Chapter XXXVIII · Chapter 38

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

From this reading Mrs. Dennistoun had a great deal to say about herself and the motives which had at the last been too much for her, which had forced her to come after her children at a moment's notice, feeling that she could bear the uncertainty about them no longer; and it was a thing so unusual with her to have much to say about herself that there was certainly something apologetic, something self-defensive in this unaccustomed outburst.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Mrs. Dennistoun had a great deal to say about herself and the motives which had at the last been too much for her, which had forced her to come after her children at a moment's notice, feeling that she could bear the uncertainty about them no longer; and it was a thing so unusual with her to have much to say about herself that there was certainly something apologetic, something self-defensive in this unaccustomed outburst.

later than; following

From this reading Mrs. Dennistoun had a great deal to say about herself and the motives which had at the last been too much for her, which had forced her to come after her children at a moment's notice, feeling that she could bear the uncertainty about them no longer; and it was a thing so unusual with her to have much to say about herself that there was certainly something apologetic, something self-defensive in this unaccustomed outburst.

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

From this reading Mrs. Dennistoun had a great deal to say about herself and the motives which had at the last been too much for her, which had forced her to come after her children at a moment's notice, feeling that she could bear the uncertainty about them no longer; and it was a thing so unusual with her to have much to say about herself that there was certainly something apologetic, something self-defensive in this unaccustomed outburst.

offering or expressing apology

From this reading Mrs. Dennistoun had a great deal to say about herself and the motives which had at the last been too much for her, which had forced her to come after her children at a moment's notice, feeling that she could bear the uncertainty about them no longer; and it was a thing so unusual with her to have much to say about herself that there was certainly something apologetic, something self-defensive in this unaccustomed outburst.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Mrs. Dennistoun had a great deal to say about herself and the motives which had at the last been too much for her, which had forced her to come after her children at a moment's notice, feeling that she could bear the uncertainty about them no longer; and it was a thing so unusual with her to have much to say about herself that there was certainly something apologetic, something self-defensive in this unaccustomed outburst.

a construct whereby objects or individuals can be distinguished

From this reading Perhaps she had begun to feel a little the unconscious criticism that gathers round the elder person in a house, the inclination involuntarily--which every one would repudiate, yet which nevertheless is true--to attribute to her a want of perception, perhaps--oh, not unkindly!--a little blunting of the faculties, a suggestion quite unintentional that she is not what she once was.

have

From this reading Mrs. Dennistoun had a great deal to say about herself and the motives which had at the last been too much for her, which had forced her to come after her children at a moment's notice, feeling that she could bear the uncertainty about them no longer; and it was a thing so unusual with her to have much to say about herself that there was certainly something apologetic, something self-defensive in this unaccustomed outburst.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Mrs. Dennistoun had a great deal to say about herself and the motives which had at the last been too much for her, which had forced her to come after her children at a moment's notice, feeling that she could bear the uncertainty about them no longer; and it was a thing so unusual with her to have much to say about herself that there was certainly something apologetic, something self-defensive in this unaccustomed outburst.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading Perhaps she had begun to feel a little the unconscious criticism that gathers round the elder person in a house, the inclination involuntarily--which every one would repudiate, yet which nevertheless is true--to attribute to her a want of perception, perhaps--oh, not unkindly!--a little blunting of the faculties, a suggestion quite unintentional that she is not what she once was.

-ing form of “blunt” — make less intense

From this reading Perhaps she had begun to feel a little the unconscious criticism that gathers round the elder person in a house, the inclination involuntarily--which every one would repudiate, yet which nevertheless is true--to attribute to her a want of perception, perhaps--oh, not unkindly!--a little blunting of the faculties, a suggestion quite unintentional that she is not what she once was.

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading Mrs. Dennistoun had a great deal to say about herself and the motives which had at the last been too much for her, which had forced her to come after her children at a moment's notice, feeling that she could bear the uncertainty about them no longer; and it was a thing so unusual with her to have much to say about herself that there was certainly something apologetic, something self-defensive in this unaccustomed outburst.

plural of “child” — a young person of either sex

From this reading Mrs. Dennistoun had a great deal to say about herself and the motives which had at the last been too much for her, which had forced her to come after her children at a moment's notice, feeling that she could bear the uncertainty about them no longer; and it was a thing so unusual with her to have much to say about herself that there was certainly something apologetic, something self-defensive in this unaccustomed outburst.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Mrs. Dennistoun had a great deal to say about herself and the motives which had at the last been too much for her, which had forced her to come after her children at a moment's notice, feeling that she could bear the uncertainty about them no longer; and it was a thing so unusual with her to have much to say about herself that there was certainly something apologetic, something self-defensive in this unaccustomed outburst.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading Mrs. Dennistoun had a great deal to say about herself and the motives which had at the last been too much for her, which had forced her to come after her children at a moment's notice, feeling that she could bear the uncertainty about them no longer; and it was a thing so unusual with her to have much to say about herself that there was certainly something apologetic, something self-defensive in this unaccustomed outburst.

disapproval expressed by pointing out faults or shortcomings

From this reading Perhaps she had begun to feel a little the unconscious criticism that gathers round the elder person in a house, the inclination involuntarily--which every one would repudiate, yet which nevertheless is true--to attribute to her a want of perception, perhaps--oh, not unkindly!--a little blunting of the faculties, a suggestion quite unintentional that she is not what she once was.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading "I had not had a letter for three days."

act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression

From this reading Mrs. Dennistoun had a great deal to say about herself and the motives which had at the last been too much for her, which had forced her to come after her children at a moment's notice, feeling that she could bear the uncertainty about them no longer; and it was a thing so unusual with her to have much to say about herself that there was certainly something apologetic, something self-defensive in this unaccustomed outburst.

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

From this reading Mrs. Dennistoun had a great deal to say about herself and the motives which had at the last been too much for her, which had forced her to come after her children at a moment's notice, feeling that she could bear the uncertainty about them no longer; and it was a thing so unusual with her to have much to say about herself that there was certainly something apologetic, something self-defensive in this unaccustomed outburst.

clear to the mind; with distinct mental discernment

From this reading She explained herself so distinctly that there was no doubt there was some self-defence in it.

the state of being unsure of something

From this reading She explained herself so distinctly that there was no doubt there was some self-defence in it.

a person who is older than you are

From this reading Perhaps she had begun to feel a little the unconscious criticism that gathers round the elder person in a house, the inclination involuntarily--which every one would repudiate, yet which nevertheless is true--to attribute to her a want of perception, perhaps--oh, not unkindly!--a little blunting of the faculties, a suggestion quite unintentional that she is not what she once was.

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

From this reading And Elinor was far more humble than her wont.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading Perhaps she had begun to feel a little the unconscious criticism that gathers round the elder person in a house, the inclination involuntarily--which every one would repudiate, yet which nevertheless is true--to attribute to her a want of perception, perhaps--oh, not unkindly!--a little blunting of the faculties, a suggestion quite unintentional that she is not what she once was.

past form of “explain” — make plain and comprehensible

From this reading She explained herself so distinctly that there was no doubt there was some self-defence in it.

plural of “faculty” — one of the inherent cognitive or perceptual powers of the mind

From this reading Perhaps she had begun to feel a little the unconscious criticism that gathers round the elder person in a house, the inclination involuntarily--which every one would repudiate, yet which nevertheless is true--to attribute to her a want of perception, perhaps--oh, not unkindly!--a little blunting of the faculties, a suggestion quite unintentional that she is not what she once was.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading And Elinor was far more humble than her wont.

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

From this reading Perhaps she had begun to feel a little the unconscious criticism that gathers round the elder person in a house, the inclination involuntarily--which every one would repudiate, yet which nevertheless is true--to attribute to her a want of perception, perhaps--oh, not unkindly!--a little blunting of the faculties, a suggestion quite unintentional that she is not what she once was.

the experiencing of affective and emotional states

From this reading Mrs. Dennistoun had a great deal to say about herself and the motives which had at the last been too much for her, which had forced her to come after her children at a moment's notice, feeling that she could bear the uncertainty about them no longer; and it was a thing so unusual with her to have much to say about herself that there was certainly something apologetic, something self-defensive in this unaccustomed outburst.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Mrs. Dennistoun had a great deal to say about herself and the motives which had at the last been too much for her, which had forced her to come after her children at a moment's notice, feeling that she could bear the uncertainty about them no longer; and it was a thing so unusual with her to have much to say about herself that there was certainly something apologetic, something self-defensive in this unaccustomed outburst.

produced by or subjected to forcing

From this reading Mrs. Dennistoun had a great deal to say about herself and the motives which had at the last been too much for her, which had forced her to come after her children at a moment's notice, feeling that she could bear the uncertainty about them no longer; and it was a thing so unusual with her to have much to say about herself that there was certainly something apologetic, something self-defensive in this unaccustomed outburst.

plural of “gather” — sewing consisting of small folds or puckers made by pulling tight a thread in a line of stitching

From this reading Perhaps she had begun to feel a little the unconscious criticism that gathers round the elder person in a house, the inclination involuntarily--which every one would repudiate, yet which nevertheless is true--to attribute to her a want of perception, perhaps--oh, not unkindly!--a little blunting of the faculties, a suggestion quite unintentional that she is not what she once was.

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

From this reading Mrs. Dennistoun had a great deal to say about herself and the motives which had at the last been too much for her, which had forced her to come after her children at a moment's notice, feeling that she could bear the uncertainty about them no longer; and it was a thing so unusual with her to have much to say about herself that there was certainly something apologetic, something self-defensive in this unaccustomed outburst.

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

From this reading Mrs. Dennistoun had a great deal to say about herself and the motives which had at the last been too much for her, which had forced her to come after her children at a moment's notice, feeling that she could bear the uncertainty about them no longer; and it was a thing so unusual with her to have much to say about herself that there was certainly something apologetic, something self-defensive in this unaccustomed outburst.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Mrs. Dennistoun had a great deal to say about herself and the motives which had at the last been too much for her, which had forced her to come after her children at a moment's notice, feeling that she could bear the uncertainty about them no longer; and it was a thing so unusual with her to have much to say about herself that there was certainly something apologetic, something self-defensive in this unaccustomed outburst.

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

From this reading Mrs. Dennistoun had a great deal to say about herself and the motives which had at the last been too much for her, which had forced her to come after her children at a moment's notice, feeling that she could bear the uncertainty about them no longer; and it was a thing so unusual with her to have much to say about herself that there was certainly something apologetic, something self-defensive in this unaccustomed outburst.

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

From this reading Mrs. Dennistoun had a great deal to say about herself and the motives which had at the last been too much for her, which had forced her to come after her children at a moment's notice, feeling that she could bear the uncertainty about them no longer; and it was a thing so unusual with her to have much to say about herself that there was certainly something apologetic, something self-defensive in this unaccustomed outburst.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading Perhaps she had begun to feel a little the unconscious criticism that gathers round the elder person in a house, the inclination involuntarily--which every one would repudiate, yet which nevertheless is true--to attribute to her a want of perception, perhaps--oh, not unkindly!--a little blunting of the faculties, a suggestion quite unintentional that she is not what she once was.

low or inferior in station or quality

From this reading And Elinor was far more humble than her wont.

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

From this reading "I had not had a letter for three days."

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

From this reading Mrs. Dennistoun had a great deal to say about herself and the motives which had at the last been too much for her, which had forced her to come after her children at a moment's notice, feeling that she could bear the uncertainty about them no longer; and it was a thing so unusual with her to have much to say about herself that there was certainly something apologetic, something self-defensive in this unaccustomed outburst.

an attitude of mind especially one that favors one alternative over others

From this reading Perhaps she had begun to feel a little the unconscious criticism that gathers round the elder person in a house, the inclination involuntarily--which every one would repudiate, yet which nevertheless is true--to attribute to her a want of perception, perhaps--oh, not unkindly!--a little blunting of the faculties, a suggestion quite unintentional that she is not what she once was.

against your will

From this reading Perhaps she had begun to feel a little the unconscious criticism that gathers round the elder person in a house, the inclination involuntarily--which every one would repudiate, yet which nevertheless is true--to attribute to her a want of perception, perhaps--oh, not unkindly!--a little blunting of the faculties, a suggestion quite unintentional that she is not what she once was.

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

From this reading Perhaps she had begun to feel a little the unconscious criticism that gathers round the elder person in a house, the inclination involuntarily--which every one would repudiate, yet which nevertheless is true--to attribute to her a want of perception, perhaps--oh, not unkindly!--a little blunting of the faculties, a suggestion quite unintentional that she is not what she once was.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Mrs. Dennistoun had a great deal to say about herself and the motives which had at the last been too much for her, which had forced her to come after her children at a moment's notice, feeling that she could bear the uncertainty about them no longer; and it was a thing so unusual with her to have much to say about herself that there was certainly something apologetic, something self-defensive in this unaccustomed outburst.

immediately past

From this reading Mrs. Dennistoun had a great deal to say about herself and the motives which had at the last been too much for her, which had forced her to come after her children at a moment's notice, feeling that she could bear the uncertainty about them no longer; and it was a thing so unusual with her to have much to say about herself that there was certainly something apologetic, something self-defensive in this unaccustomed outburst.

a written message addressed to a person or organization

From this reading "I had not had a letter for three days."

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

From this reading Perhaps she had begun to feel a little the unconscious criticism that gathers round the elder person in a house, the inclination involuntarily--which every one would repudiate, yet which nevertheless is true--to attribute to her a want of perception, perhaps--oh, not unkindly!--a little blunting of the faculties, a suggestion quite unintentional that she is not what she once was.

for more time

From this reading Mrs. Dennistoun had a great deal to say about herself and the motives which had at the last been too much for her, which had forced her to come after her children at a moment's notice, feeling that she could bear the uncertainty about them no longer; and it was a thing so unusual with her to have much to say about herself that there was certainly something apologetic, something self-defensive in this unaccustomed outburst.

possessive form of “moment” — a particular point in time

From this reading Mrs. Dennistoun had a great deal to say about herself and the motives which had at the last been too much for her, which had forced her to come after her children at a moment's notice, feeling that she could bear the uncertainty about them no longer; and it was a thing so unusual with her to have much to say about herself that there was certainly something apologetic, something self-defensive in this unaccustomed outburst.

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

From this reading And Elinor was far more humble than her wont.

plural of “motive” — the psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal; the reason for the action; that which gives purpose and direction to behavior

From this reading Mrs. Dennistoun had a great deal to say about herself and the motives which had at the last been too much for her, which had forced her to come after her children at a moment's notice, feeling that she could bear the uncertainty about them no longer; and it was a thing so unusual with her to have much to say about herself that there was certainly something apologetic, something self-defensive in this unaccustomed outburst.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading Mrs. Dennistoun had a great deal to say about herself and the motives which had at the last been too much for her, which had forced her to come after her children at a moment's notice, feeling that she could bear the uncertainty about them no longer; and it was a thing so unusual with her to have much to say about herself that there was certainly something apologetic, something self-defensive in this unaccustomed outburst.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading Mrs. Dennistoun had a great deal to say about herself and the motives which had at the last been too much for her, which had forced her to come after her children at a moment's notice, feeling that she could bear the uncertainty about them no longer; and it was a thing so unusual with her to have much to say about herself that there was certainly something apologetic, something self-defensive in this unaccustomed outburst.

in spite of what has just been said

From this reading Perhaps she had begun to feel a little the unconscious criticism that gathers round the elder person in a house, the inclination involuntarily--which every one would repudiate, yet which nevertheless is true--to attribute to her a want of perception, perhaps--oh, not unkindly!--a little blunting of the faculties, a suggestion quite unintentional that she is not what she once was.

not any; not one

From this reading Mrs. Dennistoun had a great deal to say about herself and the motives which had at the last been too much for her, which had forced her to come after her children at a moment's notice, feeling that she could bear the uncertainty about them no longer; and it was a thing so unusual with her to have much to say about herself that there was certainly something apologetic, something self-defensive in this unaccustomed outburst.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Perhaps she had begun to feel a little the unconscious criticism that gathers round the elder person in a house, the inclination involuntarily--which every one would repudiate, yet which nevertheless is true--to attribute to her a want of perception, perhaps--oh, not unkindly!--a little blunting of the faculties, a suggestion quite unintentional that she is not what she once was.

an announcement containing information about an event

From this reading Mrs. Dennistoun had a great deal to say about herself and the motives which had at the last been too much for her, which had forced her to come after her children at a moment's notice, feeling that she could bear the uncertainty about them no longer; and it was a thing so unusual with her to have much to say about herself that there was certainly something apologetic, something self-defensive in this unaccustomed outburst.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Perhaps she had begun to feel a little the unconscious criticism that gathers round the elder person in a house, the inclination involuntarily--which every one would repudiate, yet which nevertheless is true--to attribute to her a want of perception, perhaps--oh, not unkindly!--a little blunting of the faculties, a suggestion quite unintentional that she is not what she once was.

a midwestern state in north central United States in the Great Lakes region

From this reading Perhaps she had begun to feel a little the unconscious criticism that gathers round the elder person in a house, the inclination involuntarily--which every one would repudiate, yet which nevertheless is true--to attribute to her a want of perception, perhaps--oh, not unkindly!--a little blunting of the faculties, a suggestion quite unintentional that she is not what she once was.

on one occasion

From this reading Perhaps she had begun to feel a little the unconscious criticism that gathers round the elder person in a house, the inclination involuntarily--which every one would repudiate, yet which nevertheless is true--to attribute to her a want of perception, perhaps--oh, not unkindly!--a little blunting of the faculties, a suggestion quite unintentional that she is not what she once was.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Perhaps she had begun to feel a little the unconscious criticism that gathers round the elder person in a house, the inclination involuntarily--which every one would repudiate, yet which nevertheless is true--to attribute to her a want of perception, perhaps--oh, not unkindly!--a little blunting of the faculties, a suggestion quite unintentional that she is not what she once was.

an unrestrained expression of emotion

From this reading Mrs. Dennistoun had a great deal to say about herself and the motives which had at the last been too much for her, which had forced her to come after her children at a moment's notice, feeling that she could bear the uncertainty about them no longer; and it was a thing so unusual with her to have much to say about herself that there was certainly something apologetic, something self-defensive in this unaccustomed outburst.

the representation of what is perceived; basic component in the formation of a concept

From this reading Perhaps she had begun to feel a little the unconscious criticism that gathers round the elder person in a house, the inclination involuntarily--which every one would repudiate, yet which nevertheless is true--to attribute to her a want of perception, perhaps--oh, not unkindly!--a little blunting of the faculties, a suggestion quite unintentional that she is not what she once was.

by chance

From this reading Perhaps she had begun to feel a little the unconscious criticism that gathers round the elder person in a house, the inclination involuntarily--which every one would repudiate, yet which nevertheless is true--to attribute to her a want of perception, perhaps--oh, not unkindly!--a little blunting of the faculties, a suggestion quite unintentional that she is not what she once was.

a human being

From this reading Perhaps she had begun to feel a little the unconscious criticism that gathers round the elder person in a house, the inclination involuntarily--which every one would repudiate, yet which nevertheless is true--to attribute to her a want of perception, perhaps--oh, not unkindly!--a little blunting of the faculties, a suggestion quite unintentional that she is not what she once was.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading Perhaps she had begun to feel a little the unconscious criticism that gathers round the elder person in a house, the inclination involuntarily--which every one would repudiate, yet which nevertheless is true--to attribute to her a want of perception, perhaps--oh, not unkindly!--a little blunting of the faculties, a suggestion quite unintentional that she is not what she once was.

cast off

From this reading Perhaps she had begun to feel a little the unconscious criticism that gathers round the elder person in a house, the inclination involuntarily--which every one would repudiate, yet which nevertheless is true--to attribute to her a want of perception, perhaps--oh, not unkindly!--a little blunting of the faculties, a suggestion quite unintentional that she is not what she once was.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading Perhaps she had begun to feel a little the unconscious criticism that gathers round the elder person in a house, the inclination involuntarily--which every one would repudiate, yet which nevertheless is true--to attribute to her a want of perception, perhaps--oh, not unkindly!--a little blunting of the faculties, a suggestion quite unintentional that she is not what she once was.

express in words

From this reading Mrs. Dennistoun had a great deal to say about herself and the motives which had at the last been too much for her, which had forced her to come after her children at a moment's notice, feeling that she could bear the uncertainty about them no longer; and it was a thing so unusual with her to have much to say about herself that there was certainly something apologetic, something self-defensive in this unaccustomed outburst.

the act of defending yourself

From this reading She explained herself so distinctly that there was no doubt there was some self-defence in it.

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

From this reading Mrs. Dennistoun had a great deal to say about herself and the motives which had at the last been too much for her, which had forced her to come after her children at a moment's notice, feeling that she could bear the uncertainty about them no longer; and it was a thing so unusual with her to have much to say about herself that there was certainly something apologetic, something self-defensive in this unaccustomed outburst.

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

From this reading Mrs. Dennistoun had a great deal to say about herself and the motives which had at the last been too much for her, which had forced her to come after her children at a moment's notice, feeling that she could bear the uncertainty about them no longer; and it was a thing so unusual with her to have much to say about herself that there was certainly something apologetic, something self-defensive in this unaccustomed outburst.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Mrs. Dennistoun had a great deal to say about herself and the motives which had at the last been too much for her, which had forced her to come after her children at a moment's notice, feeling that she could bear the uncertainty about them no longer; and it was a thing so unusual with her to have much to say about herself that there was certainly something apologetic, something self-defensive in this unaccustomed outburst.

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

From this reading She explained herself so distinctly that there was no doubt there was some self-defence in it.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading Mrs. Dennistoun had a great deal to say about herself and the motives which had at the last been too much for her, which had forced her to come after her children at a moment's notice, feeling that she could bear the uncertainty about them no longer; and it was a thing so unusual with her to have much to say about herself that there was certainly something apologetic, something self-defensive in this unaccustomed outburst.

an idea that is suggested

From this reading Perhaps she had begun to feel a little the unconscious criticism that gathers round the elder person in a house, the inclination involuntarily--which every one would repudiate, yet which nevertheless is true--to attribute to her a want of perception, perhaps--oh, not unkindly!--a little blunting of the faculties, a suggestion quite unintentional that she is not what she once was.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading And Elinor was far more humble than her wont.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Mrs. Dennistoun had a great deal to say about herself and the motives which had at the last been too much for her, which had forced her to come after her children at a moment's notice, feeling that she could bear the uncertainty about them no longer; and it was a thing so unusual with her to have much to say about herself that there was certainly something apologetic, something self-defensive in this unaccustomed outburst.

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

From this reading Mrs. Dennistoun had a great deal to say about herself and the motives which had at the last been too much for her, which had forced her to come after her children at a moment's notice, feeling that she could bear the uncertainty about them no longer; and it was a thing so unusual with her to have much to say about herself that there was certainly something apologetic, something self-defensive in this unaccustomed outburst.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Mrs. Dennistoun had a great deal to say about herself and the motives which had at the last been too much for her, which had forced her to come after her children at a moment's notice, feeling that she could bear the uncertainty about them no longer; and it was a thing so unusual with her to have much to say about herself that there was certainly something apologetic, something self-defensive in this unaccustomed outburst.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Mrs. Dennistoun had a great deal to say about herself and the motives which had at the last been too much for her, which had forced her to come after her children at a moment's notice, feeling that she could bear the uncertainty about them no longer; and it was a thing so unusual with her to have much to say about herself that there was certainly something apologetic, something self-defensive in this unaccustomed outburst.

a special situation

From this reading Mrs. Dennistoun had a great deal to say about herself and the motives which had at the last been too much for her, which had forced her to come after her children at a moment's notice, feeling that she could bear the uncertainty about them no longer; and it was a thing so unusual with her to have much to say about herself that there was certainly something apologetic, something self-defensive in this unaccustomed outburst.

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

From this reading Mrs. Dennistoun had a great deal to say about herself and the motives which had at the last been too much for her, which had forced her to come after her children at a moment's notice, feeling that she could bear the uncertainty about them no longer; and it was a thing so unusual with her to have much to say about herself that there was certainly something apologetic, something self-defensive in this unaccustomed outburst.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading "I had not had a letter for three days."

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

From this reading Mrs. Dennistoun had a great deal to say about herself and the motives which had at the last been too much for her, which had forced her to come after her children at a moment's notice, feeling that she could bear the uncertainty about them no longer; and it was a thing so unusual with her to have much to say about herself that there was certainly something apologetic, something self-defensive in this unaccustomed outburst.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading Mrs. Dennistoun had a great deal to say about herself and the motives which had at the last been too much for her, which had forced her to come after her children at a moment's notice, feeling that she could bear the uncertainty about them no longer; and it was a thing so unusual with her to have much to say about herself that there was certainly something apologetic, something self-defensive in this unaccustomed outburst.

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading Perhaps she had begun to feel a little the unconscious criticism that gathers round the elder person in a house, the inclination involuntarily--which every one would repudiate, yet which nevertheless is true--to attribute to her a want of perception, perhaps--oh, not unkindly!--a little blunting of the faculties, a suggestion quite unintentional that she is not what she once was.

unusual or unfamiliar

From this reading Mrs. Dennistoun had a great deal to say about herself and the motives which had at the last been too much for her, which had forced her to come after her children at a moment's notice, feeling that she could bear the uncertainty about them no longer; and it was a thing so unusual with her to have much to say about herself that there was certainly something apologetic, something self-defensive in this unaccustomed outburst.

being unsettled or in doubt or dependent on chance

From this reading Mrs. Dennistoun had a great deal to say about herself and the motives which had at the last been too much for her, which had forced her to come after her children at a moment's notice, feeling that she could bear the uncertainty about them no longer; and it was a thing so unusual with her to have much to say about herself that there was certainly something apologetic, something self-defensive in this unaccustomed outburst.

not conscious; lacking awareness and the capacity for sensory perception as if asleep or dead

From this reading Perhaps she had begun to feel a little the unconscious criticism that gathers round the elder person in a house, the inclination involuntarily--which every one would repudiate, yet which nevertheless is true--to attribute to her a want of perception, perhaps--oh, not unkindly!--a little blunting of the faculties, a suggestion quite unintentional that she is not what she once was.

done or made or performed with purpose and intent

From this reading Perhaps she had begun to feel a little the unconscious criticism that gathers round the elder person in a house, the inclination involuntarily--which every one would repudiate, yet which nevertheless is true--to attribute to her a want of perception, perhaps--oh, not unkindly!--a little blunting of the faculties, a suggestion quite unintentional that she is not what she once was.

lacking in sympathy and kindness

From this reading Perhaps she had begun to feel a little the unconscious criticism that gathers round the elder person in a house, the inclination involuntarily--which every one would repudiate, yet which nevertheless is true--to attribute to her a want of perception, perhaps--oh, not unkindly!--a little blunting of the faculties, a suggestion quite unintentional that she is not what she once was.

not usual or common or ordinary

From this reading Mrs. Dennistoun had a great deal to say about herself and the motives which had at the last been too much for her, which had forced her to come after her children at a moment's notice, feeling that she could bear the uncertainty about them no longer; and it was a thing so unusual with her to have much to say about herself that there was certainly something apologetic, something self-defensive in this unaccustomed outburst.

feel or have a desire for; want strongly

From this reading Perhaps she had begun to feel a little the unconscious criticism that gathers round the elder person in a house, the inclination involuntarily--which every one would repudiate, yet which nevertheless is true--to attribute to her a want of perception, perhaps--oh, not unkindly!--a little blunting of the faculties, a suggestion quite unintentional that she is not what she once was.

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

From this reading Mrs. Dennistoun had a great deal to say about herself and the motives which had at the last been too much for her, which had forced her to come after her children at a moment's notice, feeling that she could bear the uncertainty about them no longer; and it was a thing so unusual with her to have much to say about herself that there was certainly something apologetic, something self-defensive in this unaccustomed outburst.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Perhaps she had begun to feel a little the unconscious criticism that gathers round the elder person in a house, the inclination involuntarily--which every one would repudiate, yet which nevertheless is true--to attribute to her a want of perception, perhaps--oh, not unkindly!--a little blunting of the faculties, a suggestion quite unintentional that she is not what she once was.

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

From this reading Mrs. Dennistoun had a great deal to say about herself and the motives which had at the last been too much for her, which had forced her to come after her children at a moment's notice, feeling that she could bear the uncertainty about them no longer; and it was a thing so unusual with her to have much to say about herself that there was certainly something apologetic, something self-defensive in this unaccustomed outburst.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Mrs. Dennistoun had a great deal to say about herself and the motives which had at the last been too much for her, which had forced her to come after her children at a moment's notice, feeling that she could bear the uncertainty about them no longer; and it was a thing so unusual with her to have much to say about herself that there was certainly something apologetic, something self-defensive in this unaccustomed outburst.

an established custom

From this reading And Elinor was far more humble than her wont.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading Perhaps she had begun to feel a little the unconscious criticism that gathers round the elder person in a house, the inclination involuntarily--which every one would repudiate, yet which nevertheless is true--to attribute to her a want of perception, perhaps--oh, not unkindly!--a little blunting of the faculties, a suggestion quite unintentional that she is not what she once was.

but in spite of that

From this reading Perhaps she had begun to feel a little the unconscious criticism that gathers round the elder person in a house, the inclination involuntarily--which every one would repudiate, yet which nevertheless is true--to attribute to her a want of perception, perhaps--oh, not unkindly!--a little blunting of the faculties, a suggestion quite unintentional that she is not what she once was.