minds of persons in trouble, of similar cases, of the machinations of the bad father whose only object was to overcome and break down his wife, and who stole his child away to let it languish and die.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading There are some circumstances in which people forget all the shades of character, and take it for granted that a man who can go wrong in one matter will act like a very demon in all.

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

From this reading The ladies were both a little doubtful if his plan was the best--they were still frightened for what might happen, and kept up a watch, as John perceived, fearing every step that approached, trembling at every shadow.

no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered

From this reading This was doubly strong in Mrs. Dennistoun, a woman full of toleration and experience; but the issues were so momentous to her, and the possible results so terrible, that she lost her accustomed good sense.

plural of “machination” — a crafty and involved plot to achieve your (usually sinister) ends

From this reading They remembered many stories, such as rush to the minds of persons in trouble, of similar cases, of the machinations of the bad father whose only object was to overcome and break down his wife, and who stole his child away to let it languish and die.

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

From this reading There are some circumstances in which people forget all the shades of character, and take it for granted that a man who can go wrong in one matter will act like a very demon in all.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading They remembered many stories, such as rush to the minds of persons in trouble, of similar cases, of the machinations of the bad father whose only object was to overcome and break down his wife, and who stole his child away to let it languish and die.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading There are some circumstances in which people forget all the shades of character, and take it for granted that a man who can go wrong in one matter will act like a very demon in all.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading The ladies were both a little doubtful if his plan was the best--they were still frightened for what might happen, and kept up a watch, as John perceived, fearing every step that approached, trembling at every shadow.

plural of “mind” — that which is responsible for one's thoughts, feelings, and conscious brain functions; the seat of the faculty of reason

From this reading They remembered many stories, such as rush to the minds of persons in trouble, of similar cases, of the machinations of the bad father whose only object was to overcome and break down his wife, and who stole his child away to let it languish and die.

of very great significance

From this reading This was doubly strong in Mrs. Dennistoun, a woman full of toleration and experience; but the issues were so momentous to her, and the possible results so terrible, that she lost her accustomed good sense.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading John left the Cottage next morning with the full conduct of the affairs of the family placed in his hands.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading This was doubly strong in Mrs. Dennistoun, a woman full of toleration and experience; but the issues were so momentous to her, and the possible results so terrible, that she lost her accustomed good sense.

immediately following in time or order

From this reading John left the Cottage next morning with the full conduct of the affairs of the family placed in his hands.

a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow

From this reading They remembered many stories, such as rush to the minds of persons in trouble, of similar cases, of the machinations of the bad father whose only object was to overcome and break down his wife, and who stole his child away to let it languish and die.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading John left the Cottage next morning with the full conduct of the affairs of the family placed in his hands.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading There are some circumstances in which people forget all the shades of character, and take it for granted that a man who can go wrong in one matter will act like a very demon in all.

and nothing more

From this reading They remembered many stories, such as rush to the minds of persons in trouble, of similar cases, of the machinations of the bad father whose only object was to overcome and break down his wife, and who stole his child away to let it languish and die.

win a victory over

From this reading They remembered many stories, such as rush to the minds of persons in trouble, of similar cases, of the machinations of the bad father whose only object was to overcome and break down his wife, and who stole his child away to let it languish and die.

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

From this reading There are some circumstances in which people forget all the shades of character, and take it for granted that a man who can go wrong in one matter will act like a very demon in all.

detected by instinct or inference rather than by recognized perceptual cues

From this reading The ladies were both a little doubtful if his plan was the best--they were still frightened for what might happen, and kept up a watch, as John perceived, fearing every step that approached, trembling at every shadow.

plural of “person” — a human being

From this reading They remembered many stories, such as rush to the minds of persons in trouble, of similar cases, of the machinations of the bad father whose only object was to overcome and break down his wife, and who stole his child away to let it languish and die.

situated in a particular spot or position

From this reading John left the Cottage next morning with the full conduct of the affairs of the family placed in his hands.

have the will and intention to carry out some action

From this reading The ladies were both a little doubtful if his plan was the best--they were still frightened for what might happen, and kept up a watch, as John perceived, fearing every step that approached, trembling at every shadow.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading This was doubly strong in Mrs. Dennistoun, a woman full of toleration and experience; but the issues were so momentous to her, and the possible results so terrible, that she lost her accustomed good sense.

past form of “remember” — recall knowledge from memory; have a recollection

From this reading They remembered many stories, such as rush to the minds of persons in trouble, of similar cases, of the machinations of the bad father whose only object was to overcome and break down his wife, and who stole his child away to let it languish and die.

plural of “result” — a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading This was doubly strong in Mrs. Dennistoun, a woman full of toleration and experience; but the issues were so momentous to her, and the possible results so terrible, that she lost her accustomed good sense.

move hurridly

From this reading They remembered many stories, such as rush to the minds of persons in trouble, of similar cases, of the machinations of the bad father whose only object was to overcome and break down his wife, and who stole his child away to let it languish and die.

a general conscious awareness

From this reading This was doubly strong in Mrs. Dennistoun, a woman full of toleration and experience; but the issues were so momentous to her, and the possible results so terrible, that she lost her accustomed good sense.

(plural) something that reminds you of someone or something

From this reading There are some circumstances in which people forget all the shades of character, and take it for granted that a man who can go wrong in one matter will act like a very demon in all.

A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.

From this reading The ladies were both a little doubtful if his plan was the best--they were still frightened for what might happen, and kept up a watch, as John perceived, fearing every step that approached, trembling at every shadow.

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

From this reading This was doubly strong in Mrs. Dennistoun, a woman full of toleration and experience; but the issues were so momentous to her, and the possible results so terrible, that she lost her accustomed good sense.

marked by correspondence or resemblance

From this reading They remembered many stories, such as rush to the minds of persons in trouble, of similar cases, of the machinations of the bad father whose only object was to overcome and break down his wife, and who stole his child away to let it languish and die.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading This was doubly strong in Mrs. Dennistoun, a woman full of toleration and experience; but the issues were so momentous to her, and the possible results so terrible, that she lost her accustomed good sense.

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

From this reading There are some circumstances in which people forget all the shades of character, and take it for granted that a man who can go wrong in one matter will act like a very demon in all.

any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal

From this reading The ladies were both a little doubtful if his plan was the best--they were still frightened for what might happen, and kept up a watch, as John perceived, fearing every step that approached, trembling at every shadow.

not in physical motion

From this reading The ladies were both a little doubtful if his plan was the best--they were still frightened for what might happen, and kept up a watch, as John perceived, fearing every step that approached, trembling at every shadow.

a wide scarf worn about their shoulders by women

From this reading They remembered many stories, such as rush to the minds of persons in trouble, of similar cases, of the machinations of the bad father whose only object was to overcome and break down his wife, and who stole his child away to let it languish and die.

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

From this reading They remembered many stories, such as rush to the minds of persons in trouble, of similar cases, of the machinations of the bad father whose only object was to overcome and break down his wife, and who stole his child away to let it languish and die.

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading This was doubly strong in Mrs. Dennistoun, a woman full of toleration and experience; but the issues were so momentous to her, and the possible results so terrible, that she lost her accustomed good sense.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading They remembered many stories, such as rush to the minds of persons in trouble, of similar cases, of the machinations of the bad father whose only object was to overcome and break down his wife, and who stole his child away to let it languish and die.

carry out

From this reading There are some circumstances in which people forget all the shades of character, and take it for granted that a man who can go wrong in one matter will act like a very demon in all.

causing fear or dread or terror

From this reading This was doubly strong in Mrs. Dennistoun, a woman full of toleration and experience; but the issues were so momentous to her, and the possible results so terrible, that she lost her accustomed good sense.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The ladies were both a little doubtful if his plan was the best--they were still frightened for what might happen, and kept up a watch, as John perceived, fearing every step that approached, trembling at every shadow.

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

From this reading John left the Cottage next morning with the full conduct of the affairs of the family placed in his hands.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There are some circumstances in which people forget all the shades of character, and take it for granted that a man who can go wrong in one matter will act like a very demon in all.

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

From this reading The ladies were both a little doubtful if his plan was the best--they were still frightened for what might happen, and kept up a watch, as John perceived, fearing every step that approached, trembling at every shadow.

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

From this reading This was doubly strong in Mrs. Dennistoun, a woman full of toleration and experience; but the issues were so momentous to her, and the possible results so terrible, that she lost her accustomed good sense.

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

From this reading They remembered many stories, such as rush to the minds of persons in trouble, of similar cases, of the machinations of the bad father whose only object was to overcome and break down his wife, and who stole his child away to let it languish and die.

a disposition to tolerate or accept people or situations

From this reading This was doubly strong in Mrs. Dennistoun, a woman full of toleration and experience; but the issues were so momentous to her, and the possible results so terrible, that she lost her accustomed good sense.

a shaky motion

From this reading The ladies were both a little doubtful if his plan was the best--they were still frightened for what might happen, and kept up a watch, as John perceived, fearing every step that approached, trembling at every shadow.

a source of difficulty

From this reading They remembered many stories, such as rush to the minds of persons in trouble, of similar cases, of the machinations of the bad father whose only object was to overcome and break down his wife, and who stole his child away to let it languish and die.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading The ladies were both a little doubtful if his plan was the best--they were still frightened for what might happen, and kept up a watch, as John perceived, fearing every step that approached, trembling at every shadow.

precisely as stated

From this reading There are some circumstances in which people forget all the shades of character, and take it for granted that a man who can go wrong in one matter will act like a very demon in all.

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

From this reading The ladies were both a little doubtful if his plan was the best--they were still frightened for what might happen, and kept up a watch, as John perceived, fearing every step that approached, trembling at every shadow.

look attentively

From this reading The ladies were both a little doubtful if his plan was the best--they were still frightened for what might happen, and kept up a watch, as John perceived, fearing every step that approached, trembling at every shadow.

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

From this reading The ladies were both a little doubtful if his plan was the best--they were still frightened for what might happen, and kept up a watch, as John perceived, fearing every step that approached, trembling at every shadow.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading The ladies were both a little doubtful if his plan was the best--they were still frightened for what might happen, and kept up a watch, as John perceived, fearing every step that approached, trembling at every shadow.

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

From this reading There are some circumstances in which people forget all the shades of character, and take it for granted that a man who can go wrong in one matter will act like a very demon in all.

which person or people

From this reading They remembered many stories, such as rush to the minds of persons in trouble, of similar cases, of the machinations of the bad father whose only object was to overcome and break down his wife, and who stole his child away to let it languish and die.

belonging to which person

From this reading They remembered many stories, such as rush to the minds of persons in trouble, of similar cases, of the machinations of the bad father whose only object was to overcome and break down his wife, and who stole his child away to let it languish and die.

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading They remembered many stories, such as rush to the minds of persons in trouble, of similar cases, of the machinations of the bad father whose only object was to overcome and break down his wife, and who stole his child away to let it languish and die.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading There are some circumstances in which people forget all the shades of character, and take it for granted that a man who can go wrong in one matter will act like a very demon in all.

in the company of; together with

From this reading John left the Cottage next morning with the full conduct of the affairs of the family placed in his hands.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading This was doubly strong in Mrs. Dennistoun, a woman full of toleration and experience; but the issues were so momentous to her, and the possible results so terrible, that she lost her accustomed good sense.

not correct; not in conformity with fact or truth

From this reading There are some circumstances in which people forget all the shades of character, and take it for granted that a man who can go wrong in one matter will act like a very demon in all.