Chapter XVIII · David and Goliath

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

From this reading It was nine o’clock when Miss Campbell and the girls bade each other a final good night.

past form of “add” — make an addition (to); join or combine or unite with others; increase the quality, quantity, size or scope of

From this reading No one can be coerced into marriage these days,” she added emphatically, as if attempts were being made to force her into an unhappy marriage.

the form of “be” used with “I”

From this reading “My dear children, you are young and romantic girls, and I am a hardened old woman, and from my knowledge of the world, I assure you it would be unpardonable for us to thrust ourselves into this strictly family matter.

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

From this reading No one can be coerced into marriage these days,” she added emphatically, as if attempts were being made to force her into an unhappy marriage.

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

From this reading It was nine o’clock when Miss Campbell and the girls bade each other a final good night.

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

From this reading “My dear children, you are young and romantic girls, and I am a hardened old woman, and from my knowledge of the world, I assure you it would be unpardonable for us to thrust ourselves into this strictly family matter.

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

From this reading No one can be coerced into marriage these days,” she added emphatically, as if attempts were being made to force her into an unhappy marriage.

make certain of

From this reading “My dear children, you are young and romantic girls, and I am a hardened old woman, and from my knowledge of the world, I assure you it would be unpardonable for us to thrust ourselves into this strictly family matter.

plural of “attempt” — earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading No one can be coerced into marriage these days,” she added emphatically, as if attempts were being made to force her into an unhappy marriage.

a Chadic language spoken in northern Nigeria

From this reading It was nine o’clock when Miss Campbell and the girls bade each other a final good night.

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

From this reading “My dear children, you are young and romantic girls, and I am a hardened old woman, and from my knowledge of the world, I assure you it would be unpardonable for us to thrust ourselves into this strictly family matter.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading No one can be coerced into marriage these days,” she added emphatically, as if attempts were being made to force her into an unhappy marriage.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading They had talked the matter of Evelyn Stone to shreds and ribbons, but Miss Campbell was determined not to interfere.

United States mythologist (1904-1987)

From this reading It was nine o’clock when Miss Campbell and the girls bade each other a final good night.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading No one can be coerced into marriage these days,” she added emphatically, as if attempts were being made to force her into an unhappy marriage.

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

From this reading “My dear children, you are young and romantic girls, and I am a hardened old woman, and from my knowledge of the world, I assure you it would be unpardonable for us to thrust ourselves into this strictly family matter.

past form of “coerce” — to cause to do through pressure or necessity, by physical, moral or intellectual means

From this reading No one can be coerced into marriage these days,” she added emphatically, as if attempts were being made to force her into an unhappy marriage.

past form of “consent” — give an affirmative reply to; respond favorably to

From this reading Miss Stone evidently doesn’t want to marry Daniel Moore, or she never would have consented to marry that flint-like person named Ebenezer.

(Old Testament) a youth who was taken into the court of Nebuchadnezzar and given divine protection when thrown into a den of lions (6th century BC)

From this reading Miss Stone evidently doesn’t want to marry Daniel Moore, or she never would have consented to marry that flint-like person named Ebenezer.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading No one can be coerced into marriage these days,” she added emphatically, as if attempts were being made to force her into an unhappy marriage.

dearly loved

From this reading “My dear children, you are young and romantic girls, and I am a hardened old woman, and from my knowledge of the world, I assure you it would be unpardonable for us to thrust ourselves into this strictly family matter.

characterized by great determination

From this reading They had talked the matter of Evelyn Stone to shreds and ribbons, but Miss Campbell was determined not to interfere.

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

From this reading Miss Stone evidently doesn’t want to marry Daniel Moore, or she never would have consented to marry that flint-like person named Ebenezer.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading It was nine o’clock when Miss Campbell and the girls bade each other a final good night.

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

From this reading Miss Stone evidently doesn’t want to marry Daniel Moore, or she never would have consented to marry that flint-like person named Ebenezer.

without question and beyond doubt

From this reading No one can be coerced into marriage these days,” she added emphatically, as if attempts were being made to force her into an unhappy marriage.

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

From this reading They had talked the matter of Evelyn Stone to shreds and ribbons, but Miss Campbell was determined not to interfere.

unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)

From this reading Miss Stone evidently doesn’t want to marry Daniel Moore, or she never would have consented to marry that flint-like person named Ebenezer.

a social unit living together

From this reading “My dear children, you are young and romantic girls, and I am a hardened old woman, and from my knowledge of the world, I assure you it would be unpardonable for us to thrust ourselves into this strictly family matter.

occurring at or forming an end or termination

From this reading It was nine o’clock when Miss Campbell and the girls bade each other a final good night.

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

From this reading Miss Stone evidently doesn’t want to marry Daniel Moore, or she never would have consented to marry that flint-like person named Ebenezer.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading “My dear children, you are young and romantic girls, and I am a hardened old woman, and from my knowledge of the world, I assure you it would be unpardonable for us to thrust ourselves into this strictly family matter.

a powerful effect or influence

From this reading No one can be coerced into marriage these days,” she added emphatically, as if attempts were being made to force her into an unhappy marriage.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading “My dear children, you are young and romantic girls, and I am a hardened old woman, and from my knowledge of the world, I assure you it would be unpardonable for us to thrust ourselves into this strictly family matter.

plural of “girl” — a young female

From this reading It was nine o’clock when Miss Campbell and the girls bade each other a final good night.

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

From this reading It was nine o’clock when Miss Campbell and the girls bade each other a final good night.

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

From this reading They had talked the matter of Evelyn Stone to shreds and ribbons, but Miss Campbell was determined not to interfere.

used of persons; emotionally hardened

From this reading “My dear children, you are young and romantic girls, and I am a hardened old woman, and from my knowledge of the world, I assure you it would be unpardonable for us to thrust ourselves into this strictly family matter.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Miss Stone evidently doesn’t want to marry Daniel Moore, or she never would have consented to marry that flint-like person named Ebenezer.

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

From this reading No one can be coerced into marriage these days,” she added emphatically, as if attempts were being made to force her into an unhappy marriage.

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

From this reading “My dear children, you are young and romantic girls, and I am a hardened old woman, and from my knowledge of the world, I assure you it would be unpardonable for us to thrust ourselves into this strictly family matter.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading No one can be coerced into marriage these days,” she added emphatically, as if attempts were being made to force her into an unhappy marriage.

come between so as to be hindrance or obstacle

From this reading They had talked the matter of Evelyn Stone to shreds and ribbons, but Miss Campbell was determined not to interfere.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading “My dear children, you are young and romantic girls, and I am a hardened old woman, and from my knowledge of the world, I assure you it would be unpardonable for us to thrust ourselves into this strictly family matter.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was nine o’clock when Miss Campbell and the girls bade each other a final good night.

the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning

From this reading “My dear children, you are young and romantic girls, and I am a hardened old woman, and from my knowledge of the world, I assure you it would be unpardonable for us to thrust ourselves into this strictly family matter.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading No one can be coerced into marriage these days,” she added emphatically, as if attempts were being made to force her into an unhappy marriage.

the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce)

From this reading No one can be coerced into marriage these days,” she added emphatically, as if attempts were being made to force her into an unhappy marriage.

take in marriage

From this reading Miss Stone evidently doesn’t want to marry Daniel Moore, or she never would have consented to marry that flint-like person named Ebenezer.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading They had talked the matter of Evelyn Stone to shreds and ribbons, but Miss Campbell was determined not to interfere.

fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind

From this reading It was nine o’clock when Miss Campbell and the girls bade each other a final good night.

United States composer of works noted for their use of the American vernacular (1893-1969)

From this reading Miss Stone evidently doesn’t want to marry Daniel Moore, or she never would have consented to marry that flint-like person named Ebenezer.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading “My dear children, you are young and romantic girls, and I am a hardened old woman, and from my knowledge of the world, I assure you it would be unpardonable for us to thrust ourselves into this strictly family matter.

past form of “name” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading Miss Stone evidently doesn’t want to marry Daniel Moore, or she never would have consented to marry that flint-like person named Ebenezer.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading Miss Stone evidently doesn’t want to marry Daniel Moore, or she never would have consented to marry that flint-like person named Ebenezer.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading It was nine o’clock when Miss Campbell and the girls bade each other a final good night.

the cardinal number that is the sum of eight and one

From this reading It was nine o’clock when Miss Campbell and the girls bade each other a final good night.

not any; not one

From this reading No one can be coerced into marriage these days,” she added emphatically, as if attempts were being made to force her into an unhappy marriage.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading They had talked the matter of Evelyn Stone to shreds and ribbons, but Miss Campbell was determined not to interfere.

according to the clock

From this reading It was nine o’clock when Miss Campbell and the girls bade each other a final good night.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading They had talked the matter of Evelyn Stone to shreds and ribbons, but Miss Campbell was determined not to interfere.

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

From this reading “My dear children, you are young and romantic girls, and I am a hardened old woman, and from my knowledge of the world, I assure you it would be unpardonable for us to thrust ourselves into this strictly family matter.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading No one can be coerced into marriage these days,” she added emphatically, as if attempts were being made to force her into an unhappy marriage.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Miss Stone evidently doesn’t want to marry Daniel Moore, or she never would have consented to marry that flint-like person named Ebenezer.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading It was nine o’clock when Miss Campbell and the girls bade each other a final good night.

used when we are both doing the action and receiving it

From this reading “My dear children, you are young and romantic girls, and I am a hardened old woman, and from my knowledge of the world, I assure you it would be unpardonable for us to thrust ourselves into this strictly family matter.

a human being

From this reading Miss Stone evidently doesn’t want to marry Daniel Moore, or she never would have consented to marry that flint-like person named Ebenezer.

plural of “ribbon” — any long object resembling a thin line

From this reading They had talked the matter of Evelyn Stone to shreds and ribbons, but Miss Campbell was determined not to interfere.

belonging to or characteristic of Romanticism or the Romantic Movement in the arts

From this reading “My dear children, you are young and romantic girls, and I am a hardened old woman, and from my knowledge of the world, I assure you it would be unpardonable for us to thrust ourselves into this strictly family matter.

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

From this reading Miss Stone evidently doesn’t want to marry Daniel Moore, or she never would have consented to marry that flint-like person named Ebenezer.

plural of “shred” — a tiny or scarcely detectable amount

From this reading They had talked the matter of Evelyn Stone to shreds and ribbons, but Miss Campbell was determined not to interfere.

a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter

From this reading They had talked the matter of Evelyn Stone to shreds and ribbons, but Miss Campbell was determined not to interfere.

restricted to something

From this reading “My dear children, you are young and romantic girls, and I am a hardened old woman, and from my knowledge of the world, I assure you it would be unpardonable for us to thrust ourselves into this strictly family matter.

past form of “talk” — exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading They had talked the matter of Evelyn Stone to shreds and ribbons, but Miss Campbell was determined not to interfere.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Miss Stone evidently doesn’t want to marry Daniel Moore, or she never would have consented to marry that flint-like person named Ebenezer.

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

From this reading It was nine o’clock when Miss Campbell and the girls bade each other a final good night.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading No one can be coerced into marriage these days,” she added emphatically, as if attempts were being made to force her into an unhappy marriage.

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

From this reading They had talked the matter of Evelyn Stone to shreds and ribbons, but Miss Campbell was determined not to interfere.

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

From this reading “My dear children, you are young and romantic girls, and I am a hardened old woman, and from my knowledge of the world, I assure you it would be unpardonable for us to thrust ourselves into this strictly family matter.

push forcefully

From this reading “My dear children, you are young and romantic girls, and I am a hardened old woman, and from my knowledge of the world, I assure you it would be unpardonable for us to thrust ourselves into this strictly family matter.

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

From this reading They had talked the matter of Evelyn Stone to shreds and ribbons, but Miss Campbell was determined not to interfere.

experiencing or marked by or causing sadness or sorrow or discontent

From this reading No one can be coerced into marriage these days,” she added emphatically, as if attempts were being made to force her into an unhappy marriage.

not admitting of pardon

From this reading “My dear children, you are young and romantic girls, and I am a hardened old woman, and from my knowledge of the world, I assure you it would be unpardonable for us to thrust ourselves into this strictly family matter.

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

From this reading “My dear children, you are young and romantic girls, and I am a hardened old woman, and from my knowledge of the world, I assure you it would be unpardonable for us to thrust ourselves into this strictly family matter.

feel or have a desire for; want strongly

From this reading Miss Stone evidently doesn’t want to marry Daniel Moore, or she never would have consented to marry that flint-like person named Ebenezer.

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

From this reading It was nine o’clock when Miss Campbell and the girls bade each other a final good night.

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

From this reading No one can be coerced into marriage these days,” she added emphatically, as if attempts were being made to force her into an unhappy marriage.

at the time that

From this reading It was nine o’clock when Miss Campbell and the girls bade each other a final good night.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading “My dear children, you are young and romantic girls, and I am a hardened old woman, and from my knowledge of the world, I assure you it would be unpardonable for us to thrust ourselves into this strictly family matter.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading “My dear children, you are young and romantic girls, and I am a hardened old woman, and from my knowledge of the world, I assure you it would be unpardonable for us to thrust ourselves into this strictly family matter.

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

From this reading “My dear children, you are young and romantic girls, and I am a hardened old woman, and from my knowledge of the world, I assure you it would be unpardonable for us to thrust ourselves into this strictly family matter.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading “My dear children, you are young and romantic girls, and I am a hardened old woman, and from my knowledge of the world, I assure you it would be unpardonable for us to thrust ourselves into this strictly family matter.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading “My dear children, you are young and romantic girls, and I am a hardened old woman, and from my knowledge of the world, I assure you it would be unpardonable for us to thrust ourselves into this strictly family matter.