Chapter XX · Chapter 20

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

From this reading Mutual understanding is impossible between two people whose sense of values is fundamentally opposed, and music, the one thing that had counted all through Nan's life, was a matter of supreme unimportance to the older woman.

the state of being absent

From this reading Then, as his influence waned with absence, the usual difficulties reappeared, the old hostilities--hostilities of outlook and generation--arising once more betwixt Nan and Lady Gertrude.

(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 Mutual understanding is impossible between two people whose sense of values is fundamentally opposed, and music, the one thing that had counted all through Nan's life, was a matter of supreme unimportance to the older woman.

surrounded by; in the company of

From this reading She regarded it--or, indeed, any other form of art, for that matter--as amongst the immaterial fripperies of life, something to be put aside at any moment in favour of social or domestic duties.

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

From this reading Then, as his influence waned with absence, the usual difficulties reappeared, the old hostilities--hostilities of outlook and generation--arising once more betwixt Nan and Lady Gertrude.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading She regarded it--or, indeed, any other form of art, for that matter--as amongst the immaterial fripperies of life, something to be put aside at any moment in favour of social or domestic duties.

-ing form of “arise” — come into existence; take on form or shape

From this reading Then, as his influence waned with absence, the usual difficulties reappeared, the old hostilities--hostilities of outlook and generation--arising once more betwixt Nan and Lady Gertrude.

an old form of “are”, used with “thou”

From this reading She regarded it--or, indeed, any other form of art, for that matter--as amongst the immaterial fripperies of life, something to be put aside at any moment in favour of social or domestic duties.

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

From this reading Then, as his influence waned with absence, the usual difficulties reappeared, the old hostilities--hostilities of outlook and generation--arising once more betwixt Nan and Lady Gertrude.

on or to one side

From this reading She regarded it--or, indeed, any other form of art, for that matter--as amongst the immaterial fripperies of life, something to be put aside at any moment in favour of social or domestic duties.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading She regarded it--or, indeed, any other form of art, for that matter--as amongst the immaterial fripperies of life, something to be put aside at any moment in favour of social or domestic duties.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading She regarded it--or, indeed, any other form of art, for that matter--as amongst the immaterial fripperies of life, something to be put aside at any moment in favour of social or domestic duties.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading Mutual understanding is impossible between two people whose sense of values is fundamentally opposed, and music, the one thing that had counted all through Nan's life, was a matter of supreme unimportance to the older woman.

an old word for “between”

From this reading Then, as his influence waned with absence, the usual difficulties reappeared, the old hostilities--hostilities of outlook and generation--arising once more betwixt Nan and Lady Gertrude.

an enclosure made or wire or metal bars in which birds or animals can be kept

From this reading THE CAGE DOOR For the first few days succeeding Lord St. John's departure from Trenby Hall, matters progressed comparatively smoothly.

in a relative manner; by comparison to something else

From this reading THE CAGE DOOR For the first few days succeeding Lord St. John's departure from Trenby Hall, matters progressed comparatively smoothly.

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

From this reading It signified even less to her than it did to Eliza McBain, to whom it at least represented one of the lures of Satan--and for this reason could not be entirely discounted.

past form of “count” — determine the number or amount of

From this reading Mutual understanding is impossible between two people whose sense of values is fundamentally opposed, and music, the one thing that had counted all through Nan's life, was a matter of supreme unimportance to the older woman.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading THE CAGE DOOR For the first few days succeeding Lord St. John's departure from Trenby Hall, matters progressed comparatively smoothly.

the act of departing

From this reading THE CAGE DOOR For the first few days succeeding Lord St. John's departure from Trenby Hall, matters progressed comparatively smoothly.

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

From this reading It signified even less to her than it did to Eliza McBain, to whom it at least represented one of the lures of Satan--and for this reason could not be entirely discounted.

plural of “difficulty” — an effort that is inconvenient

From this reading Then, as his influence waned with absence, the usual difficulties reappeared, the old hostilities--hostilities of outlook and generation--arising once more betwixt Nan and Lady Gertrude.

past form of “discount” — bar from attention or consideration

From this reading It signified even less to her than it did to Eliza McBain, to whom it at least represented one of the lures of Satan--and for this reason could not be entirely discounted.

of concern to or concerning the internal affairs of a nation

From this reading She regarded it--or, indeed, any other form of art, for that matter--as amongst the immaterial fripperies of life, something to be put aside at any moment in favour of social or domestic duties.

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

From this reading THE CAGE DOOR For the first few days succeeding Lord St. John's departure from Trenby Hall, matters progressed comparatively smoothly.

plural of “duty” — the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force

From this reading She regarded it--or, indeed, any other form of art, for that matter--as amongst the immaterial fripperies of life, something to be put aside at any moment in favour of social or domestic duties.

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

From this reading It signified even less to her than it did to Eliza McBain, to whom it at least represented one of the lures of Satan--and for this reason could not be entirely discounted.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading It signified even less to her than it did to Eliza McBain, to whom it at least represented one of the lures of Satan--and for this reason could not be entirely discounted.

divisible by two

From this reading It signified even less to her than it did to Eliza McBain, to whom it at least represented one of the lures of Satan--and for this reason could not be entirely discounted.

a feeling of favorable regard

From this reading She regarded it--or, indeed, any other form of art, for that matter--as amongst the immaterial fripperies of life, something to be put aside at any moment in favour of social or domestic duties.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading THE CAGE DOOR For the first few days succeeding Lord St. John's departure from Trenby Hall, matters progressed comparatively smoothly.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading THE CAGE DOOR For the first few days succeeding Lord St. John's departure from Trenby Hall, matters progressed comparatively smoothly.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading THE CAGE DOOR For the first few days succeeding Lord St. John's departure from Trenby Hall, matters progressed comparatively smoothly.

the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something

From this reading She regarded it--or, indeed, any other form of art, for that matter--as amongst the immaterial fripperies of life, something to be put aside at any moment in favour of social or domestic duties.

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

From this reading She regarded it--or, indeed, any other form of art, for that matter--as amongst the immaterial fripperies of life, something to be put aside at any moment in favour of social or domestic duties.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading THE CAGE DOOR For the first few days succeeding Lord St. John's departure from Trenby Hall, matters progressed comparatively smoothly.

in essence; at bottom or by one's (or its) very nature

From this reading Mutual understanding is impossible between two people whose sense of values is fundamentally opposed, and music, the one thing that had counted all through Nan's life, was a matter of supreme unimportance to the older woman.

all the people living at the same time or of approximately the same age

From this reading Then, as his influence waned with absence, the usual difficulties reappeared, the old hostilities--hostilities of outlook and generation--arising once more betwixt Nan and Lady Gertrude.

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

From this reading Then, as his influence waned with absence, the usual difficulties reappeared, the old hostilities--hostilities of outlook and generation--arising once more betwixt Nan and Lady Gertrude.

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

From this reading Mutual understanding is impossible between two people whose sense of values is fundamentally opposed, and music, the one thing that had counted all through Nan's life, was a matter of supreme unimportance to the older woman.

an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open

From this reading THE CAGE DOOR For the first few days succeeding Lord St. John's departure from Trenby Hall, matters progressed comparatively smoothly.

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

From this reading It signified even less to her than it did to Eliza McBain, to whom it at least represented one of the lures of Satan--and for this reason could not be entirely discounted.

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

From this reading Then, as his influence waned with absence, the usual difficulties reappeared, the old hostilities--hostilities of outlook and generation--arising once more betwixt Nan and Lady Gertrude.

fighting; acts of overt warfare

From this reading Then, as his influence waned with absence, the usual difficulties reappeared, the old hostilities--hostilities of outlook and generation--arising once more betwixt Nan and Lady Gertrude.

of no importance or relevance especially to a law case

From this reading She regarded it--or, indeed, any other form of art, for that matter--as amongst the immaterial fripperies of life, something to be put aside at any moment in favour of social or domestic duties.

not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with

From this reading Mutual understanding is impossible between two people whose sense of values is fundamentally opposed, and music, the one thing that had counted all through Nan's life, was a matter of supreme unimportance to the older woman.

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

From this reading She regarded it--or, indeed, any other form of art, for that matter--as amongst the immaterial fripperies of life, something to be put aside at any moment in favour of social or domestic duties.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading She regarded it--or, indeed, any other form of art, for that matter--as amongst the immaterial fripperies of life, something to be put aside at any moment in favour of social or domestic duties.

a power to affect persons or events especially power based on prestige etc

From this reading Then, as his influence waned with absence, the usual difficulties reappeared, the old hostilities--hostilities of outlook and generation--arising once more betwixt Nan and Lady Gertrude.

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

From this reading Mutual understanding is impossible between two people whose sense of values is fundamentally opposed, and music, the one thing that had counted all through Nan's life, was a matter of supreme unimportance to the older woman.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading She regarded it--or, indeed, any other form of art, for that matter--as amongst the immaterial fripperies of life, something to be put aside at any moment in favour of social or domestic duties.

possessive form of “john” — a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading THE CAGE DOOR For the first few days succeeding Lord St. John's departure from Trenby Hall, matters progressed comparatively smoothly.

a polite name for any woman

From this reading Then, as his influence waned with absence, the usual difficulties reappeared, the old hostilities--hostilities of outlook and generation--arising once more betwixt Nan and Lady Gertrude.

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading It signified even less to her than it did to Eliza McBain, to whom it at least represented one of the lures of Satan--and for this reason could not be entirely discounted.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading It signified even less to her than it did to Eliza McBain, to whom it at least represented one of the lures of Satan--and for this reason could not be entirely discounted.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading Mutual understanding is impossible between two people whose sense of values is fundamentally opposed, and music, the one thing that had counted all through Nan's life, was a matter of supreme unimportance to the older woman.

terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God

From this reading THE CAGE DOOR For the first few days succeeding Lord St. John's departure from Trenby Hall, matters progressed comparatively smoothly.

plural of “lure” — qualities that attract by seeming to promise some kind of reward

From this reading It signified even less to her than it did to Eliza McBain, to whom it at least represented one of the lures of Satan--and for this reason could not be entirely discounted.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading Mutual understanding is impossible between two people whose sense of values is fundamentally opposed, and music, the one thing that had counted all through Nan's life, was a matter of supreme unimportance to the older woman.

plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern

From this reading THE CAGE DOOR For the first few days succeeding Lord St. John's departure from Trenby Hall, matters progressed comparatively smoothly.

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

From this reading It signified even less to her than it did to Eliza McBain, to whom it at least represented one of the lures of Satan--and for this reason could not be entirely discounted.

a particular point in time

From this reading She regarded it--or, indeed, any other form of art, for that matter--as amongst the immaterial fripperies of life, something to be put aside at any moment in favour of social or domestic duties.

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

From this reading Then, as his influence waned with absence, the usual difficulties reappeared, the old hostilities--hostilities of outlook and generation--arising once more betwixt Nan and Lady Gertrude.

an artistic form of auditory communication incorporating instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner

From this reading Mutual understanding is impossible between two people whose sense of values is fundamentally opposed, and music, the one thing that had counted all through Nan's life, was a matter of supreme unimportance to the older woman.

common to or shared by two or more parties

From this reading Mutual understanding is impossible between two people whose sense of values is fundamentally opposed, and music, the one thing that had counted all through Nan's life, was a matter of supreme unimportance to the older woman.

your grandmother

From this reading Then, as his influence waned with absence, the usual difficulties reappeared, the old hostilities--hostilities of outlook and generation--arising once more betwixt Nan and Lady Gertrude.

possessive form of “nan” — your grandmother

From this reading Mutual understanding is impossible between two people whose sense of values is fundamentally opposed, and music, the one thing that had counted all through Nan's life, was a matter of supreme unimportance to the older woman.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading It signified even less to her than it did to Eliza McBain, to whom it at least represented one of the lures of Satan--and for this reason could not be entirely discounted.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Then, as his influence waned with absence, the usual difficulties reappeared, the old hostilities--hostilities of outlook and generation--arising once more betwixt Nan and Lady Gertrude.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading Then, as his influence waned with absence, the usual difficulties reappeared, the old hostilities--hostilities of outlook and generation--arising once more betwixt Nan and Lady Gertrude.

advanced in years; (“aged” is pronounced as two syllables)

From this reading Mutual understanding is impossible between two people whose sense of values is fundamentally opposed, and music, the one thing that had counted all through Nan's life, was a matter of supreme unimportance to the older woman.

on one occasion

From this reading Then, as his influence waned with absence, the usual difficulties reappeared, the old hostilities--hostilities of outlook and generation--arising once more betwixt Nan and Lady Gertrude.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Mutual understanding is impossible between two people whose sense of values is fundamentally opposed, and music, the one thing that had counted all through Nan's life, was a matter of supreme unimportance to the older woman.

being in opposition or having an opponent

From this reading Mutual understanding is impossible between two people whose sense of values is fundamentally opposed, and music, the one thing that had counted all through Nan's life, was a matter of supreme unimportance to the older woman.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading She regarded it--or, indeed, any other form of art, for that matter--as amongst the immaterial fripperies of life, something to be put aside at any moment in favour of social or domestic duties.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading She regarded it--or, indeed, any other form of art, for that matter--as amongst the immaterial fripperies of life, something to be put aside at any moment in favour of social or domestic duties.

a habitual or characteristic mental attitude that determines how you will interpret and respond to situations

From this reading Then, as his influence waned with absence, the usual difficulties reappeared, the old hostilities--hostilities of outlook and generation--arising once more betwixt Nan and Lady Gertrude.

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

From this reading Mutual understanding is impossible between two people whose sense of values is fundamentally opposed, and music, the one thing that had counted all through Nan's life, was a matter of supreme unimportance to the older woman.

past form of “progress” — develop in a positive way

From this reading THE CAGE DOOR For the first few days succeeding Lord St. John's departure from Trenby Hall, matters progressed comparatively smoothly.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading She regarded it--or, indeed, any other form of art, for that matter--as amongst the immaterial fripperies of life, something to be put aside at any moment in favour of social or domestic duties.

past form of “reappear” — appear again

From this reading Then, as his influence waned with absence, the usual difficulties reappeared, the old hostilities--hostilities of outlook and generation--arising once more betwixt Nan and Lady Gertrude.

a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading It signified even less to her than it did to Eliza McBain, to whom it at least represented one of the lures of Satan--and for this reason could not be entirely discounted.

past form of “regard” — deem to be

From this reading She regarded it--or, indeed, any other form of art, for that matter--as amongst the immaterial fripperies of life, something to be put aside at any moment in favour of social or domestic duties.

represented accurately or precisely

From this reading It signified even less to her than it did to Eliza McBain, to whom it at least represented one of the lures of Satan--and for this reason could not be entirely discounted.

(Judeo-Christian and Islamic religions) chief spirit of evil and adversary of God; tempter of mankind; master of Hell

From this reading It signified even less to her than it did to Eliza McBain, to whom it at least represented one of the lures of Satan--and for this reason could not be entirely discounted.

a general conscious awareness

From this reading Mutual understanding is impossible between two people whose sense of values is fundamentally opposed, and music, the one thing that had counted all through Nan's life, was a matter of supreme unimportance to the older woman.

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

From this reading She regarded it--or, indeed, any other form of art, for that matter--as amongst the immaterial fripperies of life, something to be put aside at any moment in favour of social or domestic duties.

the meaning of a word or expression; the way in which a word or expression or situation can be interpreted

From this reading It signified even less to her than it did to Eliza McBain, to whom it at least represented one of the lures of Satan--and for this reason could not be entirely discounted.

with no problems or difficulties

From this reading THE CAGE DOOR For the first few days succeeding Lord St. John's departure from Trenby Hall, matters progressed comparatively smoothly.

relating to human society and its members

From this reading She regarded it--or, indeed, any other form of art, for that matter--as amongst the immaterial fripperies of life, something to be put aside at any moment in favour of social or domestic duties.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading She regarded it--or, indeed, any other form of art, for that matter--as amongst the immaterial fripperies of life, something to be put aside at any moment in favour of social or domestic duties.

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

From this reading THE CAGE DOOR For the first few days succeeding Lord St. John's departure from Trenby Hall, matters progressed comparatively smoothly.

coming after or following

From this reading THE CAGE DOOR For the first few days succeeding Lord St. John's departure from Trenby Hall, matters progressed comparatively smoothly.

final or last in your life or progress

From this reading Mutual understanding is impossible between two people whose sense of values is fundamentally opposed, and music, the one thing that had counted all through Nan's life, was a matter of supreme unimportance to the older woman.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading It signified even less to her than it did to Eliza McBain, to whom it at least represented one of the lures of Satan--and for this reason could not be entirely discounted.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Mutual understanding is impossible between two people whose sense of values is fundamentally opposed, and music, the one thing that had counted all through Nan's life, was a matter of supreme unimportance to the older woman.

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

From this reading THE CAGE DOOR For the first few days succeeding Lord St. John's departure from Trenby Hall, matters progressed comparatively smoothly.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Then, as his influence waned with absence, the usual difficulties reappeared, the old hostilities--hostilities of outlook and generation--arising once more betwixt Nan and Lady Gertrude.

a special situation

From this reading Mutual understanding is impossible between two people whose sense of values is fundamentally opposed, and music, the one thing that had counted all through Nan's life, was a matter of supreme unimportance to the older woman.

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

From this reading It signified even less to her than it did to Eliza McBain, to whom it at least represented one of the lures of Satan--and for this reason could not be entirely discounted.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading Mutual understanding is impossible between two people whose sense of values is fundamentally opposed, and music, the one thing that had counted all through Nan's life, was a matter of supreme unimportance to the older woman.

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

From this reading Mutual understanding is impossible between two people whose sense of values is fundamentally opposed, and music, the one thing that had counted all through Nan's life, was a matter of supreme unimportance to the older woman.

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

From this reading THE CAGE DOOR For the first few days succeeding Lord St. John's departure from Trenby Hall, matters progressed comparatively smoothly.

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

From this reading Mutual understanding is impossible between two people whose sense of values is fundamentally opposed, and music, the one thing that had counted all through Nan's life, was a matter of supreme unimportance to the older woman.

the cognitive condition of someone who understands

From this reading Mutual understanding is impossible between two people whose sense of values is fundamentally opposed, and music, the one thing that had counted all through Nan's life, was a matter of supreme unimportance to the older woman.

the state of being humble and unimportant

From this reading Mutual understanding is impossible between two people whose sense of values is fundamentally opposed, and music, the one thing that had counted all through Nan's life, was a matter of supreme unimportance to the older woman.

occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure

From this reading Then, as his influence waned with absence, the usual difficulties reappeared, the old hostilities--hostilities of outlook and generation--arising once more betwixt Nan and Lady Gertrude.

beliefs of a person or social group in which they have an emotional investment (either for or against something)

From this reading Mutual understanding is impossible between two people whose sense of values is fundamentally opposed, and music, the one thing that had counted all through Nan's life, was a matter of supreme unimportance to the older woman.

past form of “wane” — grow smaller

From this reading Then, as his influence waned with absence, the usual difficulties reappeared, the old hostilities--hostilities of outlook and generation--arising once more betwixt Nan and Lady Gertrude.

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

From this reading Mutual understanding is impossible between two people whose sense of values is fundamentally opposed, and music, the one thing that had counted all through Nan's life, was a matter of supreme unimportance to the older woman.

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

From this reading It signified even less to her than it did to Eliza McBain, to whom it at least represented one of the lures of Satan--and for this reason could not be entirely discounted.

belonging to which person

From this reading Mutual understanding is impossible between two people whose sense of values is fundamentally opposed, and music, the one thing that had counted all through Nan's life, was a matter of supreme unimportance to the older woman.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Then, as his influence waned with absence, the usual difficulties reappeared, the old hostilities--hostilities of outlook and generation--arising once more betwixt Nan and Lady Gertrude.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading Mutual understanding is impossible between two people whose sense of values is fundamentally opposed, and music, the one thing that had counted all through Nan's life, was a matter of supreme unimportance to the older woman.